Syracuse University

SU Parents Weekend to highlight community exploration

October 24, 2005


Matthew R. Snyder
mrsnyder@syr.edu

When they converge on Syracuse University for Parents Weekend 2005, some 5,200 people, comprising more than 2,000 families, will experience a wide variety of events geared toward everyone integral to the growth of SU students: parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents, spouses and friends. More than 70 events are scheduled for Oct. 28-30, giving parents and families the opportunity to experience the rich flavor of campus and community life. Several events are designated to showcase the history and resources of Central New York and highlight the importance of student engagement with the community.

"Guests will get a chance to see and enjoy the treasures emanating from our vibrant and diverse community," says Colleen O'Connor Bench G'89, director of the Parents Office. "Parents Weekend 2005 also affords parents and family members the opportunity to meet their students' deans and faculty members, participate in classroom discussions with outstanding professors, cheer the Orange to victory, enjoy an array of dining experiences and see entertainment showcasing many of our own students."

Many events are free of charge; some require free tickets. For a complete calendar of events and details about registration, parking, lodging and transportation, visit
http://students.syr.edu/parents/PW2005.htm.

Among the highlights of this year's events are:

Friday, Oct. 28

• Take Your Parents to Class. Various locations, 2-4 p.m. In these six academic samplers, offered by some of SU's most outstanding faculty in a variety of
  fields, parents will experience first-hand the unique learning experiences offered by SU. Sessions will include presentations on Central New York history and the importance of theater in the community.
  
• Greek Membership Overviews. Various locations, 3 p.m. Hosted for prospective fraternity and sorority members by the Office of Greek Life and Experiential Learning, these sessions will provide information on Greek organizations at SU.
  
• A Visual and Performing Arts Extravaganza. Setnor Auditorium, 5 and 8 p.m. Concerts and presentations by some of SU's finest student artists, hosted by the Setnor School of Music.
  
• Ring Ceremony. Hendricks Chapel, 5:30-7 p.m. Juniors and seniors who have previously purchased the official SU class ring will become part of a new SU tradition, enjoying a festive catered affair as they receive their rings in front of family and friends.
  
• Peter Mamos '95. Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center, 7 and 9 p.m. Mamos, a master hypnotist and magician, will take his audience on a thrilling journey through the imagination.
  

Saturday, Oct. 29

• Career Services Network Open House. Schine Student Center, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Parents will learn how to partner with the Career Services Network, helping students learn about career development.
  
• Open Forum on Counseling and Health Services. 107 Hall of Languages. In a new program for this year, the directors of the Counseling Center and Health Services will be available to meet parents and answer questions.
  
• SU Football vs. Cincinnati. Noon, Carrier Dome. Preceded by a 10:30 a.m. celebration on the Quad. For ticket prices and information, call the Carrier Dome ticket office at (888) 366-3849.
  
  
  
  
• Inspiring Sophomore Success. 107 Hall of Languages, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Career Services and the Office of Orientation and Transition Services will show how sophomores can prepare for the unique challenges facing them.
  
  
• Living Off Campus. 114 Hall of Languages, 3:30-4:30 p.m. The Office of Off-Campus Student Services will show how students can make the transition from residence hall life to living as part of the off-campus community.
  
  
• Getting Involved! Exploring Involvement and Leadership Opportunities. 228B Schine Student Center, 3:30-5 p.m. This session, will explore how students can become involved in campus life, including student organizations and the abundance of leadership development opportunities at SU.
  

Sunday, Oct. 30

• Fourth Annual ORL Reception. 10 a.m.-noon, Watson Hall main lounge. For parents and families of resident advisors and other student staff.
  
  
• Sweet Honey in the Rock. Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center, 2 p.m. Grammy-award winning vocal ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock will perform its renditions of work songs, spirituals, gospel and blues in "a cappella style with a political ring." Presented by Pulse.
  

Free shuttle bus service throughout the campus is available all weekend, with service to downtown Syracuse's Armory Square on Saturday. For more information, call the Parents Office at (315) 443-1200.