Syracuse University
| Founded in 1870, Syracuse University is a diverse institution of higher education dedicated to faculty excellence and scholarly distinction, attracting and supporting enterprising students, and a close interaction and engagement with the world—locally, nationally, and globally. Each of Syracuse University's 13 schools and colleges play a unique role in shaping the University as a whole and contribute to its reputation as one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the country.
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Enrollment: Students at Syracuse University represent 50 states and more than 90 foreign countries. Of the total student population, 9 percent are from foreign countries. Fall 2006 enrollment, 12,144 full-time and 1,012 part-time undergraduate students; 3,927 full-time and 1,999 part-time graduate and law students. Total University enrollment was 19,082.
Academic Year: The academic year runs from late August through May and is divided into two semesters of approximately 15 weeks in duration. In addition, there are two 6-week summer sessions between May and August, which are supplementary to the academic year. Immigration regulations require international students to maintain full-time enrollment; undergraduate students must carry a course load of 12 credits per semester, while a course load of 9 credits is considered full-time for graduate students.
English Proficiency: All lectures, textbooks, papers, and examinations are conducted in English and require excellent English oral and written skills (unless a foreign language-based course). Accordingly, all international students must demonstrate proficiency in English. During international student orientation, international students are required to take an English Language Assessment Exam if they are an undergraduate student or a graduate student with a TOEFL score under 600 (under 250 if they took the computerized test or under 100 if they took the internet-based, IBT, version). This is an evaluative exam that will help determine your English course placement (if necessary).
Academic Success: Classes tend to use a variety of methods for teaching and assessment including lectures, group discussions, videos, multiple choice and essay-type examinations, reflection papers, and research papers. Student performance is evaluated in a number of ways including regular attendance, participation in class discussions, completion of group projects, and meeting assignment deadlines. To maintain your status as a full-time student, you must complete all coursework in a satisfactory manner and continue to make adequate progress towards your degree.
Numerous resources are available to help students with their academic performance including: the Writing Center; the Graduate Editing Center, the Tutoring and Study Center, the Slutzker Center’s Academic Success program, and the Academic Integrity Office .
Social Activities: There are over 300 recognized student organizations that engage in co-curricular activit
ies related to social interests, hobbies, religions, ethnic or cultural identity, arts and entertainment, and much more. In addition, the University offers a variety of special events such as sporting events, lectures, concerts, films, dances, festivals, and programs that take place on campus. The Slutzker Center also sponsors special programs for international students that include an Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, International Education Week, and English conversation groups. Extensive recreation facilities are also available including soccer, basketball and gymnastics equipment; table tennis; racquetball and squash courts; numerous playing fields; weights and fitness rooms; and swimming pools.
Religious Activities: Hendricks Chapel is an interfaith chapel—“a home for all faiths, a place for all people.” There are chaplains at the University representing many major religious groups including Baptist, Buddhist, Episcopal, Evangelical, Islamic, Jewish, Lutheran, Protestant, and Roman Catholic. The Chapel also supports several religious-based student groups including the Hindu Student Council, Unitarian Universalist Students group, and Black Celestial Choral Ensemble.
Advising and Counseling: Students have access to a number of services to support, guide, and help them make the most of their time at the University. International Student Advisors are available to help international students and scholars with immigration and general issues; Academic departments can provide academic advising resources; Health Services can help students with health problems as well as advise on nutrition, diet, and provide health education; and the Counseling Center assists students with concerns related to personal, educational, relationship, family, substance abuse, and other social or emotional problems.
Additional campus resources are available online.