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)

The 2026 Orientation Leader (OL26) team consists of upper-division student leaders who facilitate sessions, create a sense of belonging for incoming students and support events during Summer New Student Orientation (NSO).

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

Attend an information session to learn more about New Student Programs (NSP), what it means to be an Orientation Leader (OL), the required dates associated with the summer internship, position compensation and benefits, and the application and interview timeline.

  • Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, Noon-12:45 p.m. | Zoom
  • Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, 6-6:45 p.m. | 115 Hall of Languages
  • Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, 3-3:45 p.m. | 103 Huntington Hall
  • Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, 11-11:45 a.m. | 070 Eggers Hall

  • Applicants must be a full-time undergraduate student taking classes on Syracuse University’s main campus in Spring 2026 (i.e., applicants must not be studying abroad/away for an internship) with a graduation date no earlier than December 2026.
  • Remain in good standing with Community Standards.
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
  • Must have no academic, work or co-curricular conflicts during all required dates.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups of people.

The 2026 Orientation Leader (OL) team plays a pivotal role in welcoming first-year students to Syracuse University. Key responsibilities include the following.

  • Provide support for five (5) New Student Orientation (NSO) sessions in July.
  • Co-facilitate three student small groups each NSO session.
  • Build community with and mentor new students.
  • Support various events throughout New Student Orientation in collaboration with Syracuse University campus partners.
  • Provide directional support around campus during programs.

 

Spring 2026 (late January-early April)

  • Orientation Leader (OL) Retreat | Saturday, Jan. 24, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Orientation Leader (OL) Weekly Meetings | Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.
    • Jan. 21, 28
    • Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
    • March 4, 18, 25
    • April 1, 8
  • In-person OL 1:1 with Nick Stines, assistant director for New Student Orientation (dates agreed upon between OL and assistant director).

Summer 2026 (end of June-late July)

  • Orientation Leader (OL) Training | Sunday, June 28-Thursday, July 2
  • New Student Orientation (NSO) Sessions
    • Monday, July 6-Tuesday, July 7
    • Thursday, July 9, Friday, July 10
    • Monday, July 13-Tuesday, July 14
    • Thursday, July 16-Friday, July 17
    • Monday, July 20
  • Orientation Leader (OL) Banquet | Tuesday, July 21

Fall 2026 (October-November)

  • 2027 Orientation Leader (OL) Recruitment

  • Orientation Leaders (OLs) 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 summer training and New Student Orientation (NSO) sessions.
  • Gain leadership and professional experience.
  • Receive Syracuse University gear.
  • Build community on campus.

Please note that if you have a Federal Work-Study (FWS) award, please note that it will be used first for the Orientation Leader position.

To stay up to date with important Orientation Leader (OL) updates and deadlines, follow New Student Programs on Instagram (@syracuse_nsp). The OL26 application deadline is Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (EST).

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 as an Orientation Leader during Summer 2026.
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Must remain in good standing with Community Standards.
  • Cannot hold conflicting campus positions; may discuss with Assistant Director for Transition Programs for clarity.
  • 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 preparation 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 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.

  • $17 per hour pay rate. Work study is not required for this role.
  • 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 staff in coordinating team bonding logistics.
    • Maintain the organization 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 staff on creating the Pre-Welcome schedule.
    • Support NSP 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 event run of show and structure.
    • Lead rehearsal in the Dome.
  • Spirit
    • Support planning, development and facilitation of team development and cohesion.
    • Lead the morning and afternoon shift energizer.
    • Organize daily team check-ins.
    • Lead of social media during the summer, training and Welcome Week.

  • 5 p.m., Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 5 p.m. | Student Coordinator Application Deadline 
  • Monday, Nov. 3 – Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 | Student Coordinator Interviews (scheduled between professional staff and candidate availability)
  • Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 | Student Coordinator Offers 
  • Noon, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 | Student Coordinator Welcome Meeting (Lunch Provided)
  • Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 | Student Coordinator and New Student Programs Retreat  (scheduled between professional staff and Student Coordinator in-person availability)

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.