News

University College Dean’s List Students Honored at Ceremony and Reception

University College honored part-time students who earned dean’s list status for the spring and fall 2018 semesters at a ceremony and reception held at Panasci Lounge in Schine Student Center on March 8.

Students who qualified have been enrolled in University College for at least two semesters and have earned a minimum GPA of 3.2 for the last 12 credits completed.

Dean Michael Frasciello presided over the ceremony, which featured guest speaker Diane Murphy, dean of the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics.

man at podium speaking to audience

University College Dean Michael Frasciello, shares remarks at 2019 UC Honors Reception.

Acknowledging that the part-time students at University College juggle many responsibilities while attending college, Frasciello told the students that their achievements are demonstrating to others the courage required to set their sights on a goal and do everything necessary to achieve it.

“It takes courage to overcome self-doubt and questions: Am I too old to be in college? How and I going to sustain this pace? But you demonstrate courage each night you stay up late reading chapters, completing assignments, and writing papers—all after a full day of work or tending to your family,” he said.  “Your presence here this evening is a testament to a continuous commitment to excellence.”

During the ceremony, five students were also inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society—the nation’s largest and oldest chapter-based honor society for nontraditional students.

people standing in row and seated

University College celebrates students making the dean’s list at 2019 Honors Reception.

University College offers a variety of online and residential degree and certificate programs. For more information on part-time programs, visit the UC web site at https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/ or call 315.443.9378.

University College Opens the Syracuse University Office of Online Student Success

University College today announced the official launch of the Syracuse University Office of Online Student Success. The office, located at 700 University Avenue, supports students enrolled in online undergraduate and graduate programs. Students enrolled in 2U-supported graduate online programs are not served by the office.

The Office of Online Student Success is a critical component of Syracuse University’s strategic response to improving access and support for online students. Student Success coordinators begin working with students upon admission to their program. Every online student is assigned a coordinator to provide the support necessary for the student to excel academically.

“As soon as we welcome an online student to Syracuse University, we begin assisting them in setting and meeting their educational goals, providing resources and one-on-one consultations, and identifying and addressing academic and personal concerns,” says Elizabeth Green, director of the office.

As Syracuse University expands its reach globally to serve students who otherwise cannot attend the university full-time and on campus, it is becoming increasingly important to provide the support and services online students require to succeed.

“The Syracuse University online student experience needs to be as exceptional as the on-campus student experience,” says Rosemary Kelly, assistant dean of student administrative services at University College. “A significant part of that experience is getting online students connected to the appropriate resources and helping them become successful, independent learners who are able to confidently participate as active members of the University community.”

The Office of Online Student Success uses a variety of platforms and methods for engaging online students early and often. 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. Student Success coordinators also proactively engage with students to ensure they are staying on track with their course work and feeling connected to their peers, instructors, and the University.

“Online students are often challenged to feel a sense of belonging to the University,” says Green. “The Office of Online Student Success is here to ensure that all online students have the necessary support to allow them to persist and ultimately thrive as members of the Syracuse University community.”

For more information, contact Elizabeth Green at elgreen@syr.edu.

ELI helps prepare military for mission in East Africa

ELI Staff with 403rd Civil Affairs BattalionSyracuse University’s English Language Institute (ELI) met with soldiers from the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion in Syracuse to help them prepare for a yearlong civil affairs mission in East Africa. These civil affairs officers use their expertise, language competency and political-military awareness—along with cross-cultural communication and military skills—to conduct operations throughout the world.

Sergeant First Class Michael Malizia, Captain Adrienne Gibson, Specialist Megan Sleeth, Captain Marl Pasibe, and Sergeant Andrew Boyd will host English language discussion groups. “Helping civilians build on the English skills they are already learning will empower them and establish and grow the relationship the U.S. has in this area,” said Gibson.

The soldiers observed English language lessons taught by Connie Walters and Patrick McKinnon and met with ELI staff members Danielle Benjamin, Jackie Monsour, Olga Oganesyan, and director David Lind to learn teaching strategies to lead discussion groups in East Africa.

“Consider using alternative methods to enhance the oral language instruction,” said Oganesyan. “Journaling and watching films can stimulate critical thinking and give group members another way to express themselves and make instruction interactive. It gives them tools to share stories, talk about their culture, and learn about ours, all while speaking English.” The ELI staff advised the soldiers to be culturally sensitive and establish a safe learning environment where everyone feels comfortable participating.

“This has been a tremendous opportunity,” said Malizia. “We now have a solid plan of action and we are better prepared for our mission.”

Syracuse University’s English Language Institute at University College serves students of diverse backgrounds who wish to prepare for undergraduate and graduate programs in the U.S., and professionals who wish to advance their careers. The ELI also provides consulting and support services for units that work directly with international students.

UC’s 100th Anniversary Gala

Mike Frasciello presents Charters’ son Alexander William Charters with an award
Dean Mike Frasciello presents Charters’ son Alexander William Charters with an award recognizing his father’s contributions to University College.

The University College 100th Anniversary Gala on October 6 was a festive celebration. Hundreds of guests enjoyed delicious food, live music, and a video filled with inspiring stories told by UC alumni. Honorees were the late UC dean and continuing education pioneer Alexander N. Charters, former UC dean Bea González, and the late administrative assistant Cindylou Gromney. At left, UC dean Michael Frasciello presents Charters’ son Alexander William Charters with an award recognizing his father’s contributions to University College.

Responding to High Demand for Cybersecurity Specialists

To meet the high demand for cybersecurity specialists in the field, University College has launched a bachelor of professional studies (BPS) degree in cybersecurity administration. The degree is fully online and can be completed from anywhere in the world.

Cybersecurity specialists work on the front lines and are responsible for implementing and overseeing networks that are required to run specific portions of a security program. The BPS degree provides the applied skills, breadth of knowledge and professional competencies needed to manage people and the technologies required to protect information systems and infrastructures.

According to Ziprecruiter.com, the national average salary for a cybersecurity specialist is $90,239 year. In Syracuse and the surrounding area cybersecurity administrators make on average $85,756 per year.

“The online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity administration was developed to address rapidly evolving global information security needs,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of University College. “While the online program is open to anyone who qualifies, it was designed to align with security and assurance specialist training in the United States military.”

Active duty military, New York State National Guard members and U.S. Reserve Component Military admitted to the online degree in cybersecurity can use their military tuition assistance or New York State RIRP tuition benefit to cover 100 percent of the tuition.

“Offering our online bachelor’s degrees at the TA rate for active, guard and reserve members is another example of Syracuse University’s unwavering support for our veterans and those currently serving,” adds Frasciello.

Pursuing a college degree online allows students to manage the ever-increasing demands of personal and professional commitments while beginning or continuing their education. For more information on how to get started, call 1.866.498.9378 or email parttime@syr.edu.