HOMECOMING unomaha.edu/homecoming
HOMECOMING 2015 #MAVSPIRIT PAGE 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome Letter from Bill Pickett...................................................................................................3 Purpose of Homecoming................................................................................................................3 Homecoming Week Schedule.........................................................................................................4 Spirit Points...................................................................................................................................7 MavMONEY and Attendance Points.................................................................................................8 Royalty Process and Timeline........................................................................................................9 Battleship ....................................................................................................................................10 Banner Contest.............................................................................................................................11 UNO Homecoming Drag Show......................................................................................................12 Mavericks Invade Omaha..............................................................................................................13 Service Projects...........................................................................................................................14 Competition Rules & Expectations ..............................................................................................15
CONTACT INFORMATION Office of Student Involvement 402.554.2711 Bill Pickett Homecoming Advisor wpickett@unomaha.edu unomaha.edu/homecoming
#MAVSPIRIT Connect with us online during Homecoming week.
HEY MAVERICKS, The great thing about UNO is there is always something to do. Getting involved is so simple, a caveman could do it. Homecoming 2015 will feature traditional events for student involvement, but some fun and fresh events will be introduced. This year’s theme of Maverick Spirit speaks to the incredible growth UNO has experienced over the past couple of years. We’ve got plans for a bigger and better Homecoming than ever before, and we can’t wait for you to join us. There has never been a better time to be a Maverick. Homecoming 2015 will begin Wednesday, October 28th and go through Saturday, November 7th. Whether you’re running for Homecoming Royalty or you’re really excited to sink another boat in the HPER pool, there’s a lot to be excited about. The Office of Student Activities now oversees the entire week of events just like it does for Durango Days. Student Activities is proud to partner with Maverick Productions, Athletics, Campus Rec, UNO Alumni, and all of UNO’s student organizations to plan an unforgettable Homecoming. This Homecoming Participation Packet contains all of the information you need to get involved with each event. Make sure to pay close attention to the important dates, registration forms, guidelines, and rules (especially the rules) found in this packet. It is extremely important to read and understand all of the information carefully as several things are different from years past. Thank you in advance for your participation. You are paving the way for a new era of #MavSPIRIT. Go MAVs!
Bill Pickett Senior Director for Student Involvement
PURPOSE OF HOMECOMING UNO Homecoming is an opportunity to support your Mavericks and show your school spirit. It is a week of fun and engaging events that will pump up your Maverick Spirit and bring you closer to your peers. Students should wear UNO gear and be proud to be a Maverick. Homecoming week gives the entire University an opportunity to show their spirit and rally together at the end of week to cheer on the Mavericks at the annual hockey games and royalty announcement. HOMECOMING 2015 #MAVSPIRIT PAGE 3
HOMECOMING WEEK SCHEDULE Wednesday, October 28th
Homecoming Queen and King Voting Vote for Homecoming Queen and King on MavSYNC (all day). UNO Men’s Soccer Pre-Game Party 5 P.M.–6:30 P.M. | Pep Bowl Come enjoy free food before cheering on the Men’s soccer team as they take on Missouri State for the last home game. UNO Men’s Soccer vs. Missouri State 7 P.M. | Caniglia Field
Thursday, October 29th
Homecoming Queen and King Voting Vote for Homecoming Queen and King on MavSYNC (all day). Reverse Trick–or–Treat 8 A.M.–12 P.M. | CEC Lounge 1 P.M.–3 P.M. | Scott Café Drop off any canned goods, non-perishables, or monetary donations for the Maverick Food Pantry. For every donation, you’ll get a treat! Maverick Madness 5:30 P.M.–7:30 P.M. | Baxter Arena Cheer on the Men’s and Women’s basketball team while enjoying some #MavMADNESS – contests, giveaways, and music.
Friday, October 30th
UNO Women’s Soccer Pre-Game Party 5–6:30 P.M. | Pep Bowl UNO Women’s Soccer vs. Denver 7 P.M. | Caniglia Field Cheer on the women’s soccer team as they take on Denver for the last home game.
Sunday, November 1st
Big O on the ROCKS Climbathon 11 A.M.-5:30 P.M. | HPER Climbing Wall Registration is $15 for students and $25 for general public. Pre-registration includes an event shirt. Contact the Outdoor Venture Center for more information. UNO Women’s Volleyball Pre-Game Party 12 P.M.-1:30 P.M. | Godfather’s (Aksarben Village) Enjoy some fresh and free pizza before cheering on the women’s volleyball team as they take on Western Illinois.
unomaha.edu/homecoming
HOMECOMING WEEK SCHEDULE (CONT’D) Sunday, November 1st
UNO Women’s Volleyball vs. Western Illinois 2 P.M. | Baxter Arena Baxter Block Party 7 P.M.-9 P.M. | Baxter Arena Parking Lot Block Party, Fireworks, and a Pep Rally - enough said!
Monday, November 2nd
Spirit Lunch and Banner Judging 11 A.M.-1 P.M. | Nebraska and Aksarben Room (MBSC) Grab a free MavWICH and use your loose change to vote for your favorite banners! UNO Homecoming Drag Show 7 P.M.- 9 P.M. | Scott Conference Center Come experience UNO’s first Drag show. Food and drinks are free, but remember to bring cash to tip your favorite performers. (All tips will be donated to Children’s Hospital).
Tuesday, November 3rd
Take The Bull by the Horns 11 A.M.–1 P.M. | HPER Plaza Donate $1.00 to Children’s Hospital to receive pizza and a drink. Plus, show your #MavSPIRIT by taking a selfie with the Maverick Monument. Hypnotist Jim Wand 8 P.M. | 101 CPACS
Wednesday, November 4th
60 minutes of Service 11:30 A.M. -12:30 P.M. | 130 CEC (Office of Civic and Social Responsibility) You’d be surprised at what impact an hour of service can do! Free lunch provided. Mavericks Invade Omaha 3 P.M.–7 P.M. | Teams meet in the CEC at 3 P.M. for directions Battleship 8 P.M. | HPER Pool Sign up to sink some boats or cheer from the bleachers. Participants should read the Homecoming Packet for full details and rules.
Show your #MAVSPIRIT by wearing UNO apparel.
HOMECOMING 2015 #MAVSPIRIT PAGE 5
HOMECOMING WEEK SCHEDULE (CONT’D) Thursday, November 5th
Health and Wellness Fair 8:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. | 128 HPER You’re invited to take advantage of reduced health and wellness resources, sponsored by the UNO Wellness Center. Redeem your Maverick Money 6 P.M.-7 P.M. | Strauss Lobby Turn in your coins for some surprise prizes. Comedian Jose Barrientos 7 P.M.-8 P.M. | Strauss Performing Arts Recital Hall Come enjoy the comedian, prankster, and “fake accent” pro, sponsored by Maverick Productions. Maverick Night at Defy Gravity 8 P.M.-11 P.M. | Defy Gravity (10421 Portal Rd, La Vista, NE 68128) Come “Jump! Jump!” and enjoy other fun at Defy Gravity. Students get in free with their MavCARDS, with free food and drinks provided. Ollie the Trolley will run from Maverick Village and Scott Village every 30 minutes.
Friday, November 6th
Redeem your Maverick Money 11 A.M.-1 P.M. | HPER Lobby Turn in your coins for some surprise prizes. Hockey Pre-Game Party 5 P.M.-6:30 P.M. | Aksarben Cinema Come hang out with other Mavs before watching UNO take on Minnesota–Duluth at the Baxter Arena. UNO Hockey vs. Minnesota–Duluth 7 P.M. | Baxter Arena Royalty Crowning at the Hockey game Come find out who will be UNO’s Homecoming King and Queen for 2015.
Saturday, November 7th
UNO Hockey vs. Minnesota–Duluth 7 P.M. | Baxter Arena Come support the mighty Mavs as they take on Minnesota–Duluth.
unomaha.edu/homecoming
SPIRIT POINTS Spirit Points are awarded to organizations participating in Homecoming 2015. Attending, participating, and placing in events throughout the week can earn your organization Spirit Points. Each event gives your organization an opportunity to collect them, and the team with the most points at the end of Homecoming week will win the Spirit Award. Spirit Points will be calculated at the end of the week to find our Spirit Award winners. There will be four Spirit Award winners. One fraternity, sorority, residence hall, and student organization will be awarded first place and receive a $250.00 credit in the Student Involvement office. Decisions of the Homecoming Committee are final. Only officially recognized student organizations, fraternity and sorority chapters, and residence halls may participate in Homecoming competition events. To participate in any of the Homecoming events, your organization must complete all of the required forms for each event on MavSYNC. All other activities are open to all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the general public.
Mavericks Invade Omaha 1st place
250 points
2nd place
200 points
3rd place
150 points
Participation
100 points
Banner Contest 1st place
250 points
2nd place
200 points
3rd place
150 points
Participation
100 points
Battleship Competition 1st place
250 points
2nd place
200 points
3rd place
150 points
Participation
100 points
Reverse Trick or Treat 300+ items
250 points
200+ items
200 points
100+ items
150 points
Participation
100 points
Drag Show Competition 1st place
350 points
People’s Choice
300 points
Participation
250 points
Royalty Court
250 points
Participation
200 points HOMECOMING 2015 #MAVSPIRIT PAGE 7
MAVERICK MONEY The concept is simple: show your Maverick Spirit, attend Homecoming events, and get Maverick Money. Collect Maverick Money during various Homecoming events and cash it in for Maverick Spirit prizes on Thursday, November 5th from 6–7 P.M. in the Strauss Lobby and on Friday, November 6th from 11 A.M.–1 P.M. in the HPER Lobby. Each event will have Maverick Money to give out. Once the Maverick Money at each event is gone, it’s gone. Maverick Money is not guaranteed, so it’s smart to arrive on time for each event. Homecoming volunteers and the Office of Student Involvement staff will be distributing Maverick Money.
So, what can you get with all of that Maverick Money you collect throughout the week? Why, UNO swag of course! • Sweatbands • Window Decals • Key Chains • Pennants • Glare Strips • Stadium Cups • Cowbells
VS! A M O G
• Tattoos • Beanie Hats • “O” T-Shirts • License Plate Holders • Selfie Stick • Spirit Gloves
ATTENDANCE POINTS During the first 15 minutes of each event, your group can sign in at the Spirit Points table to receive points for your organization, fraternity, sorority, or residence hall. After the first 15 minutes, points will no longer be awarded. You must have at least 5 people from your organization present to receive points.
50 points will be awarded at the following events: • Baxter Block Party • Spirit Lunch • Hypnotist Jim Wand • Take The Bull By the Horns • Defy Gravity • Volleyball Game • Men’s Soccer Game • Women’s Soccer Game • Battleship • Mavericks Invade Omaha • Comedian Jose Barrientos • UNO Homecoming Drag Show
unomaha.edu/homecoming
ROYALTY PROCESS Candidate Eligibility
Royalty Timeline
Only registered student organizations, fraternities, sororities, or residence halls in good standing with the Office of Student Activities can have the ability to nominate two eligible candidates (regardless of gender). This is not a requirement, but an option if you would like to have two members of your organization participate in the Homecoming Royalty. Candidates must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA as of September 2015 and must be a registered UNO student. Candidates cannot be on University disciplinary probation from the time of nomination through the date in which they are crowned.
Tuesday, October 13th Homecoming forms available on MavSYNC
Every year a Homecoming King and Queen are chosen. UNO is starting a new tradition this year, asking that the crowned King and Queen of 2015 positively represent UNO for one year following their crowning.
Important Information Candidates must attend all mandatory meetings and functions per the Homecoming Committee. If there is a class conflict, a member of your organization can be sent in your place. Royalty selection will be decided solely on student votes and alumni interviews. Candidates are NOT allowed to campaign. Candidates will be disqualified if there is campaigning of any kind. Candidates are required to make sure their organization members follow this rule. Voting dates will be advertised and promoted by the Office of Student Activities and the Homecoming Committee.
Friday, October 16th All Homecoming Candidate forms must be submitted by 11:59 P.M. Wednesday, October 21st Candidate Informational Meeting 5 P.M. | 221 CEC Thursday, October 22nd Candidate bio and headshot must be submitted to Bill Pickett at wpickett@unomaha.edu by 11:59 P.M. Friday, October 23rd All other Homecoming participation and event forms must be submitted by 11:59 P.M. Wednesday, October 28th–Thursday October 29th Student Body will vote via MavSYNC for Top 10 candidates. Information on each candidate can be found on the Homecoming website. Thursday, October 29th Homecoming Candidates announced/ introduced at Maverick Madness event. Friday, October 30th Professional pictures of Homecoming Court–Homecoming Court candidates will be contacted with more information. Monday, November 2nd–Tuesday, November 3rd Candidate interviews will take place with UNO Alumni. Friday, November 6th Reception for Homecoming Court and families 6:30 P.M. | Baxter Arena Crowning of King and Queen After the first period | Baxter Arena
HOMECOMING 2015 #MAVSPIRIT PAGE 9
BATTLESHIP Battleship has become a UNO Homecoming tradition, and we’re excited to say it’s back again this year. As always, teams of four will compete in a real-life game of Battleship. Using canoes as your battleship, teams will try to sink the other ships using buckets of water. Each round will last five minutes, and the boat with the least amount of water (measured at the center cross bar) is the winner. Not competing? Come cheer on your friends and peers from the stands and get attendance points for your organization. Below you will find the basic rules and regulations for participating in the Battleship competition. If you are interested in participating, make sure you sign your team up on MavSYNC by Friday, October 23rd. Links to the forms can be found on the Homecoming website.
Basic Rules of Battleship • Teams must have 4 participants. • 4 teams compete at a time. • The canoe with the least amount of water wins. • Teams will use provided buckets to swamp each other’s canoes with water—nothing else may be used to block or throw water. • Throw water, not buckets. • Do not physically contact other canoes: no ramming, tipping, pushing, or grabbing. • Hands are to be used as paddles. • Life-jackets and helmets are optional and cannot be used as buckets. • No bailing out of your boat is allowed—participants must stay in their canoe until swamped. • Swamped boats and competitors must move out of the competition area after being swamped, without interfering with the other teams.
unomaha.edu/homecoming
BANNER CONTEST One of UNO Homecoming’s more popular traditions is the banner contest. This year, however, we’re mixing it up a bit. Similar to previous years, your organization will decorate a banner that fits into the Homecoming theme. This year, the banner material will be a twin-sized bed sheet, and they will be decorated to show your Maverick Spirit. The banners will be hung in the MBSC Ballroom during Homecoming week, and students will vote on them during the event on Monday. Below are the basic rules and regulations for participating in the Banner Contest. If you are interested in participating, make sure you sign your organization up on MavSYNC by Friday, October 23rd. Links to the forms can be found on the Homecoming website.
Rules of the Banner Contest • Use your organization’s talent and creativity to develop a creative banner that shows your UNO and Maverick Spirit. Be creative and have fun with the design! • Any residence hall, fraternity, sorority, or recognized student organization may enter the contest. • Only one entry per participating organization. • Maximum size allowed is a standard twin-sized bed sheet. • Grommets must be put in each corner of your banner. • Your team’s banner must be dried and delivered to the Office of Student Activities on Friday, October 30th, 2015 by noon. • No late entries will be accepted. • Name of organization must be easily identifiable on the banner. • The Office of Student Activities will not accept any banner that they deem inappropriate.
Voting Students will vote for their favorite banner on Monday, November 2nd during the MavWICH Monday Homecoming lunch. There will be a table at the event with a jar for each organization participating in the Banner Contest. Students will vote for the banner they like best by dropping change into the corresponding jar. The banner that has the most money collected will be deemed the winner of the Banner Contest. One penny = one vote. One dollar = 100 votes. All money collected during this event will go to Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation HOMECOMING 2015 #MAVSPIRIT PAGE 11
UNO HOMECOMING DRAG SHOW Perform and cheer on your fellow students as they lip-sync, dance, and act in UNO’s first ever drag show! Participations Eligibility Registered student organizations, fraternities, sororities, or residence halls, in good standing with the Office of Student Activities, are able to perform two drag acts totaling at least 500 Homecoming points! To participate in the Drag Show, an organizational member must attend a mandatory Drag Show informational meeting. The meeting will provide the rules and guidelines for a successful act. In addition to the mandatory informational Drag Show meeting, there is an OPTIONAL one-hour workshop where performers can learn from local drag kings and queens about developing a stronger performance. All acts must be submitted, reviewed, and approved by the Homecoming Committee by Monday, October 26th.
Rules of Drag Show • Performance must be no more than 5 minutes. (Points will be deducted for going over 5 minutes) • Homecoming Committee must approve all aspects of the performance by Monday, October 26th either in person or via video submission. • Music must be submitted on a CD to the Office of Student Activities by Monday, October 26th at 4:45 P.M. • 10 is the maximum number of participants per act • All participants of an act must be members of the UNO community (student, faculty, and/or staff). • Judging will focus on creative quality, originality, and commitment to the performance. • Audience and participant behavior is an integral part of the competition. Booing and/or any other derogatory or abrasive comments is strictly prohibited. Every act should show what #MavSPIRIT is all about through encouraging cheers, positive reinforcement, and donating!
unomaha.edu/homecoming
Participant Deadline and Important Dates Monday, October 26th Getting Your Drag On: Learning from the Experts (Optional) 7 P.M. | Maverick Village Clubhouse Monday, October 26th Drag Show in-person performance review 8 P.M.–10 P.M. | Maverick Village Clubhouse Monday, November 2nd Participants must check-in at Scott Conference Center by 6:15pm
Spirit Points 1st place is decided by the judges. People’s choice is selected by the amount of money that a performer(s) raises during their act. In the spirit of drag shows, audience members are encouraged to show their support for the performer by presenting them with paper money ($1, $5, $10, $20 bills). All funds raised will be donated to the Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation.
MAVERICKS INVADE OMAHA We’re spreading the UNO Homecoming excitement into the Omaha Community with Mavericks Invade Omaha Creating a Team The purpose of this event is to take your team and go out in the Omaha community and surprise strangers with free UNO swag. Registered student organizations, fraternities, sororities, residence halls, or individual students can create a team. Teams must consist of 6 members, but no more than 10 members. Teams will pay a $20 application fee which gets donated to Children’s Hospital and Medical Center Foundation.
Rules • Each registered team will receive 25 UNO branded items. The more creative your team is with giving away items, the better chances you have of winning this event. • Each team must take a minimum of 10 pictures giving out your UNO swag to people in the community. • Teams must meet in the Community Engagement Center on Wednesday, November 4th at 3 P.M. to get their 25 items and last minute directions. • Teams have until 7 P.M. to complete their invasion of Omaha. Pictures must be uploaded to Twitter with the hashtag #MavsInvadeTheO.
unomaha.edu/homecoming
HOMECOMING 2015 #MAVSPIRIT PAGE 13
SERVICE PROJECTS UNO has selected Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation as our partner for Homecoming 2015. We’re excited to announce that all funds raised during Homecoming 2015 will go towards the construction of the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House, a facility that provides accommodations for families and patients undergoing acute, long-term treatment at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. There are tons of ways to get involved in service during Homecoming week. Homecoming 2015 Events with Service Component Banner Contest/Spirit Lunch During the free lunch event in the MBSC, bring your spare change (or spare bills) and vote for the best banner of Homecoming 2015 by placing your money into the corresponding jar. Take the Bull by the Horns Come Take the Bull by the Horns, rub the Maverick monument for good luck during Homecoming 2015, and donate $1.00 to Children’s Hospital to receive pizza and a drink. Mavericks Invade Omaha Teams will pay a $20 application fee which gets donated to Children’s Hospital and Medical Center Foundation. Reverse Trick or Treat Drop off any canned goods, non-perishables, or monetary donations for the Maverick Food Pantry. For every donation, you’ll get a treat! Teddy Bear Tuesdays UNO Campus recreation will be collecting new or gently used teddy bears to comfort children in times of emergencies or illness. Donations will be given to Children’s Hospital, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Sienna Francis House, Lydia House, Open Door Mission, Omaha Fire Department, and the Omaha Police Department. Donations will be collected every Tuesday in October from 10 A.M.–3 P.M. in the HPER Lobby. Pull for Pediatrics A rowing competition that will benefit the Children’s hospital. Participants will see how far they can go in two minutes. There will be two winners. Criss Library Collections Children’s Hospital–Carolyn Scott Rainbow House Suggested items to donate include: Dish Detergent, Paper Napkins, Paper/ Styrofoam cups and plates, Hy-vee Gift cards, Target Gift cards, Prepaid phone cards, Laundry Detergent, Dryer Sheets, Copy paper, Paper Towels, Kleenex, Pop, Snacks, Toys, Children’s movies, and Books.
unomaha.edu/homecoming
COMPETITION RULES AND EXPECTATIONS The theme for the UNO Homecoming 2015 is “Maverick Spirit.� This theme was chosen to show pride for UNO, while celebrating our University and our athletic teams. The Homecoming Committee and Office of Student Involvement encourages you to have fun, create new memories, and be as full of school spirit as possible. 1. The University of Nebraska at Omaha is dedicated to fostering an appreciation and understanding of cultural, ethnic, and gender diversity by creating a community that celebrates our many beliefs, traditions, and values. It is an expectation that all 2015 Homecoming participants contribute to the enhancement and maintenance of a campus climate that reflects the principles of inclusivity, equity, civility, and mutual respect and understanding by embracing diversity on our campus which includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, and ability. 2. The University of Nebraska at Omaha students are expected to obey national, state, and local laws; to respect the rights of members of the campus community; and to accept responsibility for the consequences of their behavior. In the event students fail to demonstrate such behavior, The University of Nebraska at Omaha reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well-being of the campus community. Such action may include pursuing disciplinary action for violations of University rules and regulations, policies, violations of national, state, and local laws that occur on campus, off campus, or on the internet that adversely affects the educational interest of the University. 3. The University of Nebraska at Omaha expects the University community including students, faculty, staff and guests to make responsible decisions about the use of alcohol. The illegal use of alcohol will not be tolerated at The University of Nebraska at Omaha. The law serves as the basic guideline for all citizens of the community. The University of Nebraska at Omaha encourages all members of the campus community to make informed decisions regarding their personal use of alcohol. Those who legally choose to use alcohol must use it in a responsible manner that will not interfere with the rights of others. Alcohol is not permitted at any on-campus Homecoming event.
These rules were put in place to provide clear regulations for the events, participants, and competitions. Please read all rules and expectations carefully, prior to the week of Homecoming, to avoid any misunderstandings and possible disqualification from Homecoming events. Any questions can be sent to the Homecoming advisor, Bill Pickett at wpickett@unomaha.edu.
4. All decisions of the judges are final. Organizations are not permitted to view judging scorecards after an event is over. 5. Individuals or organizations who fail to adhere to the general rules and expectations will be disqualified and must meet with the Homecoming Committee advisor. HOMECOMING 2015 #MAVSPIRIT PAGE 15
Senior Director for Student Involvement Bill Pickett | Homecoming Advisor wpickett@unomaha.edu The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) shall not discriminate based upon age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, gender-identity, sex, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, religion, or political affiliation. unomaha.edu/homecoming
HOMECOMING 2015 #MAVSPIRIT PAGE 16