University College Celebrates National Distance Learners and Non-traditional Student Week

The first week of November (Nov. 5-9) acknowledges two segments of UC’s student population—distance learners and non-traditional students. National Distance Learner Week highlights distance education and the work universities are doing to support students studying online across the globe. Sponsored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), National Distance Learning Week helps increase awareness and appreciation for distance learning and supports students with their educational goals.

To help SU’s distance learners feel more a part of the SU community, University College (UC) launched an Online Learning Community—a series of four 30-minute webinars via Blackboard Collaborate. The four sessions give students the opportunity to engage with University College staff as well as their peers while learning about success in the online environment, tips and advice from current online students, and managing multiple priorities.

Liz Green, director of Online Student Success at University College, explains why there is a need to engage online students in the campus community. “When students don’t have a physical presence on campus, they may feel a sense of isolation,” says Green. “We hope that being part of an online community will help create a sense of belonging and foster connection with the network at UC and Syracuse University as a whole.”

University College will also celebrate National Non-traditional Student Week. Part-time students are invited to stop by University College Nov. 5-9 from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Nov. 9) to pick up a 100th anniversary commemorative gift. It is our way of showing our students how much we admire their dedication and hard work and to celebrate UC’s centennial year.

University College provides exceptional support and services for a diverse population seeking access to Syracuse University. We strive to be an innovator of market-sensitive professional degrees, non-credit programs, and executive education and to act as a connector and catalyst for excellence among the schools and colleges within Syracuse University.