Article written by Lily Mallette, DPS Communications and Marketing Assistant
During the Fall 2025 semester, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) was strengthened by the dedication and professionalism of its student employees.
Working in multiple units across DPS, these students supported essential operations that help DPS serve the campus community. Their work reflects not only completed tasks—but also meaningful skill development and a deeper understanding of what it takes to keep a campus the size of Syracuse safe.
Story by Alexa Selter, a senior in the Newhouse School of Public Communications and a communications and marketing assistant with the Department of Public Safety
As finals season kicked into high gear, Bird Library started feeling a little busier, a little louder, and a lot more caffeinated. To help students take a breather, the Department of Public Safety hosted its “Destress with DPS” event on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Therapy dogs greeted students in the lobby, snacks were up for grabs, and students stopped by between study sessions to say hello, decompress, and maybe pet a dog (or three).
“We’re not just here for emergencies; we’re part of this community. Bringing therapy dogs and spending time with students during finals was one small way we could show our support,” said Officer Marcella Jewell. “Events like this let us connect with students in a way that is low-key and genuine.”
Beyond the puppies and snacks, the event also gave students a chance to chat with DPS staff casually, learn about campus safety resources, and put faces to the people behind the uniforms.
“It’s really important to take breaks when you’re stressed, especially in an environment like the library where you can feel pressure to constantly be working. Events like this remind us that it’s okay to pause, and it shows that the Syracuse community and staff genuinely care about our well-being,” said Nikki Saffar, a junior psychology major. “Plus, everyone loves dogs, so that’s a bonus.”
The atmosphere was relaxed, and the goal was simple: to give students a moment to pause during a stressful week and remind them that DPS is here as a resource and an integral part of the campus community.
Finals week can be overwhelming. DPS hopes events like this made the campus feel more connected and reminded students they weren’t tackling the semester alone.
With finals behind you and winter break ahead, take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the well-deserved break.
As we approach the holiday break, the Department of Public Safety reminds all community members to take proactive steps to protect your residences, offices, cubicle spaces and belongings during this time.
For Those Who Live and Work On Campus
Please take the following steps to secure your personal and work space:
Securely lock doors and windows.
Close all curtains/blinds.
Make sure to lock your door.
Unplug all electrical items, except refrigerators.
Do not leave your keys in a visible area.
Mark/engrave all items of value and keep a record including serial numbers.
Do not leave credit cards, checkbooks, cash or other valuables readily accessible; these can be taken and used by a thief before you know they are gone.
If You Live Off Campus
Make your residence look occupied; consider buying a timer that automatically turns on interior and exterior lights at a predetermined time, or when there is motion.
Be sure your outdoor lighting is working and sufficient/use dusk to dawn light bulbs.
Lock all doors and windows in the residence.
If you are leaving your personal vehicle in an unsecured parking lot or on street parking over the winter break, you may want to consider purchasing and applying a steering-wheel lock. In addition, do not leave anything of value visibly inside the vehicle and lock all doors.
Take anything valuable home with you, e.g. laptop computer, video game console, jewelry, etc.
Do not leave any valuable items near windows. Take pictures of anything valuable and ensure you have installed tracking software and documented the serial numbers of all electronic devices.
Unplug all electrical items, except your refrigerator and timers.
If you have a security alarm, make sure you turn it on when leaving.
Consider placing your bicycle indoors while you are out of town.
If you see anything suspicious, for on-campus, please call DPS at 315.443.2224 or use the Orange Safe app or for off-campus, call the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5111.
While many members of our community will be traveling during the break, many will remain here on campus. As a reminder, the Department of Public Safety is always working and available to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you observe anything concerning. As always, our recommended safety strategies can be found on our website.
As winter weather begins in Central New York, we are providing important information on
how the University navigates and communicates about extreme weather conditions. Please
review the following information carefully.
Syracuse University generally remains open for business in inclement weather, while
always prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community members. We work with
Precision Weather Service to help inform our decisions about operational delays, class
cancellations or other operational changes. Community members representing Academic
Affairs, Campus Facilities, Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services and the
Student Experience Division are also part of this decision-making process.
In the event weather conditions necessitate a change in the University’s operating
schedule, it will be announced via the University’s emergency broadcast notification
system and will carry the notice SU WEATHER ALERT. To ensure you receive these
messages, please confirm your Orange Alert settings are up to date in MySlice.
SU WEATHER ALERT information will be announced via the following communication
channels:
▪ Orange Safe (which can also be accessed in the “Orange Now” app);
▪ campus @syr.edu email;
▪ text message to registered cell phone numbers in MySlice;
▪ a “crawl” on campus TV monitors and University websites;
▪ X: @SyracuseUToday and @SyracuseDPS;
▪ Facebook: @SyracuseUToday and @SyracuseDPS;
▪ news.syr.edu and Syracuse.edu; and
▪ Syracuse University public radio station WAER-FM/88.3 and other local media
outlets.
Only Syracuse University’s Division of Communications is authorized to transmit to the
campus community and the news media about closings, work-schedule changes or classstart delays.
Although Syracuse University rarely closes for inclement weather, individuals must make
personal decisions based on a risk assessment related to travel. We encourage all
employees to take precautions and use good judgment when traveling to/from work.
Faculty and staff concerned about travel conditions should contact their department chair
or direct supervisor, respectively. Students, particularly those who commute to and from
campus, should contact their professor if they have concerns about attending class.
For information on winter weather preparedness, please visit the Department of Public
Safety website: dps.syr.edu
Story by Alexa Selter, a senior in the Newhouse School of Public Communications and a communications and marketing assistant with the Department of Public Safety
With the holiday season upon us, many at Syracuse University, like students, faculty and staff, are planning to look for deals online and in stores. While the excitement of finding a great sale can be fun, this time of year also brings an increase in scams targeting consumers nationwide.
The Department of Public Safety encourages everyone to stay alert when shopping, particularly online, to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers often create fake shopping sites or social media ads that imitate real retailers, using stolen logos and deep-discount pricing to lure buyers into sharing payment information.
On the Syracuse University DPS Website, the Scam Alert Guide highlights common warning signs, including suspicious purchase requests and phishing links. It also provides practical steps to help community members identify and report scams before they spread. The resource explains how to verify legitimate messages, protect personal data, and safely respond to unexpected contact.
In addition, in the Orange Safe App, under Support Resources, there is a section on preventing scams. This free resource gives you tips and tools to help you avoid falling victim to scams. Besides fake websites, DPS urges people to look out for phishing emails and texts that seem to come from delivery firms or banks. These messages often have links to fake tracking pages or ask you to check your payment details.
If You Think You’ve Been Targeted
If you receive a suspicious message, encounter a questionable website, or believe your personal information has been compromised, report it immediately through the Orange Safe app or by calling 315-443-2224.
A Final Reminder
The holidays should be about celebrating, hanging out with friends and family, and giving, — not stressing over getting scammed. Just taking a little extra time to be aware before you click or buy things can really help keep your money, privacy, and sanity safe.
From all of us at the Department of Public Safety, stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy the season responsibly.
