Unnoticed by most Dartmouth students, several divisions within the College have been working diligently behind the scenes for weeks to ensure that one of the College's most important events runs smoothly.
The Office of Facilities, Operations and Management worked closely with the Alumni Relations Office making preparations for this weekend. Their responsibilities include designating spaces for mini-reunions and erecting a large tent in front of Alumni gym.
Linda Hathorn, the Director of Conferences and Events, said, "We set up the PA and amplification system, risers for the Glee Club and bleachers for different alumni teams to sit on."
As for the overall condition of the College's campus, Hathorn said, "The campus is in excellent shape."
"We basically try to keep the campus as nice as it could be, especially since Dartmouth gets a lot of visitors and tourists at this time of year," she said.
Another concern for the community is safety, and Dartmouth Safety and Security has been preparing for Homecoming.
Proctor Robert McEwen, Director of Safety and Security, said his office will emphasize "personal and property security" this weekend.
According to McEwen, their safety precautions include sending out blitz bulletins and distributing flyers around campus.
McEwen said that Rebel Roberts, Safety and Security's Crime Prevention Officer, will contact undergraduate advisors and area coordinators to ensure that students lock their doors and bikes securely.
"The problem is that there is such an increase of people on Homecoming weekend and not everybody comes to enjoy the festivities," said McEwen. "Some people come to disrupt and steal."
Safety and Security always has extra patrols on big weekends, according to McEwen.
He said there will be extra foot patrols on duty today and tomorrow night, and bike patrols will also be out if the weather permits.
"It's pretty much business as usual," said McEwen. "We just hope that people use common sense to protect both their personal security and the security of their property."
