Staff Homecoming Support

Position Summary

The Alumni Parade to Richardson Stadium will leave from Grant Hall and travel to the stadium along a set route led by Queen’s Bands. Staff in this position will assist in corralling the parade along University Avenue and walking with the Parade to the stadium. Some staff will be posted along the route with signs indicating the parade route direction.

What you'll be doing in this role

• Support alumni on their way to the parade starting point
• Lining up alumni along University Avenue
• Walking with parade to Richardson Stadium
• Directing Tricolour Guard to bus if needed

Skills and experience suited to this role

• Ability to focus and to answer questions in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills: outgoing, friendly personality; respectful, patient demeanor
• Works well in a team
• Familiarity with Homecoming programming and the weekend’s many events

Time Commitment

Shifts are two to three hours in length. 

Staff Contact

Rachel Castellano, Event Lead, can be reached at rachel.castellano@queensu.ca or by calling 514-917-6712. 

Position Summary

The Fall Harvest Alumni Gathering is a signature event for Homecoming weekend, taking place Saturday at Benidickson Field. Staff in this role will assist in a variety of tasks including setting up the event, assisting with the guest services tables, handing out complimentary free coffee & cider, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for alumni.

The responsibilities of volunteering at the Fall Harvest Gathering include event set-up and takedown, helping host a guest services table, resetting lawn games, wayfinding, and mingling with guests to help cultivate a celebratory, welcoming, and inclusive experience. Staff should dress in layers (fleece volunteer vests will be provided), wear comfortable walking shoes, and pack rain gear as the event will go forward regardless of weather. 

What you'll be doing in this role

• Greet alumni warmly at the guest services table
• Provide guest assistance and answer questions related to Homecoming programming
• Support with general setup/teardown of the field
• Assist vendors with their questions and concerns
• Facilitate the lawn games area of the field
• Assist guests with accessibility and mobility needs if required.

Skills and experience suited to this role

• Proficient in handling large crowds with ease and comfort
• Excellent interpersonal skills, exhibiting an outgoing and friendly personality while maintaining a respectful and patient demeanor.
• Collaborative team player, capable of working effectively in group settings
• Demonstrates the ability to stay focused and provide quick response in a fast-paced environment
• Well-acquainted with various campus locations, enhancing familiarity with the surroundings
• Thorough knowledge of the Homecoming program and its numerous events throughout the weekend
• Capable of safely lifting and carrying objects weighing between 5 and 10 pounds without requiring assistance
• Demonstrates adaptability in various situations, adjusting effectively to changing circumstances

Time commitment

Shift are three to eight hours in length. A one-hour break is scheduled for those working eight-hour shifts. 

Staff Contact

BethanyMulder-Kelly, Event Lead can be contacted at bethany.mulderkelly@queensu.ca or 613-888-8054. 

Position Description

Football Game Accessibility Champions are a welcoming presence for alumni and guests to Richardson Stadium for the Homecoming football game. Volunteers in this role will provide onsite direction and support to persons with mobility and accessibility needs and assisting them to their seats at the stadium.

What you'll be doing in this role

• Offering guidance and support to Homecoming participants with accessibility needs
• Answering general questions about Homecoming events 
• Assisting alumni and guests to their seats in the stadium

 Skills and experience suited to this role

• A respectful and patient demeanor
• Adaptability and ability to answer questions in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with campus, accessible entrances, washroom locations, and transportation options
• Completion of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) training

Time commitement

Shifts are two to four hours in length. 

Staff Contact

Kim Day, Event Lead can be reached at kim.day@queensu.ca or by calling 613-328-0870.

Position Description

During halftime at the football game, approximately 250 Tricolour Guard alumni will participate in the Halftime Parade on the field, recognizing their significant milestone years (50+) since graduation. Golf carts offer accessible transportation for Tricolour Guard members with mobility and accessibility needs. Golf Cart drivers will be following the foot parade on the field at Richardson Stadium during half-time with Tricolour Guard members.

What you'll be doing in this role

• 10 minutes before halftime, meet passengers (may be pre-assigned) at the bottom of the southwest stairwell and escort passengers to golf carts. 
• Once seats are full, drive a golf cart to the front of the parade lineup, and once halftime begins, cross the field following the designated parade route. 
• Answer guests' questions about event logistics, layout, or accessibility concerns to ensure a positive and comfortable experience.

Skills and experience suited to this role

• Excellent driving skills
• Outgoing, friendly personality
• Ability to answer questions in a fast-paced environment
• Respectful, patient demeanor
• Adaptability
• Valid Ontario driver’s license
• Completion of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) training

Time commitment

Shifts are approximately 3.5 hours long (depending on gameplay). 

Staff Contact

Kim Day, Event Lead can be reached at kim.day@queensu.ca or at 613-328-0870.

Position Description

The Homecoming football game will take place at Richardson Stadium. During halftime, approximately 250 Tricolour Guard alumni will participate in the Halftime Parade on the field, recognizing their significant milestone years (50+) since graduation. Staff will assist Tricolour Guard members in getting to the starting point of the parade, answer questions about Homecoming events, and assist Event Leads.

What you'll be doing in this role

• Welcoming alumni and their guests
• Answer general questions about Homecoming events
• Assist the Event Lead with set-up and take down
• Assist Tricolour Guard alumni from their seats and into the parade
• Assist with troubleshooting and triaging questions
• May assist with carrying banners or flags in the half-time parade

Skills and experience suited to this role

• Adaptability
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to answer questions in a fast-paced environment
• Team player
• Enthusiastic attitude
• Respectful and patient demeanor

Time commitment

Shifts are two to four hours in length. 

Staff Contacts

Kim Day, Event Lead can be reached at kim.day@queensu.ca or by calling 613-328-0870.

Position Description

The Homecoming football game will take place at Richardson Stadium. The football game is attended by alumni, guests, and students. On-site there are food vendors as well as a merchandise shop. The event will also feature the Tricolour Guard Halftime Parade. Staff in this role will check in staff support and student volunteers, distribute vests, and answer questions about the event.

What you'll be doing in this role

• Ensure volunteers have signed in 
• Distribute volunteer vests 
• Answer general questions about Homecoming programming
• Direct volunteers to appropriate part of the stadium for their role 

Skills and experience suited to this role

• Ability to focus and to answer questions in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills: outgoing, friendly personality; respectful, patient demeanor
• Works well in a team
• Detail-oriented
• Familiarity with the Homecoming program and the weekend’s many events
• Adaptability

Time commitment

Shifts are six hours in length.

Staff Contacts

Kim Day, Event Lead can be reached at kim.day@queensu.ca or at 613-328-0870. 

Position Summary

The Homecoming football game tickets will be distributed from a booth at Meet & Greet, taking place Friday afternoon and Saturday morning in Grant Hall. It is often the first opportunity for alumni to connect with Queen's as well as old firends and classmates. 

This role will cultivate a celebratory, welcoming, inclusive tone for Homecoming while efficiently providing pre-ordered football tickets to alumni. Alumni looking to purchase tickets for the Homecoming football game will do so at the Athletics table. This role will travel with the tickets from Grant Hall to Richardson Stadium at 10 am on Saturday, October 21 for on-site ticket pickup. 

What you'll be doing in this role

• Greet alumni warmly to ensure their Homecoming experience begins on a positive note
• Distribute football tickets to alumni who have purchased them
• Investigate ticket issues, escalate to Event Staff Lead if needed
• Answer general questions about Homecoming programming
• Direct alumni to registration & swag tables 

Skills and experience suited to this role

• Ability to focus and to answer questions in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills: outgoing, friendly personality; respectful, patient demeanor (will be interacting with alumni from all age segments, from new graduates to graduates from 60 years ago)
• Works well in a team
• Detail-oriented
• Familiarity with the Homecoming program and the weekend’s many events
• Adaptability

Time commitment

Shifts are six hours per day. Staff in this role must be able to work both Friday and Saturday. 

Staff Contacts

Carey-Anne Morrison, Event lead can be reached at carey.morrison@queensu.ca or by calling 613-331-5343.

Position Description

Meet & Greet is a fast-paced event, taking place Friday afternoon and Saturday morning in Grant Hall. It is often the first opportunity for alumni to connect with Queen’s, as well as old friends and classmates.

As a first point of contact, this role will cultivate a celebratory, welcoming, inclusive tone for Homecoming, as well as officially check-in alumni for Homecoming weekend, and provide them with appropriate giveaway items. Staff will also be responsible for overseeing student volunteers on-site, who will fill Meet & Greet Check-in volunteer roles. Some roles will be assigned to cover the Harvest Alumni Gathering lunch break (noon-1 pm). 

What you’ll be doing in this role:

• Supervise and support student volunteers on-site to ensure an efficient and seamless check-in experience for alumni
• Greet alumni warmly to ensure their Homecoming experience begins on a positive note
• Check-in or register alumni for weekend activities
• Give each alumni registrant a temporary Alumni Card for the weekend and swag; Tricolour Guard alumni receive special photo name tags
• Answer general questions about Homecoming programming
• Direct alumni to football ticket pickup table, button table, and merch table
• Provide 50th Reunion alumni with their 50-year medals
• Some roles will be required to cover the Harvest Alumni Gathering lunch break (12:00-1:00pm)
• Some roles will be assisting with the name button table 
• Some roles will be required to assist with Meet and Greet teardown on Saturday
• Adhere to the university’s health and safety protocols

Skills and experience suited to this role

• Previous Homecoming registration experience and/or knowledge of Advance Comfortable working with technology
• Strong interpersonal skills: outgoing, friendly personality; respectful, patient demeanor (will be interacting with a wide range of alumni )
• Ability to engage with individuals in an empathetic, sensitive, and responsible manner
• Ability to focus and to answer questions in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with various campus locations
• Strong familiarity with the Homecoming program and the weekend’s many events
• Some moderate to heavy lifting and carrying and prolonged standing.

Time Commitment

Shifts are three to six hours in length. 

Staff Contact

Andrew Lubowitz, Event Lead can be reached at andrew.lubowitz@queensu.ca or by calling 343-363-0577.

Position Summary

Meet & Greet is a fast-paced event taking place Friday afternoon and Saturday morning in Grant Hall. It is often the first opportunity for alumni to connect with Queen’s, as well as old friends and former classmates.

To prepare for this two-day event, this role will provide set-up support, including unpacking and organizing swag and equipment, as well as moving furniture.

What you'll be doing in this role

• Unpack and organize event items (swag and merchandise)
• Prepare swag items for distribution at event
• Assist with furniture and equipment set-up
• Adhere to the university’s health and safety protocols
• Moderate to heavy lifting may be required for some roles

Skills and experience suited to this role

• Physical stamina and high energy
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• This role involves physical demands such as carrying and lifting boxes and may included prolonged standing 

Time Commitment

Shifts are between three hours in length.

Staff Contacts:

Andrew Lubowitz, Event Lead can be reached at andrew.lubowitz@queensu.ca or by calling 343-363-0577.

Position Description

The Tricolour Guard Reception and Dinner event is a semi-formal cocktail reception, followed by a three-course dinner on the Saturday evening, hosted at the Kingston Market Square Hotel. This signature event celebrates and pays tribute to the Tricolour Guard (TCG) alumni – those marking a milestone of 50 years or greater since graduating from Queen’s. This is an ideal opportunity to meaningfully engage with alumni in a more formal setting.

Staff will be responsible for greeting guests at the reception and checking them into the event. Many attendees will have already received their nametags, but guests at this event who purchased a ticket for the reception and dinner will be given a complimentary drink ticket upon arrival.

What you'll be doing in this role

• Greet alumni warmly upon arrival to ensure their evening begins on a positive note
• Offer guidance and support to Homecoming participants that identify as having accessibility and/or accommodation needs to ensure a positive and inclusive experience
• Check-in guests, provide their complimentary drink ticket, and nametag if they have not previously picked it up at Meet & Greet
• Assist with finding guest names on seating chart
• Be prepared to answer accessibility-related questions, and to assist to the best of your ability.

Skills and experience suited to this role

• Strong interpersonal skills: outgoing, friendly personality; respectful, patient demeanor 
• Strong familiarity with the Homecoming program and the weekend’s many events
• Completion of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) training

Time Commitment

Shifts are three hours in length. 

Staff Contacts

Tess Kozina, Event Lead can be reached at tess.kozina@queensu.ca or by calling 613-533-6000 x77104. 

Position Summary

Queen's will be hosting an alumni Vintage Swag Table at Meet & Greet, taking place Friday afternoon and Saturday morning in Grant Hall and it is often the first opportunity for alumni to connect with Queen’s, as well as old friends and former classmates.

The Vintage swag table will contain items from years past, and alumni will have the special opportunity to select a free item to bring home to add to their Tricolour memorabilia collections. Staff in this role will greet the alumni and assist in selecting their vintage swag item.  

What you’ll be doing in this role:

• Greet alumni warmly to ensure their Homecoming experience begins on a positive note 
• Assist alumni in selecting a vintage swag item  
• Answer questions about Homecoming weekend events

Skills and experience suited to this role

• Strong interpersonal skills: outgoing, friendly personality; respectful, patient demeanor 
• Strong familiarity with the Homecoming program and the weekend’s many events 

Time Commitment

Shifts are between 5.5 to 6.5 hours in length.

Staff Contacts

Andrew Lubowitz, Event Lead can be reached at andrew.lubowitz@queensu.ca or by calling 343-363-0577.

Position Description

The Volunteer Lounge is where all staff support and student volunteers will be checking in for their shift, picking up the volunteer vests, having a snack, and getting ready for their Homecoming shifts. Staff in this role will distribute vests, student volunteer thank you gifts, and answer questions about Homecoming programming.

What you'll be doing in this role

• Greet volunteers warmly to ensure their Homecoming experience begins on a positive note
• Answer questions about events during homecoming weekend
• Ensure volunteer vests are picked up and dropped off by support staff & volunteers.

Skills and experience suited to this role

• Ability to focus and to answer questions in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills: outgoing, friendly personality, respectful, patient demeanor
• Works well in a team
• Familiarity with the Homecoming program and the weekend’s many events

Time commitment

Shifts are seven hours in length (includes an one hour lunch break).

Staff Contact

Lauren Broadhurst, Volunteer Coordinator can be reached at lauren.broadhurst@queensu.ca or by calling 613-533-6000 ext. 77965.