FOCO, also known as fake homecoming, is expected to return to Western University for the second year in a row on Saturday, September 30, 2017.
Moses Monterroza, Western Gazette
The decision to change the homecoming date to mid-October was made last year by university officials in an effort to limit the rowdiness and partying of student homecoming festivities. The university’s decision continues to be implemented this year.
Some students are planning to attend the FOCO celebrations due to school scheduling conflicts with Western’s scheduled homecoming.
“I have a midterm on the Friday and the Saturday [during the scheduled homecoming],” said Victoria Pereira, a first year Western University student, when asked why she was attending FOCO rather than homecoming.
The university’s decision to schedule homecoming for mid-October has been met with some opposition from the student body, but the university maintains that the date was changed for reasons regarding student safety.
According to a report issued by the London Police Service (LPS), there were 76 offence notices issued in 2015, with no criminal charges filed. For fake homecoming, or “Reunion Weekend”, in 2016, there were 54 offence notices and 3 criminal charges filed.
Project L.E.A.R.N (Liquor Enforcement and Reduction of Noise), which began on September 7, has been implemented for another year by the LPS, and will run until October 1. This means the initiative will be in full force during the FOCO celebrations, with extra patrols scheduled in downtown London, and Western University and Fanshawe College neighbourhoods.
“There will be a balanced approach with enforcement of by-laws and warnings relating to parties, parking, open fires, noise, litter, and public urination,” according to a press release issued by the LPS.
The President of Western University released a statement advising students to reconsider their plans for FOCO.
“This event is in no way affiliated with Western or Western’s Homecoming. Western strongly advises that students do not attend this event on Broughdale,” said Amit Chakma, President of Western University.
Chakma continues, “Western shares police concerns. Keeping our students safe is of paramount importance to the University.”
If you are choosing to attend the FOCO festivities this weekend, Western University and LPS are urging students to stay safe and be considerate of the local London community.
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