Campus Life

Midterms Are Coming. Here’s How to Navigate Them.

It goes without saying that this semester has been one unlike any other. Whether you are taking classes in-person, virtual or in hybrid format, you are undoubtedly working hard to not only succeed in class but also maintain the normal college experience. Part of that college experience is tackling those fast approaching midterm exams! Here are some midterm study tips that will help every student totally ace those midterms no matter what format they are in!

1. Get Started Early and Regularly

Is it just me or did we all blink and end up in week six? We’re almost halfway through the term so right now is the perfect time to get started studying. Research has shown that you will improve your grades if you start at least one week in advance. Plus, the sooner you start means the less you have to cram right before the exam! Rotate through your classes to ensure you don’t forget anything, and make a habit to set aside time daily solely for midterms. Even a half hour everyday will go a long way.

2. Utilize CLASS Services

The Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) has quickly adapted to the changing times, and its services are entirely virtual! The office offers a variety of programs to meet your custom needs this midterm season. Are you struggling in a particular class and want help from a former student? Try free small group tutoring! Want to learn better study habits confirmed by cognitive science research? Try academic coaching! How about individual help managing your time online? The maximizing online learning program is right for you. See all the free services at on the CLASS website.

3. Take a Collaborative Approach to Studying

The biggest irony of 2020 is that we are living in the most digitally connected time in history yet we seem so separated from one another in reality. Bridge this divide by making your studying a social activity. Many classes have lost in class collaboration, and it can be difficult for students to check their knowledge with classmates. Make an effort to connect with others in order to set up a time to go over notes and practice problems. Maybe socially distance yourselves out on the Quad some evening or connect through Zoom. A great strategy is to compile a shared Google Doc with key terms and class concepts for your study group to review. (Thanks for the tip Professor Thorson!)

4. Set Goals and Priorities

It is important to clearly define what you want to get out of your studying. You have to not only plan out your schedule but also ensure you are addressing your personal study needs. Is one class especially difficult for you? What percent of your total course grade is your midterm score? Set aside a greater chunk of time for these classes. Be sure to go to office hours to hear about any study tips from your professors and TAs.

5. Tackle Your Tech Troubles

Don’t have your nightmare become a reality when your technology stops working in the middle of an exam! If you have had issues with internet connection, file saving or any other issue in the past, now is the time to get that fixed. Plan out where you’ll take your exam and ensure your WIFI has a solid connection. Make a contingency plan just in case your tech fails. Also, be sure you understand the time constraints and format for each exam. This should help guide your studying. If you’re facing problems you don’t know how to fix, reach out to ITS! Visit its.syr.edu to get quick assistance.

Ava's at home study set up taken over by her grey and white cat.

So there you have it. These five tips will help you ace those midterms and keep stress low while you’re doing it! It is undoubtedly a unique semester for the entire Syracuse University community, but these strategies are timeless. Keep those spirits up, the WIFI strong and the caffeine coming this midterm season. Let’s get it done Orange Nation, no matter where you are in the world!

Ava Breitbeck ’22, College of Arts and Sciences, Center for Learning and Student Success Tutor

Top Five Hacks for Navigating the Semester

During the second week of classes, we’ve spent some time investigating how to help you further navigate the semester. Explore these top five hacks to find a routine and shape your experience!

Having trouble finding a study space?

You have options! The University went through all of the spaces and classrooms on campus and compiled a helpful list of areas you can safely access. In these areas, you’ll be able to properly social distance while studying for your next quiz, log on to a Zoom lecture before your next in-person class or just take a minute to breathe in peace.

Find all available spaces on the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience website.

Missed the Involvement Fair?

You’re not too late! There’s never a wrong time to show your interest in a student organization. You can always find registered student organizations and their contact information by browsing ’Cuse Activities.

Still a little nervous to reach out or don’t know what to say? Try this message template:

“Hi, my name is [INSERT YOUR NAME]. I missed you at the Involvement Fair, but I’m still interested in becoming involved. Could you tell me a little more about what you do and how I can be a part of it? Thanks!”

Want to be involved but not sure where to start?

It’s easy! ‘Cuse Activities hosts 300+ Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)! Managed by the Office of Student Activities, ‘Cuse Activities is an online community that helps connect student organizations with the rest of campus. You can find clubs and organizations to join, information on who they are, when they meet and events for you to browse.

Supportive of a variety of interests and easy navigation, ‘Cuse Activities further organizes RSOs using the following key categories.

  • Academic Department
  • Arts and Entertainment
  • Cultural/International
  • Governance
  • Honorary
  • Media/Publications
  • Political/Advocacy
  • Professional
  • Religious
  • Service
  • Special Interest
  • Sports/Recreation

Visit the ‘Cuse Activities FAQ webpage to learn more about how to start connecting today!

Looking for additional events that encompass a variety of categories?

There’s a solution for that! The Syracuse University Community Calendar includes academic, social, leadership, cultural and professional events happening across campus (in-person and virtually). You can also search the calendar for specific school, college or department activities.

Bonus hack: use the “Add to Calendar” feature per event to easily add to your digital calendar and to stay organized.

Need things to do in the evenings and on weekends?

You’ve got options! Offering signature late-night experiences, Orange After Dark includes events like trivia nights, movie screenings, mini-golf, laser tag and cosmic bowling. Don’t forget, “sharing is caring,” so be sure to invite your friends!

Hoping to stay emotionally and physically well?

We’ve got just the thing! Students can use the Wellness Portal to access schedules and to make required reservations for: cardio equipment, weight machines, the indoor track, group exercise classes, weekend Adventure Day Trips, the Climbing Wall, the Esports Room, the Crowley Family MindSpa, Wellness Leadership Institute workshops and more.

Looking for more information on how to access the Barnes Center at The Arch, how to make a Health Care and/or Counseling appointment, or interested in learning more about their cleaning procedures and healthy habits? Visit the Fall 2020 Barnes Center at The Arch webpage to learn more!

Tips to Stay Informed

Campus has changed so quickly the past few months. Now that we have started the semester, we need to keep up with the latest news and be prepared for changes as they come. We’ve put together the top 4 ways you can be prepared for whatever may come next!

1. Read your email  

We cannot stress this enough! Sure, not everything that comes your way may be all that interesting to you, but we’re willing to bet that there are a few things sitting in your inbox that have important information you’re going to have questions about. It’s going to be a lot easier to navigate this semester if you’re making a point to keep up on your inbox. We’ll even give you the pass to skim them.  

2. Keep Myslice information updated  

Making sure your contact information and current residential address are correct and up to date is always important. If you haven’t caught on to the theme of the semester yet, it’s even more important now! Accurate contact information helps the University keep you updated, successfully contact trace if needed, and reach those of us who are living off-campus with services and support.  

To check and update your information, sign-in to your Myslice account using your NetID and password. You’ll then be able to update your information by selecting the “Profile” icon. If you’re still having trouble or locked out of your account, reach out to ITS.

3. Understand where to seek answers and ask questions.

There is a lot of information out there, and it can be challenging to know where to find it all. Just know that you don’t need to navigate your questions alone! Of course you can always ask what has worked for your friends, but what better way to get the information you need from the people whose job it is to help you? There are several offices and resources willing to answer your questions and guide you to the resources you may need. A great place to start is the Dean of Students Office. Their staff members have a wide knowledge of campus and are eager to help you.

A full scope of offices and contact information is available on the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience website.

4. Follow social media accounts.

Social media is an information powerhouse, but it can also be a space for misinformation to spread fast. Be sure to follow accounts that are trustworthy! If you’re looking for campus updates, news and events, @SUcampus on Facebook and Twitter is your place to go. If Instagram is your go-to, @syracuseu shares important updates from time to time and highlights campus events every Monday on their Instagram story.

Keep in mind that social media isn’t always the first thing to be updated and likely doesn’t have the full context.

Be sure to practice lots of self-care this semester! Take breaks when you’re feeling information overload. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, but remember that you’re in control. It’s OK to let go of the things that aren’t essential to your health and safety or don’t align with your needs and interests.

It’s An All Orange Effort

Nobody can deny it has been a very different and unpredictable year. We have seen drastic and necessary changes that have been made, and continue to be made, to ensure our health, wellness and safety. Many of us have had to make sacrifices for our own health and the health of our co-workers, friends, families, significant others, classmates, neighbors and so many others. A lot of us missed vacations, birthdays, parties, weddings, family reunions, funerals, celebrations, and even once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like abroad studies or class trips. Our routines were disrupted and plans cancelled involuntarily. Our semester changed abruptly, necessary adaptations were made on the spot, and our lives turned upside-down. After the strain and stress of the past few months, for a lot of us, it feels nearly impossible to think about the future or believe we will ever regain a sense of “normalcy” again.

With the spread slowing in New York, it’s comforting to know that safety measures work. Although we can and should be hopeful for the future and the end of this pandemic, we still need to take our actions seriously. Our actions on campus can have a positive or negative effect. It’s up to us to ensure we leave a positive impact. Although it may look different than past semesters, we can enjoy college life just the same….six feet apart!

Syracuse University has continually dedicated countless hours planning for the safest way to accommodate a fall semester. Now it’s our turn to help them! Adhering to the Stay Safe Pledge is the most promising way we will all be able to make this an easier and safer transition back to campus life.

The Stay Safe Pledge is a campus commitment made to protect the health and safety of all Orange community members. By coming to campus, we’re committing to follow the Stay Safe Pledge. It’s encouraged that all students, faculty, staff and families sign the Pledge in an effort to minimize and stop the spread of COVID-19. The Pledge includes safety guidelines individuals and our community can take to do their part to stay safe and healthy. Some of these guidelines include, but are not limited to,

  • maintaining six feet from others;
  • practicing social distancing and limit gatherings to 25 people;
  • washing your hands and frequently touched surfaces;
  • wearing a mask or face covering while on campus;
  • wearing a mask or face covering off campus when social distancing is difficult;
  • avoiding travel outside of Central New York for the duration of the Fall 2020 semester;
  • correctly following quarantining or isolation practices and;
  • adhering to all the University directives and guidance.

As we have discovered in the past few months, COVID-19 needs to be taken seriously. It is a shared responsibility for our community to get through this, so let’s work together to reduce the risk of infection and sickness in our community! It’s important to remember that just because you can’t always see someone’s illness or disability does not mean it’s not there. Many people have invisible or hidden illnesses, and we must do everything in our power to protect them and ourselves.

Although some of these directives are not always ideal, they are incredibly necessary. Masks might not always be the most fun to wear all day, but you can still have fun while in a mask! Social distancing does not mean social disaster!

The Stay Safe Pledge is a chance for us to demonstrate our respect, courtesy of others and love for our Orange community and family. Nobody can change the world or keep it safe alone. Join me and countless others across our campus and community in acknowledging and following the Stay Safe Pledge to do your part in keeping our Syracuse University family safe, healthy and together.

Written by Kenzii Stevens ’22 (she/her), David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Peer Educator Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality

To the Class of 2020

There are no words that I can say that you have not already heard. How upsetting it is to have our college experience abruptly end, to miss out on the closure we hoped we would have, to be confined to our homes and faced with the uncertainty of the world around us. Hopefully, for all of us, missing out on our final months of college will be the greatest of our concerns, that we can stay healthy and retain some measure of stability.

It is disheartening to have the end of our college experience unfold like it has, but recently, I have been reflecting a lot about the memories we have made at SU. These memories persist in spite of everything. Memories of our first Duke game, our first Mayfest, the first time we realized campus started to feel like home, the first snowfall that blankets the campus in the fall, and then (many) months later, the first warm, spring day when the quad bursts back to life. It is because of the significance of these moments in our lives that the abrupt ending has felt as disheartening as it has. So, to honor these moments and to focus on something more uplifting, I want to remember some of the funnier memories unique to the Class of 2020:

  1. The Clown Scare. Do you remember when there was a trend where people would dress up as clowns and try to scare students on college campuses? And students would react by chasing the clowns? Our freshman year there were reports of clowns all over campus. Most of the reports turned out to be fake, but there was still a bunch of freshmen walking around in herds trying to find the clowns (certainly not Sadler 5, we would never).
  2. No Ubers Freshman Year. The kids these days have no idea how hard we had it back in 2016 – 2017. These days, if we need to get to the airport or the grocery store and have no means of transportation, we can just call an Uber or Lyft and be fine. But back in the day, we had to google a taxi service, plan a trip, and pay via card or cash. The struggle!
  3. The Famous Tendie Removal. Tendie Thursdays will always go down as one of the most important aspects of the Syracuse University dining experience. But sophomore year, news started to spread that the decision had been made to REMOVE Tendie Thursday. Of course, that didn’t last long because pretty soon several students had sent emails pleading to have Tendie Thursdays reinstated (#savethetendies).
  4. A Snow Day Record. When the university cancelled classes due to inclement weather our sophomore year, we were experiencing a historical moment. That was only the third EVER snow day in Syracuse University’s history. (We would also later get to experience the fourth ever snow day.)
  5. A Senior Class Picture Representative of the Class of 2020. If you do a side-by-side of the 2020 picture we took in the dome our freshman year with the one we tried to take at the Senior Send Off in the Dome this past February, you’ll notice just a *slight* difference. I’m sure the alcohol and senioritis didn’t help.

Class of 2020 picture on the dome fieldA sad attempt at recreating the class of 2020 picture on the dome field

Even as our unconventional senior year comes to a close, we are able to truly appreciate our Orange community and we have added new memories to the old ones that we cherish. We have seen professor’s pets (or children in some cases) pop onto the screen during Zoom lectures. Instead of traditional photos, we now have screenshots of send-off celebrations, virtual team meetings or just video chats with friends. Many of us have transitioned from an individual mindset to a collective one which pushes us to check up one one another, sometimes with a simple “how are you?” We have supported faculty, staff and fellow students in our unprecedented transition to online platforms. These are memories that we will hopefully look back on with

Each of our individual and our collective experiences at Syracuse University have certainly not been perfect, and the way it is ending is less than ideal. But there are memories we have made on campus that will stay with us beyond the end of our undergraduate experience. And just because we won’t be in person together doesn’t mean the graduation celebration is over! Senior Week starts Thursday, May 7 and lasts until the virtual special recognition for graduates on Sunday, May 10. There’s online events, live music and even care packages.

In the days leading up to Senior Week, make sure to take some time to think back on the moments at Syracuse University that made you laugh or brought you joy, scroll through Snapchat memories and reminisce with the friends that have become family—laughter and togetherness are important now more than ever.

Good luck with finals, stay healthy and happy graduation!

Kyle Rosenblum and Serena Omo-Lamai, Senior Class Marshals

The senior class marshals parade down the dome turf

Exploring New Hobbies During a Pandemic

While leaving Syracuse and moving back into your bright purple teenage room is not ideal, we all know that staying home is essential during these trying times. Most of us have resorted back to our old ways and are looking for something new. Who says staying home can’t be fun? We spoke to Syracuse students to find out what new hobbies they are exploring in quarantine.

Cooking

For many families, having a home cooked meal every night is a new norm. Going out to eat or going to a friend’s house, is now off the table. This has led many people to try new things and discover recipes they never would have before. A rising junior in Newhouse majoring in Advertising, Sydney Chilewich, has discovered a new passion for cooking while being stuck at home. She has cooked dishes such as homemade pasta, pizza, as well as sushi. Sydney says, “I’ve always loved cooking, and now I get to do it at home whenever I want. I am a food lover and can finally create my favorite recipes from scratch.” While of course we wish we were back in our dorm rooms, these homemade recipes definitely surpass a frozen meal with a side of cereal.

Tie Dying

We can all admit that staying home has affected our day-to-day fashion looks. “Waist up” business causal anyone? While working from home in sweatpants has always been a great idea in theory, there is something about getting dressed and going to class or work that sparks motivation. With warm weather approaching, and with shopping off the table, students have been finding creative ways to alter their wardrobe. Tie dying an old sweatshirt or T-shirt has become a very popular trend. This is the perfect way to get a new article of clothing and give yourself an activity to keep the boredom at bay. Tie dying can be a great new hobby for anyone because chances are, most of the materials can all be found at home. You can tie dye with just some rubber bands and bleach. There are many DIY videos on YouTube showing how to do this. (Just make sure to use gloves and not mix chemicals/cleaners.)

Re-Decorating or Painting

This is the perfect time to jump into those projects you swore you would do when you “had more time.” Whether it’s cleaning out your garage, or re-painting that bright purple childhood bedroom, there is no better time than now. Finding ways to feel accomplished while spicing up your home is something many people are taking part in. You may have seen a ton of before and after videos on TikTok. Who knows? The throw pillow you’ve been keeping on the chair in your living room might look so much better on the bench upstairs! Even the most subtle changes around your home can give a brand-new feel.

Learn a New Language

For a lot of us, our screen time has gone up copious amounts since we’ve been in quarantine. But, why not use 20 minutes of that screen time to learn a new language? I’ve recently downloaded Duolingo, and I can honestly say, if the opportunity ever presented itself, I can now order a complete meal in French.  It’s an easy app to use and actually makes learning a foreign language seem enjoyable and doable. Studies have even shown that 34 hours of using Duolingo amounts to 1 university semester of taking a language course. Basically, by allotting an hour everyday for Duolingo, you’d be completing a full semester of Spanish class, for example. With the next school year, many of you will be looking into studying abroad for a semester. This would be the perfect opportunity to practice and improve on the language of the country you’re looking into for study abroad.

All in all, being stuck at home can be challenging, but essential. We know we are doing our part by staying home so that first responders, doctors, and workers can continue being brave and helping each and every one of our communities. It is important to stay healthy mentally and during these times. Finding a new hobby might be what you have been looking for all along!

Written by Ryan Hecker ’22, College of Visual and Performing Arts, and Michelle Velez ’20, S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Things to Know: April 2020

Student Services

Just because we’re not on campus, doesn’t mean we can’t access student services! Many existing services are available virtually, and many offices have introduced new programs and services to help meet our needs. These programs can help us stay focused, be well, and find connection during this difficult time. Be sure to check the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience (ESE) website for updates and helpful links. Here are a few highlights:

  • The Barnes Center at The Arch is offering almost all of its regular services and programs and then some, including counseling, nutrition and psychiatry phone appointments; free personalized video calls with a personal trainer through ’Cuse Fit Chat; Pet Therapy Thursdays on Instagram; and SoulTalk every Thursday on Zoom. Be sure to visit the Barnes Center website and the Wellness Portal to learn more about all services and programs.
  • Career Services is offering virtual, 15 minute drop-in sessions through Zoom to help answer employment questions, explore internship strategies, prepare for an interview and more. You can also request a resume or cover letter review via email. Learn more on the Career Services website.
  • The Disability Cultural Center, LGBT Resource Center and Office of Multicultural Affairs are continuing their mentoring programs and offering different virtual programs. Be sure to visit their websites for more information.
  • Smart Money Coaches in the Office of Financial Literacy are available for appointments to help you manage personal finances and goals. You can email finlit@syr.edu or schedule an appointment in Orange Success.
  • The Office of Student Activities is packed with virtual programming! Join them for Movie Mondays, Trivia Tuesdays and Workshop Wednesdays. Orange After Dark is bringing its program to you, too. Visit the ’Cuse Activities portal and follow @cuseactivities on Instagram for each week’s line up.

Virtual Events

There’s a lot of emotion around everything that has been canceled, and it’s OK to process those emotions. Just know the Orange community is here for you and has planned multiple virtual events to help us support one another. You can find virtual events on the University Events Calendar and ’Cuse Activities, the portal for student activities, service opportunities and registered student organizations events and programming. Some virtual events include:

2020 Student Body Elections

Student body elections for the next Student Association President, Vice President and Comptroller will continue as scheduled. Starting Monday, April 13 through Thursday, April 16, cast your vote on MySlice. Be sure to reference SA’s emails and social media to stay informed.

Applications

Student Association Cabinet

Applications are open for cabinet positions within the Student Association’s 64th Legislative Session. Members of the cabinet work collaboratively with the SA President and Vice President throughout the year. To stay updated, follow @saatsu on Instagram.

University Union

Applications to join the University Union (UU) executive board will open in a few weeks. If you’re interested in being part of planning UU events including comedy shows, musical acts and cinema screenings, be sure to follow @universityunion on Instagram and Twitter to know when the application is live.

2020 Census

April 1 is Census Day, but that’s not the deadline to respond! There’s still time to ensure you’ve been counted. Because many of us are back home and living off-campus for the remainder of the semester, it can be confusing on how best to answer the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau has issued some helpful guidelines for college students who still need to complete the 2020 Census. Learn more about the 2020 Census, why it’s important and respond at 2020census.gov.

How to Stay Productive and Ace Your Classes From Home

During this difficult time, nearly every aspect of our lives has changed. Like many learning institutions around the world, Syracuse University has transitioned to online learning for the remainder of the semester, and the transition can be somewhat confusing at times. Here are a five tips to help you achieve success in your classes for the rest of the semester:

1. Update your calendar

Some professors have changed their original plans for courses for the rest of the semester. Some may have changed due dates, provided alternative assignments or changed assignments as a whole. Check to see what changes have been made to your courses and update your calendar with revised due dates and assignments.

2. Create a routine

Now that the schedule of traditional classes has been disrupted, you are now free to do your work whenever you want. For some, this is great, but other people rely on a more concrete schedule to be productive. Making a routine for when to get your work done is a great way to stay on top of things. If you’re a morning person, set a few hours aside each morning to work. If you work better at night, try to set aside a block of time each night to get things done. Some classes are still live during regular times, while others are now recorded. Figure out which ones are live, and find times to watch recorded lectures. The Center for Learning and Student Success is also offering personalized one-on-one meetings with a trained tutor or coach to help in managing online learning.

3. Find a place to work

Now that you can’t go to Bird Library or your other favorite study spots on campus, your new workspace is likely somewhere in your home. Home is full of distractions, so finding a good place to focus is crucial to staying productive. To create your new workspace, find a place that’s quiet, has lots of light and has a place to sit down and organize your materials, like a desk or table. Find a comfortable chair to sit in as well. It’s important to make sure your workspace is organized and decluttered, so make sure to keep all your materials in place to ensure efficiency. Keeping a physical calendar or to-do list is another way to enhance your productivity.

4. Take breaks

Taking breaks from your work is extremely important. Humans have short attention spans and many of us can’t focus for hours on end without taking breaks. Try using the Pomodoro Technique while you’re working. The Pomodoro Technique consists of working in intervals of 25 minutes followed by a five minute break. During the 25 minutes focus on one task, and don’t worry about completing it, just devote your undivided attention to the task for the full 25 minutes. Then take a 5 minute break and do whatever you want. Repeat this cycle four times, then give yourself a 30 minute break.

5. Ask questions

If you’re uncertain about anything, make sure to reach out to your professors. Many professors and their teaching assistants have transitioned to online office hours where you can discuss any questions via video chat. In addition, it’s a good idea to reach out to your advisors with any questions about your courses. The University has given students the option to change courses from regular grading to pass/fail grading, the deadline for this is April 10. Be sure to understand how switching may impact your academics. Registration for the Fall ‘20 semester is also rapidly approaching as well, another topic you could discuss with your advisor.

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

How Can You Take Back The Night?

Take Back The Night is an annual event observed in over 30 countries that brings community members together to speak out against interpersonal violence. Interpersonal violence encompasses any type of violence; including sexual, emotional, verbal, physical and economic harm.  

Take Back The Night is an event that, usually, consists of a rally, march, and speakout; however to abide by social distancing guidelines, our Take Back The Night will be a virtual experience taking place on Wednesday, April 15. 

Whether the event is in person or not, there are every day actions we can take to make our communities a safe place that supports survivors and rejects interpersonal violence.  

We are all bystanders on a daily basis: individuals who witness an event or situation. To Take Back The Night, we must be prosocial bystanders. Prosocial bystanders are individuals who intervene in a problematic event or situation they are not directly involved in to make a positive impact. This can be to discuss a perpetrators problematic behavior, and/or support the survivor of interpersonal violence. 

Ways to approach/intervene with a perpetrator:

  • Call Someone In, Not Out – For example, if a friend or colleague passes a comment that perpetrates rape culture, if it is safe to do so, ask to speak with them privately to discuss their problematic comment. 
  • Make it Personal – When explaining why a comment or action is problematic, relate it to something personal to avoid defensiveness. 
  • Shift Focus – Relate the situation to yourself, or a similar example, to avoid confrontation. 
  • Call Professionals – It may not always be safe to intervene yourself. Know local and national emergency services, and call one you trust for assistance. Below, you’ll find a list of available resources. 

Ways to support survivors of interpersonal violence:

  • Use Humor to deescalate the situation, and check in with the survivor afterwards privately to offer support. 
  • Use Code Words – Agree on a code word with friends. Once the code word is used, leave the situation together with no questions asked. Offer emotional support once everyone is safe.  
  • Encourage Group Support – Recruit friends to collectively offer support to a survivor or intervene together. 
  • Call Professionals – Know local and national support lines to ask for professional advice on how to best support a survivor in a particular situation. Below, you’ll find a list of available resources. 

Resources

Syracuse University Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team 

  • 315.443.8000 
  • Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week 
  • Free and confidential service 
  • For Syracuse University students experiencing a mental health crisis, seeking support for sexual or relationship violence, or needing a medical consolation. 

Syracuse Contact Community Services Hotline 

  • 315.251.0600 
  • Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week 
  • Free and confidential counseling and suicide prevention 

Crisis Text Line 

  • Text HOME to 741741 
  • Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week 
  • Free support from a live, trained counselor 
  • First two messages are automated 
  • 5 minutes is the average time it takes to connect with a live counselor 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 

  • 1.800.273.8255 
  • Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week 
  • Provides  free and confidential support for you and your loved ones 

Trans Lifeline 

  • 1.877.565.8860 
  • Free and available 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m. EST 
  • Ran by and for peers within the trans community 

Trevor Project Hotline 

  • 1.866.488.7386 
  • Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week 
  • Free LGBTQIA+ crisis and suicide prevention hotline 
  • Specialized in supporting 13 to 24-year-olds 

Vera House Hotline 

  • 315.468.3260 
  • Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week 
  • Free support for domestic abuse and sexual assault resources 

Written by Lauren Crimmins ’20, S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, TBTN Planning Committee Co-Chair