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What does it mean to cultivate a campus welcoming to all? That question sits at the heart of the annual Creating Community Retreat, a one-of-a-kind experience for campus members.

Hosted by the and , the retreat brings together a cohort of faculty, staff and students for an immersive, multi-day, off-campus experience designed to explore connection, community-building and how to cultivate a campus culture that truly welcomes everyone.

Set apart from the rhythms of daily campus life, the retreat gives participants the time and space to engage in meaningful dialogue, collaborate on skills-building activities and reflect on their shared responsibility to one another.

The Creating Community Retreat, which will next be held in the fall of 2026, is centered around the belief that community must be intentionally built, practiced and sustained. It is intended to gather leaders and those looking for community into a shared space.

Through facilitated discussions and interactive activities, participants are challenged to examine their understanding of community, learn from varying perspectives and foster new relationships. “Most importantly, we strive to build a network that cultivates connections during and following the retreat,” says Armando Martinez, director of community and connection in the Office of People and Culture and retreat facilitator.

The most recent retreat was hosted Nov. 7-9, 2025, at Greek Peak Mountain Resort with participation of more than 30 campus members.

For Renee Yu ’26, an undergraduate student participant, the 2025 retreat was one of the most memorable experiences she has had at Syracuse University. “Through storytelling and collaborative activities, we began to see how each of us contributes to building bridges within a community,” says Yu, “and the retreat created a space where people felt safe enough to be vulnerable, to listen deeply and to be heard.” Yu studies policy studies in the | .

The results demonstrate a clear impact: 100% of participants at the 2025 retreat reported that they:

• connected with someone new during the retreat experience;
• learned inclusive practices to foster community in their daily campus roles; and
• expanded their understanding of what it means to make Syracuse University welcoming to all.

Lasting Connections

Aylin Gonzalez, director of belonging and student success in the division, expressed gratitude for the shared vulnerability that was met with affirmation. “I left this retreat feeling seen by students, faculty, and staff I may never have crossed paths with otherwise,” says Gonzalez. “I’m grateful to see these people on campus as a reminder of what we experienced.”

The skills and relationships cultivated at the retreat do not end when participants return to campus. The Creating Community Retreat is designed to send attendees back with concrete tools: practices for cultivating community, frameworks for dialogue and a renewed sense of purpose around shaping a welcoming culture at Syracuse and beyond.

Be a Champion for the Next Retreat

In the spirit of on March 24, the Office of People and Culture is raising funds specifically to support the next Creating Community Retreat. Donations will directly cover the meal, lodging and related costs that make this retreat experience possible, removing financial barriers for participants to sustain this program for years to come.

“Whether you attended the 2025 retreat or simply believe in the value of building a connected community, your contribution directly supports the University’s efforts to create a campus that is welcoming to all,” says Mary Grace Almandrez, vice president for people and culture. .

If you are a student, staff or faculty member interested in attending the next retreat, please email the Office of People and Culture to receive more information as details are finalized.

Story by Rachel Scalisi