The Office of Online Student Success (OSS) is a critical component of Syracuse University’s strategic response to improving access and support for online undergraduate students. OSS advisors begin working with students upon admission to their program. Students have the ability to attend regular webinars on topics ranging from study skills and how to succeed in online courses to how best use features of the University’s learning management system. OSS advisors proactively engage with students to ensure they are staying on track and feeling connected to their peers, instructors and the campus community. In the transition to the online environment, OSS also provides training, support and resources to staff to help them support students in their virtual learning experience. Contact the office directly for questions or to schedule an online overview training session at orangeonline@syr.edu. OSS has also developed a resource toolkit for staff that is continuously updated for your use: Student Support Resource Toolkit.
News
Summer College Moves Programs Online
Syracuse University Summer College, now in its 60th year, offers high school students the opportunity to explore academic interests and college majors while residing on campus. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, Summer College has moved many of its programs online so students can learn from the comfort of their homes. More than 45 pre-college programs will be offered in an online format. All programs will be confirmed by May 1. In order to enhance the program and create a sense of community, Summer College students will have many opportunities to connect with other high school students in the program through daily planned virtual activities like live-streamed events, webinars with special guests, themed seminars, activities, Q&A sessions with SU Admissions, recreation and wellness classes and more. Dependents of Syracuse University employees receive a 15% discount on tuition and program fees. The application deadline for Summer College is May 15, 2020.
Alumnus Creates Scholarship in Sister’s Memory
Ben Vasquez ’18 and his sister Lauren shared a passion for helping others. Ben’s leadership skills and altruism shines through each day as a police officer with the Village of Waterloo. Lauren also impacted those around her through her acts of kindness. “She had a deep impact not just on her family and friends, but with everyone who crossed her path,” says Vasquez. “I remember when she was a student at Monroe Community College, she used her limited funds to buy another student a winter coat. That’s just the type of person she was.”
Vasquez, who received a bachelor’s degree in Creative Leadership from Syracuse University through University College, was recognized for his outstanding public service when he received the Chancellor’s Award for Public Engagement and Scholarship. He was the first part-time Syracuse University student to receive this prestigious honor. Since graduating from SU, he has gone on to earn a master’s degree in Homeland Security from George Washington University. Vasquez received several notable accolades throughout his academic and professional career, including his recent appointment to the Board of Ethics Committee for the City of Geneva, New York. But what drives him now is keeping his sister’s memory alive. Lauren took her own life in June 2018.
“My sister suffered from bipolar disorder and depression,” says Vasquez. “She was one semester away from completing an associate degree from Monroe Community College, and her dream was to attend Syracuse University.” To honor her memory, Vasquez and his mother Sandra wanted to help make the dream of a Syracuse University education possible for others. They established the Lauren E. Vasquez Scholarship Fund in her name. The scholarship provides financial assistance to a part-time undergraduate student who is studying in a mental health-related field. The funds are used to assist with the costs of tuition, books and other school-related expenses.
The first recipient of the award is Dinnah Dalton, who is majoring in psychology with a minor in women’s and gender studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. Dalton, 56, is grateful for the financial support that has made it possible to pursue the career she’s always dreamed of. “I’m retired, but I feel like I’m finally doing what I was born to do,” she says. “I’m a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I work hard to keep up my GPA because I hope to eventually earn a Ph.D., and that will give me the edge I need to really help individuals who are dealing with difficult issues.”
Vasquez says that the scholarship fund will help students of all ages unlock their best potential in order to fulfill their dreams. “Earning a degree from Syracuse University was one of the proudest moments of my life and opened more doors for me that I ever imagined,” he says. Looking back, he credits his time at SU for his success today—and his plans for the future. He plans to apply to Syracuse University’s College of Law for the fall semester.
Vasquez said that he and his mother knew that starting this scholarship would be a lasting tribute to his sister. “By establishing this scholarship in Lauren’s name, it carries on her legacy of helping others by assisting students at Syracuse University as they earn a quality, life-changing education,” he says. “A degree is something you will cherish for the rest of your life—like we will cherish Lauren’s memory.”
University College Online Students Selected to Attend National Veterans Conference
The world of online learning continues to grow at a rapid pace as busy adults who want to earn a degree or certificate recognize the importance of flexibility and convenience while juggling responsibilities such as work, family and military service.
But there may be one drawback: online learning doesn’t always offer opportunities for face-to-face interaction with one’s peers. Three University College online student veterans were chosen to attend the recent Student Veterans Organization’s (SVA) National Conference in Los Angeles, and they were eager to join other student veterans for this networking and professional development opportunity. With a focus on student veteran success and post-graduation opportunities, they learned everything from landing an internship to transitioning from military to college life.
Read the full story here: https://news.syr.edu/blog/2020/01/24/university-college-online-students-selected-to-attend-national-veterans-conference/
Syracuse University Students Lobby in Albany for Continued HEOP Funding
The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) offers economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals a chance to transform their lives through education. The program provides access to a Syracuse University degree for students from New York State. University College is the only college in New York State that provides HEOP funding for part-time students.
In February, 25 Syracuse University students traveled to Albany to lobby legislators for continued funding to part-time and full-time students. Leondra Tyler is a part-time student working on an associate’s degree in the College of Arts and Sciences through University College. She heard about the HEOP program while attending a BOCES high-school equivalency program. Tyler said she chose to study part-time because as an adult student, she has other obligations and priorities in her life.