Students' guide to Homecoming

Each year, Homecoming brings hundreds of alumni to campus, but that doesn’t mean students are left out of the festivities.

Many activities at Dal Homecoming, which takes place on Dal’s Halifax campuses from October 3-5, are open to everyone in the Dal community — including students. They’re an opportunity to get to meet all sorts of Dal graduates from different years — engaging with alumni for networking, mentorship and simply learning more about different experiences at Dal. There are guest lectures, celebrations and other activities, all capped off by a lobster dinner and football game.

Here’s a look at how to make the most of your Homecoming experience next weekend:

Hear from Dal’s new president

“Installation” sounds like a procedure for cupboards, not a president, but it’s an important part of university tradition: formally appointing the president to his role within the academy. All students are welcome at the ceremony, where you’ll get to hear Dr. Florizone speak about the university and also witness the awarding of eight honorary degrees to a number of international university presidents. (See below.) The Installation ceremony takes place Friday, October 4 at 2:30 p.m. in the Rebecca Cohn auditorium, Dalhousie Arts Centre. RSVP online.

The world comes to Dalhousie

As part of the ceremonies for President Florizone’s formal installation as Dal’s 11th president, the university will be awarding honorary degrees to presidents from eight universities from around the world: from Brazil and Qatar to Germany, China and Botswana. Best of all, the university presidents will all take part in an interactive panel discussion the morning of Friday, October 3 in the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium starting at 9:30 a.m.. If you’ve ever wanted learn more about teaching and research on the global stage, this is the event for you. RSVP online.

Lobster tailgate / Dal Football game

Tailgate parties are part of football tradition, and while Dal doesn’t quite have the space for the usual “parking lot” approach, it brings its own Maritime flavor to the festivities: Lobster, and lots of it. Following the lobster dinner in the Studley Gym, watch the Dal Tigers Football team take on UNB Saint John at Wickwire Field starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are only $15 for students, a price that includes the dinner AND the game. (Tickets to the game itself are $5.) Purchase tickets here.

Cool lectures

Yes, you already spend a great deal of time in the classroom, but Homecoming features some compelling faculty lectures targeted at general audiences. This year’s “Come Back to Class” talks are hosted by the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. All take place on Friday, October 4 and will be about 50-60 minutes.

• The Rise of Rome: Consults, Classes and World Conquest (Emily Varto, Classics, 10:35 a.m., Hicks 217)
• Black Death, Silk and the Mongols: Shock, Culture and Awe in Medieval Eurasia (Colin Mitchell, History, 11:35 a.m., LSC 240)
• Stars and Stardom on Stage and Screen (Roberta Barker, Film Studies/Theatre, 2:35 p.m., Hicks 212)

Faculty events

Some of the most fun activities at Homecoming take place on the individual Faculty level. There are guest lectures, receptions, open houses, fundraisers and more. Check out the Homecoming events page for all the details on what’s happening in your part of campus.

Want to learn more about these and other events happening during Homecoming? Visit the Homecoming website.