AISS Newsletter: July 2025
Learn more about Academic Innovation & Student Success (AISS).
UAlbany Welcoming 150 Students into ACE Program
The University at Albany will be a part of the expansion of SUNY ASAP|ACE, the nation’s leading evidence-based retention and completion model.
The program will provide financial resources and wraparound supports, removing barriers to full-time study while helping students maintain academic momentum and increasing timely degree completion.
UAlbany will welcome an initial cohort of 150 students into our Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program this fall supported by funding from the FY26 State Budget that places SUNY ASAP|ACE on the path to reach 10,000 students by Fall 2026.
Empowering Student Success
Academic Progression & Success, a unit within AISS, is excited to offer Academic Coaching and Peer-assisted Student Success (PASS Mentoring programs designed to provide personalized support to help each student succeed.
These programs focus on helping students improve their study skills, boosting their confidence and achieving their academic goals.
Students can hear from their peers who have benefited from the program through inspiring testimonials and discover how targeted guidance helped make the difference in students’ academic journeys.
Please share these request forms with students who may be interested in participating in these programs:
FYE Annual Spark & Torch Awards Ceremony
This past April, the First-Year Experience (FYE) Program celebrated its annual Spark and Torch Awards Ceremony which recognizes faculty members who have gone above and beyond to support students.
The Spark Award recognizes a faculty member who helped a new student transition to the University. It was presented this year to Economics Professor Ken Bulko.
The Torch Award recognizes a faculty member who made an impact on graduating seniors. This year it was presented to History Professor Camelia Lenart and Professor of Spanish Linguistics Lofti Sayahi.
Introducing the Ember Award for Innovative Academic Engagement
The Ember Award for Innovative Academic Engagement was presented to Linda Kryzkowski in honor of her decades of service to the University as she retires from her position as Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director of the First Tear Experience (FYE).
AISS Vice Provost JoAnne Malatesta said the Ember Award will be presented annually to a UAlbany community member who embodies Krzkowski’s commitment to student success and community building.
Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director of FYE Linda Kryzkowski
Vice Provost JoAnne Malatesta, Linda Kryzkowski and FYE Director Leah Scognamiglio
Updated EAB User’s Guide for Faculty and Staff
The Office of Undergraduate Education is pleased to announce an updated EAB Navigate Faculty & Staff User Guide.
EAB Navigate allows faculty and staff to view student records, communicate with students, connect students with other staff and services, set up appointments, run data reports and much more. Data from PeopleSoft integrates into EAB nightly.
New AISS Team Member: Lance Frasier, Credit for Prior Learning Coordinator
Lance Frasier joined Office of Undergraduate Education in January this year.
He previously served for a year as the Academic Advisor for the Department of Economics here at UAlbany. He then headed to SUNY Cobleskill to be their Assistant Registrar and Transfer Specialist where he played a key role in developing and implementing a Credit for Prior Learning Assessment process in collaboration with their Assistant Dean.
Lance holds a BS in Accounting and Business Administration, as well as an MBA in Technology Management, both from SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
Since joining AISS as the Credit for Prior Learning Coordinator, Lance has been reviewing the types of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) the University currently awards and has been identifying areas where both process and policy need to be enhanced.
He is an active member of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and has participated in Prior Learning Assessment training. Please join us in welcoming Lance to the AISS Team!
Newsletter Staff
Kaitlyn Beachner, Staff Associate for Undergraduate Programs
Natalie Coffey, Senior Staff Assistant for Undergraduate Education
Glyne Griffith, Interim Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education