Syracuse University creates video to help students make the transition to off-campus life

Syracuse University creates video to help students make the transition to off-campus lifeJanuary 17, 2001Mark Owczarskimaowczar@syr.edu

Syracuse University students looking to move off campus next fall will have an easier go of it, thanks to a new video recently produced by students, staff and the Syracuse University in the Community program. “A Guide to Living Off Campus” is a 22-minute video intended to help students make the transition to off-campus living. It provides information on finding suitable housing, the rights of students as tenants and as members of the community, and where students can get help when they have questions. The video also makes students aware of their responsibilities as members of a neighborhood. “The idea to create this video came up in several conversations with area residents, community leaders and students,” says Laura Madelone, judicial affairs counselor in the Office of Judicial Affairs. “We think we ended up with a video that will help students with the many facets of living off campus.” Madelone and a team of interested students developed an outline for the project last year and approached Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw for financial support. With funding for the project secured, Madelone and the students worked with the University’s Video Production Services this fall to produce the final product. The Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Government and Community Relations also provided assistance with the production. “The video covers a wide range of topics, including the pros and cons of living off campus, finding the right apartment to rent, how to be a good neighbor, city ordinances, the Code of Student Conduct and how it applies to off-campus students, the Neighborhood Patrol Initiative, getting involved in the community, and living with roommates,” adds Madelone. “And each topic is discussed by experts from the campus and the greater Syracuse community.” The video features appearances by city officials, community residents, civic leaders, University officials, and members of the Syracuse Police Department, the Department of Public Safety and the Syracuse City Department of Code Enforcement. Each guest shares important information with the viewer.

“The information, advice and tips provided in this video are essential for any student who is considering living off campus,” says Madelone. “The video became even more valuable to students with the appearances of individuals from so many campus and community organizations.” Madelone wrote and produced the video. Neal Coffey, coordinator of Video Production Services, was the director. Others working on the project: Yufang Hsiao, technical specialist at the Center for Support of Teaching and Learning (CSTL), was the editor; Mike Tillotson oversaw lighting; Judy Farrelly of Video Production Services was associate producer; and Edgar Endress, a graduate student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, was a production assistant. Shannon Winston, a senior in The College of Arts and Sciences, narrates the video. Student actors include Sara Dovi, a sophomore in the College for Human Development; Taminenca Lollis, a senior in the School of Social Work; Steven Santillan, a senior in The College of Arts and Sciences; and Jeffrey Strom, a senior in The College of Arts and Sciences. To borrow a copy of the video, contact the Division of Student Affairs at llmadelo@syr.eduor the Office of Government and Community Relations at 443-3919. For more information on living off campus, visit the Syracuse University in the Community Web site athttp://students.syr.edu/offcampusliving