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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.

Unity Game Development Bootcamp Meets Demand for Real-time 3D (RT3D) Skills in the Tech and Gaming Industries

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies has partnered with Circuit Stream, an industry leader in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Extended Reality (XR) education, to offer a Unity Game Development Bootcamp.

Global demand for Unity developers is growing fast in the technology and video game industry. Real-time 3D (RT3D) is one of the most in-demand tech skills and has one of the highest forecasted growth rates — over 70% in the next 10 years [Burning Glass].

The 30-week Unity Game Development Bootcamp is a career-focused program that prepares learners to enter the 3D development industry. Throughout the bootcamp, students will learn object-oriented and data-driven programming to build applications that communicate with online APIs, servers and databases. Students will finish the bootcamp with nine portfolio-worthy projects.

Other learning outcomes from the bootcamp include:

  • Foundational skills to use Unity and create exciting real-time 3D experiences.
  • Learn the basics of C#, a programming language commonly used to create games.
  • Understand the process of crafting an application from start to finish, including industry-standard and Agile practices.
  • Learn to leverage third-party tools like Python, SQL and databases to include multiplayer and data analytics into your game development process.
  • Learn the benefits of cross-platform game development, which allows you to code once and release your game on a range of platforms including, mobile, console, AR/VR and PC.

The bootcamp is a beginner-friendly program, but basic computer literacy skills, including file management and navigating your operating system, are necessary for a successful learning process.

Earn a Digital Badge and Voucher for the Unity Associate Programmer Certification:

After successfully completing the course, students will earn a digital badge from Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies and Circuit Stream. Students who complete the Unity Game Development Bootcamp will also receive a voucher to take the Unity Associate Programmer Certification.

How to get started:

The next bootcamp starts February 28, 2023. Complete your application by December 5 to receive $750 off of your tuition. Learn more about the Unity Game Development Bootcamp.

Credit or Noncredit – What’s Best for You?

The landscape of higher education is evolving, and for good reason —not all learners are seeking a degree from a college or university. Many learners want or need to gain new skills or knowledge in a format that fits into their busy lives.

Microcredentials, certificates and condensed courses can offer learners a noncredit pathway to achieving their educational goals outside of a degree program. With so many offerings, you may be wondering what the best option is for you—credit or noncredit?  

The first question you should ask yourself is; What is your end goal?

Do you want a job that typically requires a certain degree or degree type (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.) as a job requirement? Have you been interested in getting a degree but you don’t have the time to attend college full-time?

In these cases, you should search for courses or programs that provide college credit, which can be applied to a degree program immediately or when you are ready to matriculate into a degree program.

If you need a quick upgrade in your competency around a certain subject or skillset and you don’t plan on earning a degree, then a noncredit option may be more suitable for you.

Here is a breakdown of the differences and advantages of credit and noncredit options:

Credit Courses and Programs

Credit courses and programs are designed for learners who are interested in earning college credits towards a degree or certificate. 

Important points about credit courses/programs:

  • Credits add up and can be applied toward a degree or credit certificate.
  • Depending on your enrollment status, you may be eligible to receive financial aid to help with the cost of your courses.
  • College credit is granted only by authorized higher education institutions, and a unit of credit is often transferrable between institutions.
  • College credit is granted only when a student successfully achieves the specific requirements of the course.

A credit course or program may be ideal for you if:

  • Your employer offers education benefits that have a grade or credit requirement.
  • You want to earn an associate degree but think you may pursue a Bachelor’s degree at some point.
  • Your dream job requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree as a job requirement.
  • You are enrolled at a four-year college and are home for the summer, and you want to enroll in a course that will transfer to your home school and apply towards your four-year degree.

Noncredit Courses and Programs

Noncredit courses are intended for learners who want to focus on acquiring specific knowledge, learn a new skill, upgrade existing skills, or develop personal interests without the consideration of accumulating college credit. By providing condensed and focused learning experiences, noncredit courses and programs allow students to build a unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and/or competencies in a short amount of time, whether for professional advancement or personal interest. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of completion or digital badge. 

Important points about noncredit courses/programs:

  • Noncredit courses typically cannot be applied directly towards a degree or credit-bearing certificate programs. However, some institutions are pursuing ways to evaluate the effort and assessment of learning in noncredit courses to determine if they can “stack” into a credit program as evidence of prior learning or experience. This is only at the discretion of each institution and is not as widely interchangeable as college credit.
  • Federal financial aid is restricted to only certain types of noncredit courses, or certain types of institutions that provide them. You will need to check specifically for each course and provider as to whether aid is available.
  • Noncredit courses can often lead to the achievement of a professional “certification”, which is evidence that you have achieved some specific competency at a certain level. Certifications can be preferred, or even required, by an employer.
  • If noncredit courses are to be used for professional improvement or career enhancement, then they should include some measurement of the specific knowledge, skills or competencies targeted by the course that would appeal to employers.

A noncredit course or program may be ideal for you if:

  • You want to improve your skills and enhance your resumé.
  • You want to learn more about a hobby that interests you.
  • You’re working toward a professional certification, so you can land a job in your desired field.

 

View all credit and noncredit programs available through the College of Professional Studies.

 

Nanhi Kali Syracuse University Chapter Receives Scholarship Donation From Blend360 Giving Foundation

Rishabh Upadhye G’21 and Ayush Rajput have funded 80% of the 2022–2023 Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter scholarship program through the Blend360 Giving Foundation.

Each year, the Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter raises funds for uniforms, school supplies and tuition costs for girls in India who are otherwise unable to attend elementary or middle school on their own. This year, Upadhye, former Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter treasurer, donated $3,612 after he and his Blend360 company teammate, Rajput, won the Blend360 Cornhole Giving Tournament and named Nanhi Kali the charity recipient.

Arthur Thomas (left) and Ruchita Harsora (right) present the Blend360 Giving Foundation donation.

“Every dollar counts, not just towards an underprivileged girl’s education but towards her improved life as well. The Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter strives to do our best to see that each girl goes to a school, gets the education she deserves and takes one step towards a hopeful future,” says Ruchita Harsora, president of the Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter. “To the donors, it is not just me, or the Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter that thanks and appreciates your contribution, it is also a young girl somewhere in a remote part of India thanking you. Because of your donations, they are able to step towards a well-educated future. Thank you for always supporting our cause and believing in us.”

Each year, the registered graduate student organization raises $4,500 to sponsor 52 girls. The generous donation provided by the Blend360 Giving Foundation, Upadhye and Rajput allowed the Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter to reach their annual scholarship goal.

“This gift, along with proceeds from our Cuse-Cup sporting events and the public Strengths Workshop graciously donated by Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and College of Professional Studies Executive Director, Liz Green, has made it possible for us to fully support 52 girls for this academic year,” says Arthur Thomas, faculty sponsor of the Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter. “We understand that every day spent in school helps an underprivileged girl take one more step out of poverty, slavery or human trafficking. That makes her a better person, her future a brighter one, and our whole world a better place.”

To learn more about the Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter, visit nanhikalisyracuse.org.

Record-Breaking Attendance for 2022 Summer College at Syracuse University

By Amy Kruse

This summer, Syracuse University’s Summer College welcomed its largest cohort of high school students in its over 60-year history. More than 1,000 students from around the world enrolled in an on-campus or online pre-college course through Syracuse University. This was the first time in two years that pre-college students were on campus for the program.

“I am overjoyed that so many high school students chose to attend Summer College at Syracuse University,” said Chris Cofer, executive director at the Office of Pre-College Programs. “We made a concerted effort to maintain a robust and diversified portfolio of over 100 course offerings, and I think students responded to that.”

Read the full story