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Spirit & Traditions

Three students pose in front of the Stamp Student Union in black, white and red Maryland gear.

Spirit Week

Homecoming is about celebrating the University of Maryland. Showcase your Maryland pride in your best gold, black, white and red gear.

Current students can follow @UMDHomecoming and @umdsalc on social media to find out where to score swag, learn about Maryland traditions and complete some UMD Bucket List items. Stop by the Daily Spirit Stations at a different location each day through Oct. 13 to win—if you’re wearing the color of the day.

Need new Maryland gear? Visit the Terp Shop.

2021 Spirit of Maryland Award Winners accept their plaque from President Pines at SECU Stadium.

Spirit of Maryland Award

The Spirit of Maryland Award is presented annually during halftime of the Homecoming football game to two members of the senior class who, through their achievements, exemplify the spirit of the University of Maryland. Criteria include outstanding scholarship, leadership, campus involvement, community service and communication skills.

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Students at the Terp Carnival wearing Homecoming scarves.
Oct 13

Homecoming Scarf Giveaway

  • Oct 13
  • McKeldin Mall

Current students can pick up a limited-edition 2023 Homecoming scarf at the Terp Carnival on Friday, Oct. 13 while supplies last. Students must present their UMD ID for redemption. More details about lineup and redemption are to come. Follow @UMDHomecoming on social media for the latest information.

Follow @UMDHomecoming
An office at Stamp decorated in a Homecoming theme.

Office Decorating Competition

Faculty and staff are invited to get in the Homecoming spirit by decking out your office suites. Grand prize for the annual Homecoming Office Decorating Competition is a UMD Dining Services snack pack and a trophy. One grand prize winner will be selected by a member of the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) Council, Spirit of Maryland finalists and a group of student leaders. Share a photo of your decorated office suite on social media to enter the People’s Choice Award contest to snag a Homecoming prize pack.

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The Mighty Sound of Maryland marching band makes its way to Terp Alley on Homecoming.
Oct 14

Terp Alley

  • Oct 14
  • Fieldhouse Drive

Wish the football team good luck as the student-athletes arrive on campus by visiting Terp Alley two hours before kickoff on Saturday, Oct. 14. Enjoy inflatables, music spun by a DJ, giveaways and lawn games along Fieldhouse Drive, Lot 1 and Lot Z.

A graphic featuring a gold athletics letter "M" and nostalgic photos from the M-Club.

Celebrating a Century of Letter-Winner Camaraderie

The M Club, founded in 1923, established Homecoming! It not only awards letter jackets to student-athletes, but also raises money for scholarships.

Read More on Maryland Today