Student Leadership

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.

Orientation Leaders (OLs)

Led by a desire to be campus role models, Orientation Leaders are upper-division student leaders who create a sense of belonging for incoming students and support Summer New Student Orientation.

Follow New Student Programs on Instagram to stay up-to-date with Orientation Leader updates, reminders and recruitment posts.

  • Must be a full-time undergraduate student taking classes on Syracuse University’s main campus in Spring 2025 with a graduation date no earlier than December 2025 (i.e., applicants must not be studying abroad or away for an internship).
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
  • Remain in good standing with Community Standards.
  • Must have no academic, work or co-curricular conflicts during all required dates.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups of people.

Students applying for the Orientation Leader position must attend an information session to be considered.

The 20-person student leader team plays a pivotal role in welcoming first-year and transfer students and providing a sense of belonging to all students, families and supporters. Key responsibilities include the following.

  • Provide support for five New Student Orientation sessions in July.
  • Facilitate three student small groups each session.
  • Provide directional support around campus during program.
  • Build community with new students.

Spring 2025

  • OL Retreat: Saturday, March 1, 2025
  • OL Weekly Meetings: Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. (March 19, March 26, April 2)
  • OL 1:1 with Nick Stines, assistant director for New Student Orientation: Dates agreed upon between OL and assistant director.

Summer 2025

  • OL Training: Monday, June 30-Thursday, July 3, 2025
  • New Student Orientation Sessions: July 7-8, July 10-11, July 14-15, July 17-18 and July 21, 2025

Fall 2025

  • New Student Programs Banquet: Coming soon!
  • OL Recruitment: October-November

    • Orientation Leaders will have a pay rate of $18/hour (up to 40 hours/week) throughout the duration of the internship.
    • On-campus housing and meals provided during Orientation Leader training and New Student Orientation sessions.
    • Welcome and mentor new students.
    • Gain leadership and professional experience.
    • Receive Syracuse University gear.
    • Build relationships with other student leaders and staff.

    • Orientation Leader Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025
    • Individual Interviews: Tuesday, Feb. 11-Friday, Feb. 14, 2025
    • Group Process: Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025
    • Application Decisions Released: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025

    For questions or accommodations, please email Nick Stines, assistant director for New Student Orientation.

    Welcome Week Leaders

    The application for Welcome Week Leaders will become available in mid-spring 2025. Students interested in learning more about the position should email New Student Programs.

    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 registration will be shared in Spring 2025.

    Student Coordinators

    The Student Coordinator application is currently closed. Information for the next Student Coordinator application cycle will become available in Fall 2025.