Campus Life

On-Campus Activities to Get Your Body Moving

As the weather gets warmer and the sun shines a little brighter, you might feel more energized and motivated. If you’re feeling a push to get some exercise but are not a fan of the typical gym environment, don’t be discouraged! There are plenty of fun classes and sessions offered through the Barnes Center at The Arch for everyone, from beginners to experienced gym rats.

Just Keep Spinning

Just Keep Spinning is a beginner-friendly spin class that targets strength and cardio in a single session. For the spring 2024 semester, classes are held Mondays from 11-11:50 a.m. and Wednesdays from 5-5:50 p.m. in the Flanagan Gym Cycle Studio. Registration for each class opens 24 hours before the session, and classes are completely free for students. Visit the Just Keep Spinning webpage for more information.

Aqua Body Strong

For all the water lovers out there, this unique class takes place on a floating yoga mat and uses both yoga and H.I.I.T. to provide a fun and intense workout. This class is taught at Sibley Pool in the Women’s Building on Thursdays from 5-5:50 p.m. during the spring 2024 semester. Students must be able to swim in order to take the class. Visit the class webpage for more information.

Hatha Yoga

In this relaxing and energy-centering class, you will target your physical and mental health through posture, breathing and meditation techniques. While Hatha means “force” in Sanskrit, it is typically taught at a slower pace than regular yoga. For the spring 2024 semester, sessions are held Tuesdays from 10-10:50 a.m., Wednesdays from 9-9:50 a.m., and Thursdays from 3-3:50 p.m. in 321 Barnes Center (Group Fitness Studio 3). Check out the Hatha Yoga page in the Wellness Portal for more information.

Zumba

This class is all about energy, and it’s a great way to work out your whole body while having a blast! It combines all elements of fitness—cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy and a serious dose of awesome each time you leave class. This semester, Zumba classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-7:20 p.m. in the Flanagan Gym Exercise Room. Visit the Zumba webpage for more information and to register.

Boxing 101

Boxing is a great workout option for those who want to build muscle and improve cardiovascular health. If you’re interested in boxing but don’t know where to start, this class is perfect for you! Participants in this class are encouraged to bring hand wraps and boxing gloves to strike soft targets as they learn the basics of boxing. For the spring 2024 semester, class is held on Mondays from 4-4:50 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5-5:50 p.m. in the Flanagan Gym Exercise Room. Check out the Boxing 101 page in the Wellness Portal for more information.

We hope this list sparks your interest and provides some fitness motivation because when our bodies are happy, our minds are happy. No matter how experienced you are in the world of fitness, you will definitely walk away from these classes feeling amazing. Now go sign up!

Written By Madison Manczko ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

What To Do if You’re Staying in Syracuse for Spring Break

Spring Break is our opportunity to take a big step back from the stress of the semester and indulge ourselves with some well-deserved relaxation. Taking a break and a deep breath is a state of mind, it doesn’t matter where you physically are! Even if you’re staying in Syracuse instead of flying to a magazine cover-worthy destination, take this as a sign to treat yourself to something fun.

Light the Yard Game Show

Join Orange After Dark on Friday, March 8, for a game show experience that connects Syracuse University students with the vibrant city of Syracuse. The lineup includes crowd-interactive games, media showcases and artistic performances. To attend, be sure to have your Syracuse University I.D. and RSVP on ‘Cuse Activities.

Syracuse Spotlight Event: Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Join Orange After Dark on Saturday, March 9, for a trip to the local zoo! The indoor experience features the following exhibits: USS Antiquities, Diversity of Birds, Adaptation of Animals and exhibits in the Social Building. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo even has a banquet hall where you can build your own taco and enjoy beverages and desserts. Have a fun evening with friends while you familiarize yourself with one of the City of Syracuse’s most popular attractions!

Work Out at the Barnes Center

The fitness center at the Barnes Center at The Arch will be open with adjusted hours during spring break! Get a workout in without the stress of having to go to class or do homework afterward. The Barnes Center pool, climbing wall, esports gaming room and the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion will also be open for limited hours during spring break.

Downtown Syracuse Dining Weeks

Running from March 1-14, Downtown Syracuse Dining Weeks celebrates the restaurants that have made Syracuse into a culinary destination. Participating restaurants will offer two-course lunches for $15 or less, three-course dinner options for $40 or less and other snacks from participating businesses. Use some of the break to check out that restaurant downtown you’ve always wanted to try, or save some money by grabbing a meal at one of your favorite dinner spots.

Syracuse Crunch vs. Rochester Americans

Did you know that the City of Syracuse is home to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s affiliate team, the Syracuse Crunch? During Spring Break, you can enjoy a true Upstate New York hockey experience as The Crunch battles it out with the Rochester Americans at home in the Upstate Medical University Arena on Saturday, March 9, and Wednesday, March 13.

No matter where you spend your Spring Break, The Peel hopes you have a fun, safe week!

Written By Esteban Quiñones ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

3 Reasons to Check Out the Off-Campus Housing Search Website

Your off-campus housing hunt just got a serious upgrade with the launch of Syracuse University’s Off-Campus Housing Search Website. Say goodbye to the headaches of sketchy listings and roommate search problems—here’s why you need to check out this game-changing platform.

1. A University Team Vets Each Listing

No more sourcing the web for rentals only to be met with uncertainty. The University’s Apartment and Off-Campus Living team vets each listing before it goes live, ensuring transparency and reliability. To ensure each property is up to code,  the team checks with the City of Syracuse to confirm the property’s rental ability and that there are no pending code violations. The team also ensures that the property has had an internal and external inspection by the City of Syracuse Code Enforcement Office within the last three years.With the Off-Campus Housing Search Website, you can browse listings with confidence, knowing that every option meets Syracuse standards.

2. Find Roommates With Ease

The new site isn’t just about a place to crash; this platform also doubles as your personal roommate matchmaker! No more awkward flyers or blind searches—Syracuse University students have access to a resource dedicated to connecting with potential roommates. Swipe through profiles, find your perfect match and say hello to stress-free cohabitation!

3. It Offers a Lease Connection Space for Only Syracuse Students

Lease listings tailored to ‘Cuse students? Yes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy studio or a spacious townhouse, every option caters to the unique needs of the SU community. With just a few clicks, you can secure a spot that fits your student lifestyle seamlessly, and the perks don’t stop there.

The Off-Campus Housing Search Website isn’t just a directory—it’s a one-stop shop for all things off-campus living. Need tips on navigating the rental process? Looking for resources for first-time renters? Consider this your go-to guide for conquering adulting.

Whether you’re a seasoned renter or a first-time house hunter, this platform streamlines the housing search process and ensures a stress-free experience. Don’t’ miss your chance to find the perfect off-campus home—check out the Off-Campus Search Website today!

Written By Kalaya Sibley G’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Relationship Resources Reminder

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it may be time to examine how we can strengthen our relationships with our significant others. Romantic relationships can be complicated and require lots of effort, communication and care to remain healthy. It may feel isolating when we don’t know where to turn to discuss our relationships, whether it be to discuss a specific problem or a general worry. Luckily, there are plenty of resources to help you empower your relationship with your significant other both on and off campus!

Couple’s Enrichment

The Barnes Center at The Arch offers multiple relationship support services to undergraduate and graduate Syracuse University students, the first being Couple’s Enrichment. This experience is different from Couple’s Counseling as it focuses on strengthening skills as opposed to targeting specific relationship issues. Enrichment is a great option for all couples at all stages of a romantic relationship, and it gives participants the ability to work on important skills like communication, conflict resolution, stress management and intimacy.

Couple’s Counseling

The second relationship support service the Barnes Center offers is Couple’s Counseling. Couple’s Counseling is designed to help couples process thoughts, behaviors and patterns that contribute to specific relationship issues. Counselors can help couples with issues such as adjusting to cohabitating, balancing a co-parenting relationship, creating and maintaining intimacy, healing after infidelity, resolving sexual issues and strengthening trust.

Relationshi* Happens Workshop

Relationshi* Happens is a free, in-person workshop offered by the Barnes Center that provides an engaging experience with your partner, friend or roommate to begin building an understanding of relational wellness. You will discuss everything from general relational wellness, communication, conflict management, family of origin/experience and other topics that would support student relational wellness! You can register for Relationshi* Happens sessions through the Wellness Portal.

The Couple and Family Therapy Center

The Couple and Family Therapy Center (CFTC) is Falk College’s therapy service located at Peck Hall on Genesee Street. CFTC offers confidential therapy services to families, couples and individuals who are struggling with life’s challenges. The most common issues addressed here include resolving relationship difficulties, easing communication struggles and affirming diverse gender experiences. CFTC offers a variety of treatment options, such as talk therapy, play therapy and sand tray interventions.

Cardinal Hope Couples Counseling

Cardinal Hope Counseling is a mental health counseling service located in downtown Syracuse. They focus on addressing trauma, anxiety and relationship issues through individual and couples therapy. Their expert couples therapy targets communication breakdowns, trust issues and reoccurring patterns of conflict to strengthen and repair relationships. Their goal is to help couples create fulfilling and harmonious relationships. If this sounds relevant to you and your partner, you can contact Cardinal Hope for a free consultation.

Syracuse Couples Events

If couples counseling doesn’t sound relevant to you and your partner, but you are still looking for opportunities to spend more time together, consider looking into events specifically for couples in the Syracuse area. For example, a “Love Day” Couples Painting Event is being held on Sunday, Feb. 11, in downtown Syracuse. There are many couples’ events and classes to check out, especially around Valentine’s Day. Visit an event site to see what’s happening near you.

Everyone deserves to feel happy, safe and loved in their relationship, but this is not always easy. No relationship is perfect, so sometimes it’s more than okay to ask for outside help. Whether there is a specific problem affecting your relationship or you’re just looking for ways to strengthen what’s already there, there are plenty of options all over Syracuse. You just need to find what’s right for you and your partner.

The Peel wishes you a happy Valentine’s Day!

Written By Madison Manczko ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.

6 Benefits of Studying Abroad During the Fall Semester

Interested in studying abroad, but not sure whether you’d rather go in the fall or spring semester? Read on to discover six advantages to studying abroad during the fall!

Exclusive Fall Programs

Take advantage of Syracuse Abroad’s specialized programs like Exploring Central Europe exclusively available during the fall semester. Also, all students participating in the Fall 2024 program automatically receive a $1,500 location grant. Join a close group of students exploring the rich history of Central Europe with travels to Prague, Berlin, Krakow, Warsaw and more!

Finding a Subletter

It’s much easier to find a subletter for an off-campus lease in Syracuse during the fall! With many students choosing to study abroad in the spring, there will be a surplus of people looking to sublet from you during the fall semester. Contrarily, it can be challenging to find a sublet for the spring semester! The high demand for fall sublets provides a favorable situation for those studying abroad in the fall.

Customizable Housing Abroad

Along with an easy subletting process, there is much less competition for housing preferences when abroad during the fall. Housing type, roommate selection and the choice of where to live will be more flexible. With smaller numbers of students competing for housing, it will create a more tailored experience for you!

Holiday Celebrations

With the number of holidays and celebrations that happen during the fall semester, you will have the opportunity to take part in world-renowned festivities. Among these, Munich’s Oktoberfest stands out, attracting millions of people and, more specifically, study abroad students. Take part in the festival and enjoy the celebration in traditional dirndl dresses and lederhosen shorts! In addition to Oktoberfest, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is another attraction that draws in millions of visitors each year for its enchanting decor, shopping and delicious foods!

More Time

Embarking on a fall semester abroad not only grants you the abroad experience, but also allows for plenty of time to pursue academic goals when you return. This provides a unique timeframe to complete credits, or explore a second major or minor, all guided by the support offered on campus! This strategic planning maximizes the educational opportunities available to you while providing for an incredible time abroad.

Taking Advantage of New Interests

With studying abroad offering so many new opportunities and experiences, it’s likely that you may develop new interests. By studying in the fall, you would be able to capitalize on these interests when you return. In doing the Marine Ecology Seminar in Spain, for example, I developed an interest for both scuba diving and maritime law. At Syracuse, I can take a scuba diving course or international law course to further pursue these interests!

While studying abroad at any time in your college career will be amazing, be sure to consider spending a fall semester abroad!

Written By Callie Amill ’24, Martin J. Whitman School of Management, Syracuse Madrid Global Ambassador

5 Reasons You Should Try the Mindfulness and Meditation Program

If one of your New Year’s (or new semester) resolutions is to create more balance in your routine, the best place to start is at the Barnes Center at The Arch at a Mindfulness and Meditation session. This peer-focused program provides various sessions that help students explore different ways someone can incorporate mindfulness into their everyday life. Whether you are a mindfulness master or a beginner just starting out on your mindfulness journey, there is something for every student to learn about mindfulness practice as an avenue for healthy coping mechanisms in times of stress. But if you need some extra convincing to give Mindfulness and Meditation a try, read on for five reasons why you should attend a session!

1. Mindfulness Improves Mental Well-Being

We are often human doers, not human beings. Mindfulness practice is all about embracing the moment-to-moment experiences by bringing attention to our thoughts, feelings and behaviors without judgement. In its various forms, mindfulness has been found to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, improve one’s ability to recognize and regulate emotions, and enhance one’s ability to thrive (psst… even in school). Every Mindfulness and Meditation session incorporates a different form of mindfulness practice that has been found to improve mental well-being.

2. Feel a Sense of Community

The late author of “All About Love,” bell hooks, once noted: “Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.” It can sometimes feel daunting trying to find ways to explore your mental health journey on your own. Mindfulness and Meditation programs were created for people to come together and work towards collective mindfulness and growth. Whether you are bringing a few friends or coming by yourself to meet other students, these sessions are a great place to start forming connection and community with others and to share and discuss navigating life as a Syracuse University student.

3. Tap Into Your Creativity

Regardless of if you are a STEM wiz or a Newhouse star, participants can learn something new while finding something they enjoy doing. From designing self-love mirror messages to potting your own personal plant, Mindfulness and Meditation offers a variety of creative experiences that most classes do not offer on campus. So take a break, tap into your creativity and come learn about how to live more mindfully and grow into a well-rounded person.

4. Learn How to Incorporate Mindfulness Into Your Daily Life

There are a variety of sessions offered through Mindfulness and Meditation, with each focusing on their own topic of discussion and mindfulness activity. Whether it is exploring strategies for fostering self-compassion or improving your sleep health, there are so many cool and helpful skills you can implement in your daily life. By attending one session, you can discover different mindfulness skills and take them home to practice on your own schedule and share them with your peers.

5. Because You’re Worth It!

Even with all the amazing benefits mindfulness has on our well-being, we often tell ourselves we do not have time in our schedule to prioritize things that are good for us. However, this is a reminder that prioritizing your mental well-being is just as important as your physical, social and academic well-being. Exploring different ways to enhance your well-being can improve your overall health, decrease stress levels and ultimately equip you with healthier habits as you continue your scholarly pursuits. Please do not sell yourself short and deny yourself these fun and helpful opportunities—you are more than worth it!

Get Involved With Mindfulness and Meditation

Check out our upcoming Mindfulness and Meditation sessions for the Spring 2024 semester!

You can sign up for a session by:

  1. Visiting the Wellness Portal online or downloading the Wellness Portal app on your iPhone or Android.
  2. Visit the “Special Events” section and click on “Mindfulness and Meditation.”
  3. Register for a session with your Syracuse University ID information.

Written By Kayla Turner ’24, College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

8 Events to Help You De-Stress

Our last classes are finally coming to a close, and the attention of students all over campus will shift almost completely towards finals. A little stressful, right? Although the pressure of finals week is imminent, there is an array of helpful stressbusting events happening on campus. Read on for eight events you can check out!

Sound Bathing Immersive Experience (Dec. 7.)

Jimbo Talbot of DrumQuest leads a unique listening experience that uses a series of gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, chimes and much more to create a one-of-a-kind sound bathing opportunity! This experience is designed to create a gentle yet powerful space to nurture and refresh your mind and body. You can register for this special event at the Barnes Center at The Arch in the Wellness Portal.

Sober Cuse: Substance-Free Bob Ross “Paint-Along” (Dec. 7)

Join Sober Cuse to unleash your inner artist for a night of creativity and de-stressing! Connect with like-minded students by creating “happy little trees” as you paint along with Bob Ross!

Sober Cuse is a peer-led recovery support group that welcomes Syracuse University and SUNY ESF students who are in or seeking recovery from substance use disorder, those living a substance-free lifestyle, those curious about sobriety and supporters. You can fill out the group’s RSVP form if you plan to attend.

Body and Soul Yoga (Dec. 8)

The Barnes Center is hosting their Body and Soul Yoga fitness class, which uses traditional flow (vinyasa) yoga while incorporating bodyweight strength training and holding of poses to help build muscle and make flexibility safer. You can register for this class through the Wellness Portal; registration opens 24 hours prior to the class!

Late Night Ice (Dec. 8 and Dec. 9)

Take your mind off the busyness of finals week with free late-night ice skating to hit music at the Tennity Ice Pavilion! The Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion opens for night skating every Friday and Saturday night throughout the fall and spring semesters from 8-11 p.m.! If you don’t live on South Campus, the free Campus Shuttle can get you there no problem! You can register for Late Night Ice through the Wellness Portal.

Student Association Grocery Run: Target (Dec. 10)

Are you wanting to take a trip to a store to stock up on snacks to get you through your late-night study sessions? Treat yourself with a Target run! On Sunday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., free shuttles sponsored by Student Association will take students back and forth from College Place to Target.

Yoga Flow (Dec. 10)

Yoga Flow, hosted by the Barnes Center, is a fitness class that includes classic yoga postures, warm-ups and breathing techniques with an emphasis on relaxation methods. You can register for this class through the Wellness Portal, and registration opens 24 hours prior to the class.

Therapy Dogs at Bird Library (Dec. 12 and Dec. 13)

The Barnes Center regularly hosts Pet Therapy throughout the academic year, but for finals week, therapy dogs will be heading to Bird Library to help students de-stress! Therapy dogs will be in 004 Bird Library on Tuesday, Dec. 12, and Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 1–2 p.m. Be sure to take a study break and give them a few pets!

Libraries Wellness Room: De-Stress From Finals (Dec. 13)

Explore the Libraries’ wellness collection and relax before the first day of finals! Students can indulge in coloring, zen boards, guided meditation, chair massages and quiet board games. Some light refreshments will be provided. The Libraries Wellness Room will be held in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons (Room 114) in Bird Library from 3:30–5 p.m.

Written By Esteban Quiñones ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

A Comprehensive Guide to Finish the Semester Strong and Plan Ahead

As the semester draws to a close, it’s essential to ensure that you wrap up the academic term on a strong note. The end-of-semester period can be overwhelming, but with a comprehensive checklist, you can manage your tasks effectively and finish the semester with confidence! Whether you’re a seasoned student or a fresh-faced first-year, the end of the semester marks a significant milestone—one filled with a tapestry of experiences, challenges and growth. Here’s the ultimate end-of-semester checklist to guide you through this busy time.

1. Prep for Final Exams

Make sure to be aware of your final exam schedule before making travel arrangements. Booking rides or flights before your exams doesn’t exempt you from taking them. Ideally, plan your travel for after your final exams to avoid any conflicts with your academic commitments. Additionally, to prep for your exams, you should:

  • Review your course materials thoroughly.
  • Create a study schedule to cover all topics.
  • Utilize resources like past exams and study groups.
  • Seek clarification on any confusing concepts.

2. Manage Your Assignments and Projects

Reach out to your instructors if you have any uncertainties regarding your final assignments and their deadlines. Take the time to review any outstanding work and inquire about potential make-up opportunities if needed. Effective communication with faculty ensures clarity and helps you stay on top of your academic responsibilities. Here are some tips:

  • Complete and submit any outstanding assignments.
  • Double-check project deadlines and make a plan to meet them.
  • Edit and proofread written assignments for clarity and correctness.
  • Seek feedback on drafts if possible.

3. Organize Your Schedule for Next Semester

Tailor your schedule to your class year. If your schedule isn’t full or you’re dissatisfied with your current class sections, Karen McGee, the Assistant Dean of Student Success in the Newhouse School, says you should consider the following options:

  • Experiment with different times of the day to add or swap desired classes. Seats are actively available in the coming weeks, and persistence is key. This applies to Newhouse classes as well as classes across the University, with early mornings often yielding positive results.
  • Explore Friday or early morning recitations or lectures, as these time slots typically have available seats. Adding an 8 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. class now doesn’t mean you’re committed to that time come January; you can continue adjusting in the coming weeks.
  • If dealing with a non-Newhouse department or class, reach out directly to the professor. Some departments allow faculty to manage class enrollment, but Newhouse lacks the authority to facilitate entry into non-Newhouse classes.
  • Utilize the “SWAP” feature on MySlice if you already have a schedule and are seeking better times or more preferable classes. This feature ensures that the current class is dropped only if there’s a 100% guarantee of securing a spot in the new class, providing a safer way to adjust your schedule.

4. Connect With Professors

If you haven’t had a chance to meet with your academic adviser this fall, schedule an appointment to discuss and review your spring schedule.

  • Visit office hours for clarification on course material.
  • Discuss your performance and areas for improvement.
  • Inquire about potential extra credit opportunities.

5. Nurture Professional Relationships

At the beginning of the semester, we spoke with Career Exploration Specialist Daniel Pack on how you can nurture professional relationships after Career Week. As the semester comes to a close, take the time to follow up and update connections on your semester.

  • Send follow-up emails with references to your website or work portfolio.
  • Request informational interviews and company tours during winter break.
  • Seek out opportunities to reconnect.

6. Maintain Health and Well-Being

Ensure you get an ample amount of sleep, maintain a healthy diet and schedule some downtime for yourself while completing your final projects and papers. Add these tips to your routine to make sure you’re taking care of yourself throughout the finals week scramble.

  • Prioritize self-care to manage stress.
  • Get adequate sleep and maintain a balanced diet.
  • Incorporate physical activity into your routine.

By following this comprehensive end-of-semester checklist, you can navigate the final weeks of the academic term with confidence and ensure that you’ve covered all crucial aspects of your academic journey. Remember, a well-organized and proactive approach will not only help you succeed in your current courses, but also set a positive tone for future semesters. Good luck and have a great winter break!

Written By Elijah Brown ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Shared Competencies on Campus

The Shared Competencies are six Universitywide learning goals for undergraduate students to accomplish while at Syracuse University. The Shared Competencies are:

  1. Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
  2. Critical and Creative Thinking
  3. Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
  4. Civic and Global Responsibility
  5. Communication Skills
  6. Information Literacy and Technological Agility

These Competencies can be found in a range of places on campus, including the course catalog, MySlice, schedule builder and ‘Cuse Activities. By integrating these learning goals throughout campus experiences, students are able to develop skills that prepare them for post-graduate opportunities. These transferable skills can be used to enrich student learning experiences and to enhance co-curricular learning opportunities.

When speaking with leaders of registered student organizations (RSOs), many of them saw benefits to the recently introduced event-tagging feature on ‘Cuse Activities. Heather Johnson, vice president of University Union, says, “I just learned about this feature and it is cool to see how we can impact students in different ways. So much goes into planning these events and they are so much more than what they seem, it really made me think about what students take away from our events.”

Classes are also tagged with the Shared Competencies, allowing students to see which transferable skill they are gaining from their courses as they register for them. Each competency follows a rubric that outlines knowledge and skills you will gain.

Professor Aileen Gallagher, chair of the Magazine, News and Digital Journalism department in Newhouse, currently serves as a co-chair of the community of practice for the Communication Skills Shared Competency. When speaking with her on the development of the Communication Skills rubric, she highlights collaborating with professors across campus. “We were looking at how people communicate in professional contexts. And so it was sort of like, ‘What do we really want students to be able to do?’” She continues on to highlight a key question in creating the rubric, “What do you need to know to be able to communicate effectively as a human in the world?”

When asking Professor Gallagher about how cognizant students are of these learning models, she believes it is up to instructors to make students aware of how these learning goals fit into the curriculum. “What I think is really important for all instructors to do is frame their courses for their students. So instructors have a really good sense of where what they do fits into places, and students don’t always have that sense.”

The Shared Competencies are showing up in varying areas on campus and are meant to enhance the undergraduate experience. Learn more about them by visiting the Shared Competencies webpage.

Written By Naimah Rahman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Unwind at the MindSpa

Everyone knows about the Barnes Center at The Arch’s Pet Therapy program, but few know about Barnes Center Health Promotion’s other star wellness initiative: the Crowley Family MindSpa. It’s understandably hard to compare anything to Clayton the goldendoodle and his puppy love, but the wellness benefits of the MindSpa’s resources are just as noteworthy!

With three individual meditation rooms and two massage chairs, the MindSpa is located on the first floor of the Barnes Center and is free for all Syracuse University students, faculty and staff to use.

According to Barnes Center student assistant Thomas O’Brien, “The selling point is normally free massages.” But there is a lot more that the MindSpa has to offer. O’Brien, a junior film major that’s worked on the Health Promotion team for the past year, shares some of the other highlights of the MindSpa that aren’t as talked about as the massage chairs.

The first room in the MindSpa includes windchime machines and bells for sound meditation, coloring books and other art therapy materials, Zen gardens and other meditation tools. For all its sensory benefits and creativity-sparking resources, the first room is sophomore student assistant Natalia Cancel-Quintana’s favorite part of the MindSpa.

Rooms two and three are both used for napping and relaxation, and they’re fully equipped with reclining chairs and light therapy boxes. The light boxes were introduced as a therapeutic tool to help combat the seasonal depression that often accompanies the gray Syracuse winters. With dimmer settings and adjustment capabilities, Cancel-Quintana says students can simply “close [their] eyes and imagine [they are] on a beach.”

The MindSpa is intended to reach students where they are at in their busy schedules and give everyone an individualized opportunity to practice mindfulness and self-care. Because of this, the MindSpa has satellite locations in Bird Library, Day Hall and the Goldstein Student Center on South Campus. Students can book appointments for the Barnes Center and Bird Library locations through the Wellness Portal or the Syracuse University Libraries website. To use the locations in Day Hall or the Goldstein Student Center, students can simply visit the front desk to request access.

Cancel-Quintana and O’Brien say that the meditation rooms have been booked for students and staff to hold meetings, take appointments, do homework, pray and take naps. But many people come in and simply color or play with the sand in the Zen gardens—letting off some steam and “taking some time to do silly things you don’t normally make time for,” Cancel-Quintana says. She points to drawings on the walls of the MindSpa that students have colored and hung up in the room.

Prioritizing ourselves and our well-being is always going to be difficult. Our brains and our societal culture constantly tell us to keep going, keep working, keep pushing; we are programmed to resist rest. One of the hardest things to learn in college—or at any time in our lives—is that it’s not just okay to stop pushing; sometimes, it’s the better thing to do. “No matter your workload, you should always put yourself first,” Cancel-Quintana believes.

Taking 30 minutes out of your day to stop pushing and just be is so important, and this can look different for everyone. To some, relaxing is coloring and listening to music, while for others, it can be meditating or praying. It can even be as simple as taking a nap or getting a massage. Regardless of what it looks like for you, there is something for everyone at the Crowley Family MindSpa!

Written By Olivia Fried ’26, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications