Homecoming is a weeklong gathering for students and staff to join together in appreciation for their university, flaunting their school spirit — a weeklong party with support from alumni and visible commitment from students and professors. Or at least it should be. I don’t think homecoming is overrated at all. I think the problem is the response it is being faced with. Personally, I would love to see a more significant turnout here at Rowan. 

A successful event always begins with dedication to planning. If homecoming events were advertised leading up to the week of, or if students were more involved in some of the decision-making, maybe more people would be interested in participating. 

Homecoming itself is not overrated — we just need to pay closer attention to the choices of events. If student interest increases, so does student involvement. For example, if students were able to vote on themes or suggest activities, they might feel more inclined to make an appearance. The influence they have on the outcome might also make them feel more obligated to engage in the festivities. Perhaps there needs to be a balance in the upkeep of defining traditions and the exploration of fresh ideas. 

In addition, a fair amount of homecoming activities are catered toward Rowan’s clubs and Greek Life organizations. While this is a great time for these groups to advertise themselves and they absolutely should be flourishing with pride, it is also a really great time to introduce students to unknown resources on campus and encourage the formation of new friendships, maybe even while tying in some networking practice. 

With that being said, I don’t think it’s fair to shy away from accountability from the student body. The pressure is also on us to make an effort to attend and share in the excitement. If directors, department leaders, club advisors, and student representatives are working tirelessly to plan, prepare, and host events, the least we could do is show up. Yes, that means physically being present.

It also means putting in some time and energy of our own. Between meetings, competitions, and the infamous football game and tailgate, homecoming week is jam-packed with numerous chances to partake in the fun. 

The intention behind homecoming is powerful. It is an incentive for students’ hard work, as if to say “good job,” and “keep up the good work for the rest of the semester.” This occurs while holding a designated space for us to unwind and enjoy, reminding us of all that Rowan has to offer. 

I wholeheartedly believe that students should start taking better advantage of that. It is a beautiful way to foster community and honor our school. We should be using it as a week of recognition and celebration of not only where Rowan is, but more importantly, where we are going, as indicated by this year’s theme: Soaring with Pride. 

As a declaration of pride with an emphasis on bringing our university together, I think homecoming requires, and deserves, more attention than the level at which it is currently receiving. It could be bigger, bolder, and more student-oriented. My answer is no, I do not think it is overrated. In fact, I think it’s underrated. 

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