Join a Queen's tradition! Homecoming is only possible because of the committment of our volunteers and support staff. Thank you for helping make Homecoming great and welcoming alumni home. Sign—up to be a student volunteer and help welcome alumni home.
If you're interested in supporting Homecoming, please read the full position description or contact us to find the position best suited to your skills and interests.
The Strategic Engagement team supports the recruitment process for student applicants with disabilities, including accommodation for an applicant's accessibility needs. We ask those requiring accessibility or mobility accommodation during Homecoming weekend to contact Lauren Broadhurst, Homecoming & Reunions Officer.
Land acknowledgement
Queen's is situated on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory. We are grateful to live, learn, and play on these lands.
Volunteer benefits
Some of the benefits of volunteering for Homecoming include:
- A network of students, alumni, and staff to connect with. Make new friends, make connections with alumni, and get to know members of the Queen's community.
- A thank you gift for your hard work and commitment.
- Lunch, snacks, and drinks are provided on Friday and Saturday. Please contact Lauren with your dietary restrictions.
- For students — A letter of support in appreciation of your volunteer work (available upon request).
Training
All Homecoming support and volunteers are required to attend a one-hour virtual orientation and training session. The training will cover day-of expectations, frequently asked questions (FAQs), contacts, accessibility information, and role-specific training with the event staff lead.
Training dates
- To be determined
Questions?
Contact Lauren, Homecoming & Reunions Officer at 613-533-6000 etc.77965.
Alumni Parade support & Fall Harvest break coverage
Position description
The Alumni Parade to Richardson Stadium starts at Grant Hall and travels to Richardson Stadium for the Homecoming Football Game. Queen’s Bands perform in front of Grant Hall before walking to the stadium, leading alumni through the streets of Kingston. This role assists in directing alumni to the starting point of the parade or the bus to the stadium if needed, as well as walking with the parade. After the parade leaves, this role covers breaks at the Fall Harvest Alumni Gathering.
Responsibilities
- Directing alumni to the parade starting point in front of Grant Hall
- Ensuring alumni participating in the parade are lined up on University Avenue
- Directing alumni to the bus to the stadium
- Walking to the stadium with the parade if needed
- Covering breaks for Fall Harvest Gathering
- Answering alumni questions about events and campus locations
You'll enjoy this role if you
- Enjoy talking with alumni
- Can move from the Alumni Parade to the Fall Harvest Alumni Gathering
- Are comfortable with large crowds
- Have knowledge about campus locations and Homecoming programming
Accessibility
This role requires standing and walking for prolonged periods of time and potentially walking 30 minutes to Richardson Stadium on city roads.
Time commitment
The length of this role is typically between three to four hours. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Event contact
Lauren Kochanowski can be reached at lauren.kochanowski@queensu.ca or 519-859-3355.
Check—in support
Position description
Welcome and Check-in is the first stop for alumni on Homecoming weekend. It is a chance for alumni to connect with Queen’s, old friends, and former classmates.
Volunteers in this role greet the alumni and assist fellow support staff. Your primary role is to support the check-in process by finding Tricolour nametags, grabbing reunion pins, and assisting as necessary.
Responsibilities
- Greet alumni warmly to ensure their Homecoming experience beigns positively
- Assist supporting staff with the check—in process
- Adhere to the university's health and safety protocols
You'll enjoy this role if you
- Enjoy talking with alumni
- Are comfortable working in a fast—paced environment
- Have experience using Excel
- Are comfortable standing for prolonged periods of time
Accessibility
This position requires the ability to stand for prolonged periods of time. The role may involve lifting heavy objects up to 25 pounds and standing for prolonged periods of time.
Time commitment
This role has multiple shift timings. Shifts range from two and a half to three and a half hours.
Event contact
Andrew Lubowitz can be reached at andrew.lubowitz@queensu.ca or 343-363-0577.
Event photographer
Position description
Each year, thousands of alumni return to Kingston to celebrate Homecoming, reconnect with classmates, learn about university initiatives, and meet current students. We are excited to welcome alumni back to campus during the weekend for those celebrating milestone reunions. Students who sign up for this role can request a letter of support from the Reunions & Homecoming Officer.
Responsibilities
- Travelling to various events across campus capturing photos
- You will be provided a list of shot suggestions to capture during the events
- You are required to have your own/access to a DSLR camera
- Sending unedited photos to our communications team
You'll enjoy this role if you
- Enjoy talking with alumni, you’ll hear great stories in this role!
- Want to experience Homecoming’s signature events
- Enjoy photography or want to gain experience with photography
- Want to build connections with alumni and the Queen’s community
Accessibility
This role requires travelling to several different campus locations and working with large crowds.
Time commitment
This role has multiple shift timings across two days. Shifts are two and a half hours long.
Event contact
Lauren Broadhurst can be reached at lauren.broadhurst@queensu.ca or 613-533-6000 ext 77965.
Fall Harvest Alumni Gathering support
Position description
The Fall Harvest Alumni Gathering is an outdoor, family-friendly event featuring booths from various faculties and local vendors, food trucks, live music, and much more.
This role will assist in the morning setup and afternoon takedown, including decorating the field, placing tables and chairs, helping direct vendors to their booths, adjusting seating, and the setup/takedown of lawn games.
During the Gathering, this role circulates the event or is stationed at a welcome table to assist alumni and the event lead with questions about Homecoming programming.
Responsibilities
- Assisting in the setup and takedown of the event
- Hosting the welcome table
- Answering questions on Homecoming programming
- Circulating the event grounds
- Facilitating lawn games
You'll enjoy this role if you
- Like talking with alumni and answering questions about Homecoming weekend
- Enjoy being outside
- Are comfortable around large groups of people
Accessibility
This position requires lifting objects that could weigh five to 10 pounds and standing for long periods of time.
Time commitment
This role will be a full day. An one-hour lunch break is included. Lunch will be provided.
Event contact
Bethany Mulder Kelly can be reached at bethany.mulderkelly@queensu.ca or 613-888-8054.
Tricolour Guard Dinner check—in
Position description
The Tricolour Guard is a special group of alumni who celebrate graduating from Queen's 50 years ago or more. A cocktail reception followed by dinner, Tricolour Guard members mingle and learn about what's new at the university. This role is responsible for checking in guests, handing out nametags, and supporting individuals with accommodations as needed. It is recommended you take the Accessible Customer Service chapter of AODA training for this role.
Responsibilities
- Check in guests and provide them with nametags
- Finding guest names on the seating chart
- Support guests with mobility and accommodation needs
You'll enjoy this role if you
- Want to get to know alumni who graduated in 1974 or prior
- Are comfortable in a larger group of people
- Are available to pafrticipate in an evening event
Accessibility
This event involves sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Time commitment
This role typically begins late afternoon and lasts into the early evening.
Event contact
Tess Kozina can be reached at tess.kozina@queensu.ca or 613-453-4666.
Tricolour Guard Parade flag bearer
Position description
Cheer on the Tricolour Guard (alumni who graduated from Queen's 50 years ago or more) as they parade around the field during half-time at the Homecoming football game. It is a moment you don't want to miss. This role walks the field during the parade holding a banner denoting a decade of members of the Tricolour Guard graduated from Queen’s.
Responsibilities
- Carrying a flag acrss the field during the parade
- Talking with Tricolour Guard alumni prior to the parade start
Role highlights
- Enjoy speaking to older alumni about their time at Queen's
- Want to be involved in a great Queen's tradition
- Like being at a football game — flag bearers get in for free!
- Are comfortable around large crowds
You'll enjoy this role if you
Complete Accessible Customer Service module of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) training.
Accessibility
This role requires standing for long periods of time and carrying a large flag that weighs up to 10 pounds.
Time commitment
This role takes place during the scheduled football game.
Event contacts
Kim Day can be reached at kim.day@queensu.ca or 613-533-2060 ext.79012.
Jessie Mercer can be reached at jessie.mercer@queensu.ca or 613-533-6000 ext. 78446.
