With the implementation of a new academic calendar that started the school year earlier than ever before, there is a six-week gap between Homecoming weekend and the start of classes this year. In the past, there have been approximately four weeks between Convocation ceremonies and Homecoming weekend.
As a result of this year's change, plans for Homecoming had to be adjusted to reflect the earlier start to the school year, last year's bonfire co-chair Samantha Webster '15 said.
Students and Homecoming advisors generally agreed that the two extra weeks of time benefitted those who are planning the weekend's events, especially those organizing the bonfire.
"At Dartmouth, we have a really strong tradition that our first-years are responsible for planning many of the Homecoming activities," Collis Center for Student Involvement Director Eric Ramsey said. "So a distance between the start of classes and the Homecoming date allows the first-years a little bit more time to figure out the landscape of campus, figure out activities for our class and work on the bonfire. So for the students involved, it is more of a benefit."
Since the date of Homecoming does not differ from past years, alumni who visit campus annually for the weekend's events will not be affected by the updated academic calendar, Ramsey said. "I don't think it's unusual for homecomings at colleges to be later in the term," he said. "I think that it can regardless of where it is located provide a special pause in the academic experience to appreciate where they are, feel pride in their school and connect with older alums."
The later date in the school year has made planning easier for those coordinating this year's events, Webster said.
Bobby Muttilainen '16 said that the change in Homecoming's date will have no effect on his participation in the weekend's activities because he does not have any exams the following week.
"I'm really excited to find out what Homecoming is all about and meet some awesome alumni," he said.
Freshmen will most likely benefit from the extra time they have at the College before Homecoming this year, according to Alex Lopez '15.
"I think this is going to be good for the [first-year students] since they are more settled in and will feel more comfortable participating in Dartmouth traditions," Lopez said.
The timing of the weekend will also provide students with a well-deserved respite from their studies, according to Lopez.
"It will be a nice break from midterms," he said.
Alexis Monroe '13 said that the change in Homecoming's timing will mean it does not serve as large a welcoming role for members of the Class of 2016.
"Freshmen running around the bonfire will be different this year," she said. "It's usually more of an initiation because we do not know the first-years as well, but they've been on campus longer this year so it's less of a welcome."
Mae Abdelrahman '13 said that the timing of Homecoming relative to exams is not optimal as a result of this year's changes.
"I wish Homecoming were earlier this year because I feel like it's usually right after the craziness of midterms," she said. "This year we have a lull before Homecoming weekend."
Despite some students' desire for an earlier Homecoming, other members of the Dartmouth community said that a later celebration will provide a better experience for members of the Class of 2016.
"I think one of the nice things about late Homecoming is that people especially first-years have a sense of place," psychology professor and former Homecoming advisor John Pfister said. "So it's less of a crazy welcome and more of a contemplative moment."
Pfister said he hopes upperclassmen will recognize the historical importance and meaning of Homecoming and abstain from shouting "worst class ever" at members of the Class of 2016.
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Jennifer Seiler said that Homecoming, regardless of its scheduled date, offers a break in the school year to celebrate the College's traditions, history and alumni.
"We expect Homecoming to be as much fun as it always is," she said.
