(Image Courtesy of Elisabeth Buck)
Staff Writer: Jesse Magnifico
Email: jmagnifico@umassd.edu
The Writing and Multiliteracy Center (WMC) raises a spooky tradition from the dead after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s right: the Halloween Costume Contest is back!
The WMC has announced on Instagram and through word-of-mouth that the costume contest has finally returned. They want to offer some fun to alleviate the stress during midterm season, so what better way to lighten the mood than fostering the Halloween spirit?
They invite current students, alumni, faculty, and staff to showcase their love for all things Halloween and creativity (aside from their writing and tutoring skills). No matter your major, grade level, or position at UMassD — yes, that means you, too, graduate students — you can enter the contest.
It’s a comeback that promises to be bigger, better, and scarier than ever before.
The WMC’s costume contest has been a cherished tradition for years, bringing students, staff, and faculty together for the love of the spooky season — all while raising awareness of the WMC’s services and social platforms.
This contest isn’t just about dressing up; it’s about coming to know your fellow tutors, students, and faculty/staff who have a passion for Halloween across the UMassD community. It is also a prime opportunity to recognize and take advantage of the WMC’s services as well as familiarize yourself with the tutors who can help you with any stage of your writing process.
Whether you’re brainstorming, in the middle of writing a piece, revising, or needing advice and/or assistance with job-related writing (e.g., resumés, cover letter), the Writing and Multiliteracy Center is your pit stop! Located in LARTS 221, don’t be afraid to come on over and receive wonderful advice to strengthen your pieces. You can also opt for an online session or asynchronous feedback. Whatever works with your schedule, it’s all up to you!
Enough of the chit-chat: How does this virtual costume contest work?
It’s simple:
How to Enter
- Choose Your Character. You can be anyone or anything, so long as it’s not offensive or harassing. You can also invent a character if you like. Get into the Halloween spirit!
- Craft Your Costume. Once you’ve decided on your character, it’s time to bring them to life through a costume. Get as creative as you like. You can sew, paint, glue—anything that lets you express your character.
- Virtual Showcase. Post photos of yourself in costume on your social media (preferably Instagram) and email the WMC (wmc.info@umassd.edu) about your entry. You are more than welcome to pose with others, even if they aren’t affiliated with UMassD—the important part is that you’re in the photo. These entries will be compiled in a virtual showcase that everyone can enjoy and vote on. DEADLINE TO ENTER: OCTOBER 31ST.
- Community Engagement. To make it more interactive and engaging, the WMC has introduced a voting system. The campus community will vote for their favorite costumes, not just the WMC. This not only adds an element of competition but also fosters a sense of community spirit.
Winning Prizes and Glory
Besides the sheer thrill of bringing your character to life and sharing your costume with the UMassD community, there is an exciting, spooky Barnes and Noble gift card for the winner of the most votes.
Enter if you dare!
The winner will not only take home the fabulous prize but will earn a place in the WMC’s Hall of Fame (in spirit) and the admiration of the campus community.
What is there to lose?
With the return of the WMC’s Virtual Costume Contest, the countdown to Halloween has taken an exciting turn. Participants are already gathering materials for their costumes and posting photos. As the voting date approaches, excitement is building, and the campus community, especially the WMC, is eager to see everyone’s creativity blossom.
If you’re looking for an engaging way to embrace the spirit of Halloween while also celebrating the power of writing and multiliteracy, the WMC’s virtual costume contest is your stage.
Let your imagination run wild, don your best costume, and enter the event for a chance to win a scary prize, ghostly accolades, and the howling admiration of your peers.