Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition
Homecoming at UH is a tradition dating back to 1946. It brightens the campus with Cougar Red and brings out spirit beyond a football game. It is a week celebrating UH, uniting students and organizations, and showcasing Cougar Pride and Cougar Spirit.
Every fall, our vibrant campus unites to celebrate Homecoming. Sponsored by Staff Council, a highlight is the annual Spirit Bell Competition - awarded to the office embracing Homecoming Week themes most creatively by decorating their space with exceptional Cougar spirit and pride.
Participants showcase imagination with lively, one-of-a-kind designs. The friendly face-off fuels community camaraderie and admiration for the contributor ultimately taking home our coveted trophy for stunning originality and UH Pride
When Homecoming comes around, this spirited faculty and staff contest reminds all that Cougar Pride starts right here with us!
2026 Homecoming Spirit Bell CompetitionThe University of Houston is gearing up for an exciting Homecoming Week from Nov, with the theme "Houston We're Home" During this spirited week, staff and faculty are invited to showcase their Cougar pride by entering the Homecoming Spirt Bell Competition. Participants are encouraged to creatively decorate their offices to reflect the Cougar spirit, originality, and the "Houston We're" theme.
Competition Terms & Guidelines:
Judging will be based on the following:
- Originality
- Cougar Spirit
- Creativity
- Overall Appearance
Bonus points will be given for incorporating the "Houston We're Home" theme.
The competition allows for a variety of presentations, including videos, songs, skits, dances, and slideshows, provided they adhere to the 5-minute time limit during the site visits. You can decorate an individual office, group offices, reception area, or let your spirit spill into the hallway. Please ensure to obtain permission from your building coordinator.
Judging will begin on Monday, November 2nd and Tuesday, November 3rd.
Prizes!
The winner will have the honor of their name engraved on the UH Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition trophy and will be featured on the UH Staff Council and UH Homecoming websites. Decorations should remain in place until November 7th.
The 2026 Spirit Bell winner will be announced on November 6th.
To join the festivities, interested parties must submit their online entry form by 5:00 PM on Thursday, October 29th. It's a time for the University of Houston community to come together, celebrate, and let their Cougar spirit shine brightly throughout the campus.
Registration here: 2026 UH Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition Registration Form
All picture must be emailed at StaffCouncilEventsCommittee@UofH.UH.EDU
If you would like to volunteer as a judge, please register here: 2026 Spirit Bell Competition Volunteer Judge
Previous Winners
In 2025, the University of Houston's Homecoming Week theme was "Heart of Houston"
1st Place: Bauer Honors College, Bauer College of Business
In 2024, the University of Houston's Homecoming Week theme was "Coog City"
1st Place: Rockwell Career Center, Bauer College of Business
In 2023, the University of Houston's Homecoming Week theme was “Dream Big, Win Big”
1st Place: Rockwell Career Center, Bauer College of Business
In 2022, the University of Houston's Homecoming Week theme was “All Roads Lead Home”
1st Place: Office of Undergraduate Business Programs, College of Business
2nd Place: Office of Real Estate Services, Administration & Finance
Honorable Mention: Student Centers South
In 2021, the University of Houston's Homecoming Week was from October 16-23. The theme was “Back Where We Belong.”
1st Place: Enrollment Services Communication and Marketing (ESCM), Student Affairs and Enrollment Services
2nd Place: UH Wellness, Student Affairs
Honorable Mention: Student Business Services, Administration & Finance
2020 Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition (Virtual)
University Libraries
Academic Affairs
Theme: Strengthen our Roots. Strength in your Roots.
November 9-14, 2020
2019 Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition
Massad Family Library
Conrad N. Hilton School of Hotel and Restaurant Management
Theme: BE SOMEONE and Leave a Legacy
November 11-16, 2019
2018 Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition
Academic Affairs
Undergraduate Business Programs Office and Bauer Honors Common
Theme: Go Big and Come Home
2017 Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition
Department of Athletics
Building Champions for Life
Theme: There’s No Place Like Houston
October 30-November 4
Pictures of the 2017 Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition courtesy of the UH Alumni Association.
2016 Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition
Administration & Finance
DSAES Business Service Team
Theme: True We’ll Ever Be
November 7 - 12
Pictures of the 2016 Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition courtesy of the UH Alumni Association.
2015 Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition
Admiration & Finance and Enrollment Services
Business Services
Theme: Varsity RED
November 2- 7
Pictures of the 2015 Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition courtesy of the UH Alumni Association.