Join us as we celebrate collaboration in online course design and development. Meet and share ideas with other professionals from the schools and colleges of Syracuse University.
Please mark your calendar to join us for a behind-the-scenes look at our online courses. Talk with University faculty who have participated in the course design process. Learn how collaboration with The Center for Online and Digital Learning at Syracuse University adds value to academic programs across campus and to students across the world.
Wed., Oct. 22, 2025
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bisignano Grand Hall at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)
Syracuse University has a long history of support for those who serve in our country’s armed forces. At the College of Professional Studies, our mission is to provide meaningful assistance to the military-connected population seeking a Syracuse University education. Miguel Pica, military student success specialist in the Office of Online Student Success, stays true to this mission by assisting the military-connected students. In this Q & A, get to know Miguel and his role in the Office of Online Student Success.
What’s your current role and what does it involve?
My current role at the College of Professional Studies is military student success specialist. I primarily serve as the academic advisor for our non-traditional military student population and military-connected students across multiple academic programs offered at our college and serve as the subject matter expert in conducting transfer credit evaluations (TCE) from our military population directly related to their military service.
How long have you been with the College of Professional Studies, and what’s your journey been like?
I have been with the College of Professional Studies since Fall 2023 and my journey has been exciting each and every day. Every interaction I have with my students has been memorable and more importantly, an opportunity to truly give back to the community I am also part of.
In one sentence, how would you describe your department’s mission?
The Office of Online Student Success fosters a supportive environment where online students are embraced as valued members of the Syracuse University community, pairing each admitted student with a dedicated online success advisor who offers personalized academic and online success advising, proactive outreach, and coordinated resources to empower both academic and personal development throughout their degree journey.
Can you share a student interaction that left a lasting impact on you?
Honestly, there are several interactions I have had that have left a lasting impact. The most recent was this past graduation.
One of our students graduated this past Spring. While his primary advisor was my supervisor, Jonah Fugo, his story is nothing short but amazing. Liam and I actually served together in the Army at Fort Campbell, KY back in 2015/2016. We both went through selection for 160th SOAR (A) and successfully completed our training. While we were both assigned different companies (due to our occupations), we both served in the same unit. Somehow, we both ended up at Syracuse University. After seeing him walk, we both took a moment to catch up on life following the closing of the ceremony. This interaction truly reminded me how small and close the military community is.
How does your team help students succeed in the real world?
Compared to the traditional students on campus, majority of our students are already well into their careers (i.e., military, corporate, professional athletes, etc.). We are mostly used as resources to support our non-traditional students in their next career advancement and/or either excel or pivot in their career.
Members of the Online Student Success team outside of the College of Professional Studies.
In what ways does your team go above and beyond to serve your students?
Our team are always readily available and actively responsive to student emails/needs. Whether it is to support our students or when we get a call from students on Main Campus, we do our best to direct them to the resource needed. When it comes to my role, I am either connecting students to either University and/or Military resources.
What advice would you offer to prospective or current students?
The advice I would give prospect and/or current students is to pursue the education that best suits your needs. Not only professionally but more importantly, your interests. With that in mind, it is okay to change your major at any moment you feel the need to switch. Syracuse University will support you!
As an undergraduate alumnus from ‘21, I can assure you that it is okay. When I first started my journey at Syracuse, I started majoring in biology and finished my education as a policy studies graduate. Sometimes, all it takes is one course to inspire you to pursue a major that you may have never considered before.
From your experience, what makes the College of Professional Studies stand out as a leading environment for teaching and learning?
From my experience and exposure to the teaching and learning environment of the College of Professional Studies, what makes this college unique is the flexibility it offers to the students it serves. All courses offered are Online, administered in an 8-week format, and in the evening. This specific format caters to the non-traditional students, meeting the mission set forth by our previous Founding Dean, Kenneth G. Bartlett, and Chancellor William Pearson Tolley.
The quotes above are hung on the fourth floor in the College of Professional Studies and it is something our current Dean, Michael J. Frasciello, reminds our faculty and staff of our college’s mission. While our communities constantly change, these quotes continue to remain true. Reminding myself that our college continues to strive in meeting today’s challenges within higher education head-on. This is what makes our college truly unique and stand out.
“University College is more than a night school. It is an idea that in an age of continuous change, learning must be continuous as well. In an age of rapid change, democratic institutions need the steadying influence of continuous education. That is our purpose at University College.”
-Founding Dean Kenneth G. Barlett, Inaugural address to the staff and faculty, 1948.
“We are building a college that will dare to do things, to experiment, to assume responsibility for the unsuccessful effort as well as the successful venture, to not be bound by tradition but responsive to change and to community and adult student needs.”
-Chancellor William Pearson Tolley, Address to Syracuse University Senate chartering University College, 1947.
The quotes above are hung on the fourth floor in the College of Professional Studies and it is something our current Dean, Michael J. Frasciello, reminds our faculty and staff of our college’s mission. While our communities constantly change, these quotes continue to remain true. Reminding myself that our college continues to strive in meeting today’s challenges within higher education head-on. This is what makes our college truly unique and stand out.
In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, education is no longer one-size-fits-all. Students and professionals are rethinking what it means to be “qualified,” with many asking: Are microcredentials better than degrees? As demand grows for flexible, skill-focused learning, microcredentials in education are emerging as a powerful alternative to traditional academic degrees.
At Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies, we’re leading the conversation around alternative education pathways, offering learners the opportunity to gain relevant skills without sacrificing time, cost, or career momentum.
Microcredentials are short, focused online programs that teach in-demand skills for today’s workforce. They’re flexible, affordable, and career-driven. Microcredentials act as the perfect pathway for professionals who want to learn something new, earn a promotion, or switch industries.
Popular in fields like project management, cybersecurity, healthcare, and business, microcredentials are designed to prepare students for the modern job market and help learners gain practical skills to get job-ready fast.
Microcredentials zoom in on specific, actionable skills. They’re often delivered online and are self-paced, fitting neatly around work and life.
Degrees provide a holistic learning experience: theory, practice, collaboration, and deep exploration across disciplines.
Career Impact
For fast-moving industries, microcredentials can be a powerful tool for gaining relevance quickly.
Traditional degrees remain essential for leadership roles, advanced research, and professions that require intensive accreditation.
How to Know If Microcredentials Are Right for You Link
As the education space evolves, the benefits of microcredentials over degrees are becoming clearer. You might be a good fit for microcredentials if you’re looking for:
Speed and flexibility: Microcredentials can be completed in weeks or months, often on your schedule.
Lower cost: These programs are typically more affordable than full-time degrees.
Career-focused learning: Each course targets skills that directly apply to your current or future job.
Stackable learning: You can build a series of microcredentials over time, or even apply them toward a full certificate or degree.
The future of higher education is flexible, practical, and focused on real-world skills. As more employers shift toward skill-based hiring, microcredentials are becoming an essential part of career development.
Microcredentials help professionals stay current, build confidence, and stay competitive in today’s fast-moving job market. At Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies, we design our programs to meet learners where they are, and guide them to where they want to go. Whether you’re building new skills, changing careers, or advancing in your current role, our microcredentials are created to help you move forward with purpose.
Explore how our programs are redefining the future of learning.
National Grid’s Alberto Bianchetti (back row, third from the left) and John Pettigrew (back row, second from the right) visit with summer college students during a recent classroom visit.
National Grid and Syracuse University’s Office of Pre-College Programs have partnered to inspire the next generation of innovators through the National Grid Summer College Scholars Program.
The program will support selected Syracuse City School District high school students for the next three summers, providing access to college-levellearningfocused on STEM and energy literacy through the Summer College – On Campus program.
“We are looking to tomorrow as we partner with Syracuse University to invest and develop the skills and mindsets of the next generation of engineers today,” says John Pettigrew, global chief executive officer for National Grid.
For Reginald ’27, being Orange means “to be like a sunrise—bold, bright and full of promise.”
Reginald, a dedicated College of Professional Studies student, describes his journey at Syracuse University as a life-changing experience. As a part-time, post-traditional learner, he’s found both support and recognition while pursuing his passion for psychology and working toward his dream of becoming a therapist for youth and families.
Learn more about Reginald’s experience and the impact of your support.
