2022-2023 Student Handbook: M.S. in Library and Information Science (with or without School Media specialization)

Part 1: Graduate Education at the iSchool

Welcome

Welcome to the Syracuse University (SU) School of Information on Studies (iSchool). This student handbook is designed primarily for both full-time and part-time campus students, and should serve as an advising guide for those pursuing the graduate program of study for the Master of Science in Library & Information Science (M.S.L.I.S.) degree at the iSchool at SU. While the handbook covers some aspects of the program for online students, they should consult with their online student success advisors atstudentsupport@ischoolonline.syr.edu advisors on specific questions in regards to admissions, course selection and sequence, and registration. This handbook covers academic and administrative policies and requirements that all graduate students must follow and is current as of July 2022. Please consult the websites linked throughout this handbook for additional information.

The information concerning academic requirements, courses, and programs of study contained in this student handbook does not constitute an irrevocable contract between the student and the iSchool. The iSchool reserves the right to change, discontinue, or add academic requirements, courses, and programs of study. Such changes may be made without notice, although every effort will be made to provide timely notice to students. It is the responsibility of the individual student to confirm that all appropriate degree requirements are met. 

About the iSchool

The iSchool is one of several schools at SU and has a unique blend of programs. Each program has a director, requirements, and matriculated students. The faculty and the courses in the iSchool, however, are not divided into traditional departments like most schools.  Instead, we have a united faculty body made up of tenured faculty, leading industry practitioners, and scholars with diverse research and academic interests, committed to teaching all iSchool students.  This means that in your experience as an M.S.A.D.S. student there will be many courses in which your classmates will represent a mix of M.S.A.D.S. students and students from other degree programs, which allows students to learn from those pursuing other professional goals. While providing diversity in terms of coursework and faculty expertise, a common thread ties all the courses together to create technologically competent, people-oriented, data-driven professionals. 

Academic Resources

Faculty, Staff, and Peers

The iSchool firmly believes that advising is a cooperative and multifaceted process, and encourages students to seek input from a variety of sources. Faculty, staff, and peers are critical resources and all contribute to student success. Their roles are described briefly in Part 6 of the handbook.

Information Resources

In addition to the information in this handbook, Syracuse University, the Graduate School, and the iSchool provide services and resources to students that should be taken into account when planning a program of study. Some of the most important for students include:

Academic Calendar

The Syracuse University academic calendar provides information on registration dates, financial deadlines, withdrawal deadlines, degree award dates, and when to expect final grades. There are two academic calendars: an academic year calendar that lists important dates for fall and spring semesters, as well as summer sessions, and a quarter term calendar that provides important dates and deadlines for online classes.  Please view the calendars at syracuse.edu/academics/calendars/. Students are encouraged to look up deadlines in MySlice here: 

Academic Deadlines- Search for Classes> class list view> click on the Dates and Deadlines calendar icon next to the class

Financial Deadlines- Billing/Payments> Financial Deadlines

Advising Check Sheet

Each iSchool graduate program keeps an advising check sheet that lists the current curricular requirements that should be followed when you plan your program of study.  Students need to utilize Degree Works tool available in MySlice to view their program requirements.  In addition, program check sheets are available online at https://answers.syr.edu/display/Handbooks+and+Checksheets. 

Class Schedule

 The class schedule is  available in MySlice.

Course Catalog

Refer to the Graduate Course Catalog, coursecatalog.syr.edu, for SU rules and regulations. It is the student’s responsibility to be informed about program requirements, and students should consult their program director, program manager, or graduate academic advisors with any questions or uncertainties.

Email and Listservs

Syracuse University established the @syr.edu email as a primary vehicle for official communication with students, and all email communications will be sent only to this address. The iSchool uses your SU email address to maintain a listserv for your program where students will be notified of new course offerings, internship and job opportunities, and other events.  Students are responsible for monitoring their SU e-mail account for all email communications sent to the @syr.edu email address. Students will be added to their program listserv automatically once they are matriculated into the program. A list of available listservs can be found here: https://answers.syr.edu/display/ischool/Listservs. 

Graduate School Website

Individual graduate programs are administered by departments or interdisciplinary committees and are subject to approval by the appropriate schools and colleges and by the University Senate. These policies and standards are administered by the Graduate School. Visit graduateschool.syr.edu for more information.

iSchool Website

The iSchool website will be your best resource as you figure out your academic career at Syracuse, to decide what classes you can take, and how to get involved in the iSchool community. Here, you can find advising forms, graduation requirements, FAQs, and other student resources. Visit ischool.syr.edu/

MySlice

MySlice is Syracuse University’s online portal to critical information resources for applicants, students, faculty, and staff. Here, students can view information on academics, advising, class schedules, enrollment, bursar account, financial aid, housing and meal plans, and parking and transit services. Visit myslice.syr.edu/

Part 2: Overview of the M.S. in Library and Information Science (M.S.L.I.S.)

The M.S.L.I.S. program’s goals and outcomes articulate our vision of quality professional education for library and information science (LIS) professionals. The goals and outcomes are used internally to express our direction and to provide a framework for assessing our achievement. They are used externally to communicate our beliefs in the grounding needed by members of the profession.

Learning Outcomes of the M.S. in Library and Information Science Program

After completing the program, students will be able to:

•  Apply the skills and attitudes of visioning, entrepreneurship, advocacy, planning, and management to leadership in the information field.
• Manage information resources and the information life cycle through the processes of collection development, representation, organization, preservation, curation, access, and dissemination in accordance with physical, virtual, and technical infrastructure and needs.
• Apply appropriate pedagogical and learning theory principles in the design, development, implementation, and assessment of library instruction and learning that contribute towards an information- and technology-literate society.
• Design and employ policies essential for creating and providing information services and resources guided by the values of patron privacy, equitable access, intellectual freedom, and ethical use of information.
• Possess the skills to respect, engage, and collaborate with a diverse community in order to advocate for and construct inclusive, meaningful, and participatory library services, programs, and resources.
• Perform and assess research-based practices through the application of information literacy, inquiry, and research methods including data discovery, analytics, and qualitative measures.

Program Overview

The 36-credit  M.S.L.I.S. program will educate students to become leaders in the library and information profession. We prepare students to have a broad range of knowledge and skills needed for exemplary practice in the library and information profession. 

Primary Core: 15 credits

M.S.L.I.S. core courses provide a solid grounding in the knowledge, skills, and values of the library and information profession. The 15- credit M.S.L.I.S. core has three parts introductory course (3 credits), information resources courses (9 credits), and management course (3 credits).

Introductory Core: 3 credits

Information Resource and Service Core: 9 credits

Management  Core: 3 credits

Electives: 18 Credits

Any IST graduate level course will count as an elective. Up to six graduate level credits from outside the iSchool may be petitioned to count as electives. 

Exit Requirement: 3 Credits

In their final term or semester, students are required to complete a portfolio to provide an assessment of learning for their program.  

MSLIS: Plan Your Program and Choose Your Professional Pathway

The MSLIS program strides to cultivate leaders in the library and information profession who will become implementers and advocates for information justice and equity, community engagement, and technology use in their communities of practice. The MSLIS curriculum is designed to prepare library and information professionals with a broad range of knowledge and skills needed for exemplary practice in the library and information profession.

For the professional pathways and course examples listed below, the following abbreviations indicates the delivery format and availability: S – Semester; Q – Quarter; S/Q – Semester and Quarter; and * – Indicates pending demand and instructor availability.

Professional Pathway and Related Electives

The following professional pathways focus on functional areas needed to perform job duties in any settings, rather than on limiting the pathway to a particular type of library or organization. You may choose to concentrate your study on one or more  pathways, depending on your strengths and interest. The courses in each pathway are carefully selected for building the functional competency in that area. At least 3~4 courses are needed to establish necessary functional competency in each of the professional pathways.

User Services and Community Engagement

Whether working in a college/university library or a cultural institution such as public library and museum, user services and community engagement is one of the core functions of libraries and cultural institutions of all types. User services librarians have the responsibilities on information literacy training, instructions, references, collection management, and outreach to diverse communities to assure equal access to library and information resources. As the use of online databases continues to increase, plentiful librarians in academic settings are typically responsible for teaching students how to find, use, and cite online resources.

Sample job titles: Dean of University Libraries; Web Services Librarian; Associate Librarian of Environmental Science; Public Services Librarian; Reference Librarian; Online Learning Librarian; Outreach and Assessment Librarian; Access Services and Instruction Librarian

Examples of courses you can take:

IST 564 - Accessible Library and Information Services (S/Q)

IST 611 - Information Technologies in Educational Organizations (Q)

IST 635 - Collection Development and Access (S/Q)

IST 649 – Human Interaction with Computers (S)

IST 659 - Database Administration Concepts & Database Management (S/Q)

IST 662 - Instructional Strategies and Techniques for Information Professionals (Q)

IST 671 - Foundations of Research Methods in Information Studies (S/Q)

IST 672 - Public Library as Institution (Q)

IST 674 - Academic Libraries (S/Q)

IST 682 - Cultural Competence for Information Professionals (S/Q)

Archives and Special Collections

Many different kinds of institutions handling historical materials offer job opportunities for a graduate holding an MSLIS degree, including special collections within large academic institutions, small historical societies, art museums, and even zoos. Courses in this pathway are suitable for careers in cultural heritage, archives, and special collections. Please note that if you’d like to pursue this pathway, you should take at least one of 624 and 628 because they are the techniques and methods courses specifically for archives and special collections.  

Sample job titles: Photo Archives Manager; Curator of Historical Collections; Director of Special Collections; Rights and Reproductions and Digitization Assistant

Examples of courses you can take:

IST 622 - Introduction to Cultural Heritage Preservation (S)

IST 624 - Preservation of Library and Archival Collections (S)

IST 628 - Management and Organization of Archival Collections (S)

IST 632 - Management and Organization of Special Collections (S)*

IST 635 - Collection Development and Access (S/Q)

IST 681 - Metadata (S/Q)

IST 682 - Cultural Competence for LIS Professionals (S/Q)

IST 715 - Libraries, Archives, and Museums (LAM) (S/Q)

Digital Curation and Services

Digital curation and services have become an increasingly important part of library operations. This area of work includes the management, curation, and preservation of digitized and born digital resources, including data, in libraries, archives, and museums. Librarians in digital curation and services develop policies and workflows, help users locate digital information and data for business or academic use, and organize digital resources for retrieval. Students interested in the digital curation and services pathway will gain knowledge of digital data systems, metadata theory and practices, programming and markup languages, and data services to the communities they serve.

Sample job titles: Data Visualization Specialist; Data and Metadata Services Librarian; Director, Data Center Services; Data Management and Curation Fellow; Data Quality Specialist; Research Data Archivist; Data Services and Visualization Librarian

Examples of courses you can take:

IST 654 – Information Systems Analysis (S/Q)

IST 659 - Data Administration Concepts and Database Management (S/Q)

IST 671 - Foundations of Research Methods in Information Studies (S/Q)

IST 676 - Digital Data and Services in Libraries (S)

IST 681 - Metadata (S/Q)

IST 687 - Introduction to Data Science (S/Q)

IST 719 - Information Visualization (S/Q)

Organization and Management of Information and Knowledge

Libraries, archives, and museums (LAM) are central places for the acquisition, organization, management, and dissemination of information and knowledge. Organizing and managing information and knowledge of all types, formats, and forms is the core function that supports LAM to achieve their goals and actualize their values. This career pathway has a wide range of employment potentials, ranging from LAM to government agencies, businesses, and almost any organizations that need professionals to perform functions of organizing, managing, retrieving, and use/reuse information resources.

Sample job titles: Lead Technical Services Technician; Taxonomist; Metadata and Data Curation Librarian; User Interface Specialist; Metadata and Digital Initiatives Librarian; Metadata Information Architect; Digital Projects Librarian; Content Management Analyst

Examples of courses you can take:

IST 604 - Cataloging of Information Resources (pending demand)

IST 631 - Theory of Classification and Subject Representation (pending demand)

IST 638 - Indexing and Abstracting Systems and Services (pending demand)

IST 659 - Data Administration Concepts and Database Management (S/Q)

IST 664 - Natural Language Processing (S/Q)

IST 671 - Foundations of Research Methods in Information Studies (S/Q)

IST 676 - Digital Data and Services in Libraries (S)

IST 681 - Metadata (S/Q)

Children and Youth Services

Libraries all over strive to be places that facilitate lifelong learning. When is a better time to provoke a permanent passion for curiosity than in the early years of a patron’s life? The urgency for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning initiatives in library settings, the proliferation of the makerspace movement, and the widespread use of emerging technologies from a young age prove that the role and responsibilities of children’s and young adult librarians go beyond recommending a good read. Networking and marketing are important facets of a Youth Services Librarian’s job, as well as building relationships with parents, caregivers, and teachers in the local community.

Sample job titles: Children’s Reference Librarian; Teen Services Librarian; Coordinator of Youth Services; Youth Service Librarian; Young and Emerging Adult Librarian; Young Adult/Asst. Children’s Librarian

Examples of courses you can take:

IST 564 - Accessible Library and Information Services (S/Q)

IST 612 - Youth Services in Libraries and Information Centers (Q)

IST 662 - Instructional Strategies and Techniques for Information Professionals (S/Q)

IST 663 - Instructional Leadership for School Librarians (Q)

IST 672 - Public Library as Institution (S/Q)

IST 682 - Cultural Competence for Information Professionals (S/Q)

Digital Information Systems

Modern libraries run on digital data and information systems to provide services anywhere and anytime that require technically savvy librarians to innovate, support, and maintain. Digital information systems in libraries and other types of organizations play a key role in making data and metadata findable, accessible, interoperable, and usable/reusable. Knowledge and skills in this pathway can lead to jobs not only in non-traditional positions in libraries but also in non-library settings such as corporate and government.

Sample job titles: Coordinator of Metadata, Catalog Management Librarian, Web Development Librarian, Librarian for Digital Publishing, Curation, and Conversion, Software Librarian (Configuration Coordinator), Digital Asset Management, Software Engineer, FOLIO Developer | Information Technologist II

Examples of courses you can take:

IST 625 - Enterprise Risk Management (S/Q)

IST 621 - Info Management and Tech (S/Q)

IST 611 - Information Technologies in Educational Organizations (Q)

IST 654 - Information Systems Analysis (S)

IST 659 - Database Administration Concepts & Database Management (S/Q)

IST 676 - Digital Data and Services in Libraries (S)

IST 681 - Metadata (S/Q)

Information Research and Analytics

No matter whether you are conducting research on community profiles for building a new library branch or gathering data and information on emerging trends for a market research or collecting information about products or companies for compiling competitive intelligence, the skills and knowledge in research methods and data science can go a long way.

Sample job titles: Collections & Metrics Facilitator, Director of Digital Initiatives, Research Support Librarian, Research Data Librarian, Legal Research Services Librarian, Senior Scientific Librarian, Research & Library Manager

Examples of courses you can take:

IST 645 - Managing Information Systems Projects (S/Q)

IST 652 - Scripting for Data Analysis (S/Q)

IST 687 - Introduction to Data Science (S/Q)

IST 659 - Data Administration Concepts and Database Management (S/Q)

IST 671 - Foundations of Research Methods in Information Studies (S/Q)

IST 707 - Data Analytics (S/Q)

IST 719 - Information Visualization (S/Q)

IST 736 - Text Mining (S/Q)

IST 772 - Quantitative Reasoning for Data Science (S/Q)

Part 3: Overview of the M.S. in Library and Information Science: School Media 

Program Overview

All courses in the M.S.L.I.S.  School Media program  are mandated by New York State (NYS) and are required for New York State Certification. Students are granted their degree from Syracuse University, and after passing all state requirements, are then able to apply for school media certification from the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Students from other states must verify with their own state education department which requirements must be fulfilled to be certified in that state.

*Students who already possess a master’s degree in library science from Syracuse University, or another accredited institution, can be certified as school library media specialists by completing the coursework requirements described under our Certificate of Advanced Study in School Media (C.A.S. School Media). In addition to the 21-credit C.A.S., those who process an M.S.L.I.S. degree also need to complete the six workshops required by New York State for certification, Dignity for All Students (DASA) workshop, state teacher exams, fingerprinting, fieldwork, practica, and other NYSED requirements. NOTE: NYSED changes in 2023 will result in double internship hours, from 240 to 480 in addition to 100 hours of fieldwork.

Introductory Course: 3 credits

Information Resources Courses: 9 credits

 Management and Policy Courses: 6 credits

School Media Core Courses: 15 credits

 School Media Practicum: 3 credits

Fieldwork and Practica

The M.S.L.I.S.: School Media program  offers both fieldwork and practicum experiences in school settings in order to satisfy New York State certification requirements.

Fieldwork

Read the Fieldwork Guide for School Media students

Students are required to satisfy 100 hours of fieldwork experience in K-12 schools (50 hours in an elementary setting, 50 hours in a secondary setting; some experience in urban, suburban, and rural schools if possible). All fieldwork must be achieved through two 50-hour experiences. 15 of these hours must be with students with disabilities. 

It is the student’s responsibility to document all fieldwork and submit documentation at the time of certification. This documentation is done by completing a Learning Agreement and a Record of Fieldwork form for each site where fieldwork is completed.

This milestone is a graduation requirement, which carries no course credit. Hours will not be counted if the Learning Agreement hasn’t been submitted and approved prior to the beginning of the placement.

For detailed information on the Fieldwork Process, please consult the Fieldwork Guide in the School Media Forum, https://blackboard.syracuse.edu/ under Organizations. 

Practica

Read the Guide to Successful Practicum Experience Completion for School Media Students

Students will register for a 3-credit school-based practica IST 972 as part of their degree program. The practica is divided into two experiences with one practicum completed at the elementary level and one at the secondary level.

For students entering the program prior to Fall 2023, the student registers for IST 972 once (240 hours total), with both 120-hour practica experiences counting towards the grade in the course. You MAY carry practica hours into two quarters and not only the quarter in which you enroll. You do not need to register/pay again if you extend into another term.

All practica students are expected to participate in IST 972. Teachers with at least three full years of teaching experience may omit the practicum for the grade level they work with most. For those teachers, the remaining practicum would be 120 hours.

School media students who are employed as a school librarian for at least a full academic year may waive the internship requirement if their administrator completes the Verification of Paid Teaching Experience for Initial Certification form (http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/form.html). If the internship is omitted, the student must take another 3-credit course, or petition to transfer in a recent, relevant course from a prior master’s program to reach the required 36 credits for the degree.

The school media specialization uses the apprenticeship model for all practicum experiences. The site supervisor acts as teacher, mentor, and role model with the student observing and then doing various tasks with site supervisor feedback. Students should be considered colleagues-in-training and not substitute librarians or library aides.

School media students are advised to enroll in their practicum experiences late in their programs and not until at least 24 credits of coursework and 100 hours of fieldwork experience have been completed.

Transfer Credit

Because all coursework for the M.S.L.I.S.: School Media program is mandated by New York State, transfer credit from outside institutions is rarely accepted.

School Media Forum

The School Media Forum is available in Blackboard (http://blackboard.syr.edu). There you will find all the forms, handbooks, and instructions required for the school media specialization.

Part 4: Library and Information Science Online

Since 1993, the iSchool has been offering high-quality graduate-level online learning opportunities to students around the world.

Each year, students representing a broad range of professional, cultural, and academic experiences, ages, and geographic locations join the iSchool online education programs. Courses are expertly designed to blend asynchronous coursework with weekly, online, face- to-face live synchronous sessions in order to enhance student learning and engagement. Through this custom-designed blend of asynchronous and synchronous online learning,  iSchool online students can learn virtually anytime, anywhere, earning an SU degree with flexible study schedules and no need to relocate.

The iSchool takes a unique approach to online learning.  Our online students earn the same degree as campus students, and the only differentiation is the mode of learning. iSchool online classes are taught by the same faculty who teach campus classes, who work with world-class content developers, and are formally trained in online pedagogy.  Our online students have access to a dedicated student support team that helps students acclimate to the virtual campus, guides academic planning, and offers additional support services specifically for online students.  To learn more about our online programs, visit ischoolonline.syr.edu.

2U

The iSchool has partnered with 2U, Inc., to power and support the M.S.L.I.S.. Founded in 2008 by a team of education and technology veterans, 2U works with top-tier academic programs to produce innovative distance learning, and enables leading colleges and universities to deliver their high-quality degree programs online to qualified students everywhere. The innovative learning technology platform helps students cultivate lifelong professional relationships and personally interact with a worldwide community of students and alumni—all while having the flexibility to continue working full time. The M.S.L.I.S. curriculum was developed and is taught by faculty from the iSchool. For online delivery, the asynchronous content production and synchronous course meetings will be supported by 2U.

Academic Calendar

One difference between our campus and our online M.S.L.I.S. is the course schedule which differs from the typical University semester schedule. Traditional SU semesters run three times per year for 15 weeks: one in the fall, which begins in August, one in the spring, which begins in January, and one in the summer, which begins in May.  Courses offered in our online M.S.L.I.S., run four times per year, or in quarter terms, for 11 weeks. SU has  a separate quarter-term calendar, which provides dates and deadlines specifically for our online students. This academic calendar lists registration dates, financial deadlines, first day of asynchronous coursework, first day of live face-to-face classes, final examination dates, grade availability, etc. The  quarter term calendar can be found at syracuse.edu/academics/calendars/quarter-term/.

Academic Support

Throughout their time in the program, online students will have access to one-on-one guidance from instructors, social and academic study groups, and university library resources.  They will also be connected with a student success advisor who will assist them with academic and non-academic matters, such as time management.  Once enrolled in the program, the iSchool’s student success team can help acclimate students to the virtual campus and offer technical support.  Online student success advisors can be reached at studentsupport@ischoolonline.syr.edu.

Orientation

Prior to the start of classes, all online master’s students will participate in a Program Expectations webinar and complete an online iSchool Orientation Course. The Program Expectations webinar takes place in a live, online format and covers the topics of student support services, the three student interfaces: MySlice, 2U, and SU email. It also includes technical requirements, an introduction to the iSchool Orientation Course, and general course expectations. The iSchool Orientation Course is a self-paced, online course hosted on the 2U learning management system. The course allows students to become familiar with 2U, through which they will access all courses, grades, upcoming events, peer contacts, and specialized student groups, as well as to become oriented to the school and profession. Students have access to the 2U platform and iSchool Orientation Course upon matriculation, and cannot begin courses until the iSchool Orientation Course is completed.

WeWork Global Access

As an iSchool@Syracuse student, you will have access to all WeWork spaces through a Global Access membership. WeWork is a global community of more than 240 workspaces where you can focus on your studies, attend online classes, organize meetings, and learn on-the-go.  In addition to these tools for successful online learning, the programs offer a wealth of support services and career guidance resources. Please email admissions@ischoolonline.syr.edu to learn more.

Certificates of Advanced Study (C.A.S.)

The Certificates of Advanced Study at the iSchool are 15-credit graduate-level certificates that can be taken as stand-alone certificates or as part of a graduate degree program. With a little planning, it’s possible for students to receive both the M.S.L.I.S. . and a C.A.S. from the iSchool with no additional coursework necessary beyond the master’s degree. Students who consider an iSchool C.A.S. want to study the latest in information field trends, learn about emerging technologies, boost their workplace edge, freshen their resume, and keep current with changes in the profession.

Popular C.A.S. Programs at the iSchool

Data Science

Data scientists are crucial to solving big data problems in areas as diverse as clinical research, defense intelligence, customer behavior, medical diagnosis, and risk management. As the field grows, our graduates are shaping the first wave of data science practices and standards. The C.A.S. in data science at the iSchool was the first New York State-approved certificate of its kind, and gives a competitive edge to students and professionals alike by equipping them with a mixture of technical and theoretical skills.

Focus Areas: Database management, structured data analytics and visualization, and textual data management and analytics.

Types of Jobs: : Analytics engineer, analytics scientist, business analytics architect, business intelligence analyst, competitive intelligence manager, data artisan, data curator, data manager, data mining specialist, data modeler, data scientist, data services librarian, data visualization specialist, digital curation librarian, director of strategic modeling and analysis, enterprise account manager, information systems specialist, manager of market research analytics, manager of strategic planning and data analytics, metadata analyst, research associate. 

Information Security Management

Information is a critical asset within an organization as lives and livelihoods depend on the continuation of information systems and their correct operation. With the increasing complexities of today’s hardware, software, and networking, the need for managing enterprise security becomes more pressing. Senior executives, IT managers, and technical staffs need to be well-educated, with strong skills in ISM for their organizations. ISM students learn to manage a high degree of complex technical security, increased operational costs, diverse policies, and user behavior.

Focus Areas: Security policy, security technology, security management, network security, digital forensics, critical infrastructure protection, privacy issues.

Types of Jobs: Information security manager, security administrator, security policy analyst, government IT security officer, security risk analyst, IT security specialist, information security consultant, cyber forensics analyst.

How to Complete a C.A.S. with the M.S.L.I.S. 

If students wish to add a C.A.S., we strongly encourage them to add their chosen C.A.S. in their second semester of study.  For information on how to apply, please contact  iadvising@syr.edu (campus students) or studentsupport@ischoolonline.syr.edu (online students).  Students may need to take more than 36 credits to complete a C.A.S. 

For a complete list of certificate programs please visit the Course Catalog. 

Part 5: Graduate Student Policies

Academic Integrity

Syracuse University aspires to the highest standards of integrity and honesty in all endeavors. The Academic Integrity Policy is designed to make integrity and honesty central to the SU experience by: setting forth clear ethical expectations for students in their academic endeavors; promoting consistency of standards and practices across colleges, schools, and programs; encouraging reporting of suspected violations; and facilitating the resolution of cases as promptly as possible while providing thorough and fair consideration for students and instructors. Education is a central goal of the policy, including affording students an opportunity to discuss and learn from academic integrity violations.

Syracuse University’s academic integrity policy and procedures are administered by the Academic Integrity Office (AIO) in the Division of Academic Affairs, and all schools and colleges. The AIO works with faculty, instructors, students, and staff to promote understanding of Syracuse University’s academic integrity policy and coordinate its administration. The office also maintains records of all academic integrity cases. Graduate students must open a summary of Syracuse University’s Academic Integrity expectations in MySlice twice a year and provide their electronic signature agreeing to uphold the AI policy.

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic Integrity Expectations

SU classifies academic integrity expectations in four broad categories, designed for educational purposes. Neither the categories them- selves nor the examples of violations are exhaustive. Any action that improperly influences the evaluation of a student’s academic work, gives one student unfair academic advantage over another, or encourages the violation of academic integrity by others constitutes a violation of this policy. SU sets general guidelines for University-wide academic integrity standards. In recognition that learning objectives vary across courses, SU also strongly encourages instructors to establish course-specific academic integrity expectations, particularly with regard to what forms of collaboration are allowed and prohibited. It is the responsibility of all instructors to communicate course-specific academic integrity expectations to students. Any student who is uncertain whether an action she or he is considering would violate academic integrity expectations is responsible for asking the instructor or consulting the AIO beforehand. Although most violations of academic integrity expectations will be course related, the SU has the authority and responsibility to respond to suspected violations in any context in which there is a threat to academic integrity at SU or involving SU students, courses, or programs.

Expectation 1: Credit Your Sources

Students must acknowledge their use of other peoples’ ideas, information, language, images, and other original scholarly and creative output when they incorporate these materials—directly or indirectly—into their own academic work. Sources include scholars and published research, as well as fellow students and other individuals who must be credited whenever their ideas are incorporated into another student’s work. At a minimum, proper citation requires using quotation marks to identify others’ verbatim language and providing in-text citations and bibliographic references to identify sources of direct quotation, paraphrasing, summarizing, and the borrowing of ideas and images. Sources must be credited regardless of whether those sources are published or copyrighted and regardless of whether they exist in print or online. Sources must be credited not only in written work, but also in oral and visual presentations, computer code, and other academic assignments, including any draft assignment submitted to an instructor, whether or not the draft will be graded.

Expectation 2: Do Your Own Work

Any work a student submits for a course must be solely his or her own unless an instructor gives explicit instructions allowing collaboration or editing. This applies to homework as well as to other written, oral and creative assignments. When collaboration or editing by someone other than the student is permitted—or required – it is each student’s responsibility to adhere to any limits on editing or collaboration set by the instructor. Examinations and quizzes of all kinds, including online and take-home as well as in-class exams, must reflect only the work of the submitting student without assistance from other people or resources such as texts, websites, or notes unless the instructor has specifically allowed their use. Instructors who allow collaboration or the use of written, online, or other resources during an exam or quiz are responsible for clearly communicating their expectations. Students are responsible for asking questions in advance if they are uncertain about these expectations. Having notes, cell phones, electronic devices or other prohibited resources available on one’s person or within easy reach during an exam constitutes a violation whether or not these items are used in completing the quiz or exam. Dishonestly obtaining and/or sharing the contents of a quiz or exam not provided by the course instructor constitutes a violation, as does providing unauthorized assistance in any form to another student taking a quiz or exam.

Submitting work completed previously for another course or purpose constitutes a violation of this policy as such double use of material deprives students of the opportunity to learn from the current assignment. Students seeking to turn in the same work in more than one course or to turn in work they have previously completed for another purpose or submitted to another organization or institution, including a high school, must obtain written approval from all relevant University instructors before submitting the work. This requirement applies to all course work regardless of format, including art, computer code, oral reports, and other course output in addition to written assignments. Many instructors will allow students to expand the scope of an assignment so as to legitimately submit it for two courses or requirements. Students pursuing capstone projects eligible for submission to two programs, such as to Honors and to the student’s major, must ascertain that both programs or courses will accept the same or substantially the same work and obtain written permission in advance from the relevant instructors or program directors.

Expectation 3: Communicate Honestly

Students are expected to be honest in their dealings with faculty, instructors, staff, and fellow students and to represent themselves and their academic endeavors accurately. This includes accurate reporting of participation in class, internships, and other academic activities, as well as honesty in requesting extension of deadlines and permission to reschedule assignments or exams due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. Honest communication also requires accurate presentation of research and research results, including avoidance of omissions or selective reporting of data that skew interpretation of findings. The expectation of honest communication includes the handling and representation of all academic records, documents, and resources of all kinds, including library, computing, and electronic records and systems related to academic work and education. Students are expected to represent themselves, their own academic work and the academic work of others honestly and to avoid falsifying, fabricating, or destroying academic records or otherwise misrepresenting their own or others’ identity and records.

Expectation 4: Support Academic Integrity

Students are expected to support and promote high standards of academic integrity at SU. This means avoiding actions that encourage or cover up violations by others. It also means asking questions of the relevant instructor or the Academic Integrity Office when academic integrity expectations are unclear to you. New York State Education law 213-b makes illegal the sale of written assignments that the seller knew or should have known would be used for fraudulent purposes. This policy prohibits the sale or purchase of completed or partially completed work for fraudulent use, including in-kind purchases and sales that occur when a student provides or receives work completed by someone else in exchange for making her or his own completed work available or earns money by persuading other students to make their completed academic work available.

In sum, supporting academic integrity involves understanding academic integrity expectations, abiding by them and encouraging others to do the same. Any action that threatens the integrity of academic pursuits at SU, including its courses, programs, and affiliates, constitutes a violation subject to reporting under this policy. This includes violating the confidentiality of an academic integrity case, deliberately thwarting an academic integrity investigation, and lying or misleading those carrying out an academic integrity investigation.

To Whom Does This Policy Apply?

The academic integrity expectations and standards established by this policy apply to students in all SU-sponsored courses and programs regardless of whether the student is matriculated and whether the course takes place on campus, online, or off campus, including course- and program-related internships and SU Abroad programs. These standards apply equally to behavior that occurs within a course, such as plagiarism within a midterm essay, and academic behavior outside the course context, such as altering a transcript or misrepresenting academic accomplishments in pursuit of employment. Faculty, instructors, staff, and students who report a suspected academic integrity violation or serve on a panel considering a suspected violation must follow the standards and procedures established by this policy.

To read the full Academic Integrity Policy, visit class.syr.edu/academic-integrity.

Student Status

Full-Time and Part-Time

Maintaining a full time status can be important for a number of reasons including financial aid and visa status compliance. For information on how to maintain full-time status please visit the course catalog student status page. 

Matriculated and Non-Matriculated Students

A matriculated student is defined as one who has applied for, been formally admitted to, and has accepted our offer of admission.  Students must be matriculated to receive a degree or certificate from the University. Students who take an official leave of absence maintain matriculation status.  Non-matriculated students are held to the same academic standards as matriculated students.  A non-matriculated graduate student is one who has earned a bachelor’s degree at SU or elsewhere, but has not been formally admitted to a master's degree or C.A.S. program at SU. This status applies whether registering for graduate or undergraduate courses. 

Student Status for International Students

International students have a number of rules to consider to maintain their visa and I-20 status. Please visit Center for International Services to learn more. 

 Last Semester Exception to Full-Time Registration:

• Students who are in their last semester are allowed to register for less than a full course of study if they need fewer than nine credits to graduate. Students must enroll in classes that meet on campus for the entire semester and must file a Last Semester Memo with the Center for International Services. Once students have submitted and filed their last semester memo, they cannot change enrollment and will not receive a CPT letter. 
• Graduate students who will complete their programs of study in the summer, must be considered to be full-time students in the spring and must attend at least one course that meets on campus during their last summer session. 

Online Courses and Full-Time Status for International Students

For Syracuse University F-1 students, a full-time course load is required during the fall and spring semesters. Full-time enrollment means graduate students must enroll for at least nine credits every semester. Students are not required to enroll in courses during the summer; however, if the summer session is the student’s first semester, then the student must maintain full-time enrollment of at least six credits for that summer session.  Immigration regulations place restrictions on the number of online courses students can register for each semester. F-1 students cannot register for more than three online credits per semester towards the “full course of study” requirement.  For example, a graduate student required to register for nine credits per semester to maintain full-time status can take only three of those credits through an online class each semester; six credits must involve campus-based courses.  Students who are in their last semester and do not need to be registered full-time, cannot register for only online classes in their last semester. They must be enrolled in a course that meets on campus for the entire semester. For more information, visit international.syr.edu/immigration-status/maintaining-visa-status.html.  Please note the iSchool offers most online courses that follow a different calendar- in a quarter-term- and main campus students are prohibited from taking that specific set of classes on that calendar. 

Registration and Grading

• Students must be officially registered in order to attend, be evaluated, audit, and participate in classes. An instructor may not allow students to attend classes and/or submit work unless their name appears on the official class roster. The same rule also applies to internships taken for credit, independent studies, experience credit, and so on. Instructors have the option to administratively drop students who do not attend the first week of classes. Before registration, all holds need to be cleared. If outstanding bills are not paid, early registration for the next semester may be cancelled. Please refer to the academic calendars to view registration dates for each semester or quarter terms. *iSchool students will be limited to 13 credits without special permission per semester, and pre-requisites of all courses will be enforced.

  Adding and/or Dropping Courses

  Registration and schedule adjustment may be conducted on the web through MySlice up until the class add/drop deadlines. Please consult the academic calendar on SU’s website or in MySlice as stated above in Academic Resources section of this document.  Adding of courses or entire registrations after the add deadline is no longer allowed. Online students can email studentstupport@datascience.syr.edu for more information. Withdrawing after the financial drop deadline has severe financial consequences. Tuition will not be refunded after that date and your financial aid may be affected. 

  Auditing Courses

  Audited courses are non-credit and are not counted toward enrollment status, however, students are allowed to register for a course they previously audited to receive a grade. Students auditing courses are not responsible for fulfilling the academic requirements of the course, and, therefore, do not receive academic credit for audited courses.  If a graduate student is registered full-time, or for nine credits, the fourth class they take can be audited for free.  If a graduate student is registered for only six credits and wants to audit a three credit course, they are financially responsible for the course.  Students may only audit courses with the approval of the appropriate department and subject to the restrictions made by the instructor. Online courses may not be audited.

  Pursuing Multiple Degrees or Programs

  While there is no such thing as a “dual” degree at the graduate level, students can enroll in two master’s degrees concurrently. New York State Education Department, NYSED, limits the counting of credits toward multiple degrees and/or programs to protect the academic integrity of each degree and/or program. When a student is counting credits towards multiple degrees and/or programs in the same or closely related field(s) and the coursework makes up an integral part of the degrees and/or programs, the following restrictions apply:

  • The student must be admitted to the degree program in each of the awarding departments/colleges.
  • In no instance shall course credit be counted more than twice in satisfaction of the requirements for multiple degrees and/or programs.
  • In order to earn two or more degrees and/or programs, including a C.A.S., students must earn a minimum of 80 percent of the combined total of SU credits normally required for each of the degrees. Meaning, only up to 20% of the credit hours for the two degrees may be double counted. 

  Please contact your academic advisor more information and exceptions to these rules.

  Incomplete Grades

  An incomplete grade may be granted to a student only if it can be demonstrated that it would be unfair to hold the student to the normal limits of the course. Illness or other exceptional circumstances are the usual basis for consideration.  Students interested in an incomplete must discuss their options with the instructor before grades are submitted for the semester. For more information on incompletes please visit the Course Catalog Rules and Regulations page. 

  Minimum GPA to Continue Graduate Work

  iSchool graduate students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to maintain good academic standing. If students fail to meet this requirement, they may be put on academic probation or their matriculation at SU may be cancelled.

  Minimum GPA to Graduate

  In order to graduate, graduate students must earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

  Retaking Courses

  Graduate students may retake a course in which they earned a grade of C+, C, C-, or F, with the approval of their department/college and the Graduate School. Graduate courses may be retaken only once. A repeated course replaces the original course on the student’s degree program of study, but both the original course and the repeated course will appear on the student’s transcript and both courses will calculate in the GPA unless the original course is flagged. For information on how to flag a course, please speak to your academic advisor.

  Time to Degree

  Students must complete their degree requirements for the M.S.A.D.S. within seven years from the time the student registers for the first course to be used in the master’s degree program. If a student does not meet this requirement, the student may petition their school/ college for reinstatement of credits that were completed outside the seven-year time frame.

  Transcripts

  SU maintains a permanent academic transcript showing a complete list of courses and grades earned by each student, matriculated or non- matriculated, who takes credit-bearing coursework through any SU program. The transcript may not be modified or selectively altered for any reason, including ignorance of deadlines or academic rules. Once a degree is conferred, the transcript may not be changed except in cases of subsequently discovered fraud or academic dishonesty, when assessments that more accurately represent academic work completed prior to degree certification are discovered, or to correct administrative errors. In extreme cases, such changes may include the rescinding of a degree. Transcripts may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office. SU reserves the right to withhold copies of transcripts of students who have not fulfilled their financial obligations to the University or by request of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

  Transfer Credit

  Many students transfer into the iSchool from another graduate program within SU, or another institution. As an incoming transfer student, there are a few items to keep in mind:

  • No scholarships awarded to students by another school will transfer into the iSchool
  • International students with a non-STEM visa who are coming into a STEM program, and international students who are transferring into a program with a higher or lower number of credits needed to graduate, must notify the  Center for International Services so that they can report the facts of their present situation to immigration services for potential visa adjustment
  • Students may petition to transfer a maximum of 6 credits of elective courses into the M.S.A.D.S. program from outside of the iSchool . Students who want to transfer in courses from other Universities are required to submit a Petition to Transfer Credits form. This will meet the six-credit transfer policy of the program and no more non-IST classes would be allowed.  Students who want to transfer in courses from outside of the iSchool but within SU are required to submit a Petition to Faculty form.  All classes being transferred in, whether from SU or outside of SU require a minimum grade of B, the course completed must be graduate level, and credits must have been earned within seven years of when the student graduates from the iSchool.  Petition forms can be found here: https://answers.syr.edu/display/ischool/Advising+Forms and must be submitted to iadvising@syr.edu (campus students) or studentsupport@datascience.syr.edu (online students). 
  
  
  

Graduate Degree and Graduation Requirements

Applying for Graduation

File Diploma Request

Graduating students must notify SU that they intend to graduate through the File Diploma Request process, accessed through MySlice. Only students who complete this process are included in degree certification review, have their name included in the iSchool’s Convocation booklet, and will receive information about Commencement.  Please visit Academics tile in MySlice to file your diploma request.  Specify the term, and provide information for the diploma, including a mailing address.  Each semester, an email will be sent to the program listservs to inform students of the deadline to file a diploma request. Online students will receive notification from their online student success advisors at studentsupport@datascience.syr.edu.

Creating a credentials file

The School of Education at Syracuse University offers a service for maintaining students’ credentials file, which contains copies of your letters of recommendations, materials from your portfolio and transcripts. A credentials file allows you to send copies of your records from a central location instead of asking your professor or former employer to write a letter each time you interview or apply for a job (this is annoying and time-consuming for both of you).

To establish a credentials file, you must contact Bobbi Latimer (soecareer@syr.edu or 315-443-4759) at Syracuse University School of Education. You can also begin with the Credential File Application: https://soe.syr.edu/departments/administrative/career-services/.

Commencement and Convocation

SU has one graduation ceremony each May, called Commencement. Commencement includes all SU students: undergraduates, graduates, and Ph.D. students, and it is a celebratory event, not a requirement. Individual schools and colleges host celebratory Convocations on a separate day from Commencement, to individually recognize each degree candidate on stage and to present special awards. For more information on eligibility, dates, and activities, visit commencement.syr.edu.

Request for Certification of Degree Letter

A student who has fulfilled all of the degree requirements before the next conferral date may need certification for employment or to meet visa requirements. To request a degree certification letter, contact contact your advisor at iadvising@syr.edu (campus students) or studentsupport@datascience.syr.edu (online students). 

When You Receive Your Diploma

Each school and college at SU certifies the completion of its students’ degree requirements. The certification process generally takes four to six weeks after the completion of requirements (this timeline may differ for online students). Once certification is complete, the Registrar’s Office posts the award and orders the diploma. When posted, the degree appears on the academic transcript. SU awards degrees and certificates four times per year for both online and campus students: in May, June, August, and December. Students’ degrees are awarded for the award date that falls on or after the date on which all degree requirements were completed. For example, online students who complete their degree requirements in March, after the Winter term, will not have their degree certified until May.  Only students who have filed their Diploma Request will have their degree certified.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) sets forth requirements regarding the privacy of student records. FERPA governs both the access to and release of those records, known as education records, and the information they contain. Under FERPA, faculty have a legal responsibility to protect the confidentiality of student records. For additional information about FERPA and SU’s FERPA policy, see registrar.syr.edu/students/student-privacy-rights/, or contact the Registrar’s Office at 315.443.2422.

Health Insurance

To ensure students are prepared for medical situations that could create barriers to their learning, SU requires full-time, matriculated graduate students to carry qualifying health insurance coverage. Through the SU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), eligible students have access to comprehensive health care coverage. All full-time, matriculated graduate students are eligible for SHIP. Once per academic year, eligible students must enroll in or waive out of the SHIP through their MySlice account. The SHIP is currently insured and administered by Aetna Student Health. This plan is ACA-compliant, provided by a U.S.-based insurer, and includes emergency and non-emergency coverage in the Syracuse area. For more information, visit healthinsurance.syr.edu, call 315.443.8000, or visit  suite 305 at The Barnes Center at the Arch

Religious Observances

SU recognizes the diversity of faiths represented in its campus community and supports and protects the rights of faculty, staff, and students to observe religious holy days according to their traditions. Under the policy, students are provided an opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirements that may be missed due to a religious observance, provided they notify their instructors no later than the end of the second week of classes. Student deadlines are posted in My Slice. For more information, visit policies.syr.edu/policies/university-governance-ethics-integrity-and-legal-compliance/religious-observances-policy/.

Orange Alert

Orange Alert is the campus crisis alert notification system directed by SU’S Department of Public Safety, designed to provide rapid notification and instruction to SU students, faculty, and staff in the event of a crisis in progress-an instance in which there is an immediate threat of physical harm to members of the campus community. When activated, Orange Alert uses email, text messaging, and cell/landline phone calls to send a brief notice about the situation and instructions for what to do. A typical message might read: “There is a (type of crisis) on campus at (a specific location); evacuate the area immediately and remain away until further instructed.”

Syracuse University will use reasonable efforts to provide timely, complete, and accurate information regarding crisis situations via the Orange Alert system. Orange Alert contact information is drawn from the MySlice online information system. To report an emergency while on campus, please use the following:

• From a campus phone: 711
• From a non-campus or cell phone: 315.443.2224
• From a cell phone: (AT&T or Verizon): #78

For complete details on emergency procedures, visit: emergencyguide.syr.edu/.

Part 6: M.S.L.I.S. Program Administration Policies

First Week of Class Attendance Policy for Campus Students

Many of our graduate-level classes at the iSchool are very popular and heavily enrolled due to the topic at hand and instructor availability. If a campus student has not attended class by the end of the first week of that class in any given semester, the professor has the right to drop or un-register the student from that class. Instructors will provide a list of students who have not attended class in the first week to the office of Student Services, who will then drop the students from their class.  In order to stay registered in their courses, campus students must attend the first week of class in each semester.  Online instructors may also choose to have students dropped from their class if they missed the first live face-to-face synchronous session.

Leave of Absence Process

Many students take a leave of absence due to illness or personal issues. Campus students should contact iAdvising@syr.edu, and online students can contact studentsupport@datascience.syr.edu for more information.

Class Issues

Any student who has issues with a class, whether it be with the course content, the instructor, or just a feeling that they are falling behind, should first speak to their instructor to see if anything can be worked out. It is recommended students have this conversation as soon as possible. If you reach out to the instructor and feel no changes or progress have been made, you should email your academic advisor or  program director.

Graduate Program Transfer

Students interested in transferring to another program within the iSchool can see their M.S.A.D.S.  academic advisor.  Students who wish to transfer out of the M.S.A.D.S. should consult with the department they are interested in transferring to.

Independent Study

Students who are interested in an independent study should discuss it with their academic advisor. Registration for an independent study cannot be done online. Instead, students are required to complete a Proposal for Independent Study form. The completed and signed form must be submitted to iadvising@syr.edu (campus students) or studentsupport@datascience.syr.edu (online students).

iSchool Success and Employability Policy for International Students

We are dedicated to supporting our international students’ success and employability. For this reason, we require that students with

TOEFL scores below 100 or IELTS scores below 7.0 take IST 678: Communication for Information Professionals. Students who fall into this category will take an English assessment exam prior to their arrival. If the exam score is high and indicates that this course would not be beneficial to the student, they may opt out of taking it. IST 678: Communication for Information Professionals is a three credit course that will not apply to the required credits for your academic program, but will apply to your GPA, or grade point average.   The iSchool believes that this course is very important to academic and employment success; therefore, students will not be charged tuition for taking this course.

Job Opportunities at the iSchool

Faculty Assistant Program

The faculty assistant program gives selected master's students the opportunity to work closely with faculty researchers and practitioners at the School of Information Studies.  Students cannot be hired for these positions in advance of a semester, and positions are not guaranteed. Please be aware that there are fewer positions than applicants, so it is important that students follow the guidelines carefully and hone their skills for self-presentation. To ensure more students have the opportunity to be an FA in the iSchool, students will be limited to 10 hours of work as an FA per semester. You will be informed if SU records indicate that the work hours of an FA position for which you are hired will mean that you have a work hour total that exceeds this amount. Students interested in working as an FA can find iSchool-only FA positions posted to Handshake.  Details can be found at https://ischool.syr.edu/careers/experiential-learning/faculty-assistant-program/.

Other Employment Opportunities on Campus

All student job opportunities are posted through SU’s Job Opportunities website, www.sujobopps.com. and in Handshake.

Scholarships and Student Aid

Graduate school aid is limited and highly competitive, and the majority of funds are given out during the initial admissions process. However, we do offer the opportunity for current, matriculated campus students to apply for scholarships throughout their studies, typically awarded in the form of tuition credits.  Students need to submit an online application each semester in order to be considered and are required to write a reflective essay prompt that reflects on work or other projects completed and how the work honors the iSchool values.   Announcements will be sent to the program listservs when the applications are open each semester.  The pool of credits awarded each semester varies, as does the number of students who apply and are awarded. We cannot guarantee all students will receive a scholarship.  Students cannot receive more than one scholarship in a given semester, and are required to maintain a 3.0 in order to receive and keep their award. Campus students seeking scholarships please visit Statement of Financial Need - iSchool | Syracuse University. Students that have been awarded a scholarship and are requesting information can contact Monya Ghabarou at mjghabar@syr.edu

Part 7: Student Life at the iSchool

Student Populations at the iSchool

International Students

The iSchool educates students from more than 30 countries and all corners of the globe. We take pride in our rich diversity, which is reflected in the range of nationalities, experiences, and backgrounds of our students and faculty members, and the career opportunities available to our graduates. From faculty research to international study abroad experiences, global collaborations to alumni placement, the iSchool has a strong international presence to complement the extensive international network at Syracuse University.

Center for International Services (CIS)

New students coming to SU for the first time may be filled with anxiety and questions about their first day. What should you bring? Who will meet you? How do you get to campus from the airport? For international students, CIS is the first and possibly most important place you will visit on campus. CIS works closely with the Graduate School and all academic departments to assure that international graduate students enrolled at SU can achieve their academic objectives and become an integral part of the SU academic community.  CIS’ primary objective is to assist international students in maintaining compliance with U.S. immigration laws, and provides information and updates on immigration regulations, seminars on immigration topics, and walk-in appointments with an advisor. CIS is the place to go on campus if you have questions regarding curricular practical training (CPT), employment, health insurance, immigration regulations and status, optional practical training (OPT), passports, travel, the I-20, and visas. CIS staff is also the best resource for important check-in documents, information about different offices and points of contact around campus, and information about housing, banking, driving, taxes, and technology. If you have personal, social, academic, health, housing, or financial problems, the CIS staff offers advice and counseling. 

CIS provides all students with an orientation program designed and conducted especially for new international students. This mandatory orientation program is held the weekend prior to the opening weekend of the University. Check the website for the exact time, date, and location of orientation. To ensure you do not miss any important information, be sure to check your syr.edu email account on a regular basis. Visit international.syr.edu for more information.

Military Students

The iSchool is uniquely equipped to provide an education to veterans and those currently serving in the military. SU is proud to have a tradition of service, and the iSchool continues that tradition by offering veterans cutting-edge curricula, the highest quality programming, and an opportunity to connect with people, resources, and programs.

Military and veteran students have the opportunity to have their military training and coursework considered for academic transfer credit. Eligibility will be determined at the time of a student’s initial application to the iSchool. This process should be initiated by sending a request along with a military transcript (JST, CCAF transcripts, or other official documentation as requested by the iSchool).  Military students should contact Vicky Williams, Director of Academic Operations at the iSchool, who works specifically with this student population.

Syracuse University Resources for Military Personnel and Veterans

There are a number of resources available to military and veteran students and families, beginning with the initial program inquiry and continuing through degree program completion and beyond. Students can find all of the information below and more at vrc.syr.edu, or ivmf.syracuse.edu.

• Yellow Ribbon Program: SU is a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program. Application fees are waived for all veterans.
• Veterans Resource Center (VRC): Dedicated to providing services to military students and veterans at the University. From navigating military educational benefits to connecting with other veterans at Syracuse, the VRC is the first place for veterans to find the people and resources they need to successfully complete their degree at SU.
• VetSuccess On-Campus Coordinator: A Veterans Affairs employee available as an on-campus resource for all veterans attend- ing SU, and here to encourage, promote, and support veterans to be successful in their educational and career endeavors.
• The Veterans Career Transition Program (VCTP): available for veterans, spouses, and spouses of active-duty military, operated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and designed in part by the iSchool, to help individuals in military careers transition to careers in civilian business, industry, government, and more. The VCTP offers three exclusive online study tracks in professional skills, technology, and independent study, as well as access to exam preparation and industry certification exams— all at no cost to participants.

Career Services and Experiential Learning

The iSchool believes in teaching students the skills they need to be successful on the job market. We house our very own Career Services to assist students across all of our programs in their career development by providing individual counseling, strategic job search resources, resume and interview preparation, and professional development events. The team also connects employers with the iSchool in numerous ways, from recruitment and internship opportunities to collaboration in curriculum development. While many career development programs are iSchool specific, we work with career service offices across SU so students can experience programming in many disciplines and with a diversity of potential employers. Career Services also provides students the opportunity to immerse themselves in culture and entrepreneurship opportunities all over the world. There are many opportunities for iSchool students to develop the tools that will enable them to function in this global economy, whether it be immersing themselves in the culture of some of the most exciting cities in Asia and Europe to learn how global corporations use information to address global technology challenges, spending Spring Break in Silicon Valley, or taking a road trip to New York City to get a firsthand look at companies, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists. To find a detailed list of current Experiential Learning opportunities, please visit ischool.syr.edu/academics/experiential-learning/.

Students should follow and read their program listserv messages to hear about job and internship opportunities.  More information on iSchool Career Services can be found on our website: ischool.syr.edu/careers/career-services/.  Online students can  contact careerservices@datascience.syr.edu.

Drop-ins and Advising

iSchool campus students must make an appointment via Handshake to meet with career services for one-on-one advising and in-house career advice. iSchool online students can contact the career services office at careerservices@ischoolonline.syr.edu.

Career Fair

The iSchool holds a career fair on campus every fall and spring semester in which a variety of top employers in the information industry connect with iSchool students. iSchool online students can contact the career services office at careerservices@ischoolonline.syr.edu.

Career Development Workshops

Career Services presents multiple offerings on campus throughout the semester in areas such as: Preparing for and Conducting Your Job Search; Resume and Cover Letter Writing; Interviewing Skills and Preparation; and Communicating with Employers, LinkedIn, and other forms of networking.

Employer Visits and Guest Lectures

The iSchool hosts a number of employers on campus each year who run seminars, host office hours, and serve on career-related panels. Representative companies include: Excellus BC/BS, O’Brien & Gere, IBM, Microsoft, Ernst & Young, Deloitte Consulting, Goldman Sachs, and start-ups.

CPT Recommendation Letters (International Students Only)

To receive a CPT letter of recommendation from the iSchool, your internship offer letter must state your employment is an internship with a start and end date. The start date must occur in the future and cannot be backdated. Internships cannot be filed after the fact, as the iSchool needs to provide the Center for International Services with a copy of the internship offer letter along with the CPT recommendation letter. For more information on how to obtain the CPT letter please visit this page. 

Student Involvement at the iSchool

Experiential Groups and Research Centers

The faculty of the iSchool cross disciplinary boundaries to integrate the common elements of information management in business, government, education, and nonprofit settings, including the relationship of information and knowledge, electronic and traditional libraries, information systems and technology, information resources management, information policy and services, and the study of information users. Many of the faculty conduct their research individually and in small, flexible, interdisciplinary teams. For certain specialized areas and cross- unit collaborations, however, research centers and laboratories provide a venue that supports long-term commitment to a particular research area. To view all research centers and labs and their descriptions, as well as research areas of our more than 30 tenured and tenure-track faculty, please refer to our website, ischool.syr.edu/research.  More information on our Research Centers and Labs can be found here: ischool.syr.edu/research/centers-and-labs/

Center for Emerging Network Technologies (CENT)

The mission of the Center for Emerging Network Technologies, or CENT, is to understand the future of networking technologies, and to engage students, faculty and industry in the process of defining and shaping that future. Convergence refers to the power of digital media to provide unified communications and new applications, devices and networks involving voice, video, data, text and money. Emerging Network Technologies refers to the other economic and technological trends affecting networking, such as new architectures and protocols and new forms of wireless broadband access. The Center’s research is interdisciplinary and applied, focusing on the management and use of networks and communication as well as relevant public policy and industrial organization issues. The Center serves three distinct constituencies: 1.) It provides a platform for faculty research on digital convergence and networking, 2.) It provides experiential learning for graduate and advanced undergraduate student teams, and 3.) It serves as a mutually beneficial learning interface between the networking technology industries and the School of Information Studies.  For more information on projects in CENT, visit https://cent.ischool.syr.edu/. 

iConsult Collaborative

The iConsult Collaborative is a university-wide program to build experience for students through real-world client projects involving digital transformation. Student participants in iConsult form project teams representing needed specialty domains of the schools and colleges of the University. Each iConsult team works under the direction of faculty mentors and a student Project Leader who oversees the client relationship and the team’s deliverables. iConsult Project teams analyze, design, recommend, and apply known information tools and approaches to help clients integrate digital technology into their organizations.  In 2018, iConsult was revised and expanded into a University-wide program in collaboration with both corporate and community engagement partners and sponsors. This gives the opportunity to involve students from multiple schools and colleges within the University in cross-functional teams.  The iConsult Collaborative, as it is now known, builds upon its long-term foundation to work on a broad range of projects leading toward the digital transformation of its clients in several business sectors.  The iSchool directs and manages the iConsult Collaborative on behalf of the University.  For more information, visit https://ischool.syr.edu/careers/experiential-learning/iconsult-collaborative/.

Student Organizations

The iSchool has more than 15 recognized student groups that uniquely support the needs and interests of our students, as well as provide students with an outlet to expand their professional and social networks and find support in common pursuits. iSchool students can also get involved in the 300 or more SU student organizations, ranging from intramural sports to performing arts and cultural social clubs. The iSchool holds a student organization interest fair each on campus each fall semester where you can meet the current members of student groups and learn more about their mission, goals, and upcoming events. To learn more, visit ischool.syr.edu/about/student-organizations/.

LISSA

All M.S.L.I.S. students are automatically members of the iSchool’s Library and Information Science Student Assembly (LISSA). Meetings are held on campus but are also streamed so online students can participate. The mission of LISSA is to create a vibrant professional and social environment for M.S.L.I.S. students. LISSA also seeks to provide a safe place for students to ask questions about the program and to seek advice. In the iSchool, LISSA is the overarching group for the American Library Association (ALA), Special Libraries Association (SLA), and New York Library Association (NYLA) student chapters.

For more information on LISSA, please visit https://ischool.syr.edu/about/student-organizations/lissa/

Part 8: Syracuse University Support Services

The Division of Student Affairs at Syracuse University works with students, faculty, staff, and community partners to deliver pro- grams and services to enhance the student experience at SU. Their work also shapes the culture of our campus community, which is one that cares, understands, and is connected to one another. The Division of Student Affairs fosters students’ intellectual, person- al, and professional growth, and prepares students for success on campus and beyond graduation. Most importantly, the division strives to create safe, diverse, and stimulating environments responsive to student needs. The Division of Student Affairs encourages students to take advantage of the variety of programs and services offered, invites questions, and values feedback.

Below is a list of the principal units of the Division of Student Affairs. Each department’s website, address, and phone number is listed, and students should feel free to contact them using this information.

Bookstore

Schine Student Center

315.443.9900

Bookstore Website

Provides students with goods and services required for academic success. Here, students can purchase SU apparel and gifts, textbooks and supplies for classes, and graduation regalia.

Career Services

Women’s Building, Suite 214

315.443.3616

Syracuse University Career Services Website

Helps students and alumni with career development and planning. It also provides educational programs on professional development, skills, and networking.

Center for International Services

310 Walnut Place

315.443.2457

Center for International Services Website

Supports international students as they adjust to the campus and community. The center handles issues such as immigration regulation, passports and visas, insurance, employment, and travel.

Counseling Center

Barnes Center at The Arch

315.443.8000

Counseling Center Website

Offers free and confidential crisis counseling, referrals, advocacy, and ongoing assistance for students addressing mental health, sexual misconduct and relationship violence, and substance abuse issues. The center is staffed with experienced, licensed mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and a consulting psychiatrist on staff. Help is available 24 hours a day.

Student Outreach and Retention (SOaR)

310 Steele Hall

315.443.4357

Student Outreach and Retention Website

Student Outreach and Retention helps students no matter the issue or challenge they are facing. Serving as the hub for holistic and integrated student support, SOaR office  is also a great resource if you are not sure where to start with a question or concern. The staff work actively with students, faculty and staff to foster a community of care that encourages, empowers and assists students in their pursuit of success in and out of the classroom.

Department of Public Safety (DPS)

005 Sims Hall

315.443.2224

Public Safety Website

DPS is the police force serving the campus and University-controlled properties which works to maintain a safe, secure learning and living environment. DPS’s 42 public safety officers and 14 supporting community services officers are stationed around campus and patrol the surrounding community 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The DPS emergency call center is available around the clock to address the community’s safety and security needs. Students can reach DPS by dialing #78 (#SU) from a cell phone, or by dialing 711 from a campus landline.

Department of Recreation Services

Barnes Center at The Arch

315.443.8000

Department of Recreation Service Website

Helps students achieve and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle through a variety of programs, classes, and special events designed to fit any interest or skill level.

Disability Cultural Center

132 Schine Student Center

315.443.0228

Disability Cultural Center Website

Provides students, faculty, staff, and community members with social, cultural, and educational programming, advocacy, and support related to disabilities and disability cultures. The DCC is distinct from the Office of Disability Services, which provides accommodations and an array of other services.

Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Resolution Services (EOIRS)

005 Steele Hall

315.443.4018

EOIRS Website

Supports SU’s non-discrimination policies: SU does not discriminate on any protected basis, including in admission, treatment, or access to its programs and activities or in employment in its programs and activities. SU prohibits harassment or discrimination related to any protected category, and protected bases include creed, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, marital status, political or social affiliation, age, race, color, veteran status, military status, religion, domestic violence status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender. Any complaint of dis- crimination or harassment related to any of these protected bases should be reported to Sheila Johnson-Willis, SU’s interim chief equal opportunity and Title IX officer, who is responsible for coordinating compliance efforts under laws including Titles VI, IX, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Health Services

The Barnes Center at The Arch

315.443.8000

Health Services Website

Specializes in college health and serves the needs of SU and SUNYESF students. Its variety of services includes office visits, ambulatory care, laboratory services, allergy treatment, nutrition counseling, and more.

Hendricks Chapel

315.443.2901

Hendricks Chapel Website

Provides spiritual programs, counseling, and activities, and hosts events for members of the University community.

Information Technology Services

CST 1-227 Life Sciences Building

315.443.2677

Information Technology Website

Provides a variety of support options for students, faculty, and staff. Students can and should contact ITS when they have issues in regards to their NetID, SU email, MySlice, or the wireless network. ITS will also be in contact with students via email for any phishing attempts, and requests that students report those to them as well. If you have issues or questions, email help@syr.edu and include your name and SU I.D. number.

LGBTQ Resource Center

132 Schine Student Center

315.443.3983

LGBTQ Resource Center Website

Offers services to those with marginalized genders and sexualities and their allies by offering intentional programs, developing meaningful dialogues, providing education and resources, cultivating leadership, engaging in advocacy, and collaborating with others. 

Libraries

222 Waverly Avenue

315.443.2093

Libraries Website

Offers resources and services supporting research and study for online and on-campus students. Collections include journals, books, business and entrepreneurship information, data and statistics, video, government documents, special collections, archives, including an extensive audio archive, and more. The iSchool subject librarian is available for assistance to all members of the iSchool community; see library.syr.edu/staff/subjects.php for contact information. SU Libraries also offers student employment and intern- ship opportunities.

Office of Disability Services (ODS)

804 University Avenue, Suite 303

315.443.4498 (voice)

315.443.1371 (TDD)

Office of Disability Services Website

SU seeks to promote meaningful access to educational opportunities for all students, and supports Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This means that no individual who is otherwise qualified shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity, solely by reason of having a disability. ODS is responsible for coordinating disability-related accommodations and will issue Accommodation Authorization Letters to students with documented disabilities as appropriate. Since accommodations may require early planning and generally are not provided retroactively, please contact ODS as soon as possible. Students are also welcome to privately discuss their academic needs with their professors.

Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA)

548 Bird Library

315.443.9676

OMA Website

Provides a wide range of programs to support and promote the academic achievement, multicultural competence, social development, civic engagement, and retention of students from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups at SU as well as communitywide programming and events.

Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Services (OCCS)

Goldstein Student Center (South Campus), Suite 206

315.443.5489

Student Living Website

Provides problem-solving, education, and support for students who commute from home or live in off-campus housing.

Student Health Insurance Office

The Barnes Center at the Arch, Suite 305

315.443.8000

Student Health Insurance Website

The Student Health Insurance Office is available to help answer any insurance related questions. 

Community Standards

804 University Avenue, Suite 106

315.443.3728

Community Standards Website

Supports the University conduct system, which is committed to providing a fair and educational process that fosters the highest levels of behavior while promoting a safe environment that respects the rights of all students.

Writing Center

101 H.B. Crouse Hall (On the Quad)

315.443.5289

Writing Center Website

Helps students become stronger, more accomplished writers. No matter which form of support a student chooses, writing consultant will work with students at any stage of the writing process.

Part 9: Points of Contact at the iSchool

Program Director

Megan Oakleaf is the program director for both M.S.L.I.S. and School Media students. She acts as a central resource person for questions regarding program requirement,  approves petitions for waivers and transfer credit, and acts as a liaison between individual programs and the school as a whole. In this role.  The program director is your advocate for matters concerning policy and procedures, and for special problems that might arise.

Graduate Academic Advisor

Kristyn Russell assists all iSchool campus graduate students with questions regarding degree requirements and course registration.

iAdvising

All graduate campus students should  email iAdvising@syr.edu with any questions regarding course selection and availability, registration, graduation requirements, petitions. A dedicated staff monitor the iAdvising account on a daily basis.

Studentsupport@datascience.syr.edu

All graduate online students should email studentsupport@datascience.syr.edu or e-mail directly with their online student support advisor with any questions regarding course selection and availability, registration, graduation requirements, petitions.

Director of Career Services and Professional Development

Christopher Perrello oversees the Office of Career Services and Professional Development and manages a team of bridge builders to ensure iSchool students and alumni are earning the best professional opportunities. He manages diverse aspects of career development, placement data analytics, employer engagement, and immersion experiences for iSchool students and alumni.

Associate Director of Career Services 

Jeffrey Fouts supports all career services activities and provides career counseling to all campus iSchool students.   Jeff has a focus on helping international students through the career search process, and is available for one-on-one appointments via Handshake.

Associate Director of Employer Engagement

Patti Bevans facilitates partnerships between employers and the iSchool community to assist in recruiting students for internships and jobs.  She also helps students register for internship credit, use Handshake, and navigate the CPT/OPT process.

Career Development Specialist

Laura Chrissley meets with students to develop internship and job search strategies and also supports iSchool Immersion Trips, and and is available for one-on-one appointments via Handshake.