University College announced the launch of the 鶹ƵUniversity Office of Online Student Success. The office, located at 700 University Ave., supports students enrolled in online undergraduate and graduate programs. Students enrolled in 2U-supported graduate online programs are not served by the office.
Elizabeth Green
The Office of Online Student Success is a critical component of 鶹ƵUniversity’s strategic response to improving access and support for online students. Student Success coordinators begin working with students upon admission to their program. Every online student is assigned a coordinator to provide the support necessary for the student to excel academically.
“As soon as we welcome an online student to 鶹ƵUniversity, we begin assisting them in setting and meeting their educational goals, providing resources and one-on-one consultations, and identifying and addressing academic and personal concerns,” says Elizabeth Green, director of the office.
As 鶹ƵUniversity expands its reach globally to serve students who otherwise cannot attend the University full-time and on campus, it is becoming increasingly important to provide the support and services online students require to succeed.
“The 鶹ƵUniversity online student experience needs to be as exceptional as the on-campus student experience,” says Rosemary Kelly, assistant dean of student administrative services at University College. “A significant part of that experience is getting online students connected to the appropriate resources and helping them become successful, independent learners who are able to confidently participate as active members of the University community.”
The Office of Online Student Success uses a variety of platforms and methods for engaging online students early and often. Students have the ability to attend regular webinars on topics ranging from study skills and how to succeed in online courses to how best use features of the University’s learning management system. Student Success coordinators also proactively engage with students to ensure they are staying on track with their course work and feeling connected to their peers, instructors and the University.
“Online students are often challenged to feel a sense of belonging to the University,” says Green. “The Office of Online Student Success is here to ensure that all online students have the necessary support to allow them to persist and ultimately thrive as members of the 鶹ƵUniversity community.”
For more information, contact Elizabeth Green at elgreen@syr.edu.
