News

Syracuse University’s English Language Institute (ELI) met with five soldiers from the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion in Syracuse to help them prepare for a yearlong civil affairs mission in East Africa. Civil affairs officers use their expertise, language competency, political-military awareness and cross-cultural communication and military skills to conduct civil affairs operations throughout the world.

Sergeant First Class Michael Malizia, Captain Adrienne Gibson, Specialist Megan Sleeth, Captain Marl Pasibe and Sergeant Andrew Boyd will be hosting English language discussion groups with the civilian population in order to help them improve their English. “Helping the civilians build on the English skills they are already learning will not only empower them but will establish and grow the relationship the U.S. has in this area,” says Gibson.

The soldiers observed English language lessons taught by Connie Walters and Patrick McKinnon and then met with ELI staff members Danielle Benjamin, Jackie Monsour, Olga Oganesyan and director David Lind to learn different teaching strategies to lead discussion groups in East Africa.

“Consider using alternative methods to enhance the oral language instruction. Journaling and watching films can stimulate critical thinking and give the members of the discussion group another way to express themselves and make instruction interactive,” says Oganesyan. “It gives them the tools to share their stories, talk about their culture and learn about ours—all while speaking English.” The ELI staff also advised the soldiers to be culturally sensitive and establish a safe learning environment where everyone feels comfortable to participate.

“By observing the ELI classes and talking to the team about teaching strategies, we can now develop lesson plans for our assignment,” says Gibson.

The soldiers were given teaching guides and resources including picture dictionaries and English language workbooks. Each soldier also received a copy of “Becoming International,” a compilation of ELI student stories published last September.  The staff offered to act as consultants while the team was on assignment.

“This has been a tremendous opportunity for us,” says Malizia. “We now have a solid plan of action to lead these discussion groups. We are now better prepared for our mission.”

Syracuse University’s English Language Institute (ELI) 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.

University College’s Center for Online and Digital Learning (CODL) is a signature One University initiative and a strategic response to the growing demand to quality online programming at Syracuse University.

The center was launched in 2017 and now includes a state-of-the-art video production studio that incorporates animation, graphics and assessment to create an interactive experience for optimal learning.

Currently, ten staff members support six schools/colleges throughout the University. Instructional designers, multi-media specialists, videographers and directors offer expertise in design, technology, education, graphic art, project management and radio and television.

In addition to creating online courses and programs for University College, the team is developing programming for the School of Education, Falk College, College of Law, Whitman School of Management and College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“We project working on approximately 200 courses over the next three years,” says Tom Downes, assistant director of CODL. “The content development for the courses will vary based on what the schools/colleges need.” Downes says that additional positions within the center would be considered as partnerships across the University continue to expand to meet the growing number of online students.

The marketing team that promotes University College of Syracuse University has won a bronze award in the 2018 University Professional Continuing Education Association’s (UPCEA) Marketing Awards Competition. The awards recognize the best marketing practices and promotional pieces in the field of professional, continuing and online education.

University College’s 100^th-Anniversary advertising campaign took bronze in the Interactive Media category. It recognizes the significant achievements of SU’s division of part-time studies, which is celebrating its 100^th year of creating opportunities for nontraditional students. The award will be presented at UPCEA’s Annual Marketing and Enrollment Management Seminar in November.

UC was recognized for a multifaceted interactive media campaign that used testimonial-driven promotions to showcase UC’s impact on the lives of part-time students. A testimonial wall installation in the UC lobby at 700 University Ave. features the words of many students and faculty, past and present. A four-minute video features UC alumni sharing individual stories of perseverance, achievement and triumph during their journey to an SU degree, which they all achieved as nontraditional students juggling numerous real-life responsibilities. The video was featured at a gala celebration held on campus Oct. 6 as a fundraiser for the newly established Centennial Scholarship for part-time students.

UPCEA is the leading association for professional, continuing and online education. Founded in 1915, UPCEA now serves most of the leading public and private colleges and universities in North America. It provides innovative conferences and specialty seminars, research and benchmarking information, professional networking and timely publications.

University College has been providing access to Syracuse University academic programs and support services to diverse part-time student populations since 1918.