Campus Life

Spring 2020: What to Know

It’s the start of a new semester! A new semester brings new goals, new challenges and a fresh start. While we’re getting back into our routines, catching up with friends and starting our countdown till spring break, a lot of new changes can get lost in the mix. So here’s a few things to focus on while you settle in:

The Student Box Office

This one’s the biggest change, so pay attention! The Student Box Office no longer has a physical location. Repeat, the Student Box Office no longer has a physical location. But don’t worry! Instead, it is now fully digital with the My Tickets Portal! All campus event tickets, including student org events and Orange After Dark, are now just a tap away in the convenient, digital platform. Get tickets, save them to your account and enter events with a unique, barcoded ticket right on your mobile device.

Learn more about the new portal, how to create an account and purchase tickets on the Student Box Office website.

P.S. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can get a Syracuse/Duke ticket on the new portal! You’ll still get all your athletic tickets, including your student pass, through the Carrier Dome Box Office.

Open Applications

You know it’s the spring semester when it seems like a million applications are open. Obviously they’re all important to consider, but here are a couple we thought we’d highlight:

Student Employment

All student employment opportunities, including on- and off-campus positions as well as Federal Work-Study and non-Federal Work-Study positions are now part of ’Cuse Works. Learn more and explore the different student employment opportunities on the ’Cuse Works website.

SoulScape

The super popular overnight retreat is back for Spring 2020, and there are three opportunities for you to experience it! Join the Barnes Center at The Arch for a free retreat at Minnowbrook Lodge on Saturday, Feb. 8; Saturday, Feb. 22 or Saturday, April 4. Applications are open but filling fast. Learn more and find the application on the Barnes Center website.

Orange After Dark

The Orange After Dark schedule is set, and it’s legit. The schedule is packed with your favorites and a few new and exciting events including movie premieres and An Evening with Tyler Cameron (a.k.a. entrepreneur and Bachelorette Season 15 heartthrob.) See the full schedule on the Orange After Dark webpage.

Achieving Your 2020 Goals

Here at The Peel, we’re all about supporting your 2020 goals and resolutions! And with the right resources, we know you can achieve them. That’s why we’ve put together a helpful guide to achieve some of the most common New Year’s resolutions:

Exercise regularly

Putting in the effort to live a more active lifestyle can feel challenging at first, but even small changes can make a big impact. The Barnes Center at The Arch makes small changes easier with multiple ways to Be Active. Take a stroll around the indoor track, get expert advice from a personal trainer, enjoy your favorite sport on an intramural team and much more. Find the activity that best fits your exercise goals on the Barnes Center website.

Get better sleep

Sleep is crucial to our physical and mental health, academic performance and other everyday experiences. The beginning of the year is a great time to reevaluate our sleep habits and set some goals. A realistic goal to start with is aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. The Barnes Center is a helpful resource for your sleep goals as well. Pick up a Wellness First Aid Kit focused on sleep that’s filled with tips and items tailored to help improve your sleep habits.

Land that dream job

Having a job or internship can be a really empowering experience. You have the opportunity to gain and build professional skills, work towards your career goals and meet new people. (And who can forget about the chance to make some money?) If this is your top 2020 goal, be sure to explore student employment opportunities with ’Cuse Works, internship and career opportunities in Handshake, and the resources Career Services and your school/college career office have to offer, like resume and cover letter reviews.

P.S. Don’t miss out on Career Week, Monday, Jan. 27 through Wednesday, Jan. 29. 

P.P.S. Mark your calendars for Paychecks: Think of the Pasta-bilities, a financial literacy workshop hosted by ’Cuse Works and the Office of Financial Aid and Literacy, on Wednesday, Feb. 12 and Monday, Feb. 17.

Make more connections

It’s never too late to meet new people and make new friends. Whether you’re a new student on campus or heading into your final semester, life-long connections are waiting to happen. If your goal this year is to feel more connected on campus, explore registered student orgs that match your interests, Greek life organizations that support your values and cultural centers that reflect your identities. You can find registered student orgs and recognized Greek life chapters in ’Cuse Activities, the student activities portal and event calendar. Learn more about our cultural centers on the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience website.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is a great way to relieve stress, stay focused and appreciate small moments throughout the day. Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as taking a moment to breathe deeply or exploring different meditation techniques. The Barnes Center is a great place to Be Mindful with pet therapy, meditation sessions and the Soul Series. Make sure to explore all the ways to practice mindfulness on the Barnes Center website.

Save money

There are a few different ways to achieve this financial goal. For some people, it might start with building a better understanding of their finances. For others, it’s might be creating a budget and monitoring spending habits. Either way, the Office of Financial Literacy’s Smart Money Coaches are here to help! Make an appointment to outline the best way for you to achieve a financial goal.

We’re The Peel

Hey there!

If you’re new to campus, we’re The Peel, and we’re glad you’re here. If you’re returning, welcome back!  It’s nice to have you on campus again.

As some of you might not know, we’re SU’s undergraduate blog and newsletter. We’ll be dropping in your inbox every other week with content all about life on campus with a little bit of off-campus fun sprinkled in. When we’re not in your inbox, we’re posting content to our online blog. So don’t miss out on new tips, tricks and things you might want to know.

And even if you do know us, we’ve got some news for everyone: a brand new online look! New year, new me, right? Be sure to check out our new and improved blog page. No more endless scrolling to find the article you’re looking for. Now, all of your favorite content is available in a gallery layout complete with pictures. (Well, not super complete just yet, but we’re getting there. Stay with us while we get used to our new look and feel!)

As always, we’re looking to be a space where students can write about their SU experience, share their tips and tricks and even publish their work! Interested in contributing? Email studentexperience@syr.edu stating your interest or ideas. Bonus points if you include a few writing samples.

We hope you’re having a strong start to the semester and can’t wait to spend Spring 2020 with you. Until next time!

Xoxo,

The Peel

Schine Furniture: Cast Your Vote

Election Day just passed, so you might still feel the excitement of casting your vote and making an impact! So let’s build off that momentum and recognize the importance of submitting feedback as students.

Although it’s not as important as selecting a representative, the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience (ESE) is looking for your feedback on furniture options for the newly renovated Schine Student Center, opening Fall 2020. And there are a ton of options! We’re talking chairs, study pods, ottomans, you name it! But none of that really matters unless you don’t have a say. So here’s your opportunity!

Test the different furniture samples and submit your feedback Monday, Nov. 11 through Friday, Nov. 22. Samples will be in the Barnes Center outside Guest Services and the Pharmacy. Be sure to come at least once a week! The furniture types will switch after the first week.

Submit your feedback for Week One Samples. (Nov. 11 through Nov. 15)

Submit your feedback for Week Two Samples. (Nov. 18 through Nov. 22)

Have questions? Stop by the Barnes Center during any of the feedback sessions to talk to a member of the ESE Communications team.

Feedback Sessions:

Monday, Nov. 11, 3:30-5 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 13, 12-1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1-2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 5-6:30 p.m.

Need a refresher on what’s happening with the Schine? Check out The Peel’s post on the Schine Renovation Features.

Answering your Orange Survey Questions

The Orange Survey is open! First-year students and sophomores likely haven’t heard of it before, so shout out to all you juniors and seniors! (Bonus points if anyone remembers when LaNia told us to take the survey on Snapchat’s Campus Story. Extra bonus points if you remember the Campus Story #RIP.)

It’s been a while since the last Orange Survey, so here are some things to help introduce or refresh your memory:

What is the Orange Survey?

Every two years, the University asks undergraduate students to share their student experience so we can better understand your needs and changes in the study body. You’ll answer questions related to your academic, financial, social, living and learning experiences. All responses will be confidential.

How do I take the Orange Survey?

As long as you don’t ignore your SU email, it’s simple!

  • Step one: log into your SU email.
  • Step two: search for any emails about the Orange Survey. (We’re guessing you’ve had a few.)
  • Step three: open said emails.
  • Step four: follow the link to the survey.
  • Step five: complete the survey.

And, you’re done! Prize winners will be notified at a later date.

Wait, prizes?

Yes, prizes. If making your voice heard and a chance to improve the student experience isn’t enough motivation, there are plenty of prizes you can win for completing the survey. You have a chance to win basketball tickets, Amazon gift cards, personal training sessions, free smoothies, early registration and more.

How many emails are you going to send me?

However many it takes for you to complete the survey. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Seriously, the only way they’re going away is if you do it. That’s a lot easier than deleting them, so spare your inbox.

The Orange Survey will remain open through the end of the fall semester. So check your email, and get it done!

Boost the ‘Cuse with Me!

Are you ready to Boost the ’Cuse?

The clock starts ticking at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, as the campus community joins alumni and Orange friends around the world in a race to beat the goal of 5,000 donors by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 6. Boost the ’Cuse is an opportunity to achieve something legendary during 44 hours for Syracuse University. There are many ways (and reasons) for students to be a part of the excitement!

Throughout the 44 hours, be on the lookout for stuffed Ottos hidden around campus. If you find one, you’ll be able to designate challenge money donated by the Generation Orange Leadership Council to the part of Syracuse University that means the most to you. Also, be on the lookout for “peel & win” Boost the ’Cuse cards that can be traded in for cool SU merch.

On Tuesday, there’ll be contests, food, pet therapy sessions and much more from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Barnes Center at the Arch Recreation atrium. Later, the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Forever Orange Student Alumni Council are hosting a happy hour for seniors, Senior Sips, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center!

Wednesday will feature a scavenger hunt, food and other contests all day at Bird Library. That night, there’ll be a tailgate at Dineen Hall from 7 to 9 p.m. prior to the season-opening men’s basketball game against the University of Virginia. If you’re going to the game, check out the Boost the ’Cuse table in the backcourt at the Dome for fun games and activities!

As a member of the Forever Orange Student Alumni Council, I’ve come to value the importance of philanthropy. I know that every gift counts, and although as a student I’m not yet in a position to give a lot, I’m happy to support Falk because—from my professors to the career center—it’s given me so much. I cannot begin to explain how much I appreciate the alumni donations that made it possible for students like me to participate in the Falk immersion trip to Washington, DC this past week!

My involvement with incredible clubs and campus organizations has allowed me to attend amazing events and interact with passionate alumni who have given back to the University. I am particularly grateful to have had the opportunity to meet some of the alumni whose hard work resulted in the development of the program I am currently in, the social work program.

The Syracuse University experience starts with a culture that is evident everywhere you look—students, alumni, faculty and staff who are all so proud to be Orange. I encourage my fellow seniors to show your pride by making your Class Act gift of $20.20 during Boost the ’Cuse and help make these 44 hours legendary! See you Tuesday, November 5!

Written by Julia Pion ’20, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Forever Orange Student Alumni Council

How to Prepare for Winter

As we transition into the colder months, the winter ahead might seem daunting if you’re not sure what to expect. Although Syracuse is known for having some of the harshest winters in America, it’s still possible to survive the winter and have fun doing it! Here are some of our top tips to survive winter!

Dress Accordingly

While it might seem repetitive, having proper winter gear is crucial to surviving a Syracuse winter, especially on those mornings where the walk to class seems especially daunting. The first thing every Syracuse student needs: a proper winter coat. Make sure that yours is waterproof and has proper insulation to keep you warm all season long. In addition to a good jacket, you’re going to want to invest in gloves, and maybe a few beanies and scarves. When it comes to bottoms, it’s easy to utilize what you already have. On the coldest winter days, leggings or thermal underwear layered under sweatpants will do the trick.

Wear Appropriate Shoes

It might be tempting to wear your cool platform sneakers to class, but you WILL slip. Winter boots don’t have to be ugly – tons of brands now make really nice and functional snow-proof shoes! Make sure they’re insulated, or be prepared with plenty of wool socks if they’re not!

Practice Good Hygiene

Yep, your parents have always told you it’s important to wash your hands. But it really is important to avoid getting sick at all costs during the winter months, especially because it seems like half of campus is sick every year. Wash your hands frequently and carry around hand sanitizer and a small pack of tissues to avoid winter germs. Pro tip: get a Cold and Flu Wellness Kit from the Barnes Center complete with tissues, hand sanitizer, vitamin C and information on the flu! Stop by the Health Promotion desk on the first floor next to the Pharamcy to get yours.

Stock Up on Snacks

The walk to the dining hall can be treacherous during the winter, and you can only spend so much money on GrubHub. Stock up on easy to make frozen meals, soups and other snacks like popcorn, protein bars, and nuts. You’ll thank yourself when it’s -6 degrees and you’re starving.

Get Cozy in Your Space

Winter can feel isolating, especially if your friends are spread out in residence halls or apartments. Make a solid group of friends close by so you don’t feel alone when it’s blizzarding outside. Plan activities that you can all do together, whether that’s a movie night complete with snacks, playing board games, or even a self-care night.

Have Fun Outside

Even though temperatures might be freezing, Syracuse offers some great outdoor activities. Check out Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion on South Campus or head off campus and go ice skating in Clinton Square. The Barnes Center also offers a Cross Country Ski and Showshoe Center at Drumlins, as well as weekend ski and snowboarding trips to Labrador Mountain.

Stay Active

Even though it might be tempting to lie in bed and watch Netflix all day, it’s still important to exercise and keep your body moving. Grab a friend to be your gym buddy, so you can hold each other accountable even on the coldest of days. You can even try doing at-home workouts in your room. YouTube is filled with easy and convenient 10-or-15 minute workouts that require zero equipment!

Written by Carina Coestad ‘22, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Introducing ’Cuse Activities

The Office of Student Activities has a new home base for all things student org related. Check out ’Cuse Activities! Connect with registered student organizations, get news updates and explore different events and programming!

When searching for events and programming, you can filter through exactly what you’re looking for! Select a theme, category and perks, including service, sports clubs, women’s leadership, arts and entertainment and free food.

Org Synch, the previous student org management system, is no more! So be sure to head to ’Cuse Activities, log in with your netid and password and start exploring all the ways on campus for you to be involved and make your student experience your own!

Take the ’Cuse Challenge!

The start of a new school year prompts the opportunity for fresh experiences! This year the ’Cuse Challenge returns with new activities for your 2019-2020 bucket list! The ’Cuse Challenge is a mobile app that encourages you to participate in campus activities and traditions throughout your time at Syracuse University. For first-year students, the ’Cuse Challenge is a great way to get acclimated to campus and more about campus offerings and things to do outside of the campus community. For returning students, it’s an awesome opportunity to try something that you might have missed out on in previous years and connect with new people. For seniors, there are great items to add to your bucket list as you try to enjoy everything you can before graduation.

In order to participate, students must download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the rules. Participants are eligible to win prizes as they complete the challenges and have a few opportunities to win special experiential prizes at the end of the year.

A few staple challenges include:

Taking pictures in front of Hall of Languages by the Syracuse University sign

This photo is a must for every Syracuse University student! Etched into stone in the center of the Einhorn Family Walk, the Syracuse University sign is a mark that each student knows well and cherishes. As the university prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary, it’s a great time to make your mark on this cornerstone of the Syracuse University student experience.

Attending Orange After Dark events

Orange After Dark offers late-night programming to students at little or no cost. Most events that occur off-campus cost $3, while the on-campus activities are frequently free to attend and participate in. The programming includes cosmic bowling, trips to Dave & Busters, rock climbing, student-exclusive movie premieres at Destiny USA, and a host of other activities.

Attending the career fair for your school or college

Every semester, each college hosts an individual career fair specific to their academic and professional concentration. Career fairs are an awesome opportunity for all students as they give them exposure to what’s available post-graduation and assist in networking with recruiters from leading companies nationwide. Check with Career Services to find out when your career fair is scheduled, have your resume reviewed, or learn more about internship opportunities. Don’t miss out on Career Week this fall!

The ’Cuse Challenge is already underway and there are almost 100 opportunities to participate this semester! Download the app and start earning points today!

Written by Abigail Covington ’19 G’20, College of Visual and Performing Arts, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Check out Features of the Schine Renovation

In case you missed it, Schine Student Center will undergo a major transformation. If you’ve paid attention to Pete Sala’s emails, you know that construction is scheduled to start in May after the semester ends. The new design includes enhanced accessibility, more space dedicated to students (we’re talking THOUSANDS of square footage), and more connectivity across the levels. Here are some of the illustrative renderings to get an idea of the design concepts!

Helloooo, Sun-Schine!

 Artistic rendering of new Schine Student Center atrium

Rendering for illustrative purposes only

With a new façade and opened central atrium on the second floor, Schine Student Center’s new design will let the sun shine in, making it brighter and more open.

Upgraded Dining

Artistic rendering of new open concept Schinedining experience Artistic rendering of suggested seating options in the new schine dining experience Artistic rendering of the new schine dining experience view from the atrium

Renderings for illustrative purposes only

We know food is important, and with the enhanced layout and seating in Schine Dining, there are going to be WAY more options for eating and hanging out.

Student Orgs Up Front

Artistic rendering of the new designated student organization space in Schine Student Center

Rendering for illustrative purposes only

Student organization space will be moving to the second floor of the building (Einhorn Family Walk level) with the offices of Student Activities and Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, putting student involvement front-and-center and right next to tabling space, too!

New Hub for Cultural Centers

Artistic rendering of new co-located space for cultural centers in Schine Student Center

Rendering for illustrative purposes only

The Disability Cultural Center, LGBT Resource Center and Office of Multicultural Affairs will co-locate into a new hub, featuring a dedicated lounge space in front of the entranceway. This new hub will promote inclusion, intersectionality and collaboration!

Game Watches Galore

Artistic rendering of new lounge space in Schine Student Center featuring a media wall

Rendering for illustrative purposes only

On the first floor lounge, a massive media wall provides a new place to watch games or a livestream of the latest event. This first floor atrium will have plenty of versatile seating for hanging out, studying or eating.

Curious where stuff will be during the renovation? Make sure you check out the temporary relocations for offices and dining options! And don’t forget, the Bookstore and Goldstein Auditorium will remain open during the renovation!