Despite building concern surrounding Dartmouth's budget cuts and endowment depreciation, most Homecoming events will remain similar to those of previous years according to Diana Lawrence, director of communications for the Office of Alumni Relations. While some events may be affected by minor cuts in spending, the changes will not be noticeable, she said.
The Office of Alumni Relations estimates that its budget has been reduced by roughly 15 percent and that most of the reductions will affect spending on food for events throughout the weekend, Lawrence said.
Lawrence said she did not have "exact aggregated information" comparing this year's Homecoming budget to outlays of years past.
Different departments of the Office of Alumni Relations receive separate budgets and the data from across the divisions is not readily accessible, she said. The Alumni Relations Office coordinates the majority of Homecoming events, including the Dartmouth Night parade, a college admissions workshop, talks with coaches and faculty and tailgate parties prior to Saturday's football game.
The two major events of Dartmouth Night the bonfire and the parade preceding it will not be substantially altered, Lawrence said.
Brian Dye, assistant director of the Collis Center, also said that the traditional Dartmouth Night bonfire will likely remain unchanged. The Collis Center oversees and organizes the construction of the bonfire.
Much of the bonfire's budget is devoted to safety meaures, Dye said. The bonfire is primarily funded by the student activities fee, which has not been affected by cuts in the College's general budget.
Dye said that the Collis Center is "watching" to see where it can save money, but remains committed to preserving the tradition and excitement of Homecoming weekend.
"This is a great Dartmouth tradition, and we recognize that," he said. "It won't really be any different this year."
The Alumni Relations Office will look to cut costs at some events by altering or eliminating refreshments offered, Lawrence said. There will no longer be refreshments offered at the coach or faculty talks, and more "cost-effective" foods will be served at hospitality tents, Lawrence said.
Other events, including the campus walking tours, steam tunnel tours and library tours, are inexpensive, Lawrence said.
Despite minor adjustments, Lawrence reiterated that visitors and students would not notice a significant change in the quality of the weekend.
"We're the only ones who will notice the difference," she said.
While some students expressed minor concerns regarding how budget cuts will affect Homecoming, most remain confident that the overall experience will remain unchanged.
"The things that make Homecoming special aren't going to be diminished even if there isn't any money," Vanessa Baer '10 said. "It's all about excitement and spirit they won't ever be able to take that away."
