Homecoming Code of Conduct form

It is the intention of the 2023 EIU Homecoming Steering Committee to conduct a safe and enjoyable week of EIU Homecoming Week activities for all EIU Homecoming participants, representatives, and spectators. In the spirit of sportsmanship and in order to ensure that all involved are treated with mutual honor, respect, and dignity, I/We, as the above Greek/RSO/Hall have read, understand, and agree to abide by the EIU Homecoming Student Code of Conduct as participants, representatives and spectators.  

Furthermore, I/We understand that any violation of the code of conduct by participants, representatives or spectators can result in EIU Homecoming fines, disqualification from the competition, and/or termination from participation in Homecoming Week.  I/We have read and agree to be bound by the enforcement of the 2023 EIU Homecoming Student Code of Conduct as follows:

EIU Homecoming Event Participants, Representatives, Spectators:

1. HC participants, representatives, spectators will be expected to adhere to EIU Homecoming Rules & Regulations and the EIU Student Conduct Code.
2. HC participants, representatives, spectators will be expected to refrain from profane, offensive, or divisive language or behavior during, prior to, and after HC events and competitions.
3. HC participants, representatives, spectators will not engage in any altercations but will instead report any issues or disturbances to EIU officials – UPD, administration, staff.
4. HC participants, representatives, spectators will be expected to refrain from consuming alcohol or illegal substances before, during or after HC events and competitions.
5. Any HC participants, representatives, spectators who appear to be intoxicated during HC events or competitions will be removed from the event or competition.

Dates & Deadlines:

• Sept. 29: Parade registration form due.
• Sept. 29: Completed parade waiver release/liability form and parade code of conduct form due.
• Oct. 2 (Tentative): Parade line-up distribution. 

Registration:

1.  Parade entries will be accepted online. Late entries will be subject to approval and are not eligible for competition. No exceptions.
2. Any violations of Parade Rules will result in the expulsion of participants and entry from the EIU Homecoming Parade. In addition can result in loss of awards, points if a competing entry, and/or future participation.
3. The parade line-up will be tentatively be distributed on Monday, Oct. 2.
4. Parade entry check-in will take place on-site between 7-9 am on the day of the Parade: Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023.
5. All Parade entries must check in no later than 30-minutes prior to the start of the EIU Homecoming Parade. Failure to do so can result in denying entry and participation in the EIU Homecoming Parade Event.

Parade Rules Overview:

The following Eastern Illinois University Homecoming Parade Rules & Regulations have been established to assist in providing for a positive and safe EIU Homecoming Parade experience for all parade participants, attendees and spectators. All parade entries are required to adhere to the following rules/regulations:

General Parade Rules & Regulations:

1. Parade entries are highly encouraged to reflect the 2023 theme: “Panthers Royale: EIU Homecoming 2023”.
2. All EIU Homecoming Parade entries are to be family-friendly and in good taste with participation subject to the approval of the EIU Homecoming Steering Committee.
3. The Parade will take place on Saturday, October 7 at 9:30 am. All flatbed floats, cars and walking floats, bands, and novelty entries must check in onsite and be in position by their assigned time. Late Parade entries will be subject to denial or placement at the end of the Parade line-up.
4. EIU Homecoming Parade lineup begins at 7 am. All Parade entries must be checked in and in the proper line-up, as assigned by the EIU 2023 Homecoming Parade Committee, no later than 9 am on day of the Parade. Late arrival Parade Entries not in proper line up may be subject to not participating or assigned line-up at the end of the Parade.
5. Any Parade entry promoting the irresponsible use of alcohol, use of profanity, vulgarity, sexually explicit material, or implying discrimination will be removed from participation in the Parade and/or Parade route. ABSOLUTELY NO DRINKING or ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED BY EIU HOMECOMING PARADE ENTRIES.
6. All Parade motorized/non-motorized entries MUST have their own liability insurance AND Proof of Vehicle Insurance Coverage on file PRIOR to participation in the EIU Homecoming Parade.
7. DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS AND LOCAL CITY ORDINANCE - NO CANDY THROWING WILL BE ALLOWED. Parade Participants/Entrants are encouraged to hand out candy or toss it at the feet of Parade Patrons along the parade route, but NO THROWING.
8. All Parade vehicles must have enough fuel to complete the Parade route.
9. A Parade entry, whether it involves a vehicle or walking/marching participants, must continue moving forward through the Parade route at all times unless others wise directed by CPD/UPD and/or EIU Committee representatives.
10. Parade Entries must avoid matter which discriminates against, is offensive to, or disparages any person or group on the basis of race, gender, national origin, disability, political views, age, religion, sexual orientation or personal characteristics.
11. Eastern Illinois University, EIU Student Life Office and/or the EIU Homecoming Parade Committee reserves the right to deny entry and participation in the Parade if it is deemed that the Parade display, entry, or float negatively reflects and/or does not uphold the mission of EIU and the purpose of the EIU Homecoming Parade. i.e. parade entry description, messaging, poor behavior, the risk to public safety or welfare.
12. Eastern Illinois University, EIU Student Life Office and/or the EIU Homecoming Parade Committee reserves the right to deny entry and participation in the Parade, or remove from the Parade, any individual, organization,  group, or participant(s) engaging in activity, conduct or speech that is deemed detrimental, civil discourse, poses a threat or risk to public safety. i.e. political campaigning.
13. Eastern Illinois University, The EIU Student Life Office and/or EIU Homecoming Steering Committee reserves the right to make the final decision in the placement and the Line-up order of ALL Parade Entries and Participants.
14. Parade entries are encouraged to register early, however doing so does NOT guarantee a specific line-up or placement of an entry in the EIU Homecoming Parade.
15. All flatbed floats, walking floats, bands, novelty and decorated cars must submit a general written description of the entry on their application. These entries must be theme-related.
16. The EIU Homecoming Committee reserves the right to deny entry into the EIU Homecoming Parade to any parade entry that may pose a health/safety risk and/or deemed in bad taste, low quality or might be found offensive to the participants and the spectators of the EIU Homecoming Parade event.
17. The EIU Homecoming Parade Committee reserves the right to inspect ALL floats, cars, and novelty parade entries on-site due to pose safety/health risks.
18. Profanity or obscenities, both displayed on the Parade entry or in music played as a part of the entry, will result in disqualification or denial as determined by Eastern Illinois University.
19. Neither the EIU Homecoming Committee nor Eastern Illinois University will be responsible for the conduct of parade participants and/or any risk, harm or damage to any parade participants, vehicles and entries.
20. Floats may not be dismantled along the Parade route or at the EIU Football stadium. Failure to comply will be subject to disqualification, fines and future participation in the EIU Homecoming Parade event.
21. Each Parade entry is responsible for the conduct of its members or participants prior to the start of and along the Parade route. If conduct is deemed inappropriate, entries will be asked to leave and escorted from Parade route. The entry will be disqualified.
22. No Parade entry may enter the competition in more than one of the following competing Parade Divisions:
    1. Division A - Marching/Walking Float
    2. Division B – Decorated Car/Truck or Truck/Utility Trailer
    3. Division C - Float/Flatbed
    4. Division D - Marching Bands
    5. Division E - Novelty (i.e. dance, drill team, pep squad, etc.)
    6. Other - (please specify. i.e. bicycles, bus, mobile home, animal, etc.)
23. HC Parade entries and participants will NOT be allowed to solicit monetary donations for any philanthropic cause along the Parade route. Failure to abide by this can result in removal from the Parade route and banishment in future parades
24. THERE WILL BE NO P.A. SYSTEMS USED BY PARADE ENTRIES DURING THE PARADE.
25. Any destruction or vandalism of other Parade entries will result in automatic disqualification, and removal from the Parade route and are subject to disciplinary action.
26. Any behavior problems or disorderly conduct by parade participants along the parade route will result in disqualification of parade entry and further disciplinary action.
27. All EIU Homecoming Parade entries must have a Parade Code of Conduct form on file with the EIU Homecoming Parade Sub-committee prior to the Parade event.
28. Distance between Parade entries is to be maintained at a minimum of 20-30 feet. All Parade entries are required to close the gap between entries when requested to do so by an EIU/Charleston Police and/or Parade official(s). All Parade entries must be mindful of the distance between entries in front or behind them and maintain proper distance and speed accordingly.
29. Parade entries will be placed in order of parade line-up at the discretion of the EIU Parade Committee and SLO staff to ensure balance and coordination of the Parade.
30. NO single Parade entry can have more than two motorized items unless authorized and approved by the Student Life Office. i.e., cars, truck, ATV, golf cart, etc.

Parade Safety Rules & Regulations:

1. Due to safety concerns, candy and other trinkets may be “soft” tossed to parade attendees. Great care MUST be taken to prevent harm or injury caused by candy or beads being thrown into the crowd. Along the Parade route. NO THROWING of CANDY.
2. All Parade entries must complete a Parade Acknowledgement of Risk/Liability Waiver– Vehicle Driver. Drivers are responsible for individuals on and around their Parade entry.
3. Firearms, pyrotechnics, fire and fireworks are strictly PROHIBITED from any part of the parade. Violation of this rule will result in immediate disqualification of the entry, and notification of EIU/Charleston Police.
4. All vehicles entered in the Parade must be safe, clean and respectable. All Parade entries not passing the final on-site inspection on Saturday, October 15 will be subject to disqualification from the Parade line-up.
5. NO participant should jump on or off a moving vehicle or Parade entry or unit at any time nor should anyone be hanging onto a moving Parade entry or unit.
6. ALL Parade participants must conduct themselves in an acceptable, responsible and respectable manner.
7. All decorative materials used in Parade floats and decorated vehicles must be fireproof or have been treated with a fireproof retardant and in compliance with City Of Charleston ordinance, parade codes and standards.
8. Fire or open flames are PROHIBITED. Parade entries must carry a Fire Extinguisher located within easy access on the float. i.e. ABC (2A20BC) fire extinguisher.
9. The Committee reserves the right to inspect Parade entries – floats, walking, vehicles, etc. before the Parade. If there are no fire extinguishers on board or the float is made of flammable non-approved materials, or there is some other violation the float will be subject to disqualification or until corrective measures have been met.
10. The EIU University Police, Charleston Police and Fire Departments may exercise the authority to 'Deny' any entry to the EIU Homecoming Parade that they believe poses an unreasonable risk of injury or danger to the general public. Public safety is ultimately the sole responsibility of the EIU and Charleston Police and Fire Departments, and related public agencies.
11. NO SMOKING will be permitted by Parade participants on Parade Entries. Alcoholic beverages are EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN by Parade participants or on any Parade float or vehicle or on the person of any parade participant. Entries are subject to removal from the Parade lineup during the Parade if there is an obvious disregard for this rule. Formal charges and disciplinary action may be pending.
12. The number of Parade participants on a motorized parade entry may not exceed maximum vehicle weight limitations.  

Failure To Abide By Parade Rules/Regulations:

Failure to abide by these guidelines can result in:

1. The immediate removal of the Parade participants and/or the Parade entry from the EIU Homecoming Parade.
2. The disqualification of Parade entries, participants and/or sponsoring organization eligibility to receive parade points and awards.
3. The issuing of citations to and/or the filing of criminal charges against or the arrest of the responsible Parade participant(s) and/or person(s) responsible for parade entry.
4. The disqualification of the Parade participant(s) and/or sponsoring organization or group eligibility to participate in future EIU Homecoming Parades.

Parade Division Rules:

Eastern Illinois University and the EIU Homecoming Committee reserves the right to deny entry into the EIU Homecoming Parade to any parade entry that fails to abide by Parade rules, may pose a health/safety risk and/or is deemed in bad taste, low quality or may be found offensive to the institution, participants and the viewers of the Parade.  The following are the Parade Categories of participation

Division A: Marching/Walking Float

1. Maximum of fifty (50) participants per entry.
2. A complete description of the entry must accompany the entry form.
3. A walking float is an entry that is either pulled or carried by participants in the group.

Division B: Decorated Car/Truck or Truck/Utility Trailer:

1. A decorated car or truck vehicle is an entry where the car or truck is simply decorated (posters, streamers, etc.) with no construction. i.e. car, golf cart, moped, motorcycle, 3-wheeler, bike, etc.
2. The car or truck must be clean and in good working condition.

Division C: Float/Flatbed:

1. The height of the float/flatbed may not exceed thirteen feet from the ground level.
2. The width of the float/flatbed may not exceed twenty feet.
3. The length of the float/flatbed may not exceed forty feet.
4. All floats/flatbeds containing individuals must be equipped with a kick-out panel that must be at least two feet by three feet.
5. All expenditures associated with float building materials for EIU Homecoming Parade entries must not exceed a MAXIMUM amount totaling $4,000. All expenditures are subject to review and verification by EIU Homecoming Parade Committee. Any expenditure exceeding the maximum limit may result in disqualification of a Parade entry.
6. Materials may include, but are not limited to pomps, vinyl, floral sheeting, grass mats, fringe, wood, chicken wire, garland, cloth, Styrofoam, etc.

Division D: Marching Bands

1. All community, grade school, junior high and high school marching bands are eligible to participate.
2. All band competition rules/regulations, categories, and criteria will be provided upon request.

Division E: Novelty Entries (i.e., dance, drill team, pep squad, etc.):

1. All community Parade entries that are unique and special in nature are eligible to participate. i.e. dance, drill team, pep squad motorcycle entries, clowns/jugglers, tumblers, drill teams, etc.
2. Due to safety regulations, parade entries may NOT exceed the width of a semi-truck in measurements along public streets. i.e., monster farm tractors, trailers, trucks, Motor Homes, ETC. are PROHIBITED.

Division: Other (please specify. i.e. bicycles, bus, mobile home, animal, etc.)

1. Domestic pets on a leash can be part of a Parade entry subject to approval, but they may not be an entry themselves. Also, they must be properly restrained.
2. EIU Homecoming Parade entries with live animals are responsible for cleaning up any animal waste. Any waste products from the pets are the responsibility of the handler and must be cleaned up immediately.
3. Participants riding any type of motorcycle, 4-wheeler or bike are required to wear protective gear and a proper helmet. 

Parade Judging:

1. Pre-judging of the Parade flatbed floats (EIU Entries Division C) will be on the evening of Friday, Oct. 6, for EIU entries only.
2. Judging of Divisions, A, B and D will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, during the Parade event.
3. The Parade entry in each division with the MOST points will be awarded 1st Place, the second highest will be awarded 2nd Place and the third Highest will be awarded 3rd Place. Plaques or trophies will be awarded in each division and the winners announced at the Football Game.
4. A tie in any division will result in the Judges awarding bonus points in choosing a single winner.
5. If a Parade entry does NOT complete the Parade route, the entry may be subject to a deduction in points. Special circumstances beyond the control of the Parade entry may be taken into consideration.
6. Overall winners in each category will be announced at beginning of the 3rd Quarter of the EIU Football Game on Saturday, Oct. 7.
7. Judges must not have an affiliation with competing organizations, sponsors or entries. All Judges’ decisions are final, with the exception of the review of any filed grievances alleging any Parade violations.

Homecoming Court Application Forms

Dates & Deadlines:

1. Sept. 22: Completed candidate applications due  
2. Sept. 23: Candidate changes/replacements due
3. Sept. 22: Candidate photos
4. Sept. 22: Elections/Coronation meeting – candidates only
5. Sept. 27: Candidate campaigning begins
6. Sept. 27-29: Online elections/voting
7. Sept. 29: Candidate campaigning ends
8. Oct. 2: Mandatory walkthrough

Eligibility:

1. Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and be in good disciplinary standing to be eligible. If candidates are found ineligible, candidates have until 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, to appeal the decision or submit the application for a replacement candidate.
2. Categories: Homecoming King, Queen, Prince, and Princess.
3. Candidates must be full-time students at EIU at the time of the candidate interviews and election.
4. Candidates must be currently in good standing with the University, Student Conduct. Code and the Office of Student Accountability & Support to be eligible to run for EIU Homecoming Royalty.
5. Each candidate must attend ALL meetings, interviews, and photo sessions. NO EXCEPTIONS OR MAKE-UPS.
6. King and Queen Candidates must have Junior or Senior standing-pertaining to cumulative credit hours as stated in the University Catalog; must be currently enrolled in 12 hours at Eastern Illinois University at the time of candidacy and election and must have attended Eastern Illinois University for at least one full semester.
7. Prince and Princess Candidates must have no LESS than 30 cumulative credit hours and no MORE than 60 cumulative hours at the time of his/her candidacy and election; must be currently enrolled in 12 hours at Eastern Illinois at the time of candidacy and election, and must have attended Eastern Illinois University for at least one full semester.
8. Members of the 2023 Homecoming Steering Committee and those affiliated with it are not eligible to run for HC King, Queen, Prince, or Princess.

Nominations:

1. Categories of Candidates include King, Queen, Prince, and Princess.
2. Greek Organizations /RSOs/Residence Halls are eligible to sponsor one HC candidate per category: King, Queen, Prince, and Princess.
3. Candidates are required to complete the application process
4. Candidates are required to attend one mandatory candidate meeting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, in the Charleston/Mattoon Room of the MLK Union.
5. Candidate photos will be taken after the 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, mandatory meeting. 
6. The mandatory coronation walk-through will be 4-5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 2.
7. Candidates will also be required to complete and submit a 2022 Homecoming Royalty Candidates Form, which will count for 20 percent of the Candidate’s TOTAL SCORE.

Video Essay: 

1. Candidates are required to submit the mandatory King, Queen, Prince or Princess candidate video essay by 12 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023.
2. NO alternate or make-up dates will be allowed for candidate applications or video essays. NO special arrangements or exceptions will be made in advance.
3. Video Essay Questions:
1. Name, Major, Involvement on campus
2. Why do you believe you would be a good representative for EIU’s Homecoming Royalty?
3. What is your favorite part of Homecoming?
4. Who has been the most influential person to you at EIU and how have they helped shape you? 
4. To Submit a video, please make a 2–3-minute video and post it to YouTube as a private video. The following explains how to upload to YouTube and make it private.
1. Go to youtube.com and sign in with a google account  
2. Click the Create camera logo in the upper right-hand corner and click on Upload Video.
3. Click on Upload Video: Must be in a .MOV Or .MP4 format to upload properly. 
4. Click Select Files and select the file from your device
5. Click Edit and make the title “[Your Name] EIU Homecoming [King, Queen, Prince, Princess] 2023 Candidate” 
6. Change setting for the video from “Public” to “Private”
7. When video is finished uploading, copy the URL (www.youtube.com/. . . .) and paste it into the application where designated to submit the video as part of the application.
5. The Candidate video essay will count for 40 percent of the TOTAL SCORE for all HC Candidates except EIU Faculty King and Queen Candidates.
6. A selected HC Review Panel comprised of EIU Faculty & Staff will conduct HC Candidate Review. 

Elections:

1. Homecoming online elections will be held from Wednesday, Sept. 27 - Friday, Sept. 29.
2. The online ballot will be available beginning at 12 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27 and ending at 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29. 
3. The EIU student body vote will count for 40 percent of the TOTAL SCORE for all HC candidates except EIU Faculty King and Queen candidates.
4. Currently enrolled EIU students are eligible to vote for one HC King, Queen, Prince, Princess, Faculty King and Queen candidate of their choice per category.
5. EIU Student Voters must vote online in accordance with voting rules & regulations.
6. The King, Queen, Prince and Princess candidates receiving the HIGHEST number of votes, along with application and interview scores will be crowned the 2023 EIU Homecoming King, Queen, Prince, and Princess.
7. The 2023 EIU Homecoming Faculty King and Queen will be selected by EIU Student body.

Campaigning:

1. Campaigning for EIU Homecoming Candidates shall run from Sept. 22 - Sept. 29, 2023, after which all campaign materials must be removed. i.e. flyers, Facebook, etc.
2. All campaign materials must be approved and stamped PRIOR to posting by the EIU Campus Scheduling Office.
3. Residence Hall candidates can post campaign materials on their doors and windows, but MUST follow posting regulations established by the Office of EIU Housing and Dining Services if they wish to post materials in Residence Halls.
4. Each candidate should follow the guidelines for campaigning and posting of materials as indicated in the University Posting Guidelines.
5. Posting is only allowed on University bulletin boards and designated areas; violations could result in disqualification. All campaign materials posted must be taken down on Sept. 29, 2023, before 5 p.m. by respective HC candidates.
6. NO campaigning will be allowed in academic classrooms, departmental, or administrative offices.
7. Campaigning costs cannot exceed $250 per candidate (including homemade or professionally designed marketing materials, articles of clothing, and donated items.
8. Candidates, members, allies, and supporters will refrain from actions and remarks that could be deemed detrimental, defamatory, harassing or embarrassing towards any individual, including but not limited to reference to race, color, creed, religious background, sexual orientation, or national origin.
9. Destruction of any campaign materials shall be a direct violation of Coronation/Elections rules and regulations for or by any HC candidate - destroying, defacing, or removing of signs or HC campaign literature of any other HC candidate can result in disciplinary action.

Online Voting:

1. The 2023 EIU Homecoming Steering Committee shall be responsible for the proper upgrade, maintenance and monitoring of online voting EIU Homecoming Candidate Elections.
2. Online voting will be the only available forum for official voting in the 2023 EIU Homecoming Elections.
3. The tabulation and certification of votes and results will be supervised by Web Office personnel in EIU Marketing and Communications. The final 2023 EIU Homecoming Election official results will be certified and announced by the 2023 Homecoming Steering Committee. 
4. In the case of a TIE, the determining factor would be the candidate with the “Highest” candidate interview score will be declared the winner. In the unlikely case that, there is still a TIE the 2nd and final tie-breaker will be the HC Candidate with the highest cumulative GPA will be declared the winner.

Faculty/Staff Lord & Lady Nomination Form

Annually, the EIU community bestows on EIU Faculty/Staff who exhibits and exemplifies EIU pride, service and contributions the honor of serving as the HC Faculty/Staff Lord and Lady. An EIU currently employed faculty or staff member can be nominated by members of the EIU community and is honored to serve as EIU Homecoming Royalty throughout EIU Homecoming Week.

Dates & Deadlines

1. Sept. 18: Nomination forms due
2. Oct. 2: Coronation walkthrough  

Rules & Regulations:

1. Nominators must be current members of the EIU community: administrator, student, faculty, or staff.
2. Nominators must complete and submit a Faculty Lord/Lady Nomination Form by the designated deadline of Sept. 18.
3. The 2023 EIU Faculty/Staff Lord & Lady will be selected on the basis of classroom or work performance, outside-the-classroom participation, professional contributions/achievements and overall commitment to EIU.
4. Nominees should have a minimum of one year of EIU employment and demonstrate university pride, service, contributions and commitment to EIU.
5. 2023 EIU Faculty/Staff Lord & Lady Nominees should be current full-time employed EIU faculty or staff members.
6. Nominees must be available to serve as 2023 Royalty
7. The 2023 EIU Faculty/Staff Lord & Lady nominee must be willing to participate in activities that include the Coronation/Pep Rally Ceremony on Monday, Oct. 2 and the Parade and Football Game on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Little Prince & Princess Nomination Form

Dates & Deadlines:

1. Sept. 18: Nomination forms due
2. Oct. 2: Mandatory Coronation walkthrough

Rules & Regulations:

1. Little Prince & Princess contestants must be between the ages of 5-8 by Sept. 18, 2023.
2. One recent headshot photo of the contestant must accompany the completed application. This can be any size, but not larger than 8 ½ x 11, either color or black and white is acceptable.
3. Nominations, video essays and headshot photos must be submitted by Sept. 18, 2023.
4. To submit a video, please make a 2–3-minute video and post it to YouTube as a private video. The following explains how to upload to YouTube and make it private.
1. Go to youtube.com and sign in with a google account 
2. Click the “create” camera logo in the upper right-hand corner and click on “upload video”.
3. Click on “upload video”: Must be in a .MOV Or .MP4 format to upload properly.
4. Click “select files” and select the file from your device.
5. Click “edit” and make the title “[Your Name] EIU Homecoming [Little Prince/Princess] 2023 Candidate”
6. Change the setting for the video from “Public” to “Private”
7. When the video is finished uploading, copy the URL (www.youtube.com/. . ..) and paste it into the application where designated to submit the video as part of the application.
5. This is a fun contest, NOT a beauty pageant; contestants will be voted on by members of the EIU Student Body.
6. Past winners of the EIU Homecoming Little Prince & Princess competition are NOT eligible to compete.
7. The contestant must be a child or sibling related to a currently enrolled EIU student or  EIU employee.
8. The 2023 EIU Homecoming Little Prince & Princess crowning will take place at the Coronation Event scheduled to take place at 7 pm, Monday, Oct. 2, in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
9. Winners will each receive participation awards/prizes to be presented during the Coronation event.
10. The 2023 EIU Homecoming Little Prince & Princess Winners will be required to participate in Coronation and Parade events.
11. The Coronation walkthrough will be 4-5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 2. 

Judging:

Lil Prince and Princess Candidate applications will be voted upon by the Eastern Illinois University Student Body.

Honorary Parade Grand Marshall Nomination Form

Annually, the EIU community bestows the honor of serving as the Honorary Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall to an individual who has exhibited and exemplified EIU pride, service and contribution to EIU.

An EIU Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall nominee is nominated and selected by the EIU Alumni Services Office and is honored on Parade Day by leading the annual EIU Homecoming Parade. 

Dates & Deadlines:

1. Sept 30: Nominations submissions due.

Rules & Regulations:

1. The 2022 Honorary EIU Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall will be selected on the basis of their contributions, civic involvement, personal achievements, or distinction that he/she has brought to EIU.
2. Nominees must be in good standing in the EIU/Charleston or their respective communities.
3. Nominees should be a person who has demonstrated university pride, service, contributions, and commitment to EIU.
4. The 2022 EIU Honorary Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall nominee should be a current or former EIU faculty or staff member, EIU Alumni/Donor, or current or long-term resident of Charleston.
5. Nominees must be available to serve as 2022 Honorary EIU Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall including participation in the Homecoming Parade.
6. The 2022 Honorary EIU Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall must be willing to participate in Homecoming festivities that include the Homecoming Parade and Homecoming Football Game on Saturday, October 15.

The Spirit Cup Competition is for all currently active registered student organizations, Greek-lettered organizations and Residence Halls and is designed to promote EIU spirit and pride in friendly competition during EIU Homecoming Week 2022. The Spirit Cup Competition will consist of points, prize money and a traveling trophy, to be awarded to participants that have accumulated the most points throughout EIU Homecoming Week.  Spirit Points will be awarded based on the Spirit Cup Points/Awards System: Attendance, Participation and Placement. The Overall Winners of the Spirit Cup Competition will be announced during half-time of the EIU Homecoming FB Game on Saturday, October 15.

Homecoming Spirit Cup Points & Awards System:

All RSOs, Greek Organizations, Residence Halls, EIU Departments, EIU Colleges and EIU Faculty/Staff are eligible to compete within the respective Divisions throughout EIU Homecoming Week. There will be three Overall Divisional Winners. The name(s) of the Divisional  Spirit Cup Winner(s) will be engraved on a Traveling Spirit Cup. Spirit Points/Prizes/Awards are awarded based on the Spirit Cup Point System below.

Dates & Deadlines:

1. Friday, Sept. 23: Overall application due
2. Monday, Oct. 10:  Spirit Cup Judging - Real Panthers Decorate Blue and Spirit Banners
3. Saturday, Oct. 15:  Spirit Cup Judging - Parade

Rules & Regulations:

The following rules regulations apply to all Spirit Cup competition divisions as follows:

1. There are three primary categories of competition: meetings, events/activities, and spirit contests.
2. Purchasing of Spirit Banners can be pre-ordered at the request of RSOs, Greek Organizations, Residence Halls, EIU Departments, EIU Colleges and EIU Faculty/Staff by the EIU Homecoming Steering Committee.
3. Spirit Banners will be a standard white queen-sized sheet measuring 90” x 102”.
4. All entries must be school-spirited and should be thematic in nature: RSOs, Greek Organizations, Residence Halls, EIU Departments, EIU Colleges, EIU, Panther Mascot,  Theme (“Bring The Beat Back: EIU Homecoming 2022”) and the participants’ - names/letters/symbols.
5. All Spirit Banners/office decorations sub-slogans/themes/artwork MUST be in good taste. NO offensive references or depictions in design to race, drugs, alcohol, sex, etc.  Failure to do so can result in disqualification from the competition and/or loss of points.
6.  Spirit Banners must be turned in to the designated hanging area by 12 pm, Monday, October 10, 2022, to be judged for the Spirit Cup competition. Failure to do so may result in point(s) deduction in total points and scoring.
7. Judging will be based on creativity, originality, theme, spirit and overall appeal.
8. Points to be awarded: participation, attendance, placement and bonus points.

Complete the Homecoming Spirit Banner Design Form here.

Dates & Deadlines:

1. Sept. 22: Spirit Banner designs due
2. Oct 2: Banners must be hung at a designated location 

Rules & Regulations:

1. Purchasing of Spirit Banners is optional but can be pre-ordered at the request of a Greek Organization/RSO/Residence Hall/EIU Department/EIU College by the EIU Homecoming Steering Committee.
2. Spirit Banners purchased will need to be a standard white queen-sized sheet measuring 90” x 102”.
3. Spirit Banners can be ordered from the UB Homecoming Steering Committee and picked up on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 9:30 p.m. during the Panther Pride meeting.
4. All Spirit Banners must be school-spirited and should be thematic in nature – Greek Organization/RSO/Residence Hall/EIU Department/EIU College, EIU, Panther Mascot,  Theme (“Panthers Royale: EIU Homecoming 2023”) and the participants - names/letters/symbols
5. All banner slogans and designs MUST be in good taste, NO reference or depictions in design to drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. Failure to do so can result in disqualification from the competition and/or loss of points.
6. Spirit Banners must be checked-in and displayed at the designated campus locations by Monday, Oct. 2, at 12 p.m. for judging and to receive points. Failure to do so may result in point(s) deduction in total points and scoring.
7. Judging will be based on creativity, originality, theme, spirit, and overall appeal.
8. Points to be awarded: participation, attendance, placement, and bonus points.

Complete the Real Panthers Decorate Blue Design form here.

EIU Departments, EIU Colleges and Faculty/Staff are invited to decorate their main buildings, offices, lobbies, windows, walls, doors, front desks, and cafeterias in a friendly competition for the EIU Homecoming Real Panthers Decorate Blue Competition.

Dates & Deadlines:

1. Friday, Sept 22: Overall application due  
2. Monday, Oct. 2: Decorations on Display
3. Monday, Oct. 2: Real Panthers Decorate Blue Judging

Rules & Regulations:

The following rules and regulations apply to all EIU Departments and EIU Colleges as follows:

1. Various areas of décor/decorating include the main lobby/common area, hallways, windows, walls, doors, front desks, cafeterias and front entrance.  
2. All displays and decorations should be school-spirited and thematic in nature. The displays should include: EIU, Panther Mascot, Homecoming Theme (“Panthers Royale: EIU Homecoming 2023”) and names/logos/ etc.
3. Purchasing of supplies is the responsibility of all EIU Department and EIU Colleges competing.
4. Decoration and Displays can include banners, signage, table tents, window painting, streamers, cut-outs, strings of lights, props, etc.
5. Judging will be based on creativity, originality, theme, spirit, and overall appeal.
6. Points to be awarded on participation, attendance, placement, and bonus points.

The competitions in 2023 EIU Homecoming Week will be divided into the following university Divisions:

1. Greek-Lettered Organizations Division: This division includes all social-service-based Greek-lettered organizations that include but are not limited to the PanHellenic, National Pan-Hellenic and Inter-fraternity Councils and/or independently recognized fraternities and sororities. Two or more Greek-lettered organizations competing in the Greek Division shall compete as ONE entry.
2. Residence Hall Division: This division includes all of the on-campus residence halls and apartment complexes, which include – Pemberton, TRIAD, LSD, Thomas, Andrews, Lawson and Taylor Halls, and University Court.
3. Registered Student Organizations Division (RSOs): This division includes all campus Registered Student Organizations, which are not affiliated with PanHellenic, National Pan-Hellenic or Inter-fraternity Greek-lettered organizations or Residence Halls.
4. Student-Athletes/Athletic Teams Division (New): This division includes all EIU Inter-collegiate Student-Athletes/Teams and/or Athletic Club Teams.
5. Faculty/Staff Division: This division includes all of the EIU Administrators, faculty, staff and EIU Colleges, Offices & Departments.
6. Community Division: This division includes all community-based businesses, civic groups, schools, organizations and residents in Charleston or surrounding areas.

Overall Homecoming Divisional Winners for each division will be selected at the conclusion of EIU Homecoming Week. Winners will be determined by the highest overall point totals awarded among the competing RSO’s/Greeks//Residence Halls within each division.

First through Third place awards will be given out to the Overall Divisional winners.

An Overall Homecoming Spirit Cup will be awarded to the Overall Divisional winner that demonstrates exceptional participation, spirit and sportsmanship throughout their preparation and participation in EIU Homecoming Week and Overall HIGHEST Point Total across HC Divisions.

Overall Homecoming Point Totals/Standings will be displayed online prior to and throughout the week of EIU Homecoming. Overall Homecoming Point Totals and Standings in the RSO/Greek/Residence Halls/SA/Faculty & Staff /Community Divisions will be available online at the 2023 EIU Homecoming Excel Document.

Formal Protest Form

Formal protests concerning the violation of Homecoming rules or improper conduct by an organization, student participants or representatives during 2023 EIU Homecoming Week activities must be submitted via this form. 

In case of questions or further clarification contact the Student Life Office, 217-581-3829 by 4:30 p.m. 

1. A formal Protest Form must be submitted within 24 hours of alleged violations.
2. Information about the protest must include:
1. the alleged violation.
2. the alleged violator(s).
3. the name of the protestor.
4. the time, place and event at which the violation occurred.
5. summary of events and participants involved in the violation.
3. The Homecoming Hearing Committee will hear all protests.
4. The Homecoming Hearing Committee will consist of the following:
1. Director of Student Life (ex-officio member)
2. UB Chair (ex-officio member)
3. Homecoming Co-Chairs
4. Designated Homecoming Sub-committee Co-Chairs.
5. Designated Sub-committee Grad Advisor(s).
5. The decision of the HC Hearing Committee can result as follows:
1. Organization disqualification
2. Deduction of Points
3. Case dismissal
4. Other actions as deemed appropriate and/or necessary i.e. fines, restitution, suspension, etc.
6. Referral for additional disciplinary actions and proceedings is at the discretion of the Student Life Office.
7. The decision of the Homecoming Hearing Committee is subject to appeal to the office of The Vice President of Student Affairs. All appeals must be submitted in writing within 24 hours of the HC Hearing Committee's decision.
8. It is understood that the names of both the violator(s) and the protestor, as well as the nature of the protest, are public information.