Fall 2020 Goon Squad members

The Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs calls all friendly and enthusiastic undergraduate students to apply to join the historic Goon Squad. Supporting Syracuse Welcome through greeting and wayfinding, Goon Squad volunteers help new students and their families with the exciting first-year move-in process. Interested students are encouraged to by Tuesday, June 1, though the form will remain open through the summer.

“The Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs is thrilled to celebrate the return of the Goon Squad as part of Syracuse Welcome 2021! For the past 77 years, student volunteers have served as a welcome team for our new students,” says Carrie Abbott, director of the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs. “We look forward to continuing this important tradition as we welcome the Class of 2025.”

The Goon Squad has a long history of service and tradition at Syracuse University. Since 1944, returning students have welcomed, encouraged and helped new students through easing the transition from home life to college life.

Reflecting on her own campus arrival, orientation leader Paige Phillips ’22 says, “I remember seeing how much fun all the members were having and knowing that I wanted to be a part of an organization that strives to get students excited about all that is to come. [The Goon Squad] made my transition to college significantly smoother and much more laughter-filled.”

Goon Squad Perks
There are several perks to volunteering on the Goon Squad. Beyond knowing you are performing a kind and important service, Goon Squad members receive the following.

• A free Goon Squad volunteer t-shirt and fanny pack.
• The opportunity for early on-campus move-in Monday, Aug. 23.
• Three hours of community service per shift.
• Registered Student Organization student recruitment opportunities.

Registered Student Organization Recruitment
As an additional bonus for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), if four or more members of one RSO register for the Goon Squad by Tuesday, June 1, at 5 p.m. ET, that RSO gets to table at the OrangeBlast! Involvement Fair the night of Friday, Aug. 27, and have their RSO name featured on the back of the Goon Squad volunteer t-shirt.

Health and Safety
As with the Orange community, the health and safety of the Goon Squad will be a top priority and the will be followed.

For more information or to request accommodations, visit the , or contact the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs by emailing newtosu@syr.edu or calling 315.443.9187.

Story by Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience intern Cecelia Kersten ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Orange Seeds volunteers during a previous year’s The Big Event.

Join us for Syracuse University’s largest student-run day of community service, The Big Event, an annual opportunity for students to support local nonprofit organizations within the city of Syracuse. The Big Event will be hosted on Saturday, May 1, from noon to 3 p.m. ET. To participate in this year’s event, virtually or in-person, by Sunday, April 25, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The first 125 students to register for the in-person experience will receive a free OrangeSeeds volunteer t-shirt! Please note, early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

“The Big Event is a great opportunity to get involved and serve the great Syracuse community, by supporting local non-profits and individuals in our community,” says Jimmy Luckman, program coordinator within the and the advisor of OrangeSeeds. “We have a history of implementing The Big Event for over 10 years and we are excited to support and find new ways to show the community and campus that we love Syracuse!”

Hosted by , a first-year and transfer student empowerment program, The Big Event 2021 will be conducted in a hybrid format, hosted in the stadium as well as online through Zoom. The in-person portion of this event will be hosted according to the . Additionally, in-person volunteers will be required to be compliant with weekly testing prior to attending the event. All students interested in the event may participate virtually or in person. Please note students who test positive or are currently in quarantine will be required to participate virtually.

The changes caused by the pandemic haven’t stopped the passion behind planning this year’s event. “The Big Event is important to me because it is such a great way to contribute to the greater Syracuse community and create real beneficial change,” says OrangeSeeds member Kelly Carroll ’24. “We have all worked so hard to plan this day of service, and I am so excited to see everyone on May 1!”

Students participating in person can help with yard cleanup with Vera House, building and painting tables with Meals on Wheels, farm work with Brady Faith Farm and more. Other in-person volunteer activities include creating care packages for students in quarantine and isolation with the Syracuse University Cheer Team and creating hygiene packages with the Student Association (SA). For students that are remote or would like to participate virtually, there are many ways to be involved. Virtual experiences include a paint session with the Leukemia Society and in a hybrid format, card/letter writing with Proliteracy.

For more information or to request accommodations, please contact OrangeSeeds at orangeseeds@syr.edu or call 315.443.9187.

Story by Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience graduate assistant Alana Boyd G’21, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications  

One area of growing support and celebration surrounds that of first-generation students. The Orange community is invited to recognize and celebrate First-Generation Student Appreciation Week, Monday, April 19-Friday, April 23, 2021.

“The Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs, alongside the entire campus community, is honored to celebrate our first-generation students,” says Carrie Grogan Abbott, director of the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs. “Events during our appreciation week create a wonderful opportunity for first-generation students, faculty and staff to connect and build community.”

Being the first in a family or support system to go to college can be a challenging task. Further strengthening the transition to Syracuse University are the , who as fellow first-generation students offer support through shared experiences, guidance and specialized events such as the ’Cuse First Pre-Welcome Program.

Offering additional insight as a ’Cuse First Leader and first-generation college student is Elliot Salas ’24. “It is crucial for first-generation students to recognize that they should be proud to be the first person in their family to attend college, especially one like Syracuse University. First-generation students have gone through various obstacles in life, and Syracuse University is the launchpad for their dreams to become reality.”

First-Generation Student Appreciation Week 2021
Through celebration, resource connections and continuing the spark of relationships with peers, staff and faculty throughout campus, all are invited to the week’s events.

For more information or to request accommodations, please contact the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs by emailing newtosu@syr.edu or by calling 315.443.9187.

Since 1944, the Goon Squad, a friendly group of returning students, have been helping incoming first-year and transfer students arrive on campus, move into residence halls, adjust to college life and spread school spirit throughout campus. New this year, members will receive additional training to help support the Orange community as health ambassadors.

“As our campus celebrates 76 years of the Goon Squad, I look forward to enhancing the student experience through this partnership with the Barnes Center at The Arch,” says Carrie Grogan Abbott, director of the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs. “By expanding the program into Goon Squad Health Ambassadors, we can bolster support for the fall 2020 return to campus and into the semester.”

Guided by the , 2020 Goon Squad Health Ambassadors will be trained to share and help the campus community support COVID-19 prevention, health and safety guidelines throughout the Fall 2020 return and semester. Additional responsibilities will include greeting and wayfinding. Volunteers will have the opportunity to receive volunteer hours, a coffee voucher and experience an exclusive professional development opportunity, and student organizations will be able to table at the Orange Blast! Involvement Fair.

“Goon Squad is truly the heart of the move-in process. Not only are they integral to making first-year and transfer students feel welcomed and valued on campus, but they are integral to helping Welcome Week, and now into the start of the semester, run smoothly,” says Sameeha Saied ’21.

Goon Squad Health Ambassador Volunteer Schedule
Register to volunteer on the today!

• Syracuse Welcome Move-In (Monday, Aug. 17-Sunday, Aug. 23)
• First Two Weeks of the Semester (Monday, Aug. 24-Friday, Sept. 4)

If faculty or staff would like to proactively request to volunteer, they are asked to please email newtosu@syr.edu.

For questions or for more information, please visit the , email newtosu@syr.edu or call 315.443.9187.

Incoming students and orientation leaders sing the Syracuse University alma mater at last winter’s New Student Convocation.

Syracuse University will welcome new students, returning Discovery students and their families for Winter Welcome 2020 from Jan. 10-12. The Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs hosts Winter Welcome, the new student orientation program for students joining campus for the first time in spring 2020.

Winter Welcome 2020 includes a host of academic, educational and social programs, including the on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m. in Setnor Auditorium. This year’s New Student Convocation speaker is Cathryn Newton, senior advisor to the chancellor and provost for faculty engagement and professor of interdisciplinary sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. For the full list of programs, visit the .

In addition to the scheduled events and programs, several departments will be available to assist new and returning students on Jan. 11 and 12. Access the .

Students, faculty and staff interested in receiving emergency weather-related notifications during Winter Welcome, can sign up to do so by texting ‘Winterwelcome20’ to 67283.

For more information on Winter Welcome 2020, contact the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs at 315.443.1012 or newtosu@syr.edu.

A variety of volunteer times are available for staff and faculty starting Tuesday, Aug. 20, through Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. Those interested in volunteering are asked to complete the .

“Syracuse University has a longstanding tradition of welcoming new students onto campus; this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Goon Squad,” says Carrie Grogan Abbott, director of the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs. “Through the support of volunteers and cross-campus partners, we can continue the tradition of welcoming our next class of students and enhancing their experience through Syracuse Welcome.”

As the launch of the Syracuse University student experience, is the required new student orientation program. To aid students in their pursuit of success, Syracuse Welcome encompasses academic and social programs in addition to traditions unique to the University.

For additional information, please contact the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs by emailing newtosu@syr.edu or calling 315.443.1012.

In preparation for the renovation, teams from the divisions of Enrollment and the Student Experience and Business, Finance and Administrative Services have worked diligently to coordinate office relocations and expand services currently within Schine Student Center.

Here is where you can find offices and services once the planned renovation begins:

• The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Disability Cultural Center will relocate to 548 Bird Library. They join the LGBT Resource Center, which moved to this accessible, central location this spring.
• The Office of Student Activities and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs will relocate to Suite 100 in the Women’s Building.
• The Office of Parent and Family Services will reloate to 306 Steele Hall.
• Schine Box Office will relocate to Suite 118/119 in the Women’s Building.
• Learning Communities and Student Centers and Programming Services will relocate to Suite 138 in the Women’s Building.
• Career Services will relocate to Suite 214 in the Women’s Building.
• The Shaw Center for Public and Community Service and the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs will relocate to Suite 309/310 in the Women’s Building.
• will enhance staffing and add popular menu items at nearby Pages Café and food.com. Come fall, Kimmel Food Court will open earlier to accommodate breakfast and lunch. All Schine Food Services staff will be reassigned to other locations on campus.
• Reservable meeting rooms and event spaces will be available in Bird Library, Skybarn, Goldstein Student Center (South Campus), and other campus locations.

The Syracuse University Bookstore and Goldstein Auditorium will remain open throughout the renovation. Accessible entrances will be located from the Einhorn Family Walk and from the East entry between Goldstein Auditorium and the Bookstore. The Einhorn Family Walk entry will serve the Bookstore and the East entry between Goldstein Auditorium and the Bookstore will serve Goldstein Auditorium. This accessible path starts at Waverly Avenue.

Updates with additional information about relocations and services will follow throughout the remainder of the semester.

Wei Gao

In this role, Gao will support efforts in the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs, as well as across the University community, to enhance the experience for new international students. She will be an integral part of organizing international student orientation programs, coordinating social programs throughout the year and supporting communication efforts with first-year and transfer international students. The role was designed in alignment with recommendations by the Chancellor’s Workgroup on Diversity and Inclusion to enhance support for international students.

Gao, who joined the University a few weeks before the start of the academic year, has already made an immediate impact.

“Wei has already become an important resource for parents and students, making valuable connections immediately upon her arrival,” said Carrie Abbott, director of the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs. “She is an expert at supporting international student transition and we are excited to see what recommendations she makes to continue to enhance the international student orientation experience, including a plan for our newly created WeChat account.”

Gao comes to the University from Manlius Pebble Hill School where she served as the international student coordinator and a Chinese language instructor since 2008. She brings more than 20 years’ experience in education and international services. Some of her previous positions include an adjunct professor of Chinese at Onondaga Community College, an international travel consultant and a Chinese language and cultural specialist.

“We are thrilled to bring someone with Wei’s wealth of experience and expertise in international student services to the University,” says Amanda Nicholson, assistant provost and dean of student success. “Wei will not only support student success in the months leading up to their arrival at Syracuse, but continue to serve as a support, resource and mentor to international students throughout their experience here.”

In addition to earning a master’s degree from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Gao earned a master’s degree in American history from the University of Akron and a bachelor’s degree in history from Beijing University. Gao also completed extensive doctoral work in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs’ Social Science Program, concentrating on language and culture.

About Invest Syracuse

Invest Syracuse: Advancing Academic Excellence and the Student Experience aims to provide all students with a distinctive, world-class learning experience that prepares them for professional and personal success. The three-pronged initiative seeks to redefine the student experience, advance discovery and innovation, and expand opportunity for students of promise and talent from across the socioeconomic spectrum. To learn more about Invest Syracuse, visit .

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

Every year, volunteers help welcome new students and families in a variety of ways. In continuation of this longstanding tradition, Syracuse University faculty, staff, alumni and friends can volunteer to welcome over 3,800 students and their families on Tuesday, August 21, through Thursday, August 23.

Interested volunteers can visit the page for additional details and the online volunteer registration form. Volunteer information sessions are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 2, and Tuesday, Aug. 7, both at 9 a.m. in 304 Schine Student Center.

Current students interested in volunteering are encouraged to join the 2018 Goon Squad.

Questions about the volunteer sign-up process can be directed to the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs at 315.443.1012 or newtosu@syr.edu.

Students check out the options at last year’s winter involvement fair.

“We hope to see many students at the fourth annual Winter Student Involvement Fair this year,” says Courtney Jones, associate director in the Office of Student Activities. “The event is a great opportunity for any student to meet and interact with current members of our recognized student organizations (RSOs). The RSOs are excited to share their passions and interests and hopefully get some new members.”

In addition to student organizations, the fair will also include representation from fraternities, sororities and University offices. If students want to check out ways to get involved on campus before or after the event, they are encouraged to download the Activities and Involvement guide on the SU Guidebook app.

For those who do not have the SU Guides app, it is available at the  or the . Once in the SU Guides app, users can view all University guides available to download based on their interests. These guides include Activities and Involvement, Be Well SU, Living at SU, Identity and Community and many more.

The fair is co-hosted by the Offices of and , both within the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience.

Students interested in more information can contact the Office of Student Activities at 315.443.2718.

A Syracuse Welcome 2013 volunteer greets a family on move-in day last year. Volunteer shifts are still available for Syracuse Welcome 2014, coordinated by the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs.

Join in the welcome. Join in the excitement.

The Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs is still looking for volunteers to greet new students and families and assist in Syracuse Welcome 2014 in a variety of ways.

Over 3,500 students are expected to arrive later this month and the volunteer efforts of the University community will ensure new students begin their Syracuse University experience on the right foot.

If you are interested in volunteering this year, visit  for Syracuse Welcome volunteer opportunities and for the online volunteer registration form.

The Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs welcomes all Syracuse University faculty, staff, alumni and friends to volunteer.

If you have questions about the volunteer sign-up process, contact Lisa Chestney in the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs at 315-443-1012 or via email at newtosu@syr.edu.