News

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/

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.

Read the full article here.

As the recently appointed executive director for advancement at University College, I am excited about the opportunity to connect and reconnect with members of our Orange family. As University College alumni, you have had a different experience at Syracuse University than the traditional full-time student, and we greatly value you as part of our campus community. As such, I would like to encourage you to become an active and engaged member of our alumni base through the three W’s―“Wisdom, Work, and Wealth.”

Wisdom—By sharing what you experienced during and after your education, you can help us continue to enhance the way UC staff engage with current and former students. Additionally, by offering to mentor current students, you can help the next generation of part-time learners succeed.

Work—Many of you earned or are earning your degree part-time while working, serving in the military, raising a family and managing competing priorities. Your stories will encourage others to continue with or begin their journey of lifelong learning. Hearing firsthand from people who have struggled yet succeeded provides the inspiration our current students need to remain motivated and moving forward. You are the role models for those who are earning a Syracuse University degree online or on campus—in upstate New York and across the world.

Wealth—For generations, University College students have benefitted from the generosity of UC alumni and friends. When a student receives financial assistance for tuition, books, supplies or other expenses, it may eliminate another barrier and allow them to focus on their studies. Every gift, large or small, makes an impact in helping further the education of lifelong learners.

I encourage you to visit part-time.syr.edu/alumni to learn more ways to connect and create your own three W’s. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at jjcomani@syr.edu or 315-420-9330. Together, we can pay it forward!

 

Forever Orange,

Jeffry Comanici ’88

Executive Director for Advancement

University College

In 1946, Dr. Kenneth G. Bartlett, founding dean of the newly chartered University College, shared his philosophy with the inaugural class of part-time students, staff and faculty:

“University College 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….”

University College staff and faculty practice this belief every day through their unwavering commitment to the foundational ideals of Syracuse University—to promote a socially diverse climate; to support an inclusive community; and to promote a culture of awareness, innovation and discovery.

Throughout our history, we have seen UC students graduate and carry these ideals out into the world, leading authentic lives—knowing who they are—their values, their principles and their life goals. We have seen thousands of part-time students move these ideals forward—demonstrating fearlessness, strength and brilliance—shaping their personal and professional relationships through engaged, informed, and civil discourse—and becoming stewards and champions of civility, fairness, diversity, equity and inclusion.

As we reflect on a year of institutional, national and international change, UC is moving boldly forward as the steadying influence Dean Bartlett imagined more than 70 years ago. Like the 1946 inaugural class who would use their education to mend a world devastated by global conflict, this generation of graduates is responding to dramatic cultural changes and rapidly evolving global economic and social conditions.

Today, University College remains committed to the foundational ideals of Syracuse University—preparing engaged citizens, scholars and leaders for participation in a changing society. We are proud to Be Orange!

In your service,

Michael J. Frasciello, Dean