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Nancy Rothschild, associate dean of admissions and Geraldine de Berly, senior associate dean of University College participated in the fifth annual EducationUSA Forum in Washington, D.C., in June on behalf of Syracuse University. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the EducationUSA Forum brought together 550 university representatives with over 60 EducationUSA regional educational experts and advisers from around the world to discuss strategies for helping international students to study in the United States and promoting U.S. Study abroad.

The EducationUSA Forum offers practical information and strategies to help internationalize U.S. campuses. Workshop sessions, led by international education experts, U.S. higher education representatives, and government officials presented unique and valuable information on recruiting international students and supporting diversity in international education.

University College has announced two new majors in the bachelor of professional studies (BPS) degree program beginning fall 2014. The 120-credit BPS is a competency-based program designed to appeal to working professionals and post-traditional students who would like to start or complete a bachelor’s degree part time.

The programs—Creative Leadership and Knowledge Management—will provide students with a broad set of business skills to help them advance in their chosen career or become more marketable in an increasingly competitive regional and global work environment.

The skills learned in the BPS Program are in high demand among employers. According to a 2014 report compiled by the Advisory Board Co., social media was the fastest growing skillset employers in New York State were looking for in 2012-13. Validation (utilizing a step-by-step check method to confirm that all business rules are working correctly), data management, business planning and data analysis skills round out the top five. All of these competencies are covered in the BPS’s core curriculum.

“The good mix of skills offered in SU’s BPS program is very appealing,” says Jacob Corlyon of Bankers Healthcare Group in Syracuse. “The areas of concentration are relevant to my organization’s workforce needs.”

A five-course certificate program is offered in both concentrations for individuals who are looking to change or redirect their career. The certificate option is available to those with an associate degree or some college credits.

For more information, call 315-443-9378 or visit the website at https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/students/online-learners/.

Bea González, dean of University College, was recognized with a Community Service Award by the Syracuse/Onondaga County NAACP at the 35^th Annual Freedom Awards Banquet held in May.

The Community Service Award is the most distinguished honor given by the NAACP to an individual, community-based organization, agency or business in the public or private sector. It recognizes those who have substantially improved the quality of life in our community, especially for those who are impoverished, oppressed, abused or disenfranchised.

González began her career as an academic advisor at Syracuse University in 1987. She quickly moved through the ranks from academic counselor to dean of University College. She became the first Latina on the Syracuse City School District’s board of education in 1991, the first Latina to serve as president of the Syracuse Common Council and the first Latina candidate for Syracuse mayor in the city’s history.

González has spent her life advocating for those who have not had a voice in our communities, schools, neighborhoods and political systems. She has received numerous awards and recognitions through the years, including being named a Hispanic American of Distinction in New York State and an Unsung Heroine by the Central New York National Organization of Women.

In addition to her dedicated community service, González was recently elected president of the University Professional & Continuing Education Association for 2014-15. She has served on and is a member of several professional organizations, including the Association of University Summer Sessions, the Education Commission of the States, New York State Representative and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization.