The campus community is invited to attend two showcase events. Ten students are presenting their work virtually in two sessions on Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. Participation links can be referenced on the . ��Another 101 students will present in a poster session Thursday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Panasci Lounge at the Schine Student Center. A celebration picnic follows at the Huntington Beard Crouse patio.

Many Campus Partners

Students included participants in SOURCE initiatives as well as other programs, including the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program; Chemistry, Engineering, iSchool and Biomaterials Research Experience for Undergraduates programs; Renée Crown University Honors Program; Women in Science and Engineering supported students; the McNair Scholars program; the SUNY-Upstate Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program; and others.

Most of the presenters are undergraduates at ���ϲ�����, although visiting students from other colleges who have worked with ���ϲ����� or SUNY-Upstate faculty through several programs will also share their summer work, says Kate Hanson, director of the SOURCE. Over 200 students across all the campus programs were research-active this summer, working both in-person and remotely, she says. That is a significant level of growth in summer research activity since the SOURCE’s first summer in 2019 with about 100 participants.

Students present their work at the SOURCE Symposium poster session held in the Panasci Lounge at the Schine Student Center in the spring. Photo by Marilyn Hesler

The SOURCE initiative began after ���ϲ����� announced a commitment of $1 million annually in Invest ���ϲ����� funds to support a new center for undergraduate research to strengthen the University’s position as a preeminent and inclusive student-focused research institution.

Among topics undergraduates have been examining this summer are:

• Access to wellness facilities for women
• Vitamin D supplementation to reduce neurodevelopmental phenotypes of Rett Syndrome
• Stimuli-responsive biomaterials for wound healing
• Assessing water quality data in relation to cemeteries in the Finger Lakes watershed
• Combating disinformation for ���ϲ����� residents of the south side
• The role of nanoparticles and organic acids in northern forest soil
• Persuasion in audio-based social media
• The role of fish-oil supplements on paternal obesity
• Museums and intangible cultural heritage

“This event is a chance for the University to showcase the amazing and innovative work students have been doing this summer with dedicated faculty mentors, and to celebrate the growing community of summer undergraduate research the University supports,” Hanson says. “We hope for continued growth in the numbers of participants to create more opportunities for students to get involved in research, scholarship and creative projects.�� It is wonderful to see students developing important research and presentation skills and we are grateful to the faculty mentors that guided the students’ intellectual and creative growth.”

Students’ Specific Interests

Three students who participated in the program this summer illustrate the breadth of topics undergraduates can pursue according to their individual interests.

Andrea Hoe

Andrea Hoe��’23, in the School of Architecture, has been testing the compressive strength of lunar regolith composites using urea and carbon nanotube additives. Working with Assistant Professor of������in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, she is developing ��potential materials for use in building structures�� on the moon. She plans to attend a graduate space architecture program and work for a space company as an architect or designer of extraterrestrial structures.

The test-fail-test nature of her experiments “has been very impactful,” Hoe ��says. “It’s very challenging, but I’ve learned how to develop solutions to each problem that I face. This experience has strengthened and validated my interest to go into the space field in the future.”

Alternatively, April Santana’s “lab space” in the South Side community of ���ϲ�����, where she’s been doing person-to-person outreach to help shape her examination of the impact of misinformation and tools to combat it. Santana ’24, who majors in magazine, news and digital journalism, works with in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on a grant supported by the Knight Foundation and SOURCE. They are investigating how community members receive misinformation.

April Santana

This is the third time ��Santana has participated in SOURCE research. As a freshman, she examined how materials developed in the civil rights era portrayed minority groups. In her second project, she undertook a political science look alternative social media groups and their impact on minority groups’ decisions whether or not to be vaccinated.

This year, her work has focused on community-based journalism, although all three opportunities have been beneficial, she says. “They have definitely helped me, first by allowing me the opportunity to do research, which is never something I thought I’d be doing. I always thought that was more for master’s or Ph.D. students.” Santana particularly likes the community-based aspect of her current efforts, she says. “It’s helping me with what I want to do—immersing me in the work of reporting.”

Hunter Mirer

Hunter Mirer ’23, a dual major in biochemistry and neuroscience in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been developing a process to stain zebrafish embryos to examine phenotypes in their spinal cords in the lab of , professor and biology department chair.

Mirer credits the lab environment for helping him recognize his scholarly weaknesses and confront them before he advances to medical school. He plans to take the MCAT exams this fall. “What I’m mainly gaining now is learning how to develop a higher level of understanding in specialized subjects. This has shown me that it’s going to take a lot more understanding than what I recognized when I first said I want to be a pediatric neurosurgeon,” he says.

The lab has helped him develop research skills, Mirer says. “I have ADHD, and the way science was taught in high school it was hard for me to learn. The research lab has helped so much because it’s hands on and actively working toward goals, and I have the resources of the other faculty and students there as well. It has helped solidify me wanting to be a doctor and my interest in science.”

The fellowships were initiated to provide funding to help doctoral candidates complete their dissertations in a timely manner and to address the need for more summer funding opportunities. The funding is provided through the Invest ���ϲ����� initiative to strengthen support for graduate education and research.

“The Summer Dissertation Fellowships are one part of a broader set of initiatives to support our doctoral students in completing their degrees in a timely fashion,” says Associate Provost and Graduate School Dean Peter Vanable. “The 2021 recipients represent the broad range of disciplines and scholarship that ���ϲ����� is known for.”

The following doctoral candidates—listed with their program—were awarded fellowships:

• Oluseyi Odunyemi Agbelusi, Anthropology
• Avery Brooke Albert, Clinical Psychology
• Merrrill Einar Asp, Physics
• Ruta Basijokaite, Earth Sciences
• Rose Anita Bell, Philosophy
• Ana Cortes, Composition and Cultural Rhetoric
• Sara Jean Dampf, Chemistry
• Deyasini Dasgupta, English
• Elizabeth Skye Davis, Political Science
• Jacob Paul Deblois, Science Education
• Yousr Dhaouadi, Chemical Engineering
• Kirsis Allennys Dipre, Counseling and Counselor Education
• Alexander Richard Ebert, Biology
• Carrie Elliott, Sociology
• Weston Henry Fenner IV, Sociology
• Jennifer Lynn Heckathorn, Teaching and Curriculum
• Evan Hixon, English
• Stephanie Veronica-Marie Jones, Composition and Cultural Rhetoric
• Mattie Theobald Mackenzie-Liu, Public Administration
• Mariana Mendes Bahia, Speech-Language Pathology
• Keith Newvine, Literacy Education
• Buddhini Chathurangi Nugaduwa Vithanage, Chemistry
• Shreyas Pathreeker, Chemical Engineering
• Jessica Powers, Clinical Psychology
• Sean Hamilton Reid, Anthropology
• Linnea Judith Ritchie, Biology
• Sarika Kumari Sharma, Information Science and Technology
• Andrea Marie Smith, Mass Communications
• Maria Madison Smith, Anthropology
• Kyungwon Suh, Political Science
• Shaelise Marie Tor, Marriage and Family Therapy
• Yiran Yang, Chemistry
• Anemone Zeneli, Teaching and Curriculum
• Xiaoyan Zhang, Human Development and Family Science

The funding effort, through the University’s Office of Research, seeks to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, grow the research enterprise and enhance University-based scholarship to increase extramural funding and high-quality scholarly output. The program was launched in 2017 as part of the $100 million Invest ���ϲ����� initiative to enhance academic excellence.

The grant program supports faculty research in all disciplines, including basic, translational and applied sciences; social sciences; physical and life sciences; engineering; liberal arts and humanities; and professional studies, as well as creative research and other scholarly activities. Priority is given to strategic interdisciplinary initiatives at the University and disciplinary research areas with great potential for extramural funding and institutional recognition.

Four types of grants are available:

• Seed Grant: Funding is capped at $5,000 per grant. Applications can be individuals or teams.
• Innovative and Interdisciplinary Research Grant: Funding is capped at $30,000 per grant. Applications can be individuals (innovative) or teams (interdisciplinary research).
• Good to Great Grant: Funding is capped at $30,000 per grant. Applications can be individuals or teams.
• Interdisciplinary Seminar Grant: Funding is capped at $10,000. Applications can be individuals or teams.

Applications are now being accepted through ���ϲ�����’s Applicant Portal .

In the 2019 round, the CUSE Grant Program funded 69 projects in the humanities, social sciences, creative and STEM areas.

For more information, visit the .

“���ϲ�����’s momentum is undeniable,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “The Orange spirit fueling the generosity of our donors is testament to their enthusiasm and support for our future and the futures of generations of students who will contribute in meaningful ways to improve our world. The vision for ���ϲ�����, in which our students have a truly distinctive experience that prepares them for long-lasting success, is clearly inspirational. We are grateful for the growing support, year after year, from all corners of the country and the world.”

With the Invest ���ϲ����� campaign still underway and the start of events marking the sesquicentennial celebration, ���ϲ����� is attracting an increasingly broad and diverse set of donors. Nearly 61,000 donors made gifts of support for the vision of ���ϲ�����. That’s a 16 percent increase in the number of donors from the year before.

More than half the total raised over the last year came from alumni.

“They are telling us that they are grateful for their own Orange experiences and want to make a difference in the lives of students today and tomorrow,” says Matt Ter Molen, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “Through their generosity, they are opening doors of opportunity for those coming behind them. In fact, this past year, more than $29 million was raised as part of the Invest ���ϲ����� campaign to provide scholarships to deserving students.”

Invest ���ϲ����� originally sought to raise $40 million in scholarship support. The University well exceeded that goal—raising $54 million with no signs of slowing down.

Ter Molen notes that there was an increase in all kinds of gifts, large and small, which contributed to the record total. There was a 50 percent increase in gifts over $500,000 and a 3.5 percent increase in gifts totaling more than $1 million. Finally, nearly 5,000 alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends participated in the 2018 Boost the ’Cuse initiative, a one-day fundraising event. Collectively, donors contributed $1.76 million to the University as part of Boost the ’Cuse ranging in gifts from $5 to $100,000. This year’s Boost the ’Cuse will commence on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 4 a.m. and run for an unprecedented 44 consecutive hours. To participate, visit .

Momentum continues to build as ���ϲ����� prepares to launch its largest fundraising campaign in its 150 years. Though details are still being finalized, the Orange community is encouraged to stay tuned for a historic announcement, coming in early November. In the meantime, it’s never too early to give. No gift is too small, and every gift makes an impact. To make an immediate impact, give today by visiting or by contacting the Office of Development at 315.443.1848.

There are numerous other ways to engage with the University, including volunteer opportunities, connecting current students to internship opportunities and attending an alumni event. To learn more about how you can connect to, engage with and support ���ϲ�����, visit or contact the Alumni Association directly by emailing sualumni@syr.edu.

The ���ϲ����� Chemistry of Artifacts Project (SCOAP) team in front of the Plastics Artifacts Collection on the sixth floor of Bird Library: chemistry Ph.D. candidate Elyse Kleist, chemistry instructor Mary Boyden and chemistry professor Timothy Korter.

���ϲ����� Libraries’ (SCRC) and the in the College of Arts and Sciences have collaborated on a first-of-its-kind project. Courtney Asztalos, the Libraries’ plastics pioneers curator of plastics and historical artifacts, partnered with chemistry professor Timothy Korter to investigate the chemical composition of objects from the , located on the sixth floor of Bird Library.

Korter, chemistry instructor Mary Boyden and chemistry Ph.D. candidate Elyse Kleist created the (SCOAP) to use Raman spectroscopy to analyze plastic items from the Plastics Artifacts Collection. Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive technique using a laser beam to enhance knowledge of the chemical composition of plastics. This information is critical to the Plastics Artifacts Collection’s conservation, preservation and curation.

In addition to the benefit to the Libraries, the collaboration is also providing a research opportunity for the Department of Chemistry. With a solid foundation now in place through the creation of a comprehensive reference database of known plastics and formation of research protocols, the SCOAP team has set the stage for undergraduate students to engage in undergraduate research beginning in fall 2019.

Students enrolled in Introduction to Chemical Research (CHE450) will work alongside Korter and Boyden on the project as part of their American Chemical Society certified degrees. They will use Raman spectroscopy to identify the chemical composition of items in the Plastics Collection and will also work with Libraries staff to understand the historical and cultural value of important plastics artifacts.

“From a chemistry perspective, this is an outstanding example of applying rigorous analytical chemistry techniques in a real-world scenario where the students can immediately see the positive impact of their investigative work,” Korter says.

“It is magnificent to see the plastics artifacts being utilized in new and exciting ways, especially in contributing to SCOAP’s chemical research,” says Asztalos.

“We are delighted to partner on this innovative research project, which combines skills and materials from the Special Collections Research Center with faculty and student expertise, and which adds to our knowledge of important items in our collections to benefit future research,” adds Dean of Libraries and University Librarian David Seaman. “This is exemplary of the kind of work an R1 research university is engaged in.”

The initiative was made possible through financial support from and the Department of Chemistry for the purchase of a portable Raman spectrometer, microscope, computer and supplies, as well as ���ϲ����� Libraries for project space and the purchase of modern polymer reference samples that were used to create a plastics reference library. Members of the Plastics Pioneers Association also donated reference samples to SCOAP’s plastics reference library.

For additional information, visit the , the or the .

Ryan Williams

With the goal of providing students with greater opportunities for on- and off-campus paid positions while also expanding their skills and career development, the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience enhanced the Student Employment Office this spring. The new office encompasses strong connections to Career Services and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs and was supported through the initiative to enhance the student experience.

“The integration of student employment into the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience, coupled with the partnership opportunities with Career Services and Financial Aid, further amplifies our work in preparing our students for their future. By exercising an increased awareness of awarding federal and institutional work-study funding and providing learning experiences, together, we are working to position our students for a lifetime of career and personal success,” says Vice President for Enrollment Services Ryan Williams.

Camille Donabella

The Student Employment Office seeks to advance a student’s holistic experience through broader community interactions, firsthand learning opportunities and skill building, while also expanding financial support. Leading this facet of the student experience is seasoned student employment professional Camille Donabella. Following a national search, Donabella was named the new director of student employment strategy and operations within the Enrollment Services team. For several years, Donabella has supported the University in various roles in the Office of Human Resources. Her efforts have served as a catalyst in campuswide student employment efforts. She is a two-time ���ϲ����� alumna, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and English education and a master’s degree in organizational communication. Donabella will work to expand student employment opportunities, implement training programs, and increase the support of student connections with on- and off-campus job experiences.

“Camille has helped connect countless departments and students through job opportunities, bringing incredible understanding of student employment here on campus, as well as issues in this area happening nationally and globally,” Williams says. “In this new capacity, whether a student is looking to meet a short-term employment need or build their resume in pursuit of long-term career aspirations, under Camille’s leadership, students will be provided a path that meets both needs.”

About Invest ���ϲ�����

Invest ���ϲ�����: Advancing Academic Excellence and the Student Experience aims to provide all students with a distinctive, world-class learning experience that prepares them for professional and personal success. The three-pronged initiative seeks to redefine the student experience, advance discovery and innovation, and expand opportunity for students of promise and talent from across the socioeconomic spectrum. To learn more about Invest ���ϲ�����, visit .

With the creation of the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience (ESE), the University further advanced its efforts to enhance the student experience. Since then, as a comprehensive and cohesive team, ESE has worked to enliven its core vision of creating an unsurpassed student experience—from prospective student to current student to graduate. Through support from : Advancing Academic Excellence and the Student Experience, new initiatives have been launched to promote student access, support, retention and success.

As the University attracts, recruits and enrolls the most talented and diverse students from across the globe, once they arrive to ���ϲ����� as new students, ESE has worked to implement new initiatives to make the transition to college life more seamless. Programs were also created specifically for international students, as preparing to study in the United States has additional considerations. Some enhancements made to the first-year and transfer experience over the last two years include:

• establishing the Orange Visit Grant Program to provide need-based financial assistance to admitted students who may not otherwise be able to travel to campus to visit;
• hiring an assistant director of international student orientation;
• creation of the online pre-orientation program, Virtual Welcome Academy, to provide incoming undergraduate students from China with information and resources to help prepare before arriving to ���ϲ�����; and
• in partnership with Academic Affairs, launching the enhanced First-Year Experience initiative to engage students in important discussions about community, belonging, inclusion, identity and wellness.

After students join the campus community, ESE has made significant strides to enhance the living and learning environment to “nourish the whole student to support academic, social and emotional well-being,” a goal in the Academic Strategic Plan. Through its comprehensive and integrated approach to the student experience, ESE has focused on enhancing holistic health and wellness, support services, engagement and community-building opportunities, and career and academic advising—all to advance student success in and out of the classroom. Enhancements made to the student experience have included:

• adding four therapists, a training director, psychiatric nurse practitioner and graduate student trainees at the Counseling Center and three medical providers in Health Services, expanding their hours of operation, and creating drop-in hours, increasing access to services and reducing wait times;
• expanding recreation options and equipment to promote student fitness and well-being through the addition of program staff and creation of the Graham Fitness Center and the Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Center at Drumlins;
• implementing a dean of students model to expand services and operations that address student issues and provide support in a proactive, systemic and integrated way;
• adding staff to support student case management, conduct investigations and residential programming; and
• integrating the Office of Residence Life and the Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Services to create the Office of Student Living, promoting a holistic living experience centered on belonging, inclusion, community, independence and learning across housing environments on and off campus.

These enhancements will only be further supported through the opening of the Barnes Center at The Arch, in fall 2019, and the transformation of the Schine Student Center, commencing in May 2019. Bringing all student wellness services into one centralized, accessible space, students will experience integrated, student-centered care that meets the holistic wellness needs of our diverse student community. The Schine Student Center will transform back to its core mission as the “living room” of campus—a place where students can eat, meet, study and lounge—creating new opportunities for students to connect, build community and get involved.

Furthering students’ success also means preparing them to be engaged citizens, scholars and leaders in a changing global society. In support of this vision, in partnership with Academic Affairs and the University’s schools and colleges, ESE launched new initiatives to support student retention, graduation and placement outcomes, beginning with the appointment of the assistant provost and dean of student success, Amanda Nicholson, to work across ESE and academic units. Efforts to improve student success have included:

• establishing an integrated student success model that looks holistically at academic, career and post-graduate advising, supporting students through the process of selecting a major, connecting their learning to hands-on experience and then finding a job or graduate program;
• adding 16 new professional advisors, 14 of which were funded through Invest ���ϲ�����, in schools and colleges;
• implementation of Handshake, a modern career services management technology, connecting students with jobs, internships, career events and employers;
• enhancing the Student Employment Office to expand student employment opportunities and build stronger connections to career growth and development; and
• establishing the Success Scholars program to provide merit scholarships to high-achieving first-year and transfer students.

As the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience continues to implement its strategic plan and develop new initiatives through Invest ���ϲ�����, the efforts to provide an unsurpassed experience and prepare our students for future success will further distinguish the value of a ���ϲ����� education.

The Invest ���ϲ����� fundraising effort is part of , an initiative launched in 2017 that seeks to redefine the student experience; advance discovery and innovation; and expand opportunity, access and affordability. The initiative supports the strategic direction detailed in the University’s Academic Strategic Plan, developed through a campuswide effort with input from faculty, staff and students.

“Every day, I meet students who excel through the assistance of scholarships. They are ambitious and passionate and ready to make the next big discovery. We need to make more of these opportunities available. This initiative supports more students to explore their research interests and creativity,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Next year, we will recognize ���ϲ�����’s sesquicentennial. It will be a tribute to the University’s academic excellence. We must continue that tradition by investing in a range of promising students.”

The $40 million campaign for scholarships and financial aid continues the University’s efforts since its founding to enroll high-achieving scholars, regardless of socioeconomic background. This fundraising effort will help reinforce the University as a thriving international research institution, while ensuring access through significant financial assistance to draw in exceptional students who might not otherwise be able to attend.

“���ϲ����� donors are excited about this bold initiative to invest more in talented students from across the socioeconomic spectrum,” says Matt Ter Molen, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “Alumni, parents and friends have shown their overwhelming commitment to the vision of this university and the potential of our students. This funding will allow even greater opportunities for students to follow their ambitious goals and achieve academic success.”

The fundraising initiative specifically aims to do the following:

• increase need-based grant awards and reduce loans in financial aid packages to decrease student debt after graduation;
• ensure that ���ϲ�����’s financial assistance packages are competitive with other premier universities to attract and support the enrollment of the best, brightest and most high-achieving students; and
• significantly reduce the number of students who choose another institution over ���ϲ����� because of cost.

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint and nearly 150 years of history, ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience, as well as innovative online learning environments. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths. At ���ϲ�����, we offer a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges and 18 online degree programs. We have more than 15,000 undergraduates and 7,500 graduate students, more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

Law professor Cora True-Frost teaching a class.

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) is seeking feedback from faculty to determine how the center can best support the University’s academic community.

Recently, the Center emailed an online survey to all faculty email addresses to solicit input about the center’s mission, vision and goals over the next three to five years. Designed to collect as much information as possible about faculty teaching support needs, the survey takes five to 10 minutes to complete. Any faculty members who did not receive the survey may contact the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence at CTLE@syr.edu.

“The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence is conducting a thorough needs assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of resources available, as well as any gaps in resources and services,” says CTLE Director Martha Diede. “This is an excellent opportunity for faculty to let us know what they need to be effective, innovative, and successful in the classroom.”

The survey addresses a variety of areas related to teaching and learning, including teaching strategies; assessment techniques; using technology in the classroom; diversity and inclusion; active learning techniques; and course material design and development.

“Faculty who excel as teachers and scholars are vital to any university’s capacity to deliver an outstanding student experience,” says Diede. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty and administrators on advancing this strategic goal here at ���ϲ�����.”

The University created CTLE as part of a significant investment in academic excellence and the student experience. The center, which receives funding through the Invest ���ϲ����� initiative, was created last spring to advance the Academic Strategic Plan goal of developing innovative programs to support teaching excellence and the learning experience.

Chancellor Kent Syverud praised the collective effort by multiple constituents—including the Student Association, the University Senate Research Committee and the Renée Crown University Honors Program—and the leadership of Cathryn R. Newton, senior advisor to the Chancellor and Provost for faculty engagement, who was charged with bringing together the best ideas of students, faculty and staff.

“I am grateful to Professor Newton, our students, faculty and staff for working so tirelessly to turn this vision into a reality,” says Chancellor Syverud. “There is evidence that this kind of commitment to undergraduate research will help us recruit, retain and graduate a more diverse and talented student body, and prepare them for post-graduate success.”

Reporting to both Provost Wheatly and Vice President for Research John Liu, the new center will expand access to undergraduate student research grants. Newton will oversee the implementation of the center until it is fully staffed.

“The enthusiastic and visionary work of students, faculty and staff has created an engine of advocacy for undergraduate research and creative work that will be recognized and respected across the campus,” says Newton. “This initiative delivers on multiple aspects of the Academic Strategic Plan, including support for discovery, innovation, student success and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Undergraduate research and original creative work have powerful impacts on the success of all students, and these trends are even more pronounced across diverse constituencies. This elevates the climate of creativity for students on our campus in lasting ways.”

“The creation of the Center for Undergraduate Research is a vital step in supporting a more expansive and interdisciplinary research enterprise across the University,” says Wheatly. “By providing more centralized and coordinated support, we are encouraging increased research productivity across all University constituencies.”

The Center for Undergraduate Research will work across colleges and schools to foster and support diverse undergraduate engagement in faculty-guided scholarly research and creative inquiry, helping students identify and pursue internal and external research opportunities and support. It will also bring new efficiencies for proposal planning, undergraduate conferences, poster sessions and other activities to train, support and mentor students interested in research.

“Given the immense power of mentoring and original work in post-graduation success, this will have broad and long-lived effects,” says Newton. “Because our center defines research and creative inquiry broadly, it will impact students across disciplines and programs and open up avenues of research well beyond the STEM fields. Students will learn to understand disciplinary methodologies and norms, develop a repertory of research and communications skills, and communicate their findings to reach broader audiences beyond the classroom. They will see how new knowledge and discovery can impact the world.”

Cynthia Harris ’18, a recent graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, was involved in conceiving and implementing the center. “Undergraduate research expands your horizons in so many ways: it vastly increases your network of people, and therefore the number of views to which you are exposed,” Harris says. “Having this million-dollar investment will greatly expand the experiences—and the networks—of students across the curriculum, and this will prepare them better for their lives and careers.”

Liu says this commitment to undergraduate research will further create a culture of curiosity and discovery on the ���ϲ����� campus: “By providing a more robust and focused path to scholarship and meaningful research, our undergraduates will be better positioned for competitive funding that supports further academic inquiry.”

About ���ϲ�����
���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

With over 100 challenges (and growing) on the app, students are given a bucket list of things to do before they graduate. By taking part in the many opportunities offered on campus, and some off campus too, students make the most of their Orange experience.

As students complete challenges, they earn points and prizes. This year’s grand prize for the top five challenge completers will be a private tour of the Carrier Dome with Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer Pete Sala.

’Cuse Challenge seeks to engage students early and often by building community and connecting to traditions. The app, developed by Adam Peruta, assistant professor of magazine in the Newhouse School, was molded by input from students throughout the entire process. From challenges to prizes to monitoring content, ’Cuse Challenge is an exciting realization of student engagement and ideas. This new engagement tool was supported by the Invest ���ϲ����� initiative to enhance the student experience.

Are you ready to take the Challenge? Here are ways to engage:

Completing Challenges

Completing ���ϲ����� challenges is what the app is all about. Try to get to the top of the leaderboard and earn bragging rights and more. View the list of challenges in the app and complete the challenges by following the “how to complete” instructions for each one. When complete, you will receive confirmation that a challenge was completed and you will start earning points. The more challenges you complete, the closer you get to earning cool prizes.

Winning Prizes

The more challenges completed, the more prizes earned. Students only need to complete one challenge to earn their first prize! Students will be notified of prize pick-up times throughout the semester via push notifications in the app.

Submitting Challenges

Given the plethora of activities, events and need-to-do things on campus, the list of challenges is ever-evolving and student-driven. Therefore, students are given the opportunity to suggest a challenge to add to the ’Cuse Challenge mobile app. Students with suggestions are encouraged to email studentexperience@syr.edu.

Submitting Events to the Calendar

An important feature of the app is its calendar. Not only does the calendar include events that are challenges on the app, it also hosts general campus events and events submitted by members of the campus community. Programs, club advisors or members of student organizations that would like to suggest an event to add to the events calendar in the app are encouraged to email studentexperience@syr.edu. Included in the email should be the event title, description, start and end time, location and, if there is one, website and/or Facebook event link. Remember, these events should also be added to the OrgSync and University calendar!

Fellowships will be awarded annually on a competitive basis to new and continuing doctoral students, and will include a stipend and tuition credits. Typical awards are expected to provide up to two years of funding, with college-level funding provided for two additional years through teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA) positions.

Invest ���ϲ����� is the funding mechanism for the University’s Academic Strategic Plan, which promises to expand opportunities for talented students from across the socioeconomic spectrum; enhance the student experience by strengthening advising; provide access to internships and study-abroad programs; and increase investments in faculty and student led research. The new Fellowship Fund supports these goals by strengthening access to doctoral education, including to underrepresented populations, and by expanding faculty research opportunities.

“Our talented doctoral students play a critically important role in strengthening research at ���ϲ�����, and we are pleased to offer these additional fellowship opportunities,” says Vanable. “The new Fellowship Fund will support the university’s goal of selectively increasing Ph.D. program enrollments and production. Further, by providing additional funding to recruit talented doctoral students, regardless of socioeconomic status, this investment will allow us to advance our leadership in diversity and inclusion, interdisciplinary and global study, and research excellence, each of which plays a fundamental role in ���ϲ�����’s success.”

While the fellowship funding process will be announced later in the semester, Vanable anticipates that the new awards will be prioritized based on demonstrated strengths and outcomes in degree production and post-degree opportunities.

The new Fellowship Fund will complement the Graduate School’s current fellowship funding, which includes 10 STEM fellowships per year to support recruitment of doctoral students from underrepresented backgrounds. Additional fellowships and graduate assistantships are funded at the discretion of the specific graduate schools and colleges.

The Fellowship Fund is one of several new initiatives designed to strengthen graduate and doctoral education at ���ϲ�����. Other recent initiatives include enhanced health insurance benefits for graduate assistants and fellows, and the creation of the new Office of Graduate Professional and Career Development to expand professional development services for graduate students.

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an��undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic��, with a global footprint and��, ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit��.

Last fall, Chancellor Kent Syverud called the $150 million goal both “ambitious and achievable,” intended to continue the upward trajectory in donor support. The previous year’s fundraising totaled $125.7 million.

“���ϲ����� has won the hearts and confidence of tens of thousands of alumni, parents and other friends, many of whom were particularly generous with us this year,” Chancellor Syverud says. “They are inspired by the shared vision of this University as a truly distinctive global research leader where students are uniquely prepared to succeed personally and professionally.” So inspired in fact, there was a 37 percent increase in gifts totaling more than $1 million.

“Across all class years and generations, alumni are demonstrating their commitment to the Orange,” says Matt Ter Molen, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “Nearly 23,000 alumni gave us gifts of significant dollars and support for the vision of ���ϲ�����. That’s a 22 percent increase in the number of alumni donors from the year before. As we head toward our sesquicentennial celebration in 2020, we are heartened by the broadening base of support, and we are grateful. The total raised in 2018 is the second-largest single fundraising year in the history of ���ϲ�����. We look forward to reporting on the progress we are able to make because of the generosity of alumni and friends. Private philanthropy is the key to unlocking opportunities and delivering on the ambitious goals of the University and the dreams of our students.”

A critical element of fundraising success this past year was donor interest in ensuring that talented students from across the socioeconomic spectrum have access to extraordinary educational opportunities. More than $24 million was raised as part of the Invest ���ϲ����� campaign to provide scholarships to deserving students. Also, during the first ever 24-hour Giving Day event known as Boost the ’Cuse, thousands of alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends of the University made gifts totaling more than $1.7 million to ensure access for future generations of students. That total was achieved with a generous $500,000 challenge from Life Trustee Daniel A. D’Aniello ’68 and his wife, Gayle.

Other fundraising highlights include:

• A $20 million gift from U.S. Navy veteran D’Aniello and the D’Aniello family, one of the single largest gifts in University history, to support construction of the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC). Chancellor Syverud described the gift as “profoundly transformative,” one that will allow the University to fulfill its promise of being the best place for veterans. The D’Aniellos’ contribution to the NVRC was in addition to a $2.5 million annual gift they made to support the Chancellor’s strategic priorities, as well as programs benefiting veterans and their families.
• University Life Trustee Daniel Mezzalingua ’60 and his wife, Kathy, made a $5.25 million gift in support of undergraduate financial aid, helping to deliver on the promise of the Invest ���ϲ����� Initiative to provide $40 million in new student scholarships by fiscal year 2019.
• A $3.5 million gift from alumnus Kwang Tan G’73, Ph.D., will help ensure SU students have access to comprehensive health, wellness and recreation services and resources by supporting significant renovations to Archbold Gymnasium, which includes the creation of the Barnes Center at The Arch, a new state-of-the-art holistic health and recreation complex.
• University Life Trustee William “Bill” F. Allyn G’59 and his wife, Janet “Penny” Jones Allyn ’60, made a $2.28 million gift to enhance the student experience in the College of Engineering and Computer Science��and help students across the University bring their inventions to life in a new accelerator to be named the Bill and Penny Allyn Innovation Center.
• University Life Trustee John Riley ’61 and his wife, Diane, made a $2.3 million gift to create the H. John and Diane M. Riley Dual Engineering/M.B.A. Endowed Scholarship fund. The fund will provide the opportunity and financial support to undergraduate students, regardless of economic background, interested in jointly completing a bachelor’s degree in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and an M.B.A. in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management.

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint and nearly 150 years of history, ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

Karin DeLeon

DeLeon joins ���ϲ����� from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where she serves as an advanced mental health resident in VCU’s Counseling Services. She is also an alumna of VCU, where she earned a Master of Social Work and bachelor’s degree in psychology. DeLeon brings nearly a decade of clinical social work experience, spanning behavioral health interventions for at-risk youth, individual and group therapy, sexual and domestic violence advocacy, and crisis response.

In her current role with VCU’s Counseling Services, DeLeon also concentrates on working with students from traditionally underserved communities, providing training to psychology and social work interns, and creating outreach programming. She utilizes relational cultural theory and an interpersonal process therapy approach in her therapeutic services. In addition to her professional experience, DeLeon has served as a researcher with VCU’s Department of Psychology and Department of Social and Behavioral Health, as well as with the Massey Cancer Center and Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry.

“I am very excited to start with ���ϲ����� and bring my passion for advocacy and working to create a safe environment with college students of varying backgrounds,” says DeLeon. “For me, the best and possibly most important part of being a therapist is facilitating an environment where students can be their full authentic selves.”

Danielle Jones

Since graduating from Falk College’s Master of Social Work Program, Jones has served as a therapist at Vera House Inc., a comprehensive domestic and sexual violence service agency, providing therapy services to adult, youth and children survivors of violence. Jones has also brought her multicultural, multi-systemic and interdisciplinary approach to her clinical experience as a counselor with Le Moyne College’s HEPP Upward Bound Program; a program associate with ���ϲ����� Jewish Family Services; an adult outpatient clinician intern with St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health; and a student therapist with SU’s Couple and Family Therapy Center. In these roles, Jones has provided trauma-informed therapy, crisis intervention, integrated care, gender and sexuality affirmative therapy, school-based and community-based therapy, and spirituality/faith-based therapy.

“I’m both excited and energized to re-connect to the ���ϲ����� community as an employee,” says Jones. “It is humbling to be able to invest back into a community that has had a hand in helping me progress, both on my personal and professional journey. I’m honored to be able to help others navigate their own journeys in my role at the Counseling Center.”

Prior to coming to ���ϲ�����, Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies at the University of North Carolina–Greensboro. After graduating, she spent a year participating in the AmeriCorps VISTA program at Fayetteville State University’s Office of College Access Programs and continued as a certified academic coach with the office before pursuing a master’s degree.

“As we expand our staff, Karin and Danielle not only bring vast and varied counseling experience to the center, they both share a genuine excitement to join the University community and engage students inside and outside the Counseling Center,” says Cory Wallack, director of the Counseling Center.

DeLeon begins July 16 and Jones begins Aug. 1. Two more staff therapists are expected to be hired this summer.

For more information about services and programs, visit the .

About��Invest ���ϲ�����

Invest ���ϲ�����: Advancing Academic Excellence and the Student Experience��aims to provide all students with a distinctive, world-class learning experience that prepares them for professional and personal success. The three-pronged initiative seeks to redefine the student experience, advance discovery and innovation, and expand opportunity for students of promise and talent from across the socioeconomic spectrum. To learn more about��Invest ���ϲ�����, visit .

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

Heather Cosgrove

Cosgrove will oversee and provide clinical supervision to a team of graduate student trainees and behavioral health interns. Through partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, Falk College and School of Education, graduate students in clinical psychology, school psychology, counselor education, social work, and marriage and family therapy will gain professional experience. These students will support individual counseling, group therapy, and outreach and education efforts in collaboration with Health Services and the Office of Health Promotion.

Following a national search, Cosgrove comes to the Counseling Center from Hamilton College, where she served as assistant director and staff psychologist at the counseling center. In addition to providing short- and long-term therapy to individuals and groups, Cosgrove launched and coordinated a peer counseling program at Hamilton College and supervised postdoctoral and entry-level interns.

Cosgrove earned a Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University at Buffalo, where she also served as a practicum counselor and clinical graduate assistant at the counseling center. She also spent a year training as a doctoral intern at Illinois State University Student Counseling Services, where she provided individual counseling, group therapy and crisis services. Cosgrove earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

“We are excited to partner with our colleagues in the schools and colleges to bring this new graduate student program to life and enhance health and wellness services on campus,” says Cory Wallack, director of the Counseling Center. “Under Heather’s leadership, this new program will simultaneously expand practicum opportunities for graduate students in the health professions and increase access to mental health, education and programming services.”

Cosgrove will begin on Monday, July 16.

About��Invest ���ϲ�����

Invest ���ϲ�����: Advancing Academic Excellence and the Student Experience��aims to provide all students with a distinctive, world-class learning experience that prepares them for professional and personal success. The three-pronged initiative seeks to redefine the student experience, advance discovery and innovation, and expand opportunity for students of promise and talent from across the socioeconomic spectrum. To learn more about��Invest ���ϲ�����, visit .

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

The center, which receives partial funding through the Invest ���ϲ����� initiative, was created this spring to advance the Academic Strategic Plan goal of developing innovative programs to support teaching excellence and the learning experience.

Martha A. Kalnin Diede

“This appointment represents a major step forward in our commitment to fostering teaching and scholarly excellence and building an outstanding academic experience for all students,” says Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs LaVonda N. Reed. “Martha has the experience and skills needed to lead this critical initiative, and I very much look forward to working with her.”

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence will promote the scholarship of evidence-based pedagogy; support the career development of faculty and instructional staff; and enhance student-centered teaching, course design and engaged learning. Among other responsibilities, Diede will oversee the design and execution of teaching support initiatives, including mentoring programs and coaching for faculty; attention to diversity and equity, and inclusion of marginalized populations; and the creation of a faculty professional development plan that enhances and supports teaching excellence.

Diede has served since 2016 as director of Western Carolina University’s Coulter Faculty Commons for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. In that role she oversaw an academic affairs and information technology staff in areas relating to educational development, educational technology, faculty research support, and the Blackboard learning management system. She assured compliance with federal regulations and external accrediting bodies, fostered cross-campus departmental relationships, and conducted faculty teaching and technology assessments and follow-up.

“I am excited and privileged to have the opportunity to lead such an important initiative at ���ϲ�����,” says Diede. “Faculty who excel as teachers and scholars are vital to any university’s capacity to deliver an outstanding student experience. I look forward to collaborating with faculty and administrators on advancing this strategic goal here at ���ϲ�����.”

Prior to her appointment as director of the Coulter Faculty Commons at Western Carolina University, Diede served as interim director and senior educational developer at the center. Before that, she taught for 13 years as part of the English department faculty at Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington.

Diede earned a Ph.D. and an M.A. at Baylor University and a B.A. at Seattle Pacific University.

The Signature Hires initiative is designed to advance the University’s educational initiatives.

The additions will involve a combination of signature hires and cluster hires seeking to build a more diverse faculty, elevate the University’s national and international reputation in signature areas and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration through cluster hires.

“This initiative aligns solidly with the overarching goal of Invest ���ϲ�����, which is to provide all students with a distinctive, world-class learning experience to prepare them for professional and personal success,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “These strategic hires will advance our capacity to provide a state-of-the-art 21^st century education by enhancing professor-to-student ratios and generating significant new research opportunities for our students.”

Provost Michele Wheatly says the Signature Hires Initiative will advance the University’s Academic Strategic Plan while also strengthening the University’s Carnegie classification as an R1 research university. “As an international, student-focused research university, we are committed to growing the research enterprise; increasing discoveries, innovation and impact; diversifying our faculty; and enhancing our national and international reputation,” says Provost Wheatly. “This hiring initiative will leverage our existing cross-cutting strengths to facilitate interdisciplinary research that expands our capacity to address some of the most complex global challenges of the day.”

To initiate the signature hiring process, each school and college was asked, if given the opportunity, how they would distinguish themselves through signature hires. For example, one school noted in its signature hire proposal the desire to build a critical mass of faculty able to generate high-impact intellectual capital in key areas, such as entrepreneurship, to better distinguish the school among its peers.

Recommended signature positions were reviewed by a panel of senior faculty and campus leadership. Criteria for signature hires included a requirement to increase the quality of education at ���ϲ����� by a combined commitment to teaching and research. The initiative seeks to identify a diverse group of talented and passionate educators whose expertise in their research fields will enable them to translate their success into practical, real-world action by their students and prepare those students for careers that address contemporary issues.

Using that criteria, the Signature Hires Initiative review panel identified 31 positions across the 11 degree-granting schools and colleges, with positions to be cost-shared by the University and the schools and colleges.

“The greatest impact of the Signature Hires Initiative will be realized through the opportunities it will create for our students,” says John Liu, the University’s vice president for research. “In addition to providing a state-of-the-art educational experience for our students and increasing diversity among our faculty, new research opportunities resulting from the initiative will help pave the way for students to excel in their careers. In the long term, the success of ���ϲ����� is defined by the success of our graduates.”

Under the Signature Hires Initiative, identified signature hires should contribute to the national and international reputation of ���ϲ�����, bolstering the earning power of graduating students and enhancing institutional success in recruiting new students.

About Invest ���ϲ�����

Invest ���ϲ�����: Advancing Academic Excellence and the Student Experience aims to provide all students with a distinctive, world-class learning experience that prepares them for professional and personal success. The three-pronged initiative seeks to redefine the student experience, advance discovery and innovation and expand opportunity for students of promise and talent from across the socioeconomic spectrum. To learn more about Invest ���ϲ�����, visit .

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

The new budget reflects initiatives previously announced as part of , a $100 million investment to , and for students of talent and promise from across the socioeconomic spectrum.

For the 2018-19 academic year, the cost of tuition for full-time new undergraduates will increase by 3.9 percent, which when Invest ���ϲ����� was announced on July 26, 2017. That’s in addition to the previously announced Invest ���ϲ����� tuition premium of $3,300. There is no increase in room and board rates for new undergraduates. Tuition for full-time new undergraduates will be $50,230 in 2018-19.

For full-time returning undergraduates, the tuition increase is 3.9 percent, with tuition totaling $46,930 in 2018-19. Most room and board rates for full-time returning undergraduates will increase by approximately 2-2.5 percent, depending on the room and meal plan chosen.

“While we have adjusted our tuition rates as part of our transformative Invest ���ϲ����� initiative, it’s important to note that a significant portion of our students do not pay the full tuition rate,” says Dolan Evanovich, senior vice president for enrollment and the student experience. “In fact, roughly 75 percent of our students receive some form of financial aid. And, after accounting for scholarships and financial aid, the average net price of tuition for undergraduates is just over $29,600.”

The 2018-19 budget also includes the largest commitment to University-funded financial aid ever, totaling $264 million, a 6.5 percent increase over what was distributed the prior year.

“Expanding opportunity for promising students from across the socioeconomic spectrum is a critical goal of Invest ���ϲ�����. Increasing our financial aid commitment is just one way we’re making that vision a reality,” says Evanovich.

In addition, graduate assistant stipends will increase by an overall average of 2.5 percent in the 2018-19 budget. The new minimum stipend for graduate students is $15,378. For students on a University Fellowship, the 2018-19 minimum amounts for fellowships have increased to $15,424 for master’s students and remain at $25,290 for doctoral students. These stipend increases are in addition to the significant cost savings many graduate assistants and fellows will recognize as a result of a new University-subsidized health care plan.

The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees recently approved undergraduate tuition, room and board, and other fees for the 2018-19 academic year as proposed by the University administration.

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an��undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic , with a global footprint, and��, ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

As part of , a $100 million initiative designed to advance academic excellence and the student experience, ���ϲ����� today announced steps it will take to enhance mental health counseling and services on campus.

Following significant discussion between University and Student Association leaders, the Counseling Center is piloting extended hours of operation for the spring 2018 semester. This semester, searches will also begin for four additional staff therapists and a psychiatrist. With the increase in staffing, there are also plans to create a Counseling Center satellite office at 111 Waverly Ave. The increase in staffing and extension of hours are part of broader efforts to strengthen and increase access to health and wellness services.

“Mental health is a critical component to addressing students’ holistic health and wellness needs. By extending hours, increasing staffing and providing group therapy options at later hours, we can increase the reach and opportunities for students to access the care they need and better support their capacity to be successful inside and outside the classroom,” says Dolan Evanovich, senior vice president for enrollment and the student experience.

“Mental health is integrated into every facet of students’ lives—from academics, social lives, and more. It’s often a crucial component and antecedent to a dynamic and successful education. Therefore, over the past few years, mental health has been a key priority for Student Association. We have worked with University leaders and campus partners to lead and discuss initiatives surrounding mental health, such as Mental Health Awareness Week. We are excited about these additional investments in mental health services and counseling because they not only increase access to essential resources, they also convey a powerful message that no student is alone, each student’s mental health is valued, and every student deserves help if they need it,” says Angie Pati ’18, Student Association vice president.

On Mondays and Thursdays, the center will remain open until 7 p.m. to accommodate more scheduled appointments. Additionally, the Counseling Center will host two evening group therapy options on these days.

With extended hours, the Counseling Center increases its capacity for scheduled counseling appointments, as well as broadens its hours of operation in ways that may be more convenient for students. The extended hours, increased appointment slots, and additional staff therapists can also support efforts to reduce wait times.

Coupled with the , the Counseling Center is looking forward to a robust spring 2018 schedule that offers more opportunities for students to seek mental health counseling.

As a start, the two group therapy options offered in the evening will be:

Supporting Students with Anxiety,��a weekly group for students experiencing symptoms of anxiety and difficulty with stress management that will be offered Mondays, 5-6:30 p.m.

Building Resilience,��a five-week skills and process group that provides students the opportunity to develop the strength and stamina to deal with life’s challenges that will be offered Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m

To join a group, students must first contact the Counseling Center at 315.443.4715. Students will complete an orientation session prior to starting group. For more information on the different group therapy options, visit the Counseling Center’s Group Therapy webpage or contact Dr. Brown at clbrow01@syr.edu.

About��Invest ���ϲ�����

Invest ���ϲ�����: Advancing Academic Excellence and the Student Experience��aims to provide all students with a distinctive, world-class learning experience that prepares them for professional and personal success. The three-pronged initiative seeks to redefine the student experience, advance discovery and innovation, and expand opportunity for students of promise and talent from across the socioeconomic spectrum. To learn more about��Invest ���ϲ�����, visit��.

About ���ϲ�����

Founded in 1870, ���ϲ����� is a private international research university dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering student success through teaching excellence, rigorous scholarship and interdisciplinary research. Comprising 11 academic schools and colleges, the University has a long legacy of excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional disciplines that prepares students for the complex challenges and emerging opportunities of a rapidly changing world. Students enjoy the resources of a 270-acre main campus and extended campus venues in major national metropolitan hubs and across three continents. ���ϲ�����’s student body is among the most diverse for an institution of its kind across multiple dimensions, and students typically represent all 50 states and more than 100 countries. ���ϲ����� also has a long legacy of supporting veterans and is home to the nationally recognized Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the first university-based institute in the U.S. focused on addressing the unique needs of veterans and their families. To learn more about ���ϲ�����, visit��.

The Euclid Avenue shuttle route will operate during late-night hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with stops along Euclid Avenue down to Westcott Street.

SA leaders James Franco ’18, president, and Angie Pati ’18, vice president, say a strong partnership with University leaders and passionate student advocates made the new shuttle route possible.

“One of Student Association’s priorities is to enable safe transportation of students around the campus and communities surrounding it.��We were able to offer a successful ride-sharing partnership earlier in the semester that helped address this, and now we are excited to see one of our flagship initiatives become a reality in the spring semester,” says Franco. “We truly believe that this will improve the quality of student life for many, as students now can have access to a consistent, convenient and safe way to travel around the most heavily student-populated neighborhoods off campus. We are thankful to the many people who made this possible and appreciate the support of University leaders.”

Working with SA and GSO,��the Divisions of Enrollment and the Student Experience; Business, Finance and Administrative Services; and Campus Safety and Emergency Services outlined plans to launch the shuttle. The Parking and Transit Services team assessed routes in the east neighborhood and found opportunities to expand services.

The Euclid Avenue shuttle route will operate during late-night hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with stops along Euclid Avenue down to Westcott Street. The new route will include stops most requested by students and run at an increased frequency. Additionally, due to student interest, beginning in the spring semester, the Price Rite, located on Erie Boulevard, will be added to the East Campus Bus route on Saturday and Sunday.

“We are pleased that one of the first Invest ���ϲ����� initiatives to enhance the student experience comes as a result of direct partnership with student leadership,” says Dolan Evanovich, senior vice president for enrollment and the student experience. “The additions we are making will not only provide greater convenience and access to the east neighborhood, but also increase safe travel options when students live or travel off-campus. We look forward to continuing to work with Student Association and GSO to launch this program.”

Additional details, including times and route information, will be posted on the Parking and Transit Services website in the coming weeks.

About Invest ���ϲ�����

Invest ���ϲ�����: Advancing Academic Excellence and the Student Experience aims to provide all students with a distinctive, world-class learning experience that prepares them for professional and personal success. The three-pronged initiative seeks to redefine the student experience, advance discovery and innovation, and expand opportunity for students of promise and talent from across the socioeconomic spectrum. To learn more about Invest ���ϲ�����, visit .

About ���ϲ�����

Founded in 1870, ���ϲ����� is a private international research university dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering student success through teaching excellence, rigorous scholarship and interdisciplinary research. Comprising 11 academic schools and colleges, the University has a long legacy of excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional disciplines that prepares students for the complex challenges and emerging opportunities of a rapidly changing world. Students enjoy the resources of a 270-acre main campus and extended campus venues in major national metropolitan hubs and across three continents. ���ϲ�����’s student body is among the most diverse for an institution of its kind across multiple dimensions, and students typically represent all 50 states and more than 100 countries. ���ϲ����� also has a long legacy of supporting veterans and is home to the nationally recognized Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the first university-based institute in the U.S. focused on addressing the unique needs of veterans and their families. To learn more about ���ϲ�����, visit .

“���ϲ����� has several ambitious initiatives underway, including the implementation of the Academic Strategic Plan and Invest ���ϲ�����, as well as the development of several priority projects in the Campus Framework,” says Amir Rahnamay-Azar, senior vice president and chief financial officer. “It is critical that as we continue to bring to life these bold initiatives that all of our business functions are working efficiently, effectively and synergistically. Our goal, as a division, is to be an excellent partner in the important academic work of our institution.”

Rahnamay-Azar says the strategic planning process seeks to accomplish the following goals:

• Establish clear organizational goals for BFAS aligned with those of the University.
• Enhance service offerings in alignment with best practices and industry standards.
• Develop metrics of excellence, and design a framework for measuring success against the plan’s goals.
• Conceptualize and implement a plan that complements the goals of, and accounts for opportunities associated with the following:
• Engage the University community in a series of targeted conversations focused on soliciting input specific to their needs and concerns regarding BFAS operations and services.

The steering committee, chaired by Tony Callisto, senior vice president and chief law enforcement officer, consists of various leaders within the BFAS division. Steering committee members include:

• Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer (vice chair)
• Jamie Cyr, director of auxiliary services (vice chair)
• Lisa Cotanch, director of tax reporting and financial projects
• Tom Dwyer, assistant director of audit and management advisory services
• Adam Fumarola, senior associate vice president for real estate and assessment management
• Gwenn Judge, director of budget and planning
• David Smith, treasurer

Over the next few months, steering committee members will engage in targeted outreach to student leaders, faculty and staff, and other key stakeholders via one-on-one and group conversations, gathering input to help guide the BFAS strategic planning process.

Regular updates will be provided on the SU News website at .

Daniel D’Aniello

“We are honored to have the opportunity to energize this one-day, all-hands-on-deck effort to support the Invest ���ϲ����� initiative,” says D’Aniello. “I am confident the funds raised will help those individuals with great talent and promise—but for whom a ���ϲ����� degree seemed out of reach—to come here. I applaud my alma mater for taking such bold steps to elevate the University’s academic excellence and student experience.”

In addition to challenging others to give, the D’Aniello family’s gift will help support , a $100 million initiative that seeks to redefine the student experience, advance discovery and innovation, and expand opportunity and access. The Invest ���ϲ����� initiative includes a $40 million fundraising goal to support scholarships for promising students from across the socioeconomic spectrum.

“The D’Aniello family’s leadership and generosity are vital to the success of this ambitious 24-hour challenge,” says Chief Advancement Officer Matt Ter Molen. “The goal of the day is to have 1,870 donors join the D’Aniello family in supporting the University and this initiative.” ���ϲ����� was founded in 1870.

D’Aniello, who later this week will receive the Arents Award, ���ϲ�����’s highest alumni honor, has consistently supported the University in service and philanthropy. In addition to serving on ���ϲ�����’s Board of Trustees, he co-chairs the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) Advisory Board and serves on the Advisory Board. He also has contributed generously to scholarship funds, student experiential learning, the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities, the D’Aniello Lecture Series, the IVMF and the Whitman School.

Professionally, D’Aniello is chair and co-founder of The Carlyle Group. Prior to forming Carlyle in 1987, he was vice president for finance and development at Marriott Corp., where he oversaw the valuation of all major mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, debt and equity offerings and project financings. Before that, he was a financial officer at PepsiCo and Trans World Airlines.

D’Aniello was awarded the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation’s Lone Sailor Award for drawing upon his Sea Service experience to achieve success in his personal and professional life, while exemplifying the core values of honor, courage and commitment. He is a member of the Council for the United States and Italy, the John Templeton Foundation, the Lumen Institute and the U.S.-China CEO and Former Senior Officials’ Dialogue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He is vice chair of the board of trustees of the American Enterprise Institute for Public Research and chair of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. He also has overseen various public and private companies in which Carlyle has or has had significant investment interests.

To make a gift and to learn more about Invest ���ϲ�����: Advancing Academic Excellence and the Student Experience, visit .

Today, the University announced the three members of the campus community who will moderate each engagement session. They are:

• Cathryn Newton, special advisor to the Chancellor and Provost for Faculty Engagement, dean emerita of the and professor of Earth sciences and interdisciplinary sciences;
• Ramesh Raina, professor and chair of the Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences and chair, University Senate Agenda Committee; and
• James Franco ’18, president of the Student Association.

Newton will moderate the Sept. 5 event, while Raina and Franco will moderate the Sept. 20 and Oct. 3 events, respectively.

The engagement sessions will feature the senior leaders charged with collaborating with the appropriate constituency groups to bring to life the ambitious goals articulated in Invest ���ϲ�����. These sessions will be facilitated panel discussions and will include Michele G. Wheatly, vice chancellor and provost; Amir Rahnamay-Azar, senior vice president and chief financial officer; Dolan Evanovich, senior vice president for enrollment and the student experience; and Matt Ter Molen, senior vice president and chief advancement officer.

Newton, Raina and Franco will moderate a panel discussion, which will provide an overview of Invest ���ϲ����� while also addressing frequently asked questions. The moderators will then open the sessions up to audience input and questions.

Community members interested in participating are invited to attend one or more of the following forums. The events, all of which will be held in Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center, will be held on the following dates:

• Tuesday, Sept. 5

3-4:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, Sept. 20

3:30-5 p.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 3

3:30-5 p.m.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be available for each event. If you have requests for accessibility and accommodations, please contact the Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services (EOIRS) office at 315.443.4018.

To learn more about Invest ���ϲ�����, please visit .

The engagement sessions will feature the senior leaders charged with collaborating with the appropriate constituency groups to bring to life the ambitious goals articulated in Invest ���ϲ�����. These sessions will be facilitated panel discussions and will include Michele G. Wheatly, vice chancellor and provost; Amir Rahnamay-Azar, senior vice president and chief financial officer; Dolan Evanovich, senior vice president for enrollment and the student experience; and Matt Ter Molen, senior vice president and chief advancement officer.

Community members interested in participating are invited to attend one or more of the following forums. The events, all of which will be held in Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center, will be held on the following dates:

• Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3-4:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, Sept. 20, 3:30-5 p.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 3, 3:30-5 p.m.

The new schedule of events comes less than a month after the University introduced the initiative to the campus and alumni communities. Invest ���ϲ�����, a three-pronged initiative, seeks to redefine the student experience, advance discovery and innovation, and expand opportunity for students of promise and talent from across the socioeconomic spectrum.

“Invest ���ϲ����� will implement the bold vision set forth in the Academic Strategic Plan, as well as the strategic plans developed by the schools and colleges,” says Wheatly. “The exact investments—line by line—have not been determined. This is intentional, so we can engage with the campus community. The Invest ���ϲ����� plan’s sources of funds are fixed and include a targeted fundraising campaign, a tuition premium, and cost reductions and efficiencies. But, more importantly, the priority-setting process to determine how those funds will be invested is a work in progress and requires the input of students, faculty and staff.”

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be available for each event. If you have requests for accessibility and accommodations, please contact the Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services (EOIRS) office at 315.443.4018.