Karen Paisley wears many hats at the University of Utah: Associate dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Health, professor in Parks, Recreation and Tourism, and faculty representative to Athletics. It’s that last job Karen talks about in this episode—how she came to be the faculty rep for Athletics and how our university is supporting student athletes, especially those who have had their fall seasons postponed due to the pandemic. Recorded on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

From infection modeling to wastewater detection and impact on why front-line workers, a stellar group of University of Utah researchers from across our campus are working steadily to understand the novel coronavirus. In this episode of U Rising, listen as researchers Lindsay Keegan, Jennifer Weidhaas and Daniel Mendoza share their work on COVID-19 and the insights they are gaining. Recorded on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

Dan Reed, senior vice president for Academic Affairs, has led our planning efforts for Fall Semester 2020—no small task. In this episode, he shares the principles that have guided our efforts, explains our mixed format approach to instruction, the reasoning behind our fall schedule and the many precautions the U is taking to promote health. Recorded on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

Mike Martineau, director of Institutional Analysis, is leading a project called SAGE that consists of a proactive and responsive technology platform driven by machine learning to help students stay on track to graduate. It’s an exciting idea with real potential to make a difference in degree completion. Recorded on Thursday, July 27, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

Steve Robinson, senior associate vice president for enrollment management, is leading two initiatives to ease access to the University of Utah. The ACT & SAT admissions tests are now optional. And the For Utah Scholarship has receiving strong interest from Utah high school students who want to attend the state’s flagship university. Learn why the U launched these initiatives and what they mean for students. Recorded on Monday, July 28, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

Heather Tanana and Jami Harvey are both members of the Navajo Nation. In this episode, they share perspectives on how coronavirus has impacted the Navajo community as well as other tribes in Utah. Jami, a junior at the U, will be collecting stories about community members’ experiences as part of an undergraduate research project, while Heather, a research professor at the S.J. Quinney College of Law, is leading a major relief effort. Want to help? Visit indianlaw.utahbar.org. Recorded on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

This summer Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, led by Vice President Mary Ann Villarreal, will launch a new initiative called One U Thriving to bring together four campus committees to look at policies and practices that perpetuate racism and inequity at the U. EDI also will establish a new executive committee that will initially take a similar look at hiring and retention practices. In this episode, Villarreal shares her vision for these efforts. Recorded on Thursday, June 24, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

Chief Safety Officer Marlon Lynch took over as guest host for a conversation with U Police Chief Rodney Chatman, Ephraim Kum, ASUU student body president, and Ayana Amaechi, ASUU vice president for university relations, about campus safety—changes in the works, what students are looking for and how students will be involved going forward. Recorded on Thursday, June 18, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

More than 100 students, staff and faculty gathered for the first Community Conversation dialogue on racism hosted by the U’s Bennion Center, the Peace and Conflict Studies Program in the College of Humanities, and the Black Cultural Center. The facilitators of this dialogue recognize, as shared in this episode of U Rising, that we are in a moment of urgency, a moment of intense grief, and also a moment of intense purpose. With that in mind, the conversations are continuing. Recorded on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

As Utah’s only Black legislator, Rep. Sandra Hollins carries a tremendous weight as she strives to represent not just her district but all the state’s marginalized and minority communities. Rep. Hollins, a social worker, describes the social justice perspective that motivates her as a policy maker and offers advice for those who want to be part of pushing for change. Recorded on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.