HR News

Campus Framework-Vision for Excellence Full Report Now Available

Ensuring that Syracuse University’s physical landscape, buildings and infrastructure align with and support the priorities of the Academic Strategic Plan and its institutional mission and vision is the chief objective of the newly released Campus Framework—Vision for Excellence.

The full report, which remains in draft form to allow the University to shift and adapt to evolving needs and priorities, received the endorsement of the Board of Trustees over the weekend. The Campus Framework, which recently won a 2017 Society for College and University Planning Excellence Award in Planning for an Existing Campus, can now be viewed at CampusFramework.syr.edu. There, campus community members can read the report, provide feedback, and have their questions answered in real time. The University will also host multiple information sessions in the coming months, the first of which is scheduled for Thursday, June 15, at 4 p.m. in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium in Newhouse 3. Look for the times, dates and locations of additional information sessions on the Campus Framework website.

More information about the release of the report is available on SU News.

Summer Hours

Summer office hours for Syracuse University will begin on Monday, May 15, 2017 and will be in effect through Friday, August 25, 2017. Summer office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Academic year hours will resume on Monday, August 28.

On My Own Time Exhibit April 28-May17

On My Own Time Exhibit Runs April 28-May 17

Do you have creative skills or artistic work that you would like to share with your colleagues and friends at Syracuse University? Now is the time to present your inspiration through the On My Own Time exhibit April 28 – May 17.

Any full- or part-time Syracuse University faculty, staff, or instructor is eligible to submit up to three pieces of artwork in the categories of painting, ceramics, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, photography, collage/assemblage, fiber art, glasswork, computer art, metalwork, and mixed media. The exhibit is in the Noble Room of Hendricks Chapel and is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.– 5 p.m. through May 17.

A panel of professional artists assembled by CNY Arts will serve as judges. Artwork selected by the panel will be featured in a public exhibit at the Everson Museum this fall. Visitors to the on-campus exhibit will be able to vote for a “Best of Show” piece. The winner of this and other categories will be announced at a closing reception on May 17.

For questions about On My Own Time, please call Lucille Murphy, human resources shared services representative, at 315.443.4042 or email lumurphy@syr.edu.

Now in its 44th year, On My Own Time (OMOT) brings visibility to employees artistic and creative skills through a community arts program to bring visibility to the creative skills of people employed in local businesses and organizations and the Everson Museum of Art.

 

Inaugural One University Awards Honor Campus Community Members

Syracuse University held the inaugural One University Awards Ceremony on Tuesday in Hendricks Chapel, honoring dozens of members of the University community for their scholarship, teaching, academic achievement, leadership and service.

Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly presided at the ceremony, which included remarks by Chancellor Kent Syverud and a performance by the University Singers under the direction of John Warren, associate professor and director of choral activities in the Setnor School of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Two major University awards, the Chancellor’s Medal and the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence, were given. The ceremony also included the presentation of the Chancellor’s Award for Public Engagement and Scholarship; the Meredith Professorship for Teaching Excellence; the Teaching Recognition Award; the United Methodist Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award; the 50-Year Service Award; and the William Pearson Tolley Medal for Distinguished Leadership in Lifelong Learning.

The Chancellor’s Medal, the University’s highest honor, was first presented in 1967 as the Centennial Medal on the occasion of Chancellor William Pearson Tolley’s 25th anniversary as chancellor. The medal is awarded to individuals in honor of their trailblazing and extraordinary contributions to the University, to an academic body of knowledge, or to society. On the 50th anniversary of the medal’s establishment, the medal was awarded to Sam Clemence, professor emeritus in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and interim dean of Hendricks Chapel, and his wife, Carolyn Clemence.

Recognition of 50-Year Employees

Jack Graver, professor of mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences: Graver has held numerous departmental leadership positions and has regularly conducted in-service and summer workshops for public school teachers in Syracuse and elsewhere.

Donald Morton, professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences: Morton pursues scholarship on Marxism, critical theory, critical cultural studies, gender and sexuality. He also has introduced several innovative courses into the curriculum.

Sarah Short, professor of nutrition science and dietetics in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. She has taught 14 courses in nutrition, sports nutrition, food science, minerals, biochemistry and education—connecting with about 1,100 students each year.

Class of 2016 Emeriti

Syracuse University faculty who have been honored upon retirement for their past and expected future contributions to the University and to their fields of study: Bruce Abbey (dean emeritus of the School of Architecture), Kristi Andersen, Karen Bakke, Benita Blachman, Philip Borer, Stuart Bretschneider, Ann Clarke (dean emeritus of the College of Visual and Performing Arts), James Dabrowiak, Helen Doerr, Linda Galloway, Martha Hanson, Jerry Kelly, Edward Lipson, Carla Lloyd, Arthur McDonald, Pamela Shoemaker, Clint Tankersley, Stuart Thorson.

Meredith Professors for Teaching Excellence

A substantial bequest from the estate of L. Douglas Meredith, a 1926 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, allowed Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw to create the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professorships in 1995 to recognize and reward outstanding teaching at Syracuse University.

Sanjay Chhablani is a professor in the College of Law. For his Meredith project, he plans to develop a course using the television series “The Wire” as the basis for exploring the criminal justice system.

Jackie Orr is associate professor of sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School. For her Meredith project, she plans to develop a course focusing on the emergent field of “arts-based research practice.”

Teaching Recognition Awards

The Teaching Recognition Award is sponsored by the Meredith Professors to benefit non-tenured faculty members. It recognizes excellence in teaching and fosters a culture of collegial mentoring among faculty members.

Todd Berger is associate professor in the College of Law and director of the college’s Criminal Defense Clinic, where students work with real clients and learn interviewing, counseling and other professional skills.

Jeffrey Gonda is assistant professor of history in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School. He focuses his research and teaching on U.S. history through the lenses of race and law.

Shikha Nangia is assistant professor in biomedical and chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Her research focuses on advancing the development of therapies to treat neuro-degenerative diseases.

Paul Prescott is an instructor of philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences. He focuses on ensuring students develop analytical skills to better understand their own views as well as the divergent views of others—and to intellectually engage with the world.

Jonnell Robinson is an assistant professor of geography in the Maxwell School and the College of Arts and Sciences. She created and built the field of community geography, which has garnered international recognition and engaged students in community problem-solving.

C. Cora True-Frost is associate professor in the College of Law. She is recognized both as an important scholar and as a valuable mentor and teacher, helping students learn to analyze and question, and to understand the impact of the law on people.

United Methodist Scholar and Teacher of the Year

The Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church has sponsored the United Methodist Scholar and Teacher of the Year Award at Syracuse University each year since 1982 to recognize the teaching and scholarship of an outstanding professor. This award gives explicit emphasis to the dual nature of a faculty member’s responsibilities as a scholar or creative artist and as a teacher.

Thomas Perreault, professor of geography in the Maxwell School and the College of Arts and Sciences, is a dedicated teacher and mentor, consistently going above and beyond to support student success and graduate scholarship. He exemplifies the highest levels of integrity and justice—and a deep commitment to the wider community.

Chancellor’s Citation Awards

These awards were first presented to members of the University community in 1979 in recognition of outstanding achievement in teaching, scholarship and creative work. Over time, the focus of the awards changed to reflect new priorities and institutional directions. This year, Chancellor’s Citations were presented in four categories: Faculty Excellence and Scholarly Distinction; Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives; Excellence in Student Research; and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives

Gerald Edmonds is an assistant provost in the Office of the Associate Provost for Academic Programs. He has been a leading force for University-wide assessment and accreditation activities, including the Middle States accreditation self-study.

As director of the Disability Cultural Center, Diane Wiener coordinates campus-wide social, educational and cultural activities on disability issues for students, faculty, staff and community members. Her passion for recognizing the value and potential residing in each one of us has helped foster a stronger and more inclusive campus community.

Chancellor’s Citation for Faculty Excellence and Scholarly Distinction

Jennifer Karas-Montez is assistant professor of sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences. She has earned national and international notice for her scholarship on the growing inequalities in life expectancy across gender, education level or geographical region.

Christopher Scholz is professor of Earth sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. He has distinguished himself as a leader in several overlapping fields of research, with major impacts on the geosciences.

Chancellor’s Citation Lifetime Achievement Award

Charles V. Willie is one of the nation’s most prominent black sociologists, with a powerful legacy of advancing access and opportunity for all. Educator and social activist, he has served as a court-appointed master, expert witness and consultant in many school desegregation cases. Throughout his career, he has leveraged the power of social research to advance the cause of justice. Willie received his Ph.D. from Syracuse in 1957 and went on to serve as chair of the Department of Sociology and vice president of the University. Today, he is a faculty emeritus of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.

Be Part of Team SU for the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge

May 8 is the registration deadline to be part of the Syracuse University team in the 2017 J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge. The 3.5-mile run/walk is Tuesday, June 6, at 6:25 p.m. at Onondaga Lake Parkway in Liverpool. All benefits-eligible faculty and staff who meet the J.P. Morgan event eligibility requirements are invited to participate.

Each team participant will receive:

  • an official 2017 Corporate Challenge event tech running shirt;
  • a Team SU tech running shirt;
  • a tented pre- and post-race refreshment area offering snacks and beverages, as well as tables and chairs; and
  • half of the $36 registration paid for by the University.

Registration is a two-step process. First, complete the registration form. Second, bring a check for $18 payable to “Syracuse University” to the Office of Government and Community Relations, Suite 2-212 in the Center for Science and Technology (easiest entry is off of the R3 parking lot next to CST on Comstock Avenue). The check must be delivered by noon on May 8. No late payments will be accepted.

SU team packets may be picked up on Monday, June 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, June 6, from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Milton Atrium in the Life Sciences Complex. Please note no packets will be brought to the race site in Liverpool on race day.

Review the course map and more information on the Syracuse Corporate Challenge and sign up by May 8.

Submit 2016 FSA Claims by April 30

Remember to submit any 2016 expenses to WageWorks for your eligible dependent care and health care flexible spending account by April 30, 2017 for expenses incurred by December 31, 2016.

Unused funds in your 2016 dependent care care FSA will be forfeited if they are not claimed by the April 30 deadline.  If you have unused funds in your 2016 health care FSA, WageWorks will rollover up to $500 to your 2017 FSA; amounts over $500 will be forfeited.

You can review eligible expenses and download claim forms at wageworks.com, and more information can be found on humanresources.syr.edu/benefits/fsa.  You can also submit claims online or using the EZReceipts mobile app for iOS and Android. Contact WageWorks toll-free at 1.877.924.3967 with any questions.

Read more news

Health and Wellness Expo on March 29

The Department of Recreation Services is once again hosting the Health and Wellness Expo on Wednesday, March 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Flanagan Gymnasium.  The event is free and open to all faculty, staff and students with valid SU/ESF ID.

The event hosts more than 50 vendors who offer a variety of health and wellness-related services, resources and products available on and off campus, such as chiropractic care, stress reduction, mindful eating, yoga and more.  Among the group of vendors will be representatives from the employee benefits programs, including POMCO, OptumRx, Delta Dental and TIAA. Information will also be available about the University Wellness Initiative, the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program through Carebridge, and VSP vision benefits. Stop by the vendors’ tables for product demonstrations, free samples, information and activities.

University Faculty, Staff Receive Training on Investigating Complaints of Sexual Violence, Title IX Compliance

About 50 University faculty and staff members took part in training Jan. 27 that involved matters relating to Title IX, including  investigating and adjudicating complaints of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual harassment and stalking.

University faculty and staff members, who are responsible for investigating and/or adjudicating complaints of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual harassment and stalking by students, staff and faculty at the University, participated in training sessions as part of ongoing education on the latest methods and processes.

“This training educates investigators and adjudicators so the University is able to provide impartial, equitable and trauma-informed investigation and adjudication processes for students, faculty and staff,” says Pam Peter, assistant dean/director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. “It is meant to enhance and improve our processes and what we’re doing for the University community.”

The sessions included material on the University’s policies, procedures and resources relating to sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, including complaint policies and procedures, prohibitions on retaliation and student code of conduct; each employee’s specific role and responsibilities under the University’s policies and procedures; and how to conduct adequate, reliable, thorough and impartial complaint investigations and adjudications, including the effects of trauma and the rights of both parties.

The training for staff was conducted by Debbie Osgood, a partner at Hogan Marren Babbo & Rose Ltd., and the former national enforcement director for the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). She has extensive expertise on Title IX, having worked for OCR for 25 years and assisted in the development of the model the OCR uses when investigating institutions.

There was also a session on “Fairness and Compassion for All Parties in the Complaint Process,” facilitated by Cory Wallack, director of the University Counseling Center, and Osgood.

“The session discussed how these situations impact students and how to be objective but caring to both parties,” Peter says. “We reviewed how not to traumatize individuals who are going through the process, how to ask appropriate questions and how to phrase questions in different ways to get the necessary information to make an assessment about the facts.”

Faculty members underwent training facilitated by the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion & Resolution Services and the Office of Faculty Affairs. The training included material on the University’s policies, procedures and resources, and also covered conducting effective investigations. Wallack also facilitated the same session on “Fairness and Compassion for All Parties in the Complaint Process” for the faculty members.

In addition to the training on Jan. 27, members of the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence met with Osgood Jan. 26 to learn about strategies and best practices for Title IX compliance.

The session for members of the task force reviewed such matters as reasons to focus on Title IX compliance, the Title IX investigation process, trends in recent Title IX court cases and OCR sexual violence cases, and what upcoming changes might be expected in federal Title IX enforcement.

“This session allowed for greater understanding of what happens when an investigation takes place and then also a discussion of what might occur in the new administration,” Peter says. “The presentation provided a broader overview of the Office for Civil Rights, and the office’s overall purpose.”

Representatives from the OCR were on campus Jan. 24 and 25 to assess Syracuse University’s processes for handling complaints of sexual violence or harassment. These visits take place at campuses around the nation, as part of a Title IX review. OCR is looking into about 300 Title IX complaints at universities and colleges nationwide, including two cases at the University. While on campus, OCR hosted two community meetings, both of which were open to students, faculty and staff.

Read more news

February is Sexual Health Awareness Month

The Office of Health Promotion (OHP) is holding Syracuse University’s first Sexual Health Awareness Month throughout the month of February, calling it Frisky February. Working in collaboration with many organizations, University offices, community partners and the OHP Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS), there are events all month long to encourage positive discussion about a subject many would like to know more about.

Frisky February banner for sexual health awareness monthFor Michelle Goode, OHP’s health promotion specialist focused on sexual and relationship violence prevention, the decision to focus on sexual health is one that “Everyone wants to learn more about but has historically been taboo. Sex and sexuality are normal and natural parts of everyone’s life and there are so many ways that someone can have healthy expressions of sexual health.” Frisky February is all about getting “sex-positive messaging out, since sexual health is a topic that is not talked about much,” says Goode.

One of the events that will help get sex-positive messaging out is Sex in the Dark on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. in Grant Auditorium. Sex in the Dark is a glow in the dark-themed sexual health panel discussion with “sexperts” from the Syracuse University community. Students can get ready to glow in neon swag during this event as well!

“We are really excited to host this event and hope that students will feel more comfortable with the lights out to learn more about any sex questions they have not been able to ask before,” says Goode.

On why now is the right time to engage the campus community with Frisky February, Kristelle Aisaka, the OHP’s health promotion specialist focused on mental health says, “Frisky February helps us to bridge a gap and talk about sex, sexuality and sexual health in a fun and positive way, while making sure that students have access to the accurate and important health knowledge they need to have safe, healthy and enjoyable sexual experiences, when or if they choose to.”

Although OHP is one of the major organizers of Frisky February, it’s a community effort. The student organizations, community partners and offices that are partnering to hold different events, including ACR Health, Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Tau Omega, Bedsider, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Femme Noire, Health Services, Onondaga County Health Department, Orange After Dark, SASSE, Sex S.Y.M.B.A.L.S. and SUNY Upstate Medical University, are all contributing to bridge the knowledge gap.

For Aisaka, Frisky February is just the beginning. “This is a first step in building longer-lasting collaborative relationships with organizations, offices and departments across campus so that we can have more ongoing education and outreach related to sexual health,” she says.

For a full listing of all the events, check out the Sexual Health Awareness Month calendar.

Read more news

Tobacco-Free Campus

On July 1, 2015 Syracuse University proudly joined more than 975 universities in the United States that are completely tobacco-free. A tobacco and smoke-free campus is a clear expression of the University’s investment in the health and well-being of its members and in promoting respect for others and our environment. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of wellness through the promotion, education, and support of a tobacco and smoke-free campus to help ensure a healthy, productive, respectful environment in which to work, learn, and live.

FSAP Tobacco Cessation Resources – Together, the University’s FSAP and Carebridge have a variety of Tobacco Cessation Resources as well as the University offering Nicotine Replacement Therapy coverage.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy coverage – Attention Syracuse University faculty and staff: if you are enrolled in the University’s health benefits coverage through SUBlue, SUOrange or SUPro, you and your enrolled family members are eligible to receive coverage at no cost to you for prescription drugs and FDA-approved over-the-counter products to help you quit tobacco.
Tobacco-and Smoke-Free Campus – For information about the policy, FAQ’s, online resources, history and timeline.
Communication Toolkits – Communication is a key strategy in implementing the Tobacco-Free Campus policy and educating our campus community and visitors about what it means to be a tobacco-free campus. Communication toolkits are available to you to help you get the conversation started!