On Aug. 28, community volunteers will canvass the neighborhoods near Syracuse University to welcome back students living off-campus. Residents of the east neighborhood adjacent to the campus, along with SU faculty and staff, members of the fire and police departments, and representatives of community organizations will make up welcoming teams that will go door-to-door, distributing information regarding students' rights and responsibilities as community members. Recipients will be given a CD containing everything from the off-campus living handbook, "An Insider's Guide to Living Off Campus," to information on recycling and shopping in the Westcott area, to medical emergency assistance information. Last year's team consisted of 100 volunteers who delivered 2,000 packets of information.
"The Off-Campus Student Welcoming Team is an opportunity for us to welcome students into the community and introduce them to some of the resources that are available to them while they are living off-campus. We are looking forward to visiting even more rental units this year," says Laura M. Madelone, director of the Office of Off-Campus Student Services. "Working together with neighbors, along with other local organizations and members of the SU community, we want students to know that while they are here, they are an important part of our community and can play a role in making the area a great place to live for everyone."
As part of settling into their new homes, students can attend "The Taste of Westcott," which will take place Aug. 31, at 6:30 p.m., at the Westcott Community Center, 826 Euclid Ave. In addition to sampling the food, students will have the opportunity to meet their new neighbors, as well as mingle with key community people who can provide resources for students as they settle into the neighborhood. Students can also make contact with community organizations and learn ways to get involved in their new neighborhood. Last year, more than 600 students participated in this event.
For more information, contact the Office of Off-Campus Student Services by phone at (315) 443-5489,
via the Web at http://students.syr.edu/offcampusliving/index.html, or in person at 754 Ostrom Ave.
