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.
Student Coordinators
The Student Coordinator application is open to any previous Welcome Week Leader (WWL) or Orientation Leader (Welcome Week 2024).
- Must have previously served as a Welcome Week Leader (WWL) or Orientation Leader (Welcome Week 2024).
- Must be a full-time undergraduate student for Spring and Fall 2026.
- Must not be participating in Summer 2026 New Student Orientation.
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Must remain in good standing with Community Standards.
- Cannot hold conflicting campus positions (i.e., Resident Advisor, etc. to discuss with the assistant director of Transition Programs).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Able to work effectively both independently and in team settings, with a focus on collaboration across varied perspectives and backgrounds.
Student Coordinators are essential to the success of Welcome Week and WWL development. Their duties span recruitment, planning and support for training and events.
- Complete a minimum 3 hours/week during Spring 2026:
- Conduct weekly 1:1 meetings with NSP professional staff.
- Attend weekly Student Coordinator team meetings.
- Complete assigned tasks and meeting prep. for committees.
- Support WWL recruitment, including marketing, info sessions, assisting in interviews and advising in selection.
- Lead a Welcome Week committee focusing on a specific area of Welcome Week implementation (events, operations, team dynamics, etc.).
- Plan and execute Spring 2026 WWL events.
- Complete 3 hours/week (virtual and/or in-person) during Summer 2026:
- Complete committee tasks.
- Conduct bi-weekly 1:1 meetings with NSP professional staff.
- During Welcome Week:
- Participate in morning and afternoon energizers.
- Lead and check-in on assigned committee.
- Support Welcome Week events which includes, but are not limited to, event set-up, materials preparation, team meetings, etc.
- Additional duties as assigned.
- $16.50/hour pay rate.
- Professional development and networking opportunities.
- Provided early arrival/move-in for Fall 2026 (if living in Syracuse University housing).
- New Student Programs and Welcome Week Leader apparel and gear.
- Training and Logistics
- Support planning, development, and facilitation of WWL Training (will not oversee a committee of WWLs).
- Facilitate Goon Squad training.
- Create WWL training materials.
- Support NSP professional staff in coordinating team bonding logistics (kickball, survivor, games etc.).
- Maintain the cleanliness of the team room and food supply during Welcome Week.
- Pre-Welcome
- Support planning, development and facilitation of New Student Programs’ Pre-Welcome Programs.
- Lead the committee through small group facilitation guides.
- Check in with the committee after small groups.
- Collaborate with NSP pro staff on creating the pre-welcome schedule.
- Support NSP pro staff tasks of assigning small groups, nametags, etc.
- The Slice is Right
- Support planning, development, and facilitation of the Slice is Right gameshow.
- Write an appropriate script for the Emcees.
- Compile a list of prizes, costumes, and any other supplies needed.
- Work with the committee to develop Kahoot and other games.
- Lead rehearsal in the Dome.
- Spirit
- Support planning, development, and facilitation of team development and positivity.
- Participate and/or lead the morning and afternoon shift energizer.
- Make welcome posters for citrus in the city and team envelopes for fish notes.
- Organize daily team check-in texts.
- Lead of social media during the summer, training, and welcome week.
- Student Coordinator Application Deadline | Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 5 p.m.
- Student Coordinator Interviews | Monday, Nov. 3 – Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 (scheduled between professional staff and candidate availability)
- Student Coordinator Offers | Friday, Nov. 7, 2025
Orientation Leaders (OLs)
The Orientation Leader (OL) application is currently closed. Information for the next application cycle will become available in late Fall 2025.
Welcome Week Leaders
The Welcome Week Leader (WWL) application is currently closed. Information for the next application cycle will become available in late Fall 2025.
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 a returning undergraduate or graduate student enrolled for classes in Fall 2026.
- Attend a required Goon Squad training prior to New Student Move-In.
- Welcome new students, families and supporters to campus.
- Help new students move into their residence halls.
- Early arrival date for students living in University housing (no exceptions).
- Receive three (3) hours of community service and one (1) meal ticket 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). RSOs meeting the Goon Squad volunteer requirement (see below) will be invited to table at the Orange Blast Involvement Fair.
- 16-49 RSO members = at least four (4) volunteers
- 50-74 RSO members = at least five (5) volunteers
- 75-99 RSO members = at least six (6) volunteers
- 100+ RSO members = at least seven (7) volunteers
- Make a positive impact with new students, families and supporters during New Student Move-In.
The Goon Squad registration form will become available in Spring 2026.