Family Weekend

Family Weekend 2024
Fri., Sept. 27 – Sun., Sept. 29

The Syracuse Orange football team will take on the Holy Cross Crusaders on Sat., Sept. 28. Kickoff is at 12 Noon.

Purchase Football Tickets Here

Family Weekend Registration

Coming July 30!  Please review the schedule and FAQs below for more details.

Family Weekend Schedule

The Family Weekend schedule will be continuously updated
through Sept. 4. A printable version of the schedule will be
available soon. The schedule will also be available soon on the University Community Calendar.

Fri., Sept. 27

Students and families are invited to explore more than 100 study abroad programs in 50 countries offered through Syracuse Abroad! Staff and student alumni experts will be on hand to answer your questions about studying abroad

see Residence Hall Main Desk and University Community Calendar for details - coming soon!

Get Involved 101 with Student Engagement

Room 107, Hall of Languages

 

My Student Did What? Understanding the Student Conduct Process

Kittredge Auditorium (lower level), HBC (Huntington Beard Crouse Hall)

Your student is experiencing unprecedented freedom in their lives, with this freedom comes the testing of boundaries and exploring new opportunities. This freedom comes with new responsibilities that are theirs to navigate and manage as budding adults. This session will provide insight into the expectations of SU students, their rights (including FERPA), the conduct process, and how parents can support their student if/when an incident occurs.

Student Employment 101 with 'Cuse Works

Room 105, Hall of Languages

Join Camille Donabella, director of Student Employment, as she discusses the many benefits of working while attending school, Federal Work-Study awards, accessing Handshake and strategies for getting hired into a job.

Greek Life 101 with Fraternity & Sorority Affairs

Gifford Auditorium, HBC (Huntington Beard Crouse Hall)

 

Mid-Semester Check-In with Student Outreach and Support

Room 107, Hall of Languages

Now that we are a month into the semester you may have questions about how to best support your student’s college experience. This session will discuss with families common concerns students may experience at this point in the semester and the resources available to support your student. We will also discuss academic and student experience opportunities that you can encourage your student to get connected with.

Embracing Positive Risk: The Power of Difficult Conversations

Room 215, Hall of Languages

In this dynamic session, parents will learn about the value of positive risk-taking and the critical role that difficult conversations and meaningful dialogue play in personal and academic growth. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, we will explore how to create a safe environment for open dialogue, encouraging students to take healthy risks and learn from their mistakes. This workshop will equip parents with the tools to support their children in developing essential life skills and resilience.

 

Encouraging Health & Wellness in Your Student with the Barnes Center at the Arch

Location TBD

Join the Barnes Center at the Arch directors of Counseling, Health and Health Promotion to learn more about the supports available on campus. Session will also include ways that you can support your student's wellness from home. This is also an opportunity to learn more about the Barnes Center services in general.

  • Meet staff that work with First Generation students and families
  • Meet staff of the Intercultural Collective (Multicultural Affairs, LGBTQ+ Resource Center and Disability Cultural Center)

Join us for a concert performed by Syracuse University's own A Cappella groups. These talented students are bound to energize your weekend!

Join Orange After Dark and Parent and Family Services for some fun on each level of Schine Student Cetner. From Arts & Crafts in the Underground to a Coffee House in Panasci Lounge, there is something for everyone!

Sat., Sept. 28

If you miss check-in at Skytop, we will move to the Family Weekend Welcome Center in Schine Student Center from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Dean’s Welcome Breakfast – Please join Dean Behzad Mortazavi and Dean David Van Slyke for a breakfast celebration, where you will experience refreshments and conversations with both Deans.
Followed by:

Experience What A&S | Maxwell Has to Offer
Room 001, Life Sciences Complex

Students and families are invited to join members of the A&S | Maxwell Undergraduate Academic and Career Advising staff for an interactive presentation that explains what services and experiences we can offer our students.

The School of Architecture welcomes parents and families of our current students to visit campus for an inside look at our B.Arch curriculum and your student’s progress thus far! Followed by a visit to Slocum Hall for meeting with faculty and to see student work.

Parents, families, and supporters of School of Education (SOE) students are invited to meet and mingle with SOE faculty, TAs, staff, and students over a light breakfast. During the event, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about the student experience and engage with the Center on Disability and Inclusion, Center for Experiential Pedagogy and Practice, and the many people who are nurturing the next generation of educators, scholars, and leaders!

Parents, Families, and supporters of ECS students are invited to join us for a continental breakfast reception hosted by College Leadership and the Office of Student Success & Career Services. Brief welcome remarks will begin at 9:05 a.m. followed by an informal reception where you can interact with College Leadership, learn more about Study Abroad, Invent@SU, Internships & Co-ops, and other opportunities for students outside of the classroom.

Meet With Dean Jordan for updates and information about Falk College's new Esports program. Meet with Student Services Department Chairs and tour the complex.

Learn about Curriculum, Careers, Student Support, and Travel Away Programs

9-10:30 a.m. | Coffee and Conversation with Newhouse School Faculty & Staff | Food.com, Newhouse 3
Join Newhouse School faculty members for a meet and greet. Coffee and light breakfast options available.
9:30-10:15 a.m. | Newhouse School Frequently Asked Questions Panel | Hergenhan Auditorium, Newhouse 3
Join a panel discussion with Newhouse faculty and staff featuring frequently asked questions about everything students and families want to know. Find out more about student services, career development, off-campus programs, upcoming events, new initiatives and so much more.
10:30 - 11 a.m. | Newhouse Startup Garage Open House | Startup Garage, Room 222, Newhouse 1
Stop by the Newhouse Startup Garage’s new space! Learn about this collaborative workspace that offers programs and connections to help students start media companies or have successful careers as Creators and media leaders. Learn about our partnerships with media and tech startups from all over the world, who provide real-world entrepreneurial experience to students through co-op internships or job opportunities. Newhouse's Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship -- now with the new Startup Garage -- has launched hundreds of student digital media startups, while other program alumni now work at Apple, Google, Spotify, Netflix, Prime Video and more!

Students and families are invited to join Dean Michael Tick, faculty and staff of the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) for a continental breakfast. During the event, you will have the opportunity for personal conversations with the dean, faculty, staff and other VPA families. The Dean will give brief remarks at 9:30 a.m.

Parents, families and supporters are invited to join interim Dean Alex McKelvie, faculty and staff of the Whitman School. Formal remarks will begin around 9:05am and then we will break into groups. First-year families will meet with house mentor and SOM 122 instructor, sophomore families will meet with the academic advising team and upper-class families will hear from the career center.

Highlights are the Football Team Quad Walk and a Pride of the Orange Marching Band Performance on Hendricks Chapel Steps at 10:15 a.m.

More details coming soon!

If you are not a fan of football or have a couple of hours after the game, take a look at some Central New York activities you can try.

  • Green Lakes State Park
  • Rosamond Gifford Zoo
  • Skaneateles/Gateway to the Finger Lakes
  • Harriet Tubman House (Auburn, NY)
  • Women’s Rights National Park (Seneca Falls, NY)
  • Apple picking and products at local orchards
  • Visit Downtown Syracuse, Salt City Market and Everson Museum
  • Bald Eagle Viewing at Onondaga Lake

Sun., Sept. 29

Family Weekend FAQs

Family Weekend is a tradition at Syracuse University. The program has existed for over 70 years. While it is most often associated with a football game, it is also a time to learn more about the campus and the opportunities available to your student!

Families of all students are invited to attend--but first year students may be especially eager and ready for family and friends to learn more about their "home away from home."

Family Weekend registration begins on or about July 30, 2024 and runs until Sept. 4, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Registration is required for those planning to attend Family Weekend programs. There is a $50 per family (up to four people) registration fee. A few events will require a small additional fee. Optional dining plans will also be available.

There is a $50 per family registration fee (up to four family members) that helps to enrich many non-ticketed events. The registration fee includes name tags and lanyards for each family member, a souvenir item and complimentary shuttle service throughout the day on Friday and Saturday.

By registering, you allow us to best plan for the number of people visiting campus during Family Weekend.

A few events will require a small additional fee. Optional dining plans will also be available.

Please complete the Family Weekend 2024 Registration form available in the Orange Family Connection Portal when it becomes available (on or about July 30).

Yes!  Please note--if you have been here before--this is different than for past Family Weekends.

Registered families should plan to check-in at a clearly marked tent upon arrival at Skytop Parking Lot on Fri., Sept. 27 and Sat., Sept. 28. At that time, you will receive Family Weekend name tags for each family member (required for all scheduled events) and any required event tickets (other than Football tickets).

Check-in hours are as follows:

Fri., Sept. 27 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sat., Sept 28 | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.**

**If you arrive after 1 p.m., please park at Skytop and make your way to Schine Student Center, Room 304  from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Family Weekend registration may be cancelled, in writing, no later than Fri., Sept. 6.  Please send an e-mail to family@syr.edu with the subject line "Family Weekend Cancellation" before that date.

The Syracuse Orange football team takes on the Holy Cross Crusaders football team on Sat., Sept. 28. Kick-off is at 12 Noon.  Family Weekend football tickets may be purchased at this link.

Please contact the JMA Wireless Dome Box Office directly if you experience difficulty purchasing tickets or have accessibility questions. They can be reached at 315-443-2121 (select zero at the prompt).

Please indicate any need for accessibility accommodations on the Family Weekend registration form. Parent and Family Services staff will reach out to you via e-mail through September 13 to confirm details about your particular situation.

Please keep in mind that accessible shuttles will be available from Skytop Lot on South Campus to take you to Gate A of the JMA Wireless Dome for the football game.

Those registered for Family Weekend will receive a parking pass via e-mail about one week prior to Family Weekend. You must park in the Skytop Lot on South Campus from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Directions to the Skytop Lot can be found here.

Complimentary shuttle services (including accessible shuttles) will be provided between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. from the Skytop Lot to North Campus locations.

Those registered for Family Weekend will receive a parking pass via e-mail about one week prior to Family Weekend. You must park in the Skytop Lot on South Campus from 9 a.m. until after the football game. Directions to the Skytop Lot can be found here.

Complimentary shuttle services (including accessible shuttles) will be provided between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. from the Skytop Lot to North Campus locations.

Family Weekend Shuttle Schedules

Parking on Fri., Sept. 27 is at the Skytop Lot on South Campus. Family Weekend (accessible) shuttles will leave from Skytop Lot and drop-off at various residence halls, College Place and the Waverly Avenue side of Schine Student Center between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Fri., Sept. 27.

Shuttles to the western part of North Campus (near the JMA Wireless Dome) will be limited on Sat., Sept. 28 around the football game. Shuttles direct to and from College Place will be available around the football game.

Shuttles will not run on Sun., Sept. 29 as parking is available free of charge in most Syracuse University open lots.

Route 1

Fri. Sept. 27 | 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Skytop Lot to Shaw Hall to Ernie Davis Hall to College Place to Flint/Day Halls to Skytop Lot

Sat. Sept. 28 | 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Schine Student Center (Waverly Ave.) to Ernie Davis Hall to College Place to Shaw Hall to Flint/Day Halls to Skytop Parking Lot.

Route 2

Fri. Sept. 27 | 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Skytop Lot to Sadler Hall to Brewster/Boland/Brockway Halls to Schine Student Center (Waverly Ave.) to College Place to Skytop Lot

Sat. Sept. 28 | 4 pm. until 11 p.m.*
College Place to Sadler Hall to Brewster/Boland/Brockway Halls to Schine Student Center (Waverly Ave.) to Skytop Parking Lot.

* Due to game traffic around the stadium, Route 2 will not run to Sadler and Brewster/Boland/Brockway Halls until after 4 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 28.

Please Note:

Traffic will be heavy on game day. Due to traffic congestion and unforeseen circumstances, shuttles can be delayed for 15-30 minutes or more. Expect delays.

Visit the Family Weekend Welcome Center in Schine Student Center, Room 304 and Panasci Lounge during the following hours to pick-up swag for registered families and complimentary spirit swag while supplies last.

Light snacks will also be available.

In an effort to provide a safer environment, a clear bag policy and walkthrough metal detectors are in place at the Dome. These policies significantly expedite fan entry into the Dome. This is consistent with all NFL stadiums and many of Syracuse University’s peer ACC institutions. Under the policy, each fan is allowed one clear bag and one small clutch or purse. Fans will be asked to return non-approved bags to their vehicle prior to stadium entry. There will be no check-in location for prohibited bags at the Dome.

An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.

Visit this link for more details.

Visit South Campus with your student to learn more about living there and all that it has to offer!

Highlights include tours, presentations and more. Details on apartment tours and other programs will be available closer to Family Weekend.

Yes. The University does not cancel classes for Family Weekend. Please come enjoy our beautiful campus and meet up with your student after they finish classes for the day.

Please encourage your student to plan ahead for any exams or academic due dates during the week following Family Weekend.

 

Helpful Information