A number of pressing demographic, environmental and marketing factors
created an ideal opportunity to establish a center in Syracuse,
Petrella said. Among those dynamics are the changing business climate
and lifestyles that create a demand for lifelong learning and an
interest in professional development close to work or home. “The Metro
Center offers convenience for many current graduate students and an
opportunity for many others,” she said.
According to director Jim Jerose, the center will offer Oswego’s
part-time MBA program, professional development courses in counseling
and human services, and education administration programs in addition
to professional development programs and small business consulting.
Other graduate courses will be offered on a rotating basis.
SUNY Oswego offers 24 graduate programs in art, business
administration, chemistry, counseling, education, educational
administration, English, history, human-computer interaction,
technology, and vocational teacher preparation.
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By forming relationships with business, government agencies, nonprofit
organizations and other educational institutions, SUNY Oswego hopes to
provide greater access to public higher education in the Central New
York region, Petrella said. The Metro Center positions the college as
an important partner in addressing Central New York’s educational and
related economic development needs.
The search for the right Syracuse location was a collaborative effort
between SUNY Oswego’s Division of Extended Learning and its Office of
Graduate Studies and Research. Opting for a center of activity, the
project team ultimately chose downtown over the suburbs. Among the 30
site-selection criteria were ease of access, safety, high pedestrian
traffic, adjacent resources, nearby parking and compliance with
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
The Metropolitan Development Authority (MDA) provided assistance in
finding a location that met all of the college’s needs. “The Metro
Center will provide educational opportunities with innovation,
flexibility, viability and sustainability in mind,” Jerose said.
Scheduling can be adjusted to meet the demands of business clients, he
noted. Graduate courses will offer options for students whose
availability is limited to evenings and weekends.
The Metro Center occupies 12,000 square feet in the Atrium building.
Three first-floor suites accommodate four 25-seat classrooms, one
classroom with 60 to 90 seats, two seminar rooms, a formal conference
room, seven offices, breakout space, a student common area, a catering
kitchen and exhibit space for faculty and student art.
Incorporating the same standards as the main Oswego campus, the
facility is equipped with high-end technology, including wireless
connectivity. Oswego plans to offer hybrid courses that combine
in-class experiences with Web-based technology.
For more information, visit www.oswego.edu or call 399-4100.
