Family Weekend 2012
Parents and family members of Syracuse University students will join the campus community this weekend, Nov. 1-3, for Family Weekend 2013. This year, more than 3,100 people and 1,100 families will be attending, representing more than 34 states, including Hawaii as well as Puerto Rico, and seven other countries (Canada, Colombia, Egypt, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Spain).
“Family Weekend provides an opportunity for parents and family members in the states and abroad to connect with their student in their environment, as well as experience the festive atmosphere and school spirit of a home football game in the Carrier Dome,” says Colleen Bench, assistant vice president for the Division of Student Affairs and director of the Parents Office. “For many family members, this is their first visit to campus and the time when they are able to see their student in their new ‘home away from home.’”
Since 1953, Family Weekend has been a signature tradition on campus, and has been coordinated by the Parents Office since 1972. It provides loved ones with an opportunity to meet their student’s dean and faculty members, attend campus lectures and events, enjoy meals together in the dining facilities, visit community establishments and cheer on the Orange at sporting events—all of which make up the vibrant and diverse campus-life experience at Syracuse University.
On Friday and Saturday, the Parents Office will have a hospitality suite located in the Panasci Lounge at Schine Student Center that will have campus-wide information and materials available to family members. Throughout the weekend, attendees and their students will be able to participate in a variety of information sessions, cultural events in the community and recreational activities throughout campus.
Join the Parents Office at the “Meet the Parents” kick-off event on Friday from 5-7 p.m. in the Goldstein Auditorium in Schine. The event is free, but tickets must be picked up at the Schine Box Office. Student performances at the event include Groovestand, Raices, First Year Players, SU Zinda and Otto Tunes. Families can also visit the Family Weekend Photo Booth in the lobby of Goldstein Auditorium on Friday and Saturday.
Other highlights of this year’s programming include the 10th Anniversary WellsLink Transitions Ceremony, with keynote speaker Nikki Giovanni, on Friday at 4 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel; the men’s basketball exhibition game versus the Holy Family University Tigers at 7 p.m. in the Carrier Dome; and vocal ensemble and symphony concerts performed in Setnor Auditorium at Crouse College.
On Saturday morning, the deans will host breakfast in their respective schools and colleges. Attendees are welcome to drop into Career Services for an open house, or to learn more about SU Abroad at the Study Abroad Fair in the Maxwell School’s foyer and auditorium. Golf fans can play the scenic course at Drumlins Golf and Country Club near SU’s South Campus. Football fans can cheer on the Orange at 12:30 p.m. in the Carrier Dome as they square off against Wake Forest.
Saturday evening activities include the Family Affair Reception in the Schine Student Center, hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs; an 8 p.m. concert by the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble at Hendricks Chapel; and an 8 p.m. concert by the Grammy Award-winning Kronos Quartet in Setnor Auditorium, part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Belfer Audio Archive.
As the weekend concludes on Sunday, the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center will host a brunch and a diversity of religious services will be available. For a festive end to the weekend, head to Forman Park along the Connective Corridor to enjoy the Zip Fest Street Fair and Food Truck Rodeo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., filled with live performances by student performers and a free mobile zip-line.
A complete schedule of the weekend’s events can be found at http://parents.syr.edu/documents/fw2013-schedule.pdf.
To register for Family Weekend 2013, visit http://parents.syr.edu/apps/familyweekend. There is a registration fee of $40 per family, as Family Weekend is a self-supporting event. The registration fee is not a direct charge for parking or any specific event.
For more information on Family Weekend 2013 or the Parents Office, contact parents@syr.edu or 315-443-1200.
