For the 2024-2025 academic year, specific duties will vary according to the unique needs of each executive. Common expectations of each intern will include, but are not limited to:
• Executive projects determined by the respective officeUnofficial Transcript
Letter of Recommendation
For the required writing sample, please write an essay (500 words maximum) using the following prompt: Describe a time you experienced exceptional care, exceptional accountability, or exceptional results at UVU.
• Ability to conduct administrative duties (e.g., schedule events, plan meetings,
create agendas, take minutes, general office organization, etc.).
• Ability to successfully interact with faculty and/or staff in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to professionally represent UVU to political, business, and academic
leaders.
• Ability to work both independently and with an intern cohort.
• Ability to think critically and solve problems.
• Ability to accept and implement feedback.
• Passion for UVU's mission and core values.
The university president, Astrid S. Tuminez, is the face of the university, to the campus and community. All vice presidents and the chief of staff report directly to the president. As such, the president is involved in all of the major developments of the university, and it is her responsibility to oversee the progress of UVU in achieving its goals and plans.
Previous interns who have worked for President Tuminez have led or been on the team of campus-wide projects and initiatives, created courses, and conducted research that directly impacts the university. They often use their writing and research skills and are expected to think creatively and be self-starters. Interns have worked with many of the cabinet members and stakeholders in the community to advance goals of the university in direct consultation with the president. Strong leadership skills are imperative for this internship position.
The chief of staff, Kara Schneck, is the connection between all staff and the university president. She sits on multiple governing bodies for the university. Essentially, her job is to make the president as effective as possible by addressing many issues and projects that would otherwise need to be addressed by the president. She is also the presidential internship director. Kara also sits as the VP of Marketing and Communications, dedicated to promoting the unique educational mission of Utah Valley University.
Interns that work with the Chief of Staff are the lead intern in the internship. They oversee the organization and planning of the internship. They work with the chief of staff in creating the best experiences for the interns to achieve the internship mission. Past interns have worked on the Presidential Transition Committee, and the Student Success and Retention Committee.
Provost and Vice President Wayne Vaught is responsible for oversight of the university faculty and the development of curricula. He ensures all academic policies and procedures are being implemented throughout the university's colleges and schools.
Previous interns have worked on projects that impact college policies and extensive literature reviews for Provost Vaught.
The Vice President of Institutional Advancement has a primary responsibility to advocate for students and secure funds to support UVU programs and initiatives. This includes meeting with potential and current donors, attending events, overseeing campaign strategies, serving as CEO of the UVU foundation and representing UVU on a state and national level.
An intern for Institutional Advancement has the opportunity to work with the departments of Alumni Relations, Executive Events, Central Advancement, Development, Donor Relations and Strategic Engagement. This includes working on tasks like planning and executing events, collecting and researching data, understanding communication and marketing strategies, and networking with high profile donors. You work as part of the VP Staff and help with projects and initiatives that are relevant to your team and the Vice President’s initiatives.
Vice President Jim Mortensen oversees the Division of Finance and Auxiliary Services at Utah Valley University. This division includes managing the university's Budget Office, Campus Store, Continuing Education, Dining Services, Finance and Business departments, Internal Audit, Printing Services, Procurement Office, and Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) requests.
Previous interns who have worked with Vice President Mortensen have assisted with executive-level presentations and analysis, open source intelligence (Google searches), data analysis for university planning, managing special projects, and responding to records requests. Interns for VP Mortensen gain broad exposure to higher education administration while working closely with finance and operations leadership.
Vice President Val Peterson has one of the most diverse departments on campus. He oversees facilities, grounds, campus police, parking services, government relations, and athletics. Val has previous military experience, retiring as a Brigadier General and currently serves as the Executive Appropriations Chair in the Utah State Legislator, all while being a Vice President at UVU!
Previous interns have reviewed various policy revisions, created strategic plans, published papers, worked on research projects, and worked closely with various departments to create visible projects that will be housed in the university. Previous projects interns have managed include graduation commencement, compiling state budget requests, and UVU's day on the hill.
Vice President, Michelle Kearns advocates for students and their success throughout their student experience by ensuring that services and programs meet the needs of the diverse student population. Michelle oversees four divisions in Student Affairs: Student Development and Well-Being, Inclusive Excellence, Enrollment Management, and PK-16 Grants, Outreach & Partnerships. Each division is committed to student success by creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive experience here at UVU.
Previous interns have worked closely with our four divisions on inclusive projects and participated in specific committees to ensure a more belonging and engaging environment in student life.
Vice President Marilyn Meyers oversees and collaborates with university departments to develop, implement, and execute university-wide People and Culture programs and services to advance UVU's dual mission of being a comprehensive college and university that prepares every student for success in work and life. Essentially, Marilyn ensures that UVU continues to be on Forbes' list of best-in-state employers for Utah.
An intern for the Office of People and Culture works to ensure UVU is a place for everyone, whether it be faculty, students, or staff. Previous interns have collaborated with the Title IX office to create new training methods and materials for university students and faculty and research employee physical and mental health statistics to help create new policies to promote employee wellness. They also serve as a member of the MLK Commemoration Committee and UVU Women’s Council, which allows them to create new campus initiatives and plan university events.
With the landmark growth of the office and certain legislation becoming effective, the Office of Institutional Engagement and Effectiveness (IEE) was born. The IEE Office acquired a new data team and is keen to keep UVU a place for everyone! Dr. Qudisat is the executive sponsor and Chair of the University Planning and Advisory Committee (UPAC); the executive sponsor of the Campus Engagement Committee (CEC) and the UVU Chapter of UWHEN; the chair of the Campus Climate Committee; and serves on the Bias Education Support Team.
Previous interns have worked on developing projects/initiatives for students, helped with Qualtrics surveys, sat on the executive IEE committee, helped manage social media, and worked closely with the Presidential Interns in People & Culture and Student Affairs.
The general counsel provides legal advice and representation to UVU’s constituent units, trustees, officers, and employees while acting on the university's behalf, and to the UVU Foundation. As such, the General Counsel is involved in all of the major developments of the university, and it is their responsibility to advise and mitigate risk through the progress of UVU’s various activities and functions.
Previous interns have worked on a variety of tasks, including: conducting legal and policy research, drafting/revising policies and compliance initiatives and information, and assisting with strategic decision-making for campus-wide projects and initiatives. Writing and research skills are imperative. The general counsel's intern is often called upon to think creatively to help reach innovative solutions.
The Deputy Provost, Kathren Brown, works closely with many areas on campus such as academic policies, faculty hiring and retention, international travel, faculty relations, the Women’s Success Center, and the library. The Deputy Provost prioritizes collaboration across her team to provide a variety of opportunities for growth and success for every team member.
Previous interns have worked on a variety of projects related to faculty relations, academic policies, and the library. Many of them use communication, analysis, and marketing skills to execute the monthly faculty newsletter, coordinate the presenters for the Roots of Knowledge Speaker Series, and collaborate with all members of the Deputy Provost’s team on any additional projects.
Vice President Christina Baum oversees the Digital Transformation division and is the Chief Information Officer at Utah Valley University. This division includes managing the university's digital transformation initiatives, web development, student mobile app, cybersecurity, and Business Intelligence & Research Services (BIRS).
