AUM gears up for cosmic Homecoming Week 2026
Auburn University at Montgomery is preparing to launch an out-of-this-world Homecoming Week 2026, packed with spirited traditions, including Chancellor’s Cup events, a pep rally, carnival, tailgating and fun activities that bring the entire campus community together to celebrate Warhawk pride.
Inspired by a student body survey conducted in November, AUM’s Office of Student Affairs unveiled “Welcome to the Warhawk Universe” as this year’s Homecoming theme. The cosmic concept sets the stage for a week of campus-wide events, games, giveaways, and shared experiences created to bring students, faculty, staff and alumni together.
“This year’s Homecoming is special because we took a poll of students on their preferred theme, and we had a clear winner in outer space,” said Samuel Alford, president of AUM’s Student Government Association (SGA). “Now we are leaning into that theme to give students exactly what they asked for. It’s a unique theme that allows event hosts to be creative and create fun experiences for the entire campus community.”
AUM’s Homecoming Week kicks off Monday, Feb. 2, with Homecoming Court campaigning, a Chancellor’s Cup competition, and a Kickoff Pep Rally at the AUM Athletics Complex, followed by the annual Homecoming Faculty/Staff vs. Students Basketball Game. The week wraps up on Saturday, Feb. 7, with a women’s and men’s basketball doubleheader against Union University at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.
The following Homecoming activities require sign up, registration or your vote:
- Student organizations can register to compete for the Chancellor’s Cup through Thursday, Jan. 29.
- Cheer for your side at the Faculty/Staff vs. Students Basketball Game at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2. To join a team, email [email protected] or call 334-861.2463.
- Cast your vote for the 2026 Homecoming Court from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5 via MyAUM.
Throughout Homecoming Week, student teams compete for the coveted Chancellor’s Cup in a variety of themed events, including a Penny Wars & Pep Rally, Scavenger Hunt, Curtiss in the Cosmos, and Squid Games. Winners of the Chancellor’s Cup will be recognized during the women’s basketball game, which will also feature a birthday celebration for AUM’s beloved mascot, Curtiss the Warhawk. Members of the 2026 Homecoming Court are introduced during the men’s basketball game.
A tremendous amount of planning, creativity, and campus collaboration has gone into making Homecoming Week 2026 a memorable experience for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Since October, the Office of Student Affairs has hosted pop-up press conferences and planning meetings, engaging more than 30 campus departments and student organizations, along with student, faculty, and staff volunteers.
“Homecoming is truly a collaborative effort, and we’re excited to plan activities around this year’s theme and see all of the events come together,” said Da’Monta Wiggins, director of Student Life.
Student organizations such as the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and SGA are leading many of the events to help students connect, build community, and feel more at home on campus. From CAB’s Cosmic Carnival to a Rocket-Making Competition and SGA Movie Night, students will find something happening each day of Homecoming Week. Free food on The Quad and T-shirt giveaways will also be available at select events.
“We really want to see students attend Homecoming so they can connect with other students through events and activities, and we’re bringing back several fan-favorite events,” said Samuel, a senior computer science major form Bitburg Germany. “I enojy the opportunity to be a part of campus traditions because I never really had a hometown growing up so far away. I like to think of Montgomery as my hometown now because of the warm and welcoming community here at AUM.”
“Having events like Homecoming, where students can come and support each other even if they don’t know much about a sport or activity, is what makes our community so welcoming. Homecoming is the perfect week for students to support their peers by showing up, cheering at games and showing Warhawk spirit.”
Homecoming festivities will also welcome alumni back to campus to cheer on AUM athletic teams, including tennis, baseball and basketball. The AUM Alumni Association will host the return of Casino Night, an alumni Homecoming celebration featuring classic casino games, music, dancing, and entertainment, along with dinner and drinks. The event will be held from 7–10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, in Taylor Center Rooms 221–223. Tickets are $25 per person, space is limited, and tickets can be purchased online. Buy your tickets now.
Homecoming Week 2026 Events Schedule
