Supporting successful transitions to Syracuse University, New Student Programs (NSP) respects that each Becoming Orange journey is unique and empowering. Through personalized connections, the team looks forward to getting to know students and their loved ones, and helping to eliminate barriers between them and an unsurpassed student experience.
New Student Orientation
Jumpstart your Becoming Orange journey with New Student Orientation (NSO), an optional program occurring in July for first-year students. New transfer students will be required to attend Transfer Orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, from 1-5 p.m.
New Student Orientation provides a valuable opportunity to familiarize yourself with campus, connect with peers and staff, and gain insights into college life, ensuring a successful start. Please note that attending New Student Orientation in July 2026 does not provide a housing or academic advantage over those that do not attend.
Welcome Week, scheduled from Thursday, Aug. 20-Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, will serve as the primary required orientation for all new students.
NSO Schedule Highlights
For Sessions 1-4 (two-day sessions), the program will run from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on the first day and 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on the second day. Check-in for both the residence hall and for New Student Orientation begins at 8 a.m.
Day 1
- Move into overnight residence hall accommodations.
- Program check-in and breakfast
- Campus community and safety presentations
- Two small group meetings led by Orientation Leaders (OLs).
- Resource fair and lunch in an on-campus dining center.
- Breakout sessions for students to explore campus based on individual interests.
- Navigating the First Year Experience session
- Catered dinner
- Evening socials
Day 2
- Light breakfast
- Center for Student Excellence presentation
- Residential Living interactive session
- Final small group meeting with Orientation Leaders (OLs)
- Lunch in an on-campus dining center.
- Academic school and college meetings
- Closing session
For Session 5 (Monday, July 20), the schedule highlights of the one-day session including the following. The program will run from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. with check-in beginning at 7:15 a.m.
- Program check-in and breakfast
- Campus community and safety presentations
- Small group meeting led by Orientation Leaders (OLs).
- Resource fair and lunch in an on-campus dining center.
- Residential Living interactive session
- Breakout session for students to explore campus based on individual interests.
- Academic school and college meetings
- Closing session
Session Information
Select schools and colleges will be represented at each session. When first-year students access the registration form, the sessions available to attend will be based on their primary school or college. For example, a first-year student with dual majors in the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education will only see sessions available to students in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Note that space for each New Student Orientation session is limited.
First-year students in the following schools and colleges will be eligible to attend Session 1.
- College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
- College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS)
- College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)
- School of Information Studies (iSchool)
First-year students in the following schools and colleges will be eligible to attend Session 2.
- College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
- College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS)
- School of Architecture
- School of Education
- S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
First-year students in the following schools and colleges will be eligible to attend Session 3.
- College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)
- David B. Falk College of Sport
- Martin J. Whitman School of Management
- School of Information Studies (iSchool)
First-year students in the following schools and colleges will be eligible to attend Session 1.
- David B. Falk College of Sport
- Martin J. Whitman School of Management
- School of Architecture
- School of Education
- S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
First-year students in all schools and colleges will be eligible to attend Session 5.
- College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
- College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS)
- College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)
- David B. Falk College of Sport
- Martin J. Whitman School of Management
- School of Architecture
- School of Education
- School of Information Studies (iSchool)
- S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
Benefits of Attending New Student Orientation
Students that previously attended New Student Orientation overwhelmingly identified the following.
- The program increased their preparedness to start classes in August.
- The program facilitated meaningful peer connections and increased their ability to build community with others throughout their first year on campus.
- The program enhanced their confidence in navigating various campus resources.
- The program strengthened their sense of connection to Syracuse University.
Family and Supporter Orientation
Each student is allowed to register up to two family members or supporters to attend New Student Orientation with them. There is no cost for family members or supporters to attend, including food for all sessions and materials. Family and supporters are responsible for their overnight accommodations and travel accommodations for the program.
For questions regarding Family and Supporter Orientation, please email Parent and Family Services at family@syr.edu.
Register for New Student Orientation
There is no cost to attend NSO, including the student’s overnight stay in a residence hall (Sessions 1-4), food for all sessions and materials. Students are responsible for their transportation to and from campus for the program.
Registration form coming soon!
Travel and Parking
More information coming soon!