The issue: Alumni will return to Western’s campus this weekend to participate in Homecoming activities.

Our view: While they’re here, the alumni should share any concerns they have with administrators about the state of Western’s football and tailgating situation.

Western’s lack of success on the football field this season has had several consequences.

A lack of respect from other teams and fan outcry for coaching changes are just a couple of examples of what happens when a team goes winless this late in the season.

Perhaps a more saddening effect is one that’s become almost palpable leading up to this weekend’s Homecoming game — fans just aren’t excited.

Despite its place as a beloved fall tradition at every university, Homecoming has lost some of its appeal at Western, following the team’s shortcomings on the field.

Those involved with Homecoming activities might not feel the change, but the majority of students checked out of football mode once the new tailgating rules were implemented.

For all the growth and good aspects of the university, the tailgating scene and the football game is the snapshot alumni will take away from this weekend.

That begs the question of how their impression of Western will change after seeing the diminished nature of both those areas compared to previous years.

Students have made their opinions known to administrators by pulling their support for the football team and abandoning their tailgating routines.

Now it’s the alumni’s turn to speak up.

Considering the donations that Western enjoys from its alumni, administrators would be wise to pay attention to what’s being said this weekend.

Failing to keep the alumni happy, especially during the current economic climate, would undoubtedly slow the rate of growth Western has enjoyed the past decade.

Considering the spike in hotel reservations for this weekend, Western should expect plenty of loyal alumni to return for the Homecoming celebration.

The Herald hopes those who return won’t refrain from making their concerns known.

After all, who better to help guide the future of Western than those who know where we’ve been?

This editorial represents the majority opinion of the Herald’s 11-member editorial board.