Chrissy Gulseth, a senior political science and history student from Omaha, has deepened her appreciation for the university’s impact by helping students across campus learn how to get involved in homecoming celebrations.

Homecoming is technically a single, fun-filled week in October. For Gulseth and the other students and staff on the homecoming committee, it’s a year-round project.

“Planning for next homecoming starts pretty much right after homecoming week ends,” said Gulseth, who serves as the Homecoming Events Coordinator for the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska and is wrapping up her second straight year on the homecoming committee.

Gulseth’s role is to serve on two separate homecoming committees — the faculty and staff-led homecoming committee and the student-led steering committee — as a representative for students, making sure their ideas and concerns are heard, and getting their questions answered.

A lot of her work involves demystifying all the different ways students can participate in the week’s festivities.

“Homecoming can be really, really confusing,” Gulseth said. “So I love being able to answer students’ questions, help them figure out how to get involved and make the process less intimidating.”

Aside from answering questions — “There are no dumb questions,” she promised — Gulseth works to make sure that all Husker students across campus feel included in homecoming. She said that dispelling misperceptions about homecoming week is crucial to making sure everyone across campus can find a way to get involved and enjoy it.

“There are tons of ways for people to participate, from participating in the cornhole competition and Showtime to getting involved through your residence hall or RSO.” she said. “We really just want to reach all students and let them know that homecoming is for you and the entire university.”

Bringing as many students as possible into the fold of homecoming is what brought Gulseth back for a second year on the planning committee. She sees homecoming week as an opportunity for all of us to step back and appreciate everything our university has to offer.

“For me, homecoming is all about celebrating what makes Nebraska special,” she said. “UNL has done so much for me and for people across our state. And, obviously, I love going to school here or else I wouldn’t be doing all this.”