In response to a recent Letter to the Editor, I am writing to provide clarification about the Office of Residence Life’s holiday decoration policy.

Due to fire and other safety concerns, long-term decorations of any kind, including holiday decorations, are not permitted in residence hall lounges. However, decorations are permitted to be put up in lounges for a specific event or activity. This could include a birthday celebration or observation of a holiday, as long as the decorations are removed at the conclusion of the event or activity. Pertaining specifically to candles, the residence life policy allows the lighting of candles for religious observances. Due to fire safety precautions, the student lighting the candle must light it in a public space, remain with the candle at all times while lit, and then extinguish and remove it from the public space once complete.

When students do host an event and activity, such as a religious observance, they can work with their assistant residence directors and residence directors to send this information to the other residents on behalf of the student organizing the event or activity. It is important to note that when student-led events or activities are planned, these students are working with the residence life staff to ensure that all policies and safety precautions are followed.

Additionally, students should know they can decorate their own rooms, as long as they follow the safety and residence life policies. All residence hall policies can be accessed through the Office of Residence Life website. We encourage any student that has concerns to reach out to the assistant residence directors and residence directors in their buildings.

Syracuse University appreciates and values the diverse faith traditions of all our campus community members. The Office of Residence Life will work to meet the needs of any student in their observation of holidays.

Sincerely,
Terra Peckskamp
Director, Office of Residence Life