Education EMPIRE
Volume VIII Issue VIII Fall 2010
What price,
college? Tips for parents, students on financing postsecondary education Comparing cost: Tuition varies for area colleges New parent? Start saving now with a 529 plan How to start saving late in the game
Helicopter parents Survey shows mom and dad are more involved than ever in the college admission process
EMPIRE Education
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Education What price, EMPIRE
Gary Catt Executive Editor
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Jennifer Wing Editor
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Empire Education is published three times a year by Community Media Group LLC, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY, 13206. Empire Education is owned by Community Media Group LLC, David B. Tyler, President; Daniel Alexander, Vice President; John McIntyre, Secretary/Treasurer.
Empire Education is a supplement to:
EaglE NEwspapErs
college?
S
aving enough money for a child’s college education is a concern so many parents began planning even before their first child was born. The escalating costs of a college education make such concerns wholly understandable. According to the College Board, a nonprofit aiming to connect students to college success and opportunity, a year of tuition and room and board at a private fouryear college in 2010 increased by nearly 5 percent to $26,273. Public institutions, where room and board and tuition cost nearly $7,000 in 2010, increased by nearly 6 percent. Those numbers figure to increase dramatically for children born in 2010. While it’s impossible to predict exactly what a college education will cost for a child entering school in 2028, the College Board’s 2008 “Trends in College Pricing� report estimated the cost of tuition and room and board at a private four year university to be roughly $85,000 in 2028, a cost that escalates to nearly $100,000 by the time the student reaches his or her senior year. Such statistics can be scary, particularly in the current economic climate in which See Cost on page 3
How do area schools stack up? The following are tuitions for the 2010-11 sc hool year, based on full-time attendance:
Bryant & Stratton College
953 James St., Syracuse, NY 13203; (315)472-6603 1259 Central Ave, Albany, 12205; (518)437-1802
$12,096 ($504 per credit hour)
ITT Technical Institute
235 GreenďŹ eld Parkway, Liverpool, NY 13088; 461-8000
$14,196 (Average tuition according to campusexplorer.com)
LeMoyne College
1419 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse, NY 13214; (315)445-4100
$26,350 (lemoyne.edu)
Onondaga Community College 4585 W. Turnpike Syracuse, NY 13215; (315)498-2622
$3,784 for county resident; $7,568 for non-resident (sunyocc.edu)
Siena College
515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211; (888)287-4362
$26,510 for resident; $26,435 for commuter (siena.edu)
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210; (315)470-6611
$4,970 maximum for 24 or more credit hours for state resident; $12,870 for non-resident (esf.edu)
SUNY Albany
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1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222; (518)442-3300
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$4,970 for state resident; $12,870 for non-resident (albany.edu)
SUNY Oswego
7060 Route 104, Oswego, NY 13126; (315)312-2500
$4,970 for state resident; $13,380 for non-resident (oswego.edu)
Syracuse University
900 S Crouse Ave. Syracuse, NY 13210; (315)443-3561
07142
$34,970 (syr.edu)
Fall 2010
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Paying for college
529 Q&A
New parent? You can start saving now Q: What is a 529 plan? A: A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs. 529 plans, legally known as “qualified tuition plans,” are sponsored by states, state agencies or educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. There are two types of 529 plans: pre-paid tuition plans and college savings plans. All 50 states and the District of Columbia sponsor at least one type of 529 plan. In addition, a group of private colleges and universities sponsor a pre-paid tuition plan. Q: What are the differences between pre-paid tuition plans and college savings plans? A: Pre-paid tuition plans generally allow college savers to purchase units or credits at participating colleges and universities for future tuition and, in some cases, room and board. Most prepaid tuition plans are sponsored by state governments and have residency requirements. Many state governments guarantee investments in pre-paid tuition plans that they sponsor. College savings plans generally permit a college saver to establish an account for a student for the purpose of paying the beneficiary’s eligible college expenses. An account holder may typically choose among several investment options for his or her contributions, which the college savings plan invests on behalf of the account holder. Investment options often include stock mutual funds, bond mutual funds, and money market funds, as well as age-based portfolios that automatically shift toward more conservative investments as the beneficiary gets closer to college age. Withdrawals from college savings plans can generally be used at any college or university. Investments in college savings plans that invest in mutual funds are not guaranteed by state governments and are not federally insured. How does investing in a 529 plan affect federal and state income taxes? Investing in a 529 plan may offer college savers special tax benefits. Earnings in 529 plans are not subject to federal tax, and in most cases, state tax, so long as you use withdrawals for eligible college expenses, such as tuition and room and board. Parents who start saving early can ensure there’s enough left in the piggy bank when the time comes to send their kids off See 529 on page 6 to college.
Cost many families find themselves struggling to get by. However, there are ways to save for college that can make the aforementioned figures and predictions far less daunting. Start now. As previously mentioned, many expecting parents started saving for college even before their first child was born. Such savings don’t need to be too complex. For instance, assuming an 8 percent annual return, parents who simply put $100 month into a savings account for 18 years will earn $48,000 by the time those 18 years are up. Consider stocks when building a college savings portfolio. It might seem as though the cost of college is rising faster than inflation. This is actually true. As a result, portfolios that rely on stocks can be an investor’s ideal way to build the most savings long term. As a child’s first day of college draws closer, shelter any returns with less risky propositions such as bonds. Seek professional assistance. Television advertisements have increasingly noted the ease with which investors can handle their own portfolios. While portfolios might be more accessible than they once were, for many people the investment
From page 2 game is still as confusing as ever. A mutual fund is managed by a professional in accordance with the fund’s investment objective. This allows investors to choose a fund that matches their own goals and objectives while affording them the freedom from watching the markets daily and worrying with each and every dip in the market. Open a 529 savings plan (see story above.) A 529 plan is designed to encourage saving for the future higher education expenses of a designated beneficiary. Certain qualified withdrawals are now free of federal tax, and many plans allow account holders to save in excess of $200,000 per beneficiary. No income or age restrictions apply, so a 529 can start regardless of how much parents earn or how old their beneficiary is. Don’t forget to save for retirement. As daunting as the cost of a college education 18 years from now might seem, tomorrow’s college students will have far more resources for paying for that education than retirees will have for getting by in their golden years. When saving for the future, parents must remember to save for their own future as well.
Page 3
Is it too late to start saving? Saving for college when it’s around the corner Paying for college has never been easy. But in this era of economic uncertainty, when retirement accounts and housing values have taken a turn for the worse, the ability to finance a college education has moved beyond the reach of many parents and students. Further complicating an already difficult situation is the fact that many colleges and universities have lost sizeable chunks of their endowments, making scholarship money harder to come by. If you have a child who is a few years away from entering college, it pays to learn as much as you can about the options that exist and to ensure that your college-bound son or daughter ends up at a school that is both appropriate and affordable. Here are some areas to consider. Get the facts. If you have some money
put away for college or invested in a 529 college fund, you’ll want to get an idea of how those savings stack up against potential tuition and what level of financial aid you can count on. There are many resources available on the web, but you can start with the financial aid calculator at finaid.org/. To get the clearest picture what’s in store, do the calculations used by both private and public institutions. Apply to a wide range of schools. Despite the downturn in college endowments, some schools still have more scholarship money than others. In fact, some of the financial aid packages available at the nation’s most elite universities are among the best in the country. As a results, parents of a top-tier student should not automatically See Too late? on page 5
HESC: Helping New Yorkers pay for college High school seniors and their parents entering the college admission application process may also be wondering: How will we pay for college? The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), the state’s student financial aid agency, is the place for college planning and financing information. At HESC.org you’ll find resources for: College and career planning High School Calendar Resources for Exploring NY’s Colleges Help in Choosing a College Support in Choosing a Career and Course of Study (College Board and Mapping Your Future) Paying for college New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Scholarships and Awards Federal Loans, Private Loans, and Smart Borrowing Strategies Calculators to Illustrate the Cost of College Guidelines for Applying for Financial Aid Student financial aid portals FAFSA TAP Application NYHELPs Application Each year, HESC programs and services help hundreds of thousands of New York State students and their families plan
for college and careers, learn about available financial aid, apply for aid, determine eligibility for federal and state grants, scholarships and loans, and more. HESC’s flagship, need-based college grant program, the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved colleges throughout New York State. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back. Last year, TAP provided $813 million in grants to more than 375,000 New York State students. New York’s new state-sponsored loan program, the New York Higher Education Loan Program (NYHELPs), makes low-cost, fixed-rate education loans available to eligible New York State students and families to help fill the gap between college costs and financial aid. If you still have a funding gap after applying for and receiving all other federal, state and institutional aid, a NYHELPs loan may be the solution for you. HESC’s Student Loan Marketplace (www.HESCMarketplace.org) allows students seeking private education loans to compare the true terms of loan products from multiple lenders, based upon the borrower’s credit profile. Students can make loan decisions based on accurate information, rather than “as-low-as” advertised offers. Before college, while in school and even after graduation, HESC.org has the tools and information you need to achieve your dream of a college degree.
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hover? Do you EMPIRE Education
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Parents:
Fall 2010
Survey: Parents more involved in college admissions process; schools divided on managing them
A
new Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions survey of admissions officers at 387 of the nation’s top colleges and universities reveals that the phenomenon of the helicopter parent - a term given to parents who “hover” over their children - may be more prevalent than ever, but that schools are divided on how to address it. In the survey, which was conducted by phone in July and August 2010 as part of Kaplan’s annual survey of admissions officers at the nation’s top 500 colleges and universities, 77 percent reported
that parental involvement in the college admissions process is increasing and because of this, 61 percent say that their school has been prompted to develop new initiatives for parents. But while a majority of schools are setting up special websites, seminars and tours just for parents, some schools are cutting parents out of the admissions process entirely. “Parents are more involved because the college admissions process is extremely competitive and increasingly expensive. They want to make sure that they are helping their children make See Parents on page 7
The helicopter parent
Originally coined by Foster W. Cline and Jim Jay in “Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility.”According to wikipedia.org, it is a “term for a parent who pays extremely close attention to his or her child’s or children’s experiences and problems, particularly at educational institutions.”
ÒHowÊdidÊIÊendÊupÊinÊaÊleadershipÊroleÊatÊTurnerÊBroadcasting?ÊÊ ÊItÊallÊstartedÊatÊFisher.Ó
DISCOVER THE WORLD WITHIN
www.sjfc.edu
05609
Veronica Sheehan Senior Vice President of Network Operations Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. St. John Fisher College Alumna, Class of 1988
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Fall 2010
Page 5
Too late?
From page 3
rule out top-tier colleges. However, thanks to fierce competition among applicants, parents should encourage even the brightest of children to apply to several institutions, including a few “safetyâ€? schools that might be delighted to offer your child a scholarship.  Stay informed. Don’t rule out financial aid and scholarships, even if you think your income may be too high. Complete the FAFSA -- the Free Application for Federal Student Aid -- because it is used by many schools as the primary basis for determining merit scholarships. Borrow wisely. Increasingly prudent lenders make finding a private loan more diďŹƒcult than ever. Your best bet may be federal loans given directly to students, which are not only easier to qualify for, but come with a much friendlier interest rate. There are also federal loans for parents, so be sure to do your homework.  Think outside the box. Creativity is a key asset when planning for college. If loans, scholarships and savings still come up short, consider some alternative routes to the same destination. For example, consider the transfer option. If there is a good community or junior college near home, your child could start there and then transfer to a four-year college or university.
Wells College
Wells College is a nationally recognized liberal arts college located in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes.
The Education of an Extraordinary Life For more information about Wells, visit www.wells.edu, or call 800.952.9355.
Nanotechnology partnership, campus improvements ongoing
W
ith rising enrollment and an expanding campus, SUNYIT is an institution on the move—and an increasingly popular choice for students. “SUNYIT is entering a period of tremendous growth and development,� said Wolf Yeigh, president. “With our infrastructure growing and our academic offerings increasing it stands to reason that more and more students are choosing us.� Yeigh said the recent announcement of a wide-ranging nanotechnology partnership with the University at Albany’s College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering has generated a lot of excitement and interest in SUNYIT. New programs in computer & electrical engineering and network & computer security were launched in fall 2010. Also, the campus is in the middle of $100 million in improvements including ongoing construction of a new student center. A student center, field house and new athletic fields will be completed in 2011 while a third campus residence hall complex will be ready for occupancy by fall 2011. Planning for the Center for Advanced Technology/Computer Chip Commercialization Center is underway. SUNYIT, the State University of New York Institute of Technology, is SUNY’s only institute of technology. More than 2,900 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs in technology, professional studies, and the liberal arts on the SUNYIT campus, a high-tech learning environment on hundreds of acres in Marcy, N.Y., minutes from Thruway Exit 31, Utica. SUNYIT students come from all over New York, many other states and more than 20 other nations; a growing number of students are enrolled in online courses and degree programs. SUNYIT’s undergraduate degree majors/programs include: accounting, applied computing, applied mathematics, business, civil engineering technology, communication & information design, computer engineering technology, computer & information science, computer information systems, electrical & computer engineering, electrical engineering technology, health information management, interdisciplinary studies, mechanical engineering technology, network & computer security, nursing, psychology, and sociology. Graduate degree programs are: MBA in health services management, MBA in technology management; master of science degree programs in accountancy, advanced technology, applied sociology, computer & information science, health services administration, information design and technology, and telecommunications; and master of science programs in nursing: adult nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, gerontological nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and nursing education. Accelerated BS/MS options are available in computer science, nursing, and telecommunications. See SUNYIT on page 7
07424
a growing college
Our academic offerings include the innovative new Center for Business & Entrepreneurship, focused on integrating business and the liberal arts, a unique undergraduate opportunity.
SUNYIT [The State University of New York Institute
of Technology at Utica/Rome] offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in technology, professional studies and the liberal arts. Visit our beautiful campus just minutes from NYS Thruway Exit 31, Utica.
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Known for our academic rigor and relationship-centered approach to education, we also ensure that our graduates enter the workforce with professional experience and connections in their chosen fields.
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Fall 2010
529
From page 3
However, if you withdraw money from a 529 plan and do not use it on an eligible college expense, you generally will be subject to income tax and an additional 10 percent federal tax penalty on earnings. Many states offer state income tax or other benefits, such as matching grants, for investing in a 529 plan. But you may only be eligible for these benefits if you participate in a 529 plan sponsored by your state of residence. Just a few states allow residents to deduct contributions to any 529 plan from state income tax returns. If you receive state tax benefits for investing in a 529 plan, make sure you review your plan’s offering circular before you complete a transaction, such as rolling money out of your home state’s plan into another state’s plan. Some transactions may have state tax consequences for residents of certain states. What fees and expenses will I pay if I invest in a 529 plan? Fees and expenses will vary based on the type of plan. Prepaid tuition plans typically charge enrollment and administrative fees. In addition to “loads� for broker-sold plans, college savings plans may charge enrollment fees, annual maintenance fees, and asset management fees. Some of these fees are collected by the state sponsor of the plan, and some are collected by the financial services firms that the state sponsor typically hires to manage its 529 program. Some college savings plans will waive or reduce some of these fees if you maintain a large account balance or participate in an automatic contribution plan, or if you are a resident of the state sponsoring the 529 plan. Your asset management fees will depend on the investment option you select. Each investment option will typically bear a portfolio-weighted average of the fees and expenses of the mutual funds and other investments in which it invests. You should carefully review the fees of the underlying investments because they are likely to be different for each investment option. Investors that purchase a college savings plan from a broker are typically subject to additional fees. If you invest in a broker-sold plan, you may pay a “load.� Broadly speaking, the load is paid to your broker as a commission for selling the college savings plan to you.
Broker-sold plans also charge an annual distribution fee (similar to the “12b 1 fee� charged by some mutual funds) of between .25 percent and 1 percent of your investment. Your broker typically receives all or most of these annual distribution fees for selling your 529 plan to you. Is there any way to purchase a 529 plan but avoid some of the extra fees? Direct-Sold College Savings Plans. States offer college savings plans through which residents and, in many cases, non-residents can invest without paying a “load,� or sales fee. This type of plan, which you can buy directly from the plan’s sponsor or program manager without the assistance of a broker, is generally less expensive because it waives or does not charge sales fees that may apply to broker-sold plans. You can generally find information on a direct-sold plan by contacting the plan’s sponsor or program manager or visiting the plan’s website. Websites such as the one maintained by the College Savings Plan Network, as well as a number of commercial websites, provide links to most 529 plan websites. Broker-Sold College Savings Plans. If you prefer to purchase a broker-sold plan, you may be able to reduce the front-end load for purchasing Class A shares if you invest or plan to invest above certain threshold amounts. Ask your broker how to qualify for these “breakpoint discounts.� What restrictions apply to an investment in a 529 plan? Withdrawal restrictions apply to both college savings plans and pre-paid tuition plans. With limited exceptions, you can only withdraw money that you invest in a 529 plan for eligible college expenses without incurring taxes and penalties. In addition, participants in college savings plans have limited investment options and are not permitted to switch freely among available investment options. Under current tax law, an account holder is only permitted to change his or her investment option one time per year. Additional limitations will likely apply to any 529 plan you may be considering. Before you invest in a 529 plan, you should read the plan’s offering circular to make sure
that you understand and are comfortable with any plan limitations. Does investing in a 529 plan impact financial aid eligibility? While each educational institution may treat assets held in a 529 plan differently, investing in a 529 plan will generally reduce a student’s eligibility to participate in need-based financial aid. Beginning July 1, 2006, assets held in pre-paid tuition plans and college savings plans will be treated similarly for federal financial aid purposes. Both will be treated as parental assets in the calculation of the expected family contribution toward college costs. Previously, benefits from pre-paid tuition plans were not treated as parental assets and typically reduced need-based financial aid on a dollar for dollar basis, while assets held in college savings plans received more favorable financial aid treatment. Is investing in a 529 plan right for me? Before you start saving specifically for college, you should consider your overall financial situation. Instead of saving for college, you may want to focus on other financial goals like buying a home, saving for retirement, or paying off high interest credit card bills. Remember that you may face penalties or lose benefits if you do not use the money in a 529 account for higher education expenses. If you decide that saving specifically for college is right for you, then the next step is to determine whether investing in a 529 plan is your best college saving option. Investing in a 529 plan is only one of several ways to save for college. Other tax-advantaged ways to save for college include Coverdell education savings accounts, Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (“UGMA�) accounts, Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (“UTMA�) accounts, tax-exempt municipal securities, and savings bonds. Saving for college in a taxable account is another option. Each college saving option has advantages and disadvantages, and may have a different impact on your eligibility for financial aid, so you should evaluate each option carefully. If you need help determining which options work best for your circumstances, you should consult with your financial professional or tax advisor before you start saving. Source: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, sec. gov
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Application tips What are colleges looking for? By Maria Badami IECA, the Independent Educational Consultants Association conducts a biennial survey “Top Ten Strengths and Experiences Colleges Look for in High School Students.” Responses from hundreds of college consultants, like myself, working with students and colleges across the nation, shed insight on the changing application process. Despite the increasingly competitive application process, there are a number of changes to the overall list from previous years. While the top items have remained unchanged, some items have made the list for the first time while others have fallen in importance. Unchanged for the past five years, a student’s academic performance in high school, remains at the top of the list. While grades are important, IECA members confirmed that a student’s willingness to challenge him/ herself with AP and Honors classes is just as important. Third on the list are standardized test scores. Consistency of scores with academic achievement is seen as more important than overall score. A great score will not guarantee a spot in a competitive college, but a poor score can become a large obstacle. Passionate involvement in a few activities comes in at number four. Fewer activities, but demonstrated leadership and initiative are recognized as more desirable than participation in many clubs and activities with no depth of involvement. Despite the economy, “financial resources” fell off the top ten list. However, letters of recommendation (fifth), a well written essay (sixth), and
a special talent or experience (seventh), remain high on the list. “Demonstrated leadership in activities” made it on the list for the first time (eighth). Colleges continue to seek out students who will contribute to the college community in meaningful ways. The final two items, “demonstrated intellectual curiosity” (ninth), and “demonstrated enthusiasm to attend” (10th) are often taken for granted by students. Essays and interviews are the student’s greatest opportunity to communicate his or her passions for learning, and intellectual leisure pursuits. Lastly, don’t underestimate the value of follow up letters and emails. Institutions are increasingly concerned with yield, and hesitant to extend offers to students who have not demonstrated genuine interest in attending their institution. The full list can be found at IECAonline.com/college.html. The site also offers advice on visiting college campuses and making the most of the summer before senior year.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Page 7
Parents
From page 5
smart decisions and that they are making smart investments in their children’s education,” said Justin Serrano, president, pre-college programs, Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions. “These concerns may cause some parents to do a lot more than they have in the past or in many instances, a lot more than they should, from filling out applications for their children to calling the admissions offices with questions, to even writing their children’s personal essays. Many schools are trying to remedy the situation in creative ways.” To address the growing role parents have in the college admissions process, many schools are now holding information sessions just for parents of interested students. Some schools reported holding two separate campus tours: one exclusively for students (no “embarrassing” questions from mom or dad allowed) and one for parents. Many have also added parent-specific sections to their web pages. Another said they have a “how not to hover” workshop for parents during campus visits. Other popular initiatives are Facebook pages, blogs and e-newsletters addressed specifically to parents. And some schools said that they now have an office dedicated to parent relations. Other colleges are taking a different approach by cutting parents out of the picture as soon as possible. One of the college admissions officers who participated in Kaplan’s annual survey said that once the student is accepted, the school is firm about only interacting with the student, not the parents - a strict policy that has sometimes
caused friction with the parents. Another admissions officer reported that their office will not discuss an applicant with his or her parent unless the student gives permission. One admissions officer said that when a parent of an applicant calls to ask a question, the school encourages the parent to hand the phone to the student. Other key Kaplan survey results: Just the Facts, Please: 67 percent told Kaplan that they have discovered claims on an application to be exaggerated or untrue. Embracing Social Media: 82 percent of admissions officers report that their school is using Facebook to recruit students; 56 percent use Twitter and YouTube to recruit. Can We Be Friends?: 80 percent report that they or a colleague in their admissions office had received a Facebook friend request from a prospective student - an increase from 71 percent in Kaplan’s 2009 survey. Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions (www. kaptest.com), a division of Kaplan, Inc., is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings and a complete array of books, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as English language and professional licensing exams. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.
Grab Some Face Time @ GCC
Maria Badami, MS is an educational planner and admissions consultant with COLLEGE DIRECTIONS located at 7030 East Genesee St, Fayetteville, NY. 243-6658. collegedirections@att.net.
SUNYIT From page 5 Through internships and close cooperation with employers, SUNYIT has extraordinarily high placement rates. More than 20,000 alumni pursue successful careers in communication, computer science, management, nursing, and many other fields. Apart from their excellent academic experience, SUNYIT students enjoy campus life in highly rated residence halls. The campus’s two residential complexes – Mohawk and Adirondack Halls – offer the privacy and convenience of apartments, with students sharing suites in townhouse-style buildings. Students themselves have rated their residential experience highly in the last two SUNY student opinion surveys. SUNYIT’s NCAA Division III athletics (men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, swimming, and volleyball; men’s baseball and golf; and women’s bowling and softball) and intramurals are complemented by entertainment, activities and community-building experiences that support and sustain a unique campus culture. Open house programs are held in spring and fall, and individual campus visits can be scheduled online. For more information, visit www.sunyit.edu/admissions.
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Fall 2010
SUNY Oswego benefits from renovations New science complex, renovated School of Education next phase in revitalization
F
rom high school students in SUNY Oswego’s summer programs to undergraduate and graduate students studying arts, business, communication, education and sciences, every learner at the college on the shore of Lake Ontario is benefiting from a campus revitalized by years of renovations. Oswego broke ground for a new $118 million state-ofthe-art science complex in September. Over the next three years, a world-class structure will rise, encompassing the existing Piez Hall and replacing Snygg Hall with more than a quarter-million square feet dedicated to scientific learning. Campus improvements were one reason U.S. News included SUNY Oswego on a short list of “Top Up-andComing Schools” for 2010. Just 28 public colleges and universities made the list nationally, and Oswego was the
only one in New York. Recent improvements and innovations at Oswego include new academic programs conceived in collaboration with the business community like software engineering and risk management at the undergraduate level and human-computer interaction and gerontology at the graduate level; unusual opportunities for students to engage in hands-on research in the field, such as the summer “storm chasers” course; the SUNY Oswego Metro Center for parttime students, on Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse; and over $700 million worth of renewal projects on the Oswego campus, including the new Campus Center and renovated buildings to house the humanities and School of Business. A new residential complex of suites opened this fall. With 12 townhouses surrounding a community center,
the Village brings a neighborhood feel to its corner of campus. “This is an exciting time to be a member of the Oswego campus community,” said Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley. “Our improvements and innovations are attracting increasing numbers of applicants, and admission is competitive.” Learner-centered improvements The new science complex will be a living demonstration of environmentally sensitive design. A geothermal field will provide a natural heat sink for cooling and heating the structure. The building also will incorporate a photovoltaic solar-to-electric array and use sustainable construction materials. It’s all part of plans to build the complex to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, gold standard.
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SUNY Oswego color