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.

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 for 2026 is now closed. Information for the net application cycle will be available in Fall 2026.

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.