After a fiasco surrounding last year's homecoming - which ended in its cancellation at the West campus - this year's homecoming plans commence without uncertainty.
This year, ASU West Student Affairs and students have joined to create events scheduled to happen Homecoming Week, Oct. 24-29.
"It wasn't until Dr. Crow came that there was a real push (for homecoming); the University was making it a bigger deal on all campuses," said Denise Saldamando, senior program coordinator of Student Life.
That year, Associated Students of ASU's West Campus (ASASUW) had the West campus' first homecoming dance.
"It was a success," said Saldamando.
The second year, Alice Edwards, director of Public Affairs at the West campus, and a campus-wide committee came up with activities. There were decorating contests, a spirit day and other events.
Last year, ASASUW President Saif Al-Alawi vetoed the budget for the special events committee, resulting in the cancellation of homecoming events.
This year, Student Affairs wrangled together a group of students to create a "student homecoming committee to plan homecoming events for our campus" said Saldamando, who leads the committee along with Paulita Fernandez, program coordinator of Student Life.
So far, the committee has proposed a decorating contest to take place on Oct. 25 and a "family reunion" themed fair for all students, alumni, faculty and staff for Wednesday Oct. 26.
The homecoming dance will take place on Thursday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The committee has proposed for it to be a costume party since Halloween is four days later.
ASU's West Campus will also have a float in this year's homecoming parade. It will be assembled on Oct. 28.
The parade will take place the following Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on University Drive in Tempe. The West campus will also host a tent at the event.
The week will end with the annual homecoming football game at Sun Devil Stadium at 3:30 p.m. against the Washington Huskies.
"I don't even know what (homecoming) is," said Vin Laddaga, a management junior. After some explanation he decided he would go "to meet people."
Sabrina Arleo, a criminal justice senior, said she didn't expect to attend homecoming events.
"I don't plan on going, not because I don't want to but because of my tight schedule," she said. "I don't have time for special events."
Reach the reporter at kristen.keogh@asu.edu.
