Said Wilcox, whose son is a student at Utah: "The university is very supportive, and we try to be very supportive of them. There is no animosity between the university and the institute. We feel we're both in our own ways trying to make the college experience for these students as fine an experience as can be."

University spokesman Fred Esplin said the two institutions have a "very close and warm relationship." According to Esplin, the institute has made contributions toward student government, the Muss student fan club and the Greek system. The Lambda Delta Sigma sorority has 17 chapters and around 800 members, while the Sigma Gamma Chi fraternity has 10 chapters and about 500 members.

"The institute and its programs are the single largest way that our students get involved in extracurricular activities," Esplin said.

The institute also helps facilitate student involvement in community service.

"They're good citizens, so there's a very good reciprocal relationship that the university values greatly," Esplin said.

Two individuals who serve in prominent leadership positions at the institute, Lindsay and Alvey, both waited until their junior years before getting extensively involved in the program. Alvey, a senior from Bountiful majoring in international studies, said he regrets not having that experience his first two years.

"When people put the effort into the institute and the programs offered through here, I think it opens the window to opportunity to having one of the best college experiences you can have that perhaps wouldn't be possible without that," he said.

Lindsay, who graduated last May with a degree in electrical engineering, said his calling to a leadership position in the fraternity coincided with his most difficult semester of school. His institute responsibilities required him to attend activities three nights a week, all while balancing studies and a part-time job.

"I've never gotten better grades," he said. "Institute has done more for me than I ever expected it to do, and I think I've given it more than I expected to."

According to Olsen, the student determines what type of experience he or she will have in institute.

"You're going to get out whatever you put into it," she said. "You just need to want to do it. And then you'll find that it's very rewarding."

Fast facts

SALT LAKE UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF RELIGION