This week, students nostalgic for their youth will get a chance to relive the antics of high school spirit days.
As part of Homecoming week, which begins today, students can take part in dress-up days"" where they are encouraged to dress according to a specific theme.
Homecoming committee chairwoman Jessica King said attendance for events in past years has been low, and the Carolina Athletic Association is using initiatives such as the dress-up days to boost both student and alumni participation in the week's events.
CAA representatives said the idea is to recreate the atmosphere of a high school spirit week.
I think it's something in high school that people enjoyed" and I think it worked well" said Jordan Puckett, vice chairwoman of the Homecoming committee. I know I miss my high school dress-up days.""
King said she wants to build up Homecoming as a stronger UNC tradition.
""Carolina has so many traditions" and for whatever reason Homecoming has not been a strong one in the past" she said.
King also said the committee placed more emphasis on publicity this year with posters in dorms and classroom buildings, Facebook events, business cards, listserv e-mails and word of mouth.
She also said she thought the football team's success this season would have a positive effect on student involvement in Homecoming events.
In partnership with the General Alumni Association, the committee is sponsoring several other events throughout the week, such as games and giveaways in the Pit and evening events at various locales.
Evening events will tag-team with existing weekly events at local businesses. DJ Night"" at Pantana Bob's will become ""Homecoming DJ Night"" and ""Trivia Night"" at Spanky's will become ""Homecoming Trivia Night.""
Several businesses" such as Chipotle Cluck-U Chicken McAlister's Deli Jimmy John's Maple View Farms and Caribou Coffee" will also volunteer refreshments for various events.
""We've gotten a lot more participation from local sponsors" which is different from past years" King said.
King said the highlight of the week will be Friday's True Blue Fanfare"" in the Smith Center" which will bring together alumni students and community members before a women's basketball game.
Anita Walton manager of Homecoming and affinity reunions for the GAA said the association tried to increase alumni turnout as well by planning numerous events for them. More than 2"000 alumni have registered for events.
""Alumni in general aren't used to having that much activity specifically planned for them on Homecoming weekend"" Walton said. It's a fairly new tradition.""
Monday: Decades Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m." the Pit
Football Toss – win a color- changing cup or Koozie
Homecoming T-shirts on Sale - $10 long-sleeved Carolina blue or white
11:50 a.m. Wing-eating contest with football players
12:50 p.m. Loreleis performance
8 p.m. Memorial Hall
Gym Class Heroes concert
Tuesday: Rockstar Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Pit
Popcorn and cotton candy – FREE for everyone
Rock Band competition – all day for students win cups and Koozies
Football Toss
Homecoming T-shirts on sale
11:30 a.m. Red Bull Girls – FREE for everyone
12:15 p.m. Step Show by LUL
1 p.m. Rock Band with men's basketball team
IFC Sponsored Greek Cookout: Big Frat Court Time TBA
10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Pantana Bob's
Homecoming DJ Night
Wednesday:
Superhero Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Pit
Four Square for Students
Video Game Competition
Football Toss
King and Queen Voting Day
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Basketball Museum Night
Thursday:
Tacky/Mismatch Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Pit
Clothing drive for students
Football toss
Homecoming T-shirts on sale
11:30 a.m. Red Bull Girls – FREE for everyone
12:15 p.m. Clef Hangers
performance
1 p.m. Musical chairs competition with cross country and tennis teams
7 p.m. Great Hall Student Union
Brendan James concert
10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Spanky's
Homecoming Trivia Night
Friday: School Spirit Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Pit
Football toss
10:50 a.m. and 1:50 p.m. Trivia competition with students
12:50 p.m. Trivia competition between athletes
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dean Dome concourses A and B
True Blue Fanfare
Saturday
Student tailgate party 3 hours prior to game Bell Tower lawn
UNC vs. Georgia Tech
Royalty Presentation halftime
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
