News

Two University College students appeared on Channel 9’s Bridge Street program on Oct. 18 to promote National Nontraditional Student Recognition Week (Nov. 4-10). Students Timothy Bryant and Lucia Bush joined Rosemary Kelly, assistant dean of student administrative services, to share the challenges and rewards of being a part-time student.

Nontraditional Student Recognition Week, sponsored by the Association for Nontraditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE), is celebrated the first week of November each year. It is an opportunity for member schools to recognize the support many campus departments provide and to celebrate nontraditional student success on campuses across the United States and Canada.

Bryant, a sophomore majoring in public health at the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, talked about his own misconception of college life and about his ability to learn after being out of school so long. He said that being in class with younger students could be intimidating, “But I learned I have something of value to offer. I learn from them and they learn from me. And, as the semester goes on, it becomes easier,” he said.

Bush, a senior majoring in social work at the Falk College, says that she worried that she was too old to begin a college career. Her challenges included financial worries. “I have children that are also in college, and I wondered if my going back to college was going to squash their dreams,” she said. “UC has an awesome support system to help you access financial need through scholarships, loans and grants. They are always there to remind you it’s possible. It’s never too late.”

Kelly says UC is uniquely positioned to serve a diverse population of students because it is one-stop shop that offers expertise and personalized service to part-time students. “Our mission is to provide support and services for a diverse population to gain access to Syracuse,” she says. “We provide a wide range of student assistance—academic and financial advising as well as bursar registrar services—all located on the first floor.”

The University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), the leading association for universities engaged in professional, continuing and online learning, has announced the winners of the 2012 Marketing Awards. University College (UC) of Syracuse University was awarded two gold medals in the competition.

In the television category, UC’s marketing department was awarded a gold medal for its current 30-second commercial.  Produced by Solon Quinn Productions, the ad reinforces UC’s belief that “it’s never too late to graduate.”   Monica Brown ’09 was a part-time student who earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University at age 45. “As soon as I graduated, I was offered a promotion at work. Completing my degree was a significant factor,” Brown says.

“We believe that a college degree is worth pursuing at any age, no matter what a person’s goals are,” says Bea González, dean of University College.

The sixth issue of Stone Canoe: A Journal of Arts, Literature and Social Commentary won gold in the category of annual/anniversary report magazine. The journal is published annually by UC. Stone Canoe showcases the work of a diverse mix of emerging and well-established artists and writers with connections to Upstate New York.

UPCEA’s Marketing, Enrollment and Student Services Network sponsors the annual competition to recognize the best marketing practices and promotional pieces in the field of professional, continuing and online education. The entries are reviewed by a panel of marketing, communication and design professionals. The award winners will be recognized and celebrated at UPCEA’s 21st Annual Marketing Conference, held in New Orleans Nov. 6-8.

 

The Oct. 18 session of the Institute for Retired People (IRP) will feature Sharon Contreras, superintendent of the Syracuse City School District. She will discuss the district’s five-year plan for ensuring the success of the city’s students.

The IRP program runs from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and is free and open to the public. IRP sessions are held at the First Baptist Church of Syracuse, 5833 East Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville. For more information, visit http://uc.syr.edu/irp, call 315-443-4846, or e-mail cmkarlho@syr.edu.

Contreras began her career as a high school English teacher and then a curriculum specialist at the high school level in Rockford, Ill. Soon thereafter, Contreras was appointed principal of the award-winning Lewis Lemon Global Studies Academy magnet school. She implemented one of the nation’s first multi-tier literacy initiatives. Contreras was promoted to area superintendent over elementary, middle and high schools. Later, she became assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services, with responsibilities for special education, gifted, pre-kindergarten and ESOL programming.

In 2004, she accepted the position of chief academic officer for the 52,000-student Clayton County Public Schools in Jonesboro, Ga.

In 2007, Contreras became the chief academic officer for Providence Public Schools in Rhode Island. She implemented an Aligned Instructional System, improved the graduation rate and rolled out a Pathways to Prosperity initiative to provide high school students with greater access to college and careers.

Contreras attended Binghamton University, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in English literature. She also earned a master of arts in teaching; a master of arts in English literature and a master of science in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is currently completing her Ph.D in educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she is a dissertator.

IRP is a community program established by University College of Syracuse University, dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning.

The Oct. 18 session of Thursday Morning Roundtable will feature Stephen A. Rogers, editor and publisher of The Post-Standard, and Tim Kennedy, president of Syracuse Media Group.

The pair will discuss the changes taking place at the Post-Standard as they move to a three-day-a-week print schedule. The changes are part of a restructuring that will bring the newspaper and the website under the same umbrella. The new company will be called Syracuse Media Group.

TMR meets from 8:15-9:15 a.m. at Drumlins, 800 Nottingham Rd.

For further information, contact Sandra Barrett, director of community programs, 315-443-4846 or visit www.uc.syr.edu/community/tmr. The TMR program is broadcast on WCNY-FM, 91.3 on Sundays at 8 p.m. and at www.wcny.org/radio/thursday-morning-roundtable.

“Health Care for Homeless Veterans: VA’s Five-Year Plan to End Homelessness,” the third in a five-part seminar series, will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 5:30-7 p.m. in SU’s Life Sciences Building Auditorium.  

Adam Ormsby, program coordinator of Health Care for Homeless Veterans in Upstate New York, will discuss the physical and mental health needs of homeless veterans. Ormsby will share startling statistics of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as serious psychiatric and physical health diagnoses. Support services available for low-income veterans and financial assistance available to prevent veterans from falling into homelessness will be addressed. Ormsby will share the VA’s plans for improving employability and increasing independent living for those who have served our nation.

All seminars are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. Parking is available in the Booth Garage and the Q4 lot.

For more information, visit salute.syr.edu/seminars or call 315-443-9297.