The university said that in light of overcrowding at the James E. Shepard Library Bowl and the shooting last year, the university is proactively implementing changes to help ensure that the celebration remains safe.
North Carolina Central University alumnus Zuri Hester looks forward to the boost in business that NCCU's homecoming brings. She's been running Nzinga's Kitchen in the historic Hayti community for 11 years and said the homecoming celebration brings a 40% boost to her bottom line.
"We're always busy the whole week. It always gives us an extra push with people coming into town," she said.
Hester is concerned about what will happen this year now that things are changing.
"My friends may choose to skip it and go to (North Carolina) A&T (State University) homecoming instead," she said. "You're thinking about how much fun you're going to have. All these people booked their hotels and flights in advance because they are thinking they are going to turn up and have a good time."
There were two separate shooting incidents during homecoming last year that injured four people, including a student. NCCU announced that the campus will close at 7 p.m. on homecoming weekend, whereas in the past, alumni said it's been open later. The Greek Bowl Celebration on Saturday will now run from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
"This is really the right move to make," said Dr. Delores Fogg, chapter president of the Raleigh-Wake NCCU Alumni chapter. "People can come at any time because if you shorten the window, you have less time for issues to come about."
Fogg is a retired educator and is in full support of this move, which she sees as an effort to create a safe environment.
"Safety is the main issue the chancellor is concerned about, and I applaud that. I know it's the right decision," she said.
Other alumni wonder if it is the right decision.
"I understand the safety part. They shouldn't be afraid to let people have a good time," said Hester.
The Durham Police Department released a statement about the event:
The Durham Police Department's presence at North Carolina Central University's upcoming homecoming will be determined by the university's Police Department, as our department will support in a supplemental capacity as needed.