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With midterms underway, Syracuse University students are preparing for spring break next week. The Daily Orange has compiled safety tips and resources for students who are traveling or staying on campus for the break.

SU’s Department of Public Safety recommends that students who are leaving campus for the break lock all doors and windows and close all curtains and blinds. Students should also unplug electrical items, keep valuable items out of sight, and keep a record of important belongings. Students shouldn’t give out their keys or leave them behind while traveling.

For students living off-campus, making a residence appear occupied with motion-sensor lights and using security alarms can help ensure safety. Students should also lock and barricade doors.

The break comes following recent crimes reported near SU’s campus. On Feb. 2, DPS reported multiple acts of criminal activity and vehicle larcenies around the 100 and 200 blocks of Comstock Avenue.

On Feb. 26, DPS reported an armed robbery on Van Buren Street near the Brewster, Brockway, and Boland dorm complex. DPS is actively investigating both incidents, and SPD is also investigating the armed robbery.

Recent airplane crashes may be another concern for students who are traveling for the break. On Jan. 31, an Army helicopter and an American Airlines jet collided near Reagan Washington National Airport outside of Washington, D.C., killing 67 people. Christine Lane, an SU graduate, was among those who died, along with her son. On Feb. 17, a Delta flight overturned on the runway during its landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. All 80 people on board survived with 21 sustaining injuries.

Despite national concern over the crash, plane travel has never been safer, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. There were a total of 16 fatal aviation accidents in January and February involving American passengers — below the monthly average of 2o.

For students staying on campus during spring break, dining halls and on-campus eateries will operate on a different schedule than usual.

Skytop Marketplace in Goldstein Student Center and West Campus Express will close for the week beginning Saturday. All dining halls will close either Saturday or Sunday, except for Orange Dining Center and Shaw Dining Center, which will both stay open over the break. Schine Student Center will operate during its regular hours. The Campus Store market and the eateries in Schine will all be open during normal times.

Students can also access food pantries at Hendricks Chapel and at the Carriage House on South Campus if they need free groceries.

Bus schedules will also have alternate schedules during spring break. Buses will run less frequently over reduced hours.

All university offices will also remain open during standard business hours over the break. Classes resume on March 17.

Published on March 5, 2025 at 11:18 pm

Contact Sydney: sadepiet@syr.edu