Syracuse Sun

Chancellor Kent Syverud recently addressed the University Senate, providing updates on Syracuse University's budget, enrollment figures, and the conclusion of the Forever Orange Campaign. The Chancellor noted that the university is currently operating with a balanced budget for fiscal year 2025 but anticipates challenges in maintaining this balance for fiscal year 2026 due to rising healthcare and labor costs, as well as changes in athletics and international enrollment.

On the topic of enrollment, Syverud expressed satisfaction with surpassing targets for new first-year and transfer students in spring 2025. "Syracuse received 35 new starting first-year students in January. Our goal was 30. And we received 90 new transfer students. Our goal was 75," he stated. Additionally, applications for fall 2025 have reached record numbers for the fifth consecutive year.

The Forever Orange Campaign concluded successfully on December 31, 2024, exceeding its financial goals by raising $1.59 billion from over 125,000 donors. "We reached this milestone with support from 125,699 unique donors," said Syverud. Alumni engagement doubled during the campaign period.

Syverud also acknowledged those affected by recent fires in Los Angeles and praised Syracuse's academic affairs team and others who supported students at their SULA center during this time.

"I wish everyone a successful spring semester," Syverud concluded before opening the floor to questions following remarks from the provost.