by Cecilia Demoski ’23

It’s almost that time of year again, Vols! UT’s Homecoming celebrations will take place in a few short weeks, beginning on October 16 and ending on October 22, and it’ll be a Homecoming to remember. As a fun week full of competitions, events, and UT traditions, all current students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to celebrate all things Rocky Top. This is your official guide to becoming involved with Homecoming 2022: Salute to Smokey.

Register for Student Opportunities

Each year, there are several events that individual students and student organizations can participate in during Homecoming. This year, new events have been added to create even more opportunities for involvement. 

Spirit Competitions

There are many events throughout the week that student organizations can participate in individually/ without officially “competing” against other organizations. Any organization can register for the Pup Rally, the Banner Drop and the Pumpkin Painting Competition. Additionally, ALL student organizations are able to walk or ride in the Homecoming Parade!  All registration forms for these events are through Event Brite. Note that each event has its own registration form. These events include:

Pup Rally

Along with faculty and staff, students can register for the Pup Rally, a UT spirit-themed pet costume contest that will take place at the Humanities Lawn. Register your four-legged friend with this form.

Paint the Union

Student organizations will be assigned a glass window section of the Student Union and judged on creativity and design in adherence to the theme, “Salute to Smokey”. To participate, fill out this Registration Form. 

Homecoming Parade

This is a long-lasting tradition that is open to anyone and everyone. The parade takes place on the Friday of Homecoming and any student organization is welcome to walk or ride the parade. Register with this form. 

Pumpkin Painting Competition

This is a new event that will take place following the parade at the new post-parade Homecoming Celebration event. Any student or organization can sign up to paint a pumpkin and compete for bragging rights. Register with this form. 

Team Spirit Competitions

To be eligible to participate in any of the eight competition-style events hosted by All Campus Events (ACE) during Homecoming, student organizations must register their team through the 2022 Homecoming Registration Form on VOLink by October 2.

These events are open to ALL student organizations on campus to participate in and are a great way to celebrate UT traditions that are unique to Homecoming. There are no fees for these events! Please be aware that the capacity for these team events is limited, so be sure to register soon. 

Become a Student Judge 

While student organizations compete against each other in a variety of events, UT departments across campus and community partners here in Knoxville compete against each other as well! In order to fairly facilitate these events, current students are invited to serve as judges as needed for a variety of competitions involving UT departments and campus partners. To be selected as a judge, students should fill out the Student Judges Interest form on Eventbrite.

There are so many ways for students to be involved in Homecoming festivities, and we hope you choose to participate! For more information about Homecoming events and dates, please visit the Campus Event Calendar. Contact Ashleigh Moyer at amoyer@utk.edu with any questions about participation and registering for student competition opportunities. Happy Homecoming, Vols!