Campus Life

7 On-Campus Activities to Celebrate the Spooky Season

Spooky season is here! As cobwebs, skeletons and pumpkins start to pop up all over Syracuse, get your costumes ready for these seven on-campus events to make the most of your Halloween season.

Glow Skate (Oct. 21)

Kick off your spooky celebrations by joining Orange After Dark for glow-in-the-dark ice skating at the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion on Friday, Oct. 21! Skate the night away in your Halloween costume, have a blast with your friends and snap a picture with Otto! Glow Skate is free for students and no tickets are needed, only a valid Syracuse University I.D.

HalloQueen Ball (Oct. 22)

Join the LGBTQ Resource Center on Saturday, Oct. 22, for a night of dancing and hanging out at the HalloQueen Ball! Wear your best costume and try to win a trophy by participating in a variety of costume contests! The costume contest categories include:

  • Face: Bones, bones, bones! Highlight your facial structure in a fierce or spooky look!
  • Body: Before you lay down to die after being slashed, embrace your body in a bloody look.
  • OTA (Open to All Realness)
    • Female Figures: It’s a mystic night! Show us what kind of fairy you are.
    • Male Figures: It’s a full moon and the werewolves are out! Bring it in a creative werewolf look.
    • Non-Binary Figures: Comic Con is in town, but only for Halloween! Cosplay as your favorite character. Provide a photo reference when walking.
  • Sex Siren: Bring it in your own sexy look, but don’t forget your animal ears!
  • Best Dressed: Most creative Halloween costume. Think bizarre.
  • Runway: Bring it in a high fashion horror movie killer lewk with a fierce walk.
  • Performance: Jocks and cheerleaders, show us your spirit on the floor, dead or alive!

If the HalloQueen Ball sounds like an eerie good time to you, be sure to register for the event.

Halloween Dance (Oct. 27)

Break out your best “Monster Mash” moves and party at the first-ever Orange After Dark Halloween Dance! Come to the dance dressed in your Halloween costume for a chance to win a prize. Snacks will also be provided. The dance will be held in The Underground in Schine Student Center on Thursday, Oct. 27, and is free to attend. No ticket is required, just a valid Syracuse University I.D.

Harvest Festival (Oct. 28)

If fall fairs are more your vibe, head over to the Women’s Building Field between 2-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, for Student Association’s Harvest Festival! Paint a pumpkin, play some field games and enjoy FREE food from local farms! And don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume so you can participate in the costume contest at 6 p.m.

Fright Nights (Oct. 28)

If you’re up for a good scare, join Orange After Dark on Friday, Oct. 28, at Fright Nights, the largest haunted attraction in Central New York. Get spooked at five different haunted houses, including their newest house, Devil’s Dungeon. Tickets for this OAD event are $3 and transportation to and from the venue is included. Tickets will be available through the Student Box Office starting Oct. 17 and will be required to attend the event along with a valid Syracuse University I.D. Buses will leave College Place at 8:30 p.m., and be sure to dress for the weather!

Late-Night Movie: “Nope”(Oct. 28 and Oct. 29)

Are scary movies your movie genre of choice this time of year? Then check out Orange After Dark and University Union’s Late-Night Movie screening of “Nope,” Jordan Peele’s latest science fiction horror flick starring Keke Palmer and Daniel Kaluuya. Per Orange After Dark’s website, watch as “the residents of a lonely gulch in inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.” “Nope” will be shown (for free!) on Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m. in Gifford Auditorium. You can watch the movie trailer on YouTube. 

Monster Roller Rave (Oct. 29)

Join Orange After Dark on Saturday, Oct. 29, for their last Halloween event of the season! The Monster Roller Rave will take place at the MAC Court in the Barnes Center at The Arch. Dress in your Halloween best and enjoy roller skating and jamming out to thriller throwback music. A ticket is not required to join the Roller Rave, but be sure to have your University I.D. Food will be available at this event with the purchase of a $3 ticket.

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

The 5 Best Features in the Orange Safe App

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) launched the Orange Safe app on Friday, Sept. 22, in replacement of the Rave Guardian app. Orange Safe was created to foster a safer community for Syracuse University students, faculty and staff. The app offers a variety of new features such as Safe Walk, Social Escape and more. I spent some time with the app and picked five of my favorite features to share!

Safe Walk

The Safe Walk feature allows you to text your friends or loved ones your exact location when walking somewhere. They will have a few minutes to accept your location request, and then can watch live to make sure you arrive safely at your destination. This feature is great for when you’re walking alone or if you feel unsafe. All you have to do is enter the phone number of whom you want to track your walk, and the app will send them a live feed invitation.

Social Escape

The Social Escape feature gives you a chance to escape a tough social situation. All you have to do is enter your phone number and the time you want to receive a call. From there, your phone will ring at your requested time. When you answer, a message will play telling you about Social Escape. This gives you a chance to escape the social situation for however long you need. It’s a great feature for people who struggle to leave certain situations without having a reason. I think this feature is extremely beneficial and has already helped me!

On Campus BlueLight

Most of us have heard of the University’s Blue Light System. When I think of the Blue Light system, I typically think of physically pressing one of the lit-up towers around campus. Now with the Orange Safe app, you can just tap the BlueLight button on your phone and your location will be sent directly to DPS. DPS will receive your call and location in real time and assist you from there. This feature is great for people who are unable to get to one of the towers.

Report a Tip

Has something recently happened that you feel DPS should know about? Now you can report a tip directly through the Orange Safe app or by chatting with them through messages. There are a few different options: you can submit a tip with your profile, be a “silent witness” and report anonymously or call them directly. Having this feature on the app gives people a chance to say whatever they please and not feel pressured to go to DPS in person. The Report a Tip feature should not be used to report an emergency; for a timely request or emergency, call 315.443.2224.

Emergency Plans

With uncontrollable weather and events, we don’t know what might happen next. Emergency plans allow students, faculty and staff to prepare for events such as an active threat, crime in progress, medical emergency, severe weather or a power outage. The plans are easily accessible on the app and can be accessed without cell phone service.

In case you have any privacy concerns, the Orange Safe app doesn’t track your location or store data. I personally am a big fan of Orange Safe, and I think it’s a great safety resource to have on campus. If you’d like to have the Orange Safe app for yourself, head to the app store and download it today. Simply use your NetID and password to log in, and you’re ready to go!

Written By Tessa Hodinger G’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

5 Feel-Good Halloween Movies Everyone Can Enjoy

The spookiest day of the year is nearly here! While some like to use Halloween as an excuse to scare the pants off themselves with haunted houses and slasher flicks, others would rather cozy up with a hot cup of apple cider and celebrate the holiday in a way that isn’t nightmare-inducing. If you fall into the latter category, you’re going to love these lighthearted Halloween movies.

“Hocus Pocus”

It’s a universal rule that you can’t celebrate Halloween without watching “Hocus Pocus.” The movie shines due to the iconic and comedic evil witches known as the Sanderson Sisters, played by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker. This film is great if you’re feeling nostalgic for the days of trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving. If nothing else, you at least have to refresh your knowledge before you watch the new sequel, “Hocus Pocus 2!”

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

While definitely the least wholesome option on this list, the ahead-of-its-time 1975 classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is way more fun than frightening. It follows a newly engaged couple who wind up at the house of Dr. Frank N. Furter during a storm and quickly fall down a rabbit hole of seduction and self-discovery. This movie-musical will draw you in with its quirky cast of characters, mysterious haunted house and, most importantly, its soundtrack. It’s a campy, eccentric and entertaining film that will have you doing the Time Warp for the rest of the year.

“Frankenweenie”

This is your replacement for the basic “Nightmare Before Christmas” addition you’d expect to see on this list. Tim Burton’s “Frankenweenie” tells the story of a boy who tries to bring his beloved dog back from the dead, and chaos quickly ensues. It’s a movie for children, sure, but the dark atmosphere and Burton’s signature creepy aesthetic will certainly put you and your friends in the spooky spirit. Also, who doesn’t love dogs?

“Addams Family Values”

No Halloween season would be complete without the spookiest family of all. The 1993 sequel is arguably better than its 1991 predecessor, “The Addams Family,” with its dark, dry comedy and iconic performances by Anjelica Huston, Christina Ricci and Joan Cusack. There’s a ton of wacky things that happen in this film, from Wednesday and Pugsley Addams trying to get rid of their newborn brother, Pubert, to a gold digging scheme carried out by Cusack’s character, Debbie Jelinksy. Classic films are considered classics for a reason, and this is one you do not want to miss!

“Halloweentown”

What more could you possibly want in a Halloween movie besides a giant jack-o’-lantern, a family of witches and Debbie Reynolds? This is arguably one of the best Disney Channel Original Movies and will never get old no matter how many times we watch it. Whether you’re nine or 19, you will definitely find something in this movie to enjoy! Can we get one-way tickets to Halloweentown, please?

Sure, Halloween can be about blood, guts and gore, but sometimes it’s more fun to kick back with your friends and watch something everyone will enjoy. Hopefully we were able to prove that you can still celebrate the spooky season without actually needing to be spooked.

The Peel wishes you a happy Halloween!

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

How to Support Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month! First recognized in 1989, Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) serves as a time to raise awareness of domestic and dating violence and to show solidarity and support for victims and survivors.

Despite societal progress in reducing domestic violence over the last few decades, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) states that an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute, which equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually. Additionally, NCTSN states that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner.

If you’d like to learn more about DVAM or show your support for dating and domestic violence victims and survivors, consider attending some of the events and educational opportunities the Barnes Center at The Arch has scheduled throughout the month.

The Clothesline Project

The Clothesline Project is a display of T-shirts created by individuals impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking or other forms of interpersonal violence and is a way for survivors to share their experiences with our campus community. A University effort for more than a decade, this year’s Clothesline Project will be on display in the Schine Student Center Atrium from Oct. 17-21. You can learn more about the Clothesline Project by visiting the University’s Sexual and Relationship Violence Resources website.

If you’re interested in decorating a shirt for the Clothesline Project, representatives from the Barnes Center will be at Schine on Oct. 11 from noon-3 p.m. with supplies. Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. is also hosting an event to learn more about the Clothesline Project and decorate T-shirts on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.

Purple Thursday

Show solidarity with those affected by domestic violence by wearing your favorite purple outfit on Wear Purple Day, falling this year on Thursday, Oct. 20. Post photos of you wearing purple on Instagram with the hashtag #SUGoesPurple for a chance to be featured on @BeWellSU!

Wellness Leadership Institute Workshops

The Barnes Center’s Wellness Leadership Institute workshop series covers a variety of health and wellness topics throughout the academic year, including workshops pertaining to consent, relationships and related topics. Below are relationship-centric workshops available during the month of October:

  • Bystander Intervention 101 | Friday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. – noon
  • Financial Wellness and Well-Being Series: Identifying Financial Abuse, Learning to Leave | Thursday, Oct. 20, 3-4 p.m.
  • Relationships and Situationships | Monday, Oct. 17, 5-6 p.m.
  • Sex Is Like a Pizza | Thursday, Oct. 27, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
  • Sexual Misconduct Title IX: Prevent, Support, Report | Friday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. – noon
  • Sexy Bingo | Monday, Oct. 10, 5-6 p.m.

You can learn more about the Wellness Leadership Institute by visiting the Barnes Center’s website or register for a workshop in the Wellness Portal.

Health Hubs

Throughout the month of October, several Health Hubs will pop up around campus to provide education and connection to resources regarding sexual and relationship violence. Stop by when you see the Health Hub tent as you traverse campus this month!

5 Things to Share With Your Family During Family Weekend

Family Weekend is quickly approaching! This is a time for you to reconnect with your family after spending time apart, introduce family to your college friends and share a glimpse into your life here at Syracuse University. It can be overwhelming to know what to share first with your family and loved ones, and your family will probably ask a TON of questions. To get the conversations started, New Student and Family Programs (NSFP) have compiled a list of five things you should definitely share with your family when they visit during Family Weekend!

1. Share the Important People in Your Life

Whether it’s your mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, or a cousin, there’s a pretty high chance your loved ones want to hear about the important people in your life. This can be a roommate, a friend, a professor or the person in your biology class that sits next to you. Tell a funny story about a moment you and your roommate shared. Talk about a great classroom experience or discussion you had. Your family would love to hear about all the moments you’ve shared with new people that they do not get to experience firsthand. Bonus points if your family gets to meet some of your friends or important people!

Speaking of roommates and friends, you can check out the Living on South Campus and in the Off-Campus Neighborhoods information session Student Living is holding. Attend this session with your family and future (or current) roommates! As a first-year or second-year student, you should plan to live on South Campus or off-campus in the next year or two, and this session will help you to prepare. 

2. Share Your Favorite Spots On Campus

What’s your favorite spot to grab coffee or tea before class? Where do you study for exams? Where does your student organization meet every week? While strolling around campus with your loved ones in between Family Weekend events, take a moment to point out spots that you visit frequently. Your family will think you are the BEST tour guide around. However, if you would like to let someone else do the work of showing off the University’s incredible campus, attend one of our campus tours happening throughout Family Weekend! 

3. Share What You’ve Learned and How You Get Involved on Campus

You’ve probably learned a thing or two while attending Syracuse University. Maybe it’s something you learned in class, or maybe it’s when your favorite dessert is served at the dining hall. Either way, your family wants to hear about what you have learned throughout your time here!

Your family would also love to hear about what you’ve been involved in on campus or about fun events you have attended as a student here. Share about the student organization you’re a part of, or introduce your family to Orange After Dark by taking them to the Family Weekend movie showing of “Minions: Rise of Gru“ or to the Glow Skate and Learn to Curl event at the Tennity Ice Pavilion!

4. Share How You’re Taking Care of Yourself

We hope that you have been taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Your family probably does, too! Share with them all the ways you have been keeping yourself healthy and happy. The good news is, you don’t just have to tell them this; Family Weekend gives you a great opportunity to show them! Take them on a tour of the Barnes Center at The Arch or show them your favorite hiking spot!  

5. Share Your School Spirit

A huge part of Family Weekend is attending the Family Weekend football game and other sporting events. This year, in addition to having a Family Weekend football game versus North Carolina State University on Saturday, Oct. 15, we will also have the 2022 Orange Tip-Off with our Men’s and Women’s basketball teams on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. (Orange Tip-Off tickets are free!) Both the football game and Orange Tip-Off will give you the opportunity to share what it means to Be Orange with your family and loved ones!

Sharing these important parts of your University life with your family and loved ones is a great way for them to get a glimpse into your time here. To begin planning for Family Weekend, take a look at the full Family Weekend events schedule. There are many events to choose from, and surely there is something for everyone to enjoy! But remember, YOU are the reason your family and loved ones are coming to Family Weekend. Enjoy your time with family, make memories and have fun! 

Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion: More Than Just a Hockey Arena

 When I think of the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion, I always think of the hockey games! But when the hockey teams aren’t practicing or playing games, Tennity has a variety of different activities for the entire student body (and Syracuse community!) to enjoy. Just some of Tennity’s highlights include a fully stocked pro shop, skate rentals, skate sharpening and a regulation-sized rink! 

Located on South Campus at 511 Skytop Road, the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion is open Sunday through Thursday from noon until 10 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays you get an extra hour of late-night skating, as the facility is open from noon until 11 p.m. When trying to decide what to do on a Friday night or wanting to get involved in a new sport or activity, Tennity might just have the answer for you! 

Open Skate

Open Skate is a great way to meet new people or enjoy time with your friends. Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) students are able to skate for free! There are several open skate events throughout the semester that you can attend.

Late Night Ice

Tennity has several late-night activities throughout the year for students to enjoy. Grab some friends and head over to South Campus for a chance to win prizes, listen to music and participate in themed nights like Glow Skate and Glow Curling! Late Night Ice occurs every Friday and Saturday night of the academic year, and admission and skate rental is free for Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students! 

Try Something New!

If you were thinking of starting up a new hobby or just want to learn something new, the Curling Club is hosting Learn-to-Curl sessions on a few Saturdays throughout October (Oct. 1 at 6 p.m., Oct. 8 at 6 p.m., Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. and Oct. 29 at 2 p.m.). Throw some stones and learn more about the Syracuse Curling Club! These events are free for students and you are welcome to stay as long as you’d like. 

Intramural Sports

There are several intramural sports you can participate in at Tennity: Ice Hockey, Curling, Broomball and Sled Hockey. If you’re eager to try out a new sport with a group of friends, Broomball is a great game to pick up! Two teams play against each other while using a stick to get the ball in the opposing team’s net. The game’s rules are very similar to hockey, but players do not wear skates. Instead, they wear broomball-specific shoes or just plain old sneakers! Broomball is a fun, approachable ice sport, especially if you’re not super confident on skates! The season kicks off Sept. 28 and runs until Nov. 2. 

Sled Hockey is an adaptive form of hockey; all the same rules apply, but some of the equipment is different. Instead of using ice skates to glide around on the ice, players sit in sleds that lay on top of two blades, and each player has two sticks instead of one! Sled Hockey provides opportunities for people with disabilities to play at a recreational level as well as others who just prefer to play this way. The Sled Hockey season begins Sept. 23 and goes until Nov. 8. 

Whether you want to try something new with Broomball or Sled Hockey, or you want to stick to the classics and play Ice Hockey or Curling, you can get a group together or join an intramural team by registering through IMLeagues!

Syracuse Skating School

Are you interested in touching up your skating skills before a group hang-out at Late Night Ice or before you sign up for an intramural sport? Every semester, Tennity offers several instructional classes that are open to the entire campus community as well as the general public. These lessons are free for University students. 

Play Hockey

On top of attending the University hockey teams’ games, you can try taking up hockey yourself! Tennity offers a Play Hockey class! These classes are geared towards beginners and intermediates, and you must be 18 to sign up. The sessions focus on edge work, basic hockey skills and imitates small games. Full pads are required to play!  

Learn-to-Skate

If you’ve never ice skated before, or just want to get better at it, Tennity offers small-group ice skating lessons for all ages and abilities.

Orange Sleds

Interested in creating or joining an Intramural Sled Hockey team but want to learn the basics of the sport first? Orange Sleds introduces participants to the basics of sled hockey, with a focus on skating and movement on the ice. Tennity provides all necessary sled hockey equipment and absolutely no experience is required to take the class.

Private Lessons

If you’d rather work on your ice skating skills in a more private setting, Tennity offers private skating lessons to Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students, faculty and staff at varying costs. You can register by emailing the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion or calling 315.443.4254.

I hope one of these activities sparked your interest, because they definitely sparked mine! I’ll see you on the ice!

Written By Tessa Hodinger G’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Five Ways to Get Around (and Nearby) Campus

Looking for ways to get around campus or visit somewhere nearby that’s quicker than the usual? Well, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of some transportation options to get you from A to BBB. (We included some helpful safety reminders for you, too!)

Trolley Olly Oxen Free

Not only are they so adorbs, but the ’Cuse Trolleys are constantly on the move. Covering Marshall Street, the JMA Wireless Dome, Walnut, the Mount, Comstock, Colvin, South Campus, The Warehouse, Euclid and more, the ’Cuse Trolley routes can get you just about anywhere on or near campus.

Safety Check: Masks are still required on public transportation, including the ’Cuse Trolleys. [Effective Sept. 8, masks are now optional.]

The Wheels on the [Centro] Bus Go Round and Round

Centro buses not only offer transportation to on-campus locations like South Campus, Skytop and the Mount, but there are also routes that head off campus, like to Westcott and Syracuse Stage. Don’t miss the Connective Corridor either! This option offers a free and easy way to get to many locations in the city.

Safety Check: Masks are required on these buses, too! [Effective Sept. 8, masks are now optional.]

I Want to Ride My Bicycle

Bikes, trikes and cycles make for a convenient (and fast!) way to get to class and around campus, as well as around town with dedicated bike lanes and paths throughout the city.

Safety Check: Don’t forget your helmet, make sure to lockup with a U-bolt type lock, and register your bike with the Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS will give you a registration sticker to put on your bike and they will keep your information in the event of a theft.

I Scoot, You Scoot, We All Scoot[er]

E-scooter services have expanded in Syracuse. You can locate these services surrounding campus and throughout the city.

Safety Check: Be considerate with your scooter once you finish your ride. Leave your scooter upright and don’t block pathways, making it difficult for others to navigate.

Along for the Ride[share]

Ridesharing services provide an easy and convenient way to visit local spots near campus.

Safety Check: Whenever you’re using a rideshare service, remember the SAMI principle—Stop, Ask, Match, Inform.

The Getting Involved Guide

New school year, new opportunities! There are so many ways to get involved on campus, and the beginning of the school year is a great time to try something new and start (or continue!) building your unique student experience. Below are a few tips and ideas to get your involvement started this year!

Check Out the Fall Involvement Fair

Go through the Quad on Thursday, September 8, between 4-7 p.m. to check out the Fall Involvement Fair! Clubs and organizations will be set up on the Quad ready to meet you and provide more information about how to get involved. The annual Fall Involvement Fair is a great place to explore extracurricular activities and find other students with similar passions and interests. With over 250 recognized clubs and organizations at the University, there’s no shortage of activities to discover!

If you can’t wait until September 8 to learn about all the organizations, check out ‘Cuse Activities. This online community has a list of campus clubs and organizations, who they are and when they meet.

Keep Up With the Community Calendar

Keeping track of key events happening around campus will help you make the most of all the available involvement opportunities. Be sure to look at the Community Calendar. This is an easy way to keep track of events happening on campus, including social activities, health and wellness programs, and professional development opportunities. Virtual and off-campus events are also listed here, so there is no shortage of things to attend! Check out The Peel’s weekly “What’s Happening This Week,” for some highlights, too.

Visit the Wellness Portal

Take advantage of amazing on-campus resources, have fun and stay active with the Syracuse University Wellness Portal! This digital platform is the spot to learn about and register for health and wellness activities, including Fitness Classes, Outdoor Adventure Trips, the Climbing Wall and more.

Attend Orange After Dark Events

Another great way to get involved is Orange After Dark (OAD). Bowling, laser tag, trivia, on-campus movies, and more! OAD hosts a variety of events on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays on and off campus. These activities are a great way to get together with friends, try something new, and get off campus. Events are usually only $3 or free and the necessary transportation is provided for off campus events.

Connect with the Intercultural Collective

The Orange community is here for you! There is a large, welcoming campus community dedicated to offering you guidance, mentorship and support throughout your time here as a student. The Intercultural Collective promotes and celebrates intersectionality, inclusion and involvement. Organizations within this collective include the Disability Cultural Center (DCC), the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Resource Center and Multicultural Affairs. The Intercultural Collective coordinates a variety of events and activities for all members of the campus community to attend and enjoy. This is an amazing way to connect with students, build a supportive community, and learn more about cultures and people who may be different from yourself.

There are so many ways to get involved on campus to help you have an incredible school year. Taking the time to try new things and explore your interests will help make campus feel even more like home. Good luck this year and go Orange!

Written by Charlotte Shea, ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

New School Year, New Food Options!

Over the summer, Food Services worked to refresh and rebrand all five campus dining centers. They’ve introduced new, franchise-style concepts that feature fresh, high-quality ingredients and new flavor profiles. An emphasis was put on international and regional flavors that students have frequently requested.

You’ll still be able to find standard entrees, but they’ve been scaled down to make room for the new concepts (which were developed through student feedback!).

There are more updates coming, but the overall goal of the menu refresh is to give students a new dining experience based on popular flavors and food trends. Here’s what you might find in the dining centers right now (options rotate daily):

‘Cuse Chicken – A chicken or chick’nless sandwich with a special sauce and pickles on a potato roll.

Greens and Grains – Healthier eating, featuring a variety of grains and nutritious toppings that will bring your salad to the next level.

La Naranja – Latin-inspired rice bowls featuring sautéed vegetables, beans, pork carnitas, spicy chicken, fresh toppings and house-made salsa.

Menbachi – Customer’s choice dumplings and noodles featuring Asian-style sauces, vegetables, toppings and seasonal specials.

Smoked – Traditional backyard BBQ items, focused on saucy and smoky flavors. Mouth-watering favorites like ribs, brisket and pulled pork, plus popular sides.

Za’atar – A play on Mediterranean street food. Build your own gyros, chicken shawarma and crispy falafel wraps, or enjoy a bowl using traditional proteins, fresh cold toppings and special sauces.

And a few more new options still to come:

Comal – A twist on California-style street tacos featuring flavorful proteins and topped with delicious toppings including pickled red onion, pico de gallo, guacamole and slaw.

Coriander Kitchen – Classic Indian curries and sauces served with basmati rice, vegetables, proteins and authentic toppings.

Jasmine – A Thai curry concept featuring build-to-order entrees. Curry bases, jasmine rice, seasonal vegetables and fresh add-ins.

Pickles – An upgrade to the standard dining center deli, with build-to-order New York-style deli sandwiches and wraps, plus delicious sides.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options will be available at all concepts. So what are you waiting for? Give one of the new concepts a try the next time you’re enjoying a meal in a campus dining center!

Since these new concepts were driven by student feedback, Food Services is always grateful for more! You can reach out to them any time at mealtalk@syr.edu.

Remember When? How Our Campus Has Changed Since Fall 2018

As the class of 2022 prepares to graduate in just a few short weeks, many of us seniors have taken a nostalgic look back at our past four years. As I walk around campus and recall memories, I am struck by how much campus has changed since fall 2018. The class of 2022 has seen and experienced so many transitions on our campus, so I’ve compiled a list of key changes that will have you asking yourself, “how did I forget that?”

1. Barnes Center at The Arch Opens in Fall 2019

That’s right—for our entire freshman year we did not have the Barnes Center at The Arch. We couldn’t swing by Otto’s Juice Box on our way to class or see the therapy dogs during finals week. The Barnes Center at The Arch did not open until fall 2019, and its convenient location and state of the art facilities quickly made it one of the busiest spots on campus.

2. National Veterans Resource Center Opens Spring 2020

If you can remember the vacant lot on the corner of South Crouse and Waverly, then you must be in the class of 2022. Standing in the second floor of Newhouse 3 allowed students to see all the way down to Marshall Street unimpeded. The National Veterans Resource Center is a tremendous facility that supports our veterans and military families. If you haven’t had a chance to visit yet, I’d recommend checking out the exhibit space on the first floor to learn more about some heroic student veterans that attended SU.

3. Schine Student Center (Re)Opens Spring 2021

Only current seniors can understand the anxiety of trying to snag a table in old Schine. It was always incredibly busy, but that never deterred our students. Remember the huge projector in the dining center? I personally remember watching historical developments unfold right before our eyes on that screen. A large crowd gathered to watch the Supreme Court hearing of Justice Brett Kavanaugh in October 2018. With all the new and improved changes to the Schine Student Center, one thing has stayed the same—Dunkin Donuts seems just as busy!

4. The Stadium Renovations Fall 2021

The stadium has undergone tremendous renovations since our freshman year. The iconic dome exterior was altered with a large framework support system, and the permanent roof meant no more gust of wind when exiting. As a U100 tour guide, one question from families keeps coming up over and over, “is that a roller coaster on the top?” Not quite, but it sure looks like one. The ongoing renovations are well worth it. Better lighting, new paint and a stunning scoreboard only cements the stadium’s status as the best sports arena on a college campus in the country. And who could forget Walt the Crane?

5. Coronavirus Pandemic: Status Ongoing

We cannot overlook the most obvious change on our campus since freshman year, and that’s the pandemic. It is crazy to think that the class of 2022 is the only current class at SU to experience a full year uninterrupted by the coronavirus. I’ve looked back in my inbox, and the first email students received containing the word “coronavirus” was sent on January 22, 2020. Not even two and half years ago, yet feels like a lifetime. Where were you when the pandemic hit?

So there you have it—five ways our campus has dramatically changed since the class of 2022’s first semester. When we return to campus for our five, 10 or 20-year reunion, what will campus look like then? How will it have changed? I’m not sure, but I know our students will still bleed Orange and it will still be very cold!

Congratulations Class of 2022, and go Orange!

Written By Ava Breitbeck ’22, College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2022 Senior Class Marshal