Homecoming Events

  1. Glenville State University
  2. Student Life
  3. Student Gov't Association
  4. Homecoming Events

Homecoming 2026

Homecoming is a time of annual celebration among current students and alumni and friends as everyone gathers on campus.

Homecoming will be celebrated during the weekend of October 23-24, 2026. The theme is “Glenchella" and will mimic the feeling of a music festival. Student organizations will base their floats, banners, and other activities around this theme.

Past members of the Pioneer Marching Band are again invited to participate in this year’s Alumni Band. Returning members can contact Jason.Barr@glenville.edu or Lloyd.Bone@glenville.edu for additional information.

Alumni members of returning Greek organizations Lambda Chi Alpha, Theta Xi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Delta Zeta, Sigma Omega Beta, Alpha Xi Omega, Chi Zeta Pi, and Delta Xi Rho will be holding tailgate reunions before the game. The groups will have special sections under the tailgate tent (located in the Morris Stadium parking lot) in which to visit and reminisce on Saturday.

Kickoff between the Glenville State Pioneers and the West Liberty University Hilltoppers happens at 1:30 p.m.

All alumni and friends are encouraged to make plans to come back to Glenville for this annual celebration. For questions or more information, contact GSU’s Office of Alumni Relations by calling (304) 462-6116.

Visiting from out of town? Check out local lodging options.

Schedule of Events

Monday, October 19

  • Student Activities; 11:00 AM-1:00 PM (Rusty Musket)*
  • Homecoming Royalty Recognition; 12:00 PM (Rusty Musket)
  • Glenchella Performance: Title Wave; 6:00 PM (Amphitheater)
  • Best Coachella Outfit Event; Time TBA (Amphitheater) 
  • Carnival Amusements and Games; 6:00 PM-10:00 PM (Amphitheater and Clark Hall Lawn)*
  • Glenchella Performance: The Kind Thieves; 8:00 PM (Amphitheater) 

Tuesday, October 20

  • Bags, Patches, Tie Dye, & Flower Crowns; 11:00 AM-1:00 PM (Rusty Musket)*
  • Music Fest Concert (with Fine Arts Hall of Fame Recognition); 7:00 PM (Fine Arts Center Auditorium)
  • Glenchella Performance: TBD; 9:00 PM (Amphitheater)
  • Fortune Telling Booth; TBD (Amphitheater) 

Wednesday, October 21

  • Cowboy Hat Bar, Bandana and Bolo Ties; 11:00 AM-1:00 PM (Rusty Musket)
  • Chili Cook-off; 6:00 PM (Clark Hall Lawn)
  • Mechanical Bull, Axe Throwing, Rodeo Games; 6:00 PM (Clark Hall Lawn/Amphitheater)*
  • Glenchella Performance: Phelocipastor; 7:00 PM (Amphitheater)
  • Glenchella Performance: TBD; 8:30 PM (Amphitheater) 

Thursday, October 22

  • Sunglasses Bar, Beaded Jewelry, Tattoos & Body Paint; 11:00 AM-1:00 PM (Rusty Musket)*
  • Glenchella Performance: Aristotle Jones; 7:00 PM (Fine Arts Center Auditorium)
  • Glenchella Performance: DJ Quortz; 9:00 PM (Amphitheater)
  • Dance and Foam Pit; 9:00 PM (Amphitheater)*

Friday, October 23

  • Tim Carney Golf Tournament; 9:00 AM (Glenville Golf Club)
  • Homecoming Parade; 3:00 PM (Downtown Glenville)
  • Alumni Center Open House & Alumni Social; 4:00-6:00 PM (GSU Alumni Center/Arbuckle House)
  • Glenchella Performance: Woodbine; 4:00 PM (GSU Alumni Center/Arbuckle House)
  • Waco Oil & Gas Shootout (tickets required); 7:00 PM (Waco Center)
  • Glenchella Performance: Dalchord; 9:00 PM (Amphitheater)
  • Air Brush Activities; 9:00 PM (Amphitheater)

Saturday, October 24 

  • Tailgating Opens; 10:00 AM (Morris Stadium Parking Lot)
  • Homecoming Brunch; 10:00 AM (Morris Stadium Parking Lot)
  • Glenchella Performance: BRASSTAXX; 11:00 AM (Morris Stadium Parking Lot)
  • Glenchella Performance: Thomas Jude Band; 12:00 PM (Morris Stadium Parking Lot)
  • Pioneer Football vs West Liberty; 1:30 PM (Morris Stadium)
  • Glenchella Performance: The Band to be Named Later; 5:00-6:45 PM (Waco Center Parking Lot)
  • Volleyball vs Davis & Elkins; 7:00 PM (Waco Center)

Sunday, October 25 

  • Women’s Soccer vs WV State University; 2:00 PM (Morris Stadium)

* Indicates events intended for current GSU students only. Other events are open to alumni and friends. Glenchella concerts are free for current GSU students and by donation for others.

 

GSU Campus/Student Homecoming Information and Forms

Homecoming Parade

Parade Entry Competition

  1. The Homecoming Parade starts at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026 and everyone should be in the line-up (on College Street) no later than 2:30 p.m. Once you arrive at registration (North Entrance of the University), you will be instructed on where to line up for the parade.
  2. Decorated Vehicles and Floats should reflect the Homecoming 2026 theme: "Glenchella"
  3. Registration forms (see link below) must be submitted by Tuesday, October 20, 2026 by 4:00 p.m.
  4. Decorated Vehicles and Floats will be judged based on originality, theme, and overall appearance. Violation of Copyright Laws is prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification (i.e. cartoon characters, product logos, etc.).
  5. Decorated Vehicles and Floats must participate in the Homecoming parade on Friday, October 23, 2026; judging will be conducted at this time. The winner(s) will be announced at the Homecoming football game.
  6. Only current, active members of an organization may participate on behalf of that organization.

 

Homecoming Parade Entry Form

Homecoming Royalty & Court

Homecoming Court

The Glenville State University Homecoming Court is comprised of up to ten members: two representatives from the freshman class, two representatives from the sophomore class, two representatives from the junior class, and four representatives from the senior class. The top two vote getters in the senior class will be named Homecoming Royalty.

Homecoming Royalty & Court Nomination Requirements:

  • Be enrolled in or have completed 12 credit hours
  • A full-time student
  • Have a GPA of at least 2.0
  • Meet the hour requirement for your class rank:
    • Freshman 0-30 hours
    • Sophomore 31-60 hours
    • Junior 61-90 hours
    • Senior 91+ hours
  • Have the biographical information form completed (see link below) by Friday, October 9, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
  • Be able to attend the Homecoming Coronation event on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 12:15 p.m.

Rules for Campaigning and Homecoming Royalty & Court:

  • Every member of the student body is entitled to one vote.
  • All candidates may make and display personal flyers. Student organizations may also choose to advertise for all candidates who are members of their organization on an organization flyer. (See guidelines provided by the Office of Student Life for more information).
  • Write-in candidates will not be accepted.
  • If you or the organization that gave you the nomination are caught taking down or destroying other candidate’s flyers, decorations, etc. you will be immediately disqualified from all Homecoming Activities.

Election Dates and Times:

Voting will take place Wednesday, October 14 and Thursday, October 15. Additional election information will be provided to the student body from the Office of Student Life.

 

Homecoming Court Nomination Form

Homecoming Banner Competition

Banner Competition Rules

  1. A full-size sheet or canvas is recommended for banners to allow for easy display. Waterproof ink or paint is advisable to prevent damage from inclement weather and/or other elements.
  2. Banners should reflect the 2026 Homecoming Theme: "Glenchella." Completed banners must be turned into the Office of Student Life by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Registration forms (see link below) must also be turned in by 3:00 p.m. on October 15.
  3. Completed banners must be approved by the Office of Student Life before they can be displayed. (Banners must be COMPLETELY DRY before approval)
  4. Each organizational banner will be hung Monday, October 19, 2026 so they can be displayed for the entire week of Homecoming. Physical Plant will hang all approved banners.
  5. If organization members choose to make a banner, their banner must be carried or visible on the Student Organization’s float/decorated vehicle in the Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 23, 2026. Additionally, all organizations are encouraged to take their banner to I.L & Sue Morris Stadium following the parade to display at the Homecoming game or during tailgating.
  6. Banners will be judged based on originality, theme, and overall appearance. Violation of Copyright Laws is prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification (i.e. cartoon characters, product logos, etc).
  7. Winning banners will be announced via email.

 

Homecoming Banner Competition Entry Form

Homecoming Chili Cook-Off Competition

The Chili Cook-Off will take place on Wednesday, October 21 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Rules for the Chili Cook-Off:

  1. All entry forms for the Chili Cook-Off (see link below) are due by Tuesday, October 20, 2026 by 4:00 p.m.
  2. Teams may begin to set up on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 (setup begins at 5:00 p.m.; event begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater).
  3. Tables, water, cups, and spoons will be provided.
  4. Each participant must have a minimum of one (1) gallon and maximum of three (3) gallons of chili. Each participating chili booth must maintain proper temperature by using a slow cooker, chafing dish, or another warming device. Thermometer inspections will be taken periodically to ensure that the chili is at the appropriate temperature.
  5. Chili Cook-Off participants are encouraged to follow the Wednesday, October 21 Glenchella theme of "Cactus Club" when considering their apparel for the evening.
  6. Groups should bring an extension cord if they plan to use a slow cooker or other appliance to heat their chili. It is the responsibility of the participating group or individual to clean up their area before leaving the event.

Judging:

  1. There will be two judging portions of the contest, a panel of three judges, and a popular vote in which attendees will decide the winner.
  2. All attendees of the Chili Cook-Off will be given three tickets. These three tickets can be given to the attendees' three favorite chili entries.
  3. Judging will begin at 6:00 p.m.
  4. All winners will be announced following the Cook-Off.

 

Homecoming Chili Cook-Off Entry Form

Community Homecoming Parade Entry Information and Form

Homecoming Parade

Parade Entries

  1. The Homecoming Parade starts at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026 and everyone should be in the line-up (on College Street) no later than 2:30 p.m. Once you arrive at registration (North Entrance of the University), you will be instructed on where to line up for the parade.
  2. Registration forms (see link below) must be submitted by Tuesday, October 20, 2026 by 4:00 p.m.
  3. For more information about GSU's Homecoming Parade, contact the Office of Student Life at Student.Life@glenville.edu or call (304) 462-6400.

Homecoming Parade Entry Form