Please Review Carefully: Important Information From Dean of Students Sheriah Dixon

Dear Students:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to campus for the 2025-26 academic year. I enjoyed meeting many of you and your families during our Welcome Week activities. As dean of students, I want you to know we 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. We 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.

I want to share with you an overview of resources, services and support available to you. They are designed to promote a respectful, safe, supportive and welcoming environment for all.

Barnes Center at The Arch

Did you know well-being is one of the strongest predictors of academic success? That’s why it’s 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 and well-being in one accessible, centralized space on campus. The health and wellness team is committed to providing high-quality, student-centered care. This holistic wellness approach encompasses mind, body, spirit and community and includes things such as physical and mental health care, recreation and fitness, pet therapy, mindfulness offerings, crisis response and so much more. Please visit the Barnes Center website to explore the full slate of activities, resources and services. The Barnes Center at The Arch is located at 150 Sims Drive, between the JMA Wireless Dome and Carnegie Library. Contact the health and wellness team by calling 315.443.8000 or emailing BarnesCenter@syr.edu.

Student Conduct Code

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 sanctions 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 Report Form. Their team is located at 804 University Ave., Suite 106.

Student Title IX Case Management

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 team is located at 242 Marley Education Building. 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.

Student Outreach and Support

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 challenge 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 team is located at 111 Waverly Ave., Suite 220.

STOP Bias Initiative

The University has a robust reporting system designed to empower individuals to alert appropriate officials to incidents that may be motivated by bias. The STOP Bias 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, aggregate 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.

Department of Public Safety

In addition to the resources outlined above, we also encourage you to review the message from Chief Michael Bunker 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.

At Syracuse University, the safety and well-being of our campus community is paramount. Recent events, including swatting calls within universities, have grown, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance and clear communication around public safety protocols.

Swatting deliberately false reports of emergencies intended to provoke a heavy law enforcement response is not only disruptive, but dangerous. These hoaxes can cause panic, divert critical resources, and traumatize students, faculty and staff. Thankfully, these recent threats were quickly identified as a hoax, and no one was harmed.

We urge all members of the Syracuse University community to:

• Stay alert and subscribe to campus safety notifications, such as Orange Alert.
• Understand emergency procedures, including lockdown and evacuation protocols.
• Report any suspicious behavior to the Department of Public Safety immediately.

Crosswalks

We kindly remind everyone to exercise caution and attentiveness when using crosswalks on and around campus.

Please observe the following guidelines:

• Adhere to pedestrian signals: Only cross when the walk signal is clearly displayed.
• Remain alert: Always look both ways and be aware of your surroundings before stepping into the crosswalk.
• Avoid distractions: Refrain from using mobile phones, headphones or other electronic devices while crossing the street.

Crosswalks are designated for your protection, but they require your active participation to ensure safety. By staying focused and following these simple practices, you help create a safer environment for yourself and others.

Stay Connected Digitally

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, teams 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 our 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. If you’re unsure where to start with a question or concern, you are always encouraged to connect with me by visiting the Dean of Students website, calling 315.443.3514 or emailing dos@syr.edu.

Wishing you a great semester,

Dean Dixon