News

Diploma Symbolizes Decades of Sacrifice and Determination

Katherine O’Neil Veley graduated from Syracuse University in 2020 with a degree in creative leadership from University College (UC). Like the thousands of other students in the Class of 2020, Veley waited with excitement and anticipation for the day she would walk the stage with her friends, family and co-workers cheering her on and celebrating her success. Instead, she received a large white envelope in the mail with her diploma enclosed.

Veley, a former Syracuse University employee, spent decades earning that degree. She began college right out of high school, but life got in the way and she didn’t return for a second year. Instead, she joined the workforce. Her work experience eventually led to a job at the University. As part of a campus community, Veley soon understood the importance of a college degree.

Read Veley’s Full Story

New Scholarship to Support Undergraduate Students from Underrepresented Groups

University College announces the establishment of the Our Time has Come Scholarship (OTHC) to support undergraduate students from underrepresented groups. The initial funding was generated from an Orange Academy course, Voices Matters: Why you Need to Talk about Race taught by Jeffrey Mangram and Chandice Haste-Jackson.

“We are excited to provide additional financial support to our part-time students attending Syracuse University,” says Dean Michael Frasciello. “The University College Our Time Has Come scholarship extends the OTCH’s extraordinary program of leadership development and networking opportunities to our online undergraduate students.”

The scholarship will be used each year to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students enrolled at University College.

“I am thrilled to count University College among several schools and colleges at SU with OTHC scholarships, especially during this critical time,” says Rachel Vassel, associate vice president of multicultural advancement.  “OTHC has supported underrepresented students at the university for over 30 years and we are looking forward to serving many talented UC students in the future.”

To learn more about scholarships for part-time students or to donate to this scholarship fund, contact Jeffry Comanici, executive director of post traditional advancement, at jjcomani@syr.edu or 315.443.1409.

Support this scholarship

University College Adds In-Demand Certificate to its Portfolio of Noncredit Online Offerings

University College is expanding its Professional Development and Executive Education portfolio to include a Tableau data analytics certificate. In partnership with Pathstream, an online digital skills provider, University College adds the Tableau data analytics certificate to its current portfolio which includes the Facebook digital marketing certificate, the Asana project management certificate, the Salesforce administrator career certificate and the Unity immersive design certificate.

These hands-on certificates equip students with career-aligned digital skills to prepare them for their next job, promotion, or the launch of their own business. Programs are focused on career areas with high demand and job growth such as data analytics and digital marketing. There are no prerequisites and the courses are designed to fit into the lives of full-time employees and parents looking to change careers, get back in the workforce, or upskill.

Throughout the programs, students practice their digital skills in online labs and projects based on real-world workplace scenarios, which simulate experiences they will encounter on the job.  Each certificate includes 10 hours of career navigation content and Pathstream provides students with career services to help them land a new job after the program. Upon successful completion, students earn a certificate co-branded by Syracuse University and the partnered technology company.

These programs will begin in May and will have several start dates throughout the year. Registration is currently open. For more information, visit our website.

 

Taking Risks and Reaping Rewards

Active Duty U.S. Air Force airman, Shaei Rodriguez, is finding unexpected returns pursuing an online undergraduate degree at Syracuse University.

Some people graduate from high school knowing exactly what they want to study in college. Others go straight into the workforce. For Shaei Rodriguez ’22, the path wasn’t so clear. He joined the United States Air Force after high school as a way to gain some wisdom and experience, and to help with the financial aspects of higher education.

Read Shaei’s full story here.

Announcing New Online Program: Computer Programming

University College announces a new online bachelor of professional studies program (BPS) in computer programming. The program was developed in response to employers seeking graduates who have the skills to meet the demands of the rapidly changing field of technology.

Employers are looking for individuals who have both soft skills and technical skills, are problem solvers and are passionate about technology. Computer programmers can choose a wide variety of career paths, including health care, criminal justice, defense contracting, finance and more.

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how and why computer systems work and how to design solutions that encompass functionality and usability. They will also learn how to manage projects, understand system limitations, and write and test the code that will run software applications and programs.

Syracuse University’s 120-credit Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) degree in computer programming is a fully online program with weekly interactive live sessions.

Registration is now open for the spring 2021 semester and classes begin Feb. 1. For more information, email parttime@syr.edu or call 315.443.9378 (toll free at 1.866.498.9378).