You searched for news/ TIL Limited | Syracuse University Today / Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:23:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 /wp-content/uploads/2025/08/cropped-apple-touch-icon-120x120.png You searched for news/ TIL Limited | Syracuse University Today / 32 32 Advocating for Disability Rights in Higher Education /2026/01/09/advocating-for-disability-rights-in-higher-education/ Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:23:54 +0000 /?p=331007 Mary J. Goodwin-Oquendo L’09 credits the College of Law for empowering her to found the Goodwin-Oquendo Law Firm, which champions disability civil rights.

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Advocating for Disability Rights in Higher Education

Mary J. Goodwin-Oquendo L’09 credits the College of Law for empowering her to found the Goodwin-Oquendo Law Firm, which champions disability civil rights.
Caroline K. Reff Jan. 9, 2026

Mary J. Goodwin-Oquendo L’09 learned what true advocacy looks like long before she ever stepped into a law school classroom. Growing up, she watched her mother tirelessly fight to secure appropriate educational services for her younger brother, who has autism and learning disabilities. Seeing firsthand how complex systems can fail families, she began to ask a powerful question: Who helps students who do not have anyone able to challenge the system for them?

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Mary J. Goodwin-Oquendo

Today, Goodwin-Oquendo is that advocate. As the founder of The Goodwin-Oquendo Law Firm in New York City, she champions disability civil rights, particularly related to education, standardized testing, professional licensing and employment. Getting to this point took grit, talent and determination. She credits the College of Law for providing the foundation, flexibility and mentorship she needed to earn her law degree and pursue the work that drives her—advocating for others through the legal system.

Goodwin-Oquendo will speak about her experiences and the process of advocating for bar exam accommodations later this spring during a webinar hosted by the ).

The presentation was purposefully planned as a virtual event, as it accommodates Goodwin-Oquendo’s disability-related needs, as well as those of attendees with disabilities, and allows both on-campus and online JDinteractive students—in addition to other guests around the country—to participate.

Walking in the Steps of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Goodwin-Oquendo’s desire to be a lawyer started early. She studied at the James Madison High School Law Institute in Brooklyn, New York—the same school the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg attended.

The four-year program helps students understand the legal system through law classes, moot court and mock trials. She came to see attorneys as “helpers,” and realized the law could be her pathway to advocate for those who needed a voice.

Facing Her Challenges and Finding a Mentor

While pursuing her undergraduate degree at St. Joseph’s University in New York, Goodwin-Oquendo was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and learned first-hand how difficult it was to navigate higher education with “an invisible, poorly understood disability.”

However, she learned how to self-accommodate her disabilities, graduated as valedictorian and set her sights on law school. She ultimately chose the College of Law because of its various clinics, particularly the Family Law Clinic, because she knew the challenges from clients who felt vulnerable or unheard would make her a more respectful and transparent lawyer.

Her first year wasn’t easy, as Goodwin-Oquendo navigated the demands as a first-year law student while managing a physical condition that fluctuated day to day. This was compounded by her lack of health insurance (prior to the Affordable Care Act), which limited her ability to receive the care she needed.

“I went from graduating first in my class in college to struggling in my first semester of law school because I didn’t have the physical stamina to keep up the pace,” she says. “Some of the strategies that had worked in high school and college just didn’t work anymore because the expectations of law school were much higher.”

Fortunately, she enrolled in a class led by who took emeritus status in 2024. Kanter is an acclaimed expert in international and comparative disability law and helped Goodwin-Oquendo understand the accommodations she was entitled to. (Kanter founded the DLPP at Syracuse Law in 2005, one of the nation’s most extensive disability law programs in the U.S.)

She is forever grateful to Kanter—who remains a role model—for helping her find ways to manage her disability and continue to succeed. For the past five years, Goodwin-Oquendo has been an adjunct professor at Fordham University School of Law, in part, she says, “to be for my students what Professor Kanter was for me.”

Professor Kanter had many resources, including this ‘holy book’ of disability law firms in the New York area, which were few and far between. She encouraged me during my 2L year to reach out to Jo Anne Simon, a disability civil rights attorney in Brooklyn, who later became a state assembly member, to learn more about working in this part of the legal field.

They connected, and soon Simon offered Goodwin-Oquendo a summer job at the firm. In 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act was passed, reaffirming Congress’s commitment to disability rights. That law shaped a lot of the work Goodwin-Oquendo did at the firm.

“It was not light work,” she says, “but the job training I received was nothing short of phenomenal—so much so that I joined her firm after law school and stayed there for the next 14 years. Jo Anne remains a dear friend and mentor, and she has done so much to advance the rights of individuals with disabilities.”

Establishing Her Own Firm for Educational Advocacy

In 2024, she launched the Goodwin-Oquendo Law Firm in New York City, dedicated to representing individuals with cognitive, physical and psychiatric disabilities who face discrimination or need accommodations in education for admissions tests, professional licensing exams, state bar exams and medical boards.

“People come to me because they clearly need certain accommodations to fully access and complete an exam, for example, and they are being denied this for the highest stakes exam of their lives,” she says. “Others come to me because they’ve received a diagnosis later in life or have been living with a disability that wasn’t as challenging for them until they reached college, law school or medical school, and now they need someone to help them understand their options and advocate for their rights.”

Read the full story on the College of Law website

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Advocating for Disability Rights in Higher Education
2025-26 Holiday and Orange Appreciation Days Information Detailed /2025/12/08/2025-26-holiday-and-orange-appreciation-days-information-detailed/ Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:04:57 +0000 /?p=329886 Most University offices closed or on reduced hours during holiday break; essential services remain fully operational.

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Campus & Community 2025-26

Photo by Jeremy Brinn

2025-26 Holiday and Orange Appreciation Days Information Detailed

Most University offices closed or on reduced hours during holiday break; essential services remain fully operational.
Dec. 8, 2025

In continuation of the University’s commitment to providing comprehensive benefits and in appreciation of the contributions of faculty and staff, the University will operate under its holiday schedule and Orange Appreciation Days format for the winter break period from 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

In addition to the regular University holidays of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 and bonus days Dec. 26 and 31, the following days have been designated as paid Orange Appreciation Days: Dec. 29 and 30 and Jan. 2.

Units providing essential services that will remain fully operational during the Winter Break include the Department of Public Safety and Facilities Services.

Services During Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break

Admissions and Enrollment Processing

The office will be closed for the holidays and Orange Appreciation Days and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Advancement and External Affairs

Advancement Services staff will maintain business hours at the 640 Skytop Office Building Dec. 29, 30 and 31, 2025, to receive and process fundraising gifts.

Building Occupancy

During the Holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period:

Request for Building Access (locking):
If you require your building to be open over the holidays/Orange Appreciation Days period, please submit a request to your building coordinator, noting the specific dates and times. Requests should be made by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. (Note that faculty and staff will be able to access the buildings you work in, as usual, by using their SU I.D. cards, even when the buildings are locked.)

Building temperatures will be lowered to 60 degrees unless prior arrangements have been made.

Deans, directors and department heads may submit a detailed request for adjustments to temperature and lighting during the holidays/Orange Appreciation Days period. Please review the University’s temperature guidelines. We ask that requests be made using the Maximo Maintenance system by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. Requests will be reviewed and approved by either the vice president and chief facilities officer or the provost.

Important: Buildings Not Included in the Reduced Occupancy Schedule

The following buildings will be excluded from the temperature setback and will remain on normal access, temperature and lighting settings:

  • 640 Skytop Road
  • Heroy Geology Laboratory
  • Bowne Hall Fourth Floor
  • Lyman Hall Fourth Floor
  • Sims Hall, Department of Public Safety
  • Center for Science and Technology
  • Bird Library
  • Life Sciences Complex
  • Link Hall
  • Physics Building
  • Ensley Athletic Center
  • South Campus Library Facility
  • Lally Complex
  • Carmelo Anthony Center
  • Tennity Ice Rink
  • Crouse Hinds Hall

Questions on building occupancy can be directed to the Department of Energy Systems and Sustainability Management, 315.443.1535 orenergy@syr.edu.

Bursar’s Office

The Bursar’s Office will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 25, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026,and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 9 a.m. Student account payments can be made through MySlice under the billing/payments tile. Questions may be directed to the Bursar’s Office online form. The Bursar’s Office will monitor incoming questions sent through this form and will respond as quickly as possible during this time.

Campus Bus Shuttle

The campus shuttle service will operate on a reduced schedule until the conclusion of Winter Break. For schedule updates, visit . Please note that there will be no regular campus shuttle service from Dec. 25 through Jan. 3, 2026. During this period, transportation will operate under the 24-hour Safety Escort Service, and all ride requests must be submitted through the Orange Safe app. For urgent matters, on-call staff can be reached through the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Campus Dining

Hours of operation for campus cafes and other dining facilities can be found on theor on the OrangeNow app.

Campus Planning, Design and Construction

Campus Planning, Design and Construction (CPDC) will close on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. and reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. If you have project-specific questions, please reach out to the assigned project manager. For general information, email cpdc@syr.edu.

Campus Store

The Campus Store will be closed Saturday, Dec. 20, through Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. During this time, the online store will be available for customer orders. Orders received on or after Friday, Dec. 20, will be processed beginning Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Staff will be available beginning Friday, Jan. 2, at 8:30 a.m. Please contactsm8551@bncollege.comwith questions or for assistance.

Cash Operations (Bowne Hall)

The offices at Bowne Hall will be closed. For questions, email cashops@syr.edu. Email will be monitored daily.

Counseling

Counseling will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, as well as Monday, Jan. 19. However, in the event of a mental health emergency, or if there is a need to contact a member of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team, 24-hour services remain available. These services can be accessed by calling 315.443.8000.

Custodial Services

Custodial Services will be provided, on a reduced basis, in academic and administrative buildings. All residence halls close on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2025, and no custodial services will be provided. If assistance is needed, call 315.443.1234.

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Materials Distribution and Mail Services delivery and pick up will be provided to departments requesting service. Arrangements for service can be requested by contacting Materials Distribution at e-materials@syr.edu or mailsrvc@syr.edu.

Deliveries (UPS and FedEx)

Materials Distribution will be delivering UPS and Fed Ex deliveries during the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with the exception of Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. If your department has a specific request pertaining to deliveries over Orange Days, please email e-materials@syr.edu.

Disability Benefits and Workers’ Compensation Benefit Payments

Disability benefits checks will be on regular payroll schedule. For those who don’t use the direct deposit option, checks will be mailed to the employee’s home address by the payroll department during the week of Dec. 23. For assistance with workers’ compensation checks, please contact our third-party administrator, PMA, at 1.888.476.2669. For assistance during Orange Appreciation Days, contact Sheera Buckley at slbuck01@syr.eduor 315.416.9066.

Drumlins

The Tennis Club will operate as follows:

  • Tuesday, Dec. 23: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 24: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 25: closed
  • Friday, Dec. 26: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 27: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, Dec. 28: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 29: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 30: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 31: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Friday, Jan. 2: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 3: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, Jan. 4: USTA Gold Tri-Level Regionals; no public access to courts on this day

Normal hours of operation will resume on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Call 315.446.2323 for court times and reservations

Bistro 1926 will be closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, 2026, reopening Friday, Jan. 2.

The banquets office, Pro Shop and management office will be closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 4, reopening Monday, Jan. 5.

Energy Systems and Sustainability Management

The Energy Management Operations Center is staffed 24/7. For building systems scheduling questions or concerns, call 315.443.1535. For building access issues, contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Enrollment Management

The office will be closed during the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

Environmental Health and Safety Services

Environmental Health and Safety Services will have on-call staff available to assist in the event of a hazardous materials spill or emergency during the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period. Environmental Health’s on-call staff can be contacted through the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services

The office will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, and bonus days on Dec. 26 and Dec. 31. On Dec. 29, Dec. 30, and Jan. 2, this year’s designated Orange Appreciation Days, the office will be available to employees by email atequalopp@syr.edu.Email will be checked once a day on Orange Appreciation Days and emergencies will be addressed within 24 hours. The office will return to normal business hours on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs

The office will be closed for the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Fire and Life Safety Services

Fire and Life Safety Services will be staffed on Orange Appreciation Days from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If assistance is needed, call 315.443.5474 or the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. On Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2025, contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Health Care at the Barnes Center at The Arch

Health Care at the Barnes Center will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026; 24-hour on-call service is available at 315.443.8000.

Hendricks Chapel

The Coach Mac Food Pantry will be available upon request (chapel@syr.edu) for those in need, and will fully reopen on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.For additional information please visit the chapelor call 315.443.2901.

Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Service Centers

The offices at 111 Waverly Ave. and 210 Goldstein Student Center will be closed beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24. Both location centers will resume regular business hours on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. If you have an emergency that requires immediate attention, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Human Resources

The office will be closed for the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period, However, employees can reach HR Shared Services by emailinghrservice@syr.eduor leaving a message at 315.443.4042. Emails and voice messages will be checked daily on Orange Appreciation Days, and urgent requests will be addressed promptly. All other matters will be addressed when the University returns to regular business hours, 8:30 to 5 p.m., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

ITS Support

ITS support staff is available by calling 315.443.2677, by emailing help@syr.edu or by chatting with the support staff on ǰduring regular business hours through Friday, Dec. 19, and at the following dates and times:

  • Dec. 20 to 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Dec. 26 to 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For ITS support during days and times outside those listed above, emailhelp@syr.eduor call 315.443.2677. If you choose to call, follow the automated prompts and leave a message for the on-call ITS staff. On-call support is available outside the hours listed above and on the following dates: Dec. 25 and 31 and Jan. 1, 2026.

The ITS Help Desk willresume regular businesshours on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.

ITSService Center In-Person Support Hours

The ITS Service Center in the first-floor lobby of the Women’s Building will be closed starting Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, and will reopen on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Users needing assistance can call 315.443.2677 orhelp@syr.edubefore we reopen.

Updates and hours of operation will be available on the.

Libraries

All libraries will be closed beginning Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, with the following exception of the following: Bird Library, floors LL-5, will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, Tuesday, Dec. 30 and Friday, Jan 2. Special Collections, located on the sixth floor of Bird Library, will not be open on these days. All library hours can be found on the .

Maintenance Requests

Maintenance requests for academic and administrative buildings, residence halls, dining facilities or South Campus apartments may be requested by contacting Facilities Services immediately at 315.443.1234.

Materials Distribution

Materials Distribution deliveries and pick up will be provided to departments requesting service. Arrangements for service can be requested by contacting Materials Distribution at 315.443.1940 or using a list of forms provided on their website. Service requests should be emailed to e-materials@syr.edu.

Media Inquiries/University Communications

The University’s media relations team’s email, , is monitored regularly over Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break. Urgent media inquiries should be directed to Sarah Scalese, vice president for University communications, at sescales@syr.edu.

Paycheck Distribution

All paper paychecks are delivered to the employee’s home department on payday. As a reminder, anyone with a NetID and password is able to set up direct deposit through MySlice.

Weekly and Semi-Monthly Pay During Winter Break

Pay for the work week ending Wednesday, Dec. 24, will be paid on Wednesday, Dec. 31. This is the last paycheck of the calendar year 2025 Form W-2 reporting period.

The semi-monthly pay period ending Wednesday, Dec. 31, will be paid on Wednesday, Dec. 31. This is the last paycheck of the calendar year 2025 Form W-2 reporting period.

Employees who have not signed up for direct deposit, and will therefore receive a paper paycheck, should ensure their permanent address is accurate by going to MySlice and clicking on the personal profile tile on the employee home page. Weekly paper paychecks dated Wednesday, Dec. 31, and semi paper paychecks dated Wednesday, Dec. 31, will be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service to the employee’s permanent address on file.

Direct deposit for the weekly payroll will be available in individuals’ accounts on Wednesday, Dec 31. Direct deposit for the semi-monthly payroll will be available to individuals’ accounts on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Payments by direct deposit can be viewed anytime on MySlice by clicking on the payroll tile on the employee home page.

Weekly Pay Immediately After Winter Break

Pay for the work week ending Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, will be paid on Wednesday Jan. 7.

Payroll Deadlines

Weekly Payroll Deadlines Immediately Prior to Winter Break

  • The week ending Wednesday, Dec. 17, paid on Wednesday, Dec. 24:
  • Time approval is due by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18.
  • Online RAP approval is due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Semi Payroll Deadlines for Winter Break

  • Semi Online RAPs for the pay period ending Wednesday, Dec. 31, are due by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22.

Weekly Payroll Deadlines During Winter Break

The week ending Wednesday, Dec. 24, paid on Wednesday, Dec. 31:

  • Time approval is due by 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 29.
  • Online RAP approval is due by 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 29.
  • Employees will be paid (or not paid) based upon the time that has or has not been approved in the system. Any adjustments or corrections will have to be submitted for payment in the following pay period. There will be no special checks processed.

Payroll Frequently Asked Questions

If I do not have direct deposit, how will I get my paychecks on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday Dec. 31?

Paychecks will be mailed to your permanent address. You can verify your permanent address is accurate by going to MySlice and clicking on the personal profile tile on the employee home page.

Where can I sign up for direct deposit?

Log onto MySlice and click on the payroll tile on the employee home page.

Why might I not receive a paycheck at my home by Wednesday, Dec. 31?

Several reasons could result in you not receiving your paper paycheck on or before Wednesday, Dec. 31. Your permanent address in MySlice has to be correct. For example, if you have moved and did not change your address, the paper paycheck will be delivered to the address per MySlice and either forwarded to your new address (if you have filed a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service) or it will be returned to Payroll. Either case will result in potentially significant delays in your receipt of your paper paycheck.

What happens if my permanent address is incorrect in MySlice?

Since paper paychecks will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, Syracuse University cannot control, track or locate your paycheck once mailed. If you have filed a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service to forward your mail, delivery of your paycheck will be delayed. If no such form has been filed, the paper paycheck will be returned to Payroll. Either case will result in potentially significant delays in your receipt of your paper paycheck.

How do I change my permanent address?

Log in to MySlice and click on the personal profile tile on the employee home page.

If I receive my weekly paper paycheck before Wednesday Dec. 31, or my semi-monthly paper paycheck before Wednesday, Dec. 31, can I cash/deposit it?

No. Paychecks dated Wednesday, Dec. 31, are not valid prior to that date.

What happens if I don’t receive my paper paycheck?

If you have not received your paycheck by Friday, Dec. 26, you can call Payroll at 315.443.4042, option 2, and leave a message with the following information:

  • Indicate that you did not receive your paycheck.
  • Give your name and SU I.D. number.
  • Give the name of the University department that you were expecting pay from.
  • Provide a telephone number where you can be reached.

Messages will be reviewed at various times during the day and calls will be returned as soon as possible.

No special checks will be issued during Winter Break.

Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety will remain open 24/7 during the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period. For emergencies or assistance, call 315.443.2224, connect with us via the Orange Safe app, or text or email 711@syr.edu.

Procurement and Supplier Payment Updates

Procurement(formerly Purchasing)

With Orange Appreciation Days approaching, the Procurement Department wishes to make you aware that any eProcurement requisition receivedafter Monday, Dec. 8,may not be sent out until after Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. If your purchase requires an RFQ (Request for Quote) to be completed, the requisition should be received byMonday, Dec. 8,to ensure processing it will be completed prior to Winter Break.

All JPMC credit card transactions, for activity through Nov. 30, should be submitted in the My Slice Travel and Expense Center on orbefore 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19.

Other Procurement and Sourcing considerations to take into account as we approach the break:

  • Should your purchase request require additional approvals such as those for sponsored or restricted funds, please build in additional time to your planning process.
  • If your purchase request is over $50,000, please allow additional time, as the Office of Budget and Planning must review and approve those orders before they are released. Contactprocurement@syr.edu with any questions.

Supplier Payment (formerly Disbursements)

Supplier Payment will not be processing payments after Tuesday, Dec. 23. The last payment run will be on the night of Tuesday, Dec. 23, for distribution and handling on Wednesday, Dec. 24. After Tuesday,normal processing will resume on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

To ensure timeliness of payments your department may have, please make appropriate arrangements to have requests received in the Supplier Payment emaildisburse@syr.edu, in theAutomated Payment Request module or in theMySlice Travel and Expense Centeron or before 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8,for the following:

  • Supplier invoices on a PO
  • Requisitions with invoices attached off PO
  • Consultant forms
  • Stipend payments
  • Wire transfers: foreign and domestic
  • Out-of-pocket travel submissions for employee or non-employee guests
  • Travel advances for travel scheduled during the end of December 2025
  • Clearing any outstanding travel advances for travel that occurred prior to December 2025

Other considerations: Should your time sensitive payment requests require additional approvals such as Sponsored or Restricted Fund approvals, please allow additional time to your planning process.

AllJPMC credit card transactions, for activity through Nov. 30 should be submitted in the MySlice Travel and Expense Centeron or before 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19.

  • If you have any questions on supplier payments, please contactdisburse@syr.edu.
  • If you have any questions ontravel and expense reimbursements and credit card deadlines, please contacttravelandexpense@syr.edu.

Recreation and Fitness

The recreation and fitness areas at the Barnes Center at The Arch, Ernie Davis Hall and the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion are closed from Thursday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. For updates on operating status, visit the.

Registrar’s Office

The office will be closed for holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period. If you need to reach our office during the closure, please emailregistrar@syr.edu.

Research Integrity and Protections

Facilities Services will have staff on campus throughout Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break to monitor and maintain building systems for research spaces. For emergencies or assistance, please call the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Residential Living

Residential Living’s main offices will be closed Thursday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. On-call staff will be available in the event of emergencies. If issues arise during this time, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224 for assistance.

Snow Clearing

Normal snow clearing activities will take place. If assistance is needed, call 315.443.1234.

Sponsored Programs

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) will have limited staff checking email during the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break period. OSP can be contacted at ospoff@syr.eduor Stuart Taub can be contacted directly atstaub@syr.edu.

Submission of applications with deadlines during the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break period should be coordinated with OSP staff in advance of the break to ensure timely review and authorization.

Student Box Office

The Student Box Office is now virtual. Please email any questions toboxoffice@syr.edu.

Student Engagement

The Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center and the Ann and Alfred Goldstein Student Center will be open during the following times:

  • Dec. 10 to 12: Schine: 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Goldstein: 7:30 a.m. to midnight
  • Dec. 13 and 14: Schine: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., Goldstein: 9 a.m. to midnight
  • Dec. 15: Schine: 7:30 a.m. to midnight, Goldstein: 7:30 a.m. to midnight
  • Dec. 16: Schine: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Goldstein: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Dec. 17 and 18: Schine: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Goldstein: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Dec. 19: Schine and Goldstein: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Dec. 20: Schine: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Goldstein: closed
  • Dec. 21: Schine: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Goldstein: closed
  • Dec. 22 and 23: Schine and Goldstein: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Dec. 24: Schine and Goldstein: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Dec. 25 to Jan. 4, 2026: Schine and Goldstein: closed
  • Jan. 5 to 8: Schine and Goldstein: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Jan. 9: Schine: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Goldstein: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Jan. 10: Schine: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Goldstein: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Jan. 11: Schine and Goldstein: 9 a.m. to midnight

Student Experience

Career Services, Greek Life, Health Promotion (Barnes Center), Student Employment and the Office of Community Standards will all be closed from Thursday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. If issues arise during this time, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224 for assistance. New Student Programs will be closed Monday, Dec. 22, through Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. To support the arrival of our new and returning first-year and transfer students, staff members will respond to voicemails and emails during this time.

Student Outreach and Support

The office will be closed for the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period; however, the Division of the Student Experience staff is on call during this time in the event of a student emergency; please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224 for assistance. For 24/7 health and wellness support, contact the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000

Student Title IX Case Management

The office will be closed for holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period; however, on-call staff will be available to respond if issues arise. To file a report, emailtitleix@syr.edu.In the event of a student emergency, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. For 24/7 health and wellness support, contact the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000.

Syracuse Abroad

Syracuse Abroad will be closed 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.The general voicemail (800.235.3472 or 315.443.3471) and email (suabroad@syr.edu) will be checked daily. In case of an emergency, please call the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. For more information, visit the .

Technology Transfer

Staff will be checking email during the holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period and will respond to urgent matters as needed. Invention disclosures with imminent publication (conference presentation/poster session, grant application, paper submission) deadlines prior to Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, should be coordinated with the Office of Technology Transfer staff well in advance of Friday, Dec. 19, to ensure timely review and filing for protection.

Treasurer’s Office

The Treasurer’s Office at 621 Skytop Rd. will be closed starting Thursday, Dec. 25, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Only critical functions will continue to be performed during this time, including secure gift processing, bank transfers and electronic payments. For any requests for the Treasurer’s Office of an urgent nature, please e-mail treasoff@syr.eduwith the subject heading URGENT or call Scott Kemp at 315.443.6204.

University Credit Card

Please contact J.P. Morgan directly at 1.800.316.6056 for any issues related to lost or stolen cards, fraud charges or declined transactions. Please be aware that the digits 6 through 9 of your SU I.D. number is the pin number on file. University staff will also be available to handle credit issues relating to University procurement or credit cards by email toJPMCSUCC@syr.eduor by calling 315.443.1957.

Additional information regarding Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break services and resources may be found at:

 

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Applications Open for SOURCE Explore 2026 for 1st and 2nd Year Students /2025/11/04/applications-open-for-source-explore-2026-for-1st-and-2nd-year-students/ Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:47:25 +0000 /?p=328250 Six different cohorts will explore topics from archival research to nutrition science and textile experimentation.

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Campus & Community Applications

Students and instructor from SOURCE Explore 2025 Special Collections Research Center cohort.

Applications Open for SOURCE Explore 2026 for 1st and 2nd Year Students

Six different cohorts will explore topics from archival research to nutrition science and textile experimentation.
Cristina Hatem Nov. 4, 2025

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagements (SOURCE) six different research experiences for undergraduate first- and second-year students on Fridays from January through February 2026 called SOURCE Explore.

SOURCE Explore programs are hands-on, interactive workshops designed to introduce students to research through short-term research activities led by a faculty member or research staff member. SOURCE Explore programs are for students in their first or second year with no prior research experience but who are curious to learn more. Students from all majors (or undeclared) are encouraged to apply, and participants will receive a $250 stipend upon completion of the program.

The program takes place on Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13 and Feb. 20, with the final presentation on Feb. 27 from 2–4 p.m.

Space is limited to 8-12 participants per cohort.

Cohorts this year represent the fields of nutrition, fashion design, communications and more. The six SOURCE Explore programs being offered are:

  • How Our Lives Became Plastic: Researching Material Culture in the Archives, offered through the Special Collections Research Center at the University Libraries
  • Analyzing Media & Popular Culture through a Social Justice Lens with Newhouse’s CODE^SHIFT Lab
  • Material as Method: Research through Textile Experimentation
  • Capturing Veteran Stories: Oral History Planning for the Modern Tenth Mountain Division Resource Center
  • The Impact of Hydration Status on Body Composition
  • InferredMe: Data-driven Self-Reflection on AI Interactions

Interested students .

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Student’s Mobile Upcycled Clothing Business Turns Trash Into Treasures /2025/08/22/students-mobile-upcycled-clothing-business-turns-trash-into-treasures/ Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:01:55 +0000 https://syracuse-news.ddev.site/2025/08/22/students-mobile-upcycled-clothing-business-turns-trash-into-treasures/ When junior Ava Lubkemann, an environmental engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, was growing up, her parents taught her the sensibility of re-using goods, thrifting what she needed and making the best use of everything she had. Around her Bentonville, Virginia, home, she picked up things at auctions, thrift stores and even out of the garbage. “Dumpster diving,”...

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Student’s Mobile Upcycled Clothing Business Turns Trash Into Treasures

When junior , an environmental engineering major in the , was growing up, her parents taught her the sensibility of re-using goods, thrifting what she needed and making the best use of everything she had. Around her Bentonville, Virginia, home, she picked up things at auctions, thrift stores and even out of the garbage. “Dumpster diving,” something she had wanted to try, became part of her routine once she arrived at Syracuse University.

One day, a Department of Public Safety officer stopped Lubkemann at a campus dumpster and asked for identification. After confirming her student status, the officer recounted how the night before, he’d ejected a man who wasn’t a student for doing the same thing Lubkemann was doing.

Person
Ava Lubkemann

“That was one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had, not only at the University but in my life,” Lubkemann explains. “To me, it was so unjust that a piece of plastic set me apart from others who might need things.” She says she recognized that removing the person from the scene “might have been the difference between a man and his dinner.”

After that incident, Lubkemann began to reflect on her privileged student status and the injustice that she could access found objects on campus while others were barred from obtaining those throwaway goods. “I grew up very privileged, but I was instilled with the value of not taking more than you need. There are things in the garbage that aren’t actually garbage. A lot of stuff is thrown away before its expiration date,” Lubkemann says. “I found my calling in environmental engineering due to the critical shortage of professionals in the field and by a passion for sustainability, which I see as not just an environmental issue but also a social and economic imperative.”

A ‘Revamped’ Idea

After observing high levels of textile waste on campus and how those without a vehicle have limited access to donate clothing or buy affordable used things, Lubkemann devised the idea for her business, “.”

Her company is a research-based, pioneering, sustainability-driven mobile enterprise redefining textile waste management through a mobile thrift store and donation hub, currently operating from a repurposed minibus. It takes in discarded yet valuable textiles from their point of disposal and offers an accessible, community-centered solution that diverts waste from landfills while ensuring that high-quality secondhand goods remain in the local economy.

Lubkemann spoke about her idea with , Syracuse University Libraries strategic initiatives advisor and a faculty member in the . She encouraged Lubkemann to submit her idea for a mobile donation center/thrift store/re-distribution hub in the competition. Lubkemann then developed a 10-page business plan, entered the competition and won $5,000.

“I never thought anyone would find interest in this; I thought it was a pipe dream. Who would think a top U.S. university would invest in such a small idea? But Linda gave me the confidence to pursue it, and that was one of the things that totally launched me into this initiative. I like to say Revamped was born from a dumpster, which gives me hope any idea or dream can take shape if you work towards it. It’s really taken off from there,” she says.

Adding Funds, Growth

Lubkemann has continued to refine and grow her company and gain funding. She has won $25,000 from campus competitions since November 2024, including the at the , a award, the and research monies. Her achievements include the following:

  • Obtaining a DBA (“doing business as”) certificate and starting a limited liability corporation (Ava Lubkemann LLC).
  • Acquiring a minibus and outfitting it to serve as mobile thrift shop/donation center.

    Black
    A leather jacket found in a dumpster is among Revamped’s inventory.
  • Establishing a account for potential investors.
  • Hosting pop-up sales, cross-campus co-branding events and creating a to distribute on campus.
  • Researching textile waste distribution to define more community re-distribution channels.
  • Contacting local businesses seeking storage space for additional collected items.
  • Ideating two podcasts about Revamped and sustainable living.
  • Asking the Sustainability Management group to add sustainable entrepreneurship student ambassadors.
  • Contacting George Washington University and Lewis and Clark College to gauge their interest in replicating the Revamped program.

That’s hardly Lubkemann’s limit. From finding goods, to reworking and repairing them, to setting up the mobile store and planning distribution points, she does most of Revamped’s work herself, helped by , the company’s marketer, a student in the Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Ava is also a resident advisor, entrepreneur-in-residence at the student business incubator, a part-time Orange Innovation Scholar worker and a research fellow on the ’s Carbon Capture Team. She continues to enter competitions such as and present at the . She’s also taking 17 course credits.

Person
‘Revamped’ will operate from this minibus as both mobile sales site and donation center. Company marketer Isabella Carter works on the exterior. The interior will be finished out with found materials and thrifted items.

The Long View

The busy student has no shortage of vision, either. Lubkemann envisions expanding the company and hopes its success lets her form a 501C3 nonprofit organization to funnel a mass accumulation of textile waste to people who really need it.

A
Revamped’s minibus, as both mobile retail shop and donation center, now painted green.

“That’s what matters to me, trying to make a positive impact in the community. I was raised on the principle, ‘Wherever you go leave it a better place than you found it,” Lubkemann says. “I think that’s the core of making Revamped what I want it to be—a community-oriented program that connects universities with their communities and advocates for the little guy and people who are in need.”

Goods can be purchased from Revamped’s Instagram page, listing, or soon-to-launch website, revampedthrift.com. Lubkemann also plans to announce future campus sales and events via those avenues.

Press Contact

Do you have a news tip, story idea or know a person we should profile on Ƶ? Send an email to internalcomms@syr.edu.

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2024-25 Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break Information /2024/12/04/2024-orange-appreciation-days-winter-break-information/ Wed, 04 Dec 2024 22:04:40 +0000 /blog/2024/12/04/2024-orange-appreciation-days-winter-break-information/ In continuation of Syracuse University’s commitment to providing comprehensive benefits and in appreciation of the contributions of faculty and staff, the University will be operating under its holiday schedule and Orange Appreciation Days format for the winter break period from 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Normal business hours will resume onThursday, Jan....

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2024-25 Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break Information

In continuation of Syracuse University’s commitment to providing comprehensive benefits and in appreciation of the contributions of faculty and staff, the University will be operating under its holiday schedule and Orange Appreciation Days format for the winter break period from 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Normal business hours will resume onThursday, Jan. 2.

In addition to the regular University holidays of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 and bonus days Dec. 24 and 31, the following days have been designated as paid Orange Appreciation Days: Dec. 23, 26, 27 and 30.

Units providing essential services that will remain fully operational during the Winter Break include the Department of Public Safety and Facilities Services.

Services During Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break

Admissions and Enrollment Processing
The office will be closed for Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break and will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Advancement and External Affairs

Advancement Services staff will maintain business hours at the 640 Skytop Office Building Dec. 26, 27, 30 and 31, 2024 to receive and process fundraising gifts.

Building Occupancy

The University will be operating under its Orange Appreciation Days format for the winter break period from 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Normal business hours will resume onThursday, Jan. 2, 2025

During the Holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period:

Request for Building Access (locking):
If you require your building to be open over the Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days period, please submit a request to yourbuilding coordinator, noting the specific dates and times. Requests should be made by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12. (Note that faculty and staff will be able to access the buildings you work in, as usual, by using their SU I.D. cards, even when the buildings are locked.)

Building temperatures will be lowered to 60 degrees unless prior arrangements have been made.

Request for Adjustments to Temperature and Lighting:
Deans, directors and department heads may submit a detailed request for adjustments to temperature and lighting during the Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days period. Please review the University’s temperature guidelines. We ask that requests be made using the Maximo Maintenance system by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12. Requests will be reviewed and approved by either the vice president and chief facilities officer or the provost.

Important: Buildings Not Included in Winter Break Reduced Occupancy Schedule
The following buildings will be excluded from the temperature setback, and will remain on normal access, temperature and lighting settings:

640 Skytop Road
Heroy Geology Laboratory
Bowne Hall – Fourth Floor
Lyman Hall – Fourth Floor
Sims Hall – Department of Public Safety
Center for Science and Technology
Bird Library – Operating hours are listed on the library website
Life Sciences Complex
Link Hall
Physics Building
Ensley Athletic Center
South Campus Library Facility
Lally Complex
Carmelo Anthony Center
Tennity Ice Rink
Crouse Hinds Hall

Questions on building occupancy can be directed to the Department of Energy Systems and Sustainability Management, 315.443.1535 orenergy@syr.edu.

Bursar’s Office

In continuation of Syracuse University’s commitment to providing comprehensive benefits and in appreciation of the contributions of faculty and staff, the Bursar’s Office will be closed from Saturday, Dec. 21, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, and will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 9 a.m. Student account payments can be made through MySlice under the billing/payments tile. Questions may be directed to theform. The Bursar’s Office will monitor incoming questions sent through this form and will respondas quickly as possible during this time.

Campus Bus Shuttle
The campus shuttle service will operate on a reduced schedule until the conclusion of Winter Break. For schedule updates, visitparking.syr.edu. If a matter is urgent, on-call staff can be contacted through the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Campus Dining
Hours of operation for campus cafes and other dining facilities can be found on the.

Campus Planning, Design and Construction

The office at 1320 Jamesville Ave. will be closed from 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Normal business hours will resume on Thursday, Jan. 2. If you have project-specific questions, please reach out to the assigned project manager. For general information, emailcpdc@syr.edu.

Campus Store

The Campus Store will be closed Saturday, Dec. 21, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. During this time, the online store will be available for customer orders. Orders received on or after Friday, Dec. 20, will be processed beginning Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Staff will be available beginning Thursday, Jan. 2, at 8:30 a.m. Please contactcampusstore@syr.eduwith questions or for assistance.

Cash Operations (Bowne Hall)
The offices at Bowne Hall will be closed. For questions, emailcashops@syr.edu. Email will be monitored daily.

Counseling

Counseling will be closed from Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, as well as Monday, Jan. 20. However, in the event of a mental health emergency, or if there is a need to contact a member of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team, 24-hour services remain available. These services can be accessed by calling 315.443.8000.

Custodial Services

Services will be provided, on a reduced basis, in academic and administrative buildings. All residence halls close on Wednesday, Dec. 18, and no custodial services will be provided. If assistance is needed, call 315.443.1234.

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Delivery and pick up will be provided to departments requesting service. Arrangements for service can be requested by contacting Materials Distribution ate-materials@syr.edu.

Deliveries (UPS and FedEx)

Materials Distribution will be operating/delivering Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., from Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, with the exceptions of Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. If your department has a specific request pertaining to deliveries over Winter Break, please emaile-materials@syr.edu.

Disability Benefits and Workers’ Compensation Benefit Payments
Disability benefits checks will be on regular payroll schedule. For those who don’t use the direct deposit option, checks will be mailed to the employee’s home address by the payroll department during the week of Dec. 23. For assistance with workers’ compensation checks, please contact our third-party administrator, PMA, at 1.888.476.2669. For assistance during Orange Appreciation Days, contact Sheera Buckley atslbuck01@syr.eduor 315.416.9066.

Disbursements

Disbursements will not be processing payments after Thursday, Dec. 19. The last payment run will be the night of Thursday, Dec. 19, for distribution and handling on Friday, Dec. 20. After Thursday, normal processing will resume on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.

To ensure timeliness of payments your department may have, please make appropriate arrangements to have requests received in the disbursements processing emaildisburse@syr.eduor in theautomated payment request moduleor in theMySlice Travel and Expense Centeron or before2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9,for the following:

  • Vendor invoices on a purchase order (PO)
  • Requisitions with invoices attached off PO
  • Consultant forms
  • Wire transfers: foreign and domestic
  • Out-of-pocket travel submissions for employee or non-employee guests
  • Travel advances for travel scheduled during the end of December 2024
  • Clearing any outstanding travel advances for travel that occurred prior to December 2024

*Other considerations—Should your time sensitive payment requests require additional approvals such as sponsored or restricted fund approvals, please allow additional time to your planning process.

All JPMC credit card transactions, for activity through Nov. 30, 2024, should be submitted in theMySlice Travel and Expense Centeron or before5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20.

Drumlins

The Tennis Club will operate as follows:

Dec. 22, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Dec. 23, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 24, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dec. 25, closed

Dec. 26, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 27, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Dec. 28, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Dec. 29, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Dec. 30, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 31, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jan. 1, 2025, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Normal hours of operation will resume on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Call 315.446.2323 for court times and reservations

Bistro 1926 will operate as follows:

Dec. 23, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 24, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dec. 25, closed

Dec. 26, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 27, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Dec. 28, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Dec. 29, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Dec. 30, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 31, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jan. 1, 2025, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Banquet Sales Office will be closed starting Monday, Dec. 23, and will reopen Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.

The Golf Shop will be closed beginning Monday, Dec. 23, and reopen Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.

The Business Management Office will be closed beginning Monday, Dec. 23, and reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.

Energy Systems and Sustainability Management

The Energy Management Operations Center is staffed 24/7. For building systems scheduling questions or concerns, call 315.443.1535. For building access issues, contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Enrollment Management
The office will be closed during Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break and will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Environmental Health and Safety Services

Environmental Health and Safety Services will have on-call staff available to assist in the event of a hazardous materials spill or emergency during Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break. Environmental Health’s on-call staff can be contacted through the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services

The office will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, and bonus days on Dec. 26 and Dec. 29. On Dec. 27 and Dec. 28, this year’s designated Orange Appreciation Days, the office will be available to employees by email atequalopp@syr.edu.Email will be checked once a day on Orange Appreciation Days and emergencies will be addressed within 24 hours. The office will return to normal business hours on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs
The office will be closed for Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break, and will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Fire and Life Safety Services

Fire and Life Safety Services will be staffed on Orange Appreciation Days from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If assistance is needed, call 315.443.5474 or the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. On Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Health Care at the Barnes Center at The Arch

Health Care at the Barnes Center will be closed from Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025, as well as Monday, Jan. 20; 24-hour on-call service is available at 315.443.8000.

Hendricks Chapel

The chapel will host the annual Pam Am 103 Memorial Service on Dec. 21 at 2:03 p.m., and will then be closed through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. The chapel’s food pantry will be available upon request (chapel@syr.edu) for those in need, and will fully reopen on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. For additional information please visit the chapelor call 315.443.2901.

Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Service Centers
The offices at 111 Waverly Avenue and 210 Goldstein Student Center will be closed beginning 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20. Both location centers will resume regular business hours on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. If you have an emergency that requires immediate attention, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Human Resources

The office will be closed for Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break. However, employees can reach HR Shared Services by calling and leaving a message at 315.443.4042 or by email athrservice@syr.edu. The voice and email service will be checked twice daily on Orange Appreciation Days, and emergencies will be addressed promptly. All other matters will be addressed when the University returns to regular business hours, 8:30 to 5 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.

ITS Support
ITS support staff is available by calling 315.443.2677, by emailinghelp@syr.eduor by chatting with us onǰduring regular business hours through Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, and at the following dates and times:

  • Dec. 20 to 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Dec. 26 to 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For ITS support during days and times outside those listed above, emailhelp@syr.eduor call 315.443.2677. If you choose to call, follow the automated prompts and leave a message for the on-call ITS staff. On-call support is available outside the hours listed above and on the following dates: Dec. 24, 25 and 31 and Jan. 1, 2025.

The ITS Help Desk willresume regular businesshours on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2025.

ITSService Center In-Person Support Hours

The ITS Service Center in Room 1-227 of the Center for Science and Technology will be closed starting Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, and will be moving locations during the break. The new location will be in the lobby of the Women’s Building, and will tentatively reopen on Jan. 10, 2025. Users needing assistance can call 315.443.2677 orhelp@syr.edubefore we reopen.

Updates and Hours of operation will be available on the.

Libraries

All libraries will be closed beginning Saturday, Dec. 21, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, with the following exception: Bird Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22 and from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, Friday Dec. 27 and Monday Dec. 30. Special Collections, located on the sixth floor of Bird Library, will not be open on these days. All Library hours can be found on the.

Mail Services

Delivery and pick up will be provided to departments requesting service. Arrangements for service can be requested by contacting Mail Services at 315.443.2803 or emailingmailsrvc@syr.edu. Ais available.

Maintenance Requests

Maintenance requests for academic and administrative buildings, residence halls, dining facilities or South Campus apartments may be requested by contacting Facilities Services immediately at 315.443.1234.

Materials Distribution

Deliveries and pick up will be provided to departments requesting service. Arrangements for service can be requested by contacting Materials Distribution at 315.443.1940 or. Service requests should be e-mailed toe-materials@syr.edu.

Media Inquiries/University Communications
The University’s media relations team’s email,, is monitored regularly over Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break. Urgent media inquiries should be directed to Sarah Scalese, senior associate vice president for University communications, atsescales@syr.edu.

Paycheck Distribution

Weekly Pay Immediately Prior to Winter Break
Weekly pay for the work week ending Wednesday, Dec. 11, will be paid on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Paper paychecks will be delivered to the employee’s department; direct deposit will be available to individuals’ accounts. Employees who have not signed up for direct deposit and will therefore receive a paper paycheck should inquire with their department for check delivery.

All paper paychecks are delivered to the employee’s home department on payday. As a reminder, anyone with a NetID and password is able to set up direct deposit through MySlice.

Weekly and Semi-Monthly Pay During Winter Break
Pay for the work week ending Wednesday, Dec. 18, will be paid on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Pay for the work week ending Wednesday, Dec. 25, will be paid on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This is the last paycheck of the calendar year 2024 Form W-2 reporting period.

The semi-monthly pay period ending Tuesday, Dec. 31, will be paid on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This is the last paycheck of the calendar year 2024 Form W-2 reporting period.

Employees who have not signed up for direct deposit, and will therefore receive a paper paycheck, should ensure their permanent address is accurate by going to MySlice and clicking on the personal profile tile on the employee home page. Weekly paper paychecks dated Tuesday,Dec. 24, and Tuesday,Dec. 31,and semi paper paychecks dated Tuesday,Dec. 31,will be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service to the employee’s permanent address on file.

Direct deposit for the weekly payroll will be available in individuals’ accounts on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday, Dec 31. Direct deposit for the semi-monthly payroll will be available to individuals’ accounts on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Payments by direct deposit can be viewed anytime on MySlice by clicking on the payroll tile on the employee home page.

Weekly Pay Immediately After Winter Break
Pay for the work week ending Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, will be paid on Wednesday Jan. 8.

Payroll Deadlines

Weekly Payroll Deadlines Immediately Prior to Winter Break
The week ending Wednesday, Dec. 11, paid on Wednesday, Dec. 18:

  • Time approval is due by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12.
  • Online RAP approval is due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12.

The week ending Wednesday, Dec. 18 , paid on Tuesday, Dec. 24:

  • Time approval is due by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19.
  • Online RAP approval is due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19.

Semi Payroll Deadlines Immediately Prior to Winter Break
Semi online RAPs for the pay period ending Tuesday, Dec. 31, are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Weekly Payroll Deadlines During Winter Break

The week ending Wednesday, Dec. 25, paid on Tuesday, Dec. 31:

  • Time approval is due by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26.
  • Online RAP approval is due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26.
  • Employees will be paid (or not paid) based upon the time that has or has not been approved in the system. Any adjustments or corrections will have to be submitted for payment in the following pay period. There will be no special checks processed.

Payroll Frequently Asked Questions

If I do not have direct deposit, how will I get my paychecks on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Tuesday Dec. 31?
Paychecks will be mailed to your permanent address. You can verify your permanent address is accurate by going to MySlice and clicking on the personal profile tile on the employee home page.

Where can I sign up for direct deposit?
Log onto MySlice and click on the payroll tile on the employee home page.

Why might I not receive a paycheck at my home by Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday Dec. 31?
Several reasons could result in you not receiving your paper paycheck on or before Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday Dec. 31. Your permanent address in MySlice has to be correct. For example, if you have moved and did not change your address, the paper paycheck will be delivered to the address per MySlice and either forwarded to your new address (if you have filed a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service) or it will be returned to Payroll. Either case will result in potentially significant delays in your receipt of your paper paycheck.

What happens if my permanent address is incorrect in MySlice?
Since paper paychecks will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, Syracuse University cannot control, track or locate your paycheck once mailed. If you have filed a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service to forward your mail, delivery of your paycheck will be delayed. If no such form has been filed, the paper paycheck will be returned to Payroll. Either case will result in potentially significant delays in your receipt of your paper paycheck.

How do I change my permanent address?
Log in to MySlice and click on the personal profile tile on the employee home page.

If I receive my weekly paper paycheck before Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday Dec. 31, or my semi-monthly paper paycheck before Tuesday, Dec. 31, can I cash/deposit it?
No. Paychecks dated Tuesday, Dec. 24, or Tuesday, Dec. 31, are not valid prior to that date.

What happens if I don’t receive my paper paycheck?
If you have not received your paycheck by Thursday, Dec. 26, you can call Payroll at 315.443.4042, option 2, and leave a message with the following information:

  • Indicate that you did not receive your paycheck.
  • Give your name and SU I.D. number.
  • Give the name of the University department that you were expecting pay from.
  • Provide a telephone number where you can be reached.
  • Messages will be reviewed at various times during the day and calls will be returned as soon as possible.

No special checks will be issued during Winter Break.

Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety will remain open 24/7 during the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break. For emergencies or assistance, call 315.443.2224, connect with us via the Orange Safe app, or text or email711@syr.edu.

Purchasing
With Orange Appreciation Days approaching, the Purchasing Department wishes to make you aware that any eProcurement requisition received after Friday, December 13, may not be sent out until after Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. If your purchase requires a bid to be completed, the requisition should be received by Friday, Dec. 6, to ensure processing.

All JPMC credit card transactions, for activity through Nov. 30, should be submitted in the MySlice Travel and Expense Center on or before 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20.

Other purchasing considerations to take into account as we approach the break:

Should your purchase request require additional approvals such as those for sponsored or restricted funds, please build in additional time to your planning process. If your purchase is over $50,000, please allow additional time, as the Office of Budget and Planning must review and approve those orders before they are released. Contact Vincent Patriarco at 315.443.7427 orvmpatria@syr.eduwith any questions.

Recreation and Fitness

The recreation and fitness areas at the Barnes Center at The Arch, Ernie Davis Hall and the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion are closed from Saturday, Dec. 21, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. For updates on operating status, visit the.

Registrar’s Office

The office will be closed for Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break. If you need to reach our office during the closure, please emailregistrar@syr.edu.

Research Integrity and Protections

Facilities Services will have staff on campus throughout Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break to monitor and maintain building systems for research spaces.For emergencies or assistance, please call the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Snow Clearing

Normal snow clearing activities will take place. If assistance is needed, call 315.443.1234.

Sponsored Programs
The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) will have limited staff checking email during the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break period. OSP can be contacted atospoff@syr.eduor Stuart Taub can be contacted directly atstaub@syr.edu.

Submission of applications with deadlines during the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break period should be coordinated with OSP staff in advance of the break to ensure timely review and authorization.

Student Box Office

The Student Box Office is now virtual. Please email any questions toboxoffice@syr.edu.

Student Engagement

The Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center and the Ann and Alfred Goldstein Student Center will be open during the following times:

  • Dec. 18 to 20: Schine 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Goldstein 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Dec. 21 to Jan. 1, 2025: Closed
  • Jan. 2 to 3: Schine 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Goldstein 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Jan. 4 to 5: Closed
  • Jan. 6 to 9: Schine 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Goldstein 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Jan. 10: Schine 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Goldstein 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Jan. 11: Schine 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Goldstein 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Jan. 12: Schine 8 a.m. to midnight, Goldstein 9 a.m. to midnight

Student Experience

Career Services, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs,Health Promotion (Barnes Center), Student Employment and the Office of Community Standards will all be closed from Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. If issues arise during this time, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224 for assistance. New Student Programs will be closed Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. To support the arrival of our new and returning first-year and transfer students, staff members will respond to voicemails and emails during this time.

Student Living

Student Living’s main offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. On-call staff will be available in the event of emergencies. If issues arise during this time, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224 for assistance.

Student Outreach and Support

The office will be closed for Orange Appreciations Days/Winter Break; however, the Division of the Student Experience staff is on call during this time in the event of a student emergency; please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224 for assistance. For 24/7 health and wellness support, contact the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000

Student Title IX Case Management

The office will be closed for Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break, however, on-call staff will be available to respond if issues arise. To file a report, emailtitleix@syr.edu.In the event of a student emergency, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. For 24/7 health and wellness support, contact the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000.

Syracuse Abroad

The Syracuse Abroad main campus office will be closed from 2p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, reopening at 8:30 a.m., on Thursday, Jan. 2.The general voicemail (800.235.3472 or 315.443.3471) and email (suabroad@syr.edu) will be checked regularly. In case of a true emergency, please call the Department of Public Safety: 315.443.2224.For more information, visit the.

Technology Transfer
Staff will be checking email during the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break period and will respond to urgent matters as needed. Invention disclosures with imminent publication (conference presentation/poster session, grant application, paper submission) deadlines prior to Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, should be coordinated with the Office of Technology Transfer staff well in advance of Friday, Dec. 20, to ensure timely review and filing for protection.

Treasurer’s Office
The Treasurer’s Office at 621 Skytop Rd. will be closed starting Saturday, Dec. 21, through Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. Only critical functions will continue to be performed during this time, including secure gift processing, bank transfers and electronic payments. For any requests for the Treasurer’s Office of an urgent nature, please e-mailtreasoff@syr.eduwith the subject heading URGENT or call Scott Kemp at 315.443.6204.

University Credit Cards
Please contact J.P. Morgan directly at 1.800.316.6056 for any issues related to lost or stolen cards, fraud charges or declined transactions. Please be aware that the digits 6 through 9 of your SU I.D. number is the pin number on file. University staff will also be available to handle credit issues relating to University procurement or credit cards by email toJPMCSUCC@syr.eduor by calling 315.443.1957 or 315.443.2281.

Additional information regarding Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break services and resources may be found at:

Questions on building occupancy can be directed to the Department of Energy Systems and Sustainability Management at 315.443.1535 orenergy@syr.edu.

 

 

Press Contact

Do you have a news tip, story idea or know a person we should profile on Ƶ? Send an email to internalcomms@syr.edu.

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2024-25 Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break Information
Estate Gift From Esteemed Alumnus Boosts Undergraduate Research in Physics /2024/02/29/estate-gift-from-esteemed-alumnus-boosts-undergraduate-research-in-physics/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:47:22 +0000 /blog/2024/02/29/estate-gift-from-esteemed-alumnus-boosts-undergraduate-research-in-physics/ “Syracuse Physics was and still is a vast entryway to the future.” Words penned by alumnus and philanthropist Jay N. Zemel when he was in his 90s and reflecting on his experiences at Syracuse University. He earned a B.S. in 1949, a master’s in 1952 and a Ph.D. in 1956. Such was his love for his alma mater that Zemel made the University the beneficiary of a $1.5 million estate gift in an endo...

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Estate Gift From Esteemed Alumnus Boosts Undergraduate Research in Physics

“Syracuse Physics was and still is a vast entryway to the future.” Words by alumnus and philanthropist Jay N. Zemel when he was in his 90s and reflecting on his experiences at Syracuse University. He earned a B.S. in 1949, a master’s in 1952 and a Ph.D. in 1956. Such was his love for his alma mater that Zemel made the University the beneficiary of a $1.5 million estate gift in an endowed fund as part of the Forever Orange Campaign to support summer undergraduate research experiences for students studying physics.

Zemel took what he learned at Syracuse University and launched a career in research and teaching—much of it at the University of Pennsylvania—that brought him national renown, 26 patents, 120 journal articles and book chapters, and the endless praise of mentees, colleagues and admirers along the way. After his death at the age of 95 on July 20, 2023, one of his former graduate students Carlos Lopez Reyna wrote to his daughter Babette: “He gave me the gift of knowledge, experience and a listening ear when needed.”

Zemel was passionate about teaching and personally guiding young researchers because he knew firsthand how vital it was to one’s future. He described his undergraduate years as difficult because he suffered from dyscalculia, which limited his ability to do simple math—though he was a math major and had no problem with logic, complex variables and quantum mechanics. Zemel’s professor in geometric optics, William R. Fredrickson (who is named and honored in the gifted endowment), recognized his potential despite the challenges.

“It was Fredrickson’s decision to grant me a teaching assistantship in his remarkable course on the history of science and his approving my entrance to graduate school that I have never forgotten,” Zemel shared in an with the College of Arts and Sciences. “Indeed, that course on history has been one of my key intellectual enlightenments, as well as giving me the insight into teaching that should accompany highly technical courses.”

“As a distinguished researcher and committed educator, Dr.Zemelsaw the immense value of undergraduate participation in faculty-guided scholarly research,” says Behzad Mortazavi, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “The benefits of undergraduate research are numerous, including helping students to apply their classroom knowledge and giving them valuable experience in working as part of a team.” The Zemel Undergraduate Research Experience Endowed Fund will provide research stipends for students who are interested in pursuing research as a career, especially multidisciplinary research.

‘Learning by doing’

Zemel had a distinctive approach, blending teaching and research to create a “unique learning environment,” according to colleague and former mentee Jan Van der Spiegel, professor of electrical and systems engineering at Penn. “At the undergraduate level, his teaching philosophy centered around the principle of ‘learning by doing and making mistakes.’ Rather than dictating precise instructions, he encouraged students to explore potential solutions independently. While maintaining a hands-off approach, he remained a constant pillar of support, readily available with an open-door policy for students to seek guidance at any time.”

Even when Zemel officially retired from his academic career directing Penn’s Center for Chemical Electronics/Sensor Technologies, he continued to mentor student researchers. “He would get so jazzed when he saw a student putting things together,” recalls Babette. She, like Zemel’s other children and several grandchildren, have become teachers and mentors. “Mentoring is, by far, the most enriching and fulfilling thing that I do,” says Babette. “Young researchers need encouragement, a sympathetic ear, professional connections and guidance on how to secure funding during these challenging times.”

Remembering his encouragement

The young researchers who worked with Zemel most remember his encouragement, empathy and warmth. “Working for his group was the best thing I could have ever done,” says Ashok Sood, president and CEO at Magnolia Optical Technologies. “He was an amazing professor,” Sood says of his thesis advisor. “I also learned from him to always stay busy, to keep your neurons working!”

Even into his 90s, Zemel challenged his neurons, continuing to analyze scientific data and contribute to meaningful research. He worked with daughter Babette’s colleagues at the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania to develop a device called the Neoneur that measures the flow of fluid through a nipple in a baby bottle to characterize infant sucking behavior and help parents and physicians determine if a baby was feeding properly. And just weeks before his death, recalls Babette, he solved the problem of how to manage wrapping his oxygen tubes around his ears, while wearing glasses and hearing aids.

Jennifer L. Ross, chair of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, says Zemel’s gift is as inspiring as he was. “His passion and generous gift will fuel the physics department’s dream of having all undergraduate physics majors get hands-on research experiences,” says Ross. “The experiential learning opportunities will expose our students to the wonders of the universe and create the scientists who will make amazing discoveries of the future.”

That was clearly Zemel’s intent in setting up the endowment. Recalling that Syracuse physics opened the doors of discovery for him, Zemel wrote in a letter to the physics department: “You and your colleagues are part of a great tradition that I sincerely hope continues now and into the future.” His estate gift ensures that the tradition continues.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University

Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University is poised to do just that. Fueled by more than 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visitto learn more.

Press Contact

Do you have a news tip, story idea or know a person we should profile on Ƶ? Send an email to internalcomms@syr.edu.

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Estate Gift From Esteemed Alumnus Boosts Undergraduate Research in Physics
‘The First Scramble for Africa’: Maxwell Professor Unearths England’s First Outpost /2023/10/11/the-first-scramble-for-africa-maxwell-professor-unearths-englands-first-outpost/ Wed, 11 Oct 2023 21:27:51 +0000 /blog/2023/10/11/the-first-scramble-for-africa-maxwell-professor-unearths-englands-first-outpost/ Back in 2019, Syracuse University archaeologist Christopher DeCorse was part of a team that made an unexpected discovery during fieldwork in coastal Ghana. While excavating the ruins of the 17th-century Dutch Fort Amsterdam, the researchers from Syracuse, the University of Rochester and the University of Ghana unearthed trade materials suggesting they may have found the location of an older Englis...

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‘The First Scramble for Africa’: Maxwell Professor Unearths England’s First Outpost

Back in 2019, Syracuse University archaeologist Christopher DeCorse was part of a team that made an unexpected discovery during fieldwork in coastal Ghana. While excavating the ruins of the 17th-century Dutch Fort Amsterdam, the researchers from Syracuse, the University of Rochester and the University of Ghana unearthed trade materials suggesting they may have found the location of an older English fort, Kormantine—England’s first outpost in Africa, built in 1631, and one of the earliest that sent enslaved Africans to the new colonies in the Americas.

Professor
Distinguished Professor Christopher DeCorse, left, at the Kormantine excavation site with his former student, Sean Reid G’22, a research associate and lecturer at the University of Virginia.

Discovering a site of such historical import would be a major development, but the pandemic delayed further investigation until the summer of 2023, when DeCorse returned to Ghana to lead an extensive excavation. DeCorse, Distinguished Professor and chair of the Maxwell School’s Department of Anthropology, was supported by a $21,000 CUSE grant and an award from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) topping $125,000.

Joining DeCorse’s project were several Maxwell School anthropology students and alumni, including Samuel Amartey G’15 (M.A.) G’21 (Ph.D.), a Ghanaian national and currently a lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon, who served as the project field director; Sean Reid G’22 (Ph.D.), a research associate and lecturer at the University of Virginia; and doctoral candidate Matthew O’Leary.

The initial results were disappointing when the crew began to excavate for further evidence of the English fort this past June: they found more 17th-century artifacts, like ceramics and tobacco pipes, but mingled with plastics and other materials from 20th-century restoration projects.

Then Omokolade Omigbule, a Nigerian graduate student at the University of Virginia, dug a little deeper. “Suddenly he got down to a level with a very clear sizeable wall, almost three feet across, running diagonally across the room, and there was a clearly intact red clay floor,” DeCorse recalls. “We knew immediately: we have the wall of a fort that’s on a dramatically different orientation from the existing ruin. Although I believed traces of the fort would be present, the discovery of the massive, earlier wall was a huge surprise.”

Samuel
Samuel Amartey G’15, G’21, a Ghanaian national and currently a lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon, served as the project field director.

Word of the breakthrough spread quickly, prompting a visit from BBC News and inquiries from other international media outlets. As the excavation continued, they found more and more clues to Kormantine’s long-buried past. “What we essentially uncovered,” says DeCorse, “were things that encapsulate the entire early history of this fort.”

Outpost of an Empire

Kormantine’s history involved numerous transformations as it grew from a small trading lodge into more substantial outpost, and a new community of Africans, attracted by trade opportunities, established the adjacent town of Abandze.

The original outpost burned down in 1640 and the English replaced it with a strengthened stone fort. These remarkable findings illuminate a critical period in Atlantic history. “This is really the first scramble for Africa,” explains DeCorse. “At this point in the 17th century, European nations are scrambling for colonies and for outposts in Africa, trying to take advantage of the trade that the Portuguese had been dominating. And it’s at this time on the Gold Coast when slaves replace gold as the major trade item.”

The Kormantine site provides important keys to better understanding this era, and the cultural and economic interactions between Africans and Europeans through an early outpost of empire. While there are documentary references to the fort, descriptions of its location and construction are very limited, DeCorse says.

Pipe
Pipe cowries and stoneware are among the artifacts dating to the early 17th century found on the site.

Over the summer, DeCorse and the team uncovered several artifacts that offer insights into early 17th-century life at the fort. One example are small glass medicine bottles. “These medicine bottles and ointment jars would have been from trying to treat people with diseases that they were unfamiliar with,” says DeCorse.

While media coverage of the Kormantine discovery focused on the English fortification and its role in the slave trade, Amartey, the Ph.D. alumnus who was DeCorse’s student, notes that the African artifacts from the site are equally enlightening.

“We found several quern grinders, stone axes and ceramics,” he says. “They shed light on local practices and interactions between the British and local people. These items were likely used for food procurement and processing to support the fort’s garrison and crew members. To me, these materials show the complexities of European-African interactions.”

Refining Chronology

One of DeCorse’s favorite finds from across his career as an archaeologist is a locally made tobacco pipe from Kormantine that incorporates a stem from a European pipe. “It indicates this sort of cultural syncretism—a combining of European and African elements,” he says.

DeCorse has worked in West Africa for more than 40 years, focusing on transformations in Africa during the period of the Atlantic trade. Thirty years ago, he established the Central Region Project as a hub for archaeological work in Ghana. To date, the project has encompassed work on hundreds of archaeological sites and yielded eight dissertations at the University alone.

The work at Kormantine is far from complete. At the end of July, the team backfilled the site to protect it from the elements and other disturbances to the fragile structures until work can resume next summer.

Many of those who worked with DeCorse over the summer plan to continue with the project. “We will continue analysis and excavations next summer, and probably in 2025,” says Amartey.

Reid, DeCorse’s former student now at the University of Virginia, notes that some deposits uncovered this past summer may indicate yet a deeper level of history: they found what appear to be ground stone celts, called nyame akuma, that predate the fort and may represent a pre-Atlantic component of the site.

In the future, people across the globe will be able to virtually visit Fort Amsterdam and the excavations. DeCorse is a collaborator on a separate NEH-funded project, “Black Past Lives Matter: Digital Kormantin,” directed by the University of Rochester’s Michael Jarvis, that is creating a virtual tour of the site to be offered online.

Along with the ongoing work on the Kormantine site, DeCorse plans to publish short reports on the findings, to be followed by more detailed publications once excavations are complete. He is also fundraising for the project—the NEH grant requires $20,000 in matching funds from outside sources to unlock the full amount.

And in late September, DeCorse returned to Ghana—not to dig, but to share the story of the remarkable Kormantine discoveries with a film crew and reporters from CBS.

This story was written to by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers. To read more, visit the .

 

Press Contact

Do you have a news tip, story idea or know a person we should profile on Ƶ? Send an email to internalcomms@syr.edu.

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‘The First Scramble for Africa’: Maxwell Professor Unearths England’s First Outpost
‘Glory Days’ Come to Campus: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band to Perform at JMA Wireless Dome Thursday (POSTPONED) /2023/09/06/glory-days-come-to-campus-bruce-springsteen-and-the-e-street-band-to-perform-at-jma-wireless-dome-thursday/ Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:19:13 +0000 /blog/2023/09/06/glory-days-come-to-campus-bruce-springsteen-and-the-e-street-band-to-perform-at-jma-wireless-dome-thursday/ Update Oct. 6: The concert has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. Further information about tickets will be forthcoming.
Update Sept. 7: The concert has been postponed due to artist illness and will be rescheduled for a future date. Ticketholders will receive further information from concert organizers.
Rock icon Bruce Springsteen and his legendary E Street Band will perform on ...

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‘Glory Days’ Come to Campus: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band to Perform at JMA Wireless Dome Thursday (POSTPONED)

Update Oct. 6: The concert has been for Thursday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. Further information about tickets will be forthcoming.

Update Sept. 7: The concert has been postponed due to artist illness and will be rescheduled for a future date. Ticketholders will receive further information from concert organizers.

Rock icon Bruce Springsteen and his legendary E Street Band will perform on campus for the third time Thursday, making a stop in Syracuse at the JMA Wireless Dome on the second U.S. leg of their marathon 2023 tour. The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early to avoid delays at entry and download their tickets to their mobile device prior to entry. Springsteen has no opening act and is anticipated to take the stage promptly at 7:30 p.m.

BruceThose “Born to Run,” “Born in the USA” or who simply want to do “The E Street Shuffle” for a couple of hours are in luck, as tickets are still , starting as low as $51.20 plus fees.

This is the fifth major musical act to perform in the JMA Dome since significant “Phase 1” renovations of the facility were completed in fall 2020. Springsteen follows on the heels of recent performances by Paul McCartney (June 2022), Elton John (September 2022), the Red Hot Chili Peppers (April 2023) and most recently, Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe (August 2023).

University Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer Pete Sala is thrilled to welcome an act of this caliber and credits the transformation of the JMA Dome—which continues its second phase through 2024—with being able to draw major acts to come play at Syracuse University.

“This is why Bruce is here,” Sala says of the renovations. “The air conditioning alone is a huge upgrade for these acts, but the overall shape of the facility is just phenomenal. We have a reputation out there in the business for being a really easy venue to work with. We treat people well because we want them to come back.”

For those heading to the show, here is the know-before-you-go information to make your travel and concert experience as smooth as possible.

Concessions/Merchandise

Cash is not accepted at any concession locations, the box office or merchandise stands. Major credit cards, debit cards and mobile payment (Apple Pay, Android Pay and Google Wallet) are accepted. For those who just can’t resist buying a tour poster or T-shirt, there will be an outdoor tent located outside of Gate N prior to the show selling artist merchandise. Once the show begins, additional merch booths will open inside the venue as concourse traffic eases.

Clear Bag Policy

As with all events at the JMA Dome, a clear bag policy will be enforced. Each fan is allowed one clear bag and one small clutch or purse, with exceptions for medically necessary items. Please visit the for additional information. Being aware of the policy ahead of time will help expedite entry into the venue.

Parking

If you are a member of our campus community planning to attend the concert, your existing campus parking pass will be honored in University Avenue Garage, Comstock Avenue Garage, University Avenue North and South lots, and the Irving Avenue Hill lot, as space allows.

All parking is cashless. Customers may pay via credit card (including tap and pay), or through Google Pay or Apple Pay. Have payment ready for the lot attendants, to ensure an efficient flow of traffic.

Pay parking is available at several locations around campus, including:

  • Comstock/Colvin Lots: $25 per car, includes free shuttle service to and from College Place
  • Skytop Lot: $25 per car, includes free shuttle service to and from College Place
  • Drumlins Country Club: $25 per car, includes free shuttle service to and from College Place; Drumlins will provide a light bar tailgate menu beginning on its property at 4 p.m.
  • Limited availability in University Avenue Garage and Comstock Avenue Garage: $35 per car, please note that garages close two hours after the event ends
  • Accessible parking for those with a nationally-recognized handicap placard or license plate will be available at the Skytop Lot for $25 per car, which includes free shuttle service to and from Gate A of the JMA Wireless Dome

Those who haven’t purchased a parking permit in advance are encouraged to use the Brighton Avenue exit off 1-81 and take Ainsley Drive to the Skytop Lot.

Campus Travel Before and After the Concert

Regular shuttles to South Campus and other campus and Centro shuttles will continue to run during and after the event, though arrivals and departures may be delayed due to the large amount of vehicular traffic in the University area.

Syracuse University’s Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) will make a temporary change to campus traffic patterns following the conclusion of the concert.

As the concert ends, PTS and the Syracuse Police Department will close Comstock Avenue to all traffic except parking shuttles, which will travel between the College Place bus stop, the Colvin Street and Comstock Avenue Lots and the Skytop Lot.

The concert is anticipated to end between 10:20 and 10:50 p.m., and at that time, PTS will direct all traffic away from Comstock Avenue between Waverly Avenue and East Colvin Street. As a significant crowd is expected for the concert, this will allow for the efficient exit and transportation of the concert attendees from the shuttle stop at College Place to their parking lots on South Campus. The road will reopen as soon as the concert shuttles are cleared. More information about parking is available on the .

Be Ready to Rock

When asked what it means to have The Boss return to campus after a 31-year hiatus, Sala says, “I can’t wait. You’re going to see some special stuff and it’s going to be a really good show … They’re going to do some things we’ve never done here before. So the crowd should have a really good time.”

Press Contact

Do you have a news tip, story idea or know a person we should profile on Ƶ? Send an email to internalcomms@syr.edu.

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‘Glory Days’ Come to Campus: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band to Perform at JMA Wireless Dome Thursday (POSTPONED)