Support and Services
Future of Community Work
HB 261 prohibits centralized offices dedicated to DEI or student support services that only serve some students based on their personal identity characteristics.
To be compliant with the new law, USU has shifted resources to strengthen institution-wide success support services for all students, staff, and faculty, regardless of identity characteristics.
This website is intended to serve as a resource for the university community to understand what is required to be compliant with HB 261, as well as report back to the Utah Board of Higher Education and legislative stakeholders about USU’s ongoing efforts to implement the requirements of HB 261.
Student Organizations
Funding Restrictions on Identity-Driven Clubs
Under HB 261 and USHE guidance, clubs receiving departmental funding cannot focus on personal identity characteristics, such as race, gender, or sexual orientation. These clubs must be neutral in name, purpose, and programming.
For example, a department-funded club named “Women in STEM” must adopt a more neutral name and focus, such as “Aggies in STEM,” to remain eligible for departmental funding. Clubs wishing to focus on personal identity characteristics may continue to do so only as USUSA clubs, which receive standard USUSA funding and do not receive departmental funds.
Staff and faculty may continue to advise identity-focused clubs such as a Women in STEM or the Black Student Union, as long as they do so on a volunteer basis and do not receive special funding/compensation for providing this service that other advisors would not receive for advising non-identity driven organizations. All clubs must also be open to all students.
Student Clubs and Organizations Supporting Underrepresented Students
USU maintains an "all-comers" policy for clubs, and USUSA organizations focused on underrepresented students or cultural identities are in compliance with HB261 as long as they are open to all students to participate.
Changes to Student Organizations Under HB 261
In response to USHE’s guidance on HB261, student organizations previously housed under the Center for Community transitioned to Student Involvement and Leadership in 2024, and function like other clubs in the USUSA system. These organizations have had vast positive benefits for students across the university and remain a vibrant part of the university community.
As with all other informal student clubs and organizations, USU cannot make decisions on whether to officially recognize a student club based on personal identity characteristics.
Scholarships
The Native American Scholarship
Eligibility for USU’s Native American Student Scholarship is based on membership in a federally recognized tribe and not a personal identity as defined by HB261. The university will continue to offer this scholarship to eligible students.
USU’s Student Scholarships
USU offers scholarships based on need or merit and not based on a student’s protected status/personal identity characteristics. This was already prohibited by federal law.
Implementation of HB257
On-campus Student Housing
Utah State Housing Services offers several options for housing, including gender-inclusive housing options. Additionally, Canyon Crest Suites and Merrill Hall have single-user restrooms and showers.
Existing All-gender Bathrooms
All-gender bathrooms are available throughout the Logan campus. You can locate these restrooms using our university map.