2015 HOMECOMING
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE APPLICATION
Name:
Credits (Spring 15/Fall 15): ___________________
Phone #: ____________________
Address: _______________________________
Semester Standing: _________
GPA: __________
Major: ________________________
Email: ___________________________
Please rank your top four choices for the 2015 Homecoming Executive Committee:
(For committee descriptions, see below)
Alumni Relations
Competition
Distribution Management
Donor Relations
Finance
Merchandise
OPPerations
Organization Relations
Parade
Pride Events
Production*
Public Relations*
Royalty
Security
Technology
University Relations
Positions indicated with a * require the submission of a digital portfolio. Please attach a DVD
or flash drive with your work when submitting your application.
Please type your response to the following questions. Answers should be no more
than 500 words per question:
1. Why are you interested in a position on the Homecoming Executive Committee?
2. What skills and talents would you bring to your position? Please include any experiences,
activities, or positions you have had that you feel qualify you to be a Director on the
Homecoming Executive Committee.
3. Specific to the top choice position you are applying for, what suggestions for
improvement do you have for this committee? What new thoughts do you have for
Homecoming in general? Please give a thorough description of all of your ideas.
4. Homecoming is an organization, not just a week of events in October. What does that
mean to you?
5. Please respond to the following scenario: You have concerns with a captain on your
committee who hasn’t been fulfilling their responsibilities and seems to have a poor
attitude. How would you handle the situation in a professional manner
6. What other major priorities/commitments do you have currently and for the Spring and
Fall 2015 semesters (please include number of hours a week you dedicate to each of
them)? How will you balance your role as a student, a member of the Homecoming
Executive Committee and your other commitments?
Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on November 14th in 209 HUB. You will be asked
to sign up for a potential interview time slot when you hand in your
application, but we cannot guarantee that all applicants will receive an
interview. You will be notified on Saturday, November 15th as to whether you
will have an interview. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.
Please turn in all application materials in a sealed 9 x 12 manila envelope in 209 HUB.
Label the envelope with your name and “2015 Homecoming Executive Committee
Application.” Please include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
3 copies of Application
3 copies of Resume
Two references with contact information (i.e. advisor, employer, student org officer)
A typical weekly schedule including class times, organization meetings, and work.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact:
Brandon Rittenhouse
Jennifer Grossman Leopard
Stephanie Caban
Executive Director for Homecoming 2015
Advisor
Graduate Advisor
bir5118@psu.edu
jbg165@psu.edu
skb5118@psu.edu
Please include this cover sheet only with your application.
Responsibilities of all Directors include:
- Selecting committees of captains who work to fulfill the objectives of Homecoming
o Arranging regular committee meetings and one-on-ones
- Attending weekly one-on-one meetings with the Executive Director
o Completing weekly reports due on time
- Attending weekly meetings with the Executive Committee
- Attend and stay dedicated to potential collaborative groups and efforts across the Homecoming
Executive Committee (collab groups, triads, etc.)
- Consistently working and developing a final report throughout the entire year
- Working closely and collaborating with other Directors
- Preparing and managing an annual budget and donation request list
- Participating in year end wrap-up meetings
- Participating in transition meetings with the old and new executive committees (both in the
Spring and Fall respectively)
- Participating in Spring (January 17 and 18) and Fall (August 15 and 16) retreats, possible Summer
Retreat
- Participating in Office Hours weekly
- Attending all Homecoming Events
- Maintaining professionalism and upholding the mission of Homecoming
Alumni Relations Committee
The Alumni Relations committee strives to create a year round welcoming environment for our alumni.
They look to build and maintain the relationship between the Homecoming Executive Committee and
Penn State alumni through various events and initiatives. The Alumni Relations Committee works closely
with the Penn State Alumni Association.
Director Description
Responsible for working with the Penn State Alumni Association in all aspects related to Penn
State Homecoming, including but not limited to selecting and contacting the Grand Marshal and
Honorary Grand Marshal, arranging for alumni groups to participate in the Homecoming parade
(in coordination with the Parade Director), and planning the Alumni/Student Ice Cream Social,
the Alumni/Student Tailgate Competition, and the Homecoming Day of Service (in coordination
with the University Relations Director). This director will help to facilitate the creation of a
Homecoming Alumni Interest Group and serve as the main communicator between the AIG and
the Homecoming Executive Committee. He/she will create and distribute the Homecoming
Alumni Newsletter in coordination with the Public Relations Director. He/she will also work with
the Office of Annual Giving to solicit any monetary donations. This individual may also be
responsible for other events and efforts that further the involvement of alumni in Homecoming.
Competition Committee
The Competition Committee is responsible for coordinating the registration of student organizations and
scoring/judging for all competition events. They continue to develop the spirit point system for all
Homecoming events. All aspects of Homecoming pertaining to competition fall within this committee.
Director Description
Responsible for managing all aspects of student competition during Homecoming. This includes
the registration of student organizations, determination of registration fees and participation
details, coordination of spirit point sign-ins, scoring and judging for all events designated for
competition, and the two mandatory organizational meetings in the spring and fall. He/She is
also responsible for developing the competition rulebook and selecting and contacting all
competition judges. This person also works to plan and coordinate the Homecoming Field Day,
Homecoming Volleyball Tournament, and the Friends and Family Tent at the Allen Street Gates
during Parade Day.
Distribution Management Committee
The Distribution Management Committee is responsible for managing the logistics across committees.
This includes supply inventory, unrestricted cash management, and the coordination of specific sponsor
support. This committee works very closely with the Finance and Donor Relations committees to manage
all Homecoming resources.
Director Description
Responsible for managing the logistics across committees including supply inventory and cash on
hand. Supply inventory pertains to maintaining a detailed list of currently owned office supplies
and work equipment, which includes everything from paper and pens to outdoor fencing and
technology devices. Cash on hand supports non-UPAC eligible materials and unfilled donation
requests. He/She will work with respective directors on set-up and tear-down plans for the
various Homecoming events. This individual should be very detail-oriented and extremely
organized.
Donor Relations Committee
The Donor Relations Committee is responsible for securing all donations, both in-kind and monetary, per
request of the Executive Committee. They will work to develop positive relationships will all sponsors and
ensure that they receive the appropriate entitled benefits.
Director Description
Responsible for requesting and securing all donations from local, regional, and national sponsors
needed by any member of the Executive Committee for their specific area of oversight during
Homecoming. This includes continuing to develop the existing benefits package and ensuring that
all corporate partners receive the appropriate benefits. This director will work closely with both
the Finance and Distribution Management directors to ensure that all other directors have the
materials they need for all Homecoming events.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee works to prepare Homecoming’s operating budget for submission to the
University Park Allocation Committee and they manage all transactions related to Homecoming’s
Associated Student Activities account. This committee assists the Finance Director in maintaining an
accurate budget as well. They are also responsible for planning and coordinating all fundraising events.
Director Description
Responsible for developing and submitting Homecoming's operating budget to the University
Park Allocation Committee for consideration in the spring. This person also manages all
transactions related to Homecoming's Associated Student Activities account including check
requests, purchase orders and account transfers. This director will also work closely with the
Donor Relations, Merchandise and Distribution Management Directors throughout the year along
with each director to develop a final operating budget pending funding results. This person must
be willing to hold their peer directors accountable for financial transactions. Experience in
accounting, finance, past treasurer, or UPAC experience is a benefit, but not a requirement.
Merchandise Committee
The Merchandise Committee coordinates and operates all merchandise ordering and sales for the general
public both on campus and at Homecoming events. They are responsible for maintaining the inventory of
all merchandise and documenting the gear that has been purchased throughout the year. This committee
is also encouraged to explore new ways to market and sell Homecoming Merchandise and increase brand
pervasiveness. This committee will work closely with the Production committee to develop videos that
promote the merchandise. This committee is also in charge of filling all online store orders and will
coordinate with the Technology committee to ensure the on-line store catalog is operating correctly.
Director Description
Responsible for all merchandise ordering and sales for the general public both on campus and
online. This person will also place clothing orders for official Homecoming gear (including
director, captain, committee member shirts and organization licensed merchandise). This
director will work closely with the Finance Director to maintain up-to-date and accurate sale
totals. Includes working with the Homecoming vendor to prepare all merchandise orders and
organizing sales in the spring and fall.
OPPerations Committee
The OPPerations Committee works to acquire, set up, manage, and tear down all equipment during
Homecoming events. They are responsible for coordinating the use and operation of the rental truck and
vehicles during Homecoming week. Together they work with each director to ensure their event is
running smoothly from an OPPerations standpoint. This committee plays an integral role in taking care of
the logistics for all Homecoming events.
Director Description
Responsible for the logistics of all Homecoming events including acquiring, setting up, managing,
and tearing down all equipment (including chairs, tables, audio-visual equipment, and other
related items) required for each event. This person is also responsible for securing, through
rental or purchase from third-party vendors or University departments, any required equipment,
assisting the Security and Parade Directors in tasks related to the set-up of the parade route on
parade day, and coordinating the use and operation of the rental truck and vehicles during
Homecoming week. He/She is also responsible for coordinating pomp orders and their pickups in
coordination with Nittany Co-op.
Organization Relations
This committee will be in charge of all communication between Homecoming and the competing
organizations. They will also work to recruit new organizations and remain as an available resource for all
Homecoming information. This committee will coordinate the For the Glory Talent Show and promote
professional and personal growth of all captains and committee members (in coordination with the
Executive Director and Graduate Advisor).
Director Description
He/she will be responsible for communicating important Homecoming related information to all
Homecoming chairs. This director must be willing to become knowledgeable on all aspects of
Homecoming so that they can communicate effectively with all participating organizations. This
director will work closely with Competition to ensure that all competing organizations are
receiving the correct information about spirit points and events. This director will be responsible
for creating and distributing the Homecoming Newsletter. He/she must be a member of a
fraternity or sorority in good standing with IFC, PHC, MGC, or NPHC in order to continue to
enforce the importance of Homecoming in the Greek community.
Parade Committee
The Parade Committee is responsible for everything related to the Homecoming Parade. They will
coordinate the participation of student organizations, alumni groups, and community representatives in
the parade and assist in the set up of the staging grounds and parade route. This committee will also
assist in equipment distribution and collection of flatbed rental, distribution, and inspection. They will
coordinate Recycle Your Float with the help of sustainability related organization.
Director Description
Responsible for all aspects of the Homecoming Parade. This includes working with the
Competition and Alumni Relations Directors to coordinate the participation of student
organizations and alumni groups in the parade. This person works with the Security Director to
meet with University and borough officials to address concerns related to the parade, staging
grounds, and route. This director will work closely with the Security , OPPerations, and
Distribution Management Directors when it comes to the set up and tear down of the parade.
He/She will also be in charge of running the fall parade workshop, managing equipment
distribution and collection, and flatbed rental, distribution, and inspection.
Pride Events Committee
The Pride Events Committee is responsible for planning major events such as Legacy Celebration, The
Color Run Penn State, Past to Present, Res Hall Rev-ups, and the Best of Penn State Carnival. These
events are geared toward bringing out the pride in the Penn State community and teaching them about
important historical traditions that bind all Nittany Lions together.
Director Description
Responsible for planning and implementing several Homecoming events either for competition or
spirit points, as well as other events to foster Penn State pride and the spirit of Homecoming.
These include Legacy Celebration, The Color Run Penn State, Past to Present, Best of Penn State
Carnival. This director works closely with participating student organizations and University
departments to successfully plan these programs. This person should have event planning
experience.
Production
The production committee is responsible for developing and producing creative videos for use as
promotion tools and to enhance events as well as creating all event scripts. This committee will work
closely with Technology and Public Relations to ensure that all videos can be promoted to the rest of the
community. This committee will also secure and coordinate the Homecoming DJ and the Homecoming
emcees. They are also responsible for coordinating all student performance organization involvement in
Homecoming events and planning the Homecoming Dance Competition with University Relations.
Director Description
This director will be responsible for distributing video requests from all other directors to their
captains for production. This director must have experience with filming, editing, and creating
professional high quality final products. He/she will help to write all Homecoming Event scripts.
This director will work with all other directors to ensure that every Homecoming event is well
documented.
Public Relations Committee
The Public Relations Committee is responsible for all publicity of Homecoming events and acts as the
liaison between the press and the Executive Committee. They work to design promotional materials,
which includes, but is not limited to, advertisements, flyers, and posters. This committee is responsible
for securing the Homecoming Radio Sponsor and online news source sponsorship. This committee will
also work with the other directors to arrange photograph documentation of events throughout the year.
Director Description
Responsible for coordinating all publicity for events leading up to and during Homecoming week.
This includes designing and distributing advertisements, flyers, and posters, managing social
media sites and the Homecoming blog, working with local, regional, and state media outlets to
publicize Homecoming events, and acting as a liaison between the Executive Committee and the
press for all inquiries concerning Homecoming.
Royalty Committee
The Royalty Committee is responsible for coordinating the selection of the Homecoming Student Court,
University Court. They will arrange interviews for semi-finalists of the Student Court as well as a student
panel for the University Court selection. These individuals will develop creative ways to advertise the
voting of the King and Queen and increase involvement of both Courts throughout Homecoming week.
They will also work to plan the Court Reception.
Director Description
Responsible for arranging the selection of the Student Court, and University Court. This begins
with the promotion of online nominations for both Courts in the spring and beginning of the fall.
In the fall, duties include review of all Court applications and arranging of interviews for Court
semifinalists as well as a student panel for University Court selection. It is the duty of the Royalty
Director to ensure members of both Courts are aware of responsibilities and obligations leading
up to and during Homecoming week. This person will also set up and publicize voting in creative
ways for the King and Queen, plan the Court Reception, and increase involvement of both Courts
at events throughout Homecoming week.
Security Committee
The Security Committee looks to provide security for any Homecoming event per request of the Executive
Committee. They work to patrol and clean up the parade route along with the Security Leaders and
organization security volunteers. This committee will work closely with the OPPerations committee
throughout the year.
Director Description
Responsible for providing security volunteers for any applicable Homecoming events in
coordination with the responsible member of the Executive Committee. This person will also
manage the security leaders committee and the organization security volunteers assigned to
patrol and clean up the parade route. This director will meet with University and borough
officials to address concerns related to the parade, staging grounds, and route.
Technology Committee
The Technology Committee continues to develop the Homecoming website. They are responsible for
documenting Homecoming events through multi-media and assisting other committees with their
technology needs. They will also help to maintain the Homecoming on-line store. Additionally, they are
responsible for all online quizzes for Homecoming competitors.
Director Description
Responsible for the design and management of the website. Also responsible for coordinating the
webcast and assisting other directors with their technology needs. They will work closely with the
Competition director to ensure the success of pre-registration, registration and competitor
quizzes. Experience with HTML, PHP, and MySQL is required.
University Relations Committee
The University Relations Committee serves as the link between many university departments and the
commonwealth campuses. They are also responsible for coordinating First-Year Celebration
SPA/Homecoming Concert, Homecoming Blood Drive, the Homecoming Office Competition and the
Homecoming Day of Service (in coordination with the Alumni Relations Committee). They work to recruit
student-athlete participation in Homecoming.
Director Description
Responsible for acting as a liaison between Homecoming and University departments including
Intercollegiate Athletics and Residence Life. He/she will plan events such as First-Year
Celebration, the SPA/Homecoming Concert, the Dance Competition (in coordination with the
Production committee) and the Homecoming Day of Service (in coordination with the Alumni
Relations Committee). He/She is also responsible for coordinating Homecoming Football game
ticket allocation and planning the two football game halftime presentations.