The Losee Center for Student Success, often referred to simply as the Losee Center (LC), serves as the central nervous system for student support services at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah. Spanning 90,000 square feet, this four-story facility is designed to be an "all-inclusive" hub where students can navigate their academic journey, from initial enrollment and orientation to career placement after graduation.

Whether you are a prospective student taking your first campus tour, a freshman seeking academic guidance, or a veteran looking for community support, the Losee Center consolidates the essential resources required to succeed in a modern higher education environment.

The Welcome Center and Prospective Student Services

The primary entry point for many visitors to the UVU campus is the Welcome Center, located in room LC 408 on the fourth floor of the Losee Center. This office serves as the face of the university for those considering enrollment.

Campus Tours and Enrollment Information

Prospective students and their families typically begin their UVU experience here. The Welcome Center manages campus tours, providing insights into the university’s unique "engaged learning" model. Staff members assist with questions regarding the application process, transcript submission, and initial steps for new Wolverines.

Navigating the Fourth Floor

The layout of the fourth floor is intentionally open, reflecting the university’s commitment to transparency and accessibility. In addition to the Welcome Center, the fourth floor houses administrative offices that oversee campus-wide communication and marketing, ensuring that student success stories are shared effectively with the broader community.

The First-Year Advising Center (FAC)

One of the most critical departments within the Losee Center is the First-Year Advising Center. Recognizing that the first year of college is the most pivotal for long-term retention, UVU has centralized advising services for all newly admitted students and those with 30 or fewer completed credits.

Personalized Academic Counseling

The FAC provides individualized support to help students transition to university life. Advisors assist with:

  • Major Exploration: Helping students who are "undeclared" find a path that aligns with their career goals.
  • Course Scheduling: Ensuring students take the right classes in the correct sequence to avoid unnecessary tuition costs.
  • Graduation Planning: Implementing the university's "Completion Plan 2.0," which aims to minimize barriers to finishing a degree on time.

Holistic Support for New Wolverines

Beyond simple course registration, the FAC advisors are trained to provide holistic support. They connect students with tutoring resources, mental health services, and financial aid counseling, ensuring that non-academic hurdles do not impede educational progress.

Career Development Center (CDC) and Professional Growth

As students progress through their studies, the focus often shifts toward the future. The Career Development Center, located within the Losee Center, bridges the gap between the classroom and the workforce.

Internship and Employment Services

The CDC provides a suite of services designed to make UVU graduates competitive in the job market. These include:

  • Resume and Cover Letter Reviews: Professional staff and peer mentors help students polish their application materials.
  • Mock Interviews: Students can practice their interviewing skills in a low-stakes environment.
  • Handshake Platform Integration: Helping students connect with thousands of employers looking for UVU talent.

Career Exploration Tools

For students who are unsure of their professional direction, the CDC offers career assessments and workshops. By analyzing personality traits, interests, and market trends, counselors help students make data-driven decisions about their future vocations.

Support for Specialized Student Populations

The Losee Center is notable for its commitment to diversity and specialized support. Several centers within the building cater to specific demographics, ensuring that every student has a "home base" on campus.

Military-Affiliated Student Hub (MASH)

Located in room LC 303, the MASH is a dedicated space for veterans, active-duty service members, and their dependents.

  • Veteran Programs: The hub assists with VA benefits, ensuring that those who have served receive the educational support they earned.
  • The Midas Organization: A student-led group (Military Individuals, Dependents, and Spouses) that fosters community through service projects and social activities.
  • The Student Lounge (LC 306): A unique feature of the MASH is the day room, where military-affiliated students can study, take a nap, or use computers in a comfortable, private setting.

Women’s Success Center

The Women’s Success Center in the Losee Center provides advocacy, leadership opportunities, and specialized scholarships. The center's mission is to increase the graduation rate of women at UVU by providing a supportive environment and addressing unique challenges such as childcare or re-entering the workforce after a hiatus.

Accessibility Services

UVU is dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. The Accessibility Services office in the Losee Center coordinates accommodations such as extended testing time, sign language interpreting, and assistive technology to ensure equal access to all educational programs.

Architecture and the "Bamboo Ribbon" Design

The aesthetic and functional design of the Losee Center is as significant as the services it houses. Following a $4.5 million renovation completed in 2009, the building was transformed to promote interaction and collaboration.

The Symbolic Ribbon

A prominent architectural feature of the building is the "bamboo ribbon." This design element snakes through the facility, visually linking different departments. It serves a dual purpose: acting as a wayfinding tool for students and symbolizing the boundary—and the connection—between public interaction spaces and private counseling offices.

Named in Honor of Dick and Joanne Losee

The building is named after Dick and Joanne Losee, prominent local philanthropists. Their contributions to the university and the surrounding community are commemorated throughout the facility. The design reflects their vision of a welcoming, open environment where students feel empowered to seek help.

Infrastructure and Recent Upgrades

To maintain its status as a premier student service hub, the Losee Center underwent significant infrastructure improvements in 2024.

HVAC and Energy Efficiency

Between May and August 2024, the building underwent an extensive upgrade of its Air Handling Units (AHU) and Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems. This $1.6 million project replaced an aging dual-duct system with modern, energy-efficient technology. These upgrades ensure a comfortable climate for the thousands of students who utilize the center daily, while also reducing the university's overall carbon footprint.

Connection to the Campus Quad

The Losee Center is strategically located near the Sorensen Center and the Ragan Theatre, with easy access to the central campus quad. Its location makes it a high-traffic area, serving as a transit point for students moving between the east and west sides of the Orem campus.

Campus Safety and Status

As with any major public institution, UVU prioritizes the safety of its students. The Losee Center is equipped with modern security systems and is a key focus of campus safety protocols. In the event of campus-wide emergencies or closures—such as those occasionally necessitated by public safety incidents or security threats—the Losee Center serves as a primary site for administrative coordination and student information dissemination.

The university maintains a proactive stance on security, ensuring that the Losee Center remains a safe haven for academic and professional development.

Summary of Services at the Losee Center

Department Room Number Primary Function
Welcome Center LC 408 Campus tours, prospective student info
First-Year Advising LC Main Level Academic planning for new students
Career Development LC Main Level Resumes, internships, job placement
MASH (Veterans) LC 303 VA benefits, military community hub
MASH Lounge LC 306 Study and relaxation space for veterans
Women's Success Center LC Various Advocacy and scholarships for women
Accessibility Services LC Various Accommodations for students with disabilities

Conclusion

The Losee Center for Student Success is more than just an administrative building; it is a physical manifestation of Utah Valley University's "Student Success" mission. By consolidating vital services like advising, career planning, and specialized support hubs under one roof—and connecting them with the iconic "bamboo ribbon"—UVU has created an environment that is both efficient and welcoming. For any Wolverine looking to make the most of their college experience, the Losee Center is the essential first stop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the operating hours for the Losee Center?

Most offices in the Losee Center operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, hours may vary during summer breaks and holidays. It is always best to check the specific department’s website for the most current information.

Can I get a student ID card at the Losee Center?

While the Welcome Center provides information, student IDs (UVU OneCards) are typically issued in the Sorensen Student Center, which is adjacent to the Losee Center.

Where is the best place to park for a visit to the Losee Center?

Visitors should park in the parking garage located near the Sorensen Center or use the designated visitor parking stalls in the lots surrounding the Losee Center. Validation is often provided for those attending official campus tours.

Is there a place to eat inside the Losee Center?

The Losee Center itself does not house a cafeteria, but it is connected to the Sorensen Student Center, which features a full food court, including various fast-food and healthy dining options.

How do I schedule an appointment with a first-year advisor?

Students can schedule appointments through the UVU website using their student ID. Walk-in hours are occasionally available, especially during the first week of the semester, but scheduled appointments are highly recommended for comprehensive planning.