Our Students:
Forever Supported
The classroom represents only a part of the student experience, and we’re committed to helping students succeed in every aspect of their academic journeys. From reducing financial barriers and providing holistic health, wellness and recreation spaces, to creating distinctive experiential learning opportunities and supporting affinity groups—Syracuse offers limitless options for students to gain a sense of belonging around academic ambitions, extracurricular interests, civic engagement and shared life experiences. Once Orange, always Orange. Our students know they’re in the right place. And they thrive.
With its 48-foot climbing wall and state-of-the-art fitness, recreation and therapy spaces, the Barnes Center at The Arch keeps students at their best in body and mind.
Intramural Sports mix fun and low-stakes competition.
Members of Syracuse Club Baseball celebrate the sport’s 150th anniversary at the University with a doubleheader sweep at NBT Bank Stadium in 2024.
Women’s Club Gymnastics is one of Competitive Club Sports’ fastest growing programs.
Fielding a Holistic Experience
Ever since football and baseball were first played on the present-day site of Shaw Quadrangle in the 1870s, organized sports have been integral to the Syracuse experience. Today, the University offers an array of sporting opportunities that promote school spirit and cultivate practical life skills. Chief among them are the 45 Competitive Club Sports, a standalone unit in the Division of the Student Experience, and Intramural Sports, housed in the Barnes Center at The Arch.
Some programs, like baseball and men’s rugby, are decades old; others, such as esports, which encompasses organized gaming competitions, are relatively new. Competitive Club Sports and Intramural Sports (welcome to all regardless of skill level) build community, connection and socialization.
Read about Club Sports
The Gaming and Esports Center is meant for gamers of all levels and interests.
Game Changer
In January 2025, Syracuse University opened its new, state-of-the-art Gaming and Esports Center—an exciting arena for competitors and those new to the action to take part in this ever-growing, evolving sports field. The community gaming space elevates the esports offerings at the University in support of student engagement opportunities and first-of-its-kind academic programming.
The 5,800-square-foot center inside the Schine Student Center is the second recreational gaming and esports facility on campus. The esports gaming room at the Barnes Center at The Arch has attracted more than 100,000 visits by students since opening in 2019.
Read about the Gaming and Esports Center
The Gaming and Esports Center is meant for gamers of all levels and interests.
Impact of Scholarship
Sofia Rodriguez ’24, a graduate of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, thrived at Syracuse University by serving in a variety of leadership roles, advocating for causes and communities she’s passionate about, and embracing self-expression and growth. A recipient of multiple scholarships through the Posse, Our Time Has Come, and Remembrance programs, Rodriguez appreciates the value of service reinforced by them: “With all the scholarships, a common theme is volunteering and community building. Those are values I learned from my mom and dad as well: the importance of giving back to the places that we come from and, as we move forward, making sure to never forget those who came before, and to pave the way for those who come after.”
Read Sofia’s story
82%
of students receive
financial aid
854
new scholarships
created
“I can’t overstate the profound impact donor giving had on my life and career here at Syracuse. It makes such a huge difference and gave me a multitude of opportunities,” says Julius Rauch ’24, who received an athletics scholarship and two academic scholarships, including the Dean’s Inclusive Excellence Scholarship through the Whitman School.
Read about Julius’ experience
Ryan Derkowski ’26, a Phanstiel Scholar and biology major, is a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician at the historic Fayetteville Fire Department.
Ryan Derkowski ’26, a Phanstiel Scholar and biology major, is a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician at the historic Fayetteville Fire Department.
Answering The Call
It’s one thing to talk about community service; it’s another thing to do it. For Ryan Derkowski ’26, such engagement might lead to a full-time job.
“I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter,” says the Syracuse University junior, who volunteers at the nearby Fayetteville Fire & EMS (aka the Fayetteville Fire Department). “I now have a chance to turn my passion into something more.”
A certified firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT), Derkowski participates in the Fayetteville Fire Department’s Bunk-In program. The 12-year-old program is part of a nationwide initiative enabling college students to earn a degree while getting on-the-job training in fire and emergency medical services (EMS).
Derkowski is convinced that a liberal arts foundation makes him more knowledgeable and empathetic. “It also prepares me for graduate or professional school in case I want to move into leadership,” says the biology major, who’s based in the College of Arts and Sciences.
His commitment to academic success and community leadership is underscored by his selection to the S. Louise and Howard Phanstiel Scholars Program. In addition to providing scholarship support to students, the program imparts the value of philanthropy, mentoring and financial literacy.
“I wouldn’t be at Syracuse if it weren’t for the Phanstiel program,” continues Derkowski, who gets additional aid from the Chancellor’s Scholarship and Orange Distinction Award. “Being a Bunk-In participant allows me to obtain a wellrounded education while providing a critical public service.”
Read Ryan’s storyBridging Coasts and Building Careers
Through Syracuse University’s Dick Clark Los Angeles Program, students have opportunities to explore the industries that interest them, expand academically and get a taste of life on the West Coast. The 22,000-square-foot center—made possible through an extraordinary gift from the Kari and Dick Clark Foundation in memory of the legendary entertainer and 1951 graduate—includes state-of-the-art space for offices and classrooms, a studio and a student lounge. There’s a sound stage, a music space and a giant event space, which can be used for gatherings, game-watch events and other activities.
The career-oriented program enables students to learn from industry professionals, gain hands-on experience in internships and network with some of the best leaders in the entertainment business through events, guest speakers, panelists, and one-on-one alumni mentoring. With the new space, the program looks to introduce more academic offerings as well, including ones for students in art and design, the School of Architecture and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Read about Dick Clark LA Program
Ava Vulopas ’24 interned at Madison Square Garden and honed her professional skills via Newhouse NYC.
Back on the East Coast, students have opportunities to live, learn and work for a full semester in the vibrant hub of arts and culture, innovation and enterprise: New York City.
Students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ drama department can spend a semester in NYC immersed in rigorous artistic training and theatrical and cultural experiences—including attending 30+ productions on and off Broadway. Students are encouraged to make professional connections and explore opportunities that will help them launch their careers in the performing arts.
During the Newhouse NYC semester, students from S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication work prestigious internships and take courses that include tours of media companies and learning sessions with working professionals. Students build professional skills, gain meaningful work experiences, and make connections that prepare them for a successful transition into the media industry after graduation.
Read about NYC learning opportunities
Ava Vulopas ’24 interned at Madison Square Garden and honed her professional skills via Newhouse NYC.
During the Tepper Semester in NYC, students train with prominent industry professionals and receive one-on-one coaching and support.
10%
of students participate in study away programs in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., or immersion trips to cities across the United States
The training I got at Syracuse is core training— training that will always show up,” said Rachel Langetieg ’23, who is launching her career in musical theater in New York City.
The Syracuse University Dick Clark Los Angeles Program’s new building is located on Lankershim Boulevard in the North Hollywood Arts District and features a wealth of space that provides new opportunities for classes, alumni gatherings and other activities. From learning through industry leaders and immersive field trips to hands-on internships and networking opportunities, Syracuse’s programs in Los Angeles have something to offer all students.
Honna Santos Lopez ’24, an acting major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, said the VPA Los Angeles semester opened worlds of potential she never imagined possible. She’s gained insight into the entertainment industry through internships at McDonald Selznick Associates, a talent agency, and with the Latino Theater Company.
Read about Honna’s experience
The Syracuse University Dick Clark Los Angeles Program’s new building is located on Lankershim Boulevard in the North Hollywood Arts District and features a wealth of space that provides new opportunities for classes, alumni gatherings and other activities. From learning through industry leaders and immersive field trips to hands-on internships and networking opportunities, Syracuse’s programs in Los Angeles have something to offer all students.
New Perspectives From Mexico
Eleven graduate students with widely diverse research interests traveled to Mexico City over spring break 2024 on a trip organized by Gladys McCormick, history professor and the Jay and Debe Moskowitz Endowed Chair in Mexico-U.S. Relations in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Maxwell alumnus Jay Moskowitz ’75 and his wife Debe also sponsored the trip, which offered students opportunities to learn about issues related to immigration and security from perspectives centering on the lives and concerns of people in Mexico. “The trip to Mexico put what the students have been thinking about at an intellectual level into the context of the real lives and experiences of those living and working at the front line,” she says.
Tehnaya Brewer ’23, G’24, a master’s student of forensic science with a focus on security studies, appreciated their visit to an agency that helps community members learn about crimes and pursue justice.
“This is the kind of work I can see myself doing in the future and it was very profound for me to see a group so passionate about their work,” she says. “It’s really inspiring to see how impactful research can be for a community.”
Meeting professionals working in a range of roles related to their area of study can be especially important for graduate students, McCormick notes. “They are at the beginning of their careers, so what they get out of a trip like this can have real impact on their next steps in their professional lives.”
Read more about the tripThe trip to Mexico put what the students have been thinking about at an intellectual level into the context of the real lives and experiences of those living and working at the front line.”
— Professor Gladys McCormick
Graduate students visited Mexico City and historical sites in the area and gained insight into issues defining relations between Mexico and the United States.
While studying in Florence, students have the opportunity to explore the city, Italy and beyond through site visits and field trips that are integral to their academic programs.
A New Worldview
Syracuse University students prepare to thrive in a changing global society by gaining hands-on learning experiences, and Syracuse’s top ranked study abroad program creates opportunities they never thought possible. Students can live and learn in more than 60 locations around the world, including at five international centers with dedicated Syracuse University infrastructure and faculty.
With Syracuse Abroad, experiential learning meets a powerful global network, allowing students to expand their personal and professional impact.
“Going abroad and experiencing people, experiencing nations, experiencing countries, and experiencing cultures fundamentally alters who you are as a person, and it changes you for the better,” says Danis Cammett ’25 of his time in Strasbourg, France.
The Discovery program in Florence is especially distinctive, welcoming students to explore Italy during their first semester. This immersive educational opportunity allows students to learn about culture, community and the college experience while abroad.
>40%
of students participate in
study abroad experiences
#8
Syracuse Abroad’s ranking by
U.S. News & World Report