Anna Smith, Elon’s Study USA coordinator, recently participated in RAINN’s 4th Annual Congressional Day of Action, joining about 40 survivor advocates on Capitol Hill to push for stronger protections against sexual violence.

Throughout the day, Smith met with several congressional offices, including Rep. Erin Houchin, Rep. Madeleine Dean, Rep. Robert Aderholt, Rep. Lucy McBath (GA), and Rep. Jim Costa, to advocate for legislation addressing tech-enabled sexual abuse, strengthening child protection laws and securing funding for the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

A key focus of her advocacy was the Statutes of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act (H.R. 2920), which encourages states to eliminate time limits that often prevent survivors from seeking justice.

“In 2022, I received justice for a crime that had been committed nearly twenty years earlier,” Smith said. “I quickly realized how rare that outcome is.”

Fewer than 3% of perpetrators of sexual violence serve prison time. Anna’s case moved forward only because North Carolina does not have a statute of limitations for felony offenses, something she says should not depend on geography.

“Encouraging states to eliminate outdated statute of limitation laws is a simple way to ensure survivors, no matter where they live, have the opportunity to seek justice when they feel ready,” she said.

During her conversations with lawmakers, Smith also worked to challenge common misconceptions about survivor disclosure.

“Many people assume survivors come forward immediately, when in reality that is extremely rare,” she said. “For those abused in childhood, the average age of disclosure is 52. “Our laws need to reflect that.”

While her advocacy reached a national stage, its roots remain deeply connected to her work at Elon. Smith says being on a college campus often reminds her of her own experience, when she first felt safe enough to share her story.

“I was in college when I first disclosed, almost seven years after the crime occurred,” she said. “I think back to that version of myself, who felt lost and confused, and I know she would be in awe of the person I’ve become.”

That perspective is shaping how she shows up during Sexual Assault Awareness Month on campus. Smith plans to participate in Denim Day and attend programming such as the Elon  on addressing sexual violence among college students on April 30, hosted by Chris Linder, professor and chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at the University of Utah, using those spaces to stand in solidarity with others.

“I will be there in support of all survivors, across the many stages of healing,” she said. “Those who have spoken their truth, and those who are not yet ready, or may never choose to.”

The experience on Capitol Hill, she says, was empowering, emotional, and deeply meaningful, but it also reinforced a belief she carries into her everyday work at Elon.

“Stories are our most powerful tools for change,” she said. “A statistic is nameless and faceless, but when a lawmaker sits down with a survivor and listens to their story, they are more likely to act.”

From campus conversations to congressional offices, Anna is helping ensure those stories are heard, reminding the Elon community that awareness is only the beginning, and advocacy is what drives change.

Associate Dean of Global Education, Jessica Gisclair, said Study USA focuses on experiences that connect students to place.

“The LA theme explores a dynamic city and the vibrant creative industries that shape community,” said Gisclair.

The theme is especially relevant as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.

“�þ��� will have professional opportunities and build an understanding of the LA community and its preparation leading up to the Olympics,” Gisclair added.

The aim is to help students see how storytelling, media, and the arts influence industries, environments, and culture in one of the world’s top media and entertainment centers, especially in the context of a global event like the Summer Olympics.

The LA program will offer a range of location-based courses taught by industry professionals in Los Angeles that reflect the theme, including COM 4000: Media Law and Ethics, CTA 3670: Master Class in Directing, ARH 3000: Los Angeles Art History, and COM 3350: Sport and Media, a course introduced in connection with the upcoming Olympic Games.

Study USA is a signature domestic away program that provides immersive academic experiences in cities across the United States. The program enables students to explore various industries, cultures, and communities while interning and earning academic credit. Its strength lies in students living and learning together while taking location-based courses and engaging with professionals, alums, and organizations connected to �þ���.

The Study USA team will be on campus to share information, assist with the application process, and help students determine if the LA experience aligns with their academic and career goals. Study USA team members are also available to visit classes and introduce Study USA LA: The Creative Industries and Community Experience. �þ��� interested in pursuing careers in the creative economy will find a new opportunity in LA.

Applications for �þ���’s Study USA LA Spring 2027 program open on April 1. Visit the website to learn more and begin your application.

What is Study USA? 
Study USA is a Global Education Center initiative that provides students with the opportunity to live, learn and intern in dynamic U.S. cities while earning Elon credit. With semester and summer options in Los Angeles (LA), New York City (NYC), Charlotte (CTL), and Washington, D.C. (DC), the programs emphasize experiential learning, career preparation, and civic engagement. �þ��� will complete internships, take classes with Elon faculty and industry professionals, and experience life in major U.S. hubs, all while staying connected to Elon community.

Meet & Greets at Irazú

Throughout the week, students can stop by Irazú to meet program leaders and learn more about specific Study USA opportunities. As a bonus, students attending a Meet & Greet will receive a coupon for a free drink, a perfect chance to grab a drink and connect with faculty and staff in a relaxed setting.

Monday, Oct. 6 -Brad Lemack, director of Elon LA, and Macy Mills, Elon alumna and program assistant of Elon LA, will share details about the LA summer program, which places students at the center of the entertainment and media industries.

Tuesday, Oct. 7 — Karen Neff, associate director of Elon in Charlotte, and Kaitlyn Hannan ’25, Elon alumna and program assistant for Study USA Charlotte will share details about the Charlotte program. Faculty �þ��� in the Charlotte summer and fall program will also be present to answer questions and connect with students.

Wednesday, Oct. 8 – Professor Safia Swimelar, faculty director of Study USA NYC Summer Program, and Professor Joel Shelton, faculty director of the inaugural Study USA Capital Connections: D.C. Summer Program, will introduce students to these exciting opportunities. They’ll share how these programs combine coursework with hands-on internships, giving students direct access to the professional, cultural and political life of two of the nation’s most influential cities.

Study USA Mini Fair 

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, the week culminates with a Study USA Mini Fair, where students can explore all program locations at once, speak directly with Study USA alumni and gather resources to help them plan their applications.

Why These Events Matter 
Study USA offers Elon students the chance to expand their horizons, gain professional experience, and build networks in major U.S. cities. Study USA Week provides a one-stop opportunity to meet program directors and faculty, connect with Study USA alumni and discover how domestic study away can complement students’ academic paths.

Application Timeline 
�þ��� interested in participating in Study USA should keep the following deadlines in mind:

• Fall Programs: Early Action Applications are open now and close November 15.
• Summer Programs: Applications are open now and close Dec. 1.

For full details and application links, students can visit the or contact Study USA with any questions at global@elon.edu, 336-278-6700.