Campus Life

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

5 Reasons to Live on South Campus

As you transition from living in dorms to apartments, looking for living arrangements can be pretty stressful. To ease that transition, South Campus is a great option for stability, relaxation and access to the University’s services. Read on for five reasons why living on South is a great option for your housing next year!

1. No Need for House Hunting or Subletting

South Campus offers one of the best perks of all: a simple registration process for interested students. Instead of checking endless apartment listings, touring apartments and reviewing leases, students can simply register for the South Campus lottery on the “Housing and Meal Plan” page on MySlice. For students who want to study abroad or on one of the University’s satellite campuses, the cancellation process is just as simple! When I left to study abroad, I simply went to the Housing and Meal Plan page and canceled my apartment plan. No need to find a subletter!

2. Comfortable Apartments

While you won’t be living in a grand penthouse, South Campus apartments are great for students to get their first taste of apartment living with friends or roommates. The apartments are fully furnished and come with a kitchen that has an electric stove. This was a driving factor for me—students who live on South Campus can completely cut out their meal plan! The two-story townhouse apartments are especially popular, as the living room and kitchen are downstairs, and the bedrooms are upstairs. You basically get a taste of living in your own little house!

3. Goldstein Student Center

The Goldstein Student Center is a great place to go for any needs not provided by your apartment. The renovated Goldstein Food Hall now features Otto’s Juice Box, Starbucks, ‘Cuse Scoops, Tomato Wheel and more! There is a laundry room with free-to-use washers and dryers, and there are plenty of study spots and computers available while you wait for your clothes. The University also recently opened the Goldstein Student Fitness Center, so you can even get a workout in without needing to travel all the way to main campus!

4. South Campus Scenery

Living in dorms can be lots of fun—but after a while, many students will be looking for a more relaxing alternative. South Campus is full of grassy hills and large trees, creating a very relaxing vibe. And while needing to take a bus to get back and forth from South Campus to main campus is a drawback for some people, the drive helps you feel like “school” and “home” are separate places, and South is a great retreat from the craziness of classes and on-campus life.

5. Fun Activities

While offering apartments and amenities, South Campus also has a score of fun activities that you may have never known were there! The Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion offers a Late Night Ice program on Friday and Saturday nights that is free for all students. If you like to be outdoors in good weather, South Campus has available basketball and tennis courts, and when it gets colder, the new firepits are a great place to hang out and warm up!

Interested in learning more about living on South Campus? Check out the South Campus Apartments webpage on the Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services website, or stop by the South Campus Showcase this Saturday, Nov. 2!

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

Eight Eerie On-Campus Halloween Activities

With fall in full swing, one of the most festive times of the year is fast approaching! Soon the streets will be filled with skeletons, pumpkins and other spooky decorations! Celebrate the Halloween festivities at the events below hosted by a variety of on-campus organizations and University centers.

Harvest Festival (Oct. 20)

The Student Association of Syracuse University and SUNY ESF is hosting its annual Harvest Festival at the Women’s Building Field on Friday, Oct. 20, from 4-7 p.m. Join Student Association for pumpkin painting, lawn games, a clothing flea market and more exciting activities!

HalloQueen Ball (Oct. 21)

As part of Syracuse University’s celebration of LGBTQ History Month, the LGBTQ Resource Center is hosting the HalloQueen Ball! Join the party in the Schine Student Center from 10 p.m.-midnight to dance, hang out and wear your best costume. There will also be a costume competition with categories being judged by ballroom community members. You can register for the HalloQueen Ball and other LGBTQ Resource Center events through their Fall 2023 event registration form.

Tough Topic Tuesday: Culture or Costume? A Conversation on Cultural Appropriation (Oct. 24)

The Tough Topic Tuesday discussion series provides the University community with a chance to have constructive conversations about difficult or challenging subjects. With Halloween and its many costumes fast approaching, it’s important to talk about the ways costumes can cross boundaries and become appropriation of others’ cultures and customs. Join the discussion on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 3-4:30 p.m. at 804 University Ave., Room 115.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Pumpkin Painting (Oct. 26)

Join the Barnes Center at The Arch for a pumpkin painting activity that cultivates creativity and provides stress relief. Mindfulness and Meditation is a workshop series with various creative sessions that incorporate mindfulness and contemplative practices. You can register for Pumpkin Painting and other Mindfulness and Meditation sessions through the Wellness Portal.

Orange After Dark: Halloween Dance (Oct. 27)

Join Orange After Dark and The Renegade magazine for a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween Dance! The night will feature a costume contest, prizes and lots of dancing! Students are welcome to come in costume or come as they are. No tickets are needed, but a valid Syracuse University I.D. is required to attend. You can RSVP to the event on ‘Cuse Activities.

Late Night Ice: Halloween Party (Oct. 28)

Friday and Saturday nights at the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion feature skating on both rinks and hit music all night long! The Oct. 28 Late Night Ice theme is Halloween Party – Costumes, Candy and Curling! Admission and skate rental is free for students. You can register for this special, spooky Late Night Ice through the Wellness Portal.

Halloween at Hendricks (Oct. 28)

Join Hendricks Chapel for trick-or-treating and spook-tacular music! The Hendricks Chapel Choir will sign a medley from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Setnor School of Music student organists will perform Bach’s famous “Toccata in D Minor” and the night will feature opera, musical theater arias and improvisations on ghostly themes! Costumes are encouraged, so swing by Hendricks on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9-10 p.m. in your Halloween best to enjoy some spooky tunes.

Orange After Dark: Day of the Dead (Nov. 1)

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death originating in Mexico and celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons). Join Orange After Dark, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. and the Mexican Student Association to learn more about Día de los Muertos! You can RSVP to this event on ‘Cuse Activities.

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

Editorial Note:  At publication, the Orange After Dark: Day of the Dead event was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 28. The event has since been moved to Wednesday, Nov. 1. 

What to Expect at Juice Jam 2023

Every September, Juice Jam brings together students, music enthusiasts and concertgoers for an exciting afternoon of concerts with famed artists. This year’s lineup will include Flo Rida, Denzel Curry, Ryan Beatty and Rachel Grae.

The Artists

Flo Rida

Tramar Dillard, known by his stage name Flo Rida, was born in Florida on Sept. 16, 1979, and was always encouraged by his musician father to express himself through music. Flo Rida found success in late 2006 after inking a deal with Atlantic Records and broke records with his 2007 breakout single, “Low.” He launched his debut studio album, “Mail on Sunday,” and has experienced massive success in the industry ever since.

Denzel Curry

Denzel Curry was raised in a creative household with a musician mother and quickly grew into an extremely talented 16-year-old prodigy. The now 26-year-old likens his evolution as an artist to that of Luke Skywalker, saying “This is my green lightsaber moment!” when talking about his newest album, “Melt My Eyez See Your Future.”

Ryan Beatty

Ryan Beatty’s third full-length album, “Calico,” signals a new chapter in his music career. To build the luminously detailed sound of “Calico,” Beatty worked with guitarist Dylan Day, drummer Matt Chamberlain and saxophonist Sam Gendel, among other artists. “Calico” truly brings Beatty’s lyricism to life through its poetic ambiance.

Rachel Grae

Rachel Grae blew up in the pop world with a dedicated fan base who she considers to be her “friend base.” Described as “raw and authentic” by Melodic Magazine, Grae has earned tens of millions of streams to date and is a rising star on social media.

The Festival

Aside from the artists being the main show, Juice Jam is a true music festival that features carnival games, collaborations with big retailers and other attractions that make it worth the trip. Tickets for Juice Jam are $25 for Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students with a valid college I.D. Starting Sept. 18, as tickets remain, Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students are eligible to purchase one additional ticket for a currently enrolled student guest with a valid college I.D. Juice Jam will take place this Sunday, Sept. 24, at Skytop Field. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m.

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

5 Ways to Get Involved on Campus

The start of a new academic year births several opportunities for social engagement, from events to workshops to organizations and more. There’s so much to explore that it can almost be as overwhelming as it is exciting! If you’re super curious about ways to get involved but aren’t sure where to start, look no further! Whether you’re a new student eager to plant your orange seed, or a returning student looking for a new spark, read on for five ways you can get involved.

Visit Student Engagement

Student Engagement is your entry point to social activities, programs and events designed to enhance your education and help you get involved in the campus community. Home to over 250 registered student organizations, Student Engagement can help you connect with campus groups that cater to almost any of your interests! Swing by the Fall Involvement Fair on the Quad on Thursday, Sept. 14, check out the ‘Cuse Activities portal or stop into the Student Engagement office located in 230 Schine Student Center to begin your involvement journey!

Explore the Barnes Center at The Arch

The Barnes Center at The Arch serves as the center for student wellness, offering programs, services and activities that support holistic health and well-being in one easily accessible campus location. Along with housing health care services, counseling services and fitness equipment all students can access, the Wellness Portal is the spot to learn more about and register for Group Fitness classes, Outdoor Adventure Trips, Climbing Wall clinics, Wellness Leadership Institute workshops and more. The Barnes Center is also home to a variety of intramural sports and tournaments open to the entire campus community. If you’re searching for a way to stay healthy and active while spending time with your peers, be sure to explore all the Barnes Center has to offer!

Tap Into Career Services

Are you curious about internships? Need resume assistance? Searching for ways to be a millionaire? Career Services is a resource to support you in realizing your individual professional goals by assisting you with tying your interests to your coursework, applying to internships, finding jobs and creating career goals. The Career Services team is committed to assisting you in achieving long-term professional success in addition to finding employment after graduation through individualized meetings, strategic professional development resources and networking opportunities.

Attend Orange After Dark Events

Orange After Dark (OAD) hosts a variety of fun events and activities on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, both on and off campus, all semester long! These events are a great opportunity to have fun with friends and try something new. OAD activities are typically either free or $3, and transportation is provided for events that take you off campus.

Check Out the Intercultural Collective

The Intercultural Collective is both a physical space in Schine that houses the Disability Cultural Center, LGBTQ Resource Center and Multicultural Affairs, and a coordinated effort to promote and celebrate inclusion and intersectionality. Multicultural Affairs (OMA) places students and their needs for success at Syracuse University and beyond at the center through organizing activities and programs that strengthen and affirm community on campus. The LGBTQ Resource Center aims to be a campus and regional leader in providing support, community and education on marginalized genders and sexualities, as well as the intricate intersections of the many identities. For students, teachers, staff and members of the community with and without disabilities, the Disability Cultural Center (DCC) organizes campuswide social, educational and cultural programs on disability issues. All three groups host a wide variety of events throughout the academic year, both individually and collaboratively with each other and other campus partners, so be sure to check out what’s happening often!

Now that you know five cool ways to get involved, be sure to check out The Peel, the University Events Calendar and Hendricks Chapel for even more opportunities.

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

Celebrating Latine Heritage Month 2023

Language has the power to spark knowledge. It has the power to encourage pride. And most, of all, it has the power to revive our roots. Latine Heritage Month (LHM) exists to celebrate Latine students on campus and different identities on the basis of gender, race and ethnicity.

To be Latine means remaining true to our identities and experiences, even through hardship. Latine culture includes every country in Latin America and encourages our community to work collectively to allow our roots to survive and thrive. Food, music, dance, games and sports are some of the best ways for us to come together as a community. Because of these reasons and many more, Latine culture deserves to be preserved and celebrated this month and always.

Starting Friday, Sept. 15, Multicultural Affairs and campus partners have worked together to provide a variety of events and programs for the Syracuse University community to attend as an invitation to celebrate, embrace and learn more about Latine history and culture! Explore Latine History Month’s full calendar of events, and check out these highlights.

Latine Heritage Month Opening Ceremony

Join Multicultural Affairs and campus partners in the Schine Atrium for the official kickoff of LHM on Friday, Sept. 15, from 3-5 p.m. Meet other students, get to know Latine registered student organizations (RSOs) and catch the premiere of this year’s “Celebrating Latine Heritage Month” video, produced by Newhouse student Diana Garcia Varo ’24 (co-author of this article!). The Opening Ceremony is a great way for the campus community to learn about some of the impactful Latine RSOs, and recognize and remember the endless efforts that Latine students have made in the past to open doors for future generations and keep their cultures alive.

Torneo de Fútbol

Grab some friends and join Multicultural Affairs and the Barnes Center at The Arch for the fifth annual Torneo de Fútbol. Battle it out on the field near the Women’s Building in an intense soccer tournament to celebrate Latine Heritage Month! Torneo de Fútbol is on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 1-4 p.m. Please register your team via IMLeagues by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13. The first 100 people to show up to the event get a free T-shirt!

Café con Leche: Exploring AfroLatinidad

The Café con Leche Series is an essential part of Latine Heritage Month, as it creates the space to have discussions that are relevant to the Latine community. Cohosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Café con Leche’s Exploring AfroLatinidad event on Sunday, Sept. 24, provides an opportunity for the campus community to learn about and remember the African diaspora and the Black community in Latin America. Blackness and Latinidad are not mutually exclusive, and Latin America does not just have to be associated with only “Spanish.” By having these conversations in a shared space, we take a bigger step at achieving and spreading awareness. Visit 119 Euclid from 1-3 p.m. to discuss what it means to be Afro-Latine!

Fiesta Latina

Look out for impressive performances, great music and good food during Fiesta Latina on Friday, Oct. 6, in Goldstein Auditorium. The performances are
evidence of the talent that students have, passed on through the generations, to preserve Latin dance and represent their heritage. It’s a great event where the campus community can come together and celebrate Latine culture!

Latine Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ History Month Potash Collaborative Keynote

Join Multicultural Affairs and the LGBTQ Resource Center for this joint event featuring drag performer Salina EsTitties! Her original drag shows, “Eloteria” and “Shark Bait Sundays,” have received tremendous acclaim, the former being voted the Best Drag Show of 2022 in Los Angeles Blade. She is also committed to social justice activism, annually partnering with the AIDS Life Cycle x Gay and Lesbian Center of Los Angeles, the Alliance of Housing and Healing through an annual Best in Drag Show, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. After 11 years of sobriety and extensive experiences in the industry, she is committed to sparking joy! The celebration will end in an amazing performance by Estitties revolving around her queer and Latine identities. This acclaimed free performance will be showcased Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Schine Underground.

Written By Maximiliano Jimenez G’25, School of Education, and Diana Garcia Varo ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications