Enroll

APPLY TO PROGRAM

The UPEP application process consists of two components: an application form and an essay. To be considered for UPEP, both the application form and the essay should be complete and submitted to a UPEP staff member.

Following successful completion of the application process, a multidisciplinary panel of faculty will review all applications. Applicants who are selected during this process will be enrolled in UPEP. At this time, admission to UPEP is not admission to the University of Utah. We are working to streamline this admissions process. UPEP will work with admitted students to retrieve postsecondary transcripts, which are required for admission to the University of Utah.

Application Form

The application form consists of several questions related to the background of the applicant. If applicants are unable to answer a question, they may leave the question blank.

Accessibility Statement

UPEP is committed to educational equity. As such, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations as outlined by Federal and State law. If you will need accommodations to participate in UPEP, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to me, UPEP Director. Together, we will work with you and the Center for Disability & Access at the University of Utah to make arrangements for reasonable accommodations inside the prison.

Eligibility Requirements:

WHO SHOULD APPLY TO UPEP

UPEP seeks to engage with incarcerated individuals who are committed to furthering their own education and are able to allocate at least 9 hours per week per class (3 hours in class, 6 hours outside of class). Accepted students will not be held financially responsible for their education. Admitted students should be highly committed to UPEP, furthering their own education, and improving their world.

Criteria for admission to UPEP

Admission to the program is based on merit and must include the following:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Successful completion of essay and admission form reviewed by the admission committee and evaluated on the basis of merit, educational experience, potential, and purpose for pursuing the program.
• Demonstrated commitment to leadership.
• Meet behavioral standards established by UDC for participation in postsecondary education programming.

Additionally, we strongly encourage applicants to consider requirements for admission to the University of Utah:

• Requirements for non-matriculated transfer students include: must have 30 hours of completed and transferable postsecondary coursework OR have an Associates or Bachelors degree OR successfully complete the general studies certificate through Salt Lake Community College OR an active ACT score. In each case, applicants must have at least a 2.6 GPA.
• Accepted students who do not have 30 hours of transferable college coursework will work with UPEP to achieve an ACT score that meets the entrance requirements of the University of Utah.

Completion of Salt Lake Community College core curriculum during incarceration may help applicants become prepared for UPEP.