News

Celebrating a Century of University College

The Crouse Mansion (later the SU College of Law) was home to the first Syracuse University evening classes on October 8, 1918.

In the early 1900s, college was a distant dream for most American students. As they grew older, opportunities for college study receded even further, but the desire for education never diminished. M. Ellwood Smith, a Syracuse University graduate and member of the University’s faculty, recognized this gap, and set about rectifying it. He recommended that SU establish a self-supporting night school where adults could study part time. In 1918, Smith’s efforts led to the creation of Syracuse University’s School of Extension Teaching and Adult Education,
which later evolved into University College. The intervening 100 years have witnessed many changes in adult education, but Smith’s vision remains at the core of UC’s mission: to provide a first-class education to adults, veterans, active military, and first-generation college students. Career advancement has always been a goal for nontraditional students who study part time through University College. But other motivators include setting an example for children, fulfilling long-held dreams, and experiencing the joy of lifelong learning. Innovations through the years include the development of distance education options, community engagement programs, and the creation of pathways for students with significant educational and economic challenges. More recently, UC has become SU’s leader in the advancement of innovative online curriculum and programming.

The future is here – A Message from the Dean

Dean Frasciello speaking at 2016 UC Commencement

“Adult education is now one of the primary functions of a modern university and no longer a peripheral activity. It is an indispensable service of the greatest significance.”
~ Chancellor William Tolley, April 1958

Sixty years ago, Chancellor Tolley was championing adult and continuing education. He made it part of Syracuse University’s ethos—a spirit within our institutional culture which Chancellor Syverud has today challenged us to reimagine for a modern university of the 21st century. This year University College celebrates its 100 year anniversary. When I look at how University College has evolved over that time, I see Syracuse University’s strategic response to the societal, cultural, economic, and global exigencies of each era. The first Syracuse University Evening Session was held on October 18, 1918, making SU one of the first universities in the country accessible to part-time adult students—just as the world was anticipating the end of the Great War. During the 1930s, amid a global economic depression, Evening Sessions grew into the School of Extension Teaching and Adult Education. In 1946, the school was re-chartered as University College to serve thousands of returning World War II veterans, preparing them for entry into Syracuse University and beyond.

Today, University College is the agile and innovative academic unit through which Syracuse University is responding to disruptive shifts in higher education, the rapidly evolving educational and skills demands of a global and transient workforce, and the notable progression away from aging modes of place-based full-time education. We are advancing quickly with innovative programming, accessible academic pathways, and world-class online education—while expanding our student-centric departments—from student support services through curriculum development and academic programming. While University College has evolved over the past 100 years, our core mission has remained the same— providing educational opportunities for non-traditional students whose only access to a Syracuse University education is through part-time study. This October, I hope to see all of you at our Centennial Gala, celebrating the thousands of part-time students who have transformed their lives with a Syracuse University education—and the thousands more we seek to serve.

In your service,

Michael J. Frasciello, Dean

UC Centennial Scholarship – Funding the dream for future students

Aerial photo of SU promenade

“The financial support helped me focus more on becoming the best student I could be, and less on how I was going to pay for my education.”
— Benjamin Vasquez ’18

Benjamin Vasquez is a police officer in Geneva, NY who aspires to go to law school and eventually work for the federal government. He’s been commuting to Syracuse between shifts for the past few years to complete a BPS in Creative Leadership at UC, and will be the 2018 Student Speaker when he graduates in May. Last summer, Ben was chosen from a field of 7,200 applicants to complete a White House internship. This spring, he received the Chancellor’s Award for Public Engagement and Scholarship.

Ben says a UC Achiever Scholarship was instrumental in helping him complete his degree program. “The financial support helped me focus more on becoming the best student I could be and less on how I was going to pay for my education,” he says. “I’m humbled and appreciative for this prestigious scholarship.”

Jeanette Bova, a mother of two who works six days a week as a waitress, concurs. “Financial aid has been instrumental in my returning to school,” she says. “Without it, this would be impossible.” She is working toward a degree in English and Textual Studies, and as a recipient of an Achiever Scholarship, Jeanette must maintain excellent grades. She’s met the challenge with a nearperfect GPA.

Stories like these abound at UC, where almost every student receives some form of financial aid in the course of their undergraduate career. UC is hoping to provide more robust opportunities for part-time students with the Centennial Scholarship, which is being created in recognition of UC’s 100th anniversary. A Gala Fundraiser is planned for October at Schine Student Center, and all funds raised will be used to establish this scholarship. “Providing opportunity is what we do at UC,” says UC Dean Michael Frasciello, “and we hope this will enable us to reach out to even more students who have the drive and the dream, but don’t have the funds to finance a college degree.”

Would you like to create opportunities for deserving students by contributing to the Centennial Scholarship? Contact Jenn Scott at 315-443-3281 or jbscott@syr.edu .

Forging online pathways

Father working on laptop with infant sitting on lap

Online education is the wave of the future, and University College is creating digital pathways that will reach every corner of Syracuse University. The establishment of the Center for Online and Digital Learning at UC will develop and launch market driven online and residential graduate and undergraduate programs.

“As we fully align with the University’s Academic Strategic Plan, University College will play a critical role in carrying out the ambitious vision to solidify Syracuse University as a preeminent and inclusive student-focused research university,” said UC Dean Michael Frasciello.

Executive Director of Summer@Syracuse Wins National Award

Christopher Cofer, executive director of Summer@Syracuse, has been named the New York ACT College and Career Readiness Postsecondary Champion for 2018. The award is given to one individual from each state who is making a positive impact on their communities through their efforts to advance college and career readiness. Over 5,000 applications and nominations were received nationally and the largest pool of applicants ever was received for New York State.

Christopher Cofer

Christopher Cofer

The ACT College and Career Readiness Postsecondary Champion Award acknowledges individuals who assist underrepresented or underserved students in navigating their future educational and professional careers.

“Chris was an outstanding applicant in his category, and his contributions to Summer@Syracuse represent the best attributes of college and career readiness for all,” says Rose Babington, ACT district manager.

Cofer has significantly expanded partnerships with community-based organizations to increase access to Syracuse University’s Summer College for High School Students programs. The Summer College for High School Students programs are designed to offer both credit and non-credit opportunities for students to engage in rigorous college courses over a six-week period during the summer. Partnering with community-based organizations and foundations has provided opportunities for students who may otherwise not have the means to attend. In 2017, Summer College served 457 students from 30 states and 20 countries.

The Charles Hayden Foundation is the longest standing partnership with Summer College. The foundation funds an average of 20 students each summer from select New York City high schools. Their focus and support is on youth development and education programs that present evidence of program impact on young people and plans for making measurable progress toward well-defined goals in a specific time frame.

Funds from the foundation are used for housing, meal plans and other expenses. Since 2010, 177 students have been awarded the Charles Hayden Foundation Scholarship, giving them the opportunity to attend Summer College.

“Chris’s passion for opportunity and access exemplifies Syracuse University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” says Mike Frasciello, dean of University College. “Under Chris’s leadership, Summer College has evolved into a One University initiative that actively demonstrates how diversity and inclusion goals can be meet with intention, purpose and a personal commitment to academic excellence through multiple points of view, life experiences, ethnicities and cultures,” he adds.

ACT State Organizations represents over 10,000 education and workplace professionals from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.