Wednesday evening in the Leadership and Service Center in Russell House, the Homecoming Commission held a forum open to the student body to discuss a variety of issues.
Starting off with the question, “What does Homecoming mean to you?” the objective of the forum was to gain insight through the students on the events, inclusivity, diversity and overall spirit for USC’s 2016 Homecoming proceedings.
The event was led by third-year visual communications student Maria Sturmer, who served as this year's Homecoming Commissioner.
“We need students’ opinions in order to make this work,” Sturmer said.
Students in attendance came into the forum with their own views on 2015 Homecoming as well as their suggestions for 2016 Homecoming, specifically how to make the events and atmosphere more inclusive to all USC students.
Tensions rose in the room as students asserted that it is difficult for them to “see themselves” in the events as a result of Homecoming activities. Such events included the banner competition, the parade and “Spurs & Struts.”
Third-year public relations and business administration student Alexis Monroe was one of the students in attendance to express her thoughts.
“As a sophomore, I saw events that were a little more inclusive, like the canned food drive … Different organizations built canned food sculptures; any organization could get in it. But this year I saw the list of Homecoming events, and there was nothing that screamed out to me, ‘Go to that!’” Monroe said.
One of the first proposals brought up in the forum was more advertisement for Homecoming Commission applications so that those who want to see change can participate in the planning. It was also suggested that concerts feature artists that are universally known, and that the Homecoming Commission look into bringing in alumni members to help plan the events.
Student Body Vice President Lee Goble proposed that holding a “Taste of Carolina” event for students from all organizations to bring in and taste different foods would be a good idea. The multicultural organizations especially would be able to participate and share parts of the different cultures represented on campus.
“I believe a ‘Taste of Carolina’ event would be the perfect opportunity to educate Carolinians on the plethora of cultures which comprise [USC], while at the same time providing a fun event to our student body during one of the best weeks of the year,” Goble said. “I think it would also be an excellent way to be more inclusive and involved in our various cultural groups.”
Before, during and following the forum, the Homecoming Commission encouraged students to apply to be on the Commission and voice their concerns as well as offer suggestions for improvements and for future Homecoming activities.
“It seemed like everyone was expecting us to just come complain, and not have solutions, but we actually had good solutions,” fourth-year sport and entertainment management student Davontay Brown said.