Homecoming 2010 A
Introduction Homecoming Week at Florida State University is a weeklong series of events during the fall semester planned for the university community to celebrate their connection to the institution. Homecoming 2010 took place from Saturday, October 30 – Saturday, November 6. Homecoming at Florida State University is a collaboration between students, staff, faculty, and alumni. This report focuses on the Student Government Association: Homecoming Executive Council, which sponsored and coordinated activities. The Student Activities Center directly advises the Homecoming Executive Council.
Homecoming Executive Council
The Homecoming Executive Council consisted of 21 students and 2 advisors. The student committee included a Director, an Assistant Director, and Coordinators for events, marketing, and student groups. This year, the Pow Wow Director, Pow Wow Assistant Director, and Student Alumni Association Director of Parade/Chief and Princess were included as members of the Homecoming Executive Council, in order to increase collaboration between all groups. The Student Body President appointed the Overall Homecoming Director and the Pow Wow Director. Additional committee members were selected in the spring semester as well as calls for volunteers.
Attendance Figures
Event
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Chief Osceola’s Service Day
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
100
Warchant Concert Spear‐It Night/Big Fan on Campus
700
3,500
4,000
3,500
9,000
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,000
Skit Night
1,400
1,300
1,000
1,200
1,000
Faculty and Staff Reception
N/A
N/A
N/A
250
200
Seminole Festival
N/A
N/A
N/A
2,000
2,500
Garnet and Gold Gala
N/A
N/A
N/A
350
100
Renegade Recess
600
800
185
150
200
Pow Wow
8,000
5,667
4,387
4,789
2,802
Additional Homecoming Events Banner Competition Can Tab Drive and Car Chalking Blood Drive Torch Pursuit Odds and Evens Sports Competition Competition Seminole Showdown Skit Night Residence Hall Lobby Decorating Homecoming Parade Jimbo’s TRUE Seminole Tailgate
Event Changes This Year
Chief Osceola’s Service Day – Chief Osceola’s Service Day was one of the new additions to Homecoming 2010. The goal of this event was to recognize FSU students’ dedication to service. The goal was to remind students of the heart of a true Seminole by allowing them to give back to the community. Three groups of students were bused to different locations in Tallahassee to pick up trash in conjunction with Keep Tallahassee Beautiful. Garnet and Gold Gala – The Gala featured a dance competition for the first time this year, showcasing dance talent from diverse genres. Dances were prepared by student groups competing in Homecoming. Faculty and Staff Reception – This year’s reception was held in the President’s Skybox, a picturesque location fitting as President Eric Barron addressed attendees. President Barron was also presented gifts by a representative of each class, a tradition from the Florida College for Women. The Homecoming Faculty/Staff Grand Marshall, Rita Moser from University Housing, also spoke at the event. Seminole Showdown ‐ This low‐cost event, formerly known as Vires, Artes, Mores Knowledge Bowl, tested students’ knowledge on the history and traditions of FSU. A Family Fued‐style section reflecting answers obtained from FSU students was utilized in addition to a traditional quiz bowl.
Online Survey Results • • • • • • • •
Most respondents were white (56%), female (68%), non‐Greek (79%), and freshmen or senior students (26%) A majority of the survey participants resided on campus (64%) The top three ways students heard about Homecoming were: Facebook (85%), Homecoming Banners (77%), and Word of Mouth (75%) 53% voted during the Homecoming Chief and Princess elections The most viewed Homecoming Billboard was located on W. Tennessee Street (83% of survey respondents saw it) Most respondents were not affiliated with a student group (55%) 83% of participants attended the FSU v. North Carolina Football game A vast majority of respondents donated blood (92%)