University welcomes new students with “A Slice of SU Life”

University welcomes new students with “A Slice of SU Life”July 28, 2003Sara Millersemortim@syr.edu

“Syracuse Welcome 2003: A Slice of SU Life,” Syracuse University’s new signature student orientation program, will give students the chance to meet their new classmates before the beginning of the academic year, take care of organizational details and get a taste of campus life and culture. The programming kicks off Aug. 19 with the arrival of new international students and continues through Sept. 5, with the bulk of activities scheduled to occur before the first day of classes, Aug. 25.

“Syracuse Welcome celebrates our new students’ arrival to campus, helps them make an easy transition to the University, and unites us as a community that believes in scholarship and Orange pride,” says Mariana Lebron, director of the new Office of Orientation and Transitions Services. “This program involves students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni working collaboratively to implement programs and initiatives that will challenge students’ thinking processes, facilitate their academic and social engagement, and help them know the resources and people available to assist them.”

The majority of new students will move in Aug. 20-21, with the able assistance of the Goon Squad-a traditional corps of upper-class students, faculty, staff and alumni who greet and unload arriving vehicles and help carry students’ belongings to dorm rooms. Goon Squad members will be available to answer student and parent questions, provide campus directions and information and support new student orientation.

At the same time, the “Taking Care of Business” tent and hospitality center on the quad will offer campus information, refreshments and a chance to speak with University representatives from a number of departments.

Hendricks Chapel will host its annual open house during the afternoons of Aug. 20-21; other activities scheduled for Aug. 20 include a new student-athlete picnic at Manley Field House and an evening ice cream social for all students in front of Hendricks Chapel.

On the evening of Aug. 21, students will have the chance to attend the new Syracuse Welcome 2003 Carnivale and Comedian Show, with music, comedy, art and social events.

On Aug. 22, the “Festival of Matriculation-Dedication of the New Academic Year” will begin at 9 a.m. at Hendricks Chapel, followed by the Chancellor’s Convocation at 10:30 a.m., and “Lunch on the Turf” at 11:30 a.m. in the Carrier Dome. Following lunch, parents will say their good-byes and students will head off to their individual school and college convocations, held throughout Friday afternoon. In the evening, Syracuse Welcome 2003 will host “Midnight Spectacular: A Last Minute Run with a Side of Fun”-a new University event at the Clay Shopping area, where students will have the chance to win prizes and pick up any last minute items they may have forgotten.

Student opportunities on Aug. 23 will includes individual school and college events and campus informational workshops, concluding with “From Home to the Dome: Orangefest 2003:” a 6 p.m. picnic, evening activities and spirit events in the Carrier Dome.

Student recreational activities slated for Syracuse Welcome 2003 include ice skating at the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion; a beginner’s golf clinic at Drumlins Country Club; local hiking and walking trips; “Late Night at the Gym;” OrangeFest 2003; a shopping trip; educational sessions; a trip to the NY State Fair; and many other events. Throughout the weekend, students will also participate in events pertaining to their schools or colleges, and in educational sessions about safety and security and tours of the library. Additional activities, events and tours continue through Sept. 5.

There are also a number of events and activities especially for parents. In addition to the “Taking Care of Business” tent, there will be a Parents Convocation Aug. 20 from 8-9 p.m., in the Goldstein Auditorium. Beginning Aug. 21 at 10 a.m., SU will host a number of informational sessions on topics such as helping students make successful transitions to college life, safety and security, and career services. Another Parents Convocation will be held Aug. 21 from 7-8 p.m., and a Parent-to-Parent Reception will be held at the same time for parents who attended the earlier convocation.

The Office of Orientation and Transitions Services will send a full schedule of orientation activities to new students by mail. For more information visit http://students.syr.edu/orientation.