Pesonal Information

How can I become involved in campus life?

SU students can participate in approximately 300 recognized student organizations, including governance and political organizations; class councils; social and service fraternities and sororities; artistic, cultural, religious, and service organizations; and student media groups. Information about recognized student organizations is available through the Office of Student Life at studentlife.syr.edu.

What health services does the University provide?

Syracuse University Health Services (SUHS) provides ambulatory health care for illnesses and injuries. Services include medical and women's health, immunization, allergy, nutrition, ambulance and medical transport, pharmacy, laboratory, x-ray, and health promotion. The SUHS staff includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other health care professionals.

What immunizations are required?

Syracuse University policy, in accordance with New York State public health law, requires all students to provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. In addition, a completed response form related to meningococcal meningitis vaccine is required. Additional vaccines are recommended. The health form included in your student's admission booklet should be completed.

Should I have health insurance coverage?

It is strongly recommended that you carry health insurance to cover expenses not covered by the health fee and medical expenses incurred outside of SUHS such as emergency room care and hospitalization. If your parents' health care coverage is provided by a health maintenance organization or managed care program, they should determine what coverage is available while you are outside the network. You should always carry their health insurance card when seeking care, and be familiar with how to access services under their policy. A health insurance plan designed specifically for our students is available through SUHS. For more information about the plan, please call our insurance coordinator at 315-443-2668.

What exercise and fitness options are available on campus?

Regular exercise and stress management are important to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The Department of Recreation Services offers a wide range of recreational options for students—from fitness centers and classes to ice skating and intramural sports. Facilities managed by the department include Archbold and Flanagan gyms; the Women's Building; the Bill and Marilyn Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion; Goldstein, Marion, Marshall Square Mall and Brockway fitness centers; outdoor tennis courts; sand volleyball courts; and a variety of fields. Recreation Services also sponsors such outdoor education programs as whitewater rafting, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing. Late Night at the Gym allows students to use many recreational facilities until 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. The Department of Recreation Services is headquartered in Archbold Gymnasium, and can be reached at 315-443-4386.

Can first-year students have cars?

Generally, first-year students are not allowed to have cars unless there are special circumstances. In addition, parking space is limited unless students are commuting from the Syracuse area.

If I identify as a student of color, what support is available to me at SU?

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) provides the support and guidance needed to encourage students to become members of a community respectful of differences. OMA offers one-on-one support for students of color at Syracuse University. OMA reaches out to students of all identities who are struggling with mixed messages they may receive in dealing with issues of race and diversity in their own communities and assists students to grow into individuals willing to take a proactive stance against oppression in all its forms. For more information, call 315-443-9676, or visit room 105 Schine Student Center.

As a student with special needs and/or a disability, what resources and support are offered to me on campus?

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) works to facilitate equal access to all academic programs and services for students with physical, psychological, and learning disabilities. If you feel that you may be eligible for services, you should contact ODS to discuss documentation guidelines and appropriate accommodations. You may call 315-443-4498, visit 804 University Avenue, Suite 309, or visit http://disabilityservices.syr.edu/ for more information.

Feel free to contact the Center on Human Policy for information on a broad range of human services available in the community to people with disabilities and their families. You may call 315-443-3851, visit 805 South Crouse Avenue, e-mail at thechp@sued.syr.edu, or visit http://disabilityservices.syr.edu/ for more information.

You may also wish to contact or learn more about the Gebbie Speech-Language-Hearing Clinics located at 805 South Crouse Avenue. For more information, call at 315-443-3385.

If I identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender or if I am thinking about coming out, what support is available to me at SU?

If you are just coming out or have questions about your sexuality or gender identity, we invite you to visit the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered (LGBT) Resource Center website at http://lgbt.syr.edu/ or stop by the LGBT Resource Center located at 750 Ostrom Avenue. For more information please call 315-443-3983.