The Active Citizen Series is designed to cultivate the next generation of informed leaders who will help strengthen communities and shape our democracy. This series allows students to gain a deeper understanding of how government works and to develop the necessary skills to engage in civil discourse across political divides.

This event is sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Elon Votes!, the Council on Civic Engagement and the Elon Political Engagement Work Group.

Ripple Conference Registration Closes Monday

Registration deadline: Monday, Feb. 10
Conference takes place at Elon, Feb. 21-23

Registration closes Monday for the Ripple Interfaith Conference, hosted at Elon Feb. 21-23. This year’s conference theme is “The Art of Interfaith.” During the conference explore different forms of artistic expression – music, poetry, dance, crafts, film, photography and more! Notable speakers and panelists attending include: Rodger Kamenetz (renowned poet, author and founder of Natural Dreamwork), alumna Hannah Podhorzer ‘19, Josue Vega (artist and calligrapher) and Roman Williams (sociologist and photographer).

Stay Active Citizens Week Events

Active civic and political engagement is more than just voting in elections. Check out the events this week to find ways to ‘stay active citizens’ now that the fall elections are over.  Find details – and information about future events and dialogue opportunities on the ElonVotes! website.

Navigating the Noise: A Guide to Executive Orders, Journalism, and Social Media in 2025

Monday, Feb. 10, 5 p.m., Lakeside Meeting Rooms

Active Citizen Series: Writing for Change – Writing Op-Eds and Letters to Elected Officials

Featuring Dr. Raj Ghoshal and Gram Brownlee 

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4:30 p.m., Sankey 308

Disrupt Distrust: Fostering Well Being and Resilience Through Democratic Engagement

Featuring Sanda Balaban, Executive Director, Project Pericles

Tuesday, Feb.11, 6 p.m., East Neighborhood Commons Forum (102)

Post-Inauguration: Now What?  Roundtable Discussions

Wednesday, Feb. 12, Noon – 1:30 p.m., Lakeside 212

Respect and Loathing in American Democracy with co-author Jeff Spinner-Halev

Thursday, Feb.13, 4:30 – 6 p.m., East Neighborhood Commons Forum (102)

Late Night Elon: Stuffed with Love

Friday, Feb.14, 7-9 p.m., Moseley Center First Floor

Come out for a night of cute and cozy fun. Build your own stuffed animal while you enjoy an assortment of delicious festive treats and a hot chocolate bar! Visit to learn more.

New Podcast: “Elon Beyond the Bricks”

Tune in to the new podcast hosted by President Connie Ledoux Book called, “Elon Beyond the Bricks.” In each episode, President Book hosts conversations with guests on topics including leadership, performing arts and much more. The first episode is now live and features former Elon football player and alum Jon Seaton as he discusses Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) with President Book. Join the conversation on , or . Learn more about the podcast and upcoming guests online.

Black Solidarity Conference Registration Closes Next Monday

Friday, Feb. 28, Noon-5 p.m., McKinnon Hall

The Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE) is hosting the 11th annual Black Solidarity Conference on Friday, Feb. 28. The theme this year draws from the Elon Black History Month theme, “This Is How We Do It: Honoring Blackness Through Influence, Innovation and Legacy.” Program submissions are due Monday, Feb. 10. Conference registration closes Monday, Feb. 17.

This event will give participants the opportunity to choose between two dialogue topics. The first is ‘American Creed’, which will explore what core values Americans fundamentally agree on. American political leaders of all kinds throughout history have pointed out that American identity revolves around a set of ideals – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described America’s creed as an unfulfilled “promissory note” based on the idea that everyone deserves freedom, fairness, and equal opportunity to pursue happiness and advancement. People of good will often fundamentally agree, yet we struggle to find ways to effectively work together.

The second option, titled ‘Money and Values,’ will explore the choices in how we earn, spend and invest our money impacts individuals, communities, the environment and the world. Some people say that how we use our money shows what we truly value. This conversation seeks to reflect on our financial choices so we may find ways to act in greater harmony with our values.

Deliberative Dialogue is sponsored by the Council on Civic Engagement, Elon Political Engagement Work Group and Kernodle Center for Civic Life.

The Active Citizen Series is designed to cultivate the next generation of informed leaders who will help strengthen communities and shape our democracy. This series allows students to gain a deeper understanding of how government works and to develop the necessary skills to engage in civil discourse across political divides.

This event is sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Elon Votes!, the Council on Civic Engagement and Elon Political Engagement Work Group.

Each week I make it a point to share events and activities to attend so you can take full advantage of everything that Elon has to offer – I hope the weekly “Phoenix Five” is a helpful resource as you plan your week.

Just two weeks until the Thanksgiving Break – hang in there, you’ve got this! In the meantime, here are your Phoenix Five for the week ahead:

November is Native American Heritage Month

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name, including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month,” have been issued each year since 1994. Please join the CREDE staff in celebrating and learning more about the experiences, histories, and heritage of Native and Indigenous communities. Check out Native American Heritage Month events happening on campus on the Native American Heritage Month website.

Post-Election events this week

This week there are several events designed to help individuals and the university community navigate the pathway forward after a contentious election season:

After the Vote Panel Discussion

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 4:30 p.m., East Neighborhood Commons, Forum (102)

Faculty panel sponsored by the Department of Political Science and Phoenix Policy Institute. Learn about the ins and outs of the 2024 elections – from voting trends to controversial calls – with Elon experts. You’ll be able to ask questions about what the local, state and national results mean for you, your friends and family, and our country.

Finding Unity Across Difference: A Democratic Dialogue

Thursday, Nov. 14, 4:30-6 p.m., Lakeside Meeting Rooms

This post-election conversation is designed for our campus community to find connection and understanding across party lines. Whether you are thrilled or troubled by the outcome, this is an opportunity to practice how active citizenship and engaged learning can help us bridge divides. Sponsored by the Council on Civic Engagement and Democracy Dialogue Collaborative.

CAALM Election Decompression Group

Wednesdays until Inauguration Day, 12 p.m., Ward Octagon Room, Moseley Center 105A

Cultivating Awareness and Aptitude to Live Mindfully (CAALM) is a decompression group geared towards stresses that can be exacerbated during a presidential election. The goal of the drop-in structured group is to provide participants with tangible skills to improve mindfulness, well-being and resilience as you navigate life. Sponsored by Counseling Services.

Fall Performing Arts events this week

Elon Orchestra Fall Concert

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, 7:30 p.m., Whitley Auditorium

The Elon Orchestra will perform a concert for strings featuring selections by Black composers. Works include Leila Adu’s “If the Stars Align,” George Walker’s “Lyric for Strings,” and Florence Price’s “Andante moderato.” Featured piece will be “4 Novelletten for Strings, Symphony No. 21” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. This event is free and sponsored by the Department of Music.

UnBoxed: The Fall Dance Concert

Friday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Roberts StudioTheatre, Scott Studios

Saturday, Nov. 16, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Roberts StudioTheatre, Scott Studios 

Sunday, Nov. 17, 2 p.m., Roberts StudioTheatre, Scott Studios

This curated showcase invites audiences to explore the theme of unboxing and its impact on personal and collective growth. Choreographers push theatrical boundaries, unveiling fresh perspectives through movement. Faculty members Renay Aumiller and Jiwon Ha, guest artists Alyah Baker and alumna Julie Crothers, along with BFA dance majors, present a diverse, vibrant lineup celebrating contemporary dance. Admission is free with an Elon ID. .

Elon Jazz Ensembles Fall Concert

Saturday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m., McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts

Elon’s Jazz Studies program presents an exciting selection of traditional and contemporary jazz music performed by the �þ��� Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos. Sponsored by the Department of Music.

Diwali: The Hindu Festival of Lights

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, 5:30 p.m., McKinnon Hall

The Hindu festival of lights commemorates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Experience Elon’s holiday celebration through traditional food, dance, songs and stories from students, faculty, staff and community members. .

Cheer on the Phoenix this weekend!

Visit the to stay up-to-date on your next opportunities to cheer on your classmates on the field and on the court. Next Saturday, Nov. 16, there will be two home contests you won’t want to miss:

• After an exciting road win against #20 William & Mary in the closing seconds of the game, Football will host their last home contest of the 2024-2025 season against Maine at 2 p.m. at Rhode Stadium.
• Women’s Basketball will host Kent State at 8 p.m. in the Schar Center.

Have a great week!

–

Jon Dooley, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Life

�þ��� has a deep commitment to civic and political engagement. The Statement of Commitment to the Values of Freedom of Expression and Inclusivity can be found on the Council of Civic Engagement website and appears in student, staff and faculty handbooks. The university also provides guidelines for political activities and demonstrations.

Throughout election season, Elon has offered resources and hosted events to help connect voters with the information they need to make important decisions on Election Day and to raise awareness about opportunities to learn, become engaged and participate in constructive dialogue.

Election Day

Information about voting and Election Day resources is available on the Elon Votes! website.

Election Day Shuttle

�þ��� who are already registered to vote in Alamance County are invited to utilize the Election Day shuttle throughout the day. A shuttle will run from the Center for the Arts to two local polling places from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To find out the location of your polling place on Election Day in Alamance County, simply go to the North Carolina Board of Elections Polling Place Search website and confirm your polling place before you leave to vote. Note that the Elon campus is divided into two precincts, so this is especially important.

Active Citizen Series: Election Night Watch Event

The Elon community is invited to watch history unfold as election results come in from across the nation. The watch event will be held in the Global Commons Great Hall from 8 to 11 p.m. Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Elon Votes!, Student Government Association, Council on Civic Engagement and Elon Political Engagement Work Group.

Post-election Events

Several events are planned for the days and weeks after the election, including:

Hopes for the Future: Public Art Project

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Haggard Avenue
As we navigate our pathway forward the day after the election, take time out to express your voice in a creative way. Gather on Haggard Avenue to draw, chalk, and write about an optimistic tomorrow.

Active Citizen Series: After the Vote

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 4:30 p.m., East Neighborhood Commons, Forum (102)
Faculty panel sponsored by the Department of Political Science and Phoenix Policy Institute. Learn about the ins and outs of the 2024 elections – from voting trends to controversial calls – with Elon experts. You’ll be able to ask questions about what the local, state and national results mean for you, your friends and family, and our country.

Finding Unity Across Difference: A Democratic Dialogue

Thursday, Nov. 14, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Lakeside Meeting Rooms 212-214
This post-election conversation is designed for our campus community to find connection and understanding across party lines. Whether you are thrilled or troubled by the outcome, this is an opportunity to practice how active citizenship and engaged learning can help us bridge divides.

CAALM Election Decompression Group

Wednesdays through Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, Noon, Ward Octagon, Moseley Center 105A
Cultivating Awareness and Aptitude to Live Mindfully (CAALM) is a decompression group geared toward stresses that can be exacerbated during a presidential election. The goal of the drop-in structured group is to provide participants with tangible skills to improve mindfulness, well-being and resilience as you navigate life. Note: this is a nonpartisan space and will not specifically focus on the political candidates or details of the election process. Sponsored by Counseling Services.

Registration for Winter, Spring, Summer I, and Summer II courses starts this week – check the schedule on the Registrar’s website for more details.

And, of course, Tuesday is Election Day. If you’re registered to vote in North Carolina, the details to vote in-person can be found on the ElonVotes! website.  Check your email from October 31 for more information about post-election plans and resources.

Lessons from Leaders: Kristen Yntema ’95

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 4:30 p.m., LaRose Digital Theatre

Join us for the next installment of Lessons from Leaders as we welcome Kristen Yntema ’95, president and CEO of AuthoraCare Collective. Kristen is a dynamic leader in the healthcare industry, known for her focus on perpetual innovation, purposeful team building, and transformative leadership. Kristen will share insights on her operating philosophies, including coaching leaders, fostering open dialogue and building trust through action.

Active Citizen Series: Election Night Watch Event

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 8 p.m., Global Neighborhood Commons

The �þ��� community is invited to watch history unfold as election results come in from across the nation at this nonpartisan gathering. Sponsored by Elon Votes!, Council on Civic Engagement and the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. Visit ElonVotes! website for more information.

�þ��� Chorale Fall Concert

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m., McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts

The Department of Music’s University Chorale presents an eclectic mix of sacred and secular songs from a diverse collection of composers.

Cheer on the Phoenix this Weekend!

Congratulations to the Elon Men’s Soccer team, who took the CAA regular season championship with their win at Campbell University last night. They will host a semifinals match in the CAA Conference Tournament next Sunday. And be sure to check out the to stay updated on upcoming contests and matches. This coming week, there are several to check out!

Monday, Nov. 4

• Women’s Basketball will host their first contest of the 2024-25 season against High Point University at 7 p.m. in Schar Center.

Friday, Nov. 8

• Women’s Basketball will host Gardner-Webb University at 7 p.m. in Schar Center.

Saturday, Nov. 9

• Volleyball will be hosting the College of William & Mary for one of their last home weekends of the season! Come out to Schar Center starting at 2 p.m. to cheer the Phoenix to Victory!!
• Men’s Basketball will host their first contest of the 2024-25 season against Bluefield College at 8 p.m. in Schar Center.

Sunday, Nov. 10

• Men’s Soccer will host the semifinals of the CAA Championships at Rudd Field. Time TBD.
• Volleyball will be celebrating Senior Day and their last home match of the season at 2 p.m. in the Schar Center.

Sign up now for break airport shuttles

Deadline to sign up: Sunday, Nov. 10

The Moseley Center offers airport shuttles for Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks – to Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO-PTI) in Greensboro and the Raleigh/Durham International Airport (RDU) in Raleigh. The service is $40 to GSO and $50 to RDU whether a one-way or round-trip ticket is needed. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Reserve your seat online by Sunday, Nov. 10 for Thanksgiving Break and Monday, Nov. 25  for Winter Break. For more information, contact the Moseley Center Information Desk at 336-278-7215 or moseleyfrontdesk@elon.edu.

Good luck with this busy week ahead – be sure to make the important personal choices that will help you maintain your focus on balance, health, and well-being.

�þ���, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend. Participating faculty will be Dillan Bono-Lunn, Jessica Carew, Carrie Eaves, Jason Husser, Damion Blake, and Safia Swimelar.

Sponsored by the Department of Political Science and Public Policy and the Phoenix Policy Institute, this event is a component of the Active Citizen Series as part of the civic engagement efforts of Elon Votes! and the Political Engagement Work Group.

The Civic Engagement Ambassadors are a team of student volunteers within Elon Votes!, a nonpartisan campus initiative that helps students connect with the necessary resources to register to vote and cast their ballots.

“It’s a civic duty in America and we all have the opportunity to make change,” said Emily Stuart ’26, who co-leads the Civic Engagement Ambassadors with Jackson Fender ’25. “The government isn’t made of steel and concrete; it’s made of people. We can make change, and things can move. So, when we all can have our voices heard, it’s important that we’re engaging with democracy.”

Lifelong civic engagement

Stuart and Fender oversee the team of ambassadors who staff the office in the Moseley Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., helping answer any and all questions about the electoral process. The ambassadors run events like watch parties and deliberative dialogues. Stuart worked as an ambassador last year and said she’s noticed the increase in students coming into the office looking for information about the election and how to vote.

Ashley Hess ’27 is one of the ambassadors this year and some of the most common questions she hears from other students include how to change their registration from their home state and concerns over where their vote matters.

“Our age group came into consciousness during a crazy political climate,” said Hess. “It’s been all we’ve known, especially with COVID and how that has impacted the world. So, I think it’s important to engage young people. Even if you feel politics doesn’t influence you, it influences so many people. Starting people out in college with an organization like this is so important to lifelong civic engagement.”

The desire to create change with their votes is something felt by other civic ambassadors, including Aarya Potti ’27.

“I think a lot of people assume you have to know everything about politics to feel educated enough to vote, but politics and the policies that politicians enact impact all aspects of life,” said Potti. “It’s pretty easy to get your voice heard.”

Casting the first ballot

This presidential election will also be the first where Stuart, Hess and Potti are able to vote. As a political science major, Stuart says it’s felt like “overload” at times.

“It’s important to be overinformed, rather than misinformed or uninformed,” said Stuart. “It’s definitely been special to have this leadership role and be able to map out the information I’m getting to the greater student body.”

Potti says voting for the first time in this election is both “exciting” and “scary.”

“It’s a high-pressure election,” Potti said. “The 2016 election was the first one where I understood what was going on, and it’s exciting encouraging everyone to register to vote, no matter their political party.”

Fender voted in the 2020 presidential election, and he and Stuart are focusing on educating young voters that this election goes beyond just the presidency.

“Voting in the 2020 election for the first time was like being thrown into the fire of the U.S. political system,” said Fender. “It’s not just two candidates sparring against each other this November. There are so many more things at stake, and so it’s important to be informed and vote for all of those positions.”

Voting resources at Elon

�þ��� is hosting a variety of events to encourage civic engagement in the 2024 election and beyond. For more information, visit the Elon Votes! website.

While the in-person voter registration deadline has passed in North Carolina, students can still register to vote in person during the early voting period that ends on Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. You can then vote at the same location. One of the five early voting sites in Alamance County is located on Elon’s campus in South Gym. Voters must show an acceptable photo ID to vote in North Carolina.

�þ��� who plan to vote in North Carolina who do not have a North Carolina-issued driver’s license or any other forms of ID listed here can obtain a special Elon Phoenix Voter Card. This card, provided at no cost by �þ���, has been approved by the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Pick up an Elon Phoenix Voter Card from the Phoenix Card office in Oaks McCoy Commons (Room 201) Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m. Once you obtain this card, it will serve as your Phoenix Card and full-time student ID.

Elon Votes! is a nonpartisan resource that was developed by the �þ��� Political Engagement Work Group, Council on Civic Engagement and Kernodle Center for Civic Life. The organization’s goal is to help Elon students by registering to vote and casting their ballots in upcoming elections.

Elon Votes! was launched in 2014 and is housed in the Kernodle Center for Civic Life in Moseley Center 232. Elon has since been committed to promoting civic engagement and participation.

“I think it’s a community here at Elon Votes and we want it to be not just our leadership and ambassador team to be the community, but a community that everyone in the school can engage with,” said Stuart. In the video, she shares the goals of Elon Votes and how the organization works toward promoting inclusive excellence. “One way we practice that is through collaborations.”

As part of Elon Votes!, Stuart oversees the Elon Civic Engagement Ambassadors, a team of student volunteers who help inform the Elon community about voting resources.

Make a plan to cast your ballot in the 2024 election. Early voting takes place in South Gym from Oct. 17 – Nov. 2. Visit the Kernodle Center for Civic Life for assistance with your election needs.

Feature Phoenix is a great way to learn about the clubs and organizations that Elon has to offer and how inclusive excellence is engrained on the campus. The series highlights clubs and organizations of different sizes that bring together people around a range of topics. Find the newest video on the Inclusive Excellence website and visit the  to find past videos.