Students work in the kitchen of a nonprofit agency during a previous alternative spring break program.

This year’s program will be held from March 11-17.�� Interested students are encouraged to attend one of two information sessions, both on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 3:30 p.m. in either Goldstein Student Center room 107 or 102 Hall of Languages. Applications are due by Friday, Dec. 9. The program is free, with transportation, lodging and meals covered for all participants.

“The alternative spring break program provides students with an opportunity to explore hunger and homelessness in a very intentional way. The experience has proven to be meaningful to students in both their understanding of the issue and ultimately what part they can play in bringing about change,” says George Athanas, assistant director in the Office of Residence Life and coordinator of the program. “I continue to be impressed with the willingness of students to spend their break engaged in service, and I hope a diverse group looking for such an experience attend the info session and apply.”

The application is available online at . For more information, please call the Office of Residence Life at 315.443.3637.

Family and friends enjoyed a variety of activities on campus during Family Weekend 2016. (Photos by Steve Sartori)

This past weekend, Oct. 28­-30, more than 1,531 families, a total of 4,054 people, joined the Syracuse University community to participate in Family Weekend 2016.�� Families traveled from 39 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and nine other countries.

Throughout the weekend, families participated in a number of exciting events coordinated by the Parents Office. On Friday, students and their families were invited to informational sessions about advising and academic support, getting involved on campus and off-campus living. In the afternoon, SUArt Galleries Director Domenic Iacono hosted a tour of the “About Prints” exhibition, while the Setnor School of Music hosted a sampler concert. Later that evening, families were invited to cheer on the men’s soccer team as it faced off against Wake Forest University, attend a Murder Mystery Dinner presented by Orange After Dark or head to Syracuse Stage for a performance of “Great Expectations.”

On Saturday, the deans of each school and college hosted breakfasts for students and their families. Families were invited to learn more about everything the University has to offer through an open house at Career Services, panel discussions with SU Abroad, an information table from the Department of Public Safety and walking tours of campus offered by the Office of Admissions. In the evening, comedian Chris D’Elia performed in Goldstein Auditorium.

The weekend concluded on Sunda with a number of religious services, a field hockey game against Indiana University and a women’s volleyball match against Duke University.

“Family Weekend gives parents and families a chance to explore campus and see what life is like as a student at Syracuse University,” says Missy Mathis-Hanlon, interim director of the Parents Office. “It’s always nice to see families and students reunite and enjoy all the wonderful opportunities SU has to offer. I’m thrilled that Family Weekend 2016 was a tremendous success!”

The dates for Family Weekend 2017 will be announced in early March. For more information, visit the or contact the Parents Office at parents@syr.edu or 315.443.1200.

Family members attended a reception hosted by�� the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Chancellor Kent Syverud met with families in the Hospitality Suite at the Schine Student Center.

The School of Information Studies hosted a Breakfast with the Dean for family and friends.

Student performers sang during “An A Cappella Afternoon” as part of a Family Weekend event.

Family and friends gathered at the Hospitality Suite.

The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble Concert performed as part of Family Weekend.

Orange After Dark presented Murder Mystery Dinner in Goldstein Auditorium.

Sorority members paint faces during a previous Greek or Treat event.

At each of the 12 houses surrounding Walnut Park, members of the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, Multicultural Greek Council and Professional Fraternity Council will be facilitating activities such as face painting, musical chairs and toilet paper mummy wrapping.

“It’s always great to see the members of our Greek community come together to put on such a wonderful event,” says Daniel Hoddinott, a graduate assistant in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. “Our students get so excited and do their best to make Greek or Treat a fun, safe evening for the kids. We hope more members of the University community will come enjoy the festivities this year!”

Children participating will be provided with a treat bag from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs and are encouraged to wear costumes, although it is not required. Waiver forms will be available at the event and need to be signed before children can participate. For more information, please contact Hoddinott at dnhoddin@syr.edu.

The PEEHRS team

The PEEHRS team consists of 17 student peer educators who completed an intensive, five-day training on topics such as sexual and relationship violence, stalking, sexuality and sexual health. All members of the PEEHRS team are volunteers who devote a minimum of three to five hours per week toward programming, creating educational materials and hosting education initiatives on campus.

“Nothing we do is possible without the entire group working together day in and day out,” says Matt Fox, a senior in the and team leader of the PEEHRS program. “I am so proud to be leading this group through my final year at Syracuse and could not be more excited for what’s coming next for PEEHRS.”

During the month of October, PEEHRS will be raising awareness of relationship violence for . They are also involved in the , which takes place from Oct. 9-15. The It’s On Us Week of Action encourages college students to get involved and make a personal commitment to look out for their peers and help end sexual assault.

In addition to these programs, PEEHRS will continue to accept requests from various organizations, residence halls, classes and sports teams to facilitate personal conversations focusing on a variety of different issues related to relationships.�� Programs can be requested via the on the Health Promotions website.

“We encourage the campus community to request programs from the website if you feel your organization or class will benefit from these conversations,” says Fox. “We always look forward to hearing from you!”

Students interested in getting involved are encouraged to join the volunteer listserv available on the

For more information about PEEHRS, contact Michelle Goode, sexual and relationship violence prevention health promotions specialist, at 315.443.3514 or mlgoode@syr.edu.

Sarina Morales

Morales answered some questions about her experience at Syracuse University, her career and what it means to be a part of the LHHM celebration.

Q. Can you share a favorite memory from your time at Syracuse University?

A. Too many to pick one, so I will list a few.

My last couple years at Syracuse were by far my favorite times and memories. I started to get hands-on experience in my Newhouse classes. I was a mentor on campus and that was a great learning experience for me. I had a radio show on Z89 every Saturday called the “Danger Zone.” My group of friends started to became family.

I’ve had some great memories going to the Dome to watch the basketball team play. College basketball is still one of my favorite sports, so getting to see some of the best college basketball on a regular basis was pretty cool.

Q. How did your experience at Syracuse University shape who you are?

A. When you graduate from a great school like Syracuse, you leave with more confidence. Since graduation, I’ve become more confident knowing that I’ve learned fundamentals from one of the best journalism schools in the world. I feel supported in the industry. I meet Syracuse graduates pretty often. So it’s nice to feel supported knowing my family is growing every year.

Q. What does a day in the life of Sarina Morales look like?

A. I have seven alarms that go off between 3 a.m. and 3:08 a.m. I snooze all of them.

By 3:15-3:20, I’m making my coffee, taking my vitamins, brushing my teeth and scrolling through emails and Twitter. I’m in my car by 3:45 a.m. and get to ESPN around 4 a.m. I sit down in the “SportsCenter:AM” show pod, open up AP ENPS, look through the rundown, speak to my producers about the stories I am covering and write until 5:40 a.m. ��At that time, I run over to hair and makeup and head to the studio to review my work around 6:30 a.m.

The show starts at 7 a.m. and we are live for three hours. After the show, we have a post-show meeting. I’m usually done with work by 11:30 a.m. and I drive home and nap.

My afternoon varies, but consists of a workout, errands and reading. By 5 or 6 p.m. I’m eating dinner and on my computer looking up story ideas for the next day’s show. On a good day, I’m in bed by 9 p.m. and back at it the next day!

Q. What does it mean to you to be the commemorative speaker for LHHM?

A. It’s an honor. I remember having ESPN’s Pedro Gomez come and speak at a Syracuse event when I was a student, and to be invited up during LHHM is a huge honor. I “bleed orange” and I am extremely proud of being a Syracuse alum. There were not many Latino/Hispanic students in Newhouse when I attended. I see that number is growing and that makes me proud.

The program is led by Kristelle Aisaka, a health promotion specialist focusing in mental health who came to Syracuse University this year. Aisaka received dual master’s degrees in public health and social work from Washington University in Saint Louis, where she also worked as a mental health coordinator in Health Promotion Services.

“Here at SU, I’m hoping to foster more collaborative relationships to positively impact the conversation about mental wellness and mental health,” says Aisaka. “We’ve pulled together a great group of students who will all be involved in the education and outreach that our office provides around mental wellness, whether that’s giving presentations on mental health, facilitating discussions about stigma or participating in outreach and awareness events.”

The group is currently preparing for , which takes place from Oct. 2-8 and is a combined effort with help from Student Association, Active Minds, the Counseling Center, Hendricks Chapel and other campus partners. Events for the week include a presentation on substance use and mental illness, a panel discussion about intersectionality and mental health, and bringing therapy dogs to the Quad. One key event is Syracuse Setbacks on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. in Stolkin Auditorium, Physics Building. Students will have the opportunity to hear staff, faculty and administrators talk about success, failure and everything in between.

Aisaka hopes that Mental Health Awareness Week will be a starting point for many more conversations about mental health and wellness. Student leaders are encouraged to invite Mental Wellness Peer Educators to around mental health and wellness at floor meetings, general body meetings or any other formal or informal gathering.

Applications to be a peer educator for the 2016–2017 academic year are closed, but students interested in getting involved can join the volunteer listserv available on the . For more information, contact Aisaka at 315.443.3514 or kkaisaka@syr.edu.

To have your name included on the “You Are Not Alone” list, email lgbt@syr.edu by Monday, Oct. 3, at 5 p.m.

“The You Are Not Alone list is a way to celebrate and recognize our lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning and asexual communities and their allies,” says Tiffany Gray, director of the LGBT Resource Center. “This list signifies the immense support for our students and community members with marginalized genders and sexualities, and serves as a reminder that they are not alone.”

To add your name to the You Are Not Alone list, please email lgbt@syr.edu from your Syracuse University/SUNY ESF email account with your name as you would like it to appear in the publication. Please note that due to space constraints, campus affiliations and degree/professional credentials cannot be included.

By adding your name, you demonstrate your support for the following statement:

We understand the importance of national Coming Out Day (Oct. 11) and what it means to “come out.” We also know that you don’t have to “come out” to find support. The names listed here are a declaration to Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF of our celebration and recognition of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning and asexual communities and their allies. Advocacy, support and outreach are available through a variety of people, places and resources. We acknowledge that we must work within and across our identities to demonstrate our commitment as a University community, and that isolation can happen regardless of whether there is support or outreach. Our names listed here demonstrate the importance of shedding our invisibility to anyone who is struggling to find support, to connect with people with shared experiences, or who is experiencing a lack of campus connection. We want you to know that You Are Not Alone. ��

For more information, contact the LGBT Resource Center at 315.443.3983 or lgbt@syr.edu.�� Additional information about Coming Out Month will be available on the .

Counseling Center, 200 Walnut Place

“Group therapy is one of the most effective forms of counseling for college students,” says Carrie Brown, staff therapist and group coordinator in the Counseling Center. “Within the group setting, students have a safe space to practice and develop their interpersonal skills while also connecting with other students with similar concerns and understanding they are not alone.”

For the fall semester, there are nine group offerings within the Counseling Center, including one new group, Students of Color: Releasing the Invisible Weight. This group offers students of color a safe space to process the challenges of navigating the world, on campus and beyond.

“This new group is an important addition to our offerings because students of color often face additional race-related stress that can make college more difficult,” says Tekhara Watson, staff therapist and co-facilitator of the Students of Color group.�� “By sharing their experiences with others, this group can help students feel supported and empowered.”

To join a group, students must first make an initial consultation appointment with a therapist by contacting the Counseling Center at 315.443.4715.�� Additional details about group therapy and frequently asked questions are available on the .

The following groups are available for the fall semester:

ACT on Depression Group
The goal of this group is to develop understanding and acceptance of the emotional impact of depression and then develop the skills and insight to positively react to those emotions.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Group
The skills taught in this group can both reduce the size of your emotional waves and help you keep your balance when your emotions overwhelm you.

Men’s Group
This group provides members with an opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics, including definitions of masculinity, gender roles and gender definitions, relationships, friendships, family of origin and substance use.

Options Education Group– Alcohol and Other Drugs
The Options Education Group focuses on harm reduction, decision making and the physiological impact of substance use.

Second Phase Group
This group is focused on understanding your drug and alcohol use as part of the pre-contemplative and contemplative stages of change.

Sexual Assault Recovery Group
This group is for female survivors of sexual assault to share their experiences and feelings in an accepting environment.

Students of Color: Releasing the Invisible Weight
This group offer students of color a safe space to process the challenges of navigating the world and connect with others with similar experiences and feelings.

Supporting Students with Anxiety
This group is for students who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and difficulty with stress management.

Understanding Yourself and Others
This group offers an opportunity to relate to others who are experiencing similar concerns.

Syracuse Stage is one of the venues that is offering discounted tickets through the Pulse Performing Arts Program.

Discounted tickets are available for select performances, including Famous Artist Broadway Theatre’s “Wicked,” Syracuse Stage’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” Syracuse Opera’s “Rigoletto” and SU Drama’s “Nine, the Musical.”

Dates vary for each performance. Tickets for Syracuse Stage, Syracuse Opera and SU Drama performances are $3 for students and $8 for faculty/staff, with valid SU I.D. Tickets for shows at Famous Artists Broadway Theatre are only available to students with valid SU ID and are $10. There is a limit of two tickets per person, per show.

For questions or performance information, contact the Schine Student Box Office at 315.443.4517.

Jessica Care Moore

Moore is the CEO of Moore Black Press, executive producer of Black WOMEN Rock!, and founder of the literacy-driven Jess Care Moore Foundation. An internationally renowned poet, playwright, author, performance artist and producer, Moore has earned numerous honors for her poetry and performances. During her career she has earned the 2013 Alain Locke Award from the Detroit Institute of Arts, had her poetry heard on stages like Carnegie Hall and the London Institute of Contemporary Arts, and won a record-breaking five times on “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” Her poetry has been featured in music, on television and in publications, such as Nas’ Nastradamus’ album, Talib Kweli’s “Attack The Block” mix tape and Russell Simmons’ “Def Poetry Jam” series.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, at 11:30 a.m., Moore will facilitate “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” a daylong workshop for writers and performers. It will be held in the Schine Student Center, room 228B. Students should register for the workshop by emailing Cedric T. Bolton, coordinator of student engagement, at ctbolton@syr.edu.�� Moore will also participate in a panel discussion at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 in Schine Student Center, room 304ABC.

As part of the Spoken Word Poetry Institute, which is supported by the Nu Rho Poetic Society, Moore is also being presented with the Poetic Icon Award at the Nu Rho Founders Celebration. This award recognizes a poet who has been a trailblazer with their approach to spoken word poetry and has made a significant global contribution to poetry through their body of published poems, books, interviews, lectures, performances, articles and writer’s workshops in universities and communities. The celebration begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, and tickets are available at the Schine Box Office for $5 for students and $7 for staff, faculty and community members.

Other poetry events for this semester include:

• Sept. 21: Opening Reception, Jabberwocky Café, 7:30 p.m.
  Gathering for all students involved in or interested in learning more about spoken word on campus.

• Sept. 27 and 28: Start of 7 Writer’s Workshop Series, 120 Hinds Hall, 7 p.m.
  Every Tuesday and Wednesday, spoken word poetry workshop

• Oct. 13: Rep Where You’re From Open Mic, location and time TBA
  Open mic night for students to share poems about their culture, families, cities, friends and identities.

• Nov. 16: Ayo Technology Skype Engagement, location and time TBA
  A spoken word poetry program with live performances broadcasted remotely between Syracuse University and Wan Yuan U.S. High School in Shanghai, China.

• Dec. 8: Take the Mic Poetry Slam, location and time TBA
  A poetry competition for students from SU, SUNY ESF, Le Moyne College and Onondaga Community College.

“We are excited to host such a full calendar of poetry events for students this semester,” says Bolton, who works with Verbal Blend and Nu Rho Poetic Society. “Especially exciting this year is the creation and presentation of the first-ever Poetic Icon Award to none other than Jessica Care Moore.”

For more information about these events and spoken word poetry programs on campus, contact Bolton at 443-9676 or ctbolton@syr.edu, and visit the .

The month begins with an opening ceremony on Sept. 15, which includes a parade on the University Place Promenade at 11:15 a.m. and remarks and reception at 11:30 a.m. in the Schine Student Center Atrium.

The celebratory month honors Spanish, Latino American and Afro-Latino cultures in the United States. Sept. 15 commemorates the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua; and Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and 18, respectively.

“One Community, One University, One Family” is the theme for the 2016 LHHM program.�� “This year’s theme emphasizes unity within our communities,” says James K. Duah-Agyeman, chief diversity officer for the Division of Student Affairs and director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.�� “This program is designed to generate new perspectives and understanding about the important role Latinos and Hispanics play in U.S. history and the positive impact of Latino and Hispanic cultures in American society.”

OMA’s partners in the coordination of this program include the Office of Program Development, University College, La Casita Cultural Center, Community Folk Art Center, Kappa Chapter of Phi Iota Alpha, Fraternity Inc., the College of Arts and Sciences’ Office of Cultural Engagement for the Hispanic Community, the Latino-Latin American Studies Program, Point of Contact Gallery and more.

The commemorative speaker is Sarina Morales ’08, a graduate of the and contributor to multiple ESPN platforms, including anchoring “SportsCenter:AM.” During her time at SU, Morales was a member and president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Morales will speak on Thursday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. in Heroy Auditorium.

“Morales was an active and engaged student and continues to bring her enthusiasm and engagement as a proud alumna. ��We are thrilled to have her back on campus as our commemorative speaker for LHHM,” says Angela Morales-Patterson, assistant director of alumni and donor engagement in the Office of Program Development and co-chair of the LHHM committee.

One of the most highly anticipated events of the month, Fiesta Latina, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) in Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center. Tickets are available at the Schine Box Office: Students with ID, $5; all others, $10.

“Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month gives us a chance to celebrate what each of our cultures bring to the Syracuse University community,” says Marissa Willingham, program associate for budgets and operations in OMA and co-chair of the LHHM committee. “The LHHM committee strongly encourages all students, faculty, staff and the greater campus community to join us in celebrating the ‘la cultura Latina’ through all the events and programs on campus. We are very excited for this year’s events.”

LHHM is one of four celebratory months coordinated by the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Upcoming heritage months include: Native Heritage Month (November 2016), Black History Month (February 2017), and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (April 2017).

A printed calendar of events will be available in OMA, 105 Schine Student Center. ��For more information, visit the or contact Willingham at 443.9676 or mlwill07@syr.edu.

A previous student involvement fair

On Wednesday, Sept. 7, the Office of Student Activities, within the Division of Student Affairs, will host the annual Student Involvement Fair.�� The event allows more than 175 recognized student organizations the opportunity to showcase their organizations, promote membership and share their aims and missions. The fair will take place on the Quad from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.�� The rain location for the event is the Schine Student Center.

“The involvement fair is a wonderful way for all students to become more involved in campus life and make the most of their college experience,” says Sarah Ross Cappella, associate director in Student Activities and organizer of the fair. “We hope students of all years and majors will come and explore the diverse number of organizations available to them. From service organizations, to arts and entertainment, to cultural organizations, there is something for everyone to get involved in!”

The fair is free and open to students of all years.

For more information on student organizations and how to get involved at Syracuse University, visit the .

Story by Natalie Rudakevych, intern in Student Affairs Communications.