Executive MPA Online Program Transition

May 2025

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and Syracuse University have been pioneers in distance and online learning for over 45 years.  Over the past decade, Syracuse University has successfully launched numerous online bachelor’s degrees, master’s programs, and certificates, all driven by our commitment to innovative online learning and outstanding student experience. In 2017 Maxwell launched our Executive MPA online program with 2U, Inc. As we continue to evolve and innovate, we are excited to announce a new chapter in our online learning programming. 

Effective June 24, 2025, 2U will no longer support the Executive MPA online program. Syracuse University professors will continue to design and deliver all courses.  The online program will maintain its current structure of self-paced coursework and weekly live sessions offered on a quarterly schedule through 2025. This will provide continuity and ensure quality in your learning experience.  We will also be transitioning from the quarter-term to the semester calendar starting in January 2026.  We are excited by this shift, as it will not only open up more elective course options for students in the program, but also present new opportunities for concurrent programs of study that have not been available due to cross-calendar constraints.   

The Maxwell team that has supported you in your educational journey so far will still be your main points of contact; Nell Bartkowiak, Director of the EMPA online program will remain your primary point of contact and academic advisor.  She will be supported by our Maxwell and University staff. We believe this move will provide a better, more focused support system attuned to your needs as students and your experience and success in the program.  

This program transition will occur in two phases:

Phase I: Migration to Blackboard LMS (July 2025)
Starting for the July 2025 quarter-term, we will move from 2U’s Digital Campus (Canvas) Learning Management System (LMS), accessed through One Login, to the Blackboard Ultra Learning Management System LMS, accessed through MySlice, to host all of our courses. We will provide ample training opportunities to help with your transition. Please look out for a follow-up email in May 2025 with the dates of these training sessions, as well as on-demand resources that will be made available before course access opens in June.  You can also schedule a meeting with me to discuss how these changes may present opportunities for your program.    

Phase II: Migration to Semester Calendar (January 2026)
Starting for the Spring 2026 term in January, we will shift from the 12-week quarter-term academic calendar to the 15-week semester academic calendar. This means we will have three terms in 2026 (spring, summer and fall), rather than four quarters. Your coursework will be spread out more evenly with breaks between terms, and the full-time course load will be adjusted from 6 credits to 9 credits. Students who maintain a 6-credit load each semester will still get access to federal financial aid. Please look out for a follow-up email in May 2025 with the dates of information session, as well as a FAQ document that will address questions you may have about academic advising, program planning, financial aid and other inquiries. You can also schedule a meeting with me to discuss how these changes may present opportunities for your program.    

We are committed to keeping you informed and supported through this transition. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. 

Nell Bartkowiak (she/her)
Director, EMPA Online Program