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 complete the Goon Squad Volunteer Form 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.
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 Stay Safe Pledge will be followed.
For more information or to request accommodations, visit the Goon Squad webpage, 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.
