He displayed business acumen as interim dean, SU says

SYRACUSE — As interim dean, Michael Frasciello took “significant steps to re-mission” University College at Syracuse University (SU), “streamlining” business operations and “simplifying” the business and academic portfolio, the university says.

That helped him earn the job on a permanent basis as Syracuse University announced on Sept. 22 that it has named Frasciello as the new dean of University College. He had the interim title since January.

SU describes Frasciello as a “respected leader and longtime advocate for continuous learning.”

His appointment as the interim dean followed the announcement last December that SU had named Bea González, the former dean of University College, as its VP for community engagement. Frasciello had previously been serving as director of online learning in Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Before joining the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Frasciello was the assistant dean of University College for more than a decade. In that role, he managed a portfolio that included direct oversight of online learning, information systems, marketing, enrollment management, and public relations.

“Michael is committed to the value and importance of distance, online and part-time learning. He has reinvigorated University College through his leadership and skills in strategic planning and collaboration,” Michele Wheatly, vice chancellor and provost at SU, said in a news release. “His background and experience are essential to what University College needs as a leading example of continuing and online education in higher education.”

Work as interim dean

In his role as interim dean of University College, Frasciello launched a new program in the form of an online and residential bachelor’s degree of professional studies in cybersecurity administration, as well as two new “pathways” to undergraduate online-degree programs, including an associate degree in liberal studies and a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts. 

He has also acted to create the Syracuse University Center for Online and Digital Learning, “as a One University center of excellence for online education.”

“During his tenure as interim dean, Michael has proven to be a skilled leader and innovator, setting the conditions for University College to successfully compete in the dynamic marketplace for distance education,” J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, said in the release. “We are pleased that he will remain at University College in his new role as dean and furthering the important work of preparing both traditional and nontraditional students for a lifetime of success.”

“I am grateful to Provost Wheatly, Vice Chancellor Haynie and the board of trustees for this honor and opportunity to steward University College. It has been a wonderful experience working with an exceptionally talented college staff and leveraging our collective potential to innovate and grow,” Frasciello said. “I look forward to being part of the important work being done at University College and serving our students.”

A 10-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Frasciello holds a doctorate of philosophy from the Syracuse’s College of Arts and Sciences; a master’s degree in professional communication from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania; a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from the University of Maryland; and an associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force.                      

Hotels in Onondaga County had more guests this August than in the year ago month, according to a new report.

The hotel occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county rose 5.1 percent to 73.6 percent in August from 70 percent a year prior, according to STR, a Tennessee–based hotel market data and analytics company. The increase broke a string of four straight months in which Onondaga County’s occupancy rate declined.

Revenue per available room (RevPar), a key industry gauge that measures how much money hotels are bringing in per available room, jumped 6.1 percent to $80.02 this August from $75.43 in August 2016. RevPar in the county had also dropped in four consecutive months before this latest increase, per STR.

Average daily rate (or ADR), which represents the average rental rate for a sold room, edged up 0.9 percent $108.68 in August, compared to $107.71 a year earlier. 

However, year to date, Onondaga County’s occupancy rate is down 4.3 percent to 57.2 percent compared to the same period in 2016, RevPar is off 4.5 percent to $58.04, and ADR is down 0.3 percent to $101.40, according to STR.