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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) nationwide. The University community is invited to join the many events held throughout the month that promote the importance of raising awareness about, growing education around and supporting those impacted by sexual and relationship violence.

“Commemorating Sexual Assault Awareness Month on college campuses is essential to raising awareness, supporting survivors and fostering a culture of prevention,” says Leslie Skeffington, Barnes Center at The Arch assistant director for sexual and relationship violence prevention. “Our events are designed to build community among survivors and allies, offering spaces for connection, healing and solidarity as students navigate the final stretch of the semester.”

Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2025

Those seeking to show solidarity and support, alongside survivors, at any stage of their healing journey are invited to participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month events. Visit the Sexual Assault Awareness Month website for a complete list of events and details.

• April 1-30: Sign the Take Back The Night Pledge
• Wednesday, April 9: Chalk the Walk
• Thursday, April 10: Take Back The Night
• Monday, April 14: Empowerment Through Pleasure
• Tuesday, April 15: Expressions in Clay with Diane Schenandoah
• Thursday, April 17: Feminist Self-Defense

Take Back The Night 2025

Each year, the University recognizes and participates in Take Back The Night, a global event that brings community members together to speak out about sexual violence, relationship violence and other forms of interpersonal violence. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, April 10, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the Panasci Lounge at the Schine Student Center.

“This year’s Take Back The Night continues the work of reimagining and recentering students in this long-standing annual event. We have a great group of students planning the event and have received strong support from the Student Association, fraternity and sorority organizations and registered student organizations on campus,” says Virginia Evans, Barnes Center at The Arch staff therapist and sexual and relationship violence coordinator.

“Highlights of this year’s event include student performances, a fashion show, community art projects and a Survivor Speak Out. We will close the evening with a collective healing activity. We look forward to honoring survivorship with our entire campus community on April 10, during Take Back The Night!” Evans says.

For more information or to request accommodations, please call the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000 or email BarnesCenter@syr.edu.

The future of Barnes Center at The Arch health and wellness related programs, services and resources is constructed on a foundation of frequent student feedback. Syracuse University students and Barnes Center staff work side-by-side daily to strengthen this foundation and every two years, the University launches the Health and Wellness Survey to gather an overarching understanding of the student experience.

“As the hub for student wellness, the Barnes Center at The Arch works to support our students at Syracuse University and empower them to be well beyond graduation,” says Cory Wallack, Ph.D., Barnes Center at The Arch associate vice president of student health and wellness. “This starts with weaving in the voices of and feedback shared from of our students into everything we do.”

Student Feedback Fuels Health and Wellness Enhancements

Shortly after the last Health and Wellness Survey closed in 2023 and fueled by anonymous yet comprehensive student feedback, the Barnes Center team was quickly able to start implementing actions to enhance the student health and wellness experience.

“A trend that quickly emerged when analyzing the 2023 Health and Wellness Survey results was one that shared a story of our students seeking an increased sense of belonging in their experiences at Syracuse University,” explains Qingyi Yu, Ph.D., Barnes Center at The Arch associate director of health and wellness research. “Answering our student’s needs for increased belonging, the Barnes Center team alongside campus partners implemented expanded belonging initiatives, including growing the Together We Thrive program to encompass academic units, hiring new staff in support of recreation belonging programming, alongside hosting faculty and staff trainings on topics of belonging, thriving, suicide prevention and trauma informed care.”

Cultivating a University Community Supportive of Student Wellness

Findings from the 2023 Health and Wellness Survey and recommendations were presented to the Board of Trustees, academic deans and their leadership teams, provosts and their leadership teams, Athletics, Student Association and numerous other University constituents.

“The Barnes Center is driven by an understanding that student wellness cannot be achieved in a vacuum or silo—it takes a community to achieve this, so the step we’ve taken alongside incorporating student feedback is sharing our findings and recommendations with our campus partners and helping them enhance support in their spaces that students experience,” says Wallack.

Amplify Student Voices With the 2025 Health and Wellness Survey

Continuing the momentum of success and as part of ongoing efforts to design and deliver health and wellness-related programs, services and resources, the Barnes Center is once again partnering with Institutional Research to administer the Student Health and Wellness Survey to all students. Highlights are shared below and complete details are available on the Health and Wellness Survey webpage.

• The survey is available in students’ Syracuse University (@syr.edu) emails.
• The survey takes 10 minutes or less to complete and responses are recorded anonymously.
• The survey closes Sunday, March 9, 2025.
• Students who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win one of 20 $75 Amazon gift cards, one of five early class registration spots or one of four $25 Barnes Center Pharmacy gift cards.

As the foundation of campus health and wellness, the Barnes Center at The Arch supports the Orange community in preparing for and navigating flu season.

“Getting your flu shot, washing your hands and staying home if you feel sick, really add up when strengthening your ability to successfully navigate flu season,” shares Dr. Karen Nardella, M.D., Barnes Center at The Arch medical director.

Staying Well During Flu Season
Please take note of the following best practices. For more information, please visit the Flu (Influenza) webpage.

• Get your flu shot.
• Wash hands/use hand sanitizer often.
• Cover mouth/nose when sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Stay home if feeling sick.

Receiving A Flu Shot
It’s not too late to get the flu shot! Faculty and staff are encouraged to contact their medical provider. Syracuse University students are invited to schedule a flu shot appointment at the Barnes Center by booking online through the Patient Portal or by calling 315.443.8000

Need to de-stress this finals week? How about spending some time with a 102-pound, want-to-be lap dog? There’s also a fluffy Alaskan Malamute who loves to be smothered with hugs or everyone’s favorite Goldendoodle.

These friendly, furry campus visitors are part of the Deborah A. Barnes Pet Therapy Program, which partners with community organizations to offer pet therapy opportunities throughout the semester, especially during finals. Don’t miss your chance over the next week to snuggle with one of these furry friends in the Walters Pet Therapy Room in The Barnes Center at The Arch.

SU News caught up with three of the therapy dogs that frequent the University—Bella,  Samuel and Clayton—and their owners to learn a little more about each.

Bella

Bella is a 102-pound Bernese Mountain dog who just celebrated her sixth birthday this past Saturday. This is the second year that Bella and her owner, Sue Stepien, have been part of Pet Partners of CNY—a nationally recognized therapy animal program serving Central New York—and have been visiting the University.

Bella, who thinks she is a lap dog despite her size, is so smart that she knows when it is time to head out into the community in the afternoons. The pair not only visit the University but also the local hospitals and schools.

“We love to get out and meet new people,” Stepien says. “The students especially, they love to chat about their pets back home.”

Not only will you see Bella in the Walters Pet Therapy Room, but you may also see her at various special events on campus.

Samuel

Samuel is a 90-pound Alaskan Malamute who recently turned four. He and his owner, Kim Raterman, work as a team to facilitate their mission of bringing health and happiness to all.

Raterman, a certified health coach, uses pet therapy as part of her practice since it aids in reducing stress and improving moods. The pair has also been with Pet Partners of CNY for two years.

Not only do they visit the University, but they also visit other schools and adult day centers and participate in wellness events, including walks in the community. However, visiting the University holds a special meaning to them.

“The students’ faces light up immediately when they see Samuel,” Raterman says. “I love to watch his body language when we are at an event. He has the ability to pick out the person in a group who needs him the most, even when they might not be aware of how much they need him. It’s beautiful to watch.”

You can follow the adventures of Samuel on his Instagram.

Clayton

Last, but certainly not least, is Clayton. He is an 8-year-old Goldendoodle who has been visiting the University through the Pet Partners program for seven years. You may have seen his cute face before as he is often featured in promotional ads for the University’s pet therapy program.

What is unique about Clayton? There are five members of the Vescio family who are all certified to go out in the community with him. How did this all start? Pet Partners of CNY had a recruiting table in one of the local pet stores, and while at the time Clayton was too young, once he became a year old and was eligible, Nick Vescio, his wife, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter all became certified. The family works together to attend events all over the community but says the University is their favorite.

“We love engaging with the students and making genuine connections with them,” Vescio says. “They will sit down and talk about their dogs and show us pictures and they like to look at a photo album we carry with us with pictures of Clayton since he was a pup.”

Many campus facilities will be closed or operate at reduced hours this Thanksgiving break (Nov. 24-Dec. 1). For students who are remaining in Syracuse over break, we’ve compiled relevant information from campus partners about the hours of operation for certain student services on campus. Read on to learn more, and while you’re here, check out this companion guide detailing the activities happening in Central New York over break.

Transportation

Parking and Transportation Services has announced reduced campus shuttle services during the Thanksgiving break. Safety escort services are available from 8 p.m.-6 a.m. from Nov. 23-Dec. 1 by using the Orange Safe app.

For those students looking for help reaching their destinations over the break, Student Engagement provides roundtrip buses to select cities on the East Coast. The cities include: New York City; Boston, Massachusetts; Washington, D.C.; White Plains, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Rockaway, New Jersey. Bus tickets are $110 and seats are still available. Visit the Student Engagement website for more information.

The University also provides complimentary roundtrip transportation to the Syracuse Hancock International Airport and the Regional Transportation Center (for buses and trains). Buses will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, with pickup from Goldstein Student Center (South Campus), College Place and the Brewster/Boland/Brockway Complex. On Sunday, Dec. 1, buses will provide return transportation from the Syracuse Airport/Regional Transportation Center from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Food Services

Many campus dining options will be closed or operate at limited hours over the break. To see the hours of operation for all locations,  visit the Campus Dining website. Here are some options for where to eat on campus each day.

• Saturday, Nov. 23
  • Sadler Dining Center, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 24
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 25
  • Dunkin’, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Gerry’s Café, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Life Sciences Café, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
  • Halal Shack, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Tavola 44, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 26
  • Dunkin’, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Gerry’s Café, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Life Sciences Café, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
  • Halal Shack, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Tavola 44, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 27
  • Dunkin’, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Gerry’s Café, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Life Sciences Café, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
  • Halal Shack, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Tavola 44, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 28
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 29
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 30
  • Sadler Dining Center, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 1
  • Brockway Dining Center, Ernie Davis Dining Center, Graham Dining Center, Orange Dining Center, Sadler Dining Center and Shaw Dining Center, all open standard hours.
  • Starbucks (West Campus), 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Dunkin’, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Greens and Grains, noon-11 p.m.
  • Otto’s Juice Box (Goldstein), noon-11 p.m.
  • Starbucks (Goldstein), noon-8 p.m.
  • CoreLife Eatery, 1-7 p.m.
  • Halal Shack, 1-7 p.m.
  • Original Orange, 4-11 p.m.
  • Southbound, 4-11 p.m.
  • Tomato Wheel, 4-11 p.m.

Barnes Center at The Arch

Barnes Center at The Arch hours for health care, mental health, recreation and other facilities over Thanksgiving break are available on the Barnes Center website.

Reminder: Call 315.443.8000 for 24-Hour Support

Students experiencing a mental health crisis, seeking support for sexual assault or relationship violence, or needing urgent medical consultation can receive free, confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 315.443.8000. Routine consultations should hold until the next business day.

Libraries

The hours for Syracuse University Libraries facilities are as follows:

• Saturday, Nov. 23
  • Bird Library, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 24
  • Bird Library, noon-8 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 25
  • Bird Library, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Carnegie Library, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Law Library, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • King + King Architecture Library, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 26
  • Bird Library, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Carnegie Library, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Law Library, 8 a.m.-5 p.m
  • King + King Architecture Library, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 27
  • Bird Library, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Carnegie Library, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Law Library, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 28-Friday, Nov. 29
  • No libraries open
• Saturday, Nov. 30
  • Bird Library, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 1
  • Bird Library, opens at 10 a.m.
  • Carnegie Library, noon-8 p.m.

Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety is available to the campus community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The department can be reached at 315.443.2224 or by dialing 711 from any campus phone.

This story was written by Student Experience communications intern Chloe Langerman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA) is pleased to offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for students, faculty and staff. The next available class will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 5-7:30 p.m. in 020 Lyman Hall.

This training will be the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Basic Life Support-Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP) class, which will review adult, child and infant CPR, including automated external defibrillator (AED) usage. Members of the campus community that complete the training will be CPR certified at the BLS-HCP level for the next two years.

“In this class, you will review and gain the knowledge of the five links of the AHA chain of survival. With this knowledge, you will be ready to recognize and assist in the event of a cardiac emergency either on or off campus,” says Paul Smyth, manager of emergency medical services with Health and Wellness Services at the Barnes Center at The Arch.

The course fee is $50 per person, which includes the certification and a pocket mask. Attendees can pay by check or SU interdepartmental order. Please bring a form of payment to the class.

To register, interested participants can contact Smyth at pjsmyth@syr.edu. Class size is limited to eight people per session. Contact Smyth at arrange a private class for a group or department.

With midterm exams right around the corner and World Mental Health Day on Thursday, Oct. 10, SU News put together a guide for students to help manage their mental health all year long, but especially during the midterm stress.

As you study and prepare for midterms, here are some quick tips to keep in mind to focus on your mental health:

Create a manageable study plan: Break your study sessions into manageable time blocks, prioritize your tasks and focus on one subject at a time.

Take breaks: Short, frequent breaks can help you stay focused and reduce stress. Try stretching, going for a walk or doing something you enjoy.

Be active: Physical activity can give a boost to your energy and mood. Even a short walk or a quick workout can make a big difference.
Eat healthy: Nutritious food fuels your brain and body. Try to eat balanced meals and drink plenty of water.
Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Quality sleep is important for memory, concentration and overall mental health.
Connect with others: Talking to friends or family can provide emotional support.
Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation or yoga can help reduce anxiety and improve focus.
Use resources at Barnes Center at The Arch: In addition to being a great place to get a workout in, you can also find counseling services, support groups and more which are outlined below.

Resources at the Barnes Center at The Arch

“The Barnes Center is such a rich resource for health and wellness, and we know from our students that mental wellness is most effective when approached from a holistic perspective that focuses on the connection between the mind and body,” says Carrie Brown, counseling director at the Barnes Center at The Arch.

Mental health is one of the focus areas at the Barnes Center at The Arch. There are numerous resources available to provide support to students while they are away from home and feeling challenges with their mental health.

“Barnes Center Counseling offers therapeutic support through individual and group therapy offerings as well as crisis and emergency support,” says Brown. “We have multiple groups that teach skills and techniques to help manage anxiety and emotional regulation. We also work very closely with our partners in Barnes Center Recreation and Health Promotion to connect students with other health and wellness resources.”

Students can also benefit from creating structure and routine and using the resources highlighted below, as part of a personalized self-care plan.

Clinical Support Services

Counseling

Individual counseling: Provides an opportunity to talk confidentially with an objective, caring professional about concerns and gain insights for a better understanding of one’s difficulties. These insights are then used to create a plan of action to carry out in one’s daily living.

Group counseling: Focuses on developing insight, changing behavior and improving relationship skills. In the group setting, students struggling with similar concerns can share feedback with each other and learn new ways of coping.

Mental Health Referrals: Counseling offers support with off-campus mental health referrals. Off-campus referrals may be provided to students who request a referral, present with an issue best suited for specialized treatment, long-term care or in cases when a student’s schedule is not compatible with our business hours or therapist availability.

Psychiatry

Psychiatry services are available on a referral basis from the Barnes Center at The Arch Health Care and Counseling teams. Services are provided jointly between the Barnes Center at The Arch psychiatric provider and the student’s home psychiatric provider. In order to see a psychiatric provider, a student will need to initiate care through Counseling at the Barnes Center at The Arch.

Mental Health Activities

In addition to the support services available on campus, the Barnes Center offers various activities to engage in to support mental health, including the following:

Crowley Family MindSpa

With several locations across campus, the Crowley Family MindSpa offers a welcoming, accessible and private space for students to practice and prioritize self-care by providing access to a variety of mindfulness and self-care activities, tools and resources.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Headspace: Through science-backed meditation and mindfulness tools, Headspace helps you create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a happier, healthier you.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program for Graduate Students: This program teaches the art of paying attention on purpose to the present moment with open and nonjudgmental awareness.

Pet Therapy

The Barnes Center at The Arch, in partnership with community organizations, offers pet therapy opportunities through the Deborah A. Barnes Pet Therapy Program. Visit the Walters Pet Therapy Room to de-stress and enjoy a pet’s company for free.

Syracuse University students experiencing a mental health crisis, seeking support for sexual assault or relationship violence or needing urgent medical consultation can receive free confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 315.443.8000.

Fall 2024 marks a five-year milestone since the grand opening of the Barnes Center at The Arch. A driving force behind the vision for the Barnes Center at The Arch’s physical space and its health and wellness team—comprising health care, counseling, health promotion and recreation—is to enhance the student experience through a pioneering Integrated Health and Wellness Model. The physical space mirrors the model, which prioritizes increased communication across teams alongside increased student access to services, resources and experiences that work together to encompass mind, body, spirit and community.

The innovative work of implementing and assessing the Barnes Center at The Arch Integrated Health and Wellness Model has earned the team, Yanhong Liu, Ph.D., School of Education associate professor and Barnes Center Interdisciplinary Health and Wellness Research Consortium faculty affiliate, and campus partners their latest peer-reviewed publication, “An Integrated Health and Wellness Model in a College Setting: A Path Analysis Pilot Investigation,” in the Journal of College Student Mental Health (formerly the Journal of College Student Psychotherapy).

Helping to lead the health and wellness research team and this publication is Qingyi Yu, Ph.D., Barnes Center at The Arch associate director of health and wellness research, who answers a few questions about the publication.

What are some exciting highlights about the study discussed within the publication?

“Possibly the first peer-reviewed research on an integrated wellness model in a college setting, our study is participatory in nature, aiming to meet the needs of our university community and the wider academic community across various disciplines. The study presents empirical evidence demonstrating the significant impact of the Barnes Center at The Arch’s Integrated Health and Wellness Model on reducing depressive symptoms among college students. The article revealed that our integrated model encompasses various health and wellness components, such as self-guided mindfulness (Crowley Family MindSpa), pet therapy (Deborah A. Barnes Pet Therapy Program), recreation and counseling services.”

You’ve mentioned that this may be the first peer-reviewed research of its kind, how do you anticipate this may further support others on a national and even global level?

“We are proud that our Barnes Center Integrated Health and Wellness Model is unique and successful in college settings. While existing literature has some data on integrated health care in hospital settings, our study is likely the first to demonstrate its significance in college settings. We anticipate conducting more research to support college student well-being based on our model, and to provide more data-driven evidence to impact policies and resources for college student well-being nationally and even globally.”

How do you anticipate these findings will help further enhance the Syracuse University student experience?

“Our current research underscores the significance of an Integrated Health and Wellness Model in a college setting. This model is a bridge connecting many domains of well-being, including physical, mental, social and spiritual, which allows the Barnes Center at The Arch team to provide holistic care for our students. We found that students seeking mental health services could also benefit greatly from engaging in other wellness activities, such as incorporating physical exercise alongside mindfulness experiences of pet therapy and/or self-guided mindfulness practice through the Crowley Family MindSpa, in addition to counseling to enhance mental health outcomes. Taking these findings further, the Barnes Center has implemented a new referral system based on this model, enabling our counseling and health care providers to recommend students to participate in physical exercises, nutrition services, pet therapy and the MindSpa.”

The University community is invited to explore future opportunities for participating in research and supporting the student experience.

Interdisciplinary Health and Wellness Research Consortium: Involving faculty, graduate students and those interested in participating in research from various disciplines, the Barnes Center at The Arch is working to establish an Interdisciplinary Wellness Research Consortium. The group’s focus will be evidence-based health and wellness research and practitioner-researcher collaboration efforts, incorporating practices such as counseling, health promotion, physical wellness and more. It will also provide graduate students in training with mentorship opportunities in data analysis, research development and publication. For more information, email Yu at qyu105@syr.edu.

Student Health and Wellness Advisory Committee: This committee is hosted for the 2024-25 academic year and offers leadership opportunities for students to provide feedback on health and wellness initiatives, programming and services to help inform the Barnes Center. The application is open through Friday, Sept. 20. More information and the application is available on the Student Health and Wellness Advisory Committee Application webpage.

Dear Students:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to campus for the 2024-25 academic year. I enjoy participating in Welcome Week activities every year and meeting so many of you and your families. As dean of students, I want you to know our staff are here to support you in achieving your goals and celebrating your successes. My colleagues in Student Experience and I all have different specialties and areas of expertise, but we all share one common goal—to provide support to you as you move through your time at Syracuse University. Together, we work with you to help you understand expectations, provide guidance and support when there is a concern, and empower you to develop critical life skills, like independence, accountability, self-advocacy and resiliency.

As you begin your classes and settle into a new routine, we are writing to share an overview of resources, services and pertinent policies. They are designed to promote a respectful, inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Barnes Center at The Arch

Did you know well-being is one of the strongest predictors of academic success? That’s why it is so important to familiarize yourself with the Barnes Center at The Arch. As the hub for student wellness, the Barnes Center features programs, services and offerings that promote holistic health, thriving and well-being in one accessible, centralized space on campus. The health and wellness team is committed to providing high-quality, student-centered care. Our approach encompasses mind, body, spirit and community and includes such things as physical and mental health care, recreation and fitness, pet therapy, mindfulness offerings, peer health education, crisis response and so much more. Please visit the Barnes Center website to explore the full slate of activities, resources and services.

Student Conduct Code

The Student Conduct Code outlines the standards we expect all students to uphold. Please familiarize yourself with the code. Details outlining the investigation, formal conduct, resolution by agreement and appeal processes and sanction guidelines may be found in the Student Conduct System Handbook. If you have a concern about an alleged violation of the code, you can reach Community Standards at 315.443.3728, via email at studentconduct@syr.edu or using the Incident Reporting Form. Their office is located at 804 University Ave., Suite 106.

Syracuse Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry

In May 2024, Syracuse University adopted and endorsed the “Syracuse Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry,” following a process in which a working group of faculty, students and staff sought and gathered community input. The statement defines and affirms the University’s commitment to free expression and free inquiry. We urge you to review it carefully.

Important Policies to Review

In addition to the aforementioned Student Conduct Code, the University has several policies that provide clear, consistent guidance around space reservations, prohibited harassment of others, demonstrations and other activity on campus. We urge you to review the following policies and visit policies.syr.edu to learn about other existing policies.

Anti-Harassment Policy
Campus Posting Policy
Events on University Property Policy
Campus Disruption and Demonstration Policy
Statement on Community Standards

Student Title IX Case Management

Students who have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, sexual assault or intimate partner violence have multiple avenues to discuss reporting options. One of the options includes the Student Title IX Case Management team, which supports students through the reporting and investigation process when the alleged perpetrator of misconduct is a student. Students can reach Student Title IX Case Management at titleix@syr.edu or 315.443.0211. Their office is located at 005 Steele Hall. If you believe a staff or faculty member has violated the University’s policy on sexual harassment, sexual assault or intimate partner violence, you may contact Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services at equalopp@syr.edu or 315.443.4018.

Student Outreach and Support

Case managers in Student Outreach and Support are available to assist students involved in University processes, including the conduct process and Title IX process, by providing supportive measures, explanations and follow-up services. They also support students navigating a personal difficulty or challenges through a variety of interventions, referrals and advocacy. Students can reach Student Outreach and Support at 315.443.4357 (HELP) or studentsupport@syr.edu. Their office is located at 111 Waverly Ave., Suite 220.

STOP Bias and Hate Initiative

The University has a robust reporting system designed to empower individuals to alert appropriate officials to incidents that may be motivated by bias targeting on individual’s or group’s protected characteristic(s). The STOP Bias and Hate Initiative webpage outlines resources to report and receive support for such incidents. Review the webpage for the definition of bias, reporting processes, how the University responds to reports, aggregated data by semester, educational opportunities and support resources. You may also elect to report a bias-motivated incident directly to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) via the options on the Report a Crime webpage.

Department of Public Safety

In addition to the resources outlined above, we also encourage you to review the message from Chief Craig A. Stone outlining important safety and reporting resources offered through DPS. DPS team members are focused on maintaining a safe and secure place to live, learn and work. Visit dps.syr.edu to learn more.

Stay Connected Digitally

There is a wealth of online resources that can help you make the most of your time at Syracuse. Download the OrangeNow mobile app for convenient access to campus systems and information, frequently visit SU News to stay up-to-date on what’s happening across the University and connect with various schools, colleges, offices and programs on your favorite social media platforms.

The first weeks of a new academic year can be challenging. Please know that your fellow students, our staff and faculty want you to be successful and are available to provide any assistance you may need. If you have any questions, concerns or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the resources listed above.

Wishing you a great semester,

Dean Dixon

Sheriah N. Dixon
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

To our first-year students, welcome to Syracuse! Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Central New York or just making it your temporary home for the next four years, we hope you’ll come to agree that there is something undeniably magical about the fall semester on campus. There are also certain rites of passage that are undeniably Orange. By the time December rolls around, you’ll likely have experienced all or most of the things on this list. If not, there is always next fall!

1. Football game in the JMA Wireless Dome

Grab your friends and get loud because fall Saturdays in Syracuse are synonymous with cheering on the Orange football team. The home opener is Saturday, Aug. 31, when we take on Ohio University at 3:30 p.m. Join Otto’s Army, the official student section, and snag your student season pass—which also includes tickets to every home men’s basketball game and complimentary admission to all home women’s basketball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, ice hockey, volleyball, tennis and softball competitions!

2. Involvement fair on the Shaw Quad

Every semester, Student Engagement hosts an involvement fair to connect students with opportunities to get… well, involved, with recognized student organizations (RSOs). This year’s fair spans three days: Monday, Sept. 9, will highlight RSOs in the cultural, performing or special interest category; Tuesday, Sept. 10, will include those dedicated to public service, publications, club sports, sports interest and esports; and Wednesday, Sept. 11, will feature Honors, religious and fraternity/sorority-related RSOs. Festivities are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each of the three days on the Quad (rain location is Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center).

3. A visit to the Barnes Center at The Arch

Whether the purpose of your visit is to get a workout in, receive a flu vaccine, participate in a counseling session or take advantage of one of the facility’s many other services, it’s only a matter of time before the Barnes Center becomes a staple of your life on campus. The center provides integrated wellness services and programs that support a holistic and inclusive student-centered experience promoting lifelong growth and development—which thankfully, includes pet therapy.

4. Apple and pumpkin picking

A fall field trip to a local pumpkin patch or apple orchard is a must during your time in Syracuse. Abbott Farms in Baldwinsville, Beak & Skiff in Lafayette and Navarino Orchard in Syracuse (among many others!) all offer apple picking. Later in the season, Tim’s Pumpkin Patch in Marietta and The Pumpkin Hollow in Syracuse are two favorites for pumpkins and fall fun. All of these destinations are within a 30-minute drive from campus, but if you’re lacking transportation check the Community Calendar for upcoming outings to such places, which are sometimes sponsored and coordinated by the University.

5. The season’s first snow

If you grew up nearby, this will be about as exciting to you as an all-nighter in Bird—but if you’re one of the many students who come to Syracuse from warmer climates, perhaps you’ll be experiencing your first-ever snowfall later in the fall semester. When it happens, put on your favorite scarf, get a mocha java from People’s Place and prepare to wow your friends and family back home with your snaps of our beautiful campus covered in the season’s first snow. And then get used to it—because it will be here until April!