Homegoing
Posted on April 23rd, 2007
(Source: Princeton University)
Homecoming. It's a time-honored tradition on American campuses. Football games. Parties on the quad. Parades featuring returning alums. Revelry and reflection.
Hogwash. We've decided to dump it at my institution. Why? See my latest Chronicle of Higher Education column:
It's officially spring, though the New England weather gods evidently haven't consulted the calendar lately. Campuses across America are busy planning commencement exercises and dipping into their coffers to woo only the most deserving speakers. Many of us working in development and alumni relations are also busy planning next year's homecoming events.
Yes, it's not even beach season, and we're already contemplating the fall. Nothing wrong with thinking ahead, especially where huge budgets are concerned. Homecoming is a prodigious undertaking, involving meticulous coordination, judicious stewardship of funds, and a creative spirit to keep hordes occupied and entertained. The result can be thousands of happy graduates who speak fondly of you and write generous checks.
Why, then, have we decided to scrap it altogether?
Because that time-honored tradition, that staple of collegiate life for generations, that annual pilgrimage to rekindle warm fuzzies, is a flop. I've attended two homecomings on this campus, and the collective attendance could fit in my bathroom. It's not that our alumni hate the college; it's simply a matter of tradition. Or lack thereof.
You see, my institution spent its youth as a commuter college. We've become more residential over the years, but still only half of our undergraduates live on the campus. Many work part time or full time while taking classes, and vacate the premises on Friday afternoon. The sense of place just isn't very strong for many students, and it doesn't get any stronger when they become alumni.
Read the rest here.
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