Syracuse University students returned this August to find the newest addition to their off-campus neighborhoods-the Office of Off-Campus Student Services-which officially opened on July 1.
The office, which seeks to build a diverse, inclusive community by promoting off-campus student safety, will unite students, community and staff members at its grand opening on Oct. 17 from 3 to 5 p.m. at its location at 754 Ostrom Ave.
"In a short amount of time, the Office of Off-Campus Student Services and the programs and assistance it provides have made a big impact both on students and the adjacent University neighbors," says Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs. "The upcoming open house is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the services this office provides to students and the community at-large."
Since the office opened this summer, dozens of students, permanent residents and parents have used the off-campus resource to obtain information about issues ranging from personal safety to finding and renting housing. The office coordinated distribution of 1,300 packets on Aug. 25 containing information about community living, city ordinances, recycling and tenants' rights. About 200 students and 30 community members participated in the office-sponsored "Taste of Westcott Street" on Sept. 4.
"We invite all members of the University and Syracuse community to attend our grand opening," says Laura Madelone, director of the Office of Off-Campus Student Services. "It will give students and residents an opportunity to meet one another and explore what resources our office can offer."
