Undergraduate Handbook

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – General Information

Public health office are located in White Hall – suite 444, the 4th floor office corridor, and the 4th floor Barclay. Personnel include 14 faculty members, 1administrative staff, and 2 internship coordinators.

Public health directory

Department Office Hours 

Fall and Spring semesters: 8:30 am—5:00 pm 

Summer semester: 8:00 am—4:30 pm 

Chapter 2 - Bachelor of Science in Public Health

This section contains a program description, learning  outcomes, concentration competencies, and degree requirements

Course Sequencing

To graduate within 4 years, students take 15–17-degree applicable credits each semester. Pre-clinical health students take 16-19 credits each semester. Effective fall 2025, Public Health majors complete the College of Arts and Science liberal arts core. Suggested program plans are located at the end of the handbook. All students complete coursework and/or co-curricular activities to demonstrate competencies in the Syracuse University Shared Competencies, six university-wide learning goals that enhance undergraduate education through an integrated learning approach.

Accelerated Graduate Degree Options (4+1 Programs)

The 150 credit BSPH/MPH option provides opportunity for public health majors to complete the BSPH and the MPH in 5 years, vs. the usual 6 needed if both degrees were completed separately. See BSPH/MPH for course substitutions in these programs. 

Early planning is important for students interested in either of these programs as course sequencing is different for these students: in years 1 and 2, students focus on the liberal arts core and complete PHP 219, PHP 221, PHP 223, PHP 303, and PHP 310 only. Interested students should meet with the Undergraduate Program Director to learn more.

Eligibility: CUM GPA 3.2 at the conclusion of Fall sophomore year (3rd semester of study).

Intent to pursue: in early Spring sophomore year, students are invited to declare their intent to pursue the BSPH/MPH program. Students meet with the Undergraduate Program Director and complete a short form indicating their intent to pursue either program.

Graduate course substitutions: students take graduate level courses in their junior and senior years. The administrative assistant will add the graduate courses to your schedule.

Formal application to the graduate program: late fall/early spring senior year.

Degree conferrals: the BSPH is awarded May, senior year. The MPH is awarded summer year 5.

Registering for graduate classes, year 5 (MPH): Undergraduate students need to await their BSPH degree conferral and register as new graduate students in August of their fifth and final year of study.

Substitutions and Exceptions to Degree Requirements

Students wishing to request an exception to a degree requirement must do so by completing the General Petition to Faculty form and submitting to their College of Arts and Sciences staff advisor.

Double Majors

Public health majors may opt to pursue a double major. Second majors should be discussed with the academic advisor early in the academic career (generally by sophomore year). It is most efficient for Public Health majors to select the Single Degree Program with Double Major option (Table J, UG Course Catalog, Academic Rules). For this option, the student completes all the degree requirements for public health (liberal arts, public health core & concentration, and electives) and the degree requirements specific to the second major only. The Falk College is retained as the home college. With careful planning, most students can complete this option without adding additional time for degree completion. To declare a second major, complete a Declaration of Major form, retaining the major in Public Health and adding the second major. 

Minors

Public Health majors are encouraged to pursue a minor. A minor provides an excellent opportunity to blend another subject area into your degree program without the additional requirements of a double major. A minor may be related to the major, or it might be in a completely different academic/professional area. Because a completed minor appears on the transcript, it highlights another dimension of educational background to support an application for graduate study or employment. Pursuing a minor should be discussed with the academic advisor as early as possible. Once a minor is decided upon, students complete a Declaration of Minor form. Information about requirements for specific minors can be obtained from the sponsoring department/college. 

Chapter 3 - Academic Service Learning

Community-based learning opportunities are an integral requirement of the public health major. Experiential, community based learning requirements are included across the four years of undergraduate study and provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world public health related challenges. Academic service learning promotes: 

1. Student personal and professional development, including competencies in working with diverse populations 

2. Student application of classroom learning to develop solutions to community based health problems. 

Student reflection on these experiences is important for learning and personal growth and is accomplished through reflective writing and other means. 

By participating in planned and evaluated experiential, community-based learning activities, public health majors progress through a hierarchy of experiential learning competencies – beginning with exposure to community members and groups in year 1 to integration and consolidation of public health knowledge and skills in year 4. 

Additional academic service opportunities within the concentrations:

Addiction Studies: PHP 321 Addiction Prevention Services (15 hours)

Community Health Education: PHP 304 Community Health Education (25 hours)

Expectations

Faculty

• Describe the service learning activity and its relation to the course objectives in the course syllabus and on the first day of class.

• Familiarize themselves with the service sites.

• Monitor student progress through discussions, journal assignments, progress reports or individual check-ins.

• Provide individual and/or group forums for students to reflect on what they are learning from the experience.

Community Partner

• Orient students to the agency mission and goals so that they may better understand their role within the agency/project.

• Provide work that is significant and/or challenging to the student.

• Provide training, supervision, feedback and resources for the student to succeed in the service.

• Ensure a safe work environment and reasonable hours for the student to perform their service.
  
  

Student

• Behave professionally:
  
  

  • Observe the public health program policies on appropriate attire for field work (see p. 6).

  • Punctuality: arrive on time and don’t leave early.

  • Arrive at the agency/site prepared to work.

  • Be respectful to all colleagues and clients/community members.

  • Adherence to service schedule. Provide a minimum of 24 hours’ advance notice of absences. In case of an emergency, Provide advance notice of absences before start of scheduled service day(s). 

  • Keep all cell phones, iPods, and other electronic devices not pertaining to your service activity turned off and out of sight.
    
    

• Participate in required training/orientation sessions.

• Demonstrate interest in the placement site and projects. Willingly try tasks not done before.

• Use formal names/work titles unless directed otherwise.

• Follow through and complete assignments/projects.

• Respect the policies and expectations of the site, especially in regards to confidentiality.

• Serve in a manner which preserves the reputation and integrity of Syracuse University.

• Complete time sheets and submit weekly.

Service Selection Policies

Students must adhere to the public health program placement policies:

• Community sites are identified, arranged, and confirmed by course faculty.

• Students may not change their placement site without course faculty approval.

• Placement sites are selected for their specific fit with the course outcomes. If students enroll in 2 service-learning courses in the same semester, the service site will most likely be different for each course. 

Service Courses, Semester Planning

Fulfilling service learning hours in light of other commitments can be challenging. It is recommended that students enroll in only 1 service learning course per semester.

If students enroll in more than 1 service course in the same semester, the service hour requirement for each course is required. Hours are not shared between 2 service courses. 

In the PHP 422 semester of enrollment, it is recommended that students enroll in no more than 12 (ideally) or 15 (maximum) credits. Courses will need to be scheduled on days that internship is not planned or late in the afternoon or evening.

Grading Policy

Academic Service learning is a supervised and evaluated experience. Students complete the service hours as scheduled with the site and student performance is considered in the assignment of the grade. In addition, service-learning related assignments and performance are graded and included when assigning an overall course grade. 

Grading standards

Service-learning is evaluated as a 'pass/fail' course requirement. To 'pass' a service-learning course, students must earn a grade of 'pass' for the academic service-learning requirement.

To receive a grade of 'pass' for service-learning, students will

• Adhere to the student expectations for service-learning (see preceding section)

• Complete at least 70% of the service-learning hour requirement. Refer to the specific course level policies. At the discretion of the professor, course grade deductions may be applied for students who complete 70% but less than 100% of the hours.

Termination from site

• Students who are dismissed for reasons of unprofessional conduct will receive a course grade of ‘F’ and will not be assigned to another site.

• On occasion, sites may not be able to accommodate the student for the full hour requirement. In these situations, students will be assigned to another site to complete the service requirement.

Dress Code Policy

It is the policy of the Public Health program that students representing Public Health (e.g., public health interns or practica students, service learning students, etc.) should dress in business casual attire, or follow the policy of the sponsoring entity. Some sponsoring entities may expect that students wear attire with the organization logo, otherwise branded clothing, or uniform.

Business casual attire includes the following:

Chapter 4 - Additional Opportunities

Extracurricular Activities

Participation in extracurricular activities provide additional opportunity to learn and gain experience. Syracuse University hosts more than 300 extracurricular groups. Check it out!

Healthy You Magazine is an award-winning health newsmagazine written for students by students, and produced in the PHP 227 Heathy You 1 credit course. The course introduces students to a hands-on learning experience in heath writing, illustration, photography, and layout/design to developing a health newsmagazine for the campus community.

Global Medical Brigades is a student organization that serves to promote health in rural, impoverished villages in Central America. The group travels annually to Central American countries in an effort to provide medical care, sustainable resources and education to people in rural, impoverished areas. As a volunteer, students not only provide integral support to a community, but also gain first-hand clinical and public health experience while being immersed in a culture much different from your own.

Student Association of Public Health Education (SAPHE) is a student organization dedicated to promoting awareness, education, and advocacy for public health among students at the university and in the local community.  Through interactive meetings, workshops, seminars, and events, members have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of public health issues, explore potential solutions, and engage in meaningful discussions. SAPHE also actively participates in community outreach initiatives, collaborating with local organizations, health agencies, and schools to address health disparities and promote health equity.

Leadership Opportunities

Public health students gain leadership skills by serving on the executive boards of student organizations and through various other opportunities including:

College of Arts & Sciences International Student Success Peer Mentorship Program.  This program aims to assist new international students to make a successful academic adjustment to Syracuse University and increase the engagement and academic achievement of international students.

College of Arts & Sciences/Maxwell Student Ambassadors. Ambassadors are a select group of students who represent the College of Arts and Sciences /Maxwell School. While ambassadors come from different majors, states, countries, backgrounds, and more, they all bleed Orange. Because of their academic strengths, connections to campus activities, communication skills, and leadership qualities, ambassadors provide advice and mentorship to prospective and current Syracuse students. Ambassadors may volunteer to work with prospective students, first-year students, or both.

Peer Leader, FYS 101.  Peer Leaders are undergraduate students that work in conjunction with a Lead Instructor to guide discussions within a section of FYS 101. Discussions are anchored around increasing the sense of belonging on the Syracuse University campus.

Barne’s Center Peer Educator Program.  The program consists of three teams: Be Wise, Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS), and Students Advocating for Mental Health Empowerment (SAMHEs).

OrangeSeeds is a leadership empowerment program that equips first-year Syracuse University students with the knowledge and experience to become engaged student leaders on campus.

The WellsLink Leadership Program is an academic excellence and leadership program for first-year students who not already sponsored by athletics or state- or federally-funded programs. Through mentoring and a series of structured academic, social, and cultural enrichment activities, WellsLink Scholars are poised for success and leadership at Syracuse University. Freshman students may apply through the 1st week of the fall semester.

Research Opportunities

Public health students are encouraged to participate in faculty mentored research. Students can apply to join faculty research teams in public health, other Syracuse University departments, or at Upstate Medical University Research Institutes and Centers or with individual Upstate Medical Center faculty. Students may apply for academic or summer research grants through the Office of Undergraduate Research.

The Ronald E. McNair’s Scholars program prepares high-achieving undergraduate students for graduate/doctoral studies with hands-on research, academic services, and scholarly activities. See the McNair web site for eligibility criteria.

The Renee Crown Honor’s Program’s mission is to promote the development of students as scholars and professionals who will carry forward the principles of innovation and imagination. Students may apply as entering freshman or in January or May following the freshman year. Honor’s students complete an honor’s thesis. For more information about the thesis requirement, see Honors Thesis.

Study Abroad

Many options exist for public health students who wish to study abroad. For students who wish to spend a semester abroad, Syracuse University Abroad operates eight Study Abroad Centers where Syracuse University and other university students reside and study. In addition, Syracuse University maintains partnerships with over 60 World Partner programs. Short-term and summer programs are also available. Liberal arts courses are offered at the Syracuse University Center programs and at the World Partner Programs. For students interested in studying public health while abroad, public health core courses are available at World Partner programs in Kenya ( SIT Kenya), India (SIT India) Denmark (DIS Copenhagen), Sweden (DIS Stockholm), or Australia (University of Queensland, or University of Sidney). The Kenya and India programs also offer the option to complete the required PH internship abroad.

To receive academic credit, students must participate in a Syracuse University or World Partners study abroad program. Students wishing to study with a non-affiliated program and receive academic credit must complete the Special Case Petitioning Process. Note: this process should be initiated 9-12 months in advance of the anticipated study abroad semester.

Timing: Public health majors may elect to study abroad during sophomore or junior year (fall or spring semesters), senior year (fall semester, or summers) .Pre-clinical health students may elect to study abroad during summer or at the SU Center Madrid Health & Science Program.

Chapter 5 - Academic Policies & Procedures

Academic Rules -

See the Syracuse University Undergraduate Catalog, Academic Rules. See the rules for the publication year for the date of admission to Syracuse University (drop down menu, tip of page)

Changes to the Registration

Adding, dropping, or withdrawing from a class: strict guidelines are established by the University Registrar. See the academic calendars for specific dates. 

Independent Study Courses

Independent study courses are typically restricted to unique learning opportunities not offered through other courses and must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Assistant Dean of Student Services. In very rare cases students can do an independent study course to substitute for a course normally offered in the core curriculum. Using an independent study course to meet a core public health requirement is an option only as a last resort after students have exhausted all other avenues to take courses during the regularly scheduled time or through transfer credit. Independent study courses are not be used to facilitate students to study abroad or to accommodate students’ personal, extra-curricular or athletic obligations. 

The workload required in an independent study course should be equivalent to that required in regularly offered courses. Since students taking an independent study course do not attend formal classes it is vital that the student and the instructor with whom the student is doing the independent study keep in close contact during the course of the semester. 

Before the start of the independent study course the student in consultation with the instructor must complete the standard Independent Study Form which will include a detailed plan of what is to be accomplished in the independent study. Such a plan should contain a list and schedule of readings, any required tests/exams/reports, a description of how the instructor will determine the student’s understanding of assigned readings, and an evaluation plan. 

Credit hour determination: Independent study courses that are primarily practice or research based (ie: research experience) use this formula to determine the # of credits to be awarded: 1 credit = 45 hours of direct research or practice contact 

2 credits = 90 hours of direct research or practice contact

3 credits = 135 hours of direct research or practice contact 

Public Health majors may complete no more than a combined total of 12 credits of independent study (290/490) or experiential credit (270/470) for the undergraduate degree. 

Make-up Exams

Make-up exams are to be taken 9:00 am – Noon and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Monday thru Friday, scheduled through the course instructor. All make-up exams are at the discretion of the course faculty. Policies regarding make-up exams are described in the syllabus. 

Pass-Fail Option

To elect this option, students complete a Grade Option Application form Grading Option - Pass/Fail

NEW ELECTRONIC PROCESS VIA MY SLICE

1. Log into MySlice > eForms

2. Find the P/F grading option and start your submission. No pdf or paper forms will be processed.

3. Once the eForm is submitted, your advisor will review and approve, or get back to you if they have any questions.

4. See the Academic Calendar for deadlines. 

Maximum credit, non-graded, independent study, or experiential credit
College of Arts and Science students may complete not more than 24 combined credits of experience credit, independence study, and pass/fail.

Registration Holds

Students with registration holds will be prevented from registering for classes. In order to register, students must obtain clearance from the holding office(s). Detailed information about holds is listed on the Syracuse University Registrar’s web site. Use the information provided in MySlice to resolve the hold. 

Retaking Courses

Students may repeat a course previously taken at Syracuse University in order to fulfill degree requirements or to demonstrate improved competence. A repeated course is defined as a Syracuse University course with the same prefix and course number as the original course, or in the case of prefix or number changes within a department, the equivalent course as defined by the academic department. The original course and repeated course are retained on the academic transcript. The higher of the two grades is counted in the GPA. 

Transfer Credit

For transfer credit policies, see the College of Arts & Sciences Transfer credit policies. Scroll down on page. Effective Fall 2020, a maximum of 16 credits can be transferred to Syracuse post-matriculation. Of those 16 credits, only eight may contribute to the fulfillment of the divisional requirements in the Liberal Arts Core, with no more than one course applying to any divisional requirement section.

Chapter 6 - Academic Advising & Forms

Advising Statement

Academic Advising is an essential component of a Syracuse University education. The University is committed to providing the individual advice and assistance that students need at every step throughout their degree programs. A successful system of academic advising is highly dependent upon a shared commitment of students, faculty, and staff to the process and the availability of timely, accurate information. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) requires all undergraduate students to meet with their academic advisor before they register to ensure that they are choosing courses that lead towards completion of the degree. Required CAS staff advising blocks:  Year 1 – Fall, Year 1 – Spring, Year 2 -Fall, and Year 3 - Spring.  Students are encouraged to meet with their faculty advisor/mentor annually or as needed to discuss discipline specific questions, academic options, research opportunities, or to explore post-graduate options.  Students are required to meet with their faculty advisor Year 2 – Spring for discussion and declaration of the public health concentration and career exploration, Year 3 - Spring to discuss the senior internship and career advising, and Year 4 – Fall to explore/discuss post-graduate options.

Advising: Roles and Responsibilities

Advising Reports

All public health majors have a digital Advising Report posted in MySlice under “DegreeWorks”. This report is an advising tool to be used in collaboration with the academic advisor. Students review this report before the advising session to determine which courses have been used to satisfy all degree requirements and to develop a plan for future courses to discuss with your academic advisor. 

Health Professions Advising

The Health Professions Advisory Program (HPA) advises, counsels and provides resources for students about academic requirements and other credentials necessary for application to medical and other health-related professional schools (dental, optometry, podiatry, osteopathy and veterinary.) All pre-med students should register with the HPA program (122 Life Sciences Complex). 

HPA Contact Information 

Phone: 443-2212 

Email: prehealthadvising@syr.edu 

Website: Health Professions Advising Services 

Orange Success

Orange Success is a web-based advising tool that provides an efficient means to connect and share information with students, teaching faculty, academic advisors, and other support advisors. In addition, students can make appointments directly with their faculty and advisors via Orange Success. 

Additional information and advising resources can be found on the Department of Public Health website Forms & Information (see links for health professional advising, pre-requisites for post-graduate clinical health programs, global diversity courses and additional resources- bottom of page). Links to academic forms (declaring a minor, petition to faculty, petition for transfer credit, and other academic forms) are posed on the Office of the Registrar web site 

Chapter 7 - Communication

Electronic Mail (Email)

To Students

The Dept. of Public Health uses email and BlackBoard to communicate with students and student groups in a timely fashion. All emails will be sent to the students’ S.U. Email address. It is the responsibility of the student to check their S.U. email in a timely fashion. 

It is expected that the students will: 

• Address all faculty as Dr., Professor, Mr., Ms., Mx. unless the student is given permission to address the faculty member by another name. This includes any oral or written communication. 

• Speak directly with involved faculty concerning a perceived need or conflict in a timely fashion, rather than waiting until the end of the course. 

• Be courteous and respectful of faculty, staff and other students. 

To Faculty

Students are asked to understand that faculty receive large volumes of Email every day from various sources and are not available via Email at all times. Students should expect a reasonable lag in response time to their Emails. 

It is expected that faculty will: 

• Contribute to the creation of an atmosphere for comfortable communication with students. 

• Be available during office hours, and at other times by appointment. 

• Return student assignments, telephone calls and emails in a timely fashion (generally within 48 hours) 

• Be courteous and respectful of students, faculty and staff. 

Chapter 8 - Student Services

Academic Support Resources

College of Arts & Sciences Office of Student Success: Academic counselors provide the following: help with time management, student concerns about grades, and study/learning approaches and strategies. The office also maintains the College’s academic probation and sets academic monitoring policies. Students placed on academic probation are assigned to an academic counselor who works with them to develop and implement a plan that promotes future academic success. 

Syracuse University

Ann & Milton Stevenson Educational Center for Student-Athlete Development: Provides academic support to student-athletes. The center is equipped with computer labs and tutor rooms. The center staff serves as a liaison between students coaching staff and campus faculty regarding academic performance including progress towards graduation. 

Math Help: The mathematics department offers drop-in hours and free tutoring for students seeking help with a math course.

Center for Learning and Student Success: Provides learning resources (tutors, learning guides and tips for academic success); may also offer workshops on topics such as time management, test-taking, reading and note-taking strategies 

Center for Disability Resources (CDR): Syracuse University values diversity and seeks to promote equal access to educational opportunities for all students. Students who believe that an accommodation for a disability is needed, should contact the Office of Disability Services, located at 804 University Avenue, suite 303. CDR is responsible for coordinating disability-related accommodations. 

Writing Center: Provide a variety of services to support students to become effective writers. 

Chapter 9 - Dean's List & Other Awards

A wide range of opportunities and awards are available to students Syracuse University, providing you with the means to enhance your personal, academic, and career growth. Some of these include Dean’s List, Peer Advisor Award, University Scholar, and Remembrance Scholar. 

Opportunities include: 

Dean's List

Students at the College are named to Dean’s list when they have achieved a minimum of a 3.4 semester grade point average and have earned at least 12 credit hours of course work. Students receive a certificate of achievement. 

Degree Honors

Degree honor designations are noted on your academic transcript and diploma 

Public Health Awards

Senior student achievements are recognized at our annual Senior Year Awards Celebration. Awards include: 

Academic Excellence in Public Health 

This award is given to the graduating senior from Public Health with the highest cumulative GPA in the Public Health core courses. 

Excellence in Public Health Practice 

This award is given to a senior who demonstrates superior knowledge and skill in public health practice. May include but is not limited to: (a) Mobilization of community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems, (b) Evaluation of individual or population based health services, (c) Informing, educating and empowering people about health, and (d) Monitoring health status to identify and solve community health problems. 

Public Health Leadership Award 

The award is given to the graduating senior who best exemplifies the qualities of a future public health leader and have applied their public health knowledge in the University and community service. 

Public Health Research Award 

This award is given to a graduating senior who has engaged in public health research 

Social Justice in Public Health 

This award is given to a graduating student whose volunteer work, research and career goals focus on the elimination of inequalities in health. 

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Class Marshal

Senior class marshals serve as the all-University student representatives for graduation and lead the Commencement procession onto the floor of the Dome. Additionally, marshals chair the committee that recommends Commencement speakers to the Chancellor. 

They are distinguished individuals who exemplify the spirit of the senior class, embody One University, exhibit academic excellence, and have excelled during their time at Syracuse. More information on the application and nomination process is posted on the Senior Class Marshall web site. 

University Scholars

A group of 8 to 12 academically outstanding graduating seniors are designated each year as Syracuse University Scholars. Each school and college nominates academically outstanding students according to criteria developed within that school or college. Information on the selection process, including nominating forms, guidelines for student portfolios, and criteria for evaluation of co-curricular activities, is available on the Syracuse Scholar’s web site. 

Scholarship Opportunities 

Syracuse University awards a number of merit based scholarships. A full listing of scholarship opportunities is available on the Syracuse University financial aid web site. 

Chapter 10 - Safety & Emergency Information

The Divisions of Campus Safety and Emergency Services and Enrollment and the Student Experience provides a download app that makes storing relevant campus safety information on your cell phone easier. With a simple download, you will be able to import contact cards that contain information for the following campus resources: 

• Department of Public Safety 

• Safety Escorts 

• Syracuse University Ambulance 

• Counseling Center 

• Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team 

• Title IX Office 

• Student Assistance 

Chapter 11 - Program Plans

Program Plan - BSPH, Pre-Medicine
To enhance admissibility to post-grad MD or DO programs, students are encouraged to complete a minor in BIO

¹ Declare PH concentration, spring year 2

Program Plan -BSPH, Pre-physician assistant
To enhance admissibility to post-grad physician programs, students are encouraged to complete a minor in BIO

¹ Declare PH concentration, spring year 2

Program Plan -BSPH, Pre-Nursing

¹ Declare PH concentration, spring year 2
² the BIO department has been willing to allow pre-NUR students with strong grades in BIO 121, 123, 216, 217 and CHE 106
  to take BIO 409 without meeting the BIO 326 and 327 pre-req (via petition)

Program Plan – BSPH

¹ Declare PH concentration, spring year 2