Academic Resources & Support

A student at SU is never "just a number" and we work hard to ensure that students succeed academically. Students' educations are enhanced by a multitude of facilities, programs, and services only a major university can provide.

Libraries

The Syracuse University library serves the information and research needs of the University community. The collections include more than 3.1 million printed volumes, more than 16,000 online and print journals, and extensive collections of microforms, maps, images, music scores, videos, rare books, and manuscripts. Learn more about SU's library system, including the E.S. Bird Library, the largest library on campus.

Facilities

We can't possibly tell you about all the academic facilities the campus has to offer, but here are a few:

• The Center for Advanced Technologies in Computer Applications and Software Engineering (CASE), a New York State-sponsored center for advanced technology specializing in computer applications and software engineering, puts Syracuse in the forefront of high-tech research.
• Dozens of scientific laboratories contain state-of-the-art equipment, including one of the finest laser spectroscopy laboratories in the world.
• The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications contains advanced classrooms and studios that mirror those in the profession.
• The Institute for Sensory Research is a nationally renowned, state-of-the-art research facility devoted to the advanced multidisciplinary study of human and animal sensory systems.
• The Dorothea Ilgen Shaffer Art Building includes art studios and film, video, photo, and computer graphics labs. Its Lowe Art Gallery incorporates an outdoor sculpture court.

Computing

Students at SU have access to a broad range of computing and information technology services. The services include high-speed wired and wireless Internet connections in buildings across campus, including residence halls; high-tech, multimedia classrooms; e-mail; and campus computer labs equipped with the latest software technologies used in academic coursework, including statistical analysis, database management tools, and multimedia applications. Students also have access to space on the central computing system for file storage and for creating personal web pages. Additional computing resources for academic programs and research activities are available through the University's colleges.

SU is a leader in developing and using World Wide Web technologies and is a member of the Internet 2 consortium. Learn more about computing at SU.

Academic Advising

New students at SU will be given a faculty advisor and a peer (student) advisor. All faculty members have posted office hours and are eager to meet with students. They are a valuable resource for help with planning schedules and future careers. Peer advisors are upperclassmen who "show new students the ropes" from the moment they arrive on campus. Peer advisors can help with everything from class selection to where to get that perfect slice of pizza.

Gateway Courses

First-year courses outline opportunities within each undergraduate college and the eventual job field. Course material provides info for students in their preparation for choosing a major and, ultimately, a career. Gateway courses are often taught by department or program directors, and in some instances by the dean of the college. In addition, writing studios of fewer than 20 students are also required for all first-year students.

Honors Program

The Renée Crown University Honors Program is marked by four distinguishing characteristics: heightened expectations, participation in a vibrant and active community of learners, intensity of intellectual experience, and special intellectual opportunity and resposibility. Academically accomplished and hard-working students participate in the Honors Program. Students from all of the University's undergraduate colleges bring a unique mixture of talents and interests to the program.

Student Support

The Tutoring & Study Center offers one-on-one and small-group tutoring for most SU courses. Academic support services are also available through the Writing Center, calculus and math clinics, the Athletic department, physics department, in many of the colleges, and through various fraternities. Graduate and undergraduate tutors gain teaching and leadership experience; students who use the support services report better grades and more complete learning. Learn more about tutoring services.

Career Services

Graduation will come before you know it, and it'll be time to get that first job! The University's Center for Career Services assists you with job, internship, and graduate school searches and exploring broader career plans. The office tailors services to the needs of all students in all disciplines and at various stages in career planning, exploration, and pursuit. Additionally, every college is part of the Career Services Network, with qualified advisors who work with students throughout their years at Syracuse to plan their programs of study.

Summer Programs

In the summer, you may accelerate your program, take courses of interest, or reduce your regular semester course loads during an intensive one- to two-week MAYmester class, during two six-week summer sessions, or by taking a class online. Many incoming first-year students choose to take part in SummerStart, which allows them to get a jump start on their college career. Incoming transfer students are welcome to participate in the Transitions program, which helps them meet other transfer students and gear up for the coming academic year.

The six-week Summer College for High School Students program allows high school students to explore career interests while earning college credit. Click here to learn more.

Part-time Study

University College (UC) is the home college for the innovative interdisciplinary bachelor of professional studies degree and credit certificate in legal studies and organizational leadership. The programs are designed for adults and focused on career-oriented learning. UC also serves part-time students earning traditional degrees offered by SU's colleges.

Part-time students can take as many as 11 credits per semester. They need not be admitted to an SU degree program before registration, and they may enroll through UC to take SU daytime courses.

Career certificate options include an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved legal assistant program and several information technology programs.

Disability Services

Syracuse University is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to all University programs and activities. The Office of Disability Services will arrange for the provision of auxiliary aids, assistive technology, and reasonable accommodations for all qualified students with documented disabilities. For information contact the Office of Disability Services at 315-443-1371 (TDD) or 315-443-4498 (voice only).

Graduate Study

Many students decide to go directly to graduate school after graduation; some continue at SU. Syracuse University has excellent graduate programs in a wealth of areas including law, public affairs, information systems, and hundreds of others.