Parent and Family Newsletter
October 2019
Important Conversations: Halloween
Many of us enjoy the festivities we’ve come to associate with Halloween, including donning costumes and going to parties. However, what’s meant to be fun can sometimes unfortunately end in unintended injury and/or insult.

Here are some things you need to know about Halloween:

  • College students who choose to dress up in costumes for Halloween are more likely to drink.

  • Lack of rules and oversight makes off-campus parties more likely to foster excessive drinking.

  • Halloween-themed drink promotions and high-profile parties can cause students to feel pressured to drink heavily, and to engage in unsafe sexual behavior.

  • When someone dresses up as a member of a culture/religion/race (etc.) that isn't their own, particularly in an exaggerated or "humorous" way, it can be very hurtful to those who do belong to that group. Most students don’t really want to cause pain to fellow students and harm to the campus community they are so eager to be part of—but it happens. And the effects can linger.

Please consider talking to your student before Halloween to make sure they’ll have a fun holiday without hurting themselves or others. Here are some conversation starters:

  • “What are you and your friends planning for Halloween?

  • “I hear that there may be Halloween parties off-campus all weekend. Are you planning to go to any of them? Have you thought about your limit if you plan to drink?”

  • "Hanging around with drunk people all weekend can get old pretty fast. Do you and your friends have any ideas for other fun ways to celebrate? Is there an Orange After Dark event or other campus program with a Halloween theme?”

  • "Have you picked your costume already?”

  • “Tell me about your costume and why you decided to dress like that. Who might laugh and who might cringe? Would you be OK with a picture of you in that costume going viral on the internet?”

There are many ways to celebrate Halloween without getting hurt or doing harm. Having a conversation with your student can encourage them to make better decisions, consider the impact their behavior has on others, and drive them to find alternative plans for fun.


Free Flu Clinics
Did your student miss the first
free Flu Clinic?

If so, no worries! Members of the campus community with a valid SU I.D. are invited to attend one of upcoming free Flu Clinics within the Barnes Center at The Arch.

Explore event details and additional information on the flu within this article .
Cybersecurity: A Year-Round Concern
While October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month , the Syracuse University Information Technology Services (ITS) team works year-round to protect students’ data and information technology assets from all forms of human and electronic threats. Students and parents can prevent computer hackers from accessing their personal information with these timely tips:

  • Don’t take the bait – Be wary of any email that requests personal information or asks you to click on an embedded link. Reputable organizations like Syracuse University will NOT ask for this type of information via email. When in doubt, don’t click!

  • Make your passwords HRD2CR@K – Make sure your passwords include symbols, numbers and upper- and lower-case letters. Don’t use your name or user ID in your passwords. Use a unique password for each account.

  • Protect your devices and data – Make sure your computer has up-to-date antivirus protection at all times. Keep it in sight and back up your data to an external source.
  • Defend yourself online – Set strong privacy settings on every social network you use. Be cautious about posting personal information.

Contact ITS if you need help – Visit securecuse.syr.edu for information on what to do if you’ve been hacked and for tips from our Information Security team. For assistance, call the ITS Service Center at 315.443.2677 or email help@syr.edu . You also can follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
 
Thinking About Signing a Lease?
When selecting housing off campus,
be an informed consumer

After completing the two-year residential requirement at Syracuse University, the decision whether to move off campus or continue to reside on campus is a question with which families often struggle. Links to some helpful documents in this section will hopefully provide some guidance for students and parents as they prepare to make an informed decision about their next living experience.
 
The Smart Renter’s Checklist provides guidance to students and parents prior to signing a lease.
 
Managing Your Finances Off Campus provides financial considerations for students as they prepare to make their decision regarding whether or not they should move off campus.
 
Renter’s Troubleshooting Quick Guide provides guidance to students and parents after they’ve signed a lease and helps them navigate the nuances of living off campus.
 
Living On Campus Vs. Off Campus provides valuable considerations for students and parents as they decide whether or not to live on or off campus.
Thanksgiving Break Information
2020 Senior Portrait Information
Portrait Sittings

Portraits will be taken in Women's Building, Room 005.
To schedule an appointment, please direct your student to  http://ouryear.com/ .
The school code is 87122.
 Questions? Please contact syracuseyearbook@gmail.com .

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