Independence
Independence
Frequently Asked Questions
Following are answers to common questions regarding Utica College's transition to full independence. Sections:
Questions of Interest to Students
Q: Will my degree requirements change?
A:
Whether you will be earning a Syracuse University degree or one from Utica College, your degree requirements are spelled out in Utica College’s catalog. You are responsible for the requirements that were in place the year that you began as a student. Utica College’s transition to independence will have no effect on degree requirements. The only change is that all students entering Utica College after Fall 2010 will earn the Utica College degree, and students who enter in Fall 2010 must complete their degree requirements within six years in order to earn the Syracuse University degree.It is important to note that Utica College’s academic programs go through a rigorous process designed to ensure excellence, whether the SU degree or UC degree is granted. When Utica College faculty members develop an academic program, it must be approved by the Faculty Senate, the President of the College, the College’s Board of Trustees, and the New York State Education Department before it can be offered to students. Academic programs must additionally go through five-year program reviews that ensure UC’s high standards continue to be met.
Q: Who will earn the Syracuse University degree between now and when UC’s transition to full independence is complete?
A:
The following students will receive the Syracuse University baccalaureate degree upon graduation, provided they are currently enrolled in or will enroll in an academic program that confers the Syracuse degree and that they complete all degree requirements by May 2016:• All current freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
• Prospective students who enroll by Fall 2010
The following students will receive the Utica College baccalaureate degree upon graduation.
• All students who complete the requirements for programs that grant the Utica College degree (see the UC undergraduate catalog)
• Prospective freshmen and transfers who enroll in January 2011 and beyond
Q: If I am in the group who will still receive the SU degree, do I benefit in any way from Utica College’s move to full independence?
A:
All past, current, and future UC students will enjoy the benefits of Utica College transitioning to full independence and conferring its own degrees. This transition opens many opportunities for the College to significantly widen its reputation and to add further value to programs that have already achieved national and international recognition. You can count on your association with Utica College to be a continuing source of pride, and the UC name to be a respected and valuable credential.Q: Will this affect UC’s tuition costs?
A:
Utica College’s transition to independence will have no direct effect on tuition or other costs to attend UC. Utica College will continue to remain sensitive to holding the line on costs while continuing to make the investments in programs, facilities, and faculty that are critical to delivering a superior educational experience. For example, in Spring 2009, Utica College will open Phase II of a state-of-the-art science and technology complex, which will house Economic Crime and Justice Studies programs, the Center for Identity Management and Information Protection, and the Economic Crime Institute. The College has also begun advance work on a third phase, one that will focus on the natural sciences.Q: Will there be any changes to the faculty who teach my courses as a result of the transition?
A:
Utica College’s faculty members are appointed by the President of the College, and are promoted and granted tenure by the President and the College’s Board of Trustees. The transition to independence has no bearing on UC’s faculty teaching assignments.Q: What should I put on my resume?
A:
We encourage you to list Utica College as your alma mater on your resume, since this is the institution that you have been attending and it is the legal name of the college. As in the past, you should not be stating that you graduated from Syracuse University, since that is inaccurate and the SU Registrar’s Office does not maintain files on Utica College graduates. If you have questions about the specific format for citing your educational credentials, please contact UC's Office of Career Services at (315) 792-3087.Q: How will this affect my job search and/or my efforts to get into graduate school?
A:
Many UC alumni tell us that the required textbooks for their graduate programs at other institutions are the same as the ones from their undergraduate programs at UC. Utica College’s academic programs are highly regarded in both the academic and business worlds, and UC graduates are highly sought after. Equally highly regarded are Utica College’s faculty members, who are leaders in their profession and who regularly publish and present the results of their research at national conferences. Utica College graduates go on to find great personal and professional success.Q: Will other institutions continue to accept credits transferred from UC?
A:
Utica College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and many academic programs are additionally accredited by associations that regulate those professions. This ensures that credits earned at Utica College are recognized by colleges and universities throughout the United States and the world.Top of Page
Questions of Interest to Alumni
Q: Will students who graduate after this transition be classified or referred to in ways that are different from how current alumni are classified or referred to?
A:
No, we are all still the same UC family! Furthermore, Utica College will continue to host alumni events around the country for graduates of all ages, and we encourage you to attend those events to stay connected with your fellow UC alums. Similarly, we encourage you to return to the campus for the increasingly popular Homecoming Weekend – this year a record 800 people attended. And, Utica College graduates are proudly represented by the National Alumni Council, which has membership on the College’s Board of Trustees and which plays an ongoing role in the College’s strategic planning process.Q: What should I do with the diploma I received when I graduated?
A:
You can continue to take great pride in your Syracuse University diploma as well as your Utica College experience. In recognition of the experience that UC alumni enjoyed while they were here, we will make Utica College diplomas available to all graduates, regardless of when they graduated. Alumni desiring a UC diploma to hang proudly next to their SU diploma can contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (315) 792-3025.Q: What should I put on my resume?
A:
We encourage you to list Utica College as your alma mater on your resume, since this is the institution that you attended and it is the legal name of the College. As in the past, you should not be stating that you graduated from Syracuse University, since that is inaccurate and the SU Registrar’s Office does not maintain files on Utica College graduates. If you have questions about the specific format for citing your educational credentials, please contact UC's Office of Career Services at (315) 792-3087.Q: How will this affect my job search and/or my efforts to get into graduate school?
A:
Many UC alumni tell us that the required textbooks for their graduate programs at other institutions are the same as the ones from their undergraduate programs at UC. Utica College’s academic programs are highly regarded in both the academic and business worlds, and UC graduates are highly sought after. Equally highly regarded are Utica College’s faculty members, who are leaders in their profession and who regularly publish and present the results of their research at national conferences. Utica College graduates go on to find great personal and professional success.Q: Will other institutions continue to accept credits transferred from UC?
A:
Utica College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and many academic programs are additionally accredited by associations that regulate those professions. This ensures that credits earned at Utica College are recognized by colleges and universities throughout the United States and the world.Top of Page
Other Points of Interest
Q: How will this affect the building/expansion plans currently underway?
A:
For the past 10 years, Utica College’s campus has undergone an astounding transformation. Improvements to the campus include construction of two new academic buildings, a faculty center that features four smart classrooms, three residence halls, a multi-purpose stadium, a fitness center, new parking lots, refurbishment of plazas and sidewalks, and upgrades to the College’s heating and cooling systems. Work on the third and final phase of a science and technology complex is already underway. The transition to full independence will further strengthen Utica College’s ability to determine its own future, as fundraising efforts will support future growth and improvements.Q: How will this affect UC’s efforts to raise funds for future needs?
A:
Utica College’s Annual Fund has increased by 300 percent since 1999, and in just four years, the College has raised $25.5 million toward a seven-year, $25 million campaign. It is expected that Utica College’s fundraising successes will continue to flourish as the College’s reputation continues to grow and as its graduates become increasingly connected to UC as an independent institution.Q: How will this affect recruiting of international students?
A:
Utica College’s international presence continues to grow, and in Fall 2008, more than 30 new international students and 10 exchange students arrived on the UC campus. Utica College is also actively exploring satellite campuses in such areas as Albania, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Dominican Republic.If you have other questions, you may e-mail them to presid@utica.edu
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