Though University students can look forward to Homecoming staples like Splatterbeat, CANapalooza and the Homecoming Pep Rally this week, some changes are in the works for this year’s festivities.
The University’s graduate school will be honored on Homecoming Court by two more representatives than last year, said Campus Life Associate Director for Marketing and Communications Margo Jolet.
2016 also marks the first year Campus Life received applications from the graduate, law and vet schools, Jolet said.
This year’s theme is “Chance of Reign … Always.”
“I really like the theme,” said biology junior Seema Morad. “I think it’s ironic, because we’ve been losing games this season.”
New Homecoming activities began Sunday with a game of Capture the Flag at 8 p.m. in the Quad. Jolet said roughly 60 students participated in the activity.
“I think it was a great way to kick off Homecoming week. The last few years we’ve not really had an opening event on Sunday, so this was a way to bring an opening event back to campus and kick it off before school started for the week,” Jolet said.
Jolet said it’s good to have students participate in planning for Homecoming week events because students know what other students want to see happening on campus.
Another new event is LSU’s Got Talent on Tuesday in the Student Union Theater. Students will compete in categories including dance, song and spoken word. The top three winners will head to the Parade Ground on Thursday to open for neo-soul band The Internet, the LSU Student Activities Board’s choice to headline the Homecoming concert.
“I’m excited about The Internet,” said senior kinesiology student Nia Jackson. “I just love them as a group, and I’m very surprised they got them this year.”