SU Issues Safety Guidance Ahead of Greek Bid Night

University warns students about winter weather and alcohol safety as celebrations ramp up.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Syracuse University's Office of Student Experience has issued a set of safety tips and guidance for students ahead of the upcoming Greek bid night celebrations. The email from the university's executive director of Student Engagement addressed concerns around winter weather conditions and alcohol safety, encouraging students to look out for one another and utilize campus resources if needed.

Why it matters

Bid night is a significant event in the Greek life calendar, with new members being welcomed into fraternities and sororities. The university is proactively providing safety guidance to ensure students celebrate responsibly and avoid potential risks, especially given the expected cold winter weather.

The details

The email from Anne Lombard, the Executive Director of Student Engagement, advised students to be mindful of time spent outdoors due to a winter weather advisory in effect. Onondaga County is expected to see temperatures as low as 1 degree Fahrenheit on bid night. To support student safety, the Department of Public Safety will increase police presence around campus this weekend, though Lombard noted this is not intended to discourage celebrations, but rather provide readily available support. Students are also encouraged to look out for each other's well-being and utilize the university's medical amnesty policy if assistance is needed.

  • Onondaga County is under a winter weather advisory until 7 a.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • Bid night celebrations are expected to take place this weekend.

The players

Anne Lombard

The Executive Director of Student Engagement at Syracuse University, who issued the safety guidance email to students.

Department of Public Safety

The campus police force that will be increasing its presence around Syracuse University this weekend to support student safety during bid night celebrations.

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What they’re saying

“I trust that you will continue to represent your organizations with integrity by making choices that reflect the shared values of leadership, scholarship, service and community that define Greek Life.”

— Anne Lombard, Executive Director of Student Engagement (dailyorange.com)

What’s next

The university will continue to monitor the winter weather conditions and provide any additional guidance or support to students as needed throughout the bid night celebrations this weekend.

The takeaway

Syracuse University is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its students during the highly anticipated Greek bid night festivities, balancing the need for celebration with responsible behavior, especially given the expected cold winter weather.