The Homecoming football game, Homecoming parade and Miss Homecoming campaign dominate campus throughout Homecoming Week, but many students do not seem to be interested in any of it.
Homecoming events sponsored by the Student Government Association do not attract many students either.
Marissa Bean, SGA director of Homecoming events, said she wanted to make Homecoming Week better than it was last year and to motivate people to go to the events, even without earning spirit points.
"I just want to make sure it's a fun week and it's all about supporting Auburn organizations," Bean said. "We want people to want to go to our events, not just go because there's something in it for them."
Classes and being involved in extra activities hold many students back from attending Homecoming events before the game.
Catherine Grace Searcy, sophomore in communication disorders, said she did not attend any events last year, but will attend events this year.
"I was in the band, so I was busy a lot of the time and I didn't feel like doing it last year," Searcy said. "I was also new to Auburn and I didn't really know what to do. This year, I have more friends, so we'll try to get out and experience new things."
Otto Clark, junior in radio, television and film, said once he started his junior year, he had less time for anything except studying.
"Once I got into my major classes, I really don't have the time for it," Clark said. "When I have time, I choose to spend it on other things,"
Clark said Homecoming events and the Homecoming football games do not matter to him compared to when he was a freshman.
"When I first got here as a freshman, every game was a great deal," Clark said. "I was glad it was football weekend, I went crazy and went to the game and would wait in line for three hours to get inside [the stadium], but now this is the second year I bought a full season and didn't go to one game. I'm on track to do it again this year."
Although he will probably not attend the football games this year, Clark said if he hears about Homecoming events on campus he is likely to go.
Kathryn Calhoun, junior in public relations, said her strenuous workload keeps her from being more involved in after-school activities.
"I'll probably be going to the game, but as for Homecoming-related events before that, I probably won't go to those," Calhoun said. "You don't really get involved, especially once you get into your junior and senior year, because you're just not on campus as much."
Homecoming Week means Miss Homecoming campaigning, and campaigning mean gimmicks.
"I feel like the tradition is a big deal, but the game doesn't feel any different than any other game," said Richey Riviere, senior in business administration. "It's just annoying when people hand out a bunch of things on the concourse."
Many students are unaware of Homecoming Week in general.
Adam Hood, junior in public relations, did not event know Homecoming Week was coming up.
Although many don't know about Homecoming Week, Laura Huddleston, junior in public relations, finds the family atmosphere of Homecoming refreshing.
"I'm excited about football games because I've been in the band and it's nice to enjoy it like a normal student and not worry about doing everything," Huddleston said.
Searcy said Homecoming Week is a time for alumni to remember how far they have come.
"It's a time to cherish the memories that we've made," Searcy said. "It's also a time to realize we are a family."
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