A handful of Syracuse University faculty members on Wednesday asked for clarification on aspects of the $100 million Invest Syracuse initiative and how it will benefit future students.

Professors questioned administrators on how the initiative will exactly enhance research capacity and improve student services.

Invest Syracuse aims to support SU’s Academic Strategic Plan by raising $100 million over a five-year span. The ASP is a broad overarching document created by Chancellor Kent Syverud as part of his flagship Fast Forward Syracuse initiative.

About 40 SU campus community members attended the second Invest Syracuse public forum Wednesday afternoon at Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center. Most were faculty members.

Yoanna Ferrara, director of research, graduate programs and corporate relations, asked a panel of high-ranking SU officials how Invest Syracuse will benefit and support faculty research.

Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly did not mention any specifics when answering Ferrara’s question. SU needs to establish “structures” to help faculty operate “to the same level as you would see in other research … institutions,” Wheatly said.

The provost also said the hiring of a vice president for research will assist faculty in “all academic fields.” Zhanjiang “John” Liu was appointed to that position in June. Appropriately providing the Office of Research with resources is also key, she said.

“I mean clearly we’re trying to identify very broad areas that will encompass all schools and colleges,” Wheatly said.

Sinéad Mac Namara, chair of the University Senate Budget Committee, questioned Dolan Evanovich,  senior vice president for enrollment and the student experience, and Wheatly on how Invest Syracuse will benefit future students.

“What’s the list you’re gonna give a parent (for) what their kid is going to get here that they’re not going to get somewhere else,” said Mac Namara, an associate professor who teaches courses in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the School of Architecture.

Improved academic career services and health and wellness programs are two reasons why parents would send students to SU, said Evanovich, replying to Mac Namara.

Invest Syracuse includes a $3,300 tuition premium increase that will apply to incoming first-year and transfer students next September.

Evanovich, in a previous interview with The Daily Orange, said 2018-19 tuition will be $50,230, if including a 3.9 percent tuition hike. Tuition was $46,930 this academic year.

When SU reaches its $100 million Invest Syracuse goal in about five years, the premium will still remain in the university tuition base though, said Kevin Quinn, vice president for public affairs, in a previous interview with The Daily Orange.

The $3,300 premium will always be part of total tuition costs, the spokesman said, because the premium will continue supporting Invest Syracuse-funded programs.

Pamela Kirwin Heintz, director of the Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service, asked officials on Wednesday if Invest Syracuse will bolster the integration of education with local community development, otherwise known as “engaged scholarship.”

“I have to say that I’m a little bit discouraged that I haven’t heard any mention of community engagement,” Heintz said.

Wheatly replied saying SU has to remain aware of the surrounding city and student community engagement is “up for development.”

“We need to document and assess whether or not this is adding to the experience,” the provost said.

Published on September 20, 2017 at 11:40 pm

Contact Sam: sfogozal@syr.edu | @SamOgozalek