Ideas for Homecoming

Have a set program and get out a postcard to the alumni, inviting them to come by the house. Give alumni the agenda for the day.

Have the house in top shape.

Have the members, or a delegation of them, in excellent form—shaved, showered, and wearing good jeans and fraternity sweatshirts.

Suggestions for the day’s agenda:

1. Offer breakfast items such as doughnuts, bagels, coffee and juice—starting at 8:00 a.m.
2. Depending on game time, have a cookout, or sandwiches or other casual lunch fare.
3. Maybe have a casual reception, such as snacks and drinks after the game.
4. Possibly host a postgame cookout or dinner in the late afternoon/evening.

Whatever else you do, encourage the alumni to attend, and fully brief your chapter’s members that they are the hosts—they have invited these people (the alumni) to the house. They need to be there for the event to host their guests.

If you’re going to an expense for meals, etc., don’t be afraid to ask the alumni to preregister and to kick in $10 or $20 for the food.

Consider offering a game block if that makes sense.

Bear in mind that the alumni will come by at different times, as they may have other commitments with the university or with friends. Some will drop by in the morning, and others may come by after the game.

Have a welcome banner for alumni.

Have a sign-in book.

Have a sign-in/greeter table that’s manned by at least a couple guys.

If you had people preregister, have a poster board where the names of those planning to attend are posted—brothers like to see people they know.

Have a display of memorabilia—perhaps set up in your archive room or library or pool room.

If you haven’t already done so, appoint an alumni relations officer or homecoming chairman, and make sure he has a committee of three or four people to help him implement plans.

Update the giving boards for the campaign, and display them prominently.

Have the undergraduates clear the parking lot so that parking is available for alumni. It’s a respect issue—the alumni are your guests. Again, empower the house manager to implement this. In some chapters, any undergraduates who haven’t moved their cars by 10:00 p.m. on Friday night are getting towed!

Make absolutely certain the women’s restroom is spotless—and that it has flowers, towels, toilet paper, air fresheners, etc.

Board members—and, to the extent possible, committee members—all need to know that it’s a responsibility of the position to be at the house as much as possible.