Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) has joined the Utah Cooperation Cohort, a statewide initiative designed to foster environments where students, faculty, and staff can engage constructively across political, religious, cultural, and ideological differences. The cohort brings together higher education leaders committed to strengthening civil dialogue and building campus cultures rooted in curiosity, respect, and cooperation.
"As Utah's most diverse higher education institution, we have seen the learning value that different backgrounds bring into the classroom and across our campuses," said SLCC President Greg Peterson. "Preserving and encouraging a climate where we can constructively engage with one another—on campus and in our daily lives—supports personal and professional growth and contributes to a more civil society. It is a skill to be able to engage and cultivate relationships with people while respecting differences."
President Peterson formalized SLCC's participation by signing a memorandum of understanding with Interfaith America, joining seven other public degree‑granting institutions in the Utah System of Higher Education. The participating institutions include the University of Utah, Utah State University, Utah Valley University, Utah Tech University, Snow College, Weber State University, and Southern Utah University.
Through the Utah Cooperation Cohort, SLCC will collaborate with Interfaith America and partner institutions to support innovative, student‑centered projects that strengthen collaboration and build understanding across differences. These efforts aim to equip students with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world—one where the ability to work across political, religious, cultural, and ideological perspectives is essential for leadership, community engagement, and career success.
The initiative aligns closely with SLCC's mission as a community‑focused, access‑driven institution and reinforces the college's commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive.