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A New Era: Inaugurating J. Michael Haynie

On behalf of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees, you are cordially invited to the installation of J. Michael Haynie as the 13th Chancellor and President of Syracuse University, Thursday, Sept. 17 and Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.

About the Inauguration

The inauguration of a university chancellor is one of higher education's most enduring traditions—a moment when an institution pauses to mark a new chapter, affirm its values and welcome its next leader before the full witness of its community. 

On Friday, Sept. 18, the Syracuse University community will gather in the JMA Wireless Dome for the Investiture Ceremony installing J. Michael Haynie as the University’s 13th Chancellor and President, surrounded by academic delegates, faculty, students, staff and alumni from across the Orange community. Events extend across two days—from a summit celebrating academic excellence and a game watch on the day before the ceremony to a community festival afterwards, reflecting Chancellor Haynie’s belief that the best version of Syracuse University is one built together. All are welcome to be part of this moment.

Haynie

Schedule of Events

The Summit: Syracuse University Into the Future 
Thursday, Sept. 17  |  9 a.m.-6 p.m.  | Schine Student Center and various locations across campus

The Summit invites the entire Syracuse University community—students, faculty, staff,  alumni and friends—to explore what's next for our university. Throughout the day, campus will come alive with an archival exhibition tracing Syracuse's history of navigating change, a showcase of teaching and research from schools and colleges, an inspiring keynote conversation, and hands-on collaborative sessions exploring the university’s strengths in artificial intelligence, experiential inquiry, innovation, global engagement and access. 

Football Game Watch Party: SU at Pitt 
Thursday, Sept. 17  |  7 p.m. (7:30 p.m. Kickoff)  | Miron Victory Court, JMA Wireless Dome 

Kick off the Inauguration celebration the Orange way – cheering on our football team as we beat Pitt. This casual, spirited watch party brings together our campus community for an evening of prizes, food, fun, community and connection.  

Investiture Ceremony 
Friday, Sept. 18  |  2 p.m . |  JMA Wireless Dome

The Syracuse University community, representatives from institutions around the country and other invited guests will come together to celebrate the start of J. Michael Haynie’s leadership as the University’s 13th Chancellor and President. The event will be livestreamed for those who cannot join us on campus.

Orange Fest
Friday, Sept. 18  |  3:30 p.m.  or immediately following the Investiture Ceremony  |  JMA Wireless Dome

Turn the 'Cuse Spirit all the way up as we celebrate a new era of leadership at OrangeFest! Enjoy activities, food, student performances, prizes, the Maker's Market, a dunk tank and more. For those who want a more relaxing vibe, visit the Orange Grove to recharge with therapy dogs.

Chancellor Mike Haynie at Commencement 2026

About Chancellor Haynie

A Message from Chancellor J. Michael Haynie

Syracuse University is not just an institution to me. It is home. It is a community that has shaped me, challenged me and gave me the privilege of doing the most meaningful work of my life.

I am profoundly humbled and honored to serve as Syracuse University's 13th Chancellor and President, and I am deeply grateful to every member of this community whose voices, wisdom and investment in this University made this moment possible.

The inauguration weekend we have planned reflects everything I believe about this place: that our greatest strength is each other. From the Investiture Ceremony to the Syracuse Summit to a celebration with our students, this weekend belongs to all of us.

I look forward to seeing you in September. Come ready to celebrate, to connect and to recommit, together, to the extraordinary future that lies ahead for Syracuse University.

Go Orange!

J. Michael Haynie
13th Chancellor and President, Syracuse University

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