Campus Life

Experience Schine Dining

The Schine Student Center is about to spoil us with its new and amazing food options! We’re talking Panda Express, CoreLife Eatery, The Halal Shack, Biscotti Café and Dunkin’, of course! There’s even more to enjoy, but here are the top 5 things we think you’ll be excited about.

Dunkin’

So we all knew Dunkin’ was staying, but we didn’t know we’d be getting nitro… on tap! The standalone Dunkin’ has a new tap system for all our nitro, cold brew and iced coffee needs. And now that Dunkin’ has its very own spot, we can easily grab and go on our way to class. Be sure to use the self-order kiosks to keep that line flowing!

The new wrap around dining kiosk in the Schine Student Center

The Halal Shack

Late night cravings? The Halal Shack has two words for you: loaded fries. They have a huge variety of Middle Eastern street food anyone can enjoy, and we’re obsessed. You’ll get to pick your favorite base, protein and toppings for a fully customizable meal. We highly suggest topping off your rice bowl, fries or “naanarito” with their hot white sauce. We don’t have the words for how good it is.

Biscotti Café

Obsessed with cannoli? You’re about to be. We’re all in for a treat with the new Biscotti Café kiosk. They’re gracing us with their mouth-watering Italian pastries, cakes and more! And the best part? They’re a locally-owned, family bakery, so you can #SupportLocal right from campus.

The Campus Store Market

The glass entryway to the Campus Store.

The Campus Store (formerly known as the Bookstore) Market got an upgrade too, and it’s now open even later! The market is accessible on the 100 level near the giant media wall and the Intercultural Collective. In it, you’ll find a new Dunkin’ coffee bar for your quick caffeine fix, even more convenient snacks, grab-and-go foods and a selection of common household items. You won’t find us trudging down to CVS anymore!  And the best part? We can use our SUpercard FOOD dollars! Which brings us to…

Using Your SUpercard FOOD and Meal Swipes

Missed your chance to stop at a dining center? A bunch of restaurants in Schine will accept a meal plan equivalency. You can still use your SUpercard FOOD dollars, same as in the market space on the 100 level of the Campus Store.

Take Advantage of these Syracuse Resources

Syracuse has a ton to offer, so it can be easy to miss out on all the resources that we have access to. Not sure what to check out first? Here are my top five suggestions:

1. Career Coaching at Career Services

Whether you are graduating and applying for jobs or just looking for an internship, Career Services has got you covered. Every Career Coaching experience is customized to meet your individual professional goals. Some topics that you can discuss include: finding internship opportunities, practicing interviews, and receiving feedback on your resumes and cover letters. Be sure to make your appointment! For more information regarding Career Coaching, visit the Career Services website.

2. Nutrition at Barnes Center at The Arch

Did you know that you can schedule an appointment to meet with a registered dietitian right here on campus? Appointments are covered under the health and wellness fee and provide the opportunity to access confidential nutritional counseling. Some reasons why you may want to book your appointment include: concerns regarding high cholesterol, high blood sugar, digestive problems, dietary restrictions/allergies, and weight gain/loss. Learn more about nutrition services and schedule an appointment!

3. Personal Training at Barnes Center at The Arch

If you are trying to find the motivation to start or want to continue to expand your health and wellness journey, Barnes Center at The Arch gives you the opportunity to reach your goals. This flexible program allows you to personalize each session to your own desires and personal goals. Personal training gives you more than just physical support, it gives you the opportunity to discover ways to reduce stress and improve your sleep quality. For more information regarding Personal Training, check out the Barnes Center website. Be sure to fill out the Personal Training Registration Form.

4. The LGBTQ Resource Center

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Resource Center at Syracuse University aims to be a campus and regional leader offering resources, culture and education around marginalized genders and sexualities, and the dynamic intersections of different LGBTQ+ identities. The LGBTQ Resource Center offers resources for students on campus as well as different programs such as discussion groups, LGBTQ+ History Month and other social events. For more information, visit their website!

5. Orange After Dark

Orange After Dark provides events for students throughout the semester. The goal of Orange After Dark is to provide fun and stress-free, late-night activities for students! Some previous events included Trivia Night, Comedy Night, Mini Golf, and Outdoor laser tag! Their newest schedule is available now! Find more information and events online.

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

5 Ways to Stay Connected over Winter Break

As we leave campus and settle back into our homes it may feel that Syracuse University is completely out of reach. Over this long break, it’s important to stay connected with the school and its community. This can help ease the transition home and prepare you for the spring. Here are five ways you can stay connected with the school and its community over the break!

  1. Zoom with your college friends! Don’t let the break make you lose touch with your friends in college! Using Zoom, it’s easy to get friends together and catch up. You can even make it more fun by doing activities during the zoom, such as a presentation night. This is a great way to use a software you are already familiar with for fun!
  2. Keep up with the school news! Syracuse University is home to many media organizations designed by students, for students. Whether it be virtually flipping through University Girl magazine or scrolling through the Daily Orange’s Instagram, there are many ways to still feel connected to the school and its community despite being home. You can even reach out to these organizations if you are interested in working for them, including The Peel! P.S. Be sure to check your email for important University updates that may come over break, too!
  3. Get ready for spring activities! Just because you are home now doesn’t mean you can’t get ready for the spring! Certain student organizations have started the application process for the spring semester, such as rushing for sororities and fraternities. Pay attention to your emails, as home schools and colleges will often send out information for spring organization applications. Organizations’ social media pages will often have information on the application process and future activities, as well!
  4. Look and apply for internships! Home schools and colleges will also send out emails detailing internship opportunities for the winter, spring, and summer. You can also research local internships that you could apply for the winter and summer. Applying for internships can help you advance in your studies and help keep you academically focused over the break. You can also find help with your search, preparing your resume and developing your interview skills on campus through Career Services! Using your extra free time now can go a long way for your future!
  5. Join new clubs! This fall semester has been hectic as the school and the country grapple with this ongoing pandemic, so you might have not had time to focus on learning about student organizations that you would be interested in. The break is a perfect time to do more research into the organizations offered at Syracuse University and reach out about joining in the spring. It’s never too late to join!

Dealing with the new, unprecedented changes in COVID-19’s wake can be overwhelming, especially for new students. Staying connected with the university and its community can help in dealing with these changes, and hopefully make your college experience better!

Written by Talley Schroeder ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Money Resolutions for the New Year

Each New Year, many of us are probably scrambling to pick a resolution that will be helpful enough to motivate us but also feasible enough that we’ll stick with it. Well, I have a wonderful solution to this problem that can kick start good habits for the rest of your life. This year let’s focus our New Year’s resolution around money and how to make the most out of it.

Budgeting

If you don’t know where to start, the best way to increase your consciousness about your money is to build a budget. There are dozens of resources that can help build one for you, or you can completely build your own, whether it’s on excel or even in your head. Many banking apps have a budget function, there are numerous budgeting apps (check out a few Smart Money reviews), and there’s also the Smart Money coaches to help walk you through any questions you have.

You want to first start out with identifying your income and expenses and track them for at least a month so you can evaluate what needs to be changed. Tracking your spending plays a major role in keeping up with your finances and helps you identify what areas you can either spend more or less in.

Creating a budget really allows you to practice your self control. It’s important to set specific and realistic goals for yourself so that you can visualize why you’re budgeting and also incentivize the continuation of the budget. This also segues into what you can add to your savings and creating an emergency fund. An emergency fund is about one month’s worth of expenses set aside for, you guessed it, an emergency. It’s separate from your savings and provides a safety cushion if something unexpected happens.

Saving

Let’s talk more about different methods for saving. Most commonly, you can allocate a certain percentage or set dollar amount of each paycheck (or any general incoming money) to go into your savings account. You can do this yourself or you can tell your banking app to do this for you. The holidays are a great way to implement saving because cash tends to be an easy gift.

I’m not saying you have to put all of our holiday money away, but putting away at least some of it will only benefit you. Saving the change is also a method of building up your savings. This basically means that for everything you spend, the leftover change on the dollar gets set aside. There’s also an option called a revolving savings account. It can be extremely helpful during the holiday season as it’s a separate account designated for expenses that aren’t in your normal routine, but are still going to occur like gifts, traveling, etc. It might depend on your bank if there’s a minimum balance to open another account, but it can be a really helpful tool.

There are other simple everyday functions that can be changed even just slightly that will increase your savings. For instance, buying necessities in bulk, eating more at home and less at restaurants, and taking on more DIY projects can all save you money. A fun one every year (for me at least) is to purge my closet and sell what I don’t want or need any more to get some extra cash. Even if you can’t sell any of the items, donating them not only helps others, but also helps you achieve that clean slate.

Importance of Setting Goals

Money is something in our lives that we’re never going to be able to avoid, so might as well make the most of it (literally). Budgeting and saving create positive habits that will help you know what you’re financially capable of and achieve further independence. It allows you to track any progress you’ve made, align your priorities and hold yourself accountable for financial decisions. Having savings and an emergency fund allow you to pay off your debts quicker and prepare for the unknown. Most importantly, it gives you the opportunity to celebrate yourself, knowing you’ve earned it.

Holidays are a different experience for everyone. However, we can all still find ways to make changes to our usual monetary routines. If you find yourself wanting to know more or needing that extra push to start budgeting or saving, there are plenty of Smart Money coaches to help you along the way. 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

Things To Do While We’re Inside

With the cool weather approaching and the winds beginning to pick up, we are most likely going to be spending more time in our dorms or apartments. But this does not need to be a bad thing! Here are ten indoor activities that you can do with your roommates during the cold season!

  1. Have a movie marathon. Binge watch the entire Harry Potter series or maybe even start a new television series with your roommates! The winter is the perfect time to get all warm in your rooms and start a new show you’ve been dying to watch.
  2. Deep clean the room/apartment and donate things you do not need anymore. Let’s be honest, everyone puts off cleaning their dorm rooms and apartments but what better time to do this than when we are stuck inside? In addition to cleaning and sanitizing your living space, going through clothes that you do not wear anymore and donating them to the Salvation Army or Goodwill is a great way to give back to our Syracuse community! Throwing on some music or even a podcast is a great way to make this activity a little more enjoyable.
  3. Do workout/yoga classes on YouTube. There are so many free videos on YouTube that you and your roommates can take advantage of this winter! This is a great opportunity to try new workouts such as pilates, yoga, and even some meditation. Check out different at-home workouts from some of your favorite Barnes Center at The Arch instructors!
  4. Self-care night! Get out some face masks, fancy lotions, and your favorite snacks. Everyone deserves some self-care and time to unwind!
  5. Have a game night. When was the last time you played Monopoly, Sorry, or Life? Playing these classic board games are a great way to relive our childhood. Card games like Cards Against Humanity and Uno are also great games to play with your roommates.
  6. Bake recipes off Pinterest! If you have access to a kitchen, baking is a great way to spend time with your roommates! Try making banana bread, pumpkin bread or even cinnamon rolls!
  7. Try some DIY arts and crafts. There are countless amounts of crafts and other do-it-yourself projects that you can do with items that are laying around in your rooms. Pinterest and TikTok are great resources to find DIYs for you to do!
  8. Prepare and present random PowerPoint presentations! If you are on TikTok, you know this is a trend going around. Everyone thinks of their own funny topic and creates a PowerPoint to present in front of everyone! It is a great way to have a laugh but also allows you to get a little creative.
  9. Have a video game party. This is a great way to have a little competition with your roommates. Whether it’s playing Fall Guys or Among Us, you’re competitive side will definitely show.
  10. Karaoke Night! Grab your roommates and put on your favorite throwback songs! There are so many free karaoke videos that you can pull up on YouTube!

I hope you found these ideas helpful during this cold winter! Have fun and stay safe!

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

Spooky, but Make it Safe: Happy COVID Halloween!

Before 2020 became the certified disaster of a year we now know it to be, there was a lot of excitement about the timing of some of its important dates: Christmas on a Friday, July 4 on a Saturday and yes, Halloween on a Saturday. College students across America rejoiced! The view from January promised the “Halloweekend” of their dreams. However, come March, that dream was put on pause. Visions of an epic weekend and group costumes were packed away, replaced by thoughts of quarantines and social distancing protocols.

But things have changed a bit since the early days of lockdown. Now that we’re back in school and surrounded by our peers, there may be an urge to fulfill those pre-COVID Halloween fantasies. I urge you, let’s not throw away all the good work we’ve done so far for one (or two or three) nights of partying, especially when there are so many other, fun options to fill up our time this Halloweekend. I present to you a definitive list of COVID-friendly activities on campus and in the greater Syracuse area! This list includes something for everyone—from thrill-lovers to people who are scared by the Halloween episodes of Disney kids shows (no shame).

For the Easily Scared

Pumpkin painting

  • The dorm-friendly alternative to traditional pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting is a cute and cheap way to spend time with friends this Halloween, and you end up with a nice, homemade decoration. I cannot recommend in any specific terms, but I encourage you to spice up this event in any way that you see fit (responsibly, of course).

Dunkin’ Halloween at the Park

  • New this year, Dunkin’ Halloween at the Park is a mile-long, drive-thru Halloween experience. Cars follow a lighted path through scenes of haunted villages filled with ghosts, witches and other things that go bump in the night. Tickets are $10 per car, Sunday through Thursday, and $15 per car, Friday and Saturday. Tickets are presale only, so get yours today on their website.

Disney Halloween movie marathon

  • This one is pretty self-explanatory. Pop some popcorn, settle down with your fellow scaredy-cats and enjoy a night of nostalgia. You can add some fun by playing games inspired by the movies cheesiness.

Halloween-themed photoshoot

  • You’ve most likely seen the TikToks of people donning old-fashioned ghost costumes and taking pictures— do something like that. An important side note: there has been some controversy around these ghost photoshoots, so participate at your own discretion. Maybe consider a vampire, or zombie photoshoot instead!

For the Bold

Orange After Dark Insidious Late Night Movie

  • Orange After Dark is screening James Wan’s terrifying 2010 movie “Insidious,” about a family whose son gets possessed after they move into a haunted house. Movies are shown in Gifford Auditorium at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. No tickets needed, just show up! Insidious will be playing from October 30 through November

Fright Nights (formerly at the Fair)

  • Our very own Syracuse is home to one of the scariest haunted attractions in New York state. While Fright Nights is a slightly different experience this year, as there is no State Fair, the scares are still there! In addition to dozens of state-of-the-art exhibits, Fright Nights hosts the largest “Jurassic Dark” dinosaur scare attraction in the country, and the massive 82,000 square foot warehouse means that you can be terrified while maintaining proper social distance! See what scares await!

The Trail of Terror

  • About a half-hour north of Syracuse in Fulton, NY lies “CNY’s longest-running Halloween attraction,” The Trail of Terror. Celebrating its 31st season, The Trail of Terror operates from 7 to 10 p.m. every night, with tickets to walk the trail running at $13 per person. There’s a reason it’s the longest-running attraction—it’s terrifying. COVID rules and more information can be found on their website.

Finally, if you insist on partying this Halloween, keep it small and stick to the Stay Safe Pledge! If not, you could be subject to immediate probation or more severe consequences. And, if you choose to drink, know the risks and make good choices. Remember your C.U.P.S. (the four signs of alcohol poisoning): Cold skin, Unresponsiveness, Puking, Slow breathing, and call for help if someone needs medical assistance. Here are a few tips to Be Wise this Halloween:

  • Host a Zoom or Google Hangout with other people around campus.
  • Utilize the floor lounge in your building for alcohol-free movie or game nights.
  • Avoid sharing food and drinks, especially from communal containers.
  • Go out to dinner with your friends. Try a patio or a park if the weather is nice.
  • Avoid sharing e-cigarettes or vaping devices.
  • Evaluate event attendance and if social distancing is possible.
  • Keep gatherings small and outside as much as possible.
  • Have a Netflix watch party.
  • Listen to music with friends and social distance with Spotify Group Sessions.
  • Keep gatherings small, only meet with people from your residence hall.

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

Sooo, You’re Turning 21?

Turing 21 is a big deal! Since this is a particularly challenging time to celebrate, my fellow Be Wise peer educators and I wanted to share a few ideas about ways to make your birthday special. So… without further ado, here are some ideas that can help you decide how you want to celebrate your special day!

Of course, 21 marks the legal drinking age. If you chose to drink, I’d suggest:

  1. Painting wine or shot glasses: Grab a few friends, some glasses and supplies to customize a fun party favor and memorable birthday keepsake.
  2. Finding a virtual bartending class: This is a fun way to transition to legal drinking age while gaining some practical knowledge
  3. Sampling local craft beer: There are a ton of local craft brewers, like Willow Rock, Buried Acorn, Middle Ages, Talking Cursive, Anything But Beer and more.
  4. Hosting a wine tasting: Get with some friends and try out a variety of wines. Maybe even grab some snacks and cheeses and make a charcuterie board.

Some people decide not to drink on their 21st. Here are some ideas that anyone can take part in:

  1. Scheduling a virtual hang out with all of your closest friends: Celebrate with friends and family no matter the distance!
  2. Making a Photo Booth and take 21 selfies throughout the day/night: We know everyone’s looking for a great birthday pic!
  3. Hosting a game night: Pull out the board games or create your own Olympics with Minute To Win It games.
  4. Getting together for a birthday dinner: This is a classic way to spend some time with friends on your big day. Remember, if you’re going to drink have a high protein meal! (It will help with alcohol absorption later!)
  5. Treating yourself to a spa day: Celebrate this transition in your life with some face masks, a bubble bath, and some candles
  6. Trying out some mocktails: If you chose not to drink but want to celebrate legal drinking age, this is a fun activity to get creative with!

Whether or not you choose to drink, be sure to check out the 21st Birthday Project!

The 21st Birthday Project is a new Barnes Center at The Arch outreach program focused on reducing negative outcomes for students who choose to go out and celebrate for their 21st birthday. Whether or not you choose to drink, all students turning 21 can participate! All you do is sign up for a 10-20 minute session with a Barnes Center peer educator, and you’ll receive prizes, like a free T-shirt, metal straw, cup condom and a noise maker!

A prize pack including a red t-shirt, hand clapper, tote bag and reusable straw.

No matter what you choose, make sure you’re doing what’s best for you! Take some things from this list and create your own checklist. At the end of the day, make sure your spending your birthday the way you want!

Written by Catherine Campbell ’22, College of Arts and Sciences

Syracuse Winters: What to expect

With the cool weather starting to approach us, it is important to know what to expect! Although this school year may look different from past years, here are a few ways to prepare and survive the winter here in Syracuse!

Dress for the Weather

Although this is a given, students still tend to forget the importance of dressing for the cold. Every Syracuse University student needs a solid winter coat. You never know what to expect with Syracuse weather and having a good waterproof coat with the proper insulation will keep you warm and cozy all winter long. Make sure it has a hood to shield you from the powerful winds! Additionally, investing in a few winter hats, gloves and scarfs will keep you extra warm on your walk to class, the gym or even to the dining hall. Although it can be tempting to wear sneakers and fashion boots, it gets really slippery outside especially when it starts snowing. Invest in a good pair of winter boots with thick socks for extra warmth!

Be Mindful of Your Health

With everyone already practicing good hygiene and health due to COVID-19, it is extra important to keep practicing these remedies with the cold weather approaching. You are more prone to getting sick in the winter time with the flu, strep throat or even just the common cold. Make sure to wash your hands, practice social distancing and get your flu shot. Let’s work together to keep our Orange Community safe and healthy!

Keep Yourself Busy

With everyone spread all over campus in either different dorms or apartments, you can easily feel disconnected from your friends. Plan fun inside activities with your friends such as a movie marathon with hot chocolate and popcorn or even a fun arts and crafts night. There are countless ways you and your friends can stay busy and connected during the wintertime! As always, you can visit the University Community Calendar or ‘Cuse Activities to find student-centered events.

Stock Up on the Essentials

Whether you live in a dorm or off campus in an apartment, it is important to make sure you are stocked up on the essentials this winter. Here is a short list of a few items to make sure you have on hand:

  • Cough drops
  • Tissues
  • Thermometer
  • Vitamin C
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Hand warmers
  • Warm drinks (teas, coffees, hot chocolate)
  • Snacks (soup, popcorn, granola bars, nuts)

Did you know there’s an on-campus pharmacy where you can purchase many of these items? Check out the Barnes Center at The Arch Pharmacy! They now support online orders for pick-up, so you don’t have to go all the way off campus through the snow.

Get Outside

Despite the below freezing temperatures, it is still important to leave your dorm or apartment every now and then. Grab your roommates or a few close friends and go socially distanced sledding on our hilly campus.

I hope these tips and tricks will help you through this upcoming winter. Make sure to have fun and be safe! Goodluck!

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

Free Lecture Series You Should Know

Are you tired of spending your evenings browsing the same few selections on Netflix? If you’re struggling to find something to do while cooped up in your dorm—look no further! Syracuse University offers a multitude of FREE lecture series that cover everything from art, to inclusivity, to health and wellness and beyond. All you need to do is register for a Zoom link, and you’ve got a plan for your evening. No matter your interests, there is a lecture for you! We’ve broken down your options into 5 categories: Arts, Health and Wellness, Politics, Diversity and Inclusion and General Interest.

Arts

The College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) hosts their Visiting Artist Lecture Series (VALS) every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The lectures cover a variety of different art forms, featuring painters, sculptors, filmmakers, etc. Past featured artists include award-winning, New York-based artist Saya Woolfalk and ground-breaking Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Previous Visiting Artist Lectures are available to view on the Syracuse University Art Museum YouTube channel. Find more information and upcoming artists on the Syracuse University Community Calendar.

If COVID restrictions have you missing live music, log on for the live-streamed Setnor Student Recital series. Support the Setnor School of Music students as they perform voice, guitar, piano and more! Find the schedule of events on the Syracuse University Community Calendar.

Information about all VPA lectures can be found on the VPA events calendar.

Health and Wellness

The Wellness Leadership Institute hosts workshops that cover a breadth of topics under the Health and Wellness umbrella. This year’s topics include: “Time Management,” “Nutritional Impact on Mental Health,” “Let’s Talk About Relationships and ‘Situationships’” and more!

A special offering from the Wellness Leadership Institute is the SoulTalk series, a weekly deep-dive and conversation into life’s major questions and obstacles. Topics for those include perfectionism, gratitude, vulnerability and more. SoulTalk is hosted on Zoom every Thursday from 7-8 p.m. Find more information on the Syracuse University Community Calendar.

Bonus: if you attend enough Wellness Leadership Institute workshops, you receive a graduation medallion and certificate! Find more information on the Barnes Center at The Arch website.

Politics

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs hosts a “Conversations in Conflict Studies” lecture series that is sponsored by their Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration (PARCC). Every lecture falls under the umbrella of “Conflict Studies,” with subjects like proactive peace; the role of beauty in society and politics; the politics of sports; the death of civility and so on. The lectures are given by faculty, activists, scholars and Ph.D. students. All lectures are recorded and available on the Maxwell School YouTube channel. For more information on upcoming and past lectures, check out the PARCC lecture series homepage.

Diversity and Inclusivity

Every year, the Syracuse Humanities Center hosts Syracuse Symposium, a series of lectures, workshops and performances centered under a theme. This year’s theme is “Futures,” examining what the future could look like from a diverse set of genres and perspectives. Upcoming events include a lecture and workshop with University of Buffalo Lakota scholar Hilary Weaver, and a public reading and Q&A with poet Philip Metres. Find the list of events and more information on the Syracuse University Humanities Center website.

New this year is the Let’s Talk Series. Let’s Talk is a great opportunity to discuss the things that matter to you and to learn more about the experiences of others in the Syracuse community on the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion. If you’re passionate about social justice and looking to meet like-minded people, this series is a great option for you. Find more info on the Enrollment and Student Experience website.

General Interest

The University Lectures series gives you the chance to listen to and ask questions of industry leaders and celebrity speakers. A lecture by alumni and interior designer Thom Filicia ‘04 of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” fame is still upcoming. This lecture is highly recommended for any fans of HGTV or shows like Netflix’s “Selling Sunset.” This presentation is also in collaboration with LGBTQ+ History Month! Find more info on the Syracuse University Lectures website.

Whether you engage in a Let’s Talk discussion, or attend a Setnor Student Recital, taking advantage of these free series will make you the most interesting person at your next party (post-COVID, of course). Have fun exploring all that Syracuse has to offer!

Cecelia Kersten ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

How to Crush Collaborative Work Safely

The pandemic has completely altered the way we work. People in the professional world all the way to elementary schoolers have been forced to work, learn and collaborate in an online environment. For college students especially, this can be very difficult due to heavy workloads and busy schedules. Collaborating effectively on group assignments can be tricky during this time, but here are several tips to ensure that you and your teammates ace the next big project.

1. Communication is key

Communication is essential to working in a group. Making sure that you and your partners are all on the same page is probably the most important aspect of group work. Before you start, make sure to get the contact info of your team members. You can create a group chat over the phone, or use a platform like GroupMe to make a group chat where you can easily send and receive documents.

2. Use online tools

There are tons of online tools out there that can help you nail your group projects. Instead of editing a word document or a PowerPoint and sending it back and forth between your team members, try using platforms like Google Drive. There you can all edit and add content to your projects in one place. If you’re working with large files, try using Dropbox to share them with your team.

3. Stay organized

Organization is always a good thing when doing your schoolwork, but it’s even more important when you’re working with a group. Creating a calendar for your team can be one of the best ways to stay on top of things and make sure everyone is keeping up with their work. You can easily make a shareable calendar on Google Calendar for free. Write down your due dates and deadlines and set up meeting times to check in with your team.

4. Use Free Resources

SU has some great free resources for students to use. With your netid and password, you can download Microsoft Office applications for free. Microsoft To Do can be a great tool for both group work and for personal productivity. You can create To Do lists and track tasks by setting deadlines. Once you’ve made a To Do list, you can share it with your team members to collaborate and check off tasks as you go. You can also use Microsoft Teams to host your meetings. It is free to use with your netid and password, and you can easily set up meetings with your SU email through Outlook.

5. Divide and Conquer

Meet with your group and figure out how to divide up the work. It’s important to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of your team members and divide up the tasks based on your skills. Hold each other accountable to make the deadlines and good luck!

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