SEMO Vs. Students: The Expenses of Homecoming

While the tradition of Homecoming is beloved and celebrated by every Redhawk, it comes with a price tag. The university and students pour money into Homecoming every year.

“Homecoming is paid for in a couple of different departments,” director of Campus Life and Event Services Michelle Irby said. “I work with the student planning committee for Homecoming and their money is given to them by Student Government, and Student Government years ago decided to fund a basic budget for Homecoming so that students could participate in things without having to pay necessarily. This year, our budget is a little over $12,000.”

Irby said the Homecoming budget was split between five different committees, each spending on a particular aspect of Homecoming.

“One [committee] is Man and Woman of the Year,” Irby said. “That money is spent on things like a recognition dinner, where we invite their families and they meet with administrators, and we’ll pay for the food…We buy them recognition things; they get plaques, sashes, and flowers.”

The rest of the Homecoming budget is spent on fun items for students and necessary permits that allow the parade to take place.

“We purchase a certain amount of T-shirts to give away,” Irby said. “We have to have a permit to use the park or we have to have a permit to have the parade. So we pay for permits. Then, the rest is spent on special events or spirit items that change every year.”

While there are a number of large Homecoming expenses, some of the smaller costs start to add up.

“There really isn’t a singular item that is the most expensive.” Irby said. “We do buy T-shirts. In bulk, T-shirts are an expense.”

SEMO students also cited T-shirts and their Homecoming outfits as their biggest expense.

Sophomore writing major Erin Urhahn mentioned her shirt as her largest Homecoming expense.

“My biggest expense was my shirt,” Urhahn said. “It cost me $20… Food on Homecoming could also be a big expense…[Tailgating] would probably be like $25 just for snacks, food, drinks, and just to have a good time.”

Another expense that students can deal with is the parade. The first event of Homecoming day might be free to attend, but those who participate in Greek Life are expected to put together a float. Each chapter allocates money for Homecoming expenses, but some pairings ask members to contribute extra funds. Sophomore accounting major Garrett Marler said he spends most of his money on his fraternity’s float.

“My biggest expense is probably various things with the fraternity, having to help with the float. We all have to chip in a little bit.” Marler said.

The cost of Homecoming might seem overwhelming to many students, but the goal of all the events and activities is to have a good time with the SEMO community. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, most of the Homecoming festivities are free to attend.

“To come to the spirit rally, to go to the parade, to go to tailgating, doesn’t have to cost you anything if you don’t want it to,” Irby said. “Just pick your portion of the curb, pop up a chair and come and participate.”