News

University College staff participate in inaugural First-Year Experience

Nine University College staff volunteered to act as trainers and facilitators in a signature experience that introduced first-year students to the University and its culture. The First-Year Experience program was identified in Syracuse University’s Academic Strategic Plan and was supported by the work of the Chancellor’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion.

The campus-wide initiative helped first-year students become engaged in the campus community through dialogue about identity and belonging, health and wellness, and diversity and inclusion.

Elizabeth Green, director of Online Student Success, trained lead and peer facilitators on the content of SEM 100—a shared reading discussion. “It was an incredible experience to learn more about the perspectives of the facilitators and their innovative ideas for how to engage students in meaningful ways,” Green said. “Trevor Noah’s book, Born a Crime, was an exceptional choice for this shared reading experience.” She said that the themes of inclusion, social injustice, and belonging provided a framework for rich and engaging dialogue.

Charlotte Stahrr, program administrator at University College, acted as a facilitator. “The students were engaged and insightful during our discussions,” said Stahrr. “While we did occasionally go off topic, I think it helped the students get to know each other better and realize that people from different backgrounds are more alike than they thought.”

“The facilitators and students both felt supported in stepping out of their comfort zones and pushing their awareness on important and relevant topics,” Green added.

The five-week shared experience enrolled 3,778 students. “I definitely think the students found real value in the exercise,” said Stahrr. “They learned more about their peers—and about themselves.”

Announcing our new University College Diversity Committee

three women standing

From left, Margaret Thompson, Marsha Senior and Christina Huerta

University College announces the appointment of three staff members to the University College Diversity Committee. As part of the continued commitment to creating a more welcoming, respectful campus climate, the Diversity Committee will work with the Syracuse University Inclusivity Leaders Assembly (an assembly of inclusion and diversity leaders from each of the schools and colleges) to articulate and enact the University’s diversity and inclusion goals and initiatives.

Margaret Thompson, Marsha Senior and Christina Huerta will be tasked with promoting diversity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty through training, awareness building and events. Committee members will serve a one-year term.

“University College’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity are expressed in our mission and vision statements, and are demonstrated every day in our service to all individuals who seek a Syracuse University education to transform their lives,” says Dean Michael Frasciello. “To focus on these commitments with more intentionality and align with Syracuse University diversity initiatives, we are confident that these three dedicated individuals, who were selected by their peers, will bring value, compassion, and understanding to this campus-wide initiative.”

University College offers a variety of online and residential degree and certificate programs. For more information, visit https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/ or call 315.443.9378.

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.