Official University Information
Syracuse University has created an official web page to provide resources, information, and guidance regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic for the University community. Please visit www.syracuse.edu/coronavirus for up-to-date information.
VPA Information
Administrative Offices
Per the New York State on PAUSE policy, VPA employees are deemed nonessential and thus working and teaching remotely. VPA’s administrative staff members continue to be available to assist you during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Please refer to our list of administrative offices for phone and email contact information. Note: Faculty and staff who need to contact VPA’s Office of Information Technology should use OrangeTracker via either email () or ot.syr.edu.
Admissions
Syracuse University and VPA have suspended all campus visits, student-led tours, and admissions programming through May 1. Prospective first-year and transfer students are invited to register for a virtual information session with a representative from VPA’s Office of Recruitment and Admissions. Admitted students will receive email communication from this office with virtual event opportunities. If you have questions, please email .
Advising
Although working remotely, the staff of VPA’s Office of Student Success is available during normal business hours via email and phone to support our current students. Unless otherwise instructed by your academic or career advisor, please schedule your appointments through Handshake or Orange Success and note your preferred method of communication (phone or email). There may be opportunities to meet with your academic or career advisor via video (e.g. Zoom, Blackboard Collaborate, Whatsapp); please contact your advisor for video call options.
Please note:
- Each staff member in the Office of Student Success is available remotely from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Continue to check your syr.edu email for updates and information. This is a fluid situation that continues to evolve.
- Check your syr.edu email and login to Blackboard for information and updates from your faculty regarding the transition to online.
- Contact the Financial Aid office if you do not have access to a computer and need funding assistance to purchase one.
- Check the University’s webpage for updates related to the COVID-19 emergency.
Please visit the VPA faculty and staff directory for email addresses. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Carol Ruffin, director of the Office of Student Success, or reach out to your academic or career advisor.
Building Access
Access to VPA buildings is currently restricted. VPA faculty, staff, and students should contact their supervisor or the director/chair of their academic area with questions.
Commencement and VPA Convocation
In a message to the University community on March 23, Chancellor Syverud announced that because of public health guidance, we cannot and will not proceed with on-campus in-person commencement events in May, including school and college convocation ceremonies. The University and VPA are committed to celebrating and recognizing the class of 2020 in a way that is most meaningful to our graduates. Members of the class have received a survey from the Chancellor soliciting input as to alternative approaches, and a plan for alternative commencement celebrations will be shared promptly.
Events
VPA’s events calendar is regularly updated and includes notifications of postponements and cancellations.
Faculty Teaching and Learning Resources
- Academic Continuity Resources Toolkit
- Rapid Online Course Development Guide
- Our Libraries have assembled Faculty Resources for Online Teaching
- The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence(CTLE) offers resources and individual consultations. Of note, Jeanine Irons, who is a faculty developer and former K-12 educator in the CTLE, is available to provide consultations for faculty members who are trying to manage gearing up to teach our University students online while also homeschooling their own children.
- We have an institutional membership for the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, which offers several types of resources. Instructions for activating your membership are available on the Faculty Affairs web site.
Technology and Accessibility
We recognize that moving teaching online creates challenges for disability-related accommodations. Faculty can request an accommodation online or contact the accommodation specialist/ADA coordinator at .
Additional resources for faculty
Remote Access to Campus Resources
Syracuse University’s Information Technology Services and VPA’s Office of Information Technology (IT). offer several options for remote access to systems and data at the University. The right choice for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Learn more about remote access options.
Student Home Use Licensing of Adobe Creative Suite
As a result of campus closure, student access to Adobe Creative Cloud in labs and classrooms is not available. Adobe has provided temporary at-home access for impacted students and faculty so that they can continue their work remotely. Learn more about enabling access to Creative Cloud Desktop Apps on your personal device.