Want to grow your leadership skills, build professional experience, make connections with peers and support the Orange community? Fitting for a variety of interests and schedules, explore the below student leadership opportunities today!
For more information or to express interest while applications are closed, please email New Student Programs or call 315.443.9187.
Welcome Week Leaders
The 2026 Welcome Week team consists of student leaders who support new student move-in, signature Welcome Week events and promote a campus welcoming to all.
For questions or accommodations, please email Olivia Harrington, assistant director for Transition Programs.
Attend an information session to learn more about New Student Programs (NSP), what it means to be a Welcome Week Leader (WWL), the required dates, benefits, and the application and interview timeline.
- Friday, February 13, 3 p.m. | Huntington Hall, 103
- Tuesday, February 17, 7 p.m. | Zoom
- Thursday, February 19, 7 p.m. | Schine Student Center, 128
- Tuesday, February 24, 6 p.m. | Zoom
- Monday, March 2, 6 p.m. | Life Science Complex, 100
- Full-time undergraduate student
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or Higher
- If GPA is currently below 2.5 at the time of applying but is close to the minimum GPA, candidates may proceed through the process.
- Remain in ‘Good Standing’ with Community Standards.
- Available and attend all trainings and dates. (Exceptions include studying abroad in spring and conflicting classes.)
- August training is non-negotiable; plan internships and abroad opportunities accordingly.
- Have no work or co-curricular conflicts during required dates.
- Sit on a committee that implements a Welcome Week event led by a Student Coordinator (Pre-Welcome, The Slice is Right, or Spirit).
- Participate in New Student Move-in, serving as a Goon Squad Captain.
- Attend all Welcome Week events and provide event support.
- Serve as a role model and reflection of the Syracuse University community.
- Saturday, April 11, 2026, Time TBD | WWL Team Bonding
- Aug. 11-15, 2026 | August Training
- Aug. 17-23, 2026 | New Student Move-In and Welcome Week
- Coming Soon! | New Student Programs Banquet
- 50 volunteer hours.
- Syracuse University uniform and gear.
- Meals and/or meal swipes provided during training and Welcome Week events.
- Sponsored early arrival to campus (if living in University housing).
- Professional development opportunities.
Goon Squad
Since 1944, Goon Squad members have been the friendly group of returning students who greet new students as they arrive on campus and help them move into their residence halls. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in one of Syracuse University’s oldest traditions!
Goon Squad volunteers must be returning undergraduate or graduate students who are enrolled in classes for Fall 2026.
- Attend a required Goon Squad training on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, from 7-7:45 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel.
- Welcome new students, families and supporters to campus.
- Help new students move into their residence halls.
- Early arrival date of Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for students living in University housing (no exceptions).
- Receive three (3) hours of community service and one (1) meal voucher per volunteer shift (if you do not have an Unlimited meal plan). Community service hours may count toward Whitman and Honors requirements.
- Receive Goon Squad swag.
- Recruit new students for your Recognized Student Organization (RSO), Club Sports team or Greek letter organization.
- Make a positive impact with new students, families and supporters during New Student Move-In.
One benefit of volunteering for the Goon Squad each year is the opportunity to connect with and recruit new students for your organization or Club Sports team before the fall semester begins. The Orange Blast Involvement Fair will take place on the Shaw Quadrangle on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
To receive an invitation to this signature Welcome Week event, members of your organization or Club Sports team must register for the Goon Squad and indicate which organization(s) or team(s) they are representing when they volunteer.
Note: For Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs), the active member count used to determine invitations for the Orange Blast Involvement Fair will be based on your ’Cuse Activities roster as of the Goon Squad registration deadline (Wednesday, June 24, 2026). It is encouraged you update your organization’s roster in ‘Cuse Activities ahead of this date.
RSO and Greek Letter Organization Volunteer Requirement
- 15 or fewer active members = at least three (3) volunteers
- 16-49 active members = at least four (4) volunteers
- 50-74 active members = at least five (5) volunteers
- 75-99 active members = at least six (6) volunteers
- 100+ active members = at least seven (7) volunteers
Club Sports Volunteer Requirement
- Any Club Sports team must have at least four (4) volunteers.
Registration opens on Monday, March 23, 2026. Please note that individuals will be assigned to volunteer for every shift selected in the form.
Orientation Leaders (OLs)
The Orientation Leader application is now closed. Information for the next application cycle will be available in Fall 2026.
Student Coordinators
The Student Coordinator application is now closed. Information for the next application cycle will be available in Fall 2026.