Week in News: Syracuse University supports sexual assault bill, buyout numbers are disclosed and more

Take a look at what happened in news this week:

Syracuse University supports national sexual assault bill

Syracuse University has become the first large private university to endorse the Campus Accountability and Safety Act, a national bill that would help combat sexual assault on campus.

The bill is co-sponsored by United States Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Under the bill, universities would be required to survey students on their experiences with sexual assault on campus and to disclose the results in their annual security reports. Gillibrand said in a press release from her office that she is grateful for SU’s support.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) visits Syracuse University

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) visited SU Monday to discuss a proposed bill that would reduce student debt. The Reducing Educational Debt (RED) Act, would make the first two years of community college free. It would also increase the number of Pell Grants and allow student loan borrowers to refinance at lower rates.

Schumer said at the press conference that being a college graduate is not as easy as it used to be. He also said he would like the bill to be passed with bipartisan support.

Lukas Hallorman | Staff Photographer

Sean O’Keefe reflects on his long career

University Professor Sean O’Keefe has held many positions throughout government and academia, but his next job will be to advise the next president of the U.S. while they transition into office.

O’Keefe is one of six members on the advising panel, which will advise the next president on public governance and public management. Two other members of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs community will also serve on the panel.

O’Keefe has had a long career in administration. He has served as the deputy director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, secretary of the Navy, administrator of NASA, chancellor of Louisiana State University and CEO of U.S. operations for Airbus, among other positions.

Bridget Williams | Contributing Photographer

Chancellor Kent Syverud discloses buyout numbers

At Wednesday’s University Senate meeting, Chancellor Kent Syverud laid out the exact number of benefits-eligible staff members that took part in Syracuse University’s Voluntary Separation Incentive Program. Of the 3,656 benefits-eligible staff members, 254 members whose combined age and years of service were more than 65 took the buyout.

A group involved in the Academic Strategic Plan also presented a report at the meeting, which outlined experiences SU graduates should expect to have after graduation. The committee said it hopes to present the report to the Board of Trustees in May.

Daily Orange File Photo

Syracuse University continues to lead in sustainability

The Climate Action Plan (CAP) established in 2007 has kept Syracuse University among the leaders of the sustainability movement. CAP’s ultimate goal is to have SU become carbon neutral by 2040. This would reduce the university’s gross emissions by 65,000 metric tons.

As a result of the efforts towards this goal, SU has been named in the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s list of top 30 largest green power users among higher education institutions. SU was ranked first among Atlantic Coast Conference schools on the list.

Illustration by Devyn Passaretti