School of Architecture - Resources for Visiting Critics

2023-2024

This information is intended to serve as an introduction to the resources available to Visiting Critics in the School of Architecture.

CONTENTS

1 RESOURCES AT SLOCUM HALL AND ON CAMPUS

ACCESS TO SLOCUM HALL

All entrances to the building are unlocked from Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday from 7 am to 6 p.m. The building remains locked all weekend until 7 a.m. on Monday morning. Your SU ID card will be encoded to allow you access to Slocum Hall on a 24-hour basis. There is an ID card scanner at the north, south and east entrances of Slocum Hall.

BOOKSTORE

For studio supply purchases from the SU Bookstore or the Lou Kearns Supply Store on the ground floor of Slocum Hall, please obtain an Interdepartmental Order Form (IDO) form from Kristin Shapiro (room 204) in advance; with an internal ID, purchases at the Bookstore receive a 10% discount.  Please remember to bring your receipt back to Kristin.

COMPUTER SUPPORT

Andy Molloy, Daryl Olin and Christopher Cavino, our in-house computer consultants, are available to aid visiting critics.  They can be contacted at archit@syr.edu.

DIGITAL FABRICATION

The school has multiple 3D printers (filament PLA plastic, resin, powder) in Slocum 012 and Smith 005; 4’x8’ and 4’x4’ CNC mills and staff in Slocum 007 and 008; and a vacuum former available for use by students in Slocum 008.  The school maintains a second digital fabrication lab at 005 Smith Hall. Detailed info for using this equipment is located at soa.syr.edu/resources/technology/digital-fabrication. You may schedule an in-class tutorial by contacting the Digital Fabrication Manager, Michael Giannattasio.

Faculty may use their architecture print balance (Free Quota) for 3D printing and CNC milling but not to purchase materials.

FABRICATION/WOOD SHOP

The Slocum Hall Fabrication Lab comprises four rooms located on the west end ground floor (006, 008, 011 and 012 Slocum Hall). A second fabrication lab and wood shop in Smith Hall occupies two rooms on the north end basement (005 and 006 Smith Hall).

The shops are for the use of students, faculty and staff, with highest priority given to students working in design studios and related courses. Michael Giannattasio, John Bryant, Jeremy Tarr, and Robert Weaver supervise the shop during regular daytime hours. A monitor must be present whenever the shop is open. Protective eye wear and closed-toe shoes are required, and hearing protection is available. Everyone using the fabrication shop must go through a training session. More information is at available at soa.syr.edu/resources/technology/fabrication-shop. 

INTERNET ACCESS

Wireless internet access is available throughout campus via AirOrangeX, which does not require a password or login. The network was upgraded during the summer of 2024, and you may find that devices that previously could not connect work fine now.

When connecting from a personal computer, access to school network printers and the G drive is blocked unless you install and use the SU VPN (current arch students, faculty, and staff only).

If you are having trouble connecting through AirOrangeX, contact the IT staff.

LAPTOP COMPUTERS

To borrow one of the School’s Dell laptops for short term use (2-3 hours), please reserve at the Student Services Desk in Room 201. Laptops have software such as AutoCAD, Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite.

LASER CUTTERS

The School maintains six laser cutters located in 011 Slocum and 005 Smith Hall. They are available to architecture students and faculty on a scheduled submission basis through our website and a strict set of operating protocols. Always check with digital fab manager, Michael Giannattasio before scheduling a class project using the lasers. Currently there is no charge for use of the lasers, although a material fee will be added to each submission based on use. More information, as well as the list of acceptable materials, can be found at soa.syr.edu/laser. The College of Visual and Performing Arts also provides fee-based laser cutting at their Warehouse fabrication lab (315.443.0479).

LIBRARY RESOURCES

The King + King Architecture Library, located on the third floor of Slocum Hall, serves the needs of the School of Architecture, the faculty, and its students for quick access to core resources including reference works, key back sets of major architectural journals, current periodical titles, select architectural working drawings and physical materials samples. Books and other resources may be consulted in-house or circulated for short periods of time. The general stack collection of over 3,500 volumes includes basic surveys, monographs on key figures in architecture, building type studies and technology resources. Room 304 also includes a collection of materials related books.

As a unit of the Syracuse University Libraries, King + King houses, or is responsible for, certain unique resources. For example, holdings include a largely print-based collection of over 300 sets of architectural working drawings. Drawings do not circulate. The collection is being digitized but is not yet available for general use in digital form. For access to the analog collection or to use digitized drawings for course related requests, see Barbara Opar. A physical materials collection has been developed to supplement databases like Material Connexion. These samples can be viewed at suarrmaterials.syr.edu and are available for a one week loan. School of Architecture lecture tapes and select videos are shelved in King + King, but most of the Libraries’ extensive media holdings are available for checkout at Bird Library. Licensed streaming databases include Kanopy, Pidgeon Digital and OnArchitecture.

The Libraries is actively building an institutional repository, SURFACE. School of Architecture materials are being added to this collection. Syracuse University Libraries has primary responsibility for the visual resource collections serving School of Architecture faculty. Digital collections include ARTstor, Syracuse Archivision E-resource and the Digital Sanborn Maps. The University no longer has an analog slide collection. Architecture related slides were transferred from the Libraries to the School. Architectural Librarian, Barbara Opar and several library student assistants are reviewing holdings and selecting plans, drawings and models for digitization. DVDs of the images are available for checkout in King + King or can be viewed on the School’s G drive under\Archive\Architecture Slide Collection. This collection is currently in process.

Oversight for King + King is provided by the subject librarian, Barbara Opar, whose other responsibilities include collection development, reference and research assistance, instruction, and help in selecting resources for teaching. Consult Barbara for details about these services. While Barbara spends the majority of her time in King + King, she is employed by the Syracuse University Libraries and also maintains an office in Room 200 Bird. King + King staff is available to assist with book and periodical scanning needs. See Barbara to place a request.

For more information on the Libraries and its resources, go to library.syracuse.edu. The site includes a staff directory and subject guides, which provide useful starting points and information about key resources.

In addition to services like Interlibrary Loan, the Library to Go Campus Delivery Service provides faculty with the delivery of library books, DVDs/videos, interlibrary loan items and books that have been requested (holds and recalls).

ORANGE SUCCESS

Orange Success is an information hub that allows students, faculty, advisors and more, to communicate easily and efficiently. You can access Orange Success through MySlice or Blackboard on your desktop, laptop, even your phone. Required Early Semester Progress Reports and Mid-Semester Progress Reports are submitted through Orange Success. More information can be found at orangesuccess.syr.edu.

PRINTING AND PLOTTING

Large format printing devices are located in our fully staffed Plot Room, Room 013. Please refer below to more extensive printing and plotting policies, and visit soa.syr.edu/printing for full details.  Our full-time print/plot monitor, Ronn Green, supervises the operation during business hours. Student plot monitors staff the room during Ronn's lunch hour on weekdays and weeknights and weekends. It is not possible for anyone to print or plot without completing required training through Andy, Daryl or Christopher; after completing the training, faculty will upon request receive a $100 discretionary allowance per semester to print and plot. School-related plotting such as lecture and exhibition posters, symposia, etc., must be charged to separate funds set up for those purposes with the chairs of those committees.

Plotting and printing done outside Slocum Hall is generally purchased from Syracuse Blueprint. Laurie Maddaloni will provide Syracuse Blueprint with a credit card number for your order.

ROOM RESERVATIONS

Check room availability on the web, soa.syr.edu/resources/room-availability, and then email archroomreserve@syr.edu to make a room reservation.

SCANNING (FLATBED & LARGE FORMAT)

Several 11 x 17 flatbed scanners are available in the King + King Architecture Library and in the small computer lab (Room 004). A large format b&w and color scanner (called Luma) is available in the Plot Room, Room 013.

SPRAY BOOTHS

Any spraying of paint, fixatives or adhesives must be done in the vented spray booth on the ground floor adjacent to the fabrication shop (Room 008). The spray booth is operational 24 hours 7 days a week for students to use. Use of spray paint, fixatives or adhesives anywhere else in the building is prohibited.  

VACUUM FORMING MACHINE

The vacuum forming machine is located on the ground floor in Room 008. See John Bryant for information about the use of the machine or visit soa.syr.edu/vacuum.

2 PLOTTING AND PRINTING POLICY

PLOT ROOM

The plot room is a staffed print facility serving Syracuse Architecture students and faculty and is located in Room 013 next to the ground floor large computer lab. Equipment includes a number of large format plotters, wide format scanner and other equipment. Our full-time print/plot monitor, Ronn Green, oversees the operation during business hours. Student plot monitors staff the room during Ronn's lunch hour on weekdays and weeknights and weekends. 

PLOTTING ACCOUNT

It is not possible to print or plot without completing required training; after completing the training, faculty will receive a $100 discretionary allowance per semester to print and plot, added to your plotting account. School-related plotting such as lecture and exhibition posters, publications, etc., will be facilitated through separate funding streams for those purposes. 

Plotting and printing done outside the School is generally purchased from Syracuse Blueprint. Stephanie Freeney will approve all requests for work to be done through Syracuse Blueprint in advance. Kristin Shapiro or Laurie Maddaloni will then provide Syracuse Blueprint with a credit card number for your order.

PLOT ROOM FEES

Fees are charged for all printing and plotting on School-owned devices and are deducted from your plotting account as you print. Learn more about the pay-per-plot system and fees on the School website at soa.syr.edu/printing. These fees are used to pay for the operation of the printing and plotting facilities, including plotter maintenance, supplies and equipment replacement. Prices are set below average commercial rates in the region. Printing material not connected with architectural course work is prohibited. Faculty receive a $100 discretionary allowance per semester, added to your plotting account, upon request to Stephanie Freeney.

PLOT ROOM HOURS

The hours of operation are posted on the plot room door and online. The plot room queues are disabled from 6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. Plots can be sent overnight—they will remain in the queues and will print starting at 7 a.m.

PLOT ROOM SERVICES & EQUIPMENT

Services provided include high-quality color printing with 36" color ink-jet plotters, and 36” black & white laser output. The large format black and white laser (Luma) acts as a printer/copier/scanner.  Learn more about the equipment at soa.syr.edu/resources/technology/computing/printing-plotting/equipment. Students and faculty can print to the lab printers and plotters from their own computers. A large format 65” paper cutter is located in the hallway by the plot room entrance.

PROBLEMS

Problems or concerns related to the equipment should be directed to the plot monitor on duty or to Andy, Daryl or Christopher.

SHEET FEEDING

On the large plotters, sheet feeding is allowed only on the HP DesignJet T1700 plotter (Yoshi2).  The maximum length is 60 inches. Only specific approved paper is allowed for sheet feeding; no thick, curled paper or thin tracing-like paper is permitted. Check the sign in the plot room for the allowed paper types, which are available for purchase in the SU Bookstore.

MAXIMUM PRINTING DIMENSIONS & FILE SIZES

On the large plotters and Luma, the maximum paper size from the roll feed is 36" by 129". The maximum size for sheet feeds to Yoshi2 is 36" by 60". Large file sizes (>250 mb) sent to the printers are automatically deleted. Learn how to optimize your prints before sending them at soa.syr.edu/resources/technology/computing/printing-plotting/print-howto.

PAPER

Coated 36” paper is supplied for large format inkjet plotters. Faculty may use specific alternate types of paper at their expense—check the sign in the plot room for the allowed sheet fed paper types; rolled paper can be one of these types (contact Andy to purchase). The on-duty plot monitor must load faculty-provided paper.

PAPER FOR CLASS OR STUDIO ASSIGNMENTS

These guidelines cover what types of paper are permitted in the School's plot room equipment. We hope that having this information in advance will prevent past problems where a professor assigns a class project on a type of paper that can't be used in the plot room. Basically, if you wish to assign special paper types, please check with us in advance to confirm that your choice is compatible with the equipment.

Small Size Printing (letter and tabloid size)

For 8.5x11 and 11x17 color laser printing, we stock a 28/32lb bright white paper. We don't allow ANY transparencies, sticky backs, labels, or vellum papers in the color laser printers. We allow some other papers specifically made for laser printing up to 58lb weight (see sign on printers for types), but the student must show us the package that the paper comes in so we can verify the specs.

We allow transparencies, sticky backs and vellums to be used in our 11x17 inkjet printer, but it is not high volume. These papers must be labeled specifically for inkjets (for example, the vellum sold in pads with the orange cover cannot be used in any of the printers), and again, the student must show us the package.

Large Size Printing - Cut Sheets

The plotters are all stocked with 36" 26lb coated paper. We allow sheet feeding of five different paper types that students can buy as cut sheets in the bookstore. This includes a Mylar and a vellum in addition to a stretch rag and a couple of others. The students can use these cut sheets on the plotter called Yoshi2. A sample of these paper types is posted on the wall in the plot room. There is no cost difference in printing, but students must buy the paper themselves from the bookstore.

These paper types are sold in pre-cut sizes as follows (bookstore SKU numbers included):

• InkJet Drafting Film (Mylar) (00001 02668 or 00001 02669) - 18 x 24, 24 x 36 (with films, ink may bleed; use at own risk)
• Vellum Clear Print (00028 62110) - 24 x 36
• Vellum Sketch Technical (00000 99275) - 24 x 36
• Strathmore Medium Surface Drawing Sheet (12017 54101) - 23 x 29
• Stretch Rag Drawing Paper (00000 82048) - 30 x 40 (only flat pre-sized sheets, no sections cut from a roll)
• Xeroplot Paper (00001 01212) - 24 x 36

Large Size Plotting - Rolls

Students can purchase rolls of Mylar, vellum or heavy weight paper for use on the plotter called Peach, but they should check with us in advance to make sure that the brand/type they want to use is compatible with the plotter.

3 STUDIO EXPENDITURES

PURCHASES AND REIMBURSEMENTS

For success in navigating the University’s purchasing and reimbursement system, we recommend the following guiding principles:

• Obtain approval in advance of making purchases. This is the key to speedy ordering and/or reimbursement.  Consult with Kristi Vega if you have any questions about whether a proposed expenditure is allowable.
• Allow as much lead-time as possible for outside purchases.
• Original receipts are always required and note that reimbursements will be minus sales tax (but if you obtain a tax-exempt form from Kristi Vega in advance you will not be charged sales tax).
• Never allow students to make purchases for the School without prior permission from the Associate Dean's Office.

We will make approved purchases from outside vendors for you directly (special class or studio supplies, books, DVDs, etc.) but in some cases you may need to make the purchase and request reimbursement.  Please submit your receipts immediately to assure timely reimbursement.  Remember to consult with Kristi Vega before you use your own resources, and then keep all receipts.  Tax paid on all expenses submitted is not reimbursable. 

A Special Note on Purchases of Computing/Technology Equipment

All technology purchases underwritten by University funds, regardless of funding source, must be made in consultation with IT staff. IT staff will work with VC faculty to identify and specify equipment and software. IT will purchase the equipment or software on behalf of VC faculty. Funding sources include studio/class funds, IT startup funds, research funds, internal and external grants and other University initiatives. Items under this policy include, but are not limited to, computers, tablets, digital projectors, monitors/TV screens, 3D printers, printers, digital fabrication equipment, digital cameras and video cameras, scanners, sound recording equipment, peripherals, software, and web-based platforms or subscriptions. School funds cannot be used to pay for cloud storage fees (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) or web hosting fees (Squarespace, Weebly, Wix, WordPress, etc.).

VC faculty who purchase equipment or software on their own and submit receipts afterwards will not be reimbursed.

All equipment and software remains the property of Syracuse University and must be returned in the event the faculty member leaves the University, for any reason. This is the case for equipment purchased under any funding source including internal and external grants or restricted funds.

GUEST CRITICS

The cost for bringing in Guest Critics for the final review will be charged to your studio budget. Please discuss with  your VC Coordinator, Kristi Vega prior to committing to a guest invitation as there are strict travel policies in place at Syracuse University.  Flights will be reimbursed and hotels will be booked by your VC Coordinator.

4 ARCHIVING PROTOCOLS FOR STUDENT WORK

The School collects and archives student files through a set of network folders on the school’s file server. Please ask your students to upload their work to the archive at the end of the semester. Specific instructions can be found here. If you have collected student work using some other method and cannot access the archive, please provide a download link to archit@syr.edu and our IT staff will transfer the files to the archive.

5 GRADING GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN STUDIOS

It should be noted that students in studios should be graded on the basis of actual performance rather than potential.  Performance is defined as a combination of intent, participation and product.  Note: The minimum passing grade in the VC Studio for both graduate and undergraduate students is a C.

Students should be kept apprised of their grades on a continuing basis.  Mid-semester grade reports made directly to the students are recommended.  Submission of a mid-semester deficiency report for performance that is “C-” or below is required of all studios.  These reports should be made to the respective chair.

6 ARCHIVING PROTOCOLS FOR STUDENT WORK

Academic integrity is an essential core value of the University, and one for which we all share responsibility. I ask that you evaluate your role in fostering the highest ideals of personal and academic honesty at Syracuse University. The  Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) implements the policy for academic integrity developed by a university committee in consultation with the University Senate. I encourage you to become familiar with the policies and procedures, to participate in the AIO's educational activities, and to engage your students and colleagues in considering the importance of academic integrity and the University's efforts to promote an environment characterized by honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, and respect. I ask that you include a statement about academic integrity in your syllabus. In addition, our policy requires that if you have particular expectations regarding academic integrity, these expectations should be articulated in writing. A suggested syllabus statement is available at class.syr.edu/academic-integrity/syllabus-recommendations and additional information concerning academic integrity at Syracuse University is available at class.syr.edu/academic-integrity.

To comply with FERPA and other legal requirements, instructors who use the software program Turnitin for detection of potential plagiarism should use one of the three submission methods listed below:

• Have students submit their own papers or other assignments directly to Turnitin via Blackboard so that both student and instructor can view the results;
• Have students sign a statement giving consent for submission of their papers to Turnitin; OR
• Remove student names and all other identifying information before the instructor or teaching assistant submits student papers to Turnitin.

Instructors who use Turnitin should also include a statement on their syllabus explaining how Turnitin will be used in the course. A suggested Turnitin syllabus statement and suggested language for Turnitin consent forms can be found at class.syr.edu/academic-integrity/syllabus-recommendations/#instructors-using-turnitin.

7 INTRODUCTION TO THE STAFF

Karen Baris
Director of Advising and Records

Leads the advising team and records management for undergraduate and graduate programs. Maintains student records, provides information on degree requirements and academic progress, certifies students for graduation, and schedules courses in consultation with the Dean and program chairs. Questions on advising, course scheduling and student records should be directed to Karen.

John Bryant
Fabrication/Wood Shop Technician

Operates, supervises and trains students in the use of the model shop and maintains appropriate safety and security procedures in the facility. Schedules and supervises fabrication shop student monitors.

Vittoria Buccina
Assistant Dean, Enrollment Management

Directs undergraduate admissions activities and graduate recruitment on and off campus working with the program chairs, Admissions, and the Graduate School. Conducts information sessions with prospective students and their parents and plans admissions events and strategies nationally and internationally.

Christopher Cavino
Computer Consultant

Provided technical support and IT-related consultation for architecture faculty and staff.

Kristen DeWolf
Director, Career Services

Provides comprehensive career services to students and alumni and provides liaison with employers and University career services systems. Plans and conducts information sessions, workshops, career fairs, on-campus interview days, and portfolio review events for students. Serves as the School’s NCARB educator with respect to licensure.

Ester Flaim
NYC Academic Program Manager

Coordinates the NYC program with the various departments on campus and manages the program’s logistics and daily operations. 

Stephanie Freeney
Director of Budget and Administration

Responsible for non-academic administration including finance and budget preparation, HR matters, staff management and facilities. Monitors revenue and expense projections and manages long-range financial planning in consultation with the Dean and budget office. Consults on resource and financial policy issues such as major equipment and sponsored grants and integrates strategic plan goals into financial plans.

Michael Giannattasio
Workshop Manager/Fabrication Manager

Responsible for oversight of all fabrication facilities with a focus on digital fabrication. Establishes policies for the use of all fabrication facilities and develops training programs for students and student employees. Collaborates with faculty and students on fabrication issues relevant to curricular and course needs. Supervises student employees and maintains environmental and safety standards.

Ronn Green
Plot Room Technician

Supervises the daytime operation of the plotting and printing facilities in Room 013. Ensures the smooth operation of the facility and provides assistance to students on plotting and printing matters.

Nancy Hard
Budget Analyst

Manages payroll and serves as a main contact to human resources and payroll office. Manages and monitors faculty research funds, grants and undergraduate studio expenses. Processes and handles reimbursements and payments of approved expenditures. 

Sherry Hayes
Development Associate

Supports the development efforts of the School with the Assistant Dean of Advancement and the Dean’s office. Plans events and travel, tracks prospects, prepares data analysis and reports and provides liaison with the development office. Assists with annual fund initiatives and provides liaison with the School’s advisory board.

Jennifer Klemenz
Graduate Student Advisor

Focuses on graduate student advising and registration, as well as graduate programs of study and degree certification.

Kat Kolozsvary
Academic Advisor

Focuses on first semester registration, and supporting incoming students as they transition into the University.

Lauren Mintier
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions

Coordinates the admissions process for graduate programs, maintains student records and enrollment statistics, and manages Graduate Program finances. Plans and monitors financial aid and research grant budgets. Provides preliminary advising and day-to day-guidance to graduate students, and provides administrative support to the Chair of the Graduate Program. 

Andrew Molloy
Director of IT Services

Provides technical support and consultation for architecture faculty and staff on computing applications and questions and manages computing initiatives and the technology budget for the School of Architecture. Andy leads and manages IT staff and resources, new initiatives and has oversight of the School’s IT program.

Gustavo Nascimento
Assistant Director, Enrollment Management and Student Engagement

Works hand-in-hand with the assistant dean of enrollment management to develop strategic plans to admit and retain the best and brightest students through a holistic approach. Gus's responsibilities cross platforms between recruitment, admissions and retention efforts, and supervising the school’s student organizations.

Daryl Olin
Computer Consultant

Provides technical support and IT-related consultation for architecture faculty and staff.

Colleen Oliva
Career Services and Employer Relations Specialist

Supports student success by delivering professional development offerings through individual advising sessions, curated career resources and instructional workshops. Works with architecture students and alumni during their internship and job searches by providing resume feedback, interview coaching and developing search strategies. Helps coordinate employer recruiting and specialty programming.

Barbara Opar
Architectural Librarian

Officially an employee of SU Libraries, Barbara is an embedded librarian and spends most of her time in Slocum Hall. Barbara may be consulted on library acquisitions, reserves, the working drawings collection and any other faculty support issues pertaining to the library system.

Carol Pettinelli
Office Coordinator/Thesis Coordinator

Schedules thesis prep and thesis reviews. Provides front desk support in the Student Services suite and assists with student records projects as needed.

Laurie Maddaloni
Operations Specialist

Coordinates building management including custodial and maintenance, public safety, fire safety and renovations. Serves as the School’s liaison with University Catering and coordinates major School events. Processes reimbursements, handles weekly payroll reporting and assists with financial management.

Kristin Shapiro
Financial Assistant

Supports the financial unit by assisting with payroll, reimbursement and purchasing processes. Provides financial analysis and audits processes for accuracy.

Julie Sharkey
Communications Manager

Manages the School’s communications program and contributes to strategic planning with the Dean. Serves as managing editor, creates and coordinates content for print collateral and digital communications, and provides communications support for events. Writing and content manager across all platforms.

Jeremy Tarr
Workshop Technician

Provides support to faculty and students in the fabrication lab and wood shop. Assists Michael Giannattasio and John Bryant on training for students and faculty.

Kristi Vega
Academic Operations Specialist/ Visiting Critic Coordinator

Responsible for the long-term and day-to-day administration, operations, and programming support for the Associate Dean’s Office.

Traci Washburn
Assistant Dean, Advancement

Leads advancement and development efforts for the School, together with the Dean. Responsible for identifying, cultivating and securing funds from individuals and corporations to support the School’s funding goals, and manages the School’s Advisory Board. Prepares goals and strategies for annual and long-range funding targets.

Robert Weaver
Fabrication Lab Technician

Provides support to faculty and students in the fabrication lab and wood shop. Assists Michael Giannattasio and John Bryant on training for students and faculty.

Debra Witter-Gamba
Executive Assistant

Provides administrative and secretarial assistance to the Dean and the Assistant Dean for Research. Prepares minutes for faculty meetings and provides liaison with the Provost’s and Chancellor’s office and other university administrative divisions. Assists with contract preparation, and supports faculty RPT and Search committee processes.