The dawn of the new year brings a flood of resolve and change. At BYU Continuing Education, we’re looking forward to the learning opportunities 2025 brings. The new year ushers in a new semester, and graduation is right around the corner. Regardless of your background, you can use the new year to dive into lifelong learning and grow in every way.
The past year has been a time of growth, change, and forward momentum for BYU Continuing Education. New facilities and record-breaking numbers are just a few of the ways we’ve made the most of every moment. To appreciate how far we've come, let's review the notable highlights and achievements of BYU Continuing Education in 2024.
Physical Spaces:
To ensure student success, BYU Continuing Education used 2024 to invest in extensive improvements to our physical facilities. They’re spaces that truly inspire lifelong learning among students, faculty, and staff alike.
In October, a new space for CE Classroom programs was opened to the public. The space serves students and administrators alike, with a comfortable collaboration area, private offices, and open work areas.
The project also includes a new testing center, designed to meet the needs of every student.
This wasn’t the only change that the Harman Building underwent. 2024 also saw the completion of the new Active Learning Lab. The lab balances a collaborative, open-air layout with a calm, focus-enhancing ambience to help FlexGE students excel. You can find it on the fourth floor of HCEB, full of engaged students and advisors.
International Connections:
In 2024, BYU Continuing Education expanded its global footprint through international visits and collaborations. These connections have enriched the educational experience for students worldwide.
July 22–26, Japanese middle schoolers hailing from Ryogoku Junior High School visited BYU Continuing Education. Their visit was part of a program that’s been running for a decade. Over 150 students spent their time taking English classes, touring campus, and seeing Utah landmarks. The program promotes intercultural connections and orients Japanese students toward a potential BYU education in the future.
In July, BYU Continuing Education leaders also met with administrators from Solomon International School. The international school has education centers in the US, Canada, South Korea, China, and Vietnam. They’re the epitome of the CE mission: inspiring lifelong learning to benefit the world.
For years, Solomon has been utilizing BYU Continuing Education courses to meet the needs of their students. The educators discussed a vision of using Independent Study courses for first-year university students in Asia. Student-focused collaboration like this allows BYU Continuing Education offerings to touch the lives of students on an unprecedented scale.
Another internationally significant delegation not only educates in China but came from China. In May, a delegation from the University of Jiangxi came to BYU Continuing Education to foster international discourse and learn from one another. The delegation was led by the university’s vice president of economics, Que Shandong.
The delegation was interested in the way that BYU’s principles drive its approach to education. The University of Jiangxi shares the BYU commitment to excellence, and the discussion was a manifestation of the unifying power of knowledge.
Conferences
The Harman Continuing Education Building was also home to some truly transformative conferences, including the 54th Linguistic Symposium on Romance Languages and Elevate: A Faith & Spirituality Podcasters Summit.
The Linguistic Symposium, an annual conference since 1970, brought together over 50 scholars from across the United States. International speakers came from Canada, Germany, Romania, and the UK. The conference is hosted in a different location each year; last year’s conference took place in Paris, France. BYU Continuing Education was delighted to host the global event.
Elevate took place in late October. Twenty-six faith and spirituality podcasters from around the world came together to forge connections and expand their understanding of the world at the conference’s inaugural event. Keynote speakers included Krista Tippett, Dr. Christina Edmondson, and Barry Lam. The conference was an opportunity to see our new vision and mission in action.
In conclusion, BYU Continuing Education has made significant strides in 2024 through investments in physical spaces, international collaborations, and hosting impactful conferences. As we look forward to 2025, we remain committed to fostering lifelong learning and making a positive impact on students worldwide. Here’s to a new year of learning adventures and academic excellence!
