As Homecoming Week kicks off, so does the race for NIU’s next homecoming king and queen.

Students interested in running were asked to fill out an application and pay a $15 nonrefundable fee by Oct. 1.

The applicants were then interviewed, where he or she was judged by a point system. The points were ranked from one to three, with three being the highest.

“The homecoming king and queen will get the title and get to represent NIU in a positive manner, said Chasity Simon, the vice president of programming in CAB and coordinator of the homecoming king and queen process.

The requirements to run for homecoming king or queen are a 2.5 GPA or higher, standing as a sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student at NIU, sponsored by an organization and able to attend all homecoming events sponsored by CAB with the exception of class schedule conflicts.

The applicants were judged on presentation, eye contact, confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

After the interview process, the applicants were narrowed down to the five ladies and five men to run for the actual positions of king and queen.

The winners were notified Oct. 4.

Voting ballots will be available from Oct. 8 through the Oct. 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at DuSable Hall and the Holmes Student Center. Students must have their NIU OneCard.

The winners will be announced on Thursday, Oct. 11 at the Talent Show and Coronation in the Duke Ellington Ballroom in the Holmes Student Center at 6:00 p.m.