A New Tradition- The First Honors Incoming Student Overnight Retreat Fall 2023
After the excitement of moving in, unpacking, arranging, and re-arranging furniture in their rooms, and equally as important, socializing and getting to know each other, 92 incoming Honors students boarded two school yellow buses to embark on the first ever Honors Retreat! Held at the White Eagle Conference Center in Hamilton, the retreat provided some space for students to take a moment to reflect on the journey they are about to begin with the Honors Program and Syracuse University, and how they can maximize the benefits and resources provided on campus and contribute to the vibrant campus community.
Students had a lot of fun, as they spent more time getting to know each other. During the day, they played volleyball, canoed on Lake Moraine, took nature walks in small groups, and formed conversation circles. As night fell, they lit a campfire and shared scary stories while making s’mores. Some students gathered to play card and board games. Mafia was the most popular game, in which students turn detectives to find the killer in their midst.
Honors peer mentors and advisors were available to share their experiences and to provide an overview of the program. Students reported they loved the retreat and the relationships they were able to form before classes started.
“The Honors Retreat was a favorite Orientation Week event. The friends I made there are still the group of friends I hang out with on a day-to-day basis. I also see people I know from the retreat all around campus, and there’s at least one familiar face in each of my classes. I also got to know the Honors staff and made relationships with upper-class honors students, so now I feel comfortable reaching out whenever I need it, and I have a network of faculty and staff willing to help me. I recommend the Honors Retreat to anyone thinking about going!”
Keira Bowers
The retreat was developed to help build a stronger Honors community and to offer Honors students lasting support systems with the Honors staff and peer mentors. It was a small part of ensuring that student experiences with Honors and Syracuse University continue to be meaningful.
Find out more about our retreat for the Honors class of 2028 here.