‘Pulse’ brings performing arts alive for SU students

‘Pulse’ brings performing arts alive for SU studentsAugust 25, 2003Michele Barrettmibarret@syr.edu

To attract more students to the award-winning performing arts program formerly known as Arts Adventure, the College of Visual and Performing Arts and Division of Student Affairs have revamped the program and re-named it “Pulse.”

The program’s vision and mission have remained consistent since Arts Adventure was launched in 1994, providing students with out-of-classroom opportunities to attend and participate in programs, performances, exhibitions, and events in the performing arts. Combining the best offerings of local arts organizations-including Syracuse Opera, Syracuse Stage and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra-with prestigious outside guest artists including Bobby McFerrin and Ailey II, Pulse seeks to raise the caliber of the programming while increasing the number of participating students.

“Arts Adventure has always been a model program recognized for quality, diversity, collaboration and innovation that celebrates and expands the cultural climate of Syracuse University, and Pulse will continue and enhance this award-winning tradition,” says Mary Ann Shaw, associate to the Chancellor. The program received the New York State Governor’s Arts Award in 1997.

Shaw, working collaboratively with Carole A. Brzozowski, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts; Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs; and students, faculty and staff, evaluated the program closely during the Spring 2003 semester and offered suggestions for improvement in programming and marketing.

“Arts Adventure has been-and will continue to be-a unique program among institutions of higher education that provides students a solid education in the arts and helps them establish a lifelong appreciation for it,” says Brzozowski. “Pulse is a wonderful example of how Academic Affairs and Student Affairs can work together to provide alternative activities outside of the classroom.”

Arts Adventure was developed nearly 10 years ago as a joint project between the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the Division of Student Affairs to influence student culture in positive ways by positioning the arts more prominently as part of the regular student experience.

Participation was initially required of first-year and transfer undergraduate students and optional for upper-class and graduate students. Since 2002, the Division of Student Affairs has included Arts Adventure funding in the co-curricular fee assessed to all SU undergraduates, so that the programs are now open to all SU undergraduates at no cost or reduced cost.

“It is our hope and expectation that when students return to campus this fall, they will find that Pulse offers inviting opportunities that are easily accessible to take advantage of community arts events and performances,” says Wells. “Our support of the arts on campus sends a positive message to our students about the priorities and values of our campus, and serves as a model for other colleges and universities.”