Nova Southeastern University has announced their 2021 homecoming events, but many underclassmen have never had the chance to experience the traditional homecoming week events at NSU due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For those freshman and sophomores who may not know what an event entails, we’ve compiled a short summary list to give students a better understanding of what the annual homecoming events at NSU are about.
Ready to rally (Nov. 8, 12 p.m.)
The Student Events and Activities (S.E.A) Board, Diversity Student Council (DSC) and Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) are hosting a pre-rally to kick off homecoming week. The pre-rally will include lots of goodies for students, including free t-shirts, games and giveaways. It serves as a way for students to get excited about homecoming week and raise awareness about other homecoming events and the pep rally happening later in the day.
Homecoming pep rally (Nov. 8, 6 p.m.)
The homecoming pep rally will take place later in the evening on Nov. 8 in the Rick Case Arena in the UC. The pep rally will include multiple giveaways for students to enter, as well as games to play with friends. There will also be a DJ battle for students to watch. The pep rally is the real start to homecoming week.
“Anything That Floats” raft race (Nov. 9, 4 p.m.)
The “Anything That Floats” raft race is a longstanding NSU tradition, and this year will be the 30th year the event has taken place. The raft race gathers groups of students who work together to build a raft, or anything that floats, as the title of the event explains. The teams will participate in heats, or mini races, across Gold Circle Lake in their rafts until only three groups remain. If the raft sinks or you aren’t fast enough, the team loses. The three groups are the winners of their individual heats, and will race each other to see who is the winner of the cash prize.
Unified Greek council stroll off (Nov. 10, 7 p.m.)
The Unified Greek council will be holding their stroll off event on Nov. 10. The event invites students to watch several sororities and fraternities on campus compete for a cash prize and trophy. A “stroll off” refers to an event hosted by multicultural Greek organizations where members gather together and perform dances that are traditional to their organization. This event allows underclassmen to learn more about the Greek organizations on campus.
Homecoming parade (Nov. 11, 12:30 p.m.)
On Nov. 11, there will be a homecoming parade around the Shark Circle in front of the UC. Different clubs and organizations on campus will participate by building floats and hosting giveaways during the parade. This event allows students to get more involved with the clubs and organizations on campus and join groups that they are interested in.
Sharks after dark (Nov. 11, 8 p.m.)
The Sharks After Dark event will be held in various parts of the Don Taft University Center, and will include activities for students such as indoor roller skating, arcade games, novelty concessions and more. This homecoming event is more of a late-night event and is a great way for students to prepare to have fun at the homecoming bash.
Homecoming bash – Yacht edition (Nov. 12, 9 p.m.)
On Nov. 12, students are invited to wear their NSU gear all day and then dress up for the annual homecoming bash. This year’s homecoming bash is being held on a private yacht, and students will be provided with food and entertainment. Tickets went on sale on Nov. 8 and are available for $25 to students only. During the homecoming bash, the homecoming royalty winners will also be announced.
Homecoming basketball game and royalty crowning (Nov. 13, 4 p.m.)
For those who could not attend the homecoming bash, the homecoming royalty will be crowned at the annual homecoming basketball game in the Rick Case Arena. The NSU Sharks men’s basketball team will be playing against Florida National University, and students are invited to cheer them on and hope for a win.
Sharks in the garden: Homecoming brunch (Nov. 14, noon)
The final homecoming week event will be taking place on Nov. 14 in the Flight Deck backyard. Students are invited to come to a well-dressed brunch that will include food trucks, performances and entertainment, photo opportunities and more.
