Syracuse Sun

Welcome Week festivities were held last week, introducing nearly 6,000 new members of the Orange community to all that Syracuse University has to offer.

From moving into their residence halls to swaying to the alma mater during New Student Convocation, enjoying ice cream on the Quad, and visiting the Barnes Center at The Arch for the first time, the university’s photographers captured many moments of the new school year. Below are some highlights from this year's events.

New students moved into residence halls with help from orientation leaders, volunteers, and the Goon Squad. International students enjoyed extra time on campus before Welcome Week officially started and toured the Center for International Services.

FreshFest 2024, Hillel’s Pre-Orientation Program, kicked off with an event in the JMA Wireless Dome for students and their families. College of Engineering and Computer Science students met with faculty, staff, and the dean. Students also had opportunities to take photos with Otto the Orange.

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), spoke to new military-connected students at OVMA Fall Orientation and Student Fair at the National Veterans Resource Center at Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building. Dwayne Murray ’97, deputy director with OVMA, posed with Otto at this event.

The College of Visual and Performing Arts held a special Dean’s Welcome for students and their families. Maxwell Dean David M. Van Slyke greeted Maxwell students during an event on the Quad where they learned more about available offerings.

An international student welcome dinner was held where a student took a photo with Dr. Ruth Chen and Otto the Orange. The annual Nya weñha Skä:noñh Luncheon also took place during Welcome Week.

The Syracuse University Band performed at New Student Convocation which marked the first gathering of first-year students in one place; they will next be together in May 2028 for Commencement.

A School of Education peer advisor gave tours to first-year students while Newhouse School welcomed first-year and transfer students at a reception where they mingled with classmates, staff, faculty, and peer advisors.

New Syracuse University ROTC Army cadets attended orientation as well. Students in Living Learning Communities played games during a welcome picnic on the Quad.

Engineering and Computer Science students participated in various games during their new student social event while newest members of Orange Nation gathered on field in JMA Dome.

The Syracuse University Marching Band performed during Citrus in the City where students had chances to take photos with Otto. Football coach Fran Brown addressed first-year students saying: “It’s your first year. It’s my first year. And it’s gonna be LIT.”