Did you know that the first 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ homecoming in 1966 was held in conjunction with a basketball game instead of the typical football game? A lot has changed since then — and change is no stranger to this year’s homecoming planning efforts.
Bailee Joubert, sophomore, is the Campus Activities Board homecoming director. She is one of the many people who have dedicated months of hard work to create the perfect virtual homecoming for students. And although this year’s homecoming may look different, there will still be many of the same events that are part of a strong tradition among generations of students.
How has the pandemic impacted Rebel Homecoming?
This year's Homecoming is going to look quite different than it has in the past because we want to keep students, staff, and alumni as safe as possible. In order to do this, we have decided to make all of the events virtual. The team competition and Most Spirited Student competition will take place virtually, and we will have multiple campuswide events throughout the week that will take place on virtual platforms.
[See full Homecoming Events listing]
How can students get involved with Rebel Homecoming this year?
Although Homecoming is going to look different this year, there are still various ways for students to get involved. By the time this comes out, the application deadline for the competitions will have already passed, but these competitions are great ways for students to have fun while showing their 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ pride. There will also be events during the week that are open to all students such as the Netflix Party that will kick off Homecoming Week on Oct. 19 and the Virtual Dance Party that will take place on Instagram Live on Oct. 21.
At both events, we will be giving a prize away to one random attendee. All of the information about ways for students to get involved during Homecoming Week will be posted on the .
What is your favorite Homecoming memory?
This is only my second year at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, so last year was my first Homecoming Week here, and I absolutely loved being able to be on the Homecoming Committee and see each of the events come to life. It was so much fun to be on the committee and be a part of the behind the scenes aspect of Homecoming. After last year I knew that I wanted to be the homecoming director and be able to plan Homecoming Week. Although this year isn’t turning out as I expected at all, I’m so excited to see my vision come to life and see everyone show their 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ spirit!
What have you been involved with outside the classroom?
At 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ I am a member of the Honors College and the two main organizations I’m a part of are the Campus Activities Board (formerly known as the Rebel Events Board) and my sorority Gamma Phi Beta. I was very involved in high school, so when I came to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ I knew I wanted to join student organizations, and I’m so glad that I did because being involved on campus has provided me with so many amazing experiences and memories.
Any advice for first-year students?
As typical as it is, my advice would be to join an organization and get involved! Joining Homecoming events and activities is the perfect way to get started. The groups I’m a part of helped me find my closest friends, gain leadership positions and skills, and have made me feel more connected with 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. Without the organizations I’ve joined, I know that my college experience wouldn’t have been nearly as rewarding as it has been.
