The document discusses strategies for maximizing the impact of homecoming at a university. It outlines how the university "supersized" their homecoming celebration by expanding it from a one-day event to a ten-day celebration. Key strategies included involving more stakeholders, implementing a comprehensive marketing plan, inviting community participation, cultivating faculty/staff participation, and investing in virtual experiences. Studies of participation data and surveys showed increased engagement. Lessons learned included leveraging interests, partnerships, integrated marketing, and documenting success.

1. SUPERSIZEYour Homecoming

2. SUPERSIZE Your Homecoming Goal: Highlight strategies for maximizing the value and impact of this important campus tradition We will discuss: Context Rationale Strategies Examples Your ideas and questions

4. Offer 67 undergraduate programs in over 188 fields of study

5. Over 300 registered student organizations

6. Over 20,000 students; 180,000 alumni

7. First public university in the State of Illinois

8. Over 5,000 students graduate annually

9. 30% of our students live on-campus

10. 64% of our alumni live in Illinois

13. Parade, football game, and alumni reunions over the course of one day or weekend

14. A series of tasks for a small group of people to execute

17. Showcase exemplary students and programs

19. Alumni Survey

21. A call to action to show school spirit

22. Ten days of celebration

23. A showcase of the best of the University

24. Virtual and viral

25. A town/gown collaboration

26. Studied for continuous improvement

27. Discussion Question What are your goals for using Homecoming to benefit your institution?

28. How We Grew Homecoming

29. How We Grew Homecoming Used the University’s strategic plan, “Educating Illinois” Goal 3: Illinois State University will enhance student, faculty, staff, alumni, and community pride in, and allegiance to, the university. Provide access to, and promote a diverse set of, high-quality cultural, social, recreational, and intercollegiate athletic opportunities for both the University and local communities. Enhance the institution’s ability to connect to students and alumni and foster creative partnerships among alumni, students, faculty, and staff. Ensure coordinated and consistent promotion of the University’s contributions, services, and successes to external constituencies. Increase the recognition of, and appreciation for, faculty, staff, and student service to individuals, committees, and organizations internal and external to the Illinois State community.

31. Key subcommittees

32. Faculty/Staff Spirit

33. Student Spirit

34. Community/Alumni Spirit

35. Marketing/Homecoming e-experience

36. Ad hoc committee - Saturday guest experience

39. What’s happening

40. How you can “Roll Out the Red”

41. Build systems with University Marketing

42. Reposition Homecoming as a campaign

43. Embed in all newsletters

44. Coordinated texting and social media program

45. Promotional video and photos available daily

46. Grow word of mouth

47. Giveaway items for our audiences

48. Social media program to engage action

49. Tools to invite friends

50. Community festivals, parades, and farmers markets

52. Promoted local businesses and non-profits

53. Addressed business concerns

54. Invited community participation in campus events

56. Campus experiences just for faculty/staff

57. Encourage colleges/depts. to showcase their own programs

58. Encourage faculty/staff to bring their families to Homecoming experiences

60. YouTube videos

61. Online photo galleries

62. Texting program

63. Online activitiesIllinoisStateHomecoming.com

65. Campus Dining “Favorite Recipe from Home” contest

66. University speaker series

67. Alumni Day partnership program with departments

68. Special campus events (e.g. opening of new alumni center, notable anniversaries, plays, performances, research conferences, changes in residence halls)

70. Photo opportunities with Reggie Redbird

71. “Give the Red” blood drive with campus wellness program and the American Red Cross

72. Campus Homecoming ambassadors through wellness program

73. Redbird Walk business discount program

75. Survey

76. Debriefing with committees

77. Ongoing discussion with community partners

78. Annual audit of campus investment in HomecomingCommunicated findings Made improvements based on recommendations

81. YouTube Promo Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLAaBuusIbQ

82. Overview of Schedule

84. October 8 – Campus Decorating Contest

85. October 9 – Reggie Day at Children’s Museum

86. October 10 – Reggie Day at Zoo; business window decorating

87. October 11 – Student BBQ; blood drive; lecture

88. October 12 – Student teams competition

89. October 13 – Faculty/staff luncheon; student carnival

90. October 14 – Lecture; musical

92. Students

93. YouTube Carnival Recap http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8gejGHVFY8

94. Alumni

95. Community

96. Community

97. YouTube Saturday Recap http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfQO9z6Qh1o

98. Discussion Questions What existing campus and/or community programs might you leverage to enhance Homecoming at your institution?

99. OUTCOMES

101. Student Carnival (Wed.) - 2,027 (up 102%)

102. Alumni Day – 99 honorees from all colleges and 400 luncheon (up 35%)

103. 5K – 724 runners (up 25%)

104. Redbird Walk – 84 businesses (up 18%)

105. Business Windows Decorated – 59 (up 34%)

106. BCA Reunion Friday – 169 (up 45%)

108. Very friendly, welcoming

109. Love the reunions

110. Need to hold a concert or fireworks Saturday night

111. Students (51% of respondents)

112. More faculty involvement

113. Include a service project as part of activities

114. Faculty/Staff

115. Saturday night concert

116. More appearances by Reggie Redbird

117. Community

118. More family-friendly events on Homecoming Weekend

122. Partnerships matter

123. Integrate marketing outlets and use them to encourage action (e.g. invite, watch, become a fan, update your address, text your vote)

124. Our audiences will tell their friends

125. Tell stories of success paired with images and data to sustain momentum

126. Planning and documentation are critical

128. Making Homecoming “green”

129. Documenting participation in large scale events such as the parade

130. Reframing perceptions of Homecoming as “all about the party” or “all about the football game”