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Staff Spotlight: Rosemary Kelly, Student Administrative Services Office

The College of Professional Studies’ mission is to deliver exceptional support and services to a diverse part-time student population seeking a Syracuse University education. The Student Administrative Services Office stays true to this mission by assisting students from the time of inquiry to graduation. 

“We are a one-stop shop that includes admissions, academic advising, financial aid, bursar, and registration offices dedicated to our student populations,” says Rosemary Kelly, assistant dean. 

In this Q & A, get to know Rosemary and her role in the Student Administrative Services Office.

  1. What is your position at the College of Professional Studies?

I am the assistant dean of the Student Administrative Services (SAS) office.

  1. How long have you worked at the College of Professional Studies?

I have worked in higher education for over 40 years, 35 at the College of Professional Studies. I’ve held positions as an academic advisor, assistant director, director, program administrator, and now as an assistant dean. Across my career, the constant has been the students. What I have witnessed and what makes the job exciting and energizing is understanding changing student expectations and the supportive services, tools and resources required for students’ success.

  1. In one sentence, how would you describe your role and/or department?

To provide access, opportunity, and support that creates a positive student experience for individuals seeking a Syracuse University degree part-time.

  1. What aspects of your profession bring you joy?

First and foremost, the students, but also their families, my colleagues, and the critical thinking that is required by a student services department. Students have individual circumstances that sometimes require creativity on our part to provide the support and resources they need to succeed. I have the good fortune to follow students from the beginning to the end of their Syracuse University academic journey. I value my campus, community and professional association colleagues for their collective wisdom, guidance and collaboration.

  1. What is your proudest moment at the College of Professional Studies?

Celebrating the successes of our students. Some successes include registering for that first class, finishing a difficult semester, and, of course, celebrating their graduation. We are witnesses to the ripple effects their successes have on their families, friends and the community in which they live. An advantage of being here for so long? We see graduates’ children as students!

  1. How does your department support students during their time here?

The SAS offices work with students from the time of inquiry to graduation. We are their first point of contact and remain their contact through their educational career here at Syracuse University. We assist students with navigating the University and its processes; advising in person, online, email, or phone; connecting students to relevant opportunities and resources, and liaison with campus departments.

  1. Our goal as a college is to provide high-quality service to our students. How does your department go above and beyond to support Syracuse University students?

We are a one-stop shop that includes admissions, academic advising, financial aid, bursar, and registration offices dedicated to our student populations. The offices operate as a team that strives to regard students as individuals, meet them where they are, offer options to meet their goals, and support them throughout their educational journey.

  1. If students would like to get connected with your department, how can they do so?

Phone: 315.443.3261

E-mail: profstudiesinfo@syr.edu

Address: 700 University Ave Suite 126 | Syracuse, NY 13244

Virtual appointments: Available through Zoom or phone during academic year hours. Contact us by phone, email, or Orange SUccess to schedule an appointment.

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies Celebrates 30 Years of Meaningful Partnership with Tokai University

by Cheryl Abrams

Arigato gozaimasu!

Satoki Awano, Tokai University student at Syracuse University

This Japanese expression of gratitude reflects how the students and leadership of Tokai University have felt about the English Language Institute (ELI) at Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies for the past three decades.

“Syracuse University has always been very welcoming to the many students we have sent to Syracuse over the years,” says the Chancellor of Tokai University, Kiyoshi Yamada. “We have had the pleasure of hearing from students that they have learned a great deal and had a wonderful experience in a beautiful environment.”

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5 Questions You Should Ask a College Recruiter

The process of selecting the best college for you doesn’t have to be a difficult one. Now that you’ve gathered the informative brochures, it’s time to reduce your options. A conversation with a college recruiter can both simplify and expedite that process.

Speaking with college recruiters gives you the chance to discover more about the specifics of what the college has to offer, such as financial aid options, student resources, and part-time versus full-time learning opportunities.

If you’ve already selected the college you want to apply to, speaking with a college recruiter can also assist you in answering any questions you might have regarding the application process.

At the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University, you can ask a college recruiter questions online, by phone, or in-person by appointment.

Not sure what to ask? The College of Professional Studies Admissions and Recruitment Office selected five questions to ask a college recruiter.

  1. What are the requirements for admission?

While the admission requirements for all colleges and universities differ, it is typical to provide all official transcripts from your educational journey and military experience, if applicable. Request an application checklist from your college recruiter or create your own to secure all of the information you need.

The application requirements for the College of Professional Studies can be found here.

  1. How long is the admission process?

The start date differs from program to program at each college and university. While some colleges may offer rolling admission and accept applications year-round, other colleges have strict deadline applications at the start of the fall, spring or summer semester. If you’re interested in applying to a program, it’s best to begin the research right away by connecting with a college recruiter.

  1. Are letters of recommendation valued?

Letters of recommendation are valuable and add strength to your college application. By providing a letter of recommendation, you’re allowing the admissions counselors to see your application from another viewpoint. Ask your college recruiter how many letters of recommendation you should provide, and start requesting these letters from your mentors, employers, or previous educators.

  1. How does the staff and faculty support students?

While it’s important to learn about the application process, don’t forget to ask college recruiters about student support resources. Utilizing the collection of resources available to you can improve your college experience in a myriad of ways. Resources may look different for students who are full-time versus students who are part-time. Additional resources may be available for online only students or military-connected students.

  1. What differentiates the College of Professional Studies online programs from other online programs?

The College of Professional Studies is the home for part-time Syracuse University students. Whether you’re attending part-time, pursuing a microcredentials program, or experiencing Syracuse University as an international student or high school student, it is our mission to deliver exceptional support and services to a diverse part-time student population seeking a Syracuse University education. For the past century, we have helped thousands of post-traditional students earn a Syracuse University degree and look forward to the next 100 years of providing access, opportunity, and support to generations of students who study part-time.

Did we miss a question? Click here for more questions you may want to ask a college recruiter!

Book an appointment with a College of Professional Studies recruiter today.

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies to Present at 2022 UPCEA MEMS

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies will present at the 2022 UPCEA MEMS: University Professional and Continuing Education Association Marketing and Enrollment Management Seminar in New Orleans, Louisiana, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.

Presented by Jim Gaffey, executive director of administration and strategy, and Liz Green, executive director of Online Student Success at the College of Professional Studies, “Partnering to Increase Conversion” will discuss the vitality of partnerships in higher education to increase enrollments.

“We are incredibly excited for this opportunity to present our findings at the 2022 UPCEA MEMS poster gallery,” says Gaffey. “Our partnership with Anthology (Blackboard) is a key component of our marketing strategy and aims to offer an alternative perspective on the value of partnerships.”

To learn more about the 2022 UPCEA MEMS conference, visit conferences.upcea.edu/marketing.

About the College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to diverse students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate, or education experience.

College of Professional Studies Offers New Tuition Grant for First Responders

When Liz Green prepares for roll call next month in front of a precinct of City of Syracuse police officers, she plans to be a myth-buster—at least when it comes to higher education. On behalf of the College of Professional Studies, Green will be offering Syracuse police and firefighters an opportunity to advance their education and careers under a new grant program at the college.

“We are making it more affordable than ever for first responders to achieve undergraduate certificates, and undergraduate and graduate degrees,” says Green, executive director of online student success in the college. The new tuition grant program is another component of the Go Local Learn Local initiative, which recently expanded opportunities for health care workers in the region. Similar to the health care worker grant, first responders will be able to earn degrees through online part-time studies at a fraction of the normal cost.

“But first we have to overcome some negative perceptions—concerns they might have over not being able to do their studies while doing their jobs, or not being able to afford a higher education degree,” says Green. By appearing in person, Green hopes to build trust with the community’s public servants—trust in the University and trust in themselves and their abilities to excel.

“Just as they serve the entire city, police and firefighters serve our university community every day. We want to support and strengthen them,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “As part of Syracuse University’s commitment to community, we have an obligation to be an innovator in providing education, training, services and support. Our greatest asset is our excellence in teaching and learning. We should be providing as many pathways to that excellence as we can.”

All full-time and part-time first responders in the City of Syracuse are now eligible to apply for online professional certificates and undergraduate degrees in a wide variety of subjects, including data and predictive analytics, business management, cybersecurity, leadership and project management. The cost for admitted and eligible first responders represents a significant discount (50% of the normal part-time tuition rate, and an 89% discount off the full-time tuition rate).

In addition, all first responders throughout the entire state of New York who already have an undergraduate degree can apply for a 30-credit hour online graduate degree in project management at the discounted rate of $1,000 per credit hour.

“Everyone at every level of every organization does project management in some way,” says Frasciello. “The more training and skills acquired in all the dimensions and practice of project management, the more valuable individuals will be in their workplace. They become proficient in asset resource usage, time management, delegation and staff management.”

Frasciello says the offerings for undergraduate degrees and professional certificates are based on the rapidly changing needs of employers and employees to “upskill and reskill” to meet industry demands. For example, police officers are increasingly adding skills in research and data analysis. “So much of modern policing is digital, involving sifting through and analyzing large amounts of data,” he says. “That’s why our data science courses will be valuable.”

Frasciello expects police officers, many of whom have associate degrees in criminal justice, to pursue policy studies and other courses that will help them progress in their careers in the public sector and pivot to the private sector. “We know there’s a great interest in business management and creative leadership as well,” he says.

Interest in continuing education through online programs increased dramatically during the pandemic and Syracuse University’s programs have expanded dramatically to meet student needs. “It’s crucial for continuing education leaders to engage with people who live in the area and respond with programming that residents and employers find valuable,” says Frasciello. “We are the gateway to the University for the community.”

For more information on how to enroll, visit the College of Professional Studies website.