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On the evening of Oct. 8, 1918, Syracuse University became one of the first universities in the nation to open its doors wide to “non-traditional” students. That night, 18 evening courses met in downtown Syracuse. They attracted hundreds of students who wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree but who-unlike traditional undergraduates-had to work all day or could not afford to pay full-time tuition.

That was the beginning of University College at Syracuse. In the 99 years since, University College has stayed true to that original mission while growing to encompass many areas of study in courses offered with all of the University’s schools and colleges. Today, led by a great faculty and staff, and new dean Michael Frasciello, the college is further widening the pathways for those some call “non-traditional” students, but who I think of as a great Syracuse tradition. There are great advances coming in the next century of University College, including in the areas of innovative online programs and strategic academic partnerships with our schools and colleges.

This really matters at Syracuse because of the amazing students who are enabled to become part of us. Here are two examples:

Timothy Bryant, the victim of violent crime in childhood, struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder. Professor Sandy Lane encouraged him to pursue a college degree part time through the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) at University College. He made the dean’s list every semester on his way to a bachelor’s degree in public health in 2015. He was named the University Professional and Continuing Education Association’s Outstanding Continuing Education Student of the Year in 2016, and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in sociology at SU.

Elaine Sartwell, a young widow, raised six children and dreamed of a better future for her family. She didn’t see opportunities for promotion in her field without a related degree. She transferred from community college into the social work program in the Falk College with an Achiever Scholarship from University College. Elaine was selected as a Remembrance Scholar and graduated last May as a University College Alumni Scholar and a proud role model for her children and grandchildren.

I thank all those who have made a century of University College possible, and all those who will enable it to thrive in the century ahead.

Syracuse, NY – University College of Syracuse University won two Mid-Atlantic Region UPCEA Awards for 2017. University and Professional Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) is the leading association for professional, continuing, and online education.

Up Online won the Faculty and Staff Development Award for innovative programming to the continuing education field. The University Partners for Online Education Strategies (UP Online) program was created to bring together online leaders in higher education within the Central and Western New York area to share ideas, address common problems, collaborate, build a regional network, and participate in professional development. “The UP Online program is an exceptional demonstration of University College’s creative innovation and impactful research relating to distance education, says Dean Mike Frasciello. “UPCEA’s recognition of our work in this space is a testament to our leadership and expertise in online teaching and learning scholarship and practices.”

Elizabeth Wimer was awarded UPCEA’s Excellence in Teaching Award. Wimer teaches online courses in Creative Leadership for UC’s Bachelor of Professional Studies Program. She also teaches Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises for SU’s Whitman School of Management. “Elizabeth teaches two of our courses in Creative Leadership,” says Eileen Julian, director of Syracuse University Center for Online and Digital Learning. “Since these are dynamic areas, Elizabeth remains not only current in her area of teaching and research, but is out in front with new ideas. Her enthusiasm and entrepreneurship drive are evident to her students.”

The awards were presented at the UPCEA Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference in New Brunswick, NJ on October 5, 2017.

Founded in 1915, UPCEA now serves most of the leading public and private colleges and universities in North America. For 100 years, the association has served its members with innovative conferences and specialty seminars, research and benchmarking information, professional networking opportunities and timely publications.

University College is an inclusive student-centric college, providing access to Syracuse University academic programs and support services to diverse part-time student populations.

Karen Bull, a recognized leader of instructional excellence in online and continuing education, has been named associate dean of Academic Affairs for the college. The appointment is effective immediately.

“Karen has anchored the college’s academic programs and faculty through a year of dramatic and important institutional changes,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of University College. “Her background in continuing adult education, assessment, and evaluation will be critical as University College transforms to positively impact and sustain the Syracuse University academic strategic plan.”

Bull has served as interim associate dean of University College since 2016. Prior to accepting the position as interim associate dean, Bull served as manager of online programs for the college. In that role, she modernized the college’s interface with Syracuse University academic departments and functional units to identify high-priority online learning opportunities for conversion of existing courses and developing new credit and non-credit courses. Additionally, Bull designed and launched the University Partners for Online Education Strategies (UP Online) conference. Now in its fourth year, UP Online is a gathering of regional colleagues working in online education to share ideas, address common problems, build a network, and support professional development. Prior to joining University College, Bull served as assistant director of Online Learning and later as director of Program Evaluation at Onondaga Community College.

Bull holds a doctorate of philosophy from the School of Education at Syracuse University, a master of education in instructional technology from the University of Maine, and a bachelor of science in computer science from Allegheny College.

Michael Frasciello, a respected leader and longtime advocate for continuous learning who was appointed interim dean of University College in January, has been named as the new dean of the college. The appointment, which was recently approved by the Board of Trustees, is effective immediately.

“Michael is committed to the value and importance of distance, online and part-time learning. He has reinvigorated University College through his leadership and skills in strategic planning and collaboration,” says Michele G. Wheatly, vice chancellor and provost. “His background and experience are essential to what University College needs as a leading example of continuing and online education in higher education.”

As interim dean, Frasciello took significant steps to re-mission University College, streamlining business operations and simplifying the business and academic portfolio. He launched a new program in the form of an online and residential bachelor’s of professional studies in cybersecurity administration, as well as two new “pathways” to undergraduate online degree programs (A.A. in liberal studies and B.A. in liberal arts). He has also acted to create the Syracuse University Center for Online and Digital Learning, as a One University center of excellence for online education.

“During his tenure as interim dean, Michael has proven to be a skilled leader and innovator, setting the conditions for University College to successfully compete in the dynamic marketplace for distance education,” says J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “We are pleased that he will remain at University College in his new role as dean and furthering the important work of preparing both traditional and nontraditional students for a lifetime of success.”

Prior to accepting the position as interim dean at University College, Frasciello served as director of online learning for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. In that role, he directed the college’s online graduate programs and operations, while at the same time co-directing Syracuse University’s Distance Education Work Group. Before joining the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Frasciello served, for more than a decade, as the assistant dean of University College, managing a portfolio that included direct oversight of online learning, information systems, marketing, enrollment management and public relations.

“I am grateful to Provost Wheatly, Vice Chancellor Haynie and the Board of Trustees for this honor and opportunity to steward University College. It has been a wonderful experience working with an exceptionally talented college staff and leveraging our collective potential to innovate and grow,” Frasciello says. “I look forward to being part of the important work being done at University College and serving our students.”

Frasciello, who conducts research in continuing education and online learning, has taught several writing and technical communications courses in residential, online, condensed and blended formats. An experienced presenter on topics of digital learning and instructional technology, he is involved with several professional and academic organizations, including the American Society for Engineering Education, Association for Continuing Higher Education, Online Learning Consortium, Institute for Engaged Leaders in Online Learning and the University Professional and Continuing Education Association.

A 10-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Frasciello holds a doctorate of philosophy from the College of Arts and Sciences, a master of professional communication from Westminster College, a bachelor of science in political science and government from the University of Maryland and an associate of applied science from the Community College of the Air Force.