SUU offers a semester in the parks

Southern Utah University’s “Semester in the Parks” is making history this year by offering an entire semester in Bryce Canyon National Park. From August to December of 2016, a select group of students will study, live, and work in and around the beautiful red rocks of Bryce Canyon as part of this unique offering from SUU. “Semester in the Parks” celebrates the National Park Service Centennial and will include weekend trips to other national parks in the region.

SUU is accepting applications now and can accommodate up to 20 students from any major. If accepted into the program, students are guaranteed employment, housing, and meals at Ruby’s Inn Resort, just outside the national park and located in Garfield County, 77 miles from the SUU campus. Field transportation, camping, and park entrance fees are also included. Additionally, students will receive an annual Interagency Pass granting them access to more than 2,000 recreation areas nationwide.

Students will take 16 credits from experienced faculty on-site in Bryce Canyon with classes that include outdoor recreation, geology, communication, biology, and library science. The program is designed to provide immersion in the parks for students who are already comfortable with the university experience but may want an off-campus opportunity. Administrators say the program is ideal for sophomore level students but is open to all registered students. Regular course tuition and student fees will be required. Living expenses of housing, meals, lodging, camping, and entrance fees will cost $1,200. However, in a unique partnership with Ruby’s Inn, enrolled students have a guaranteed job at the resort that can help cover the cost of these living expenses, thus making the program costs affordable.

“SUU has made it a priority for all students to have learning experiences inspired by its unique natural surroundings, so what better way than by studying in a national park for a whole semester?” said program director Anne Smith. “We’re excited to offer a new program to help celebrate our national park neighbors’ 100th birthday.”

The Semester in the Parks program falls in line with SUU’s Mission Statement. Southern Utah University considers itself a dynamic teaching and learning community inspired by its unique natural surroundings and has opportunities to harness and integrate its unique geographic location in the SUU educational experience. To highlight its unique location, SUU is the University of the Parks.

Additional information can be found online at suu.edu/parks/semester. Applications are due by Feb. 19 and can be picked up at the SUU Outdoor Engagement Center or by emailing Janet Neth at semester_in_the_parks@suu.edu