Hoping the return of HOCO will take the edge off FOCO

Western University has returned Homecoming to its traditional late September time frame — the move comes after years of what has become FOCO, a fake Homecoming weekend launched by students and geared specifically to partying. Western officials are hoping to put the emphasis back on university pride.

Western University has returned Homecoming to its traditional late September time frame — the move comes after years of what has become FOCO, a fake Homecoming weekend launched by students and geared specifically to partying.

Western officials are hoping to put the emphasis back on university pride.

It's a message student Madeline Stanton is taking to heart, telling CTV News London on Saturday, "Just control your alcohol intake is all I would say. It kind of pushes people to do a little bit of stupid stuff but just don't be dumb. It's a very prestigious school. We have a lot of hard work to do."

The university has been working to put more focus on on-campus activities, like the Homecoming football game, with the Western Mustangs going up against the Waterloo Warriors in an afternoon tilt — the game was sold out.

There were numerous social medial posts from last year’s FOCO of people jumping from utility poles into crowds below.

Last year, the rain started early but it cleared late in the day as parties raged on. More than 30 people were taken to hospital, six with serious or critical injuries.