The Student Advisory Council is a group of students that serves as a volunteer council. Providing insight, advice and recommendations on issues related to student life, the Student Advisory Council is a volunteer council that meets with key University leadership.

Applicants are not required to have prior knowledge of the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience but are recommended to have an interest in student life areas, including health and wellness; diversity and inclusion; campus safety; dining services and more.

Students interested in applying must do so by Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 11:59 p.m. Council members must be able to attend meetings that occur every other Friday from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Meetings begin Friday, Sept. 18. !

Questions can be directed to Denise Dowdall via email at ddowdall@syr.edu.

Health and Wellness Peer Educators

With the opening of the Barnes Center at The Arch this fall, ���ϲ����� has new and exciting opportunities for students to discover health and wellness. The Barnes Center’s dedicated professional staff and over 400 student employees make its programs and services a reality. A key component of this are the .

The peer education team is newly expanded to include 70 students across three different teams – Be Wise, Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS) and Students Advocating for Mental Health Empowerment (SAMHEs). And as the semester begins, they are looking for passionate undergraduate students to .

The peer education team officially began in the fall of 2016 with the creation of the PEEHRS. The SAHMEs were created the following fall, and Be Wise – previously a registered student organization for several years – began working with Health Promotion in the fall of 2018. The initiative aims to promote peer-to-peer health and wellness education to help the campus community make informed decisions in their journey to health and wellness. Through interactive programs, tabling and outreach events, the peer educators act as role models and liaisons to connect their peers to resources across campus and the community.

Since its beginning, the peer education program has made a significant impact on campus. Peer educators help facilitate dozens of , and throughout the year.

“As a peer educator for the past three years, it’s been amazing to see the growth of our team,” says Sarina Wallace ’20, a neuroscience and psychology double major and educator with the SAHME team. “My first year, there were only around 10 of us. Now, there are over 20. This year and new team brings opportunities to reach more students than ever before.”

The expansion not only furthers health and wellness initiatives on campus, but provides students a fulfilling student employment opportunity. Many peer educators credit their time as peers as formative to their student experience – allowing them to learn new skills, build community and gain a new sense of purpose.

“I love being a peer educator at the Barnes Center at the Arch,” says Lia Figurelli ’22, a PEEHRS educator majoring in sociology with a minor in psychology. “It’s a great opportunity for personal growth, not only in my education, but also in areas such as communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills.”

Jordan Correia ’18 G’20, a former PEEHRS educator and current office coordinator for the Mathematics Department, credits his experience as a peer educator to gaining professional skills and influencing his future career goals. “I think the biggest skill I learned from being a PEEHRS is the ability to communicate information while providing perspective, an important skill as a librarian,” says Correia. “After my library science master’s degree, I want to get a master’s of public health and combine the two to help make information more accessible to different communities and learn how groups access and spread information.”

Sarah Rebetje ’19, a former SAHME team leader, credits her experience as a peer educator to building friendships and confidence. “Being a team leader was one of my most fulfilling experiences at ���ϲ�����,” she explains.  “It gave me the confidence to act as an advocate on campus, and the strength and empathy to act as a role model and friend to those in need. I discovered the power in having difficult conversations and was empowered by the ability to take action in my community.”

Peer education employment is available to all ���ϲ����� undergraduate students, and the application is open. Applications are due by Sunday, Feb. 16. Students interested in applying may learn more about the peer education team and their duties at the or attend an interest session on ; or .

Students can explore additional student employment opportunities in , the University’s employment exploration platform.

About the Barnes Center at The Arch

The Barnes Center at The Arch is a state-of-the-art health, wellness and recreation complex. As the hub for student wellness, it features programs, services and offerings that promote holistic health and well-being all in one accessible, centralized space on campus. Further enhancing the student experience, the Barnes Center includes an integrated wellness team delivering student-centered, inclusive care and programs. The team approaches health and wellness holistically, encompassing mind, body, spirit and community.

The week begins with the All Majors Career & Internship Fair and continues with fairs for individual schools and colleges, including the Whitman School of Management, School of Information Studies (iSchool) and College of Engineering and Computer Science. All undergraduate and graduate students are welcome and encouraged to attend any of the fairs, regardless of major and class year. Students are encouraged to research the companies attending, wear professional attire and bring several copies of their resume.

To support student veterans in their career development, Spring Career Week will also host an exclusive Veteran and Employer Networking Reception for all student veterans. Student veterans will have the opportunity to network with employers actively seeking military-affiliated employees and explore multiple job and internship opportunities.

Students seeking assistance to prepare for Spring Career Week are encouraged to connect with a . Central Career Services will also offer its regular 15-minute drop-in services for students looking to have their resume or cover letter reviewed. Drop-in sessions are available to all students on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. in Suite 214 in the Women’s Building.

More information about each event is available in , the University’s career management tool. Students can log in with their NetID and password to find a list of employers attending each career fair and further explore various employment opportunities on- and off-campus.

The full line-up for Spring Career Week is as follows:

Monday, Jan. 27, 4-7 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center

Learn more and explore attending employers in .

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 4-7 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center

Learn more and explore attending employers in .

Veteran & Employer Networking Reception

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7-9 p.m., Genesee Grand Hotel

Learn more and explore attending employers in .

Please note: this event is open to student veterans, only.

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center

Learn more and explore attending employers in .

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 3-6 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center

Learn more and explore attending employers in .

Using the meditation room at the Barnes Center at The Arch is a great way to relieve stress.

Students: Projects, presentations and final exams can cause additional stress at the end of the semester. Although it can be overwhelming at first, there are many different ways to help manage end-of-the-semester stress.

Take breaks

It’s important to take study breaks that will help you de-stress and recharge. Consider attending a . Multiple offices and departments across campus plan stress-busting events before and during finals week. Be sure to attend , and the Dining Center Study Breaks. Find more information at the .

Can’t make it to a Stress Less Event? Take a break by attending a , reserving a time in the or dropping into the during regular pet therapy hours. You can also take a break with on Thursday to connect with your peers for meaningful and supportive conversation. These are all great stress reduction strategies that can fit your schedule and needs.

Practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness is important to relieving stress, especially during periods of high stress. Mindfulness techniques like meditation and breathing exercises can help alleviate stress symptoms and help us refocus. Try practicing mediation on your own or stretching in your room. If you’re unsure how to start, you can find guided meditations in the using your SU email address to access a free premium membership. Guided meditations are also available in person at the or .

Prioritize sleep

Although pulling “all-nighters” is common around the end of the semester, it is still important to prioritize sleep. On average, adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Try to make a study schedule that includes ample amount of sleep. Getting a good night’s rest will help improve your memory, focus and mood.

Need help managing your sleep habits? Order a from the Barnes Center. Each Sleep Kit comes with tips and information on better sleep habits, foam earplugs and decaffeinated tea.

Understand the resources available on campus

If end-of-the-semester stress becomes too difficult to manage on your own, reach out to the different resources on campus. There are people willing and able to help you succeed.

The Barnes Center health and wellness team has multiple resources for those seeking help, including Counseling and Health Care. Speak with a caring professional by attending a or .

If you’re not sure where to start with a question or concern, the Dean of Students Office is a great resource. They help students in a variety of ways, no matter the issue or challenge. To reach the Dean of Students Office, call 315.443.4357. Learn more at the .

Be sure to explore the other resources and services available across campus to find support and relieve stress as the semester closes.

If you are a student experiencing a mental health crisis, seeking support for sexual assault or relationship violence or needing medical consultation, you can access 24-hour support, seven days a week, 365 days a year by calling 315.443.8000.

Recreation

Recreation facilities within the Barnes Center and satellite fitness centers have schedule changes beginning today through Sunday, Dec. 1. Additionally, Brockway and Graham Fitness Centers are closed.

On Thursday, Nov. 21, and Friday, Nov. 22, the Barnes Center will close at 9 p.m. The main gym located in the KG Tan Sports and Fitness Facility will also close Friday, Nov. 22, and reopen Saturday, Nov. 30. Flanagan Gymnasium will remain available for open recreation.

All facilities will close early on Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday and remained closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29. Abridged hours will return on Saturday, Nov. 30, with regular hours returning Monday, Dec. 2.

Counseling, Health Care and Pharmacy

Counseling, Health Care and the Pharmacy will close on Saturday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 24. On Monday, Nov. 25, through Wednesday, Nov. 27, students will have access to Counseling, Health Care and Pharmacy services from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Faculty and staff will have access to the Pharmacy.

���ϲ����� students experiencing a mental health crisis, seeking support for sexual assault or relationship violence, or needing medical consultation can receive free confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 315.443.8000. Students may still access 24-hour support services when off campus for break.

Health Promotion

The Walters Pet Therapy Room and the Crowley Family Mindspa will close during break. The Health Promotion staff will operate on regular University hours and close on Thursday, Nov. 28, through Friday, Nov. 29.

Griffin Timm ’20 and Sadia Ahmed ’21—with the support of other RHA members and OSL professional staff—have prepared for the conference since March. Timm, RHA director of programming and senior in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, is serving as the NEACURH Leadership Conference Co-Chair. Ahmed, RHA president and junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, is serving as the other conference co-chair.

“It’s an honor to represent our University as RHA president as we host a regional conference for NEACURH, especially during the University’s 150th anniversary,” says Ahmed. “While the University celebrates 150 years of impact, RHA is extending our impact and that very legacy to regions beyond ���ϲ�����.”

The conference will bring 300 student leaders from 49 different colleges and universities in the North East. Each year, the host organization selects a theme for the conference and plans events, activities and competitions and that promote leadership, diversity, inclusion, sustainability and more.

“I can’t wait to welcome student leaders to campus to engage in critical conversations around leadership development, social justice and creating an impact on their campuses,” says Mel Molsberry, residence director of Flint Hall and conference chair advisor. “It has been so much fun planning this conference with our team, and I’m looking forward to seeing all their hard work and dedication come to fruition.”

Conference entertainment will include guest pass access to the Barnes Center at The Arch, a special Late Night at the Rink, an a cappella concert, paint night and keynote speaker, Ally Atkinson. Atkinson chaired the 2018 National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) Annual Conference and is currently the coordinator for residence hall operations of Lawrinson and Sadler Halls.

“Our theme for the conference is Moose Jam,” explains Timm. “We drew inspiration from SU’s own Juice Jam and set the theme of our conference around a summer music festival.”

The NEACURH’s regional symbol is a moose.

NEACURH is one of eight regions that make up NACURH. NACURH is the largest student-run corporation in the world, encompassing Residence Hall Association and National Residence Hall Honorary chapters. Every year, there are 17 conferences, including two NEACURH conferences and one national conference that ���ϲ����� RHA leadership are eligible to attend.

For more information on RHA and its leadership, visit the .

Each volunteer will host a table of matriculated international students and their families to help them feel welcomed into the campus community. Hosts will assist in the flow of conversation at their table. While all staff and faculty may volunteer, those with second language skills are strongly encouraged to participate.

“The students who attended the inaugural dinner were greatly appreciative,” says Amanda Nicholson, assistant provost and dean of student success. “We hope to provide the same welcoming and enriching experience to this year’s incoming students.”

If you are interested and available to volunteer, please contact Michelle Larrabee at melarrab@syr.edu or 315.443.1200 by Monday, July 8, and specify any second language skills you may have.

Deka Dancil

The Dean of Students Office in the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience has welcomed Deka Dancil ’14 as the manager of bias response and education, a new position created with support from the to advance the academic and student experience. Dancil began her role on Monday, June 10.

In this role, Dancil will support the University’s efforts to educate the campus community and respond to issues related to bias. She will be an integral part of coordinating and marketing the , providing bias trainings and educational programs, and collaborating with individuals and groups across campus, including the chief diversity officer, cultural centers and student organizations.

Dancil will also lead a new peer education team consisting of current undergraduate students that will facilitate trainings and programs to help better educate the entire University community regarding conscious and unconscious bias.

“As we work to provide an unsurpassed student experience and address conscious and unconscious bias at ���ϲ�����, Deka will be an essential resource and asset,” says Marianne Thomson, associate vice president and dean of students. “Her proven track record in serving and educating communities will not only help expand the STOP Bias program’s reach, it will also help foster cross-campus collaboration that bolsters the entire University’s diversity and inclusion efforts.”

Dancil earned a bachelor’s degree in policy studies from the College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and started her professional career serving as the program assistant for the ���ϲ����� Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). She returns to the University from the Boys & Girls Clubs of ���ϲ����� where she served as the director of teen programs since 2018. As the director of teen programs, Dancil oversaw the daily operation of the Shonnard Street teen center, administered professional development trainings and collaborated with other service agencies to provide community services, programs and events. Prior to her role as director of teen programs, Dancil served as the Boys & Girls Clubs of ���ϲ����� lead health educator.

“I am extremely humbled,” says Dancil. “I could not be more proud to be returning to my alma mater as part of the culture shift emerging on campus.”

A strong community advocate, she serves as president of the Urban Jobs Task Force, youth chair for the ���ϲ����� Chapter of the National Action Network and a core trainer for Rise Up for Social Action. Dancil was also a recipient of the 2019 YWCA of ���ϲ����� and Onondaga Champion of Diversity award.

In preparation for the building’s closure, University offices and services previously housed in Schine will relocate. The full list of offices and services and their new locations was announced in March. As a reminder, the list of offices and services moving include the following:

• Career Services
• Disability Cultural Center
• Learning Communities
• Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs
• Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs
• Office of Multicultural Affairs
• Office of Parent and Family Services
• Office of Student Activities
• Schine Box Office
• Student Centers and Programming Services
• The Shaw Center for Public and Community Service

The ���ϲ����� Bookstore and Goldstein Auditorium will remain open throughout the renovation. The bookstore’s summer hours will go into effect Monday, May 13, and operate Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Access to the bookstore will be through the Einhorn Family Walk entrance. Goldstein Auditorium will resume hosting events in the fall. Access to the auditorium will be through the east entrance in between Schine and Bird Library.

As announced in November, the Schine Student Center will undergo a significant makeover as a key component of the Campus Framework, a 20-year roadmap meant to guide future campus planning and development. The redesigned space will feature enhanced accessibility, centralized spaces for students to gather and much more.

Updates with additional information will follow throughout the course of the renovation.

Below is information on what attendees need to know.

The Artists

As announced by University Union, this year’s Mayfest entertainment features electronic artist Whethan, rapper Saba and Adult Mom. Get to know the Mayfest 2019 artists on the .

The Tickets

All ���ϲ����� and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) undergraduate students with a valid student I.D. get in for free. Undergraduates can purchase up to two guest tickets for guests who are over 18 years of age and have a valid college or military I.D.

All ���ϲ����� and SUNY-­ESF graduate students and College of Law students can purchase a guest ticket to attend the event with a valid student I.D. Limit is one per valid I.D.

Guest tickets WILL NOT be available at the park and must be purchased f�ǰ���$24 at the Schine Box Office. Guest tickets will be available through 4:30 p.m., Friday, April 26, or until they are sold out.

Guest tickets include food, non-alcoholic beverages, music and entertainment only. Guests ages 21 and over may present a valid guest ticket and government-issued I.D. to obtain a bracelet for the designated 21-and-over section.

Information regarding the purchase of beverage bracelets, event logistics, parking, entrance requirements and answers to FAQs can be found at the official 

The Activities and Attractions

Mayfest 2019 activities and attractions include a silent disco, lounge area, face painting and an art installation painted by artist Graciela Anne-Marie Wimmer. The silent disco features DJ artists Benji Sheinman, Idiobridge, Lonewulf, Alice & Gaspard, HICK3Y and Troyce Pitones. More enhancements will be announced in the coming days on University Union’s social media accounts.

The Food

Mayfest will continue to offer free food and snacks for attendees. Expect options like corndogs, burgers, hotdogs, vegetarian and halal options, as well as a local food truck. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for free.

The Designated 21-and-Over Area

Following last year’s launch, beverage bracelets will again be available for purchase for students/guests ages 21 and over for use in the designated 21-and-over beverage area. Beverage options include beer, gluten-free beer, wine slushies and hard cider.

Students/guests ages 21 and over seeking to purchase beverages can purchase tabbed-bracelets for $3 that include three beverage tabs. These tabs can be exchanged for three alcoholic beverages in the designated 21-and-over beverage area. Tabs must be affixed and on the individual’s wrist to be served.

New this year, students and guests ages 21 and over can obtain a “non-beverage bracelet” for free if they do not seek to purchase beverages but want to enter the designated 21-and-over area. These bracelets are available in limited quantities.

Any student/guest ages 21 and over with either a beverage bracelet or non-beverage bracelet, including those who no longer have beverage tabs remaining, will be permitted to enter the designated 21-and-over area. Re-entry will also be permitted for any student/guest ages 21 and over with either bracelet option, including those who no longer have beverage tabs remaining.

Students/guests ages 21 and over are asked to plan ahead and pick up bracelets early. You WILL NOT be able to obtain bracelets at Walnut Park during the event. Beverage bracelets and 21-and-over non-beverage bracelets will both be available in 304ABC Schine Student Center on the following dates/times:

Wednesday, April 24, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 25, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, April 26, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SUpercard and debit cards cannot be used to purchase beverage bracelets. Cash/credit cards are accepted. One beverage bracelet is allowed per person.

Current undergraduate students ages 21 and over must present a valid ���ϲ����� or SUNY-ESF I.D. to obtain one beverage bracelet or one non-beverage bracelet. Proof of age is verified through the individual’s ���ϲ�����/SUNY-ESF I.D.

Guests and current ���ϲ����� and SUNY-ESF graduate students and ���ϲ����� law students ages 21 and over must purchase and present a valid guest ticket and government-issued I.D. to obtain one beverage bracelet or one non-beverage bracelet.

Students who are not ages 21 and over will not be permitted in the designated beverage area but do not need a bracelet to enter the other areas of the park.

The Rules

Make sure you’re prepared and review the .

For questions surrounding Mayfest entertainment, activities and press, contact Rafy Evans, University Union director of public relations, at uupublicrelations@gmail.com,�����Ի� follow University Union (@UniversityUnion) on , �����Ի� .

To request accommodations, contact Kyla Perlman at uuvicepresident@gmail.com by Friday, April 19.

For questions related to logistics, tickets and beverage/non-beverage bracelets, contact Bridget Yule �ǰ���David Pennock.

Among the individual winners were Lily Verbeck ’19, Marquet (Marq) Houston G’19, Nqobile (Nobi) Nyabonda ’22 and BreeAnna (Bee) Poshek ’19. Other students recognized were Griffin Timm ’20 and Sadia Ahmed ’21. These members won first place in the Returning Delegate Case Study and three of the top-ten educational presentations.

Verbeck was named NEACURH RHA President of the Year. This award is voted on by the entire region and given to an RHA president who has gone above and beyond their duties as a student leader in their community. She was also selected as one of the eight regional presidents who are nominated for the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) RHA President of the Year. Verbeck is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Whitman School majoring in economics and minoring in finance.

Houston was named NEACURH Advisor of the Year. This award is granted to an RHA or National Residence Hall Honorary advisor who has gone above and beyond in showcasing their dedication to advising. He was also selected one of the eight regional advisors who are nominated for National Advisor of the Year at the NACURH conference in May. Houston is a second-year graduate student in the School of Education.

Nyabonda received the NEACURH First Year Experience Award. This award recognizes a first-year student for their outstanding contributions, leadership potential and academic success. She was also selected as one of the eight regional awardees nominated for the National First Year Experience Award. Nyabonda is a first-year student in the Whitman School majoring in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises. She serves as the RHA director of programming.

Poshek was honored as a Silver Pin recipient and inductee to the National Association of College and University Residence Halls Advancement Society. This award is the highest honor an individual can earn within the region. Poshek was selected by the NEACURH regional director as one of the students from across the region who has shown incredible dedication and achieved tremendous success within their respective region. Poshek is a senior in the School of Education majoring in post-secondary and human services. She serves as the RHA national communications coordinator.

“While our school was recognized at the Spring Leadership Conference in various ways, I want to highlight the collective effort that the E-Board put into making RHA work to its full potential on this campus and within the region,” says Ahmed, RHA vice president and a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School. “We strive to make RHA home for each and every person and ensure an amazing residential experience.”

In addition to the individual and collective awards won, RHA’s efforts and success ensured its role as host for the 2019 Fall NEACURH Leadership Conference. In preparation for the conference, Timm, RHA co-director of administration and a junior in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, was named the 2019 Fall NEACURH Leadership Conference chair.

“The student leaders of the Residence Hall Association should be proud of their hard work and their advocacy for residential students,” says Terra Peckskamp, senior director of student living. “While I am thrilled at the recognition they have received at the regional level, I am even more excited for them and proud of the impact they have right here on campus.”

For more information on RHA and its leadership, visit the .

In honor of the month, the Hall of Languages will be lit in teal, the national color for sexual assault awareness. The campus community is encouraged to wear teal on Tuesday, April 2—Teal Tuesday—to show their support for survivors of sexual assault. University offices and departments across campus are also invited to participate in the . to participate in the contest is due by Monday, April 15.

Several events will be held throughout the month for students, faculty and staff to learn more about campus and community resources, find empowerment and create a discussion on campus on how to help end sexual and relationship violence.

On Thursday, April 4, the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services (EOIRS) will host “Food for Thought,” a lunch, panel and resource fair featuring on-campus support resources for students, faculty and staff. The resource fair will be in the Schine Student Center Atrium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The panel discussion will be in 228B Schine and will include a light lunch for attendees.

—the comedic performance group—will return to campus on Monday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Grant Auditorium. Hosted by the Sexual and Relationship Violence Student Education and Prevention Team (SEPT), Phallacies will explore healthy masculinity and relationships through various comedic sketches.

In addition to the events above, the month will feature “Surviving the Silence: A Conversation on Race and Sexual Assault” (April 3); “Getting Involved with It’s On Us SU” featuring Samantha Skaller ’17 (April 4); “Cookies and Consent” (April 5); “Yoga as Healing” (April 10 and 24); “Mindful Monday Mile” (April 15); “Miss Representation” film viewing and dialogue session (April 18); “Be Orange Student Training” (April 22); and “Spilling the Tea on Sex and Relationships” hosted by Vera House Inc. (April 23).

“I think it’s important for students to attend these events for their own well-being,” says Emily Durand ’19, a senior in the School of Education and It’s On Us at-large advisor. “I think it’s important to always challenge ourselves in these safer environments so that we can begin to be more understanding, compassionate and empowered on this campus. We can all be a part of making the culture on campus more inclusive, and I think Sexual Assault Awareness Month events really help enable that change.”

The campus community is also encouraged to continue the message from Take Back the Night and participate in the #IWillTBTN campaign all month long, sharing on social media how they will help end interpersonal violence using the hashtag. The community can follow events during the month using #SUGoesTeal on social media.

For full details on each of the events, visit the .

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a Universitywide collaboration made possible by the Office of Health Promotion, the Counseling Center, EOIRS, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Office of Student Assistance, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Department of Public Safety, SEPT, the Student Association, It’s On US SU, Healthy Monday ���ϲ�����, the Panhellenic Council and Vera House Inc.

The night begins with a rally featuring several speakers. This year’s keynote speaker is Rebecca Ortiz, assistant professor of advertising in the Newhouse School. Ortiz conducts research in health communication, social marketing and entertainment media effects. She has managed and consulted on a number of health communication campaigns and projects focused primarily on sexual health issues.

This year’s featured student speaker is Amy Buhrmaster, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences and member of student organization It’s On Us SU.

While all are welcome to attend the rally and march, the speak-out that follows is a smaller, private gathering where individuals who have been impacted by violence have the opportunity to talk in a safe space. Due to the sensitive nature of the speak-out, this portion is closed to the media.

“While the event only occurs once a year, we hope that others gain knowledge, support and empowerment regarding sexual assault and interpersonal violence,” says Vanessa D. Ramlal, 2019 TBTN planning committee co-chair and a senior in the Falk College. “Additionally, we hope they are able to carry that awareness and advocacy with them, thus creating an environment in which interpersonal violence is not tolerated to make the ���ϲ����� community a safer place.”

All participants are encouraged to share the ways they will help end interpersonal violence by using #IWillTBTN on social media. OHP and the 2019 TBTN planning committee, along with the campus community, hope the message of TBTN will continue on after Wednesday night and especially throughout the month of April—Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

For more information, questions or volunteering opportunities, visit the or email healthpromotion@syr.edu.

Community members volunteered at the Dome to fundraise and raise awareness about interpersonal violence. Nearly 60 members of IFC chapters volunteered by handing out wristbands and collecting donations. They distributed over 3,500 bracelets and collected more than $1,700 to support Vera House education and awareness programs and services. Prior to the game and during half time, OHP and the Counseling Center joined Vera House in the backcourt to offer game attendees giveaways and various information about on- and off-campus programs and resources.

For the past five years, ���ϲ����� has held a pre-launch for the Vera House White Ribbon Campaign at a men’s basketball game. This partnership began through the leadership of Bridget Yule, director of Student Centers and Programming Services and member of the Vera House board of directors.

Community members volunteered at the ���ϲ�����-Louisville men’s basketball game at the Dome to fundraise and raise awareness about interpersonal violence.

“When this idea came about five years ago, so many in our campus community came together to make this a reality. It has been a privilege to work with Vera House and our students, faculty and staff to launch the White Ribbon Campaign on campus in such an impactful way and demonstrate our community’s commitment to standing against domestic and relationship violence,” says Yule.

The Vera House White Ribbon Campaign is an initiative led by men and encourages all members of the community to unite to end sexual and relationship violence. Throughout the month of March, thousands of Central New York community members wear a white ribbon or white wristband to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence. By wearing a white ribbon or wristband, community members demonstrate their support and commitment in ending violence.

To show support, students, faculty and staff can purchase wristbands, lapel pins or chocolate bars by contacting Yule at bmyule@syr.edu or Denise Dowdall at ddowdall@syr.edu. Community members can also show their support by using #StandWithVeraHouse and #IWill on social media, adding their name to the �����Ի� attending the White Ribbon Campaign Walk on Friday, March 29, at noon in Clinton Square. Additional details are available on the .

Peer educators work with OHP to provide health education to their peers through interactive programs, tabling and outreach events. Signature programs that peer educators assist with are Health Hubs, awareness events and workshops.

“Becoming a peer educator has been one of the greatest experiences for me,” says Ariana Zapata ’20, a BeWise peer educator and student in the . “Not only have I been able to educate myself on topics like alcohol, mental health and sexual health, I’ve been able to share this with my peers and community to promote awareness. This position has also pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me with my leadership skills, something I am extremely grateful for.”

There are three different peer education teams with different focus areas: Be Wise Peer Educators, Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS) and Students Advocating for Mental Health Empowerment (SAMHE).

Be Wise Peer Educators focus on educating and empowering students to make informed choices and decisions regarding the use of alcohol and other substances. This peer education team is committed to making a difference on campus through nonjudgmental dialogue and sharing information regarding alcohol and other substances.

PEEHRS focus on consent, healthy relationships, prosocial bystander intervention and sexual health. This peer education team is trained to create safer spaces on campus for dialogue regarding how to respond to abuse or harassment, how to intervene with peers who are perpetuating rape culture and how to support others.

SAMHEs focus on all things mental health related. This peer education team is trained to provide outreach and educational programming about mental wellness including stress reduction, sleep health, time management and resiliency.

For more information or questions visit the or email healthpromotion@syr.edu.

According to ASAN, people with disabilities are twice as likely as non-disabled people to be victims of violent crime. Every year, the national media covers dozens of murders of people with disabilities by family members or caregivers, and many more go unnoticed.

“We hold the Day of Mourning vigils to draw attention to these injustices, to commemorate the lives of victims and demand justice and equal protection under the law for all people with disabilities,” says Priya Penner ’20, president of DSU and student in the and the . “We will not forget those we have lost and will remind the world that these disabled lives had value.”

ASAN started the national vigil initiative in 2012 after the murder of George Hodgins, a 22-year-old man with autism, by his mother. The University has participated in the vigil every year since.

Students, faculty, staff and community members—with or without a disability—are encouraged to attend. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) will be provided.

Light refreshments will be provided with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Participants are not required to stay for the vigil’s entirety and are encouraged to use #DDoM2019 while posting on social media. Please refrain from wearing cologne or perfume as it may overwhelm some attendees.

For further accommodations or more information, please contact Penner at ppenner@syr.edu.

Take Back The Night 2018

This year’s Take Back the Night, an annual march, rally and speak-out event, is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel.

Take Back the Night is observed throughout the world as an event that unites communities bringing awareness to sexual, relationship and all other forms of interpersonal violence. The University’s march, rally and speak-out event is a collaboration of campus and community members denouncing all forms of violence in hopes to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversation surrounding the actions and attitudes that perpetuate violence.

Take Back the Night is an event the campus community takes pride in, especially for the students on the Take Back the Night committee who plan the majority of the event.

“To me, Take Back the Night means having a safe space to speak out and support those who have been affected by sexual and domestic violence,” says Vanessa D. Ramlal ’19, Take Back the Night committee co-chair and senior in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. “Take Back the Night is an event where those affected feel a sense of unity and empowerment and for others to be aware of ways they can be an advocate.”

The rally and march provide a forum for members of the community to unite and proclaim that violence must end. The speak-out that follows is a smaller, private gathering where individuals have the opportunity to talk in a safe space about how violence has impacted their lives and to talk with one another about what each of us can do to work to end violence.

Faculty, staff, students and student organizations can contribute to the cause and are encouraged to show support by doing the following:

1. Attending the event on Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel.
2. Encouraging your organization, group or office/department to fill out the  and officially endorse Take Back the Night by signing the poster and emailing a picture of the completed poster (with or without your group members in the picture) by Friday, March 8, at 4 p.m.
3. Purchasing a Take Back the Night 2019 T-shirt. The T-shirts can be pre-ordered at the Schine Box Office until March 8 for $10. All proceeds benefit resources for victims and survivors and education and prevention programs.
4. Participating in the #IWillTBTN campaign by sharing how you will support Take Back the Night on star cutouts and posting on social media.
5. Distributing pledge cards to your group, organization or department members and encourage them to attend.

For more information, questions or volunteering opportunities, visit the Office of Health Promotion website, or email healthpromotion@syr.edu.

is a one-day retreat for first-year and transfer students. It is a day of contemplation, inspiration and connection for students to experience a deeper understanding of their authentic selves and a rekindled sense of belonging. Participants will also gain tools for practicing mindfulness. With several dates during the semester—Feb. 23 and 24, March 2 and 23, April 5—there are plenty of opportunities for first-year and transfer students to experience Soul programming. Every SoulSearch retreat is free with meals and transportation provided. Locations include Drumlins, the Inn Complete and Greek Peak Mountain Resort. is required.

is a series of student-led conversations covering such topics as purpose, self-expression and connection. Formerly known as Soulful Sit-downs, SoulTalk is a weekly program held on Mondays in Tolley Hall, Room 204. No registration is required, and light refreshments are provided. All students regardless of class year and major are welcome.

, being held on Feb. 9-10, is a two-day retreat for students to connect with their peers, have deep conversation and find a stronger sense of belonging. Held in Blue Mountain Lake, New York, at the picturesque Minnowbrook Conference Center, SoulScape focuses on personal discovery and themes surrounding purpose, gratitude and vulnerability. It is a free event, including round-trip transportation, meals and lodging.

is a partnership between the Office of Health Promotion and where the campus community share a meal and discuss the SoulTalk topic of the week. Held on select Sundays throughout the semester, conversations cover topics surrounding purpose, vulnerability, gratitude and more. Soulful Eats dates and times have yet to be determined.

For more information and directions to apply, visit the .

���ϲ����� Welcome 2017 Orange After Dark

OAD is especially excited for its brand new event at Apex Entertainment Center. Apex Entertainment Center is a new action-packed venue coming to Destiny USA. ���ϲ����� students will have an exclusive night at the new facility everyone in ���ϲ����� is waiting to experience. The night will include multi-level laser tag, bowling and bumper cars. This fun-filled event is Friday, March 29,  at 10:30 p.m.

Coming off last spring’s success of the “Black Panther” premiere, OAD has two private premieres at Regal Cinemas in Destiny USA of the highly anticipated “Captain Marvel” and “Avengers: Endgame.” The premiere of “Captain Marvel” is Thursday, March 7, at 10:30 p.m. The premiere of “Avengers: Endgame” is Thursday, April 25, at 10 p.m.

With another incredible line up of events and growing popularity, OAD events are expected to sell out. Students are encouraged to the for more information about tickets and transportation. While some events require tickets, others do not. Some events are free to attend while others require a $3 fee. Tickets are available at the Schine Box Office for undergraduate students two Mondays before the event. For example, undergraduate tickets for the Dave & Buster’s event on March 21 will go on sale March 11. If any remain, tickets will be available for graduate students the Wednesday before the event.

OAD will also continue its free late-night movie screenings on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the spring semester. Movies are shown at 11 p.m. in Gifford Auditorium located in Huntington Beard Crouse (HBC). Free snacks are provided, and all movies are shown with open captions. To view the full late-night movie schedule, visit the .

OAD continues to partner with Recreation Services to host Late Night at the Gym from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday nights at the Women’s Building and Flanagan Gymnasium. Late Night at the Gym is additional organized activities such as yoga, Zumba, badminton and more. To view the full schedule of activities for spring 2019, visit the .

Don’t forget Late Night at the Rink on Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to midnight. Recreation Services keeps Tennity Ice Pavilion on South Campus open late for SU/ESF I.D. holders who want a fun night skating. Visit the website for more information.

For event details and ticket and transportation information, students are encouraged to visit the or email oad@syr.edu.

Be sure to follow the Office of Student Activities on social media, @cuseactivities, for up-to-date Orange After Dark news along with other OSA news and events.

Find the complete OAD Spring 2019 schedule of events in the list below:

• Cosmic Bowling, Saturday, Jan. 19, 10:30 p.m. (Strike N’ Spare Lanes)
• Comedian Adam Grabowski, Friday, Jan. 25, 10 p.m. (Schine Underground)
• Cascades Indoor Water Park, Saturday, Jan. 26, 9:30 p.m. (Hope Lake Lodge)
• Trivia Night, Friday, Feb. 1, 10 p.m. (Schine 304)
• Escape the Mystery Room, Saturday, Feb. 2, 10:30 p.m. (Destiny USA)
• Snow Tubing, Friday, Feb. 8, 9 p.m. (Greek Peak)
• Snow Tubing, Saturday, Feb. 9, 9 p.m. (Greek Peak)
• Get Air! Trampoline Park, Friday, Feb. 15, 10 p.m.
• Grocery Bingo, Saturday, Feb. 16, 10 p.m. (Schine 304)
• Winter Carnival Glow in the Dark Skate Night, Friday, Feb. 22, 9 p.m. (Tennity Ice Pavilion)
• Winter Carnival Laser Tag, Saturday Feb. 23, 8 p.m. (Goldstein Auditorium)
• Trivia Night, Friday, March 1, 10 p.m. (Schine 304)
• Midterm Stressbuster, Saturday, March 2, 10 p.m. (Panasci Lounge)
• Captain Marvel movie premiere, Thursday, March 7, 10:30 p.m. (Regal Cinemas, Destiny USA)
• Dave & Buster’s, Thursday, March 21, 10:30 p.m. (Destiny USA)
• Paint Night, Saturday, March 23,10 p.m. (Sheraton Hotel Regency Ballroom)
• Laser Tag, Bowling and Bumper Cars, Friday, March 29, 10:30 p.m. (Apex Entertainment Center, Destiny USA)
• Murder Mystery Dinner, Saturday, March 30, 10 p.m. (Spaghetti Warehouse)
• Grocery Bingo, Friday, April 5, 10 p.m. (Schine 304)
• Trivia Night, Friday, April 12, 10 p.m. (Schine 304)
• Avengers: Endgame movie premiere, Thursday, April 25, 10 p.m. (Regal Cinemas, Destiny USA)
• Pancake Breakfast Stressbuster, Sunday, May 5, 10 p.m. (Schine Dining)

Late Night Movie Screenings, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 p.m. (Gifford Auditorium)

Late Night at the Gym, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. (Women’s Building and Flanagan Gymnasium)

Late Night at the Rink, Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Tennity Ice Pavilion)

Frisky February starts today with the Sexual Health Resource Fair hosted by the Student Association in the Schine Student Center atrium 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. On- and off-campus sexual health resources will be at the fair handing out information and sexual health supplies, and offer chances to win prizes.

Emily Nagoski speaks at TED2018 – The Age of Amazement, April 10 – 14, 2018, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Photo: Ryan Lash / TED

This year, Frisky February brings exciting new programs, in addition to popular favorites. New this year, Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., gives her keynote lecture, “5 (Dirty, Little) Secrets from the Science of Sex,” on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Maxwell Auditorium. Nagoski is the award-winning author of New York Time bestseller “Come As You Are” and has spent her career as a sex educator.

Continuing from previous years, Consent and Cookies Dialogue Series begins Feb. 8, an Aphrodisiac Cooking Demonstration is Feb. 27, and a student-production of “The Vagina Monologues” is happening Feb. 15 and 16. For each Frisky February event students attend, they will receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win a Frisky February themed prize from OHP. Full details are available on the .

“We are excited to be hosting Frisky February for the third year in a row,” says Michelle Goode, health promotion specialist in OHP focused on sexuality and relationship violence prevention. “Throughout the month we hope to highlight the importance of healthy relationships, consent, exploring pleasure and every person’s right to their own body. Sexuality is a healthy and normal part of our lives, and it is important to empower people to learn more about healthy sexuality and discover what that means for them.”

In addition to the events and activities, OHP, Health Services and Student Association are partnering with —a national campaign to encourage young people to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI)—to offer two days of free and confidential STI screenings to students. STI screening days are Feb. 14 and 15 and offered on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9 a.m. in OHP, 804 University Ave., Suite 114.

Other on-campus Frisky February partners include the . The Slutzker Center’s dialogue series, , will focus on relationships and sexual health for the month of February. Mix It Up brings together University community members for open discussion over dinner to further inclusion and intercultural understanding on campus.

Additionally, , a resource for students to order free sexual health supplies has several Frisky February promotions. For example, every Safer Sex Express order using the promo code CUPID will receive a special Valentine’s Day themed prize. Students who live on-campus can have their Safer Sex Express order confidentially delivered for free. Students living off campus will have their order discretely packaged and available to pick up privately at OHP.

For a complete list of programs and events, or to view more information, visit the .

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center has announced its group therapy sessions for spring 2019. This semester includes multiple groups to help students understand and cope with different mental health concerns. Many sessions are open for both undergraduate and graduate students. For the full schedule and more information, visit the .

As one of the most effective treatment models for college students, group therapy focuses on developing insight, changing behavior and improving relationship skills. In the group setting, students struggling with similar concerns can share feedback with each other and learn new ways of coping. Most groups meet weekly for 90 minutes with one to two staff therapists throughout the semester.

Students interested in joining a group can visit or call the Counseling Center for an in-person initial consultation to discuss group with a therapist. If a group is recommended, the therapist will assist students in completing the group orientation process. Students currently seeing a therapist at the Counseling Center can talk with their therapist about the different groups offered and how they could benefit you.

For questions about groups, please contact our Group Coordinator Carrie Brown, Ph.D., at clbrow01@syr.edu.

Groups offered for the spring semester include the following:

Basic Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices

This group introduces students to the concept of mindfulness as a means for tolerating stress and managing difficult or painful emotional experiences.

Building Resilience

Building resilience can increase the traits and skills that provide us with the strength and stamina to confront the challenging and sometimes overwhelming obstacles that we face in life.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Group

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) has been extensively researched and found to be effective at helping people to manage intense, overwhelming emotions. Research shows that DBT strengthens a person’s ability to handle distress, or large emotions, without losing control or acting destructively. DBT can also be helpful for people who at times feel separate from their emotions, or have difficulty identifying what their emotions are.

Healthy Minds and Healthy Bodies

This semi-structured group is for students motivated to learn strategies for managing concerns related to eating and/or body image. Topics of this group will include nutrition education, mindful eating, body image, biology of weight regulation, family dynamics, adaptive coping and other themes pertaining to the relationship between food, mind and body.

Options Education Group–Alcohol and Other Drugs

The Options Education Group focuses on harm reduction, decision-making and the physiological impact of substance use.

Sexual Assault Survivor Support Group

This group is for female identified survivors of sexual assault. Members will share their experiences and feelings in an understanding and accepting environment. The group will aim to help members reduce guilt, develop coping strategies and strengthen self-esteem.

Students of Color: Releasing the Invisible Weight

Among students of color, the burden of race-related stress, stereotype threat and the imposter syndrome often adds to the stress of being a college student. This group offers undergraduate or graduate students of color a safe space to process the challenges of navigating the world, on campus and beyond.

Supporting Students with Anxiety

This group is for students who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and difficulty with stress management. This semi-structured group will provide a variety of relaxation and coping skills.

Understanding Yourself and Others

In a safe and supportive environment, this interpersonal process group offers an opportunity for undergraduate or graduate students to relate to others who are experiencing similar concerns. Group members are able to increase self-awareness by exchanging genuine and honest feedback with others.

Even if students are not actively looking for employment opportunities, the week’s events offer a great opportunity to explore different company cultures, build rapport with company representatives and receive feedback on a resumé.

Each career fair is open to all students and recent graduates regardless of major or class level. Students are encouraged to use , Career Services’ new career platform, to learn which companies will be represented at each event. They are also encouraged to dress professionally and bring several copies of their resumé to share with representatives.

To view more information about the week’s activities and tips for success, visit the .

Below is a list of the events taking place during Spring 2019 Career Week:

Tuesday, Jan. 29
7 to 9:30 p.m.
Genesee Grande Hotel, 1060 E. Genesee St.

Tuesday, Jan. 29
4 to 7 p.m.
Schine Student Center, Goldstein Auditorium

Wednesday, Jan. 30
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schine Student Center, Goldstein Auditorium

Wednesday, Jan. 30
3 to 7 p.m.
Schine Student Center, Goldstein Auditorium

Thursday, Jan. 31
3 to 6 p.m.
Schine Student Center, Goldstein Auditorium