Homecoming/ Family Weekend at Salisbury University is expected to be one of the most exciting times on campus, during the fall semester. This week- long celebration contains a series of events intended to promote school spirit and also includes the Homecoming football game, which receives the highest attendance out of all the week’s festivities.
Although the lineup of events are different each year, they always receive good feedback. However, here at SU, we are always looking for ways to improve and this cannot be achieved without the voluntary participation of our faculty, staff, students and local community members.
Sometimes as college students, we think that there is not enough free time to participate or we might just be afraid to step out of our comfort zones. There are many benefits in immersing yourself in Homecoming/ Family Weekend events and I would like to tell you the top 5 reasons Salisbury University students should participate.
- To show your school spirit: Everyone wants to be proud of the college/university they attend and this pride is commonly expressed when students parade around in their school’s colors. That’s what homecoming is all about! Specifically for Salisbury University, a lot of new changes have been made within the last year. One of the most highlighted changes include the construction of the new Sea Gull Stadium. This addition has promoted a large amount of school spirit around campus. Events such as this one, allow for alumni to take pride in the choice they made to attend the University and gives current students and faculty the opportunity to feel a part of something special.
- To support a cause: The success of homecoming does not solely rely on the participation of the students. During this time, the campus population is encouraged to partner with members of outside organizations to promote awareness or provide solutions for the issues affecting the surrounding communities.
- To reconnect with old friends: It is very common for peers to separate themselves from their original friend group unintentionally. Schedules might not match up anymore or maybe you all have gotten involved with different organizations on campus, which could lead to more meetings and less time for friends. Homecoming week has the ability to bring friends together especially during high attendance events such as the football game. Also, alumni might want to reconnect with members of the school as well as old faculty. Events such as the ones planned for homecoming create a positive space for these type of good vibes to exist.
- To make new memories: “As truth be told, homecoming never gets old” is a quote by Hlovate, a Malaysian author, that promotes this positive idea that it is good to accept new things. As I said before, the event lineup for Homecoming/ Family weekend is constantly changing. While some key events are kept in the lineup each year, there is always an opportunity for new adventures to arise and new memories to be created. Just by making a different decision every year you can ensure that you will have a different experience.
- To combat homesickness: At the close of homecoming, the weekend is particularly structured so that the parents and families of the college students feel encouraged to join them in the festivities. Majority of the students that attend Salisbury University are not local to the Salisbury area. This means that a lot of the student population have left their homes, friends and families behind to attend college. This might make it harder for students to enjoy their college experience. Luckily, Salisbury provides homecoming events that can be used as a technique to combat this homesickness by keeping the students attention on the event or allowing for families to come down to relieve the anxiety.