Bringing Warmth and Building Community on South Campus

While the Central New York winter chill begins to creep in, South Campus residents have a new way to stay warm, enjoy the outdoors and connect with one another. Five lounging areas complete with fire pits are now available in locations across South Campus. The installation of the fire pits was made possible following planning and collaboration across staff in Student Experience, Fire and Life Safety Services and Campus Planning, Design and Construction.

“With the apartment-style living on South Campus and the plentiful surrounding outdoor spaces, installing these fire pits offers a perfect opportunity to create gathering spaces that bring students outside and provides a chance to build community,” says Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves.

For the Student Living staff, the fire pits add to a host of programs and events that enhance the ways students on South Campus can connect with one another, including the South Campus Welcome BBQ, a Syracuse Mets baseball game outing and monthly programming.

Providing students with a variety of ways to build connection to the life of the University and with one another is a priority for the Student Experience division.

“Opportunities for students to gather to meaningfully engage with one another—both informally and formally—are an important part of enhancing the student experience,” adds Groves. “We hope these new spaces create more opportunities for building new friendships and creating strong personal connections.”