New Residence Hall Security Model to Begin in Fall 2024

Syracuse University today announced a new model for residence hall security that includes a strategic reallocation of public safety resources to enhance overall campus safety while providing appropriate coverage in many of the University’s most populated residence halls. Today’s announcement follows an assessment of student needs and a thorough analysis of crime data, as well as a review of residential hall security at similarly sized and located institutions.

Under the new model, first-year residence halls, as well as 727 S. Crouse (formerly known as The Marshall) and 801 University Ave. (previously the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center), will receive dedicated security staffing, with 28 full-time academic year residential community safety officers (RCSOs) and six full-time RCSO coordinators. The RCSOs will provide staffing from 10 p.m.-8 a.m., seven days a week. Student resident advisors will provide coverage from 5-10 p.m. Outside of these hours, residents will continue to be required to swipe their SU ID for entrance into their residence hall.

“We recognize the importance of continuously evaluating and improving our security protocols to meet the evolving needs of our campus community, including our students living in on campus residence halls,” says Craig Stone, associate vice president and chief of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services. “This strategic reallocation of resources will enable Syracuse University to maintain a visible and reliable security presence, while fostering a sense of safety and well-being among our entire campus community.”

The coverage model is adaptable to fluctuations in incoming class sizes, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently based on enrollment each year. Additionally, the plan includes differentiated summer coverage to accommodate the varying demands of summer programs, reflecting the University’s commitment to providing a safe environment year-round.

As a result of this change in its residence hall staffing model, DPS will reduce the number of RCSOs hired annually. The positions are nine-month appointments and begin at the start of the academic year and conclude immediately following Commencement. This means 33 RCSOs and 3 RCSO coordinators will not be returning to their posts for the 2024-25 academic year. The impacted staff, who do not receive a salary during the summer months, have been made aware of this change and will receive one-month severance. Additionally, DPS management and Human Resources staff met with every RCSO and RCSO coordinator individually earlier this week. Affected individuals are eligible to apply for other opportunities on campus.

“These team members have made great contributions to our campus, and we will do everything we can to help them transition into new roles,” says Andy Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “We appreciate their service to the University and are working to help them find new opportunities within Syracuse University, or with other nearby community partners.”