Homecoming Student Steering Committee

The Homecoming Student Steering Committee is a select group of student leaders who are responsible for the planning, execution and promotion of all student-focused Homecoming events. This group is chosen through a rigorous application process with an emphasis on academic achievement, on and off-campus involvement and commitment to the spirit and traditions of the institution. Committee members are supervised by the Coordinator for Student Engagement and Graduate Assistant for Student Engagement.

The 2023 Homecoming Student Steering Committee has been selected. Information about the application process for 2024 will be coming later this fall. See the information below to learn more about the committee and positions.

Questions about the committee can be directed to Kidron Bullock, Coordinator for Student Engagement, at [email protected].

 

2023 Homecoming Student Steering Committee

 

Position Descriptions & Responsibilities

Student Director (2 positions)

The Student Directors are the official student spokespersons for Homecoming at UTC and work with the Advisor and Graduate Advisor to provide leadership and overall management of the student steering committee while overseeing the Outreach & Involvement and Programming sub-committees.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead student steering committee efforts to make Homecoming student programs/events accessible and inclusive to all UTC students
• Serve on the University-Wide Homecoming Committee
• Oversee the Outreach & Involvement and Programming sub-committees
• Preside over bi-weekly student steering committee meetings and coordinate meeting agenda
• Update and publish the Homecoming Packet and lead all communication efforts to student leaders regarding opportunities for organizations to participate in committee programs
• Participate in press appearances as requested or assign a proxy
• Assist student steering committee advisors with:
  • Planning and logistics of the committee retreat
  • Developing a post-Homecoming assessment to gain student feedback
  • Facilitating committee goal setting and assessing goal achievement
  • Creating a feedback summary to provide to next year’s committee
  • Recruitment and selection of next year’s committee

Additional Expectations of Homecoming Student Steering Committee members include:

• Support student steering committee efforts to make Homecoming student programs/events accessible and inclusive to all UTC students
• Participate in bi-weekly student steering committee meetings and sub-committee meetings
• Attend all events run by the student steering committee, including events on game day (class counts as an excused absence)
• Assisting with marketing efforts including hanging up posters, visiting classes/organization meetings, staffing promo tables, and social media promotion
• Participating in mandatory spring retreat and summer work day
• Maintain all eligibility requirements related to position

Promotions Coordinator

The Promotions Coordinator manages creative marketing efforts for the student steering committee through social media, digital graphics, and printed materials.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage and create content for the official UTC Homecoming social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram) including promoting events/programs in advance and while they are happening
• Select and order giveaways and other promotional items
• Work with the Office of Communications and Marketing to create digital graphics and printed materials to market student steering committee programs and events
• Coordinate outreach strategies such as tabling to promote committee programs and events

Additional Expectations of Homecoming Student Steering Committee members include:

• Support student steering committee efforts to make Homecoming student programs/events accessible and inclusive to all UTC students
• Participate in bi-weekly student steering committee meetings and sub-committee meetings
• Attend all events run by the student steering committee, including events on game day (class counts as an excused absence)
• Assisting with marketing efforts including hanging up posters, visiting classes/organization meetings, staffing promo tables, and social media promotion
• Participating in mandatory spring retreat and summer work day
• Maintain all eligibility requirements related to position

 

Homecoming Court Coordinator

The Homecoming Court Coordinator organizes the application, interview, and selection process of the UTC Homecoming Court.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage all aspects of the Homecoming Court application and interview process including recruiting applicants, coordinating an interview committee, and scheduling interviews
• Provide exemplary communication to all Homecoming Court applicants and candidates to keep them aware of their status throughout the process and attendance expectations as well as be available to answer any questions applicants or candidates might have
• Work with advisor to maintain an accurate score sheet and create and manage a student voting process in MocSync
• Coordinate logistics related to the celebration of Homecoming Court at Kickoff and the football game including scripting the announcements, announcing when needed, scheduling practices, and ordering supplies

Additional Expectations of Homecoming Student Steering Committee members include:

• Support student steering committee efforts to make Homecoming student programs/events accessible and inclusive to all UTC students
• Participate in bi-weekly student steering committee meetings and sub-committee meetings
• Attend all events run by the student steering committee, including events on game day (class counts as an excused absence)
• Assisting with marketing efforts including hanging up posters, visiting classes/organization meetings, staffing promo tables, and social media promotion
• Participating in mandatory spring retreat and summer work day Maintain all eligibility requirements related to position

 

University Day of Service Coordinator

The University Day of Service Coordinator plans a community-focused full day service experience the Saturday prior to Homecoming to provide UTC students, faculty, and alumni the opportunity to give back to the Chattanooga community.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate all event logistics which could include supplies/facilities/vendor needs, A/V media needs, risk management and event staffing/security needs, guest speaker/entertainment, marketing, budget management, on-site management and program evaluation for event
• Coordinate projects for the service experience including soliciting service opportunities that benefit community organizations
• Manage volunteer logistics including developing and facilitating an online registration process, recruiting volunteers, and coordinating volunteer assignments and check-in process
• Communicate the importance of civic engagement and expectations through a kickoff and closing ceremony

 

Additional Expectations of Homecoming Student Steering Committee members include:

• Support student steering committee efforts to make Homecoming student programs/events accessible and inclusive to all UTC students
• Participate in bi-weekly student steering committee meetings and sub-committee meetings 
• Attend all events run by the student steering committee, including events on game day (class counts as an excused absence)
• Assisting with marketing efforts including hanging up posters, visiting classes/organization meetings, staffing promo tables, and social media promotion
• Participating in mandatory spring retreat and summer work day
• Maintain all eligibility requirements related to position

 

Paint the Campus Blue & Gold Coordinator

The Paint the Campus Blue & Gold Coordinator manages the Banner Painting Competition and the Faculty/Staff Office Decorating Competition and other efforts that enhance the campus environment, increase awareness and boost morale during Homecoming.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate all event logistics which could include supplies/facilities/vendor needs, A/V media needs, risk management and event staffing/security needs, guest speaker/entertainment, marketing, budget management, on-site management and program evaluation for event
• Oversee all participating organization and office needs including recruitment of groups and offices to participate, creating/adjusting rules for the events, managing registrations, any and all communication and holding all groups accountable to the rules and expectations of the event
• Oversee judges panel including recruitment, training, all communication for/with the panel, scoring rubric structure; work with advisory team to tally scores
• Coordinate opportunities to both highlight all participants and celebrate those chosen as winners

 

Additional Expectations of Homecoming Student Steering Committee members include:

• Support student steering committee efforts to make Homecoming student programs/events accessible and inclusive to all UTC students
• Participate in bi-weekly student steering committee meetings and sub-committee meetings
• Attend all events run by the student steering committee, including events on game day (class counts as an excused absence)
• Assisting with marketing efforts including hanging up posters, visiting classes/organization meetings, staffing promo tables, and social media promotion
• Participating in mandatory spring retreat and summer work day
• Maintain all eligibility requirements related to position

 

Pep Rally & Kickoff Coordinator

The Pep Rally and Kickoff Coordinator plans a kickoff pep rally for the campus community and a student-alumni networking event.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with the Office of Alumni Affairs (in conjunction with the Office of the Chancellor, Chattanooga Athletics, Spirit Groups, Marching Mocs and Chattanooga City/County officials) to ensure the success of each event
• Coordinate all event logistics which could include supplies/facilities/vendor needs, A/V media needs, risk management and event staffing/security needs, guest speaker/entertainment, marketing, budget management, on-site management and program evaluation for each event
• Collaborate with Homecoming Court Coordinator in announcement of Homecoming Court candidates during Kickoff event 
• Create a strategy for students and alumni to engage with one another during the Alumni Mixer, and manage a student and alumni registration process for the event

 

Additional Expectations of Homecoming Student Steering Committee members include:

• Support student steering committee efforts to make Homecoming student programs/events accessible and inclusive to all UTC students
• Participate in bi-weekly student steering committee meetings and sub-committee meetings
• Attend all events run by the student steering committee, including events on game day (class counts as an excused absence)
• Assisting with marketing efforts including hanging up posters, visiting classes/organization meetings, staffing promo tables, and social media promotion
• Participating in mandatory spring retreat and summer work day
• Maintain all eligibility requirements related to position

 

Afternoon Coordinator

The Afternoon Coordinator plans small daytime events each day of Homecoming Week to provide additional opportunities for students to engage in Homecoming activities.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate all event logistics which could include supplies/facilities/vendor needs, A/V media needs, risk management and event staffing/security needs, guest speaker/entertainment, marketing, budget management, on-site management and program evaluation for each event
• Develop creative ways to engage students in Homecoming activities and provide social opportunities between classes and to connect events to the chosen Homecoming theme

Additional Expectations of Homecoming Student Steering Committee members include:

• Support student steering committee efforts to make Homecoming student programs/events accessible and inclusive to all UTC students
• Participate in bi-weekly student steering committee meetings and sub-committee meetings
• Attend all events run by the student steering committee, including events on game day (class counts as an excused absence)
• Assisting with marketing efforts including hanging up posters, visiting classes/organization meetings, staffing promo tables, and social media promotion
• Participating in mandatory spring retreat and summer work day
• Maintain all eligibility requirements related to position

 

Evening Events Coordinator

The Evening Events Coordinator plans two evening (after 8:00pm) events that are open to all students.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate all event logistics which could include supplies/facilities/vendor needs, A/V media needs, risk management and event staffing/security needs, guest speaker/entertainment, marketing, budget management, on-site management and program evaluation for each event
• Develop creative ways to engage students in Homecoming activities and provide social opportunities in the evenings and to connect the events to the chosen Homecoming theme

Additional Expectations of Homecoming Student Steering Committee members include:

• Support student steering committee efforts to make Homecoming student programs/events accessible and inclusive to all UTC students
• Participate in bi-weekly student steering committee meetings and sub-committee meetings
• Attend all events run by the student steering committee, including events on game day (class counts as an excused absence)
• Assisting with marketing efforts including hanging up posters, visiting classes/organization meetings, staffing promo tables, and social media promotion
• Participating in mandatory spring retreat and summer work day
• Maintain all eligibility requirements related to position

Lip Sync Coordinator (2 positions)

The Lip Sync Coordinators plan the annual Lip Sync competition, open to any registered student organization at UTC.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate all event logistics which could include supplies/facilities/vendor needs, A/V media needs, risk management and event staffing/security needs, guest speaker/entertainment, marketing, budget management, on-site management and program evaluation for event
• Oversee judges panel including recruitment, training, all communication for/with the panel, scoring rubric structure and judges introductions and work with advisory team to tally scores
• Oversee all participating organization needs including recruitment of diverse organizations to participate, creating/adjusting rules for the event, managing registrations including song lists and music access, any and all communication, day-of-show run through, wristband distribution and holding all groups accountable to the rules and expectations of the event
• Develop creative ways to keep audience entertained during event

 

Additional Expectations of Homecoming Student Steering Committee members include:

• Support student steering committee efforts to make Homecoming student programs/events accessible and inclusive to all UTC students
• Participate in bi-weekly student steering committee meetings and sub-committee meetings
• Attend all events run by the student steering committee, including events on game day (class counts as an excused absence)
• Assisting with marketing efforts including hanging up posters, visiting classes/organization meetings, staffing promo tables, and social media promotion
• Participating in mandatory spring retreat and summer work day
• Maintain all eligibility requirements related to position

 

Game Day Experience Coordinator

The Game Day Experience Coordinator plans an event to take place before the Homecoming football game to engage students in alcohol-alternative activities that promote social engagement, spirit, and encourage student attendance at the game.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with University departments such as Chattanooga Athletics to plan event activities and ensure their success
• Coordinate all event logistics which could include supplies/facilities/vendor needs, A/V media needs, risk management and event staffing/security needs, guest speaker/entertainment, marketing, budget management, on-site management and program evaluation for event

Additional Expectations of Homecoming Student Steering Committee members include:

• Support student steering committee efforts to make Homecoming student programs/events accessible and inclusive to all UTC students
• Participate in bi-weekly student steering committee meetings and sub-committee meetings
• Attend all events run by the student steering committee, including events on game day (class counts as an excused absence)
• Assisting with marketing efforts including hanging up posters, visiting classes/organization meetings, staffing promo tables, and social media promotion
• Participating in mandatory spring retreat and summer work day
• Maintain all eligibility requirements related to position

 

Committee Position Overview

Eligibility

• Must be enrolled at UTC as a full-time student (Undergraduate students: at least 12 hours; Graduate students: at least 9 hours) during entire term of position
• GPA minimum: 2.50 (Coordinators), 2.75 (Assistant Student Directors) – cumulative; must maintain for entire term
• Must be in good academic and conduct standing with the institution; must maintain for entire term
• Candidates should have a commitment to servant leadership, an understanding of the level of visibility and responsibility associated with being a student leader and an appreciation for inclusion
• Candidates should understand the need for confidentiality in some areas of the Homecoming planning and execution process

Time Commitment

• Position term: Fall 2022 - Fall 2023
• Must attend all committee and sub-committee meetings. Bi-weekly meeting times are selected by the Homecoming Student Steering Committee 
• Must attend Spring Training Retreat and Summer Planning Retreat (dates TBD)
• Must attend events run by the Student Steering Committee, including events on game day (class counts as an excused absence)
• Must attend designated shifts at outreach events (ex. Welcome Week, tabling, student organization meetings, etc.)
• Some event planning will happen over the summer, so summer communication and some work is expected
• All positions are subject to other duties as assigned

 

 

Compensation

All positions are paid bi-weekly at a rate of $10/hour. 

Experience Gained

Event planning, leadership development, time management, conflict management, marketing skills, and risk management.

Application Information for 2023 Committee

Timeline

Application Opens: TBD

Application Closes: TBD

Interviews: TBD

Selection Notification: TBD

Committee Term Begins: TBD

Process

Step 1: Read the information on this page

Make sure you understand the eligibility requirements, time commitment, and the position responsibilities. If you have any questions, please email Chris Bridgers, [email protected].

Step 2: Submit an application through MocSync

The application process for the 2023 Homecoming Student Steering Process includes submitting an online application through MocSync by TBD.

The application contains short answer questions designed to get to know you and gauge your interest in the Student Steering Committee. Please take adequate time to provide thoughtful answers.

If you need accommodations to apply for this opportunity, please contact Chris Bridgers at [email protected].

Step 3: Recommendation Forms: 

In the application, you will be asked to provide the name and contact information for 2 references. One reference is a Peer Reference and must be a current UTC student (not yourself). The second reference is a Professional Reference and must be submitted by a current UTC faculty/staff member. 

After you submit the application, your references will be sent an email with a link to a recommendation form to fill out on your behalf. These 2 recommendation forms are due by TBD, in order for your application to be complete.

Step 4: Interviews

Once applications close, applicants with completed applications who meet the eligibility requirements will be invited to participate in a interview with our the selection committee. 

The selection committee will be comprised of staff from the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. During that time, you should expect to tell us about yourself, your involvement on or off campus, desire to assist with Homecoming and share information from your application. Note: No applicant is guaranteed an interview.

Step 5: Selection

After interviews are complete, the selection committee will meet to decide the best team for our next student steering committee. All applicants will be contacted once final decisions are made.

Application Link

The application for the 2022 Student Steering Committee, is now closed. The deadline to submit your application for 2023 will be determined at a later date. 

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Previous Committees 

2022 Committee

Student Director for Outreach and Involvement: Kiersten Stokes

Student Director for Programming: DaVeon Hall

Promotions Coordinator: Carmin Chambers

Day of Service Coordinator: Chamyra Teasley

Paint the Campus Blue & Gold Coordinator: Colin Thompson

Kickoff/Alumni Engagement Coordinator: Kayla McDayde

Homecoming Court Coordinator: Ashley Byrd

Small Events Coordinator: Hadyn Tjornhom, Jade Jones

LipSync Coordinator: CeCe Gragg

Late Night Programs Coordinator: Kennedy Brownlow

Game Day Experience Coordinator: Sopulu Okolocha

2021 Committee

Student Director for Outreach and Involvement- Kiersten Stokes

Student Director for Programming- DaVeon Hall

Promotions Coordinator- Mckayla Swain

Day of Service Coordinator- Kennedy Brownlow

Paint the Campus Blue and Gold Coordinator- Carmin Chambers

Kickoff/Alumni Engagement Coordinator- Hadyn Tjornhom

Homecoming Court Coordinator- Ashley Byrd

Small Events Coordinator- Chris Bogans

Late Night Programs Coordinator- Rebecca Angel

Game Day Experience Coordinator- Wendy Jiang

2020 Committee

Student Director for Programming: Anna Pate

Student Director for Involvement & Outreach: Mary Catherine Chadwell 

University Day of Service Chair: Kiersten Stokes

Lip Sync Chair: Jenna Yates

Promotions Chair: Allen Towry

Programs Chair: DaVeon Hall

Paint the Campus Blue & Gold Chair: Aali Yarbrough

2019 Committee

Student Director: Davon Crews 

Assistant Student Director: Sophi Falcone

University Day of Service Chair: Dominique Malone

Lip Sync Chair: Cameron Hinton

Kick Off & Alumni Engagement Chair: Mary Catherine Chadwell

Homecoming Court Chair: Caity Pollon 

Promotions Chair: Cassie Whitaker

Late Night Programs Chair: Aali Yarbrough 

Small Events Chair: Anna Pate

Game Day Experience Chair: Callie Koharik

Paint the Campus Blue & Gold Chair: Yancy Freeman Jr.

2018 Committee

Student Director: Alexis Hurley

Assistant Director for Campus Involvement: Sophi Falcone

Assistant Director for Outreach: Davon Crews

Assistant Director for Programming: Keili Keoho

Community Engagement Co-Chair: Hailey Puckett

Community Engagement Co-Chair: Mickey Teal

Lip Sync Chair: Kierstan Szalay

Kickoff & Alumni Engagement Chair: Cheyenne Hooper

Homecoming Court Chair: Rachel Frizzell

Promotions Chair: Madi Taylor

Late Night Programs Chair: Latara Bates

 Small Events Chair: Cara Campbell

Game Day Experience Chair: Ashley McKnight

2017 Committee

Student Director: Brittany Watlington

Assistant Director for Campus Involvement: Alexis Hurley

Assistant Director for Outreach: Jasmine Liev

Assistant Director for Programming: Hailey Rapheal

Community Engagement Co-Chair: Cidney Coppock

Community Engagement Co-Chair: Caroline Waldron

Paint the Campus Blue & Gold Chair: Sophi Falcone

Kickoff & Alumni Engagement Chair: Madison Frazier

Homecoming Court Chair: Kelli Keoho

Social Media Chair: Andreya Steidl

Homecoming After Dark Chair: McKenna Bowery

Small Events Chair: Ricarnicea Johnson

Tailgate Chair: Malik Sampson

LipSync Chair: Ashley McKnight

2016 Committee

Co-Director: Jessica Bastianelli

Co-Director: Cody Henegar 

Banner Painting Chairperson: Korri Bowers 

Kick Off Chairperson: Quentin Payne 

Field Games Chairperson: Kelsey Guess

Lip Sync Co-Chairperson: Mikayla Long 

Lip Sync Co-Chairperson: Brittany Watlington

Step Show Co-Chairperson: Austin Miele

Step Show Co-Chairperson: Kacie Sherrell

Homecoming Court & Tailgate Chairperson: Jye Foreman

Social Media Chairperson: Chelsea Woodard