WSU Raider Connect entrance. Photgraph: Michael Krieger/The Guardian
Raider homecoming is right around the corner. Here is your ultimate guide to what to do and when the events are happening.
Starting off homecoming is the Homecoming Kick-Off Party hosted by University Activities Board (UAB). This event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 30 on the Hamilton Plaza and North Lawn. Students can grab a snow cone or some popcorn on their way to class or join in on making wax hand sculptures.
“I think it’s a really good opportunity for people who are coming and going to class to just be able to stop by and do something really fast. It’s easy to get a lot of students engaged in a short amount of time,” said Emily Bundesen, UAB’s director of Campus Spirit.
Students can also try their luck in the ‘67 Society Money Machine, where they’ll be placed in a wind tube with money flying around them. All the money students manage to catch will be placed in a scholarship fund.
ROTC will be in attendance with inflatables and information. So will Raiderthon, with a discount code of 50 percent off when students sign up that day.
On Oct. 3, UAB and The Fraternity and Sorority Council are hosting the combined Homecoming Bonfire and Chili Cook Off on lot 4A from 6-10 p.m. This is the first year the two events are happening together. UAB predicts that around 300 students will come to the bonfire and The Fraternity and Sorority Council estimate that they will have about 20 participants for the Chili Cook Off.
“If you are in an organization, don’t hesitate to reach out to the people in charge of the chili cook off. Even if you don’t think you’ll have a great chili, just showing up and having chili will be fun,” said Bentley Peed, from the Fraternity and Sorority Council.
All teams will have fall-themed tabling and presentation. Peed suggests organizations bring a pumpkin with their organization’s letters carved out. The chili will be judged by faculty members as well as students. UAB will be roasting marshmallows for everyone to enjoy along with their chili. Students are encouraged to bring a blanket, chill out by the fire and meet new people.
Campus Recreation is hosting their annual FIFA tournament on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 starting at 7 p.m. in the Student Union atrium. Any student can sign up on imleagues.com and there will be either two or three consoles for students to play on.
“I’m hoping that the event will keep growing. It’s awesome to see everyone out there [playing],” said Jake Wells from Campus Recreation.
Being a newer tradition on campus, Wells hopes that the number of students participating in the tournament will continue to grow as the years go on. The winners of each day will play against each other, and the winner of that round will either get a prize or bragging rights.
Also on Oct. 1, the Student Government Association (SGA) will be hosting their traditional Cardboard Boat Race. Held in the Student Union, construction will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will last about an hour. After construction, teams will bring their boats to the swimming pool.
The goal: get your boat from one side of the pool to the other with one person inside of it. Tape and cardboard will be included. Students are permitted to bring their own tape as well. Any group of three can participate, all they need to do is show up to the Student Union with a game plan. This year, SGA will compete in the competition for the first time.
To wrap up homecoming week, Festival of Flight will be held on Oct. 5 at the Nutter Center and will include food, live music, educational opportunities, games, a haunted trail and more.
Homecoming is a way for alumni to reconnect with their roots and for current students to see what it really means to be a Raider. All students are encouraged to participate and build connections within their community.
