UWA tweaking traditional homecoming festivities for Spirit Week
Some Homecoming activities and events are postponed until spring, but time-honored traditions including homecoming court, Serendipity, Key to Victory, while other favorites have a new look.
The University of West Alabama will delay some of its Homecoming events originally scheduled for October 26-31 in order to adhere to government and health care guidance to preserve health and safety on campus. While some Homecoming events are postponed until spring 2021, UWA will still have a spirit week in October with a schedule of its most popular fall traditions that allow for social distancing and smaller gatherings.
The postponement comes as the result of a series of other changes in the ongoing pandemic response, including continued restrictions for gathering and distancing requirements, as well as the delay of fall sports on college campuses as directed by the Gulf South Conference.
“By delaying our Homecoming festivities until spring, we expect to have a better opportunity to host alumni and friends on campus for the traditions that we enjoy as a University family each fall,” said UWA President Ken Tucker. “Homecoming is a campus-wide celebration. It’s a celebration for alumni, for students, for surrounding schools and communities, and we want everyone to be able to truly enjoy the event when it’s safe to do so. At this time, restrictions on our campus and statewide alike are not conducive to the atmosphere that we want for a traditional Homecoming.”
UWA’s Homecoming week typically includes daily and nightly events on campus, including Serendipity student talent show, guest entertainers, a bonfire and fireworks, an alumni social, the Key to Victory, Homecoming Court voting and announcement, and more. Homecoming day’s schedule usually includes a parade, receptions, lunches, tailgating, performances, and football. Campus organizers say they will carry on with events that can be held safely and delay others until restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are lifted.
Like so many events and programs this year, festivities typically held during Homecoming week for students will be different from previous years. This may include streaming performances, different events that allow for minimal contact, and other programs and activities that will likely be added.
Spirit week activities will be announced by UWA Campus Activities Board, and details regarding the Spring Homecoming event will be announced as they are developed, following health and safety guidance.