Campus Life

More Ways to Be Involved in Student Leadership

In our last edition, we brought you some great opportunities to get involved. It looks like you couldn’t get enough, so here are some more!

Dimensions Mentors

Dimensions is a women of color mentoring program serving first-year and upper-level students.  The program addresses issues that impact women from diverse backgrounds through facilitated dialogues where members can support each other, engage with one another, and acquire leadership and professional development skills. Dimensions Mentors applications are due Wednesday, March 31.

fullCIRCLE Mentors

fullCIRCLE peer mentors work with one to three first-year and/or transfer students to assist in their overall success by offering guidance and consistent support and serving as a positive role model. You will help your mentee make connections, build skills and support their academic success and intercultural exchange. fullCIRCLE Mentor applications are due Wednesday, March 31.

First-Year Seminar Peer Leaders

Be part of the inaugural year of First-Year Seminar (FYS) 101!  This required, graded and full-semester course for all incoming students will explore issues related to identity and belonging, global citizenship and the barriers that hinder community-building, such as bias, socialization, prejudice and stereotypes. FYS 101 is looking for peer leaders to assist lead instructors to guide these pivotal discussions and help create a climate in which new students feel welcomed, valued and integral to the campus community. Peer Leaders will have exclusive access to additional training and support that can be leveraged in their personal and professional development. FYS Peer Leader applications are due Monday, April 5.

And, in case you missed it in the last post, there’s still a chance to apply for:

Smart Money: Post-Grad Expenses

Graduating from college is definitely one of those bittersweet moments that creeps up on you seemingly out of nowhere. How can four years fly by that quickly? And now we have to go into the real world? It can be quite scary, but there are ways to mitigate that feeling and get a better grasp on your personal situation. And, it all starts with money. As we know, not everyone is going to have the same job or starting salary after school and that’s completely okay. There are ways to figure out exactly what you can and cannot afford after school, as well how to maximize your savings.

Budgeting

If you haven’t budgeted before, you might want to consider starting soon. Whether it’s on an app, excel, or even in your head, we’re about to be fully in charge of our own income and expenses if you aren’t already. Very simply, there’s what’s called the 50/30/20 rule to also help figure out what you can afford. Fifty percent of your after-tax income should go towards your needs like food, rent, insurance; 30 percent towards your wants; and 20 percent should be allocated towards savings and debt payments. Hopefully your job will provide you with some benefits that should alleviate some of the costs of say insurance. In addition, figure out if and how much your family is going to be involved in your post grad expenses. It’s also important to note where you’re moving because the cost of living is different based on location, i.e. NYC versus Syracuse.

Savings

Since we’re still in college, it’s not too late to start saving for post-graduation. But really, it’s never too late. If you’re planning to move back home after graduation, you have a big opportunity to put more than the 20 percent of your income into your savings. Forecasting these expenses will also help you prepare how much you should save to afford moving out. One option is a revolving savings account where you figure out how much money to save each month to equal the anticipated cost of moving. It’s also great to begin paying off some of your student debt, or any other debt you have.. If you want to get even more ahead of the game (and this applies to people moving out as well), you can start contributing to your retirement plan, like creating a Traditional/Roth IRA and 401(k). Also, don’t forget about adding an emergency fund in addition to your savings account. As a reminder, an emergency fund is about three-six month’s worth of expenses for, you guessed it, an emergency.

Moving out?

Moving out expenses can look extremely different for everyone based on factors like having roommates or not, furnished vs. unfurnished spaces, actual cost of moving, and the list goes on. Having roommates can really help you get more for less and you can have more money to spend on wants and put into your savings. In fact, having just one roommate can help you save up to $1,000 a month. You can also consider thrifting furniture or asking family/friends for items you can have instead of buying everything brand new. If you have a job and salary waiting for you, you can divide your annual income by 40 to see how much you can pay in rent/utilities each month. Many companies will also provide signing bonuses. These can go towards more of your one-time moving expenses like furniture, U-Haul expenses and other moving fees.

It’s also totally fine and much more common than you may think to not have a job or know what you want to do after graduation. You don’t have to jump right into the corporate world if you don’t want to or if you don’t have the opportunity immediately after graduation. The possibilities are abundant for what job you can take right after school that provides you with a source of income. Opportunities will appear before you know it.

Syracuse has many resources to help you figure out your plans after college including the Financial Literacy program. You can make an appointment with a Smart Money Coach to discuss anything from budgeting to credit to managing your student loans, as well as other helpful resources for moving out. Feel free to make an appointment on Orange Success or email us at finlit@syr.edu.

Written by Stella Miller ’21, Whitman School of Management, Smart Money Coach

Making the Most of Winter

Winter is upon us! Sadly, the warm name of ‘spring semester’ does not translate to the weather in snowy Syracuse, but there is still fun to be had during these darkest of days. From Late Night Ice sports at Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion to scaling walls of ice with the Syracuse University Outing Club, adventure at Syracuse University has no minimum temperature.

Late Night Ice at Tennity

Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion offers not one, but TWO exciting activities for the late-night crowd. After sundown every Thursday through Saturday, Tennity hosts “Late Night Ice” with blacklight curling on Thursdays and glow skate on Fridays and Saturdays. Late night ice skating is always available on the main rink. Admission and rentals are free for students, and reservations are required through the Wellness Portal.

Tennity's ice rink painted in black light paint.

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

It can be difficult to find activities besides Netflix to fill your days during these COVID times, so why not get outside and trek across the gentle slopes of a golf course? The Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center at Drumlins Country Club offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for free. Wellness Portal reservations are required.

Bonus: there are Centro buses that run from Drumlins to College Place, making transportation free and easy if you choose not to take advantage of free transportation on select dates.

A snowmobile sits in front of a ski rack at the Cross Country Ski Center

Syracuse University Outing Club Winter Sports

If you frequent the climbing wall at the Barnes Center or love to hit the slopes over break, consider taking a trip with SUOC, the Syracuse University Outing Club. Since 1935, the student-run club has been a meeting place for those who love adventure and the outdoors. In the colder months, they offer cross-country and downhill/backcountry skiing, winter hikes and ice-climbing. Learn more about SUOC on their ’Cuse Activities webpage.

SUOC meets on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., over Zoom, and trip information is available on their website. The first trip is free and membership is open to both Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students!

Students in the Syracuse University Outing Club ice climb.

Cool Science at the MOST

Want to feel the excitement of the night before a field trip again? Plan out your outfit this weekend for a visit to the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) downtown. Located in Armory Square, the MOST hosts interactive exhibits about anything and everything science. While the pandemic has closed their IMAX theater and planetarium, the MOST has opened five new exhibits for you to explore instead. These additions include a new projecting gaming system called Beam and the return of their popular DaVinci installation. Tickets are $12 for adults, and the MOST is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Reserve your tickets, today!

Tubing at Four Seasons Ski & Golf

If strapping a pair of slippery planks to your feet —aka skiing— sounds like your worst nightmare, go for the less daring, but equally fun option of tubing! Four Seasons has you covered. A day of tubing costs $26, rentals included, and you can spend your day outside, shredding the slopes, without the threat of knee injury. Tubing at Four Seasons is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Students pile on a snow tube.

Delicious Food at the Salt City Market

If you have a longer break between classes midday, why not travel 10 minutes downtown and have lunch at the Salt City Market? The Salt City Market is open at 25 percent indoor dining capacity for now and has been operating with the utmost care for the health and safety of the community.

As always, make sure to conduct yourself within the guidelines of the Stay Safe Pledge. Remember your gloves, hat and mask, and go have fun!

Written by Cecelia Kersten ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication 

Don’t Let COVID Fatigue Settle In

Let’s face it, we are all tired of hearing about COVID, whether it is in the news, in class or in a conversation with friends, COVID has taken over our lives. Although we may be tiring of hearing about COVID, it does not mean that we should stop following the guidance that SU and Central New York have put in place. We need to stick to the Stay Safe Pledge and not let COVID fatigue settle in.

If that fatigue is starting to settle in, here are a few ways to overcome that feeling:

  • Exercise and get your body moving. There are so many resources to take advantage of at the Barnes Center at the Arch!
  • Practice mindfulness and gratitude whether it’s through meditation or even journaling everyday what you are thankful for. The Barnes Center at the Arch has resources such as the Crowley Family MindSpa and virtual resources like meditation, yoga and therapy.
  • Stay informed, but do not overwhelm yourself. It is important to stay up to date with everything going on in the world but limit the amount of time you spend on social media. It can cause a lot of anxiety and unnecessary stress.
  • Stay physically distant, not socially isolated. Even though we cannot physically see our friends and family members, we can stay connected through Facetime and Zoom!

And, in case you need some helpful reminders on staying safe this semester:

Wear your mask at all times!

Whether you are walking to class, in a campus facility or going somewhere off campus, mask wearing is mandatory for the safety of yourself, students, staff and faculty.

Your mask should cover your mouth and your nose and should fit snugly against the sides of your face. Although it is not mandatory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest doubling up on face masks in order to protect yourself and others.

Here are a few mask dos and don’ts:

  • Do wear disposable, cloth, or KN95 masks.
  • Do wear a mask that completely covers your nose and mouth.
  • Do wear a mask that has two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric.
  • Do wear masks that have a nose wire.
  • Don’t wear single-layer gaiters or bandanas as a mask.
  • Don’t wear masks with exhalation valves or vents.
  • Don’t wear masks that are intended for healthcare workers, including N95 respirators.

More Ways to Keep Yourself Safe

  • Maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
  • Get a flu vaccine!
  • Limit gatherings to 10 people.
  • Wash your hands regularly and clean surfaces you touch.
  • Monitor your health symptoms of COVID-19, complete the daily health screening and notify the Barnes Center if you exhibit any symptoms.

More Ways to Keep the Orange Community Safe

  • Do not travel outside of Central New York (CNY) for the duration of the Spring 2021 semester, unless deemed by University to be essential. (Central New York is defined as Onondaga, Cayuga, Cortland, Madison and Oswego counties.)
  • Do not host visitors outside of CNY. Remember, guests are not allowed on campus.
  • Adhere to all directives and University guidance if you need to be quarantined or isolated.
  • Don’t attend in-person classes or participate in activities if exhibiting any symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, are awaiting test results, or test positive for the virus.
  • Pick a time that’s best for you and get tested weekly at the Stadium Testing Center.
  • Immediately notify Syracuse University’s COVID-19 Project Management Office of a positive COVID-19 test result if receiving a test not provided by the University.
  • Immediately and honestly participate in contact tracing.
  • Follow directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York State, and/or local authorities that become public during the semester.

Please take these reminders into consideration on the daily. Have a great semester and stay safe!

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

Being a Friendly Neighbor

Living off-campus means joining the Syracuse community! As part of the community and out of respect to your neighbors, it is important that you recognize some basic and easy responsibilities as a neighbor. Here are a few ways you can create a sense of community and add a smile to your neighbors face!

Wear your mask outside!

It is important to wear your mask at all times, even outside! Wearing your mask not only keeps yourself healthy, but also your neighbors! Your mask should cover both your mouth and nose for its proper and effective use.

Be mindful of others.

Whether you live in an apartment or an off-campus house, noise travels a lot further than you think. Be especially mindful of shared walls and neighbors above or below you. This means, playing music or televisions too loud, stomping on floors and yelling.

Keep your sidewalks clear.

Especially if you live in a house, make sure to shovel after a snow fall. This is not only important for the safety of you and your roommates, but also delivery or mail services and any people passing by. Don’t forget to shovel around fire hydrants too! First responders need them clear.

In addition to this, you do not want to make your yard an eyesore for your neighbors. Make sure you know when trash day is to make sure your trash bins do not overflow. This is not only for your neighbors, but in order to comply with the city of Syracuse, too.

Park in the correct spots.

Make sure to park on the correct side of the streets in order for snow plows to come through. If your apartment complex or house has assigned parking spots make sure you abide these assignments as well. Ceasing to obey parking rules could result in your vehicle being towed or booted and unhappy neighbors. In addition to this, make sure you and your guests obey the rules of the road and make sure you park 15 feet from of any fire hydrants on your street.

Be responsible with your pets.

If you are a pet owner, be courteous of picking up after them at all times. Not only keeping your neighbor’s lawn clean but your own. In addition, be mindful of keeping your pet’s volume to a minimal.

Stay in touch with your neighbors.

Exchanging phone numbers is a great way to maintain a healthy relationship with your neighbors. If a conflict arises it is much easier to send your neighbor a quick text or give them a call to reside these problems before they turn into a larger issue.

Let’s all be courteous neighbors to each other! If you have any issues while living off campus, the off-campus living team in the Office of Student Living is always available to help.

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

Schine Student Center: What You Need to Know

It’s here! Our newly renovated student center is open, and there’s so much to explore. Before you check it out, there’s a lot of information that you should know. To help, we’ve pulled what we think are the top 4 things. For the full information, visit the Student Centers and Programming Services (SCPS) website and their COVID-19 Guidelines.

1. What’s in Schine?

Some of us might remember what Schine was like before construction (and COVID). Now it’s something completely new! Here’s what you can find in Schine:

  • The Intercultural Collective, a collocated space for the Disability Cultural Center, LGBTQ Resource Center and Office of Multicultural Affairs.
  • The Office of Student Activities with dedicated and functional work space for registered student organizations.
  • Schine Dining with brand new food options to try, including CoreLife Eatery, Panda Express and The Halal Shack.
  • Campus Store (formerly the Bookstore)

Fraternity and Sorority Affairs and Career Services will continue to operate in the Women’s Building.

2. Schine Hours

As the semester progresses and updates are made, be sure to frequently check the SCPS website for accurate information. For the Spring 2021 semester, Schine will have the following hours:

Building Hours

  • Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Campus Store

  • Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Saturday: Noon–5 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed

Market (first floor of Campus Store)

  • Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: Noon–5 p.m.

Schine Dining

Each vendor has unique hours. Please visit the Food Services website to learn more. Check back frequently as the semester progresses!

Please note, University offices, like the Intercultural Collective and Office of Student Activities will operate on standard University hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. Accessing Schine

To help support public health guidelines and the flow of visitors, Schine will be accessible from the Einhorn Family Walk and the Waverly Ave entrances only. Both entrances are wheelchair accessible with easy access to building elevators.

If you head to an area to find it full, consider heading to another spot or coming back at another time. There is signage posted and on tables, so make sure you’re following the occupancy and seating limits. There is plenty of space within the building to support social distancing, so please ensure you’re doing so! We also need to limit our time in spaces to no more than two hours. Let’s make sure we all get the chance to experience Schine, yeah?!

Don’t forget to bring your Syracuse University I.D. Due to COVID-19, non-Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF students, faculty or staff are not permitted in the building. You’ll also you’re your I.D. after 8 p.m. to swipe into the building.

4. Food and Beverages

Food and drinks are only allowed in designated dining and café areas. We know it’s not ideal, but it’s what we need to do to keep each other safer. And let’s be real, do we really want to be that person that puts others in an uncomfortable position? Staff will be around enforcing these rules, so let’s make their jobs less stressful!

As always, wear your mask, practice social distancing, and follow public health guidelines!

Find Your Space this Spring

Even though last semester’s outdoor spaces are gone, there’s still plenty of space for studying, relaxing and meeting up with friends, socially distanced of course! Be sure to check out the Open Campus Spaces website for more options and tools to find the spot that’s right for you. Just make sure to have your Syracuse University I.D. on hand. Most spaces will need you to swipe in.

Here’s where we’ll be hanging out this semester:

The Indoor Open ‘Quad’ at the Stadium

We’ll be able to study, meet and play in the Stadium this semester! We’re excited for the opportunities to hang out with friends and the chance to play intramural sports right on Ernie Davis Field.  The indoor ‘Quad’ will be open every Tuesday and select Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting next week.

Student Centers

Schine, especially the Underground, is top on our list, but don’t forget about Goldstein Student Center! Both student centers have a variety of spaces to lounge, study and meet. Just make sure to follow the posted occupancy and seating limits. Explore the Student Centers and Programming Services website for more information on COVID-19 guidelines.

Marshall Square Mall

The upper dining area is usually a great space to find a little bit of quiet. Grab your favorite take out from Marshall Street and spend some time for yourself or with a friend or two.

Making Friends in a Virtual World

Our COVID-19 world has been challenging, and being college students with expectations of what we wanted our college experience and friendships to look like can make it harder sometimes. But that doesn’t mean we should keep ourselves from experiencing what we can, even if that means it’s in a virtual space. We can still build new and existing friendships online. Here’s how we suggest getting started.

1. Put Yourself Out There

We know it can be scary to put yourself out there, especially when we don’t know what happens after. But we’re encouraging you to do it anyways! You’ll be surprised how often it really does work out. Try contacting a club or organization on ’Cuse Activities. You can start by reaching out and asking questions. Or find out how people with similar interests are meeting up online. Are they streaming on Twitch, like the Barnes Center esports community? Is there a Discord you can join? Can you follow the Orange community on social media? Just start looking! You’ll find your group sooner than you think.

2. Be Open to New Experiences

College is for trying new things and nurturing our identities right? So let’s be open to new experiences and possibilities! Join a conversation group, like SoulTalk or C.A.R.E., that can help get you out of your comfort zone and learn others perspectives. Explore ways to serve our Greater Syracuse community with the Office of Engagement Programs or the Shaw Center. Find something new and just do it! Even if it’s not something you want to continue doing, you’re sure to meet someone new and build a lasting connection.

3. Get to Know your Classmates

This might seem obvious, but we’ve got to say it. Introduce yourself to your classmates and maybe even start a group chat! Chances are you’ll be in similar classes in the future, so try not to view them as just potential group partners—unless they’re THAT group partner. We’re not saying you need to be best friends. We’re saying it’s pretty likely that they’re feeling lonely, too. So let’s reach out and support each other.

4. Know It’s Never Too Late

Even if you’re graduating in May, you can make new and lasting connections. Tell that person in your class you’ve always thought was cool how much you’ve enjoyed getting to grow with them. Invite your neighbors for a socially distanced walk in the park or pick a night to check in with each other from your porches. Do something you always wanted to, but never got the chance to. You’re never going to regret trying! We promise.

It’s hard to imagine sometimes, but COVID-19 won’t last forever. We’re hopeful, and once it’s safe, catch us making friends in the real world by getting our study group together in Panasci, playing Frisbee on the quad and finding our new place to belong.

If you’re feeling isolated and alone, reach out to a friend, advisor, faculty member or counselor. You can always call the Barnes Center at 315.443.8000 to speak with a counselor. 

Building In-Person Connections this Spring

Finding connection can be really challenging, and COVID-19 hasn’t made it much easier. Even though our world is becoming more virtual, there are still a lot of ways to connect in person and on campus, especially right now! Here’s what we’re excited for this semester:

The Stadium Open Quad

We might not be able to experience the Stadium with 30 thousand Orange fans this year,

but we’re going to be able to experience it on the field this semester! We’ll have access to an indoor ‘Quad’ to safely gather, study, relax and play. Starting next week, the Open ‘Quad’ will be available on Tuesdays and select Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. To get to the Open ‘Quad,’ be sure to bring your Syracuse University I.D. and enter through either Gate A or Gate N.  If you need an accessible entrance, be sure to use Gate A.

Intramural Sports

Intramural Sports are a great way to connect with friends, meet new people and experience friendly competition. While there are a bunch of virtual intramural sports opportunities this semester, there’s also in-person sports that will be in the Stadium. Be sure to sign up for 3 vs. 3 soccer, kickball, wiffleball and more! Learn more about Intramural Sports on the Barnes Center website, and sign up on IMLeagues!

Team sports not your vibe? Consider taking a group fitness class to connect with others and focus on your own workout!

Orange After Dark

Orange After Dark is always one of our favorites! With late night events every weekend, it’s a great way to be with friends and try something new. You’re not going to want to miss out on this week’s Lunar New Year Celebration and Palentine’s Day! There’ll be calligraphy workshops, Kahoot trivia, selfie stations, crafts and more! Learn more about

Outdoor Adventure Trips

Getting out in nature with friends has so many benefits! Outdoor Adventure Trips are a great way to experience Central New York, meet people with similar interests and get off campus for a while. Just like last semester, there are a ton of trips, including skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and snow tubing! If you’re not too fond of Syracuse winters, no worries. Hiking trips will be available later in the semester when the weather starts warming up. Save your spot in the Wellness Portal soon! These fill up fast.

Soul Series

We can’t say enough about the Barnes Center’s Soul Series! We love connecting with others and really diving into great conversation about life, meaning and purpose. The Soul Series is open to any Syracuse Student looking to find connection, and honestly, it’s so helpful. We definitely recommend applying to SoulSearch this semester. SoulSearch is a free, one-day retreat that helps you build mindfulness skills and balance. Apply today!

Finding Events

There’s always something going on! You just have to know where to look. Luckily, the University Community Calendar and ’Cuse Activities make it easy. The Community Calendar is home to all University-sponsored events, including lectures, workshops, and more. ’Cuse Activities is home to all registered student organizations and their amazing events! You can browse through all the different orgs on campus, see what they have going on and get involved. With the Community Calendar and ’Cuse Activities, you can learn or try something new and find your community!

Get to Know the Intercultural Collective!

One of our favorite spots in the newly renovated Schine Student Center is definitely the Intercultural Collective!  The Intercultural Collective is both a physical space for the Disability Cultural Center, LGBTQ Resource Center and Office of Multicultural Affairs and a coordinated effort to promote and celebrate inclusion and intersectionality. It’s a new opportunity to access the same great services and programs we know and love, further explore our identities and support our peers across identities, cultures and communities. Keep reading to learn more of what you’ll find at the Intercultural Collective!

Disability Cultural Center

The Disability Cultural Center is a space for connection, community, programming and outreach focused on disability as diversity. They welcome students with all disabilities—including developmental, mental health, learning, physical and addiction-related disabilities—and give students the opportunity to explore their identity, build community and find their purpose.

LGBTQ Resource Center

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Resource Center is a space for support, community, and education. They welcome all LGBTQ campus community members and provide the opportunity for students to build community, experience intellectual and leadership development and feel seen. Allies are always encouraged to participate in the LGBTQ Resource Center’s educational workshops to continue their dedication in supporting LGBTQ liberation.

Office of Multicultural Affairs

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is a space for support, guidance, encouragement and civic engagement for all historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups on campus. The Office of Multicultural Affairs hosts a number of programs and initiatives for student to explore and celebrate their unique identities and connect with others.

Collaborative Programming

The Intercultural Collective has a bunch planned for us to be involved! Don’t miss out on cultural awareness months, like Black History Month this February, and their “All In?” programming that challenges us all to learn something new.

Want to take a look and learn for yourself? Don’t miss out on the Intercultural Collective Open House on Thursday, Feb. 11. You’ll be able to tour the space, meet staff, and learn more about services and programs.