Regional Higher Education Center Underway
March 4, 2008
The recent addition of more than 40 acres of property at the corner of Route 175 and Velasko Road increased the size of the campus by approximately 20 percent to
nearly 270 acres. This significant acquisition is in direct alignment with the College’s Strategic Plan and Facilities Master Plan and will help the College better meet a number of institutional goals, including the creation of a Regional Higher Education Center.
The existing buildings on the property, constructed in 1827, will undergo an evaluation by structural engineers to determine the best course of action. “The two buildings and the surrounding 40 acres of land will allow us to expand the campus and grow the Regional Higher Education Center to include more cooperative programs with area four-year colleges and universities,” said Onondaga Community College President Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D. “In addition, we are considering moving community education programs and the Public Safety Training Center to this site.” The goal is for restoration of the existing buildings, rather than demolition, providing they are sound and restoration costs are practical.
Regional Higher Education Center
Plans are already underway to expand the College’s partnerships with four-year colleges to offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs on the Onondaga campus. Through a cooperative partnership with schools such as Keuka College, Cornell University, SUNY Cortland and others, students who graduate from Onondaga could continue their studies in one of at least 11 different baccalaureate programs all while remaining on the Onondaga campus.
“The creation of the Regional Higher Education Center is unique in Central New York,” said Dr. Sydow. “By offering a convenient location and a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree options, local students could work toward their educational goals while remaining close to home on the Onondaga campus and saving on transportation costs.”
Accommodation of enrollment growth
The record enrollment growth of last fall brought the College just shy of the 11,000 student milestone three years ahead of schedule. To accommodate this influx of students, plans are to relocate some administrative offices and community services to a more convenient location for the public. In doing so, additional classroom space on the maincampus proper will be freed up for students and faculty.
Creation of a Community Recreation Center
A feasibility study is currently being conducted to determine the possibility of a Community Recreation Center. Plans include a possible partnership with the Greater Syracuse YMCA.
Relocation and expansion of the Public Safety Training Center
Over the last several years, the Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) has added new programs and, as a result, is in great need of space to accommodate this growth. Home to the Central New York Police Academy, the Center trains local law enforcement and emergency management personnel as well as many first responders from across the state. This move is under consideration and is part of an ongoing feasibility study
