In an effort to curb rowdy partying, Western University is moving its annual Homecoming to late October.
The university announced Tuesday it will hold Homecoming on October 22 when cooler weather and mid-term exams will make it less favourable for street parties.
Last year, 10,000 people attended a massive, unsanctioned street party on Broughdale Ave. The celebration attracted not only Western students, but bus loads from other universities and high school students.
Western President, Amit Chakma, believes that steps need to be taken to control the extensive partying.
“Moving Homecoming is only one of the means by which we will be encouraging students to find safer forms of entertainment,” says Chakma. “I remain personally committed to doing everything we can as a university to build awareness of how serious the Broughdale issue has become. Western is fortunate to have the support of important community partners such as the London police and we will continue to work collaboratively to address the problem.”
The celebrations have been known to cause problems including underage and binge drinking, as well as incidents requiring police and medical attention.
“In addition to a strong police presence on Broughdale, we are all hopeful that our collective efforts in advance will help students understand the risks this party poses to themselves and their community so they will make the decision not to attend," says London police Deputy Chief Steve Williams.
For Chakma, it comes down to safety.
“As Western’s President and as a parent, my greatest concern is the safety of our students,” says Chakma.
A targeted campaign will be rolled out in the fall to ensure that students understand the legal and safety risks they are taking when they host or attend large parties.
Faculty reunions and the Alumni Awards of Merit and Golden Anniversary dinners will still take place as originally planned on Reunion Weekend, September 30 to October 2.
Future plans for Homecoming will be discussed after this year’s festivities.
**this story was written by Samuel Gallant. Samuel is a student in the Fanshawe College broadcast journalism program. He is performing a summer internship with Blackburn News.**