The event had been in the making since the previous fall. The college’s Bicentennial committee — led by George Troxler, then a professor of history specializing in American colonial and revolutionary history — was deep in planning, threading the spirit of 1776 through everything from athletics to the arts.

An October 1975 weekend had offered a preview of what was to come. The cross country team carried the Bicentennial flag to Hillsborough, North Carolina, and returned to campus along a route used in the 18th century. They formally handed the flag to Elon President J. Fred Young at a ceremony in front of Alamance Building. A golf tournament at Alamance Country Club, a dance at Alumni Gym and a sunrise flag-raising at Elon’s ROTC site all added to the weekend’s festive atmosphere. Bicentennial meals with period-appropriate recipes were offered for $2, a fitting nod to colonial-era frugality.

But it was Festival Day on April 10, 1976, that brought everything together. The morning opened with a parade through downtown Elon College, featuring the Alamance- Caswell Marine Color Guard, the Western High School Band, local Boy Scouts and the Elon Middle School Drum and Fife Corps, among others. From Whitley Auditorium, a one-act comedy titled “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” drew audiences into the revolutionary spirit of the occasion.

The afternoon unfolded across campus in a joyful sprawl of activity. A picnic on the north end of campus gave way to an art and photography exhibition at Harden Center. The Elon College Concert Band performed on the North �þ��� lawn. And at 1 p.m., the day’s most enduring ceremony took place: the dedication of a new campus gazebo. Mayor T. L. Smith of Elon College and President Young offered remarks, and the college’s concert band and choir provided special music, with a prayer led by the Rev. Clyde Fields.

Later in the afternoon, Bicentennial games were held on the soccer field, followed by a street dance featuring the Western Express Jazz Ensemble and the Western Kids, with the Elon College Middle School Cloggers adding a distinctly local flavor to the festivities.

“This joint celebration of the Bicentennial and the town’s birthday concluded with dancing in the street,” The Pendulum, Elon’s student newspaper, reported at the time.

The celebrations reflected a broader truth about Elon College in 1976: The campus and the surrounding community were deeply intertwined. Festival Day wasn’t simply a college event.

It was a town celebration, and Elon was proud to host it.

Learn how Elon is honoring 250 years of the American spirit this year in this Today at Elon article.

�þ��� safety

As a reminder, several 24/7 services are available throughout this time.

• �þ��� Safety & Police can be reached at 336-278-5555. They can also assist with connections to the Student Life on-call administrators.
• On-call crisis counselors are available at 336-278-2222.
• SAFEline is available at 336-278-3333 for confidential support with identity-based bias, sexual violence, or interpersonal violence – they can also be a confidential resource to access on-call violence responders.
• TimelyCare free virtual medical and mental health service, is available 24/7 throughout the break from anywhere in the United States.

Residence halls and university apartments

• Residence halls (not apartments) close at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 21. Student staff will be entering all spaces during closing to complete closing room checks.
• Residence halls (not apartments) reopen at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 29.
• Information about requests to stay late or return early can be found on the Break Housing page of the Residence Life website.
• Offices remain open during the break during regular weekday business hours, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., except when University offices are closed.

Secure your residence

Whether you live on-campus or off-campus, make sure you secure your room, apartment or house.  Other important steps to take before you leave:

• Unplug all appliances
• Hide or relocate valuables and move expensive items away from windows
• Secure any non-perishable food in airtight containers or cabinets; discard any perishable food from your refrigerator
• Empty all trash; if you live off campus, secure your trash and recycling containers
• Check all water faucets to make sure they are completely off
• Set your thermostat for 50-55 degrees
• If you have a hidden spare key outside of your residence, make sure you remove it
• Make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked

�þ��� residing in off-campus residences may want to request a Vacation Home Check, a service provided by the Town of Elon Police – .

Parking & Transportation

If you are planning on leaving your vehicle on campus during Spring Break, you may leave it in your permitted lot or you may park it in the South �þ��� lots or the Innovation Quad lot. FY permits must remain in the FY permitted lots. Make sure your vehicle is locked and you take any valuables with you.

Elon Express and �þ��� Transportation

• All Elon Express routes will stop service at the end of shifts on Friday, March 20. Elon Express will resume their normal schedule on Monday, March 30.
• A modified Elon Express route from Gateway Parking Lot to Inman will run on Sunday, March 29, from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Schedules and routes are available online.

�þ��� services

Below are the hours for student service operations during Spring Break. Please note that University offices are closed on Friday, March 27.

Belk Library

• Belk Library will have reduced hours: Friday, March 20, will close at 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 21,  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 22,  10 a.m. –  6 p.m.
  • Monday, March 23 – Friday, March 27  8 a.m. –  5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28,  9:00 a.m. –  5 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m. – Midnight
• Visit the for information about the library’s adjusted hours.

�þ��� Bookstore

• The Barnes & Noble Store will be open for reduced hours during Spring Break:
  • Saturday, March 21: 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 22 and Monday, March 23: Closed for inventory
  • Tuesday, March 24-Friday, March 27: 10 a.m.–  4 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28: 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 29: Closed
• Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, March 30.
• Visit the for information about hours or online shopping.

�þ��� Recreation 

• �þ��� Recreation facilities will have adjusted hours from Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 29.
• The PARC fitness center will remain open from 4 a.m. to midnight daily throughout Spring Break.
• Visit the and scroll to “Spring Break Hours” for adjusted hours of operation.

Counseling Services

• Counseling Services will be open by appointment with the following adjusted hours:
  • Monday, March 23: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 24: No clinical appointments
  • Wednesday, March 25: 8:30 a.m.– 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 26: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Friday: CLOSED
• Throughout Spring Break, students will have 24/7 access to on-demand mental health support through TimelyCare. Information on how to download TimelyCare and access Talk Now is available on the Counseling Services website.
• The Crisis Counselor-on-Call remains available 24/7 by calling 336-278-2222.
• Call 9-1-1 for any psychological emergency that is life-threatening or involves imminent danger to self or others.
• Visit the for information about hours and appointment times, links to online resources, and information about emergency and crisis resources.

Dining Services

• A list of adjusted locations and hours for Spring Break is located .  Regular dining hours will resume on Monday, March 30.
• Elon Dining is proud to partner with the University to provide a daily meal to students who are remaining on campus over Spring Break. Please bring your Phoenix Card to swipe in at McEwen Dining Hall.
• Menus and hours for dining locations across campus are always available on the .

Mail Services

• Mail Services will have adjusted hours during spring break:
  • Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22: Closed
  • Monday, March 23 – Thursday, March 26: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Friday – Sunday, March 27-29: Closed
• Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, March 30.
• Visit the Mail Services website for updated hours and operations.

Moseley Center

• Moseley Center will have adjusted hours during Spring Break:
  • Saturday, March 21:  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 22: Closed
  • Monday, March 23 – Friday, March 27: 8 a.m.– 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 29: 11 a.m. – midnight
• Visit the Moseley Center website for information about adjusted hours.

Student Health Services

• Student Health Services will be closed to patients on Friday, March 20 at 3 p.m., through Sunday, March 29. Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, March 30 at 8:30 a.m.
• �þ��� in search of care during the dates above can call the Elon Faculty Staff Wellness Clinic at 336-278-5569 to make an appointment during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 23-26 and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 27.
• TimelyCare medical telehealth service is available 24/7 throughout the break. For information on how to access the service, visit the Student Health Services website’s appointments page.
• �þ��� who are experiencing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.
• Visit the Student Health Services website for information on hours and appointment times.

Community-based learning (CBL) gives students opportunities to address real-world challenges by partnering with local community organizations. Through their experience leading a community-engaged unit in environmental studies, Merricks and Bitting recognized that little research directly examines how CBL affects students from historically underrepresented STEM backgrounds (e.g., women, students of color, and first-generation college students).

Working with Akman, an expert in systematic reviews, the team analyzed existing research on whether CBL experiences influence students’ pursuit of STEM majors or minors, their career intentions, and their sense of belonging in STEM fields. From more than 500 publications published between 1999 and 2024, the authors identified nine studies that met the criteria for inclusion.

Their analysis revealed a major gap in the literature. Few studies systematically examined the impact of CBL pedagogies in STEM. Most did not compare CBL with other �þ��� approaches, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions about its effectiveness. In addition, only a small number of studies analyzed outcomes across demographic groups such as race/ethnicity, first-generation status, or gender. The authors conclude that more rigorous research is needed, including studies that compare CBL with other pedagogies and systematically examine outcomes across different student populations.

• Granted tenure to: Douglas Jurs.
• Granted tenure and associate professor to: Heather Barker, Dan Burns, Nicholas Bussberg, Yanica Faustin, Keshia Gee, Jeanine Hill, Katrina Jongman-Sereno, Dinidu Karunanayake, Waseem Kasim, Travis Maynard, Drew Peabody, Travis Phillips, Jonathan Poquette, Devin Proctor, Tony Reyes, Ilyssa Salomon, Alex Traugutt, Elizabeth von Briesen, Khirey Walker, and Long Xia
• Promoted Rosa Newman and Srikanth Reddy to associate professor.
• Promoted Adam Aiken, David Bockino, Oliva Choplin, Jennifer Hamel, Chris Harris, Heidi Hollingsworth, Baris Kesgin, Patricia Perkins, Federico Pous, Chris Richardson, Andrea Sinn, Tracey Thurnes, Jen Uno, Kate Upton, Scott Windham, and Rena Zito to full professor.
• Promoted Binnan Gao, David Moura, Brittany Riggs, Jacob Rutz and Staci Saltz-Spieker to associate �þ��� professor.
• Promoted Polly Cornelius, Paula Patch, Randy Piland, Clay Stevenson, Amanda Tapler and Marna Winter to �þ��� professor.
• Promoted Shaunta Alvarez and Alison Van Norman to associate librarian.

• Continuance in a continuing track appointment was approved for Russ Dailey and Jeanmarie Koonts.
• Continuance in a �þ��� track appointment was approved for Larry Cantwell, Micah Daw, Richard Dutton, Emily Elrod, Devon Hawkins, Jeremy Hohertz, KC Kasserman, Laura Lacy, JP Lavoie, Mena Marino, Craig Morehead, Ben Murphy, Scott Oakes, Jasmine Powell, Karen Wirth and Deidre Yancey.
• Continuance in a continuing appointment was approved for Ellen Cline.

For more information, contact Melinda Box at mbox@elon.edu or (336) 278-6225.

Scavenger Hunt
Monday – Friday, Feb. 9 – 13

Join in the competition by racking up credits for attendance, safety knowledge, and equipment identification. Win awesome, hand-crafted, collectible prizes.

Hazard Symbol Bingo
Monday, Feb. 9, 7 – 8 p.m., East Commons Lounge

Have fun and learn essential safety symbols while you play. Win Flubber-themed prizes.

Film Festival: “Flubber” (1997)
Monday, Feb. 9, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., East Commons Lounge

Join us for laughs, Flubber-themed refreshments, and a fun departure from stodgy protocols and esoteric regulations.

Play It Safe!
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 4 – 7 p.m., IQ Atrium

Engage in hands-on safety activities with virtual reality and mood-setting black lights. Test your decontamination skills, firefighting abilities, and safety knowledge, and win collectible event swag.

Film Festival: Meltdown Three Mile Island
Tuesday & Wednesday, Feb. 10 & 11, 8 – 10 p.m., Sato Commons Media Room

Experience the stories of nearby residents who lived through and cleaned up after the worst nuclear reactor accident in the United States history. Learn how close conditions came to a widespread major accident.

Safety First, Coffee Always with International Coffee
Thursday, Feb. 12, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Discuss the international comparison of nuclear reactor accidents and their connection to modern practices of lab safety.

Film Festival: K19: The Widowmaker
Thursday, Feb. 12, 8 – 10 p.m., LaRose Student Commons

Become immersed in the world of nuclear-powered submarines with this dramatization of an actual near-miss nuclear reactor accident. Starring Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson, this movie tells the story of the heroic and resourceful efforts of a Russian crew to prevent meltdown and possible explosion.

Lab Mystery Night
Friday, Feb. 13, 7 – 8 p.m., LaRose Theatre (KOBC)

Compete to find out “who done it”! Who left the unlabeled beaker of clear liquid in this random location? Where did it come from, and more importantly, what is it? Be among the first to solve the mystery and win unique prizes.

Film Festival: Radium Girls
Friday, Feb. 13, 8 – 10 p.m., LaRose Theatre (KOBC)

Follow this group of determined watch dial painters as they discover the reality of the hazards they have been exposed to and pursue justice for themselves and workers of the future. Scavenger Hunt prizes will be awarded before the movie screening.

�þ��� Safety

As a reminder, several 24/7 services remain available regardless of weather conditions:

• �þ��� Safety & Police can be reached at 336-278-5555. They can also assist with connections to the Student Life on-call administrators.
• On-call crisis counselors are available at 336-278-2222.
• SAFEline is available at 336-278-3333 for confidential support with identity-based bias, sexual violence, or interpersonal violence – they can also be a confidential resource to access on-call violence responders.
• TimelyCare free virtual medical and mental health service, is available 24/7 throughout the weekend from anywhere in the United States.

Adjustments to �þ��� Services (UPDATED: 12:30 p.m. on 2/3/26)

Belk Library

• Tuesday, February 3: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Visit the for information about library hours for non-Phoenix cardholders.

�þ��� Recreation

Koury Athletic Center

• Tuesday, February 3: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Beck Pool

• Tuesday, February 3: 12:15-1:15 p.m., 4-8 p.m.

Phoenix Activities and Recreation Center (PARC)

• PARC Gym: Tuesday, February 3: 3-10 p.m.
• Fitness Center: Daily 4 a.m. to Midnight

The Driving Range and South Gym are closed Tuesday.

Elon Dining

Most locations have been able to re-open for service the past two days. For the most updated information on daily menus and hours visit the Location hours could change on short notice due to staffing; always check the hours online before visiting a dining location.

Elon Express Shuttles

Elon Express shuttles and E-Rides will not operate Tuesday, February 3. Elon Express shuttles will resume regular service at 7 a.m. Wednesday, February 4. Check the Elon Express website for up-to-date information.

Moseley Center

• Tuesday, February 3: 9 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Mail Services

Mail Services will be closed until Wednesday, February 4.

Student Health Services

• Tuesday, February 3: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. by appointment.
• Student Health Services is closed Monday, February 2. Telehealth services remain available on-demand 24/7 through

A weekend winter storm resulted in operational changes to the university on Monday, Jan. 26. Those changes and any others as a result of the storm have been, and will be, communicated through daily afternoon email updates and published through a Today at Elon story about the storm.

�þ��� Safety

As a reminder, there are several 24/7 services that remain available throughout the break, no matter the weather:

• �þ��� Safety & Police can be reached at 336-278-5555. They can also assist with connections to the Student Life on-call administrators.
• On-call crisis counselors are available at 336-278-2222.
• SAFEline is available at 336-278-3333 for confidential support with identity-based bias, sexual violence, or interpersonal violence – they can also be a confidential resource to access on-call violence responders.
• TimelyCare, a free virtual medical and mental health service, is available 24/7 throughout the break from anywhere in the United States.

Residence Halls and University Apartments (UPDATED 1/26/26 at 2:30 p.m.)

• Residence halls and university apartments do not close during fake break.
• Neighborhood offices are closed Monday, January 26, but will be open Tuesday, January 27, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Wednesday, January 28, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Please use your respective neighborhood on-call phone number for any needs after hours.
• The Central Residence Life Office will be answering calls Monday, January 26, until 5 p.m. (336-278-7300). They will be open Tuesday, January 27, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Wednesday, January 28, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Any early arrivals in residential areas due to weather impacts should be sent to Residence Life at residencelife@elon.edu as soon as possible for case-by-case evaluation.
• Check-in for new spring semester students participating in New Student Orientation is still scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, from 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. at the neighborhood area offices.
• Check-in for returning students moving in for the first-time for spring semester is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. at the neighborhood area offices.

Parking & Transportation (UPDATED 1/16/26 at 2:30 p.m.)

• The Elon Express will resume service Wednesday, January 28, from 2-7 p.m. with a modified route from the Gateway (First-Year) Parking Lot to the Inman Bus Stop.
• All routes will resume regular schedules beginning Thursday, January 29.
• E-Rides will begin service on Wednesday, January 28, from 7 p.m. – 2 a.m.
• Elon Express schedules and routes and E-Ride Services are available online here.

�þ��� Services (UPDATED 1/26/26 at 2:30 p.m.)

The information below outlines the planned operating hours of campus services during the break. There may be some adjustments based on weather conditions and staffing, which will be communicated in daily weather updates.

Belk Library

Belk Library will be open:

• Wednesday and Thursday, January 28-29:  8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Friday, January 30:  8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, January 31:  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday, February 1:  10 a.m. – overnight (regular spring hours begin)
• Visit the  for information about library hours for non-Phoenix cardholders.
• Even if you are unable to visit the library in person,

�þ��� Recreation

• Koury Athletic Center: Monday-Wednesday, January 26-28, 11 a.m – 2 p.m.
• PARC Fitness Center: Daily 4 a.m. to Midnight
• Beck Pool, PARC Gym, Driving Range, and South Gym: Closed
• Regular hours will begin Thursday, January 29.

Counseling Services

• Closed Monday and Tuesday, January 26 and 27.
• Wednesday, January 28, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. by appointment.
• The Crisis Counselor-on-Call remains available 24/7 by calling 336-278-2222. Call 9-1-1 for any psychological emergency that is life-threatening or involves imminent danger to self or others.
• Visit the for hours and appointment times, links to online resources, and emergency and crisis resources.
• are available to all Elon students 24/7, from anywhere in the United States. Visit the Elon TimelyCare website and log-in with your Elon e-mail address or create an account.

Dining Services

• Spring meal plans take effect Wednesday, January 28. In the meantime, Elon Dining is proud to partner with the university to provide meals to students who are remaining on campus during the break. Please bring your Phoenix Card to swipe in.
• Elon Dining has special hours for exam day and fake break. Daily menus and hours for on-campus dining locations are always available on the

Mail Services

• Monday, January 26: Closed
• Tuesday, January 27: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; afternoon campus mail delivery routes will not run
• Wednesday, January 28: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Visit the Mail Services website for updated hours and operations.

Moseley Center

• Monday, January 26: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Tuesday-Wednesday, January 27-28: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Regular hours will resume on Thursday, January 29.
• Visit the Moseley Center website here for information about adjusted hours.

Student Health Services

• Monday, January 26: Closed
• Tuesday and Wednesday, January 27 and 28: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. by appointment.
• Visit the Student Health Services website for information on hours, appointment times, and off-campus resources.
• TimelyCare on-demand medical and mental health support services are available to all Elon students 24/7, from anywhere in the United States. Visit the and log in with your Elon e-mail address or create an account.

Please note that University offices are closed Dec. 20-28, 2025, for weekends and an employee holiday break, and Jan. 1, 2026, for the New Year’s Holiday. The University will be open Dec. 29-31 and Jan. 2 as we prepare for the start of Winter Term the following week.

�þ��� safety

As a reminder, several 24/7 services are available throughout this time.

• �þ��� Safety & Police can be reached at 336-278-5555. They can also assist with connections to the Student Life on-call administrators.
• On-call crisis counselors are available at 336-278-2222.
• SAFEline is available at 336-278-3333 for confidential support with identity-based bias, sexual violence, or interpersonal violence – they can also be a confidential resource to access on-call violence responders.
• TimelyCare free virtual medical and mental health service, is available 24/7 throughout the break from anywhere in the United States.

Residential information

Residence halls and university apartments

• Residence halls (not apartments) close at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 13. Student staff will conduct modified health and safety inspections to ensure the safety of the halls during this extended break period.
• �þ��� in university apartments who are not returning for winter and spring terms must move out by Sunday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.
• Information about requests to stay late or return early can be found on the Break Housing page of the Residence Life website.
• Residence Life offices remain open during the break during regular weekday business hours, except when university offices are closed.

Off-campus residents

• Remember that your water bill will be due on Sunday, Dec. 21, and Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. Utility bills can now be paid using the . Learn more about your payment options on the .
• �þ��� residing in off-campus residences may request a Vacation Home Check, a service provided by the Town of Elon Police – complete the .

Secure your residence

Whether you live on-campus or off-campus, make sure you secure your room, apartment or house. Other important steps to take before you leave:

• Unplug all appliances
• Hide or relocate valuables and move expensive items away from windows
• Secure any electric transportation devices, such as scooters, outside on a bike rack
• Secure any non-perishable food in airtight containers or cabinets; discard any perishable food from your refrigerator
• Empty all trash; if you live off campus, secure your trash and recycling containers
• Check all water faucets to make sure they are completely off
• Set your thermostat to 50-55 degrees
• If you have a hidden spare key outside of your off-campus residence, make sure you remove it
• Make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked

Parking & transportation

• If you plan to leave your vehicle on campus during Winter Break, you may leave it in your permitted lot or park it in the Innovation Quad lot, Historic Neighborhood lot, or the lot on the south side of the Health Center on south campus.
• Make sure your vehicle is locked, and you take any valuables with you.
• All Elon Express routes will stop service at the end of shifts on Friday, Dec. 12 and will resume their schedule on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
• The Elon Express schedules and routes are available online.

�þ��� services

Below are the hours for student service operations during Winter Break:

Belk Library

• The library will have adjusted hours over the Winter Break:
  • Friday, Dec. 12: Closes at 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 13 – Sunday, Dec. 14: Closed
  • Monday, Dec. 15 – Friday, Dec. 19: 8 a.m.  – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 20  – Sunday, Dec. 28: Closed
  • Monday, Dec. 29  – Wednesday, Dec. 31: 8 a.m.  – 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026: Closed
  • Friday, Jan. 2, 2026: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Visit the for information about library hours for Phoenix cardholders.

�þ��� Bookstore

• The Barnes & Noble Store will be open for reduced hours during Winter Break:
  • Regular hours through Sunday, Dec. 14
  • Monday, Dec. 15 – Friday, Dec. 19: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 20 – Sunday, Dec. 21: Closed
  • Monday, Dec. 22 – Tuesday, Dec. 23: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 24 – Friday, Dec. 26: Closed
  • Saturday, Dec. 27: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Dec. 28: Closed
  • Monday, Dec. 29 – Wednesday, Dec. 31: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026: Closed
• Regular hours begin Jan. 2, 2026
• Visit the for information about hours or online shopping.

�þ��� Recreation

• Operating hours for the Koury Athletic Center during Winter Break are the following:
  • Monday, Dec. 15 – Wednesday, Dec. 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Monday, Jan. 5, 2026: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Operating hours for the PARC Fitness Center during Winter Break:
  • Open daily: 6 a.m. – midnight
• Beck Pool, Driving Range, ELOA Office, PARC Gym and South Gym: Closed
• All facilities and dates not listed above are considered closed. Visit the �þ��� Recreation website and select “Hours of Operation” for adjusted hours of operation.
• Regular operating hours resume on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

Counseling Services

• Counseling Services will have adjusted hours over the Winter Break:
  • Monday, Dec. 15 – Friday, Dec. 19: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 22 – Friday, Dec. 26: Closed
  • Monday, Dec. 29 – Wednesday, Dec. 31: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The front desk will be open for administrative needs; no clinical appointments are available.
  • Jan. 1, 2026: Closed
• Regular operating hours will resume on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
• TimelyCare virtual mental health services are available throughout the break from anywhere in the United States, including 24/7 on-demand support and free scheduled counseling.
• The crisis counselor on-call also remains available 24/7 by calling 336-278-2222. If a student is experiencing a psychological emergency that is life-threatening or involves imminent danger (risk of harm to self or others at any time), call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Dining Services

• A list of adjusted locations and hours for Exam Week and Winter Break is located on the . Hours will vary during the week.
• Dining hours, meal plans and operations will resume on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.

Mail Services

• If you are ordering online, be sure to double-check the delivery address. Please only ship items to campus if you are here at Elon.
• Mail Services will have adjusted hours and will be closed at various points in the coming weeks:
  • Saturday, Dec. 13 – Sunday, Dec. 14: Closed
  • Monday, Dec. 15 – Friday, Dec. 19: Normal hours
  • Saturday, Dec. 20 – Sunday, Dec. 28: Closed
  • Monday, Dec. 29 – Tuesday, Dec. 30: Normal Hours
  • Wednesday, Dec. 31: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026: Closed
• Regular operating hours will resume on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
• Note: Shipping carriers will hold items while Mail Services is closed.
• Visit the Mail Services website for updated hours and operations.

Moseley Center

• Moseley Center will have adjusted hours during Winter Break:
  • Saturday, Dec. 13 – Sunday, Dec. 14: Closed
  • Monday, Dec. 15 – Friday, Dec. 19: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 20 – Sunday, Dec. 28: Closed
  • Monday, Dec. 29 – Wednesday, Dec. 31: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026: Closed
• Regular operating hours will resume on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
• Visit the Moseley Center website for information about adjusted hours.

Student Health Services

• �þ��� experiencing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.
• Student Health Services will close at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12.
• Student Health Services will be available to students at the Faculty/Staff Health and Wellness Clinic entrance during the following days/times during the Winter Break; students should call (336) 278-5569 to schedule an appointment (no online scheduling is available during the break):
  • Monday, Dec. 15 – Friday, Dec. 19: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.  (closed for lunch)
  • Monday, Dec. 22 – Tuesday, Dec. 23: 7:30 a.m. – Noon
  • Wednesday, Dec. 24: 7:30 a.m. – Noon
  • Thursday, Dec. 25: Closed
  • Friday, Dec. 26: 7:30 a.m. – Noon
  • Monday, Dec. 29 – Tuesday, Dec. 30: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.  (closed for lunch)
  • Wednesday, Dec. 31: 7:30 a.m. – Noon
  • Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026: Closed
  • Friday, Jan. 2, 2026: 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Regular operating hours resume Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 8:30 am.
• TimelyCare medical telehealth service is available 24/7 throughout the break. Visits are free for students. For information about how to access the service, visit the appointments page of the Student Health Services website.
• Visit the Student Health Services website for information on hours and appointment times.

As a reminder, there are several 24/7 services that remain available throughout this time:

• �þ��� Safety & Police can be reached at 336-278-5555. They can also assist with connections to the Student Life on-call administrators.
• Crisis Counselors are available at 336-278-2222 for urgent mental health needs.
• SAFEline is available at 336-278-3333 for confidential support with identity-based bias, sexual violence, or interpersonal violence – they can also be a confidential resource to access on-call violence responders.
• TimelyCare free virtual medical and mental health service, is available 24/7 throughout the break from anywhere in the United States.

Below are the hours of student services operations during the break. Please note that university offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27 and 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Parking & Security

• If you are leaving your vehicle on campus during Thanksgiving Break, please be aware that several events may affect where you park for the week.
  • �þ��� must move vehicles from Global, Schar Center, Ingold, Koury, Inman Admissions and Barnes lots before 6 a.m. Saturday, November 22, for the home football game. Vehicles left in those lots after that time will be towed.
  • Park in approved alternate lots before returning to permitted spaces by 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1.
  • A separate email will be sent on Thursday morning regarding game day parking during Thanksgiving Break.
• Please make sure your vehicle is locked and you take any valuables with you.
• Regardless of whether you live on or off campus, make sure you unplug all appliances, move expensive items away from windows, remove spare keys from outside your residence and lock your doors.

Residence Life

• Residence Halls close on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. and will reopen on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. This applies to residence halls only. University apartments remain open and accessible throughout the break.
• Information about requests to stay late or return early can be found on the Break Housing page of the Residence Life website. If you will be in a residence hall anytime during the period the halls are closed, you must register in advance.
• Offices remain open during the break during regular weekday business hours, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., except Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28, when university offices are closed.
• As a reminder, electric scooters/electric transportation devices CANNOT enter any campus buildings. This includes during breaks. Please ensure your electric transportation devices are securely locked outside on a bike rack prior to the break. Any electric transportation devices left inside campus housing/student rooms will be confiscated, and students will be charged a $50 fee.

Belk Library

• The Belk Library will operate on a during Thanksgiving Break:
  • Friday, Nov. 21: Closing at 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 22: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 23: Noon – 6 p.m.
  • Monday – Wednesday, Nov. 24-26: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 27-29: Closed
• Belk Library will reopen at 10 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 30, and resume .
• Visit the for information about library hours for Phoenix cardholders and community members.

�þ��� Bookstore

• The Barnes & Noble Store will be open for reduced hours during Thanksgiving Break:
  • Saturday, Nov. 22: Regular Hours
  • Sunday, Nov. 23: Closed
  • Monday – Wednesday, Nov. 24-26: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28: Closed
  • Saturday, Nov. 29: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 30: Closed
• Visit the for information about hours or online shopping.

�þ��� Recreation

• Recreation facilities will have modified hours during Thanksgiving Break.
• In addition, PARC Fitness Center will remain open daily, 4 a.m. – midnight, throughout the break.
• Koury Athletic Center will be open until 5 p.m. on Friday, November 21. The facility will also be open Monday and Tuesday, November 24-25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Koury Athletic Center will reopen on Monday, Dec. 1, at 6 a.m., and all facilities will resume their regular schedule of operations at that time.
• Visit the �þ��� Recreation website for detailed information about facilities and programs.

Counseling Services

• Counseling Services will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28. Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, December 1
• TimelyCare’s free virtual medical and mental health service is available 24/7 throughout the break from anywhere in the United States.
• The crisis counselor on-call also remains available 24/7 by calling 336-278-2222.
• If a student is experiencing a psychological emergency that is life-threatening or involves imminent danger (risk of harm to self or others at any time), call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Elon Dining

• All dining locations will have modified hours right before and after Thanksgiving Break.
  • Dining locations will begin to have adjusted hours beginning on Friday, Nov. 22.
  • Most locations will be closed for the entire week, with the exception of Monday to Wednesday, when Biscuitville will have limited hours.
• Dining locations begin re-opening on Sunday, Nov. 30.
• The menu-hours page on the Elon Dining website always has the latest information on dining location .

Moseley Center

• The Moseley Center will operate on a reduced schedule during Thanksgiving Break:
  • Friday, Nov. 21: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 22: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 23: Closed
  • Monday, Nov. 24 – Wednesday, Nov. 26: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 27 – Saturday, Nov. 29: Closed
• Moseley Center will reopen on Sunday, Nov. 30, and resume regular operating hours.
• Visit the Moseley Center website for the schedule and information for airport shuttles. Most shuttle spaces were filled by the deadline, but you can contact the Moseley Information Desk at 336-278-7215 to inquire whether there is still space available for a particular shuttle time.

Mail Services

• Mail Services will operate on a reduced schedule during the Thanksgiving Break:
  • Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23: Closed
  • Monday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday, Nov. 25: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 26: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 27 – Sunday, Nov. 30: Closed
• Mail Services will reopen on Monday, Dec. 1 and will resume regular operating hours.
• Visit the Mail Services website for updated hours and operations.

Student Health Services

• Student Health Services will be closed Saturday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, November 30. Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, Dec. 1.
• �þ��� may be seen by a provider at the Faculty/Staff Health and Wellness Clinic in Ellington Center during the Thanksgiving Break. �þ��� should call (336) 278-5569 to schedule an appointment. There is no out-of-pocket cost to the student for the office visit.
  • Monday, Nov. 24: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 25: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 26: 7:30 a.m. – noon
• TimelyCare medical telehealth service is available 24/7 throughout the break. For information on how to access the service, visit the Student Health Services appointments webpage.
• Visit the Student Health Services website for additional information about after-hours care and resources in the community.

Transportation and Elon Express

• Transportation and Elon Express will end service on Friday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m.
• On Monday, Dec. 1, all transportation services resume regular schedules at 7 a.m.
• Visit the �þ��� Transportation website for the latest news, updates, after-hours resources, and real-time route tracking.

“” was co-edited by Elon Professor Alexis Franzese and Guilford College’s Jill Peterfeso and published by Bloomsbury Publishing.

Across films, parks, streaming platforms and fandoms, the book asks how Disney expresses ideas about identity, belonging, morality, imagination, creativity and community, and how those ideas are reshaped through its stories, practices and power.

“The book is a love-and-critique project,” Franzese explained. “We honor the joy and meaning people find in Disney, while also examining questions of representation, labor, storytelling authority and corporate influence.”

Franzese explained their goal was to offer accessible, scholarship-backed insights for curious readers and classroom use.

In working on this volume, Franzese, a sociologist and psychologist who studies authenticity, identity and happiness, kept noticing how Disney functions as a shared language.

She explained, “Families bond in line for a ride, friends swap movie quotes, and adults return to stories that helped them make sense of the world.

“My students brought that into class discussions when debating representation in films, the ethics of appealing to sentimentality, the costs to have these experiences, and the ‘why’ behind park pilgrimages. My co-editor and I wanted a book that could meet people where they are — enchanted, skeptical or both — and use Disney as a laboratory for learning about ourselves and our culture.”

Franzese and Peterfeso designed the book with students in mind and she is using the text in both her Winter Term 2026 course Happiest Place: The Science of Happiness at Disney and the pre-departure course this fall, both courses co-instructed with her departmental colleague Rena Zito, associate professor of sociology in the 2025-26 academic year.

The book includes short, conversation-ready essays, written to work in �þ��� classrooms but also for general readers. It is designed to spark discussions across disciplines, from sociology and cultural studies to art, film, television history and business ethics.

In shaping the book, Franzese drew from her background in psychology, and specifically clinical psychology. Inspired by dialectics she first encountered in clinical training, Franzese identified four dialectical pairings that serve as “lenses” for understanding Disney: Magic and Strategy; Authenticity and Simulation; Nostalgia and Innovation; and Leisure and Labor. The book is framed around those pairings.

Franzese noted that the book is truly something she always wanted for her class, and she and Peterfeso were fortunate to have so many phenomenal contributors who made it possible. Franzese and Peterfeso both wanted a book that could meet people where they are — enchanted, skeptical, or both — and use Disney as a laboratory for learning about ourselves and our culture.

Franzese explained, one takeaway for me is how much Disney underscores the power of magic in learning. We don’t just learn through facts, we learn through feelings and feelings move us to think, act and care. Disney figured that out a long time ago.

“For educators, the challenge and opportunity is to bring some of that sense of wonder into our �þ��� —not to sugarcoat, but to help students engage deeply, even with the hard topics, in ways that inspire both understanding and action.”

A copy of “Why the Magic Matters: Discovering Disney as a Laboratory for Learning” is available in the Carol Grotnes Belk Library.

Franzese joined Elon in 2011 and serves as chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Her scholarly areas of expertise include medical sociology and social psychology, with a focus on authenticity and wellness.