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The application process for the Class of 2026 Senior Class Marshals, an opportunity afforded to two students who will serve as the all-University student representatives for the graduating class, has officially opened. Current Syracuse University juniors, graduating in May 2026, who are enrolled in undergraduate programs and will be on campus during the entirety of their senior year (2025-26) are encouraged to apply.

“Senior Class Marshals embody the spirit of academic excellence, personal growth and community engagement, representing the vibrant and inclusive experience of being Orange,” says Sheriah N. Dixon, associate vice president for the Student Experience Division, Dean of Students and chair of the selection committee. “We encourage juniors to explore the process and apply to serve as representatives of the Class of 2026.”

In addition to leading their graduating class during Commencement, Senior Class Marshals help to recommend the Commencement speaker, participate in alumni networking, meet with a senior University administrator to discuss their student experience and offer insights and suggestions, represent their class at University-wide functions and more.

For more information about the role, including qualifications and instructions on how to apply, please visit the Class of 2026 Senior Class Marshals websitepage. The deadline to apply is Monday, Feb. 10.

For questions, contact Tracy Pierce at tmstark@syr.edu or call 315.443.3514.

As Syracuse University continues to advance its comprehensive housing strategy, later this month it will begin demolition of several structures to make way for two new residence halls. The housing strategy, first announced in February 2024, includes demolishing Marion Hall, Kimmel Hall and Dining Center, and Comstock Avenue Garage. Work on Marion and Kimmel halls will begin in December, while the demolition of Comstock Avenue Garage is expected to start in early 2025 following the permitting process. Parking Services staff will connect with each Comstock Avenue Garage permit holder directly to coordinate new parking assignments.

Today’s announcement follows the creation of the University’s first housing strategy which was co-led by Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Brett Padgett. Other university leaders, including John Papazoglou, senior vice president and chief operations officer, and Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer, among others, were also part of the group charged with crafting the strategy. As part of the group’s work, its members surveyed students to assess their housing expectations, reviewed Syracuse University’s current housing stock, and toured recent renovations and new construction at peer institutions.

“A lot of intentional thought around current and future needs and cross-campus collaboration went into developing this housing strategy,” says Groves. “Not only is the University focused on enhancing its housing stock for students, but we’re also thinking strategically about how we can create and offer housing options for other important campus constituency groups, including new faculty, staff and graduate students. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this important work and look forward to seeing progress as demolition and construction get underway.”

The forthcoming demolition and new construction builds on the recent conversions of both the former Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center and the apartment complex formerly known as the Marshall into residence halls. Orange Hall (formerly the Sheraton) and Milton Hall (formerly the Marshall) opened to students this academic year and currently house 660 sophomores in total. The new residence halls will be the first built since Ernie Davis Hall opened 15 years ago.

“Prospective students are looking at the total experience when determining which university to attend, and that includes housing,” says Padgett. “One of the most common pieces of feedback from our current students was the desire to have more modern living accommodations that offer gathering spaces, multipurpose rooms and other amenities that support their ability to thrive inside and outside of the classroom. The two new residence halls will offer all of that and more and serve Syracuse University students for decades to come.”

In addition to the new residence halls being built at the former sites of Marion and Kimmel Halls and Comstock Avenue Garage, the University will also construct a new residence hall at 544 University Place, along Ostrom Avenue, adjacent to Thornden Park. This new facility will house approximately 570 students. The design is nearing completion, and construction is anticipated to begin early in 2025.

Supporting the University’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about, respond to and address sexual and relationship violence, the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence conducts the Sexual and Relationship Violence Survey, with the support of the Office of Institutional Research, every two years in alignment with New York State Enough is Enough legislation requirement.

The results help to gain a comprehensive understanding of responding students’ experiences related to and awareness of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and sexual harassment.

“The results of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Survey provide important insights that inform and guide programs, services and awareness efforts in preventing, educating and responding to interpersonal violence. We appreciate the time students took to complete the survey as their feedback is critical to our collective work in continuing to foster a safe and supportive campus climate for all,” says task force co-chairs Sheriah Dixon, dean of students, and Kelly Chandler-Olcott, dean of the School of Education.

The survey administered in spring 2024 garnered a 22.7% response rate from a stratified random sample of nearly 6,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students. While this response rate was lower than the 2022 survey, the number of respondents was nearly the same because of the larger sample size in 2024. Students, faculty and staff can access the full results of the survey by logging into MySlice and selecting the Student Resources or Employee Resources tile, respectively.

Key findings and takeaways from the students who responded to the 2024 survey include the following:

• Nearly 80% said they knew where they could get help if they or a friend were sexually assaulted, harassed, abused or stalked.
• Nearly 80% said they had a general understanding of Syracuse University’s procedures for addressing sexual and relationship violence.
• Nearly 70% had a general understanding of the role of the University’s Title IX coordinator.
• Slightly less than 8% reported having experienced some form of non-consensual sexual contact (sexual assault) during their time at Syracuse University.
• 6% indicated that they had experienced relationship abuse during their time as a student at Syracuse. These behaviors included physical violence, threats, verbal abuse and coercive behavior.

Support and Resources

Students impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and harassment can receive confidential counseling, advocacy and support, as well as discuss reporting options, with a member of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response (SRVR) Team at the Barnes Center at The Arch 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The SRVR Team can be reached by calling 315.443.8000. For 24/7 confidential support and advocacy off campus, students may contact Vera House, an independent nonprofit organization, at 315.468.3260.

Reporting options include:

• Title IX: call 315.443.0211; visit 005 Steele Hall; or email titleix@syr.edu.
• Department of Public Safety: call 315.443.2224; call or send a message via the Orange Safe app; 711 from any campus phone; #78 on your cell; or visit 005 Sims Hall.
• Syracuse Police Department: call 315.435.3016.
• New York State Police: call 1.844.845.7269.
• Anonymous Syracuse University Reporting: Department of Public Safety Silent Witness tool.

Education, Awareness and Prevention Programs

Students, faculty and staff interested in getting involved in sexual and relationship violence prevention efforts on campus or seeking to learn more about sexual and relationship violence, can visit the following resources for additional information:

• Participate in training opportunities offered by University offices and student organizations.
• Participate in awareness and advocacy efforts.

For more information about resources, support, reporting and involvement opportunities, visit the Sexual and Relationship Violence Resources website and the Student Title IX website.

National First-Generation College Celebration Week is Nov. 4-8, and provides an opportunity to celebrate first-generation students whose parents have not attended a higher education institution. Around 20% of Syracuse University students identify as first-generation. The campus community is invited to participate in several events throughout the week, including:

All week:

Sign your graduating class’s first-generation banner at the Intercultural Collective in the Schine Student Center. The banner will be displayed during graduation season. Participants can also get free first-generation stickers.
A poster display, “Exploring the First-Generation Syracuse University Experience,” featuring campus community members, will be on exhibit on the first floor of Bird Library. Learn about the history of the first-generation identity in higher education, the diverse definitions of “first-generation” and inspiring profiles of current first-generation campus members. A library research guide will offer a wide array of books and resources by and for first-generation individuals, covering themes such as cultural education, memoirs, celebrations and wellness.

Monday, Nov. 4

A workshop on “Crafting Your Pitch” will be offered by Career Services and the Kessler Scholars Program from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in Room 104 of the Tolley Humanities Building. The workshop is tailored to the needs of first-generation students, with a special emphasis on undergraduate students. Participants will discover, practice and leave with branding and elevator pitch techniques to support their career journeys.
“Lead the Way: a First-Generation Panel Discussion,” will be held from 4-6 p.m. in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, 114 Bird Library. A diverse panel of faculty, staff, students and alumni will share their unique experiences, challenges and advice in navigating college and the professional environments. The discussion and Q&A session will include how to gather support and resources,

Tuesday, Nov. 5

The Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS), located on the lower level of Bird Library, will hold an open house from 3:30-5:30 p.m. for first-generation students to explore the variety of individual and group academic support services available.

Wednesday, Nov. 6

Affinity and networking pop-up space for first-generation students, faculty and staff will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Intercultural Collective office in the Schine Student Center. Meet fellow first-generation peers, share your experiences, sign your class banner and enjoy some light refreshments while building a supportive community.
“Thriving as a First-Generation Professional: Navigating the Workforce with Confidence,” a trauma-informed workshop designed to empower first-generation college students as they prepare to enter the professional workforce, will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. in 103 Huntington Hall. Participants will explore practical strategies for overcoming challenges unique to first-generation professionals, such as navigating workplace dynamics, developing self-advocacy and managing financial independence.

A virtual session on “Building Your Professional Network” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Learn how to unlock life-changing conversations, mentorships, internships and jobs. Connect with members of the vast Orange community. Open to all undergraduate students, regardless of school/college affiliation.

Thursday, Nov. 7

An open house will be held in 208 Bowne Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for participants to learn about research, fellowship and other resources and opportunities available for first-generation students with the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA), Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE), Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) and the Lender Center for Social Justice.

Friday, Nov. 8

A First-Generation Resource Fair will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Jacquet Commons in Huntington Hall. The fair will feature information from  SOURCE, Syracuse Abroad, Blackstone Launchpad, the McNair Scholars Program, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and more.
A First-Generation Celebration featuring “Living Between Two Worlds” with Tianna Faye Soto will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Jacquet Commons in Huntington Hall. Soto will focus on empowering first-generation students to explore their identities, celebrate intersectionality and highlight the unique strength each person holds.

The National First-Generation College Celebration is celebrated annually on Nov. 8 to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The act provides equal opportunity for those from low-income and minority backgrounds. The legislation created grants and loan programs, invested in higher education institutions and started the Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) to facilitate the academic success of first-generation college students.

First-Generation College Celebration Week events are made possible by the collaboration and generous contributions of multiple individuals, offices and units on campus that believe in elevating and celebrating our first-generation community of students, faculty and staff.

New Student Programs maintains the First-Generation Faculty and Staff List for those who self-identify as first-generation college students. The list serves a visual representation of faculty and staff dedication to helping current first-generation college students build their personal success networks and their eagerness to help grow a campus of support. Students are encouraged to connect with faculty and staff members who can share their personal journeys, insight and support throughout this unique student experience.

It’s a normal experience. You’re away from home and loved ones—maybe for the first time, and you’re feeling homesick for your familiar people and places.

To help you process the experience, Carrie  Brown, director of counseling, Barnes Center at The Arch, recommends starting with recognizing what you’re going through.

“Having awareness and naming the experience and feelings is often a good first step. As well as normalizing the experience,” Brown says. Feel that discomfort but also explore your new situation and meet with new people—and focus on thoughts as to why you embarked on this new adventure.

In this Q&A with SU News, Brown shares how you can recognize the signs of being homesick, how to work through those feelings and how friends and family can offer support.

What are the signs that might appear in students who are feeling homesick?

Signs can manifest physically, cognitively and emotionally and often are tied together. Physical signs might include disrupted sleep, lack/change in appetite, lowered immune responses, GI issues, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and general feelings of being unwell. Cognitively, the individual might find themselves consumed with thoughts of returning home, being pessimistic about their new environment or having difficulty concentrating. Emotionally, the person might find themselves having a low mood, being tearful or having feelings of hopelessness. Additionally, they might experience increased levels of anxiety, including nervousness, worry, being jittery, irritability and wanting to withdraw.

Is it very common for students to go through this? What do you tell students about those feelings of homesickness?

Experiences of homesickness are very common and usually occur more often in students who are leaving home for the first time but can happen whenever our routines become completely disrupted for extended periods of time. Research has indicated that upwards of 70% of first-year students experience some symptoms/signs of homesickness, which if not addressed could potentially lead to adjustment difficulties.

Attitude and perspective toward the new experience and environment can have a critical impact. For example, anticipating being homesick can sometimes lend itself to a self-fulling mindset. A person’s ability to sit with the discomfort and explore the unfamiliar, including new situations and engaging with new people can be helpful. Additionally, focusing on thoughts such as why one chose this University can be a good way of offsetting a more negative mindset.

What are ways to help overcome homesickness?

Seek support by talking with family, friends and professors and building new social relationships.
Look for ways to recreate things from home that you miss in your new environment.
Get active and continue to engage in self-care such as paying attention to sleep, nutrition and exercise.
Create a routine and leave your residence hall. Look for opportunities to get involved with things you enjoy and are passionate about such as joining a University club or committee.
Avoid the temptation to return home often and/or stay in your room.
Try to avoid too much social comparison and set realistic expectations. Know that you are not alone in these feelings and that many people can resolve them.

How can families and friends support students who might be homesick?

Families and friends should be open to talking about what the student is experiencing and listen with empathy and normalize the experience. They should also talk about how the student might develop a routine, get involved on campus and how they might find things they enjoy in their new environment. Normalize the time it takes to make deeper relationships and help set realistic expectations. Avoid being quick to have them come home too often and encourage them to get involved on campus and branch out to meet new people.

Who should students reach out to if those feelings don’t go away after a certain period?

Certainly, homesickness over a duration can lead to additional anxiety and depressed mood. In the event that someone notices that homesickness is impacting their daily life and they are not making connections and/or withdrawing from opportunities and isolating they should reach out to a professional such as Barnes Center counseling for support. Student Outreach and Support is another helpful resource that can offer support as well, especially if academics are being impacted.

The Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving has launched the Fall 2024 Student Organization Challenge. The initiative is your chance to support students as they compete to raise funds toward their important goals and projects.

Eighteen student groups have been chosen to participate. You can help them succeed as they compete for the highest number of unique donors by the end of the challenge. In addition to the funds raised, the Student Experience team has offered $1,750 in challenge dollars for the following:

$250 to the first organization to reach 50 donors
$500 to the first organization to reach 100 donors
$1,000 to the student organization with the highest number of donors at the end of the challenge

Whether it’s funding a new project, hosting an event or enhancing their operations, your gift can help these groups achieve their dreams.

Why Donate?

Boost Campus Life: These student-led initiatives strengthen the sense of community and belonging on campus, making Syracuse University a more engaging environment for all.
Support Students: We can’t do it without you! Your participation means the world to our dedicated students.
Maximize Impact: Every unique donor moves students one step closer to unlocking challenge dollars, meaning your generosity goes even further.

The challenge runs until Dec. 3, 2024. Visit cc.syr.edu/rsochallenge to learn more about this year’s participating organizations and their goals.

Story by Brooke Merrifield-Hintz

For the second year in a row, the University’s Career Services team has been honored with the prestigious Spark Award from Handshake, a career management platform that connects students with jobs, internships and employers. The recognition highlights the team’s innovative use of the platform to support student career development and underscores its commitment to student success.

The University adopted Handshake just before the start of the Fall 2018 semester. Over the years, Handshake has become an integral tool for uniting all career service centers across the University. It offers a range of services to students and staff. Students can schedule appointments with career advisers, upload resumes, explore employers, apply for jobs and internships, view upcoming events and career fairs, and access a wealth of career resources. For staff, the platform provides key insights into student needs, enabling better support through data and analytics.

“The University’s Career Services team has been recognized for its strategic use of data and analytics,” says Adam Capozzi, director of career services, assessment and student success. “By tracking student outcomes through the first-destination survey and utilizing hundreds of analytics reports, the team has engaged more deeply with students and shared insights creatively with internal and external partners. This data-driven approach has significantly impacted student support both on-campus and beyond graduation.”

Receiving the Spark Award strengthens the team’s mission to empower students and promote innovative, inclusive career development and affirms the goals of expanding access, enhancing student engagement and strengthening partnerships.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award for the second year in a row,” says Capozzi. “Being recognized by Handshake once again is truly an honor, and we are deeply appreciative of the acknowledgment. It is a testament to our team’s dedication and the incredible support from our campus community. We could not be more grateful.”

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.