Syracuse Welcome Preview With Carrie Grogan Abbott G’03, Director of New Student and Family Programs (With Podcast)

When the Goon Squad first formed in 1944, their original purpose was to reinforce Syracuse University’s campuswide policy requiring all new students to wear their beanie caps during their first semester on campus.

While first-year students are no longer obligated to wear their class beanie—it was an Orange tradition for more than 80 years, along with first-year students doffing their caps as a sign of respect when in the presence of older students—the Goon Squad still plays a vital role on campus.

Celebrating its 78th anniversary of making a difference in the lives of first-year students, the Goon Squad—with more than 500 students—will greet new students and lend a hand during move-in proceedings at the various residence halls across campus as part of Syracuse Welcome, the University’s new student orientation program.

All told, the University is preparing for more than 4,000 first-year students to arrive on campus beginning today (international students started arriving on Aug. 19) for Syracuse Welcome, a week filled with programs designed to introduce new students and their family members to life on campus through academic and social events.

“Our goal is for our new students and their families to feel like an immediate part of our Orange family and be excited to be here. The goal is for students to feel connected to each other, to start to build friendships and relationships with the University that conveys that sense of Orange pride, to become connected with their school or college, to learn more about their faculty and staff, and to get to know their classmates,” says Carrie Grogan Abbott G’03, director of New Student and Family Programs.

Syracuse Welcome represents the first steps in a student’s Syracuse University journey, a journey that can feel overwhelming to students and family members alike, with changes happening everywhere.

Leading up to orientation, Abbott sat down with us to discuss what new students and their families can expect during Syracuse Welcome. Abbott shares tips and best practices to ensure move in runs smoothly and highlights the important role the Goon Squad plays in helping new students move into their room.

Abbott also examines how this year’s Syracuse Welcome will be different from years past, addresses the safety regulations required for students before they’re allowed on campus, runs through the programming highlights from the week and explains why the New Student Convocation is a key component of Syracuse Welcome.

Check out episode 111 of the “’Cuse Conversations” podcast featuring Carrie Grogan Abbott G’03. A transcript is also available.