Message to the University Community from Chancellor Syverud

Dear Orange Friends:

Syracuse University has been working hard to raise awareness about and to put an end to sexual and relationship violence. I appreciate the great efforts of the Workgroup on Sexual Violence Prevention, Education and Advocacy; the Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence; and all our dedicated students, faculty, and staff members.

All of this hard work will be nationally recognized next week with a visit from Vice President Joseph R. Biden L’68, who has been one of the nation’s leading advocates for this cause. Vice President Biden will visit campus next Thursday, Nov. 12, as part of the “It’s On Us” campaign’s National Week of Action. He will attend an event at the Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center. We’ll share more details soon.

The “It’s On Us” campaign kicked off nationally last fall. It is intended to spread awareness of sexual assault on college campuses. As part of that effort, 17 college students from across the country were appointed to the “It’s On Us” Student Advisory Committee. Syracuse University’s own Samantha Skaller, a junior in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, is a member of this national committee. The Committee will play a key role in delivering the “It’s On Us” message to college campuses across the country.

Next week, the Task Force will host a number of other events at Syracuse as part of the National Week of Action. These include a film screening, panel discussions, and many other activities aimed at raising awareness. I encourage you to participate in these events. If we all realize “It’s On Us”, we can make a difference.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Kent Syverud