Dear Students:
It is my pleasure to welcome you to campus for the 2024-25 academic year. I enjoy participating in Welcome Week activities every year and meeting so many of you and your families. As dean of students, I want you to know our staff are here to support you in achieving your goals and celebrating your successes. My colleagues in Student Experience and I all have different specialties and areas of expertise, but we all share one common goal—to provide support to you as you move through your time at Syracuse University. Together, we work with you to help you understand expectations, provide guidance and support when there is a concern, and empower you to develop critical life skills, like independence, accountability, self-advocacy and resiliency.
As you begin your classes and settle into a new routine, we are writing to share an overview of resources, services and pertinent policies. They are designed to promote a respectful, inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Did you know well-being is one of the strongest predictors of academic success? That’s why it is so important to familiarize yourself with the Barnes Center at The Arch. As the hub for student wellness, the Barnes Center features programs, services and offerings that promote holistic health, thriving and well-being in one accessible, centralized space on campus. The health and wellness team is committed to providing high-quality, student-centered care. Our approach encompasses mind, body, spirit and community and includes such things as physical and mental health care, recreation and fitness, pet therapy, mindfulness offerings, peer health education, crisis response and so much more. Please visit the Barnes Center website to explore the full slate of activities, resources and services.
The Student Conduct Code outlines the standards we expect all students to uphold. Please familiarize yourself with the code. Details outlining the investigation, formal conduct, resolution by agreement and appeal processes and sanction guidelines may be found in the Student Conduct System Handbook. If you have a concern about an alleged violation of the code, you can reach Community Standards at 315.443.3728, via email at studentconduct@syr.edu or using the Incident Reporting Form. Their office is located at 804 University Ave., Suite 106.
In May 2024, Syracuse University adopted and endorsed the “Syracuse Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry,” following a process in which a working group of faculty, students and staff sought and gathered community input. The statement defines and affirms the University’s commitment to free expression and free inquiry. We urge you to review it carefully.
In addition to the aforementioned Student Conduct Code, the University has several policies that provide clear, consistent guidance around space reservations, prohibited harassment of others, demonstrations and other activity on campus. We urge you to review the following policies and visit policies.syr.edu to learn about other existing policies.
Students who have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, sexual assault or intimate partner violence have multiple avenues to discuss reporting options. One of the options includes the Student Title IX Case Management team, which supports students through the reporting and investigation process when the alleged perpetrator of misconduct is a student. Students can reach Student Title IX Case Management at titleix@syr.edu or 315.443.0211. Their office is located at 005 Steele Hall. If you believe a staff or faculty member has violated the University’s policy on sexual harassment, sexual assault or intimate partner violence, you may contact Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services at equalopp@syr.edu or 315.443.4018.
Case managers in Student Outreach and Support are available to assist students involved in University processes, including the conduct process and Title IX process, by providing supportive measures, explanations and follow-up services. They also support students navigating a personal difficulty or challenges through a variety of interventions, referrals and advocacy. Students can reach Student Outreach and Support at 315.443.4357 (HELP) or studentsupport@syr.edu. Their office is located at 111 Waverly Ave., Suite 220.
The University has a robust reporting system designed to empower individuals to alert appropriate officials to incidents that may be motivated by bias targeting on individual’s or group’s protected characteristic(s). The STOP Bias and Hate Initiative webpage outlines resources to report and receive support for such incidents. Review the webpage for the definition of bias, reporting processes, how the University responds to reports, aggregated data by semester, educational opportunities and support resources. You may also elect to report a bias-motivated incident directly to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) via the options on the Report a Crime webpage.
In addition to the resources outlined above, we also encourage you to review the message from Chief Craig A. Stone outlining important safety and reporting resources offered through DPS. DPS team members are focused on maintaining a safe and secure place to live, learn and work. Visit dps.syr.edu to learn more.
There is a wealth of online resources that can help you make the most of your time at Syracuse. Download the OrangeNow mobile app for convenient access to campus systems and information, frequently visit SU News to stay up-to-date on what’s happening across the University and connect with various schools, colleges, offices and programs on your favorite social media platforms.
The first weeks of a new academic year can be challenging. Please know that your fellow students, our staff and faculty want you to be successful and are available to provide any assistance you may need. If you have any questions, concerns or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the resources listed above.
Wishing you a great semester,
Dean Dixon
Sheriah N. Dixon
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
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