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SUNY Plattsburgh Adds Programs to Open SUNY Online Course System | SUNY Plattsburgh


SUNY Plattsburgh is one of 17 SUNY campuses to add new programs to Open SUNY, the university system’s signature online learning initiative.

Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher announced Oct. 16 that an additional 56 degree and certificate programs will begin operating in January 2015, including an RN-to-BS and an MS in expeditionary studies at Plattsburgh.

“One advantage to Open SUNY is the increase services available to online students, with some offered on our campus and some offered through the SUNY system” said Dr. Stephen Light, SUNY Plattsburgh associate vice president for academic affairs.

More Than 400 Degree Programs and 12,000 Courses

Open SUNY, which offers more than 400 degree programs and 12,000 course selections,  highlights specific courses and allows additional support services for students and faculty. Features of this program include

  • A 24/7 HelpDesk to assist students with technical questions.
  • Online academic tutoring, available day and night.
  • A personal student concierge who connects students to representatives from their home campus when needed.
  • Expanded access to applied learning opportunities that not only enhance student knowledge but also gives them a competitive edge.

With the additional 56 programs, student enrollment in Open SUNY is expected to triple, reaching as many as 6,000 students next semester, according to SUNY.

“In addition to enhancing the online programs offered across SUNY’s 64 campuses, Open SUNY aims to create an environment where students can begin their online education at any stage and have access to a ladder of opportunities through earning a master’s or doctorate,” said Alexander N. Cartwright, SUNY provost.

Support for Faculty

For faculty, SUNY has established the Center for Online Teaching Excellence. This professional development community allows faculty from across the system the opportunity to learn about and share new online teaching practices, ideas and techniques. To date, more than 750 faculty throughout the system use the online tool.

Ultimately, SUNY will migrate its entire online portfolio to the Open SUNY platform.

“The growth of Open SUNY in its first year is remarkable. We are more confident than ever that, at full scale, Open SUNY will emerge as the world’s largest online learning environment,” Zimpher said.

Recently, SUNY earned national recognition from the Online Learning Consortium for the Open SUNY Institutional Readiness Program, a self-assessment tool that enables campuses to determine their readiness to deliver the highest quality online programs.

A complete program list, as well as more information for prospective students, is available at open.suny.edu.

For more information about programs offered by SUNY Plattsburgh through Open SUNY, contact Holly Heller-Ross, dean of library and information services, at 518-564-5192 or [email protected].

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