Department of Public Safety Archives | Syracuse University Today https://news-test.syr.edu/topic/department-of-public-safety/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 18:27:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 /wp-content/uploads/2025/08/cropped-apple-touch-icon-120x120.png Department of Public Safety Archives | Syracuse University Today https://news-test.syr.edu/topic/department-of-public-safety/ 32 32 DPS to Conduct Test of Orange Alert System on Wednesday, Oct. 21 /2026/10/16/dps-to-conduct-test-of-orange-alert-system-on-wednesday-oct-21/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 18:27:15 +0000 /?p=345012 It will be a full test of the system, including notifications sent via email, text message and voice call, and activation of the outdoor siren system on North and South campuses.

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DPS to Conduct Test of Orange Alert System on Wednesday, Oct. 21

It will be a full test of the system, including notifications sent via email, text message and voice call, and activation of the outdoor siren system on North and South campuses.
Kiana Racha Oct. 16, 2026

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will conduct a test of theĚý on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 12:50 p.m. Please note: this is just a TEST. It will be a full test of the system, which includes notifications sent via email, text message and voice call. The test will also include the Orange Alert outdoor siren system on the University’s North and South campuses. The sirens will be activated for two minutes at 12:50 p.m.

In addition to email, text and voice messages, the Orange Alert test message will also be sent via push notification to theĚý, to the main Syracuse University and DPS Facebook and Twitter accounts, and will display on the University’s homepage and video monitors located in common areas in several buildings around campus.

Beginning this fall, our emergency notification system will include a new “desktop notifier” feature that displays emergency alerts on classroom computers and temporarily takes over the screen. Alerts will automatically close after 60 seconds, or faculty can dismiss them sooner by selecting “Acknowledge and Close” and then confirming with “Yes.”

In previous tests, notifications were typically scheduled during class transitions. With this new feature, however, the test will be conducted five minutes after classes begin.

The Orange Alert test message will be sent to all Syracuse University students, faculty and staff, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) students and to SUNY ESF faculty and staff who have signed up. Orange Alert will send a test notice to all devices that are registered on the system.

“Testing the Orange Alert system ensures that our campus community can be alerted quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency,” says William Karnadi, director of emergency management and business continuity planning. “This year’s test also includes a desktop notifier for the first time, so we encourage faculty and staff to expect a brief pop-up during the test window—it will be clearly marked as a test and will not disrupt your work for more than a moment. We also encourage everyone to take a few minutes to double-check their contact information in MySlice so they don’t miss these critical alerts.”

To review and/or modify your Orange Alert contact information, log into MySlice using your NetID and password, select Student Home or Employee Home, depending on your primary affiliation with Syracuse University, select the Personal Profile tile, then “Orange Alert Contacts” from the navigation menu and review your information. If you need to add, update or delete contact information, select the “Add/Update/Delete Contact Details” link. If you are a SUNY ESF student, use the SUNY ESF emergency contact information page to update your information.

For additional information on the Orange Alert system, visitĚý.

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Shield-shaped badge logo for Syracuse University Public Safety, featuring the university's block "S" in orange on a navy blue background with an orange border, displayed over a blurred campus building backdrop.
University’s Community Review Board Seeks Faculty Representatives Ěý /2026/10/09/universitys-community-review-board-seeks-faculty-representatives/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:09:04 +0000 /?p=344635 The CRB reviews and provides input on certain matters involving the Department of Public Safety.

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Campus & Community University’s

(Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

University’s Community Review Board Seeks Faculty Representatives Ěý

The CRB reviews and provides input on certain matters involving the Department of Public Safety.
Kelly Homan Rodoski Oct. 9, 2026

Syracuse University’s Community Review Board (CRB) is currently seeking nominees for two faculty representatives.

Nominations can be submitted to the co-chairs of the Employee Services, Fiscal Affairs and Operations Senate Committee, to the attention of Douglas Yung (ptyung@syr.edu) and/or Joyce Zadzilka (jazadzil@syr.edu).

This semester, the CRB continues its important work as an independent entity that reviews and provides input on certain matters involving the University’s Department of Public Safety (DPS). The board’s areas of responsibility include the following:

  • reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct (after a formal complaint has been filed with DPS Internal Affairs);
  • commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings;
  • reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and
  • issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

The board is composed of three undergraduate students, one graduate student, one law student, two faculty members and two staff members/administrators. Current membership includes the following:

  • Stephanie Freeney, assistant dean, budget, finance, administration, School of Architecture (chair)
  • Adam Hepburn, associate vice president, strategic initiatives and government engagement, Office of the Vice Chancellor (administrator)
  • Julian Luis Hernandez, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences (vice chair)
  • Benjamin Katz, graduate student, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
  • Chloe Kang Qi Lin, undergraduate student, Whitman School of Management
  • Braydon Sutherland, undergraduate student, College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Kathrine Turner, graduate student, College of Law

The following individuals serve as advisors to the CRB:

  • Bea Gonzalez, senior advisor
  • Tony Perez, law enforcement consultant
  • Michael Gadarian, associate general counsel, Office of University Counsel

To learn more or to connect with members of the CRB, or email CRB@syr.edu.

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Historic campus buildings surrounded by fall foliage, with a white domed stadium in the background.
SU DPS Chief Michael Bunker Named IACLEA Director-at-Large /2026/09/14/su-dps-chief-michael-bunker-named-iaclea-director-at-large/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:17:31 +0000 /?p=343214 Bunker brings a 14-year Coast Guard ethos—and a big urban campus's voice—to national law enforcement policy.

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SU DPS Chief Michael Bunker Named IACLEA Director-at-Large

Bunker brings a 14-year Coast Guard ethos—and a big urban campus's voice—to national law enforcement policy.
Kiana Racha Sept. 14, 2026

Michael Bunker, associate vice president and chief of campus safety and emergency management services for Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety (SU DPS), has been named a director-at-large for the ĚýBoard of Directors.

IACLEA is the largest professional association devoted to excellence in campus public safety and law enforcement. IACLEA members are police chiefs, public safety directors, law enforcement officers and security personnel at higher education institutions who are responsible for protecting millions of students worldwide. The IACLEA Board of Directors is the elected governing body of the association, consisting of four officers, eight regional directors, three directors-at-large, and the executive director, who serves as an ex-officio member.

Bunker’s time at SU DPS has been defined by a deliberate focus on building trust, both within the department and across the broader community.

“Since arriving at Syracuse, I’ve focused on building a department that officers are proud to serve in and that the community trusts,” says Bunker. “We finalized a long-overdue MOU with Syracuse Police Department (SPD), stood up a joint command center with SPD and county partners and negotiated a five-year contract that delivered meaningful pay increases for our officers.”

Bunker’s distinguished career includes serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and leadership roles with the University of Denver, the Georgetown University Police Department, and the Campus Public Safety Institute, along with earlier positions at other police departments. It is a career built on service, one that Bunker says prepared him well for this new responsibility.

“Being elected to the IACLEA board as a director-at-large is a chance to bring the perspective of a large, urban campus department to a national conversation about the future of our profession. I want to make sure departments like ours have a voice in shaping best practices and policy at the national level,” says Bunker. “It’s also personal. My 14 years in the Coast Guard shaped how I think about leadership: service before self, mission focus and taking care of the people under your command. Serving on this board is a continuation of that same commitment, just on a bigger stage.”

 

 

 

 

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Michael Bunker, Chief of the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety, stands in his uniform on a campus plaza, smiling with hands clasped in front of him.
Summer Snapshots 2026 /2026/08/26/summer-snapshots-2026/ Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:31:32 +0000 /?p=342271 Discover all the ways our University community members enjoyed themselves over the summer months.

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Campus & Community Summer

Along with her sons, Jacob (left) and Sam (right), Laura Kolton, executive director for federal government engagement in the Syracuse University Washington, D.C. Center, visited the southern half of the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. Laura says the family trip included breathtaking peaks, picture-perfect alpine towns and no shortage of cows.

Summer Snapshots 2026

Discover all the ways our University community members enjoyed themselves over the summer months.
John Boccacino Aug. 26, 2026

From the looks of it, our University community members sure enjoyed themselves over the summer months. From big adventures around the world to relaxing family getaways, take a look at the fun they had.

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Three people pose on a mountain trail with jagged peaks behind them.
7 Key Successes His First Year: Chief Bunker and the Department of Public Safety ĚýĚý /2026/05/12/7-key-successes-his-first-year-chief-bunker-and-the-department-of-public-safety/ Tue, 12 May 2026 20:24:07 +0000 /?p=338372 Chief of Campus Safety Michael J. Bunker shares how the department is building trust, training and partnerships campuswide.

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7 Key Successes His First Year: Chief Bunker and the Department of Public Safety ĚýĚý

Chief of Campus Safety Michael J. Bunker shares how the department is building trust, training and partnerships campuswide.
Gabrielle Lake May 12, 2026

At Syracuse University safety is a commitment rooted in community, a mission that guides the . This comprehensive team includes a sworn and unsworn officer force, emergency management, business continuity and safety programming.

person
Michael J. Bunker

Since joining the University in July 2025 as associate vice president and chief of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services, has drawn on more than two decades of safety leadership experience to quickly strengthen an ecosystem of safety, support and a University welcoming to all.

“Our progress reflects a team focused on learning, adapting and building trust. What I am most proud of is the momentum we’ve built in simultaneously strengthening professionalism and community engagement. Equally important is our internal team culture. We are deeply committed to the campus community and consistently approach our work with compassion,” says Bunker. “Together it shows that DPS is moving in a direction where strong operational standards and strong community relationships go hand-in-hand. That balance is essential for modern campus safety and for ensuring that every member of the Syracuse University community feels supported.”

Chief Bunker has stepped into his role with each Orange community member top of mind. Below are seven ways he and DPS have evolved safety efforts to meet present campus needs.

1. Coordinating Safety as a Shared Responsibility

DPS has become a model for a campus safety team that truly puts people first and breaks down barriers. “The goal is for DPS to be seen not just as a response agency but as a partner in proactively creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected and supported,” says Bunker. “Through close campus partners such as the Barnes Center at The Arch, Residential Living and other units in the Student Experience Division, as well as our academic and business operations partners, when challenges arise, the response is coordinated and supportive.”

2. Enhancing Individualized Community Connections

Safety preparedness begins far before problems occur. It starts with proactively building and maintaining connections with individual community members, while ensuring safety strategies reflect their needs and experiences. With a shared goal of building trust and familiarity, DPS continues to pursue such community building events as Coffee with a Cop, Safety Stations outside of first-year residence halls and the Marshall Street substation.

“You can expect to be met with professionalism, respect and a genuine desire to help. Our officers are trained to listen first, assess the situation and respond in a way that prioritizes safety and dignity,” says Bunker. “Whether you’re calling because of an emergency, a noise complaint or a wellness concern, the goal is always the same: to make sure you’re OK and to make sure you feel heard.”

3. Strengthening Partnerships On and Off Campus

Campus safety doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Threats, whether criminal, cyber or otherwise, rarely stay confined to a single jurisdiction. If an incident happens on or off campus, Chief Bunker’s work has strengthened the University’s local, regional and federal partnerships, providing access to real-time intelligence, shared resources and coordinated response capabilities. Highlights include the following:

  • Syracuse Police Department
  • Central New York Crime Analysis Center
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force

4. Committing to Continued DPS Education

Campus safety requires officers to be prepared for far more than traditional law enforcement situations. This means ensuring DPS officers are equipped to personalize interactions, especially with those who may be experiencing stress, mental health challenges, personal crises or difficult moments in their lives.

In support of evolving needs, the DPS team has made significant investments in officer readiness over the last few months. This includes expanding training in areas that directly reflect the realities of a modern university, such as raising the bar on officer fitness and physical preparedness, in addition to enhancing overall response capabilities.

Together these actions enhance our community members’ feelings of confidence in knowing that help is ready when it is needed most.

“Some of the trainings I’m most proud of include de-escalation (communication techniques that help safely reduce tension and resolve situations without unnecessary enforcement), crisis Intervention (recognizing and responding appropriately during a mental health crisis) and interviewing with empathy (engaging with victims, witnesses and students in a way that prioritizes respect, understanding and trust),” says Bunker.

5. Empowering the Campus Community

DPS hosts trainings for campus community members and student organizations. Please to learn more. Educational training highlights include the following:

  • Community Police Academy (CPA)
  • Self Defense
  • Bystander Intervention
  • Personal Safety
  • Crime Prevention
  • Active Threat Response

6. Evaluating Internal DPS Operations for External Success

Seeking to improve consistency and officer familiarity with campus, Chief Bunker shifted from 10-hour to 12-hour patrol schedules, resulting in increasing patrol presence, larger shift sizes and meeting a majority officer preference. “Longer shifts mean officers develop deeper knowledge of their patrol areas, build stronger relationships with the communities they serve and experience fewer hand-off gaps between shifts,” says Bunker.

7. Prioritizing the Student Experience

person
Alexa Selter

In addition to proactive and reactive safety efforts, DPS supports student-focused professional development and experiential learning through employing student team members. Experiences span from being a welcoming first point of contact, technology and closed-circuit television (CCTV) operations, or supporting communications, marketing and business continuity planning efforts.

“I wish students knew how much DPS genuinely cares about them. There’s a real human element to this team that often gets overlooked. The officers and staff here show up every day focused on building trust and keeping people safe,” says Alexa Selter ’26, DPS communications and marketing student employee. “Working on the team has made me realize how much goes on behind the scenes to keep our campus feeling safe and welcoming. Before this role, I think I took that for granted. Now I see the people and the effort behind it, and it makes me want to show up more intentionally, both in my work and as a student on this campus.”

 

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A group of approximately 20 Syracuse University Department of Public Safety officers in uniform pose together outside Sims Hall, standing beside the building's orange-and-gray directional sign
HazMat Training Exercise to Take Place on South Campus /2026/03/25/hazmat-training-exercise-to-take-place-on-south-campus/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:25:22 +0000 /?p=335027 The drill, taking place March 31 to April 3, allows various agencies to practice their response to real-life events and plan for interagency cooperation.

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HazMat Training Exercise to Take Place on South Campus

The drill, taking place March 31 to April 3, allows various agencies to practice their response to real-life events and plan for interagency cooperation.
Jennifer DeMarchi March 25, 2026

Beginning Tuesday, March 31, and continuing through Friday, April 3, Syracuse University will host a multi-agency hazardous materials drill on South Campus. Several agencies, including the New York State National Guard Civil Support Team 2, the Syracuse Fire Department HazMat Team, Onondaga County Emergency Management and the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety will take part in the exercise, which is meant to showcase hazardous material response techniques used by military and civilian emergency response professionals.

The drill allows the various agencies and units to practice their response to real-life events and plan for interagency cooperation in the event of a genuine emergency, says Joseph Hernon, associate vice president for emergency and environmental risk services.

This training exercise will also involve a unique academic opportunity for students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Faculty and students in related academic programs, including forensic science, will be able to observe and engage with participating agencies, connecting students directly to practical, hands-on applications of their coursework in hazardous materials response and crime scene management.

“The HazMat drill is a great experiential learning opportunity for our students, bridging classroom instruction and real-world emergency response practice,” says Hernon. Ěý“We’re looking forward to a full week of training for everyone involved.”

Minimal Campus Disruption Expected

All exercise activities will be confined to the South Campus area, away from residential areas. Members of the University community may observe agency vehicles and personnel in the area during the exercise and should expect no disruption to normal campus operations. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

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Aerial view of Syracuse University campus in summer, featuring the Hall of Languages at center, the JMA Wireless Dome stadium to the right, brick academic buildings, green lawns, and tree-covered hills in the background.
DPS to Conduct Test of Orange Alert System on Thursday, March 19 /2026/03/13/dps-to-conduct-test-of-orange-alert-system-on-thursday-march-19/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:12:38 +0000 /?p=334362 It will be a full test of the system, including notifications sent via email, text message and voice call, and activation of the outdoor siren system on North and South campuses.

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DPS to Conduct Test of Orange Alert System on Thursday, March 19

It will be a full test of the system, including notifications sent via email, text message and voice call, and activation of the outdoor siren system on North and South campuses.
Kiana Racha March 13, 2026

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will conduct a test of theĚýĚýon Thursday, March. 19, at 1:55 p.m. Please note: this is just a TEST. It will be a full test of the system, which includes notifications sent via email, text message and voice call. The test will also include the Orange Alert outdoor siren system on the University’s North and South campuses. The sirens will be activated for two minutes at 1:55 p.m.

In addition to email, text and voice messages, the Orange Alert test message will also be sent via push notification to theĚý, to the main Syracuse University and DPS Facebook and Twitter accounts, and will display on the University’s homepage and video monitors located in common areas in several buildings around campus.

The Orange Alert test message will be sent to all Syracuse University students, faculty and staff, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) students and to SUNY ESF faculty and staff who have signed up. Orange Alert will send a test notice to all devices that are registered on the system.

“Testing the Orange Alert system ensures that our campus community can be alerted quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency,” says William Karnadi, director of emergency management and business continuity planning. “We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to double-check their contact information in MySlice so they don’t miss these critical alerts.”

To review and/or modify your Orange Alert contact information, log into MySlice using your NetID and password, select Student Home or Employee Home, depending on your primary affiliation with Syracuse University, select the Personal Profile tile, then “Orange Alert Contacts” from the navigation menu and review your information. If you need to add, update or delete contact information, select the “Add/Update/Delete Contact Details” link. If you are a SUNY ESF student, use the SUNY ESF emergency contact information page to update your information.

For additional information on the Orange Alert system, visitĚý.

 

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Shield-shaped badge logo for Syracuse University Public Safety, featuring the university's block "S" in orange on a navy blue background with an orange border, displayed over a blurred campus building backdrop.
University’s Community Review Board Seeks Members, Plans April 21 Forum /2026/03/02/universitys-community-review-board-seeks-members-plans-april-21-forum/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:01:41 +0000 /?p=333697 The CRB has several open positions for members from the University community.

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University’s Community Review Board Seeks Members, Plans April 21 Forum

The CRB has several open positions for members from the University community.
Kelly Homan Rodoski March 2, 2026

Members of the University community are invited to serve on the (CRB) and to learn more about the group’s work at an open forum Tuesday, April 21.

The CRB, which consists of 11 individuals in various roles across campus, reviews appeals of civilian complaints regarding Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer conduct, current and prospective DPS policies, procedures and trainings and key community-facing functions of DPS. The CRB is also responsible for issuing an Ěýof findings and recommendations; the 2025 report will be forthcoming this spring.

Join the CRB

CRB members serve on a rotating schedule. Currently, there are eight open seats for two undergraduate students, one graduate student, one law student, two staff members, one faculty member and one administrator.

To be considered for a seat on the CRB, by Tuesday, April 14, and submit as follows:

  • Undergraduate Students: Two undergraduate students will be selected by the Student Government Association (SGA); applications should be submitted to SGA President German Nolivos at sgapresident@syr.edu.
  • Graduate Students: One graduate student member will be selected by members of the Graduate School Advisory Council and one law student member will be selected by the executive president of the Student Bar Association, Emery Bielecki, epbaun@syr.edu.
  • Faculty: Applications should be submitted to Doug Yung, ptyung@syr.edu, and Joyce Zadzilka, jazadzil@syr.edu, co-chairs of the University Senate Committee on Employee Services, Fiscal Affairs and Operations.
  • Staff: The Office of Human Resources will select staff representatives. Submit applications to Interim Human Resources Officer Alex Dietrich at SVPCHRO@syr.edu.
  • Administrators: One administrator will be selected by Chancellor Kent Syverud; applications should be submitted to Souher Cosselman, director of engagement in the Office of the Chancellor, at sscossel@syr.edu.

New members will be notified by Monday, April 29, after the review process is completed.

Spring Open Forum

The CRB’s annual spring open forum, where members share information about their work, will be held Tuesday, April 21, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in 228 Schine Student Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences or ask questions related to DPS and policing on campus. The event will also be .

American Sign Language (ASL) and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be available. To request additional accommodations, email crb@syr.edu.

Among the topics to be discussed are DPS’s Taser and Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) standard operating procedures. The CRB has initiated a review of these procedures, and the department is engaging in the review process and evaluating feedback as it is received.

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Aerial view of campus with blue sky and clouds in the background
DPS Student Employees Make Meaningful Impact During Fall Semester /2026/01/20/dps-student-employees-make-meaningful-impact-during-fall-semester/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:34:17 +0000 /?p=331428 Seven students supported communications, video security and business continuity operations while building career skills.

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DPS Student Employees Make Meaningful Impact During Fall Semester

Seven students supported communications, video security and business continuity operations while building career skills.
Jan. 20, 2026

During the Fall 2025 semester, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) was strengthened by the dedication and professionalism of its student employees.

Working in multiple units across DPS, these students supported essential operations that help DPS serve the campus community. Their work reflects not only completed tasks—but also meaningful skill development and a deeper understanding of what it takes to keep a campus the size of Syracuse safe.

Building Trust Through Storytelling

In the Communications and Marketing department, Alexa Selter ’26 and Lily Mallette ’27 played a key role in shaping messaging and strengthening the relationship between DPS and students.

Selter shared that what she enjoys most is “telling stories that have an impact,” noting that each campaign contributes to building trust and connection. The position expanded her understanding of DPS: “I now recognize how deeply involved they are in our community. It motivated my goal of helping spread their message and guide more students in understanding the people and mission of the department.”

Mallette echoed this sense of purpose, reflecting on how developing outreach campaigns and creating graphics has helped her grow in design, communication and creative direction. “Thoughtful design and messaging can make a real difference in engaging a community and keeping it informed,” she says.

Their supervisor, Kiana Racha, internal communications and marketing manager, Ěýexpressed deep appreciation for their work, praising Selter and Mallette for exceeding expectations. “They came up with amazing projects of their own that have helped the Department of Public Safety connect with and keep our campus safe,” says Racha.

Monitoring Campus Security

The Video Security unit benefited from the work of Charlize Wen ’29 and Donghwan Lee ’26, who supported the reliability of the campus camera network and related technology.

Wen says her favorite part of the role was working with new technology and software used in video forensics. She also emphasized how much she has grown professionally, particularly in communication and confidence.

Lee shared that he valued the independence and responsibility that came with monitoring campus cameras, saying that the experience taught him the importance of precision and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Their supervisor, Courtney Albiker, project manager, Security Services, praised their performance, noting that both students quickly became valuable contributors. She highlighted their systematic camera health checks across our 2,600-plus campus cameras and commended their strong initiative, attention to detail and professionalism, which directly supported campus security.

Strengthening Emergency Preparedness

In the area of Business Continuity, graduate student Shappelle Marshall and Samantha Morse ’28 played significant roles in strengthening campus resilience and preparedness.

Marshall appreciated working on projects with real impact, noting that developing tabletop exercises and planning resources enabled her to apply her public administration studies in meaningful ways. She also contributed to creating surveys, instructional videos and planning tools that support stakeholders across the university.

Morse says her favorite part of the job was gaining hands-on experience in risk management and helping departments prepare for potential disruptions. Through her work on webpage redesigns, tabletop exercises, video scripts and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coursework, she learned how essential communication and proactive planning are for strong continuity practices.

Their supervisor, Cassandra Gentile, business continuity specialist, described both students as instrumental in advancing the department’s projects. She emphasized their professionalism and initiative, saying they each brought unique strengths. “I would not have been able to complete these initiatives or stay on track with other aspects of my role without their dedication and support,” Gentile says.

Together, these student employees contributed valuable time, talent and creativity to DPS’s operations, supporting campus safety, enhancing communication and strengthening emergency preparedness.

Story by Lily Mallette

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How to Embrace Your First Winter on Campus /2025/11/24/how-to-embrace-your-first-winter-on-campus/ Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:17:30 +0000 /?p=329140 A University staff member and student share advice for how to prepare and make the most of the snowy season.

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Campus & Community How

The first snowfall on campus in early November. (Photo by Amy Manley)

How to Embrace Your First Winter on Campus

A University staff member and student share advice for how to prepare and make the most of the snowy season.
Dialynn Dwyer Nov. 24, 2025

The first snowfall on campus can be magical, painting the Hall of Languages in picturesque white and turning the Quad into a scene from a snow globe. Sure, you’ll need proper footwear when navigating between buildings, but that’s all part of the authentic Syracuse experience.

With the right gear and mindset, you’ll discover why so many students come to love winter on the Hill.

Below, a University staff member and student share advice for thriving during the winter months.

Know Where to Get Your Weather Alerts and Forecasts

Preparation is key for the season so you can dress properly for the chilly days ahead, says William Karnadi, director of emergency management in the Department of Public Safety.

That starts with knowing where to get accurate weather information and alerts. He recommends following the Binghamton, which provides forecasts for the region.

“Pay attention to the wind chill, because the weather forecast might call for 32 degrees, but if there is a wind chill, the actual temperature will be lower than 32 degrees,” Karnadi says.

From there, make sure you understand the differences between the the weather service issues during the season, since each corresponds with different levels of weather hazards.

Karnadi says the University community should also follow the’s social media channels and make sure they have the downloaded, since that’s where the University will post both passive and active messages related to weather and the impacts on campus.

Have the Right Gear

Jiya Gumaste ’27, a chemistry and neuroscience major in the , is no stranger to being outside on campus in the winter. Serving as an University 100 student ambassador, giving campus tours through the winter and also training outside for ROTC, she is well-versed in what’s needed to protect against the cold.

“Snow is better than rain, because you don’t get wet,” she says.

Turn to layers to stay warm during the winter.

Waterproof boots or footwear will help protect your feet, whether it’s freezing rain or snow in the forecast.

“If you aren’t used to walking on snow or ice, definitely [wear] boots or something with traction,” Gumaste says.

Gloves and a hat, or earmuffs, are also musts for walking around, she and Karnadi say.

“Make sure you have the full gear and have a backup in case you lose it,” Karnadi says. “I’m always about having a backup.”

A good jacket is also essential, and Karnadi recommends a waterproof option.

Don’t Leave the House Without…

Gumaste recommends keeping your jacket with you during the winter months.

“At least carry it,” she says.

Gumaste always keeps an umbrella and gloves with her.

If you’re commuting to campus, Karnadi suggests bringing spare “sustenance” (like a protein or granola bar), an extra power source like a battery bank and water with you when you head out the door.

If you’re driving, make sure you have weather-appropriate tires and jumper cables, he says.

What to Look Out for on Campus

People often forget how the wind can impact getting around on campus, Gumaste adds.

“We have a couple of wind tunnels on campus, just the way the buildings are set up,” she says. “So you have to walk with your head down, but also not bump into anyone. It’s something you’ve got to kind of get used to.”

When you do head outside to walk to class or commute to campus, Karnadi recommends giving yourself some extra time to get to your destination. The roads and sidewalks might be slippery in places, so you’ll want to take it slow.

Ways to Stay Cozy

Karnadi says the key to staying cozy during the winter is being prepared for the weather conditions and dressing appropriately to stay warm and dry.

“If you feel comfortable, the winter is not much of an issue,” he says.

You’ll be ready to join in the tradition of sledding down the Crouse College hill with the first big snowfall, on anything but a sled, Gumaste says.

“That is pretty fun, especially for a first-year student; it is kind of a rite of passage,” she says.

So too are impromptu snowball fights when walking with friends on campus.

Gumaste says book-ending your time in the cold with warm foods helps keep the season snug. Soup and hot chocolate are two of her favorite treats for warming up.

“On very cold weekend nights, I love to make some hot cocoa and watch a movie,” she says.

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Syracuse University campus in winter with light snow, colorful autumn trees, and the historic Hall of Languages building in the background.
Community Review Board Welcomes New Leadership /2025/10/23/community-review-board-welcomes-new-leadership/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:14:54 +0000 /?p=327394 Third-year law student Lindsey Oliver will serve as chair and School of Education associate professor Stefanie Pilkay will serve as vice chair.

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Community Review Board Welcomes New Leadership

Third-year law student Lindsey Oliver will serve as chair and School of Education associate professor Stefanie Pilkay will serve as vice chair.
Kelly Homan Rodoski Oct. 23, 2025

The University’s (CRB) has started the 2025-26 academic year with new leadership.

Lindsey Oliver, a third-year law student in the College of Law, has been elected as chair and Stefanie Pilkay, associate professor in the School of Education, has been elected as vice chair.

Participating in Meaningful Policy Review and Reform

Oliver served as a student attorney in the College of Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic last year and is interning at the Federal Public Defender’s Office this academic year. She joined the CRB in the spring of 2024 and served as vice chair last year.

“The CRB has offered me, as a student, the opportunity to participate directly in meaningful policy review and reform that impacts not only myself, but also my fellow students,” Oliver says.

She says the CRB plays an important role on campus. “By proactively working to shape policies and procedures toĚýreflect fairness, respect and transparency, the board helps to prevent incidents before they ever occur,” Oliver says. “And when issues do arise, the CRB ensures that every voice is heard through a process of truly impartial review.”

The CRB is made up of diverse perspectives and will be actively seeking input from the campus community this year. “Input is essential in guiding our recommendations to craft the most effective policy for everyone,” Oliver says.

The board’s fall forum will be held this semester with Department of Public Safety Chief Mike Bunker. Details will be forthcoming.

History of the CRB

The CRB was created following an independent review of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in 2020-21. It is responsible for:

  • reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct;
  • reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings;
  • reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and
  • issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

CRB Membership

In addition to Oliver and Pilkay, the CRB’s membership includes:

  • Adam Hepburn, associate vice president, strategic initiatives and government engagement, Office of the Vice Chancellor
  • Benjamin Katz, graduate student, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
  • Rosemary Martin ’26, undergraduate student,ĚýCollege of Arts and Sciences
  • Christina Papaleo, learning and development specialist, Office of People and Culture
  • Cynthia Pope, associate teaching professor, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Brandon Tamez ’27, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Tanya Williamson, assistant vice president, Office of People and Culture
  • Staff member, TBD

The CRB also has the support of consultants to advise on its work. Bethaida “Bea” González, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, is senior advisor to the CRB.Ěý Melvin “Tony” Perez, former chief of public safety for Monroe Community College, serves as its expert law enforcement consultant. Alyssa Campbell, associate general counsel in the University’s Office of University Counsel, serves as legal advisor.

For more information,Ěývisit the CRB webpageĚýor contact the CRB directly by email atĚýCRB@syr.edu.

Ěý

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Fall scene of campus
Stay Safe This Halloween: Tips From the Department of Public SafetyĚý /2025/10/22/stay-safe-this-halloween-tips-from-the-department-of-public-safety/ Wed, 22 Oct 2025 18:02:52 +0000 /?p=327331 Public safety officers and staff will offer glow sticks, safety tips and a community presence before the festivities begin.

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Stay Safe This Halloween: Tips From the Department of Public SafetyĚý

Public safety officers and staff will offer glow sticks, safety tips and a community presence before the festivities begin.
News Staff Oct. 22, 2025

With Halloween festivities approaching, the (DPS) reminds students to take simple precautions that can help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable celebration.Ěý

“Halloween is one of the most active times on campus,” says Kara Salce, a DPS sergeant, and DPS will be available to offer some safety tips.Ěý

Public safety officers and staff will host a tabling event on Tuesday, Oct. 28, outside Sims Hall from 9 to 11 a.m. where they will hand out glow sticks, candy and snacks and provide friendly reminders to help students enjoy Halloween while staying safe.Ěý

DPS officers ask students to keep these practical safety tips in mind:Ěý

  • Stay visible and aware. Stick to well-lit routes when walking at night.Ěý
  • Use the buddy system. Travel with friends and check in on one another throughout the night.Ěý
  • Secure your belongings. Keep valuables out of sight in vehicles or dorm rooms. Don’t leave bags, electronics or other items unattended at events.Ěý
  • Stay connected. Fully charge your cell phone before heading out for the evening. Download the if you haven’t already—it connects you directly to safety escorts, emergency alerts and reporting tools.Ěý
  • Know your resources. DPS is available 24/7 for assistance and emergencies.Ěý

Officer John Mazurowski encourages students to stop by the tabling event to meet and connect with officers.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet the students on a day-to-day basis outside of a normal call for assistance,” Mazurowski says. “Beneath the uniform, we are just normal people who are more than happy to have conversations and share stories, and we are here to build relationships with our students.”

—Story by Alexa Selter, a senior in the Newhouse School of Public Communications and a communications and marketing assistant with the Department of Public Safety

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Three uniformed officers wearing black vests labeled “DPS” stand outdoors on a brick walkway near a building covered in ivy.
DPS to Conduct Orange Alert System Test on Wednesday, Sept. 17 /2025/09/10/dps-to-conduct-an-orange-alert-system-test-on-wednesday-sept-17/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:33:03 +0000 https://syracuse-news.ddev.site/2025/09/10/dps-to-conduct-an-orange-alert-system-test-on-wednesday-sept-17/ The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will conduct a test of theĚýOrange Alert Campus Crisis Alert Notification System on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 1:55 p.m. It will be a full test of the system, which includes notifications sent via email, text message and voice call. The test will also include the Orange Alert outdoor siren system on the University’s North and South campuses. The sirens will be ...

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DPS to Conduct Orange Alert System Test on Wednesday, Sept. 17

Kiana Racha Sept. 10, 2025

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will conduct a test of theĚý on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 1:55 p.m. It will be a full test of the system, which includes notifications sent via email, text message and voice call. The test will also include the Orange Alert outdoor siren system on the University’s North and South campuses. The sirens will be activated for two minutes at 1:55 p.m.

In addition to email, text and voice messages, the Orange Alert test message will also be sent via push notification to theĚý, to the main Syracuse University and DPS Facebook and Twitter accounts, and will display on the University’s homepage and video monitors located in common areas in several buildings around campus.

The Orange Alert message will be sent to all Syracuse University students, faculty and staff, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) students and to SUNY ESF faculty and staff who have signed up. Orange Alert will send a notice to all devices that are registered on the system.

“Testing the Orange Alert system ensures that our campus community can be reached quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency,” says William Karnadi, director of emergency management and business continuity planning. “We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to double-check their contact information in MySlice so they don’t miss these critical alerts.”

To review and/or modify your Orange Alert contact information, go to MySlice, log in using your NetID and password, select Student Home or Employee Home, depending on your primary affiliation with Syracuse University, select the Personal Profile tile, then “Orange Alert Contacts” from the navigation menu and review your information. If you need to add, update or delete contact information, select the “Add/Update/Delete Contact Details” link. If you are an ESF student, use the ESF emergency contact information page to update your information.

For additional information on the Orange Alert system, visitĚý.

Press Contact

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

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Syracuse University Department of Public Safety patch with orange block S in the middle and a blurred out picture of Sims Hall in the background
DPS Pilots License Plate Reader Technology to Enhance Campus Safety /2025/08/29/dps-pilots-license-plate-reader-technology-to-enhance-campus-safety/ Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:52:12 +0000 https://syracuse-news.ddev.site/2025/08/29/dps-pilots-license-plate-reader-technology-to-enhance-campus-safety/ The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has launched a pilot program to test license plate reader (LPR) technology on campus, expanding its tools to help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Unlike surveillance systems that track individuals’ movements, LPRs scan license plates and cross-reference them with law enforcement databases containing informat...

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DPS Pilots License Plate Reader Technology to Enhance Campus Safety

Kiana Racha Aug. 29, 2025

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has launched a pilot program to test license plate reader (LPR) technology on campus, expanding its tools to help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Unlike surveillance systems that track individuals’ movements, LPRs scan license plates and cross-reference them with law enforcement databases containing information about stolen vehicles and those tied to ongoing investigations.

“License plate reader technology gives our team another valuable tool to respond quickly and effectively when crimes occur,” says Michael Bunker, associate vice president and DPS chief. “It allows us the ability to identify threats in real time and share that information with our local law enforcement partners. This collaboration strengthens our ability to keep the campus community safe.”

The pilot program is the latest in a series of safety initiatives at the University. Current measures include campus patrols, an extensive network of security cameras, safety apps for students and employees and close partnerships with local police and emergency agencies.

Bunker adds, “The combination of these tools underscores our ongoing commitment to maintaining a secure and respectful campus environment where all community members can feel safe, supported and respected.”

 

Press Contact

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

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Department of Public Safety Celebrates Graduation of 9th Peace Officer Academy /2025/08/19/department-of-public-safety-celebrates-graduation-of-9th-peace-officer-academy/ Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:05:10 +0000 https://syracuse-news.ddev.site/2025/08/19/department-of-public-safety-celebrates-graduation-of-9th-peace-officer-academy/ 2025 campus peace officer recruits at graduation (Front row, from left: Misty Stephens, Mariyah Byrd and Jesus Gorra; back row, from left: Megan Healey, Brennan Kreis and Matthew Calley)
On Aug. 14, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) welcomed families, friends and colleagues of the 9th Peace Officer Academy recruits to a graduation event. The ceremony, held at Drumlins Country Club, was the per...

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Department of Public Safety Celebrates Graduation of 9th Peace Officer Academy

Six
2025 campus peace officer recruits at graduation (Front row, from left: Misty Stephens, Mariyah Byrd and Jesus Gorra; back row, from left: Megan Healey, Brennan Kreis and Matthew Calley)

On Aug. 14, the (DPS) welcomed families, friends and colleagues of the 9th Peace Officer Academy recruits to a graduation event. The ceremony, held at Drumlins Country Club, was the perfect culmination of their accomplishments over the last few months.

“Our graduates have shown great discipline and dedication throughout their 22 weeks of training,” says Michael Bunker, associate vice president and chief of DPS. “They now join a department committed to service, professionalism and care for the Syracuse University community.”

The graduates joining the Syracuse University DPS are:

  • Mariyah Byrd
  • Matthew Calley
  • Jesus Gorra
  • Brennan Kreis
  • Misty Stephens

The graduate joining Onondaga Community College DPS is:

  • Megan Healey

“We are incredibly proud of this graduating class,” says Sgt. Adam Wheeler, academy director. “Over the past 22 weeks, these recruits have demonstrated commitment, discipline and resilience. They are now well-prepared to start field training and learn how to serve our community with professionalism, integrity and compassion from our seasoned officers.”

During the ceremony, in addition to the badge pinning and certificates being distributed, special honors were given to a couple of graduates. Jesus Gorra, Mariyah Byrd, Matthew Calley and Megan Healey received performance-based awards, while Mariyah Byrd was also honored as the valedictorian of the class.

The newest DPS graduates will now begin their time as field training officers, working side by side with veteran DPS officers as they complete the required 480 hours of training before becoming fully qualified officers and officially completing the training program.

DPS provides around-the-clock protection to the Syracuse University campus. Through various patrol and crime prevention efforts, the department partners with students, faculty and staff to identify, recognize and eliminate crime hazards and risks within the campus community.

Press Contact

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

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Six uniformed police officers standing in two rows in front of American, blue, and orange flags