New Partnership Provides Seamless Admissions Pathway to Syracuse University for Onondaga Community College Graduates

Graduates of Onondaga Community College (OCC) can take advantage of a seamless pathway to undergraduate study at Syracuse University, thanks to a new agreement between the two institutions.

The Direct Transfer Admission Program Agreement guarantees eligible OCC graduates admission to academic programs in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Information Studies and College of Professional Studies, where they can complete a bachelor’s degree in four semesters.

“Syracuse University is proud to partner with Onondaga Community College to offer a new pathway to prepare students for emerging careers,” says Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud. “To fully take advantage of the economic opportunities developing in the region, we need a workforce with the training and knowledge to meet the needs of emerging industries. This new agreement makes it easier for learners from OCC to benefit from the outstanding educational opportunities available at Syracuse University while building a ready workforce for the region’s employers.”

“We’re honored to partner with Syracuse University on this Direct Transfer Admission Program,” says OCC President Warren Hilton. “As the community’s college, we are committed to giving students access to higher education pathways, and ultimately the opportunity to enjoy rewarding careers at places like Micron’s new chip fabrication facility right here in Onondaga County. This agreement gives our students a clearly defined pathway to one of the top institutions in the country, and we are proud to collaborate with Syracuse University for the betterment of our students and the Central New York region.”

Syracuse University Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter says, “This partnership reflects the University’s commitment not only to expanding academic excellence in STEM and other areas, but also to growing and strengthening our local community and embracing economic opportunities for our students and alumni.”

Adds OCC Provost and Senior Vice President Anastasia Urtz: “We appreciate the tireless work of our innovative faculty who have built more than 20 new programs in health and human services, STEM and advanced technologies, and the liberal arts. Our programs respond to local economic needs and prepare people for careers across New York state and around the world.”

To be eligible for the program, OCC graduates must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0. Those with GPAs of 3.25 or higher will be awarded a merit-based scholarship of at least $10,000.

Both OCC and Syracuse University will establish advising guidelines and course transfer recommendations to support students in the program and ensure their ability to complete their degrees in a timely manner. The institutions will also work together to recruit students to the program from the Syracuse City School District and other regional schools.

While participants in the program may study a range of disciplines, an emphasis on pathways to STEM-related majors will serve to prepare students for careers at high-tech companies, including Micron Technology, which plans to build a $100 billion semiconductor fabrication facility in the Syracuse suburb of Clay. In this way, the program dovetails with OCC’s new associate degree in electromechanical technology and related electromechanical technology certificate program, as well as existing degrees in engineering science and liberal arts: mathematics and science.