Syracuse University

As Syracuse University prepares for Parents Weekend 2006, plans are under way across campus to host more than 4,300 people and introduce them to the scholarship and community engagement opportunities available to SU students. More than 1,625 families are expected to attend Parents Weekend, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, and more than 85 events are scheduled to introduce parents and family members to Scholarship in Action, Orange tradition and other elements of the richness of campus and community life.

"This year especially, we invite our guests to explore the campus and the community, to get a good look at what their students' lives are all about," says Colleen O'Connor Bench G'89, director of the Parents Office. "We invite parents downtown to explore the arts and cultural venues of the Connective Corridor, we look forward to their participation in student showcases and academic explorations and we are excited that they will help us cheer on the Orange football team." The Parents Office, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs, hosts Parents Weekend in collaboration with offices and departments across campus.

Most events are free of charge and open to all students and registered family members; some require free tickets; and some, including the football game, require paid tickets. For a complete calendar of events and details about registration, parking, lodging, transportation and tickets, visit http://students.syr.edu/parents/PW2006.htm.

Of special interest to Jewish families, the Parents Office has moved up several Sunday events' schedules, and Hillel has altered its Saturday programming, to accommodate those families who wish to leave early to celebrate the Yom Kippur holiday, which begins Sunday night, Oct. 1. There are no classes scheduled for Monday, Oct. 2. "Thanks to our close partnership with Hillel, we are able to offer a variety of opportunities for families who wish to observe the holiday here in Syracuse with their students," says Bench. "We would be delighted to have people spend both Parents Weekend and the Yom Kippur holiday with us here on the Hill." Parents Office- and Hillel-hosted events for families include Shabbat services and dinner on Friday, brunch on Sunday, dinner and Kol Nidre Services on Sunday evening, services on Monday, and a breaking of the fast on Monday evening.

Among this year's other highlights:

• Bus service to downtown -- Families will have access to free shuttle bus service throughout the campus all weekend, with service to downtown Syracuse's Armory Square and the opportunity to explore the Connective Corridor on Saturday.
  
• Parents Place Hospitality Suite -- This headquarters of Parents Weekend, located in the Panasci Lounge of the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center, will be open throughout, with up-to-the-minute event information and access to University information and representatives.
  
• Take Your Parents To Class -- Some of SU's most engaging and well-known professors will lead academic samplers for parents and their students, highlighting the scholarly excellence that is a cornerstone of the University's vision for Scholarship in Action.
  
• Dean's Breakfasts -- Each school and college will host students and families.
  
• Greek organization overviews -- Hosted by the Office of Student Life, these sessions will provide information on Greek choices and lifestyles at SU.
  
• WellsLink Transitions Ceremony -- Held Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel, this free, open-to-the-public ceremony will celebrate the achievements of some of SU's exemplary student leaders with song, poetry and a keynote address by motivational speaker Les Brown.
  
• Visual and performing arts extravaganzas -- Performances throughout the weekend will put students' artistic excellence on display, including entertainment provided by the University's finest student musical ensembles.
  
• Syracuse Stage -- "Around the World in 80 Days" has opened to rave reviews, and parents and students will have the chance to see the show at several times during Parents Weekend. Tickets and times are available at http://www.syracusestage.org.
  
• Career Services Network, Study Abroad, Counseling Center and Health Services, Office of Student Life, and Financial Aid -- presentations from University staff members will introduce parents to the many opportunities available to their students.
  
• SU vs. Wyoming -- With a 1:30 p.m. kickoff, this football frenzy will be preceded by events for fans, students and parents, including a kosher tailgate party at the Winnick Hillel Center.