Campus Life

Syracuse Senior Bucket List

As this year’s seniors enter the home stretch of their college careers, it’s important to take time to reflect on the past four years and think about some of the most fun memories. With so many fun activities and exciting things to do around campus, you may ask yourself, “What did I miss?” Well, here is a short list of some things that you need to cross off your bucket list before you graduate from SU.

Try some local food favorites.

Syracuse is home to some culinary institutions that every SU student should try during their time here. Some classics are the Varsity Pizza shop on Marshall Street, the world famous Dinosaur BBQ or Pastabilities in downtown Syracuse.

Reminisce with your club.

SU has over 300 student organizations. Hopefully during your time, here you were able to join an organization and meet people who shared similar interests as you. Now that we’re getting close to graduation, take some time to catch up with friends from your organizations and look back on the great memories.

High-Five Otto the Orange.

SU’s mascot, Otto the Orange, can be found roaming campus at any given moment. Next time you’re lucky enough to run into them, make sure to say hello and give them a high-five! If you ask really nicely, they might stick around for a picture or two.

Explore Central New York’s natural attractions.

Central New York has some beautiful nature that you can explore. Go explore the crystal clear waters of Green Lakes State Park, or take a hike to see Pratts Falls. Don’t forget to check out tips on getting outdoors!

Take a picture with every statue on campus.

Campus boasts an impressive array of unique statues dotted across the campus. Some notable ones are the Abraham Lincoln statue outside of Maxwell, the Ernie Davis statue outside of the Stadium, and the Saltine Warrior, located in front of Carnegie Library. Try to snap a photo with each statue to remember your time here!

Take a victory lap around campus.

You did it! You graduated and have reached a major milestone in your life. Take a walk around campus with some friends to remember the places where you made life long memories for the last four years. Take some photos at your favorite spots around campus along the way!

Hopefully you got around to all of these activities, but if not it’s okay, you’re always welcome back as part of the Orange family! If you’re not a senior, you can get started on this bucket list or even make one of your own!

Written by Noah Lowy ’21, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Staying Connected

With the semester coming to an end some of us may be excited to go back home, others might be worried about being disconnected from the Syracuse community. There are many different ways we can still stay connected to friends from SU even if we are from all different parts of the country and even the world.

Stay connected virtually.

While this may be an obvious, a lot of people forget how easy it is to send a quick text or FaceTime to catch up with friends! Start setting up group chats with your future roommates, people living in your dorm or apartment next year, or even just a group of people you miss!

Plan visits.

If you have friends that live close to you, plan on setting up a few dates where you can visit each other. Showing each other your hometowns and some of your favorite spots is a great way to spend time with your friends at SU. Make sure you are staying COVID safe and following your state or your friends’ state’s COVID guidelines!

Have a Netflix Party!

Miss binge watching your favorite television shows and movies with your friends? Set up dates and times for your friends to watch a movie with you using Netflix Party. This website allows you and your friends to view a show or movie at the same time and actively chat each other during the show! This is a great way to still do all the fun things you would do at school and experience some of Netflix’s most popular and trending shows at the moment.

Get excited for the fall semester!

Start planning fun activities to do with your friends in the fall semester such as trips to Crazy Daises, Green Lakes or even Skaneateles. If you will be living in an off-campus house or apartment in the fall, FaceTime your roommates and start planning out who will be staying in each room and how your will be decorating the living spaces!

Connect with the Office of Alumni Engagement.

For those graduating seniors, there are still so many ways to stay connected with friends, faculty and staff post-graduation. Engaging with the Office of Alumni Engagement is a great way to virtually stay connected to Syracuse University. They offer webinars, podcasts and other virtual events, all things Syracuse! They also have different alumni associations across the country for students to watch the games with other Syracuse alumni! For more information regarding the Office of Alumni Engagement, visit their website!

I hope you found these tips helpful! Have a relaxing and safe summer break! See you in the fall!

Written by Haley Mykytka ’22, College of Visual and Performing Arts

World Partner Programs: Everything you need to know

Syracuse University seniors Danielle Llewellyn, Rachel Pourmoradi and Jacob McNeal share their experiences and expertise on World Partner programs, affiliated study abroad programs within Syracuse Abroad.

Palm trees on a sunny coastline

What is a World Partner program?

A World Partner study abroad program is an institution or organization that Syracuse University collaborates with in order to provide us with more options and locations to study abroad. These partner programs are not directly affiliated with SU, and students from all across the world attend these institutions. There are currently World Partner programs in Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe and Russia, the Middle East and more! These programs often specialize in a specific discipline like Hebrew, science, film or Arabic. Even though these are not Syracuse Centers, Syracuse Abroad ensures that these programs remain affordable and accessible to everyone. While attending a World Partner program, you attend the university like it is your own school, but still receive SU credits!

A panoramic view of Stockholm

How is a World Partner program different from a Center experience?

The main difference between a World Partner program and a Center experience is that there is not a Syracuse campus or program in that specific location. Rachel notes, “this was a huge benefit because I was able to meet friends from other universities and branch out from the SU community. I was given the opportunity to create great friendships with students from University of Michigan, George Washington University, University of Wisconsin, University of Florida and more. However, in the World Partner program I chose, Tel Aviv University in Israel, there were still plenty of Syracuse University students by my side within the program so I did not feel alone when initially starting the program.”

Rachel lounges on a rocky beach in Tel Aviv

“It may seem daunting to pick a program that is not a Center experience, but I received so much guidance and support from SU with my World Partner program experience.” In addition, Tel Aviv University has a group of “Madrichim,” who were essentially peer advisors to help all of the abroad students adjust to the program and were available to answer any of our questions. “No matter what program you choose, I wholeheartedly believe that you won’t regret it for a second and you will leave your experience with a new place to call home!”

The Israeli flag flies over the coastline at sunset.

How do you choose a World Partner program?

Here’s why Danielle chose her program, DIS Stockholm:

I chose a World Partner program because I wanted to go someplace different and a bit less known to me. I knew there would be a smaller cohort of students than Center-based programs, which was enticing because I liked the discussions and sense of community produced in smaller-sized classes. Because World Partner programs are independent from SU Centers, I knew I would also be able to meet students from colleges all across the United States. Although initially intimidating, I was excited to meet people who had similar interests as me but went to different colleges in the U.S. In addition, World Partner programs have a range of options for courses that are not offered on campus at SU. This allowed me to explore my interests more and develop a deeper understanding of myself. Ultimately, I chose a World Partner program because I knew it would be an extraordinary experience to study abroad in a location unfamiliar to me, with people from all across the U.S., while taking courses more aligned to my career goals.

Danielle poses with a cherry blossom in Prague

Having been to a few countries in Europe in 2017 but never traveling farther north than London, I was curious about what Scandinavian culture was like. Going to DIS Stockholm was a one-of-a-kind experience because as a country that prides itself on its outstanding environmental efforts and its stellar public transportation system, Sweden more than lived up to my expectations. Every student must choose a Core Course when going to DIS Stockholm (or Copenhagen), which is basically the class you focus on the most and one with which you go on study tours. My Core Course was Positive Psychology, and my other three classes were Swedish Language and Culture; TV Shows, Norms, and Culture; and Psychology of Emerging Adulthood. With my Core Course, I traveled to Gothenburg, Sweden and Athens, Greece, where we learned from actual practitioners who utilized positive psychology techniques in their organizations.

Danielle and friends in front of a map of Nynäshamn

Because of the Swedish concepts of lagom (not too much and not too little) and fika (a coffee break with friends), I was able to easily balance work, travel, and leisure activities. On several weekends and during my breaks, I was able to travel to Paris, Rome, Prague, London, and Copenhagen. I often took these trips with the friends I made at DIS, some of whom were from SU but most of whom were from other colleges. I also lived with a host family, which was probably the best part of my time in Stockholm. I was immersed in the culture so much more than if I lived in a student apartment, so I was able to gain a good grasp of the Swedish language.

Here’s why Jacob chose his program, University of Limerick:

I chose a World Partner program partly because of the location, and partly because I really enjoyed the sense of independence this program came with. While the University of Limerick might be affiliated with SU, there isn’t an SU Center in Ireland, and my roommates were also exchange students from around the world! It’s very fun and exciting to be out in the world like that and feel like I’m really a part of this other campus experience.

The Ireland country side with rolling hills and pastures.

I lived in student apartments in Limerick with 5 other housemates. While at UL, I spent a lot of time looking at different clubs, and ultimately settled on the Games Club, the Outdoor Pursuits Club, and (much to my mother’s dismay) the Skydiving Club. Unfortunately, bad weather and scheduling issues kept me from jumping out of a plane (safely), but what really highlighted my experience in Limerick was the Outdoor Pursuits Club (OPC): a very, friendly group of people who are so passionate about what they do. The club went traveling all over Ireland, and I got to see some amazing, natural sights because of it. I did a lot of traveling to other places in Ireland and Europe while I was abroad, but the experience I had with OPC was something only people who really know about the country could offer. That’s part of what makes a World Partner experience so great, you very quickly find yourself meeting loads of people from the country you’re living in, and really getting immersed in the culture!

Written by Danielle Llewellyn ’21, College of Arts & Sciences, DIS Stockholm 2019; Rachel Pourmoradi ’21, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Tel Aviv University 2020; Jacob McNeal ’21, School of Education, University of Limerick 2019

It’s a Class Year Celebration!

The Wellness Day on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 is having a Class Year Celebration! The Wellness Day Class Year Celebration features different activities and programs for all Syracuse University students to participate in during our day off. Some of these highlights include:

  • Free class year t-shirts
  • Lawn games
  • Free ice cream
  • Interacting with cross campus offices, teams and departments

What to expect!

Expect Goldstein Auditorium to be full of ways to celebrate each class year and other highlights. There will be different offices and organizations to help give you assistance and advice on getting more involved. For example, the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs will be there to give you information on how you can get involved during Syracuse Welcome as a part of the Goon Squad. Additionally, ’Cuse Works and Career Services will be there with advice and information on how to find student employment and nail your next internship or career search! For all you graduating seniors, there will also be information regarding commencement and caps and gowns.

Most importantly, we’ll have the opportunity to get some free merch as well as free ice cream!

Why go?

This is a great opportunity to interact with other students in your graduating class. Whether you are a first-year student or senior, it is always a great opportunity to meet more people and make connections! Additionally, students will have the opportunity to talk with representatives of the following offices and organizations:

  • Barnes Center at The Arch
  • Career Services
  • Community Engagement
  • ’Cuse Works
  • First-Year and Transfer Programs
  • Hendricks Chapel
  • Student Activities

Wellness isn’t just about taking care of yourself; it’s about celebrating your accomplishments and connecting with others! This is another opportunity to have fun and stay safe during our Wellness Day. As always, everyone is required to wear masks and practice social distancing throughout the entirety of the event. For more information regarding the Class Year Celebration, check out the Community Calendar.

Have a relaxing and safe Wellness Day!

Written by Haley Mykytka ’22, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Top Reasons to Join a Living Learning Community

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are a great way to enhance your Syracuse University living experience.  You get a distinctive living experience that will shape your entire time on campus. And the best part? LLCs are open to upperclass students, not just first-year students! With seven communities, each with different themes, sophomores, juniors and seniors looking for a unique living experience have the chance to find their fit! Sign up for an LLC as a current student by indicating on your housing contract (due April 12) that you want to participate in the LLC selection process. Then you’ll participate in the LLC round of Room Selection 2021 on Wednesday, April 14.

Still unsure if an LLC is right for you? We asked current LLC resident advisors their favorite parts and why they think you should join. Here’s what they had to say:

Maya Benjamin, Multicultural LLC:

  • Live in a safe space with a supportive, diverse community.
  • Learn from diverse professors about a variety of topics like the Black Lives Matter movement or intersectionality.

Ana Cristina Baez Gotay, Multicultural LLC:

  • Gain a family that will be there for you literally 24 hours a day!
  • Meet people that share the same values as you.
  • Live in an inclusive, welcoming and friendly environment all in one!

Sofia de la Grana, International LLC:

  • Create a special global network of friends and community members.
  • Live in a safe space that allows you to explore your identity and voice.
  • Engage with staff that have the resources to help you succeed and grow.

Rebecca Schaefer, MORE in STEM LLC:

  • Living and working with likeminded and goal-oriented individuals.
  • Academic and career-focused faculty engagement opportunities
  • Making lifelong friends that share similar interests or lifestyles.

Caroline Whinney, Whitman Leadership LLC:

  • Grow as a leader and mentor among your peers.
  • Meet new people with similar interests and continue to get to know current friends.
  • Gain new experiences and insights to expand upon what you learned in prior years.

Maya Padula, Whitman Leadership LLC:

  • Stay engaged with your campus community.
  • Establish a support system and follow your interests.

Listen to ‘The Commute to Class’

During a global pandemic, it can be difficult to muster up the willpower to take on a sometimes stressful and overwhelming day. Patrick Linehan ‘21 wants to make that dreadful morning wake up and walk to class a little brighter. His podcast, aptly named “The Commute to Class,” provides listeners with a fifteen-minute spark of motivation they need to tell themselves, “Hey, you know what? I can do it.”

If you want to hear impactful discussion about the triumphs and failures of Syracuse University’s most successful entrepreneurs, check out “The Commute to Class” wherever you listen to your podcasts.

What is The Commute to Class about?

“The Commute to Class” is a new podcast brought to you by Blackstone LaunchPad & TechStars at Syracuse University Libraries. The series sits down with recent LaunchPad alumni who have gone on to create successful ventures. From Forbes 30 under 30 recipients to CEOs getting multi-million-dollar investments, the guest list is quite expansive and inspiring. Despite all their successes, Patrick sits down with them to discuss their struggles and failures. As you listen, you might just become more motivated to follow your passions.

Podcast Host and Creative Storyteller

Patrick, a former economics major turned newspaper and online journalism major, struggled himself to be honest about what he truly wanted to do.

“In high school I suppressed the more artistic side of myself in order to fit what I thought was best for me,” he says.

However, since he’s gotten to Syracuse University, Patrick has embraced the creative storyteller inside him. From jump-starting a magazine publication on campus to filming music videos for a local band, he has created quality content that he is passionate about.

Changing the Definition of an Entrepreneur

Although he never thought of himself as an entrepreneur, he came to see himself that way from LaunchPad director Linda Hartsock, the first guest on the podcast series. You don’t necessarily have to have a business plan to be an entrepreneur. You need a way of thinking about your life and how you approach the world. Linehan explains, “She has taught me that being an entrepreneur is more about mindset than anything else which has encouraged me to put my ambition towards projects I have a passion for.”

An All-Star Lineup of Guests

Now as Patrick faces his newest creative project, he’s excited to provide valuable insight from some of the brightest business minds to his audience. Featured guests will include Kelsey Davis, founder of CLLCTVE, on Forbes 30 under 30 list this past year; Julia Haber, founder of WAYV and Home From College; and Dylan Kim, founder of Brevité.

“This podcast is meant for people who want to achieve something great but maybe don’t exactly know how they are going to make it happen,” Patrick says.

Even Successful Entrepreneurs Experience Burnout

Over the nine interviews in the series, Patrick dives deep into topics he didn’t think he would be hearing from successful entrepreneurs. As dual major student who is engaged in so many campus projects and his own passion pursuits, he really resonated with his conversations about burnout, stress and humility.

“It’s nice to hear that these super successful people encounter the same challenges that we all do,” he says.

Patrick hopes listeners find their own comfort, as well as motivation from these stories of struggle and failure.

A Team Effort

Like any successful company, Patrick recognizes the team effort required to produce a captivating podcast. He says that he really couldn’t have done this without the help of Nick Barba (podcast production coordinator), Connor Johnson (original music scoring), and Sloane Sexton (graphic design and branding), who are all fellow LaunchPad members.

Written by Jack Lyons ’22, Whitman School of Management, LaunchPad Global Fellow

Library Resources You Might Not Know About

Streaming services and digital news subscriptions are more popular than ever, and the University Libraries has students covered. With over 700 databases, we have access to tons of great services from streaming movies and documentaries to digital news subscriptions. Here are just a few highlights that every member of our campus community should know about!

Video and Streaming Access

Swank Digital Campus: Swank is a wonderful source for accessing all genres and eras of movies, from “Casablanca” (1942) to “Tenet” (2020). SWANK is constantly adding new and popular movies, so it is definitely worth checking out frequently to see what you have access to watch. To access this resource, search for “SWANK” in the “Databases” tab on the Libraries’ website. Click on the source in the search result, and you will be redirected to the Syracuse University page for Swank (or sign-in with Net ID if off-campus). Once you’re in, enjoy watching the broad array of content available!

Kanopy: This is the perfect place for streaming documentaries biopics, and more! Found by searching “Kanopy” under the “Databases” of the Libraries’ website, you will be redirected to the Kanopy site with full access if you are on-campus or go through a Net ID sign-in (EZProxy) if you are off-campus. Once you get to the site, you will be provided with access to many relevant and award-winning documentaries and movies.

Academic Videos Online (AVON): AVON, is a great source for silent movies, short films and archives of news broadcasts like “60 Minutes” and the BBC. By searching “AVON” in the “Databases” tab of the Libraries’ website, you can find this source and be redirected to the AVON site (if you are off campus, you will have to sign in with your Net ID). Once you’re on the AVON site, you can browse collections and highlights and search for the content you’d like!

News Source Subscriptions

New York Times Digital Edition: As one of the most popular sources of news in the nation, the New York Times Digital Edition is a sought-after subscription for many. Creating an account and getting a subscription is included for all current students and faculty! To set yours up, go to the Libraries’ website and select the “Databases” tab. From there, search in the bar for “New York Times.” The New York Times Digital Edition source will pop up, and underneath the title will be link to set up your own account subscription. Make sure to use your syr.edu email when you create your account in order to get the free subscription.

Wall Street Journal: “The Wall Street Journal” is a well–known source for all things business. With the Libraries’ subscription, all students and faculty can create their own account with an included subscription! To do so, search for “WSJ” on the “Databases” tab of the Libraries’ website. Once you have located the source in the search results, click on the link in the paragraph below the source title to register your account. Make sure to use your syr.edu email account when you are creating your account to get the subscription.

Advance Media NY: Did you know we also have free access to local news through syracuse.com and The Post-Standard? Register for access on the syracuse.com website using the promo code SU2020STUDENT. You’ll have access to news, information, analysis and in-depth stories. While not directly offered by the Libraries, it’s still a great resource you should know!

Feel free to check these out and explore what else the library has to offer on their website or ask specific questions with their 24/7 chat service!

Written by Dan Mulvhill G’21, Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs

Test Your National Orange Day Smarts

Think you know everything about the Orange? Take this quiz to test your knowledge about Syracuse University. Don't forget to celebrate National Orange Day on March 24!

1. 
What does National Orange Day celebrate?

2. 
When was Syracuse University founded?

3. 
What year did orange become the official color of the University?

4. 
What were SU's original colors?

5. 
What was the original mascot of SU?

6. 
Of the following, whom is not an SU almnus?

7. 
Which of the following is not true about SU?

8. 
Which Syracuse sports program has won the most national championships?

9. 
True or False: The Stadium holds the record for the most fans in a college stadium for a basketball game.

10. 
Which Syracuse football player is the only SU player to win the Heisman Trophy?

Created by Noah Lowy ’21, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Feeling at Home

After being home for almost three months it can be a huge change coming back to campus. Here are a few tips and tricks to make our SU community feel more like home!

Stay connected!

With all the technology we have it is so easy to stay connected with friends and family back home. Setting a schedule with your parent or guardian is a great way to stay connected with them back home! Even exchanging pictures back and forth of pets and memories from school is a great way to stay in touch with your life back at home.

Decorate similarly.

Decorating your apartment or dorm room to match your room at home is another way to make Syracuse feel more like home. Whether you bring your favorite blanket, pictures of friends and family, or use the same color scheme as your room at home it will feel as if you never even left.

Join a student organization on campus.

Being a part of a club or organization can make the campus seem a lot smaller. Not only this, being a part of an organization surrounded by people who have the same passions and interests as you can make you seem like you have a little family on campus. Keeping busy and taking part in activities that you are passionate about will also make you feel more at home.

Don’t know where to start or which organization is right for you? You can browse student organizations on ’Cuse Activities! If you are just interested in attending events on campus there is always something going on for everyone, no matter your interest. Use the Community Calendar and ’Cuse Activities to browse upcoming events happening right here on campus!

Find a favorite spot on campus.

Whether it is a spot in the library, Schine Student Center, or your bed in your dorm, finding a comfort spot is a great way to feel more comfortable in such a big place.

Stick to a routine.

Try sticking to the same routine you had at home and even trying to pick up some new healthy habits to include in your college routines. For instance, eating breakfast everyday, going on a walk around campus, and even going to the gym with your friend or roommate!

Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

After this year I think we all know that life is extremely uncertain and we rely on comfort to escape these uncertainties. Although it is easier said than done, do not be afraid to put yourself out there! Stepping outside of your comfort zone and joining organizations like Greek life, intramural sports, and other groups on campus is a great way to put yourself out there! Not only this, but asking professors for help and getting to know other students in your major can make your 100 person lectures seem a lot more welcoming.

I hope you find these tips and tricks helpful for making our campus feel more like home!

Written by Haley Mykytka ’22, College of Visual and Performing Arts

My Experience Getting into Graduate School

Deciding to apply to graduate school took a lot of thinking for me. For the past four years I’ve studied newspaper and online journalism, and it’s taken me four years to realize that I don’t want a career in journalism. I love writing, I love reporting, but I don’t enjoy the structure of journalism and the demanding work schedules that wouldn’t fulfill me. Through several internships, I discovered that I wanted to work in public relations. I could write and apply similar skills while doing something I found rewarding.

However, I’m still missing some skills and experience to be successful in PR. I guess I’m going to grad school.

The first thing I did was research some programs. I found a few that matched my interests and goals and found ones that I really could see myself in. Newhouse was my top choice, and I knew the program would help me get closer to my goals. I filled out interest forms on their websites and was able to get more information by speaking to recruiters and getting on their email lists.

Different programs have different requirements so I made sure I met all of the requirements for each one I was interested in. The GRE is currently not required by many graduate programs (thankfully) due to the pandemic.

The next thing I did was look over the applications and what they were asking for. They all needed a statement of purpose. This is the “why” part of the application. Why do you want to pursue a masters? Why do you want to do it at this school? Why should you get in? I had to think about what really motivated me and put that into 500 words. I spent weeks on this part. It was the best way to show each institution who I am and why I’m passionate about pursuing a masters.

The applications also required letters of recommendation. I reached out to colleagues from my internship, old bosses and a professor. I informed them of my decision to apply to graduate school and asked if they would mind writing me a letter. They were all very happy to help and we enjoyed catching up.

After that, I was all ready to send out my applications and get on to the hardest part of the process: waiting.

I tried to forget about it for a month or so, then every day I began feverishly checking my email. I was waiting, hoping for good news. Then, one day when I was least expecting it, I checked my email and there it was. I got into the Newhouse PR Master’s Program, my dream program. I couldn’t have been more excited.

I immediately called my parents and told them the good news. I was excited to take the next step in my life and get closer to creating the career I wanted. I’m now finishing out my senior year and preparing to come back and get focused on launching my career. It was a decision that took a lot of thinking, talking to friends, family and professional connections, but ultimately it was my decision. I knew that the graduate school experience was something I wanted to do, it wasn’t a matter of if, but of when. I’m really excited that the “when” is now, and I’m ecstatic to be returning to SU for another year.

Written by Noah Lowy ’21, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications