UCAT Utah College of Applied Technology

UCAT HISTORY

In June 2001, a special session of the Legislature passed House Bill 1003, creating the Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT), the state's tenth and newest institution of higher education. Beginning September 1, 2001, nine former Applied Technology Centers and Service Regions were organized under the new Utah College of Applied Technology. In creating UCAT, the Legislature changed how the applied technology education entities are governed and organized, as well as their names.

The former entities include:
Four stand-alone applied technology centers: Bridgerland in Logan, Davis in Kaysville, Ogden Weber in Ogden and Uintah Basin in Roosevelt. These centers have developed over a period of approximately 25-30 years and operate in state-owned facilities.

One applied technology center: Wasatch Front South in the Greater Salt Lake City area operating in public and/or higher education or leased facilities in the Greater Salt Lake City area. This entity has developed over the past 10 years. (Under UCAT, Wasatch Front South will become the Salt Lake/Tooele Applied Technology College).

One former applied technology center: formerly Sevier Valley and presently Snow college South (a branch of Snow College). This entity has developed over the last 30 years and operates in state-owned facilities in Richfield. (Under UCAT, this center became the Central Applied Technology College [CATC]. During the 2003 General Session, House Bill 161 transferred CATC functions and responsibilites to Snow College, effective 7/1/03).

Three applied technology center service regions: Mountainland in Orem, Southeast in Price/Blanding and Southwest in Cedar City/St. George. These entities have developed over the past 10 years and operate in public and/or higher education facilities or leased facilities.

The previous Southwest region was divided into two new regions: Dixie Region serving Washington County, and Southwest Region serving Beaver, Iron, Garfield and Kane Counties. (Under UCAT, the Dixie Applied Technology College was created to serve the Dixie Region).

UCAT is a new concept in applied technology education, consisting of nine applied technology college campuses, providing opportunities for high quality statewide open-entry, open-exit, competency-based education. The campuses serve both high school and adult students. The eight applied technology college campuses are: Bridgerland, Davis, Dixie, Mountainland, Ogden-Weber, Salt Lake/Tooele, Southwest, and Uintah Basin.