The traditional Homecoming weekend has been extended to nearly a week of events, according to the University Programs Council.
The events are scheduled to begin Monday, Sept. 19 and conclude Saturday, Sept. 24 with the home football game against Duke.
The new structure for Homecoming will be reminiscent of various high school spirit weeks, UPC Special Programs Chair Spence Ingram said.
"In the past, Homecomings was MadBowl madness with Al Groh and the football team," Ingram said. "We have shifted focus to sort of a community involvement."
Activities of varying themes are planned for each day of the week, including Tuesday's "Tunes Day" and Wednesday's "World Day." The themes for each night will include different performances, foods and competitions. The week will culminate with a pep rally to garner spirit for Saturday's game, Ingram said.
The activities are scheduled to take place in the Amphitheater to promote a central location that can be the foundation for future Homecomings, Ingram said.
"Family and faculty and returning alums are definitely part of this community," he said. "Everyone is encouraged to come out and experience this U.Va. spirit."
A week of events "gives a sense of school spirit and more opportunity to participate," Ingram said. "It's part of the spirit of U.Va. It's student self-governance really bringing the community together and tying it together."
The event is designed to get as many student groups involved as possible, Ingram said. He said musical groups such as the Silhooettes, the New Dominions, Ektaal and groups such as the Hillel Jewish Student Union have been invited to collaborate with UPC.
"I think this is a great opportunity for us to partner with the University," University Hillel Director Brian Cohen said. "This is a big weekend for students as well as alumni."
UPC has extended more invitations for participation this year because of the extended schedule of events, Ingram said. He said the competitions each day, possibly including an eat-off, obstacle course, tug o' war and dodge ball, will allow different teams to score points for their respective classes.
Ingram said UPC members hope to get the assistance of the Katrina Aid and Relief Effort to target students who were affected by the hurricane through the various events.
"We've got Tulane students here, and they are just as much a part of the community, and we would like to showcase what U.Va. can offer," Ingram said.
UPC members also are working closely with the Alumni Association to increase the range of activities for Homecoming, University Director of Alumni Activities Wayne Cozart said.
"Over the past few years, we have lost a traditional weekend in the fall when many alumni come back, and this is the opportunity to rebuild that tradition -- just to continue their interaction with the University," he said.
Read More
U.Va. Alumni Association submits plans for new Alumni Hall building
By Caroline Hagood | 14 hours agoWest said that despite the proposal moving through City Council’s review process, the project is still years away from becoming a reality.
Graduating student leaders reflect on how they impacted the University community
By Jackie Bond and Brandon Kile | YesterdayAccording to Lilian Rojas, Board of Visitors student representative and fourth-year Batten student, the Class of 2024 is defined by its resilience.
D.C. baseball legend Ryan Zimmerman to deliver keynote Valedictory address
By Xander Tilock | 2 days agoFamously nicknamed “Mr. National” for his many contributions to the Washington, D.C. franchise, Zimmerman is considered one of the most successful alumni in Virginia baseball history.
