Campus & Community

Safety, Academic Operations and Resources

Wednesday, November 20, 2019, By News Staff

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

We are writing this morning to provide you an update on campus safety, academic operations and resources. At this time, let us first say this unequivocally: while many in our community have experienced deep pain, anxiety and fear in recent days, there has been no physical violence or physical threat to personal safety. That is why, in consultation with the FBI, New York State Police and Syracuse Police, our campus has and will continue to remain fully open.

While the University’s operating status remains open, faculty have been given broad discretion in regard to accommodations, coursework and holding classes. Additionally, excused absences will be granted for students for the remainder of the week.

As we continue to focus on providing stepped-up support to our students, here are the steps we have taken to foster a safer campus community:

  • We have Syracuse Police officers and New York State troopers patrolling on and off campus
  • Department of Public Safety has doubled patrols
  • Stationed Department of Public Safety vehicles strategically around campus
  • Increased walking patrols to all residence halls and campus buildings
  • Increased property checks
  • Enhanced our safety escort program to include added shuttle and walking escorts; you can call for a safety escort anytime at 315.443.SAFE (7233).

As a reminder, the following services are always available:

  • The LiveSafe app, which acts as a mobile blue light, allows you to contact the DPS Emergency Communications Center with the touch of a button and transmit your physical location during the call.
  • There is also a list of safety strategies that we urge you to review.
  • For faculty and staff, assistance is available through Carebridge, the University’s faculty and staff assistance program. Trained clinicians are available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be reached at 800.437.0911.
  • Additional support resources are available through the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services at 315.443.4018.

We also want to remind you of the ongoing services and support available, as well as the added measures that have been put in place to provide additional assistance:

  • Drop-in counseling services are available from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Barnes Center at The Arch. The counseling staff is located on the third floor. To meet increased demand, we have added additional licensed professionals available to assist during drop-in hours.
  • The Main Chapel of Hendricks Chapel will be open throughout the day for prayer, meditation and reflection. Chaplains will be available in the Chaplains Suite (lower level of Hendricks Chapel) to provide comfort and care.
  • In addition, students can visit the STOP Bias website to report or receive support for bias-related incidents.

In addition, the following offices are available for drop-ins and small group discussion throughout the day:

  • Dean of Students Office, 306 Steele Hall
  • Cultural Centers’ Suite, 548 Bird Library (Office of Multicultural Affairs, Disability Cultural Center and LGBT Resource Center)
  • Center for International Services, 310 Walnut Place

Our teams are actively providing support to members of our community. We will continue to provide updates with new information, resources or safety enhancements.

Sincerely,

Michele Wheatly
Vice Chancellor and Provost

Rob Hradsky
Vice President for the Student Experience
Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience

Bobby Maldonado
Chief, Department of Public Safety