10 Reasons Indigenous Students Should Consider Syracuse University

10 Reasons Indigenous Students Should Consider Syracuse University

Are you looking for a college or university with a strong Indigenous community? Syracuse University is consistently recognized as an institution that leads the nation in Indigenous academic programs and student support services.

Read on to discover a few of the reasons why Admissions Counselor and Native American Liaison Tammy Bluewolf-Kennedy believes Syracuse might be a great fit for you!

Students celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day on campus.
Students celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on campus.
  1. Syracuse University sits on Onondaga Nation ancestral homelands in the heart of Haudenosaunee territory with several Haudenosaunee communities nearby to provide support and ceremony.
  2. The University’s adoption of and commitment to the Haudenosaunee Promise Scholarship, Honor Scholarship and Indigenous Pathways Grant help make a Syracuse education affordable for Indigenous students.
    The Haudenosaunee flag flies next to the Syracuse University flag on the Quad.
    The Haudenosaunee flag flies next to the Syracuse University flag on the Quad.
  3. The University community shows respect and value for its partnership with the Onondaga Nation through adoption of a Land Acknowledgement that is read before all major events and by flying the Haudenosaunee Confederacy flag on campus.
  4. Take part in Syracuse’s Native Student Program, which offers a home away from home for students and whose dedicated Indigenous faculty and staff, including Assistant Director of the Native Student Program, Office of Multicultural Affairs Regina Jones, are present to mentor and support you through your academic career.
  5. Syracuse officially recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Native Heritage Month with special events, speakers and presentations that celebrate Indigenous cultures and traditions.
  6. Students, no matter what they are studying, can pursue an academic minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies or a certificate in Iroquois Linguistics.
  7. Seeking counseling or group therapy? Request to work with an Indigenous counselor through Syracuse’s Barnes Center at the Arch, who provides culturally appropriate mental health support.
  8. Join a tight-knit community of Indigenous students who hail from across North and South America and pursue leadership experience through student groups like Indigenous Students at Syracuse (ISAS).
  9. Request to live in the Indigenous Living Learning Community (LLC) in Haven Hall and attend Indigenous festivals, campus lectures and social activities with fellow LLC students.
  10. Graduates become part of Syracuse’s Ongwehonwe Alumni Association, an ever-growing group of Indigenous Orange alumni!

10 Tips to Demonstrate Your Interest in Syracuse University

Many colleges and universities look at a student’s demonstrated interest, or the evidence they have taken steps to conduct research and connect with the institution, into account when reviewing applications.

Here at Syracuse University, the Admissions Committee does consider demonstrated interest during the application process, along with many other factors as part of our holistic review process! We believe that students who take the time to explore all that Syracuse has to offer better understand if the University will be a good fit for the undergraduate experience they are seeking. Read on to explore some of the ways you can demonstrate your interest in Syracuse, no matter where you live!

The Hall of Languages is home to Syracuse's College of Arts and Sciences.
The Hall of Languages is home to Syracuse’s College of Arts and Sciences.

  1. Attend a Virtual Information Session
    Register for and attend one (or more!) of our general or themed virtual information sessions to learn more about Syracuse. Not only will these sessions offer invaluable information about the University, but you’ll also be able to get any questions you have answered by an admissions counselor or current student.
  2. Take a Tour
    Schedule a visit and see Syracuse University’s campus firsthand! You’ll get to sit in on a 30-minute information session and then head out on a small-group walking tour. At the conclusion of your student-led tour, you can also meet with one of our 10 undergraduate schools and colleges.
    Can’t make it to Syracuse? We’ve made it easy for you to take a look at our buildings and grounds via our virtual tour!
  3. Register for a Virtual Interview
    Syracuse offers optional virtual interviews via Zoom for high school seniors and transfer students. An interview is a great way to personalize your application and ask questions of our admissions staff.
  4. Connect with your Admissions Counselor
    Our admissions counselors travel far and wide to spread the word about Syracuse University, so be sure to check to see if a virtual or in-person visit will be scheduled with your high school this year. We also welcome you to contact your admissions representative via email with any questions you might have!
  5. Ask Questions
    Asking questions is one of the best ways to figure out if Syracuse is a good fit for you. Chat in your questions during our virtual sessions or contact the Admissions Office to let us know how we can help!

    Students collaborate outside of the Schine Student Center.
    Students collaborate outside of the Schine Student Center.
  6. Research
    Engage with our website to learn more about our 10 undergraduate schools and colleges, 200+ majors, 100 minors, and 300+ student organizations!
  7. Engage with Programs of Interest
    Is there a school or college at Syracuse that interests you, or perhaps a particular dual program, major or minor? Connect with representatives from our schools and colleges through a virtual session, email, or a phone call! They are eager to learn more about you and discuss which programs might best suit your interests.
  8. Take Time with Your Application
    Spending adequate time preparing your application is a great way to convey your interest in Syracuse. Be sure you’ve researched our undergraduate programs and are making an informed decision when listing your first and second choice academic programs on the Common Application. You’ll also have a chance to tell us why you’re interested in Syracuse University through our short answer question and we’re eager to read what you have to say!
  9. Discuss Your Interest in Syracuse with your Teachers and Counselor
    Your teachers and counselor will submit letters of recommendation on your behalf, so it is always a good idea to let them know why you’re interested in Syracuse. Help them understand why you feel Syracuse is a good fit for you so they can advocate on your behalf!
  10. Apply On Time
    Whether you apply Early Decision or Regular Decision, ensuring that you submit your Common Application and supporting documents on time is a great way to convey your serious interest in Syracuse. After you submit your application, be sure to check your MySlice account to monitor for missing documents and read your emails from Syracuse to stay up to date!

A Day in the Life of Seth Reed ‘21

Seth Reed ’21 knew he’d found his major of choice when he started to research Chemical Engineering. His love of AP Chemistry and Project Lead the Way classes in high school and a strong interest in sustainability and the environment made the program a natural fit for his interests and goals.

As a senior in Syracuse’s College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), Seth has also found ways to incorporate his interest in sports and music into his busy academic schedule. Learn how Seth manages to balance his many interests and discover what it’s like to be an ECS senior as Seth takes us through a typical weekday on campus!

Seth '21 has served as an Orientation Leader for new Syracuse students for the past three years. Photo courtesy of Seth Reed.
Seth ’21 has served as an Orientation Leader for new Syracuse students for the past three years. Photo courtesy of Seth Reed.

Meet Seth Reed ‘21
Hometown: Schenectady, NY
Major: Chemical Engineering

7:30 a.m.
I’m a fairly early riser, so I tend to wake up between 7 and 7:30. I like to catch up on homework or work out before starting my day. I live off campus with friends in the University neighborhood, so it’s easy to get a run in and grab breakfast before heading to class!

9:30 a.m.
My first class of the day is Chemical Reactor Design with Dr. Jesse Bond. In this class we utilize principles of fluid dynamics to study and create reactors.

I’ve designed my schedule so that I have a 9:30 a.m. class every morning. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I am in class most of the day, but Tuesdays and Thursdays are much lighter. This semester, in addition to Chemical Reactor Design, I’m also taking Heat and Mass Operations, Thermodynamics II, Chemical Engineering Lab II, Writing 307: Professional Writing and Beer and Wine Appreciation!

11:00 a.m.
When I’m not in class, I can often be found in the research lab in the basement of Link Hall (home of the College of Engineering and Computer Science).

Seth '21 is a member of a team on campus that is conducting research on lithium-ion batteries.
Seth ’21 is a member of a team on campus that is conducting research on lithium-ion batteries.

I’ve been lucky to have several research opportunities while at Syracuse, and right now I am working with Dr. Ian Hosein on a project that considers alternatives to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. We are interested in learning if we can create a more sustainable and affordable alternative and recently had a paper published in the Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry!

3:00 p.m.
Depending on the day, I may stop by and log a few hours in the Shaw Center, Syracuse’s hub for community engagement. At the Shaw Center I serve as a program coordinator for Engineering Ambassadors, an organization that works with local middle school students to promote interest in STEM fields.

Seth '21 is a member of the Men's Club Volleyball team. Photo courtesy of Seth Reed.
Seth ’21 is a member of the Men’s Club Volleyball team. Photo courtesy of Seth Reed.

I’ve also served as an Orientation Leader for the past three years in the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs. This year I was the Head Orientation Leader for Becoming Orange, the week of programming we put on for new students as they move in and transition to campus!

6:00 p.m.
In the afternoons and evenings after class, I’m typically either at volleyball practice with Syracuse’s Men’s Club Volleyball Team, studying in the Noble Room in Hendricks Chapel, or hanging out with friends. I also like to play piano in my spare time and I even perform off campus at Abundant Life Christian Center.

Lately I’ve also been spending much of my evenings preparing my application for the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). I’m planning to pursue a Ph.D. in chemical or materials engineering after graduation!