News

In a Semester Unlike Any Other, Auxiliary Services Adjusts to Meet the Needs of Its Community

Throughout the fall semester, members of Auxiliary Services stepped up and adapted quickly to public health guidelines, continuing to ensure quality service.

A Quiet Semester in the Adirondacks

In a typical year, the University’s Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain Lake, New York, hosts dozens of conferences with hundreds of guests. The Adirondack getaway is a favorite for campus groups and other educational organizations from throughout the Northeast.

Read the full story at Syracuse University News.

Syracuse University Department of Public Safety Receives National Accrediation

Today, Senior Vice President for Business, Finance and Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer Amir Rahnamay-Azar announced that on November 13, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) voted to recommend that the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) be accredited for a period of four years. CALEA accreditation is the the gold standard for public safety and law enforcement in the nation.

The CALEA accreditation process provides public safety departments with an opportunity to prove that they meet the highest professional standards in law enforcement, and require:

  • Comprehensive and uniform written directives that clearly define authority, performance, and responsibilities
  • Reports and analyses to make fact-based and informed management decisions
  • Preparedness to address natural or man-made critical incidents
  • Community relationship-building and maintenance
  • Independent review by subject matter experts
  • Continuous pursuit of excellence through annual reviews and other assessment measures

This fall, CALEA assessors reviewed all DPS polices and procedures, reviewed proof of compliance with the procedures, and held a public hearing regarding the department’s performance. Accreditation signifies that DPS has proven that its policies and procedures meet CALEA’s comprehensive standards and that DPS has provided proof of compliance with those policies, procedures, and standards. CALEA standards are developed by expert public safety practitioners covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives for law enforcement. This achievement is rare amongst law enforcement agencies.

“There are currently 743 CALEA accredited law enforcement agencies, only 66 of which are higher education public safety departments, and DPS is one of only 11 CALEA-accredited law enforcement agencies in New York State,” said DPS Detective Christopher Wood, who managed the accreditation process.

“We are honored to have received this accreditation from CALEA. It would have not been possible without the hard work and diligence of all members of the department,” said DPS Chief Bobby Maldonado. “We’re grateful to Detective Wood and his team for updating our policies and procedures, and compiling the reports and records required to meet the standards set forth by CALEA.”

DPS will need to demonstrate continued proof of standards compliance with the CALEA commission on an annual basis. In addition, a formal review for reaccreditation with CALEA will take place in Summer 2024.

While this is first time DPS has received accreditation from CALEA, in 2015, DPS achieved accreditation by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), and was reaccredited in 2019. These standards focus on public safety and law enforcement at institutions of higher education. The dual accreditation is rare and a testament to the professionalism of DPS and its staff, said Senior Vice President and Chief Law Enforcement Officer Tony Callisto. DPS is one of only 27 dual CALEA/IACLEA accredited campus public safety agencies nationwide and the only one in New York State.

 

About CALEA: The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®), was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive associations. The CALEA Accreditation program seals are reserved for use by those public safety agencies that have demonstrated compliance with CALEA Standards and have been awarded CALEA Accreditation by the Commission.

Senior Vice President for Safety and Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Tony Callisto, Announces Plans for Retirement

After 15 years of dedicated service to Syracuse University, Tony Callisto has announced that he will retire as senior vice president for safety and chief law enforcement officer on June 30, 2021. Callisto will then transition to a senior advisor role to provide support to the chief financial officer and assist in the transition in leadership in Campus Safety and Emergency Services.

“Tony’s commitment to the community, leadership skills, dedication to service and competence in a wide variety of safety and risk functions have served the University and its students, faculty and staff well for the past 15 years,” says Amir Rahnamay-Azar, senior vice president of business, finance and administrative services and chief financial officer. “I look forward to his continued counsel and wish him well as he transitions toward retirement.”

Read the full announcement at Syracuse University News.

A Passion for Leadership and Teamwork: Custodial Manager Annette Statum

Annette Statum vividly recalls the hot summer day in 1994 when she walked down Ainsley Drive to the Commissary because she’d heard the University was hiring. Busy raising her children at the time, Statum was looking for part-time work.

After filling out an application for a position in Food Services, she was told that they had no part-time openings but would call her if one became available. The very next day her phone rang with an offer for a 10-2 shift. “So that’s where my journey began, 25 years ago,” Statum says.

Statum’s current role is custodial manager for academic and administrative facilities in Facilities Services, where she oversees a team of over 160 staff members and seven custodial supervisors. After about a year in Food Services, she bid on a custodial position and has spent the last 24 years growing her career with the University.

Read her full profile at Syracuse University News.

Building Local Initiative Leads to New Partnerships With Local Businesses

The University’s Building Local initiative, launched in May 2019, sought to expand participation of local business enterprises—including those owned by women, minorities, veterans and others (referred to collectively as XBEs)—in University purchasing decisions.

Since the launch of the initiative, several local businesses have become newly-licensed partners of the University, selling products adorned with Syracuse University trademarks. Among them is Oswego Industries, which finalized its retail license with the University in July 2020.

The company, a non-profit based out of Fulton, New York, supports people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Person-centered services include pre-vocational and vocational training, supported employment and day habilitation programs.

Read the full story at Syracuse University News.

Orange Community Comes Together for International Thanksgiving Dinner

Members of the Syracuse University community came together to share a meal—virtually—on Nov. 19, as the University held its 36th annual International Thanksgiving Dinner via Zoom.

The celebration was started at the University in the 1980s by the Rev. T.E. Koshy as a way to bring international students together and introduce them to the American Thanksgiving tradition. For many years, students, faculty, staff and alumni have come together in the Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center to enjoy a meal and learn more about one another.

Read the full story at Syracuse University News.

Student Reporters Played Critical Role in WAER 88.3 FM’s Election Coverage

In keeping with the tradition of producing community-focused, quality journalism for Central New York, the news team at WAER 88.3FM, Syracuse University’s Public Radio Station, produced 48 stories related to the 2020 election in the final two months of the campaign through Election Day.

From “Your Election Blueprint,” an issue-oriented series of in-depth reports chiefly produced by James Corrigan G’21, to a series of feature-length stories highlighting various issues and races, culminating in WAER’s live election night broadcast which included a special one-hour “Syracuse Speaks,” followed by live updates during NPR’s programming.

Student work was heavily featured in interviews and reporter debriefs, contributing to important content to add to the public education and debate over this year’s election.

Read the full story at Syracuse University News.

Message from the Comptroller Regarding Paper Paychecks

All paper paychecks dated Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, and continuing until further notice will be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service. Employees who have not signed up for direct deposit and receive a paper paycheck should ensure their permanent address is accurate by visiting MySlice and navigating to My Profile > Addresses.

As a reminder, anyone with a NetID and password are able to set up direct deposit through MySlice. The Payroll Office’s website provides step-by-step instructions on how to enroll in the direct deposit option.

Please contact payroll at 315.443.4042, option 2, with any questions.

Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Testing Opportunities Continue Throughout October for Students, Faculty and Staff

Opportunities for the campus community to receive a flu vaccine and/or COVID-19 testing continue weekdays throughout the month of October as part of the University’s ongoing effort to keep our campus safe, healthy and open for residential learning.

As outlined in the Syracuse University SAFE public health framework [PDF], all members of the Syracuse University community who access campus services are expected to get a flu shot this year. Additionally, a permanent COVID-19 testing site opened earlier this month at the stadium and is available to students, faculty and staff Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Read the full story at Syracuse University News.

The Importance of Sustainability in The 315

Whether it’s a Presidential debate, from the lips of a local reporter, or the national news, conversations about the future of our planet are constantly taking place. And no matter where you land on the politics surrounding climate change, there is no denying the need for education on the matter.

This week on The 315, Joe Lee and Kevin Kloss sit down with Meg Lowe, Sustainability Coordinator in the Energy Systems and Sustainability Management Department at Syracuse University.  The three of them chat about sustainability at Syracuse University, opportunities for education, and some upcoming events.

Listen to the podcast at waer.org.