There is an array of activities for students and alumni to get involved in throughout homecoming week, Oct. 10 through Oct. 12. The University Program Council and the Office of Alumni Relations have worked together to provide events for students and alumni of the university.

“This year students can participate during homecoming week by doing a window painting competition outside of the GUC, dressing up for the pep rally, competing in the homecoming float parade and tailgating and attending the (football) game,” said UPC Spirit Chairwoman Carrie Bailey. 

During homecoming week, students who are members of a registered student organization can represent their organization by participating in spirit activities. Whichever RSO has the most points by participating in spirit activities will win an award.

RSOs can show their spirit by participating in the spirit competition, using the theme “Let the Good Times Roar.”

“UPC had a total of 22 RSOs register for homecoming, many of which are not Greek,” Bailey said. “We are excited that so many RSOs wanted to register for the spirit competition.”

Students who are not involved in an RSO but still want to participate in homecoming are allowed to. 

“Students (who) aren’t a member of a RSO can attend the pep rally, go the parade, tailgate on Spirit Hill before the football game, and attend other events as well,” Bailey said. “It’s a great way for students to see what each RSO has to offer and what they are all about.”

It is important for students to come together during homecoming week and show school spirit, said SGA President Laura Giles.

“We (SGA and the Alumni Office) provide activities that get everyone together and pumped about our wonderful campus and all it offers,” Giles said. “By participating in these activities, one can find outlets to getting involved by meeting new people.”

UNA will be featuring musical acts during homecoming week including Firekid, featuring UNA alumnus Dillon Hodges, the Secret Sisters and Dave Anderson. The Secret Sisters and Firekid are sponsored by the UNA’s Alumni Association and tickets can be purchased online at una.edu or at the door Oct. 10 at Norton Auditorium.

Dave Anderson will be performing on Spirit Hill at Braly Municipal Stadium during tailgating Oct. 12 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

UNA will also feature a variety of academic activities for students to attend. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly instituted Freddie Wood Geographic Research Center Oct. 11. There will also be a College of Education and Human Sciences open house at Kilby Laboratory School for students to see joint resource projects Oct. 11.

UNA will host “Classes without Quizzes” for students to listen to guest speakers from a variety of different departments Oct. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. The UNA Center for Professional Selling invites students and alumni to meet the College of Business’s new dean, Gregory Carnes at Keller Hall Oct. 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“Homecoming is one of my favorite times of the year,” Giles said. 

Giles also said that she enjoys hanging out with the returning alumns to hear about their experiences from their time at UNA.

“Homecoming week is the best way to get current students and alumni together because we all love UNA,” Bailey said.