Syracuse University
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

The Student Association (SA) serves as the undergraduate student government at Syracuse University. Acting as the representative voice of students, the SA focuses on initiatives aimed at improving the undergraduate experience.

The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) Senate functions as the highest decision-making body within the GSO. It is composed of representatives from academic programs across campus and convenes monthly to deliberate and vote on important issues, including calls for action directed at the university administration, funding for student organizations, and other key matters.

The University Board of Trustees is the governing body responsible for overseeing the educational mission and fiscal policies of Syracuse University. Its members guide the university towards its goals and vision while serving the public trust. This website provides information about the Board to members of the Syracuse University community.

The University Senate is the academic governing body, comprised of faculty, students, staff, and administration members. The bulk of its work is conducted through 17 standing committees, each reporting to the full Senate at least once annually.

Syracuse University also has several bargaining units, including:

• Department of Public Safety
• Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) Local 200: SEIU represents service, maintenance, and library technicians employed in various departments, including Bird Library, Carrier Dome, Food Services, Housing & Maintenance, and others.
• Teamsters Local 317: This union represents the parking and transit services workers at the university.
• Adjunct Professors: Adjuncts United (AU), affiliated with New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), represents most part-time faculty at Syracuse University.

The Office of Community Engagement aims to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between Syracuse University and the City of Syracuse, as well as its surrounding areas, by providing access to learning, resources, services, and support. The office serves as a liaison between the university and neighborhood, community, business, and nonprofit organizations, focusing on matters related to campus-community partnerships.

Community engagement enhances creativity and discovery, which are essential to academic excellence. It also ensures that the university contributes to the vibrancy and sustainability of the communities around it. The Office of Community Engagement offers students, faculty, and staff authentic opportunities to interact with and contribute to the world around them.

One of the office’s key initiatives is the Thursday Morning Round Table, a weekly civic engagement program. This event features experts discussing local, state, and national issues relevant to the Central New York community. The meetings, held during the academic year, include a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session with the speaker. The programs are broadcast on WCNY-FM 91.3 on Sundays at 8 p.m.

Additionally, 211CNY provides a streamlined way for residents to locate essential resources such as food, shelter, employment, and healthcare. By dialing the three-digit number "211," individuals can connect directly to services without the hassle of navigating multiple agencies and phone numbers.