Volunteers – Penn State Homecoming

Why Volunteer?

Why should you volunteer for Penn State Homecoming? Well, because Penn State Homecoming is the second largest organization on campus and hosts the largest student-run parade in the nation! Besides those facts, here are a few reasons why you should join our year long festivities:

Showcase Your Penn State Pride
Make A Positive Impact Within The Community
Gain Valuable Leadership Experience
Unleash Your Creativity
Build Lasting Connections
Experience The Traditions

Whether you’re passionate about community engagement, event planning, or simply spreading joy, we have a place for you! Explore the opportunities that await and join us in creating unforgettable memories together!

Captain Committees

Homecoming Captains are instrumental in the organization. Captains work alongside others and are led by a director to design, coordinate, and execute various tasks that benefit Homecoming. These tasks could include hosting events, creating competitions, working with Alumni, and so much more! Each Captain has specific duties within their committee. Together, these committees collaborate to execute more than 10 different Homecoming events throughout the year. A few Captain committees include Alumni Relations, Public Relations, University Relations, and OPPerations.

Committee Members

In addition to Homecoming’s 13 Captain Committees, there are opportunities for students to get involved as a committee members. Committee members assist in Homecoming events and are vital to the success of Penn State’s Homecoming celebration. Students can get involved with Merchandise, OPPerations, or the University Relations Involvement committee. Students also can apply to emcee all events throughout the year, including the parade at the end of Homecoming week.

First-Year Involvement Committee

The First-Year Involvement Committee is selected in the fall and is a way for first-years to get involved immediately following their acceptance to Penn State. You will be able to help plan the week-long Homecoming celebration and get to make friends while doing it. This committee assists the University Relations Captains, helps promote different events throughout Homecoming week, and will even get to be in the Homecoming Parade!

Please note: you must be a first-year to apply.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

Court Relations

Events Captains (2)

The Events Captain is responsible for planning events in celebration of the selection of the 2026 Homecoming Court. This includes Court Reception, Court Workshop, and Court Crashes. They also communicate with the Alumni Association and Staff at the Hintz Center to prepare for these events. This captain will lead initiatives and conversations throughout the year to bring up common Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion issues, and is responsible for taking meeting minutes and fostering morale and bonding within the committee.

Student Court Captains (1-2)

The Student Court Captain(s) coordinates all efforts involving the Homecoming 2026 Student Court. This includes communicating with the past court and involving them in Spring events for Homecoming. These Captains are also responsible for the nomination, application, voting, and selection of the Student Court for Homecoming 2026. This also involves assisting in the coordination of the Faculty Panel and ensuring the appearance of the Homecoming Student Court at events throughout Homecoming Week.

University Court Captain (1)

The University Court Captain is involved in the coordination of all things surrounding the University Court of Homecoming 2026. This includes the nomination and selection of the Court as well as the appearance of the Court at events throughout Homecoming Week. This captain will also work with the Graduate Court Captain to select a Student Panel.

Graduate and Professional School Court Captain (1)

The Graduate and Professional School Court Captain is in charge of the coordination of all things surrounding the Graduate Court for Homecoming 2026. This includes the nomination and selection of the Court as well as the appearance of the court at events throughout Homecoming Week. This will include outreach efforts to different graduate organizations to make them aware of nominations. This captain will also work with the University Court Captain to select a Student Panel.