With the new school year come new policies. This academic year is particularly special because it marks the beginning of Chancellor Kent Syverud’s first full year as Chancellor of Syracuse University. Though he officially took his position in January 2014, he has already made significant changes in an effort to further improve Syracuse University for students and administrators.

As students transition back to campus, they’ve noticed the changes. Some feel excited by the more visible changes, such as the much needed upgrades to Bird Library, while some students have expressed apprehension about changes specifically as they pertain to the rumored policing of students’ social lives and the closing of the campus Advocacy Center.

Castle Court, a central location on campus where SU students gather to socialize and celebrate ‘Cuse, was recently prohibited from hosting student parties after complaints from Syracuse University and the city police. After the announcement of Castle Court’s closing, several students expressed disappointment and frustration with the administration.

“I was very disappointed about the closing of Castle Court because it was an informal tradition at Syracuse University that was taken,” says a senior accounting and finance student. “I believe that response was due to disappointment over our ranking as the number 1 party school, but I think student happiness should be considered.”

As for others, sensitive issues such as the closing of the Advocacy Center remain at the forefront of their concerns.

“I don’t really know much about [the Chancellor], but I know that he goes on these tangents in his e-mails that aren’t applicable to students. When they are, he’s the bearer of bad news,” says Akili Chante, a senior writing & rhetoric major. “The first e-mail was the closing of the Advocacy Center. He made that decision without consulting students.”

Though many have expressed their displeasure with the recent changes on campus, other students remain more optimistic and hopeful about Chancellor Kent Syverud and the future of Syracuse University.

“I think Chancellor Kent is trying,” says senior Roland Cody Jr., “He’s coming from a genuine place. There is a genuine effort there and I respect that.”