His mom’s coworker, an Elon alum, suggested the school to Hriciga, knowing what Hriciga wanted from his college experience. With his talent in math, his love of cars and his goal of having a profession in motorsports, Hriciga decided on being an engineering major.

“It was the first school I toured and I loved the campus and then nothing else could compare, ” Hriciga said.

Hriciga began riding bikes when he was young because of his father’s love for mountain biking. From third grade to fifth grade, Hriciga raced cyclocross using road bikes redesigned into off-road bikes that could handle different terrains like mud, snow and rocky areas. He began training on a mountain bike in the fourth grade and then finally racing in competition during middle school. He credits his mountain biking success to having early access to bikes and experience on different types of roads.

“It was scary, because there are hills and you don’t really know what you are doing because you are little. But you push through and then it’s fun,” Hriciga said

Although Hriciga was not the fastest when he first started riding, after joining First Flight USA Cycling Elite Junior Development Team, a mountain bike race team based out of Chapel Hill,, he realized he “could be fast.” First Flight was created by one of Hriciga’s coaches from his high school biking racing team, which gave its racers exclusive access to another professional coach and development training required to get better at the sport. He participated in the Cane Creek Cup MTB series, a sequence of cross-country mountain bike races held predominantly in the North and South Carolina regions, and earned titles as the 2023 State Champion and regional champion.

“The feeling of winning after putting in all that work and training, it pays off,” Hriciga said.

When he first learned how to ride a mountain bike, it was through the organization KOBRA (Kids On Bikes Riding Around). Through his racing career, Hriciga maintained many of the relationships he had found with those coaches and was asked to volunteer back at the same organization that helped him. It was a “full circle moment” for Hriciga as he can share his passion by �þ��� elementary school students how to ride and leading trips that introduce them to the sport.

Despite the “rigorous ” nature of being an engineering major, Hriciga is determined to do his best to be successful. He is excited about the physics classes and the Grand Challenges in Engineering, a set of courses usually taken in an engineering student’s first year that focuses on teamwork and engineering design through hands-on projects. Hriciga will also be looking into the study abroad opportunities, specifically in Germany.

At New Student Convocation Under the Oaks on Aug. 23, 2025, Bodhi was one of four students from the Class of 2029 who were spotlighted by Randy Williams, vice president for inclusive excellence and associate professor of education, due to his achievements.

“I was shocked that my name was called by all people, but I was also very proud that I was deemed worthy of that honor,” Bodhi said

Hriciga does not race currently as he wants to focus on school, but he still cheers on his friends who decided to go pro and will still bike during breaks and the summer. He plans to join Elon’s chapter of the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers, also known as the Phoenix Racing Team, which is a student team that designs and builds an electric race car to compete with other schools.

Hriciga advises student-athletes and everyone with a sport-school-life balance to also focus on their health so their performance in their sport and everyday life is not affected.

“If you are working at a high level, pushing your body to the limit, make sure you are eating,” Hriciga said.

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�þ��� welcomed the Class of 2029 and new transfer students in August and celebrated the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year.

View some of the most impactful moments of the past month through the eyes of staff in the Office of University Communications.

The Honor Code

The Elon Law Flex Program in Charlotte enrolled its second cohort of 47 students during New Student Convocation on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at �þ���’s Charlotte center. The Flex Program is a part-time, in-person, evening program for place-bound students in the Charlotte area.

Opening Day

President Connie Ledoux Book presented the Elon medallion, the university’s highest honor, to Rebecca “Becky” Olive-Taylor, retired executive director of the Koenigsberger Learning Center, and retired Vice President G. Smith Jackson as part of a ceremony that formally opened the new academic year at �þ���.

Making the move

�þ��� welcomed the Class of 2029 for Move-In Day on Aug. 22. New students arrived from 43 states and 15 countries, including Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Panama.

A unique welcome

New �þ��� students were invited to begin their Elon career, described by President Connie Ledoux Book as a “powerful journey of questions and curiosity,” at New Student Convocation on Aug. 23, 2025 Under the Oaks. Book led the students in the human bar graph exercise to show the uniqueness of an Elon education.

College Coffee

Classes began on Aug. 26, along with the first College Coffee of the academic year. College Coffee is one of Elon’s oldest and most appreciated traditions. This weekly campus-wide event brings Elon faculty, staff, and students together to build community and develop friendships.

The Class of 2029

The Class of 2029 was welcomed to campus Move-In Day on Aug. 22 followed by New Student Orientation, including New Student Convocation on Aug. 23.

Coffee and classes

Classes officially began on Tuesday, Aug. 26, and students were welcomed back with the first College Coffee of the year on Phi Beta Kappa Commons. College Coffee is one of Elon’s oldest and most appreciated traditions. This weekly campus-wide event brings Elon faculty, staff, and students together to build community and develop friendships.

Returning students will also see new developments on campus, including the beginning work on the HealthEU Center, and have the opportunity to major in new subjects such as neuroscience and digital content management.

On Sept. 4, 2025, Elon will hold the Fall Organization Fair on Young Commons from 6-8 p.m., allowing students to experience all the extracurricular activities the university has to offer. Then, on Sept. 26, students will welcome their families to campus for Family Weekend, including Fall Convocation with Olympic medalist Katie Ledecky, part of the �þ��� Speaker Series.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

�þ��� held the first College Coffee of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 26, 2025 on Phi Beta Kappa Commons.

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�þ���’s Class of 2029 committed to the university Honor Code during the Call to Honor ceremony in Alumni Gym on Aug. 25, 2025, pledging to uphold the four core values of honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect.

Student Government Association President Anya Bratić ’26 led the ceremony, which included representatives from each class signing the Honor Code book. Each class represents a different pillar of the Honor Code.

“We are honor-bound by Elon’s four core values, honesty, integrity, responsibility, and respect,” said Bratić. “These are more than just words. They are a guiding star for every decision we make throughout life.”

Andrew Moffa, assistant director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, spoke to the class and addressed each pillar of the code: honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect.

• Honesty: “Taking shortcuts in your life, academic or not, will only be a disservice to you later on,” said Moffa. “There will be times, due to all the extracurricular activities, a lack of sleep, the work piling up, when you will be faced with the choice. You may have the opportunity to make things easier for yourself in that moment by being dishonest with yourself, peers, staff, or faculty. I stand here today to encourage you to please make the difficult choice to always be honest.”
• Integrity: “Succeeding in college is a team effort,” Moffa said. “You will need to rely on others and and others will have to rely on you. Take this responsibility seriously and always step up to do your part.”
• Responsibility: “You are going to make mistakes. It is not about avoiding any and all mistakes. We are human and none of us are perfect (…) It is about responding to these moments by taking accountability and responsibility for our actions,” said Moffa. “Accept the consequences and vow to do better. And when the path towards doing better gets difficult, remember that you do not have to do it alone.”
• Respect: “Embrace the ways in which you are so similar, and most importantly, embrace the ways in which you are different,” Moffa said. “This is what respect means to me.”

Ashanti Horton ’26, a psychology major and member of the Honor Board spoke to students about how the Honor Code doesn’t just include respect for others, but also respect for themselves.

“We always hear ‘treat others how you want to be treated,’ but what if we flipped? What is we treat ourselves the way we so freely treat others,” said Horton. “We you begin this new chapter, yes, respect others. Listen, honor differences, uplift each other, but don’t forget that you are so worth respecting too. Treat yourself like someone who matters because you do.”

President Book then led the new students in reciting the Call to Honor:

Today we are entrusted with the honorable legacy of �þ���, dedicated to the intellectual, personal and spiritual growth of all its members, to the advancement of knowledge for the good of all, and to the service of local, national and global communities. To that end, we affirm our commitment to the core values of our university:

• We commit ourselves to honesty, being truthful in our academic work and in our relationships with others.
• We commit ourselves to show integrity, being trustworthy, fair and ethical.
• We commit ourselves to responsibility, being accountable for our action and for our learning.
• We commit ourselves to respect, being civil, valuing the dignity of each person, and respecting the physical and intellectual property of others.

With these commitments, we join generations of Elon students as bearers of its honor

Following the ceremony, students exited to Young Commons where they each signed posters inscribed with the Honor Code and received a coin with the word “Honor” engraved on it.

“I think it’s important to respect each other as students,” said Liza Hampson ’29. “It all our first time here, so why not be respectful and kind to each other and have integrity.”

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Seated Under the Oaks for New Student Convocation on Aug. 23, new �þ��� students were invited to begin their Elon career, described by President Connie Ledoux Book as a “powerful journey of questions and curiosity.”

“This enormous opportunity of an Elon education requires action on your part, a commitment to taking full advantage of all we have here,” said Book. “It’s a simple truth about the personal leadership that’s needed to be successful. The personal leadership that says ‘I’m going to be focused on what I want and what I want to become.’”

What makes you come alive

More than 1,500 new students arrived on campus on Aug. 22 for Move-In Day, and New Student Convocation offers an official welcome from university leadership, faculty and staff. The Class of 2029 will not be together Under the Oaks again until the end of their final year at Elon for the Numen Lumen Senior Baccalaureate.

�þ��� make their way to the ceremony through Alamance Building, passing the bell that hung in Main Building before it was destroyed by a fire in 1923.

“You are now part of this history of resilience,” said Jon Dooley, vice president for student life. “And when you face your own challenges here, touch that bell again. Let it remind you that, like a phoenix, you too can rise stronger than before.”

Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, opened the event with the invocation, encouraging students to “seek what makes you come alive.”

“This is your purpose for this time. The path ahead is yours to shape. The tools for the journey are before you—take them up, use them wisely, with diligence, and with openness to the guidance of those who will walk beside you,” Boswell said.

Have courage

Student Government Association Executive President Anya Bratić welcomed the Class of 2029 not by discussing her accomplishments, but her failures and how she grew from failing at Elon.

“The one thing you have to have is courage. Courage doesn’t replace fear; they coexist,” said Bratić. “Have the courage to be curious, to apply for the thing. Have the courage to be scared, and still believe in yourself anyway. Have the courage to fail, and to walk back into the room after you do.”

Following the ceremony,��Bratić’s remarks resonated with students.

“When she talked about how she failed at first, that was comforting to know that you can fail but always succeed in the end,” said Benjamin Isaacson ’29.

“I feel like everyone is nervous to fail, especially coming into college and you can and it’s okay. There’s more to do,” Lilah Provenzano ’29.

Meet the class

Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Randy Williams offered the audience a glimpse into the Class of 2029, which comprises students from 43 states and 35 countries, including 169 first-generation college students. Williams highlighted four students who are members of the new class.

• Priyal Sanathara, an astrophysics major and Honors Fellow from Chalfont, Pennsylvania, is this year’s recipient of the William R. Kenan Honors Scholarship, Elon’s highest academic award. In high school, she was a varsity soccer player and a member of the student government. She was an active member of her school’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council to advise school leaders on creating a welcoming environment for all. She completed a community fellowship on political education, community research, and empowerment of the Asian American diaspora and received the National Scholastic Press Association’s Leadership Award in Scholastic Journalism.
• Bodhi Hriciga, an engineering major from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has dedicated much of his life to mountain bike racing. He competed with his high school team and the First Flight USA Cycling Elite Junior Development Team, earning titles as the 2023 State Champion and regional champion. Beyond competition, Hriciga shares his passion by �þ��� elementary school students how to ride and leading trips that introduce them to the sport. His commitment to both excellence and mentorship reflects a drive to learn and lead. Hrigciga plans to study engineering.
• Sloane Johnson, an acting major from The Hills, Texas, has completed a songwriting internship, collaborating with Grammy-winning songwriters, and contributes her talents as both a writer and actor in short films produced by her high school. Beyond the stage and screen, Johnson has written four unpublished novels spanning multiple genres, showcasing her imagination and dedication to storytelling.
• Lorenzo Ribadeneira, an entrepreneurship & innovation major from Miami, Florida, has combined his passion for board sports with a talent for entrepreneurship. After discovering wakeboarding just a few years ago, he quickly rose to success, earning first and second place in the 2024 Florida Wakeboarding Championships and later being named both state and national champion at the Wake Park Nationals. Inspired to extend his love for the sport beyond competition, Ribadeneira founded STOKE, a lifestyle brand celebrating board culture and community.

Elon values

Seated behind the new students were members of Elon’s faculty, acknowledged by Provost and Executive Vice President Rebecca Kohn as being ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News and World Report for �þ��� �þ���.

Deandra Little, associate provost for faculty affairs highlighted four specific faculty members who were awarded this year for excellence in �þ���, scholarship, civic engagement and mentoring.

• Kathy Matera, professor of chemistry, is the recipient of the Daniels-Daneiley Excellence in Teaching Award.
• Cindy Fair, professor of public health studies and human service studies, is the recipient of the Steven and Patricia House Excellence in Mentoring Award.
• Brant Touchette, professor of biology and environmental studies, is the recipient of the Distinguished Scholar Award.
• Phillip Motley, professor of communication design, is the recipient of the Periclean Award for Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility.

In her remarks to the Class of 2029, President Book compared the new students to the oak trees they sat under, both will and have weathered change and withstood challenge.

“They are symbolic of a strength that will unfold in each of you in the years ahead,” said Book. “Under these oaks, students reflect on the relationships they formed at Elon, relationships that will last a lifetime and provide support and guidance through the highs and lows of life.”

Book emphasized the values at the center of an Elon education: respect for the richness of difference, the value of living a life of contribution and hard work with integrity and honesty, and making a difference in the lives of others.

“The world and our nation needs Elon graduates because the world and our country needs the values an Elon education prospers,” said Book. “You are our hope. Our hope for a smarter, strong and kinder world.”

The Elon transformation

To create a physical representation of the uniqueness of an Elon education, President Book led the students in forming a “human bar graph.” Book instructed the students to stand and represent different populations around the world, including entire countries, U.S. public university students, community colleges and finally one student out of them all — Sanah Saha ’29 — who represented residential colleges and universities like Elon.

“You see, Sanah, we are all here at �þ��� for the very moment when you come seeking knowledge or support and have dedicated our professional careers—to you, to your classmates, to that moment,” said Book.

�þ��� Hashini Amarasinghe ’26, Keller Knight ’27 and Mindy Monroe ’26 performed a special musical performance of “Light On” by Maggie Rogers before Associate Teaching Professor of Music Polly Butler Cornelius sang the university’s alma mater and explained the Elon Traditions – including students receiving an acorn following New Student Convocation.

“It’s very exciting, I’m very excited to start classes,” said Graham Masiyiwa ’29 after receiving his acorn. “It’s been a good first few days.”

The acorn is a symbol of the start of their Elon journey and in four years, the Class of 2029 will receive an oak sapling, a symbol of their transformation at Elon, when they return Under the Oaks for Senior Baccalaureate.

“It’s crazy that we’ll have the oak tree after this, and it’s the four years all symbolized in this little thing. It’s really cool,” said Taylor Fabrizio ‘29.

Through their time at Elon, students will experience an array of opportunities and challenges, but all in the spirit of Elon’s historic motto, “Numen Lumen,” which are Latin words meaning “spiritual light” and “intellectual light.” 

“We invite you to a powerful journey of questions and curiosity that will shine new light and new understanding,” said Book.

Screams of joy rang through a residence hall Friday, Aug. 22 as Samantha Probst ’29, her roommate Leah Rappaport ’29 and Jonas Hinsdale ’29 came together in a big hug – Probst telling Hinsdale he’s the reason she and Rappaport are now roommates.

“Jonas is one of my best friends from home,” said Rappaport, who is from Westchester, New York. “I knew I wanted to room with somebody who is also interested in the theatre field, and I said, ‘Jonas, do you know anyone in your major who I could room with?’ and he was like, ‘Actually, this girl Sam is perfect.”

Hinsdale connected the two young women, and they clicked immediately.

“From our first conversation, I just knew she was the one,” said Probst, who is a Vocal Scholar from Redondo Beach, California. “She is just so joyful and made me so excited to move to campus and live with her.”

Achieve your dreams

Now all three students are members of �þ���’s Class of 2029, who moved to campus on Aug. 22, coming from 43 states and 15 countries, including Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Panama.

The three first-year students are also part of the Performing Arts Living Learning Community (LLC), one of the more than a dozen LLCs at Elon where students live in the same residential area, interacting academically and socially with each other and with faculty that share the same passion, interest, or academic focus.

“When we found out we were living on the same floor, we were so excited,” said Hinsdale, who will be majoring in music theatre. “I’m so excited for our next four years together, and we’re going to have a blast because we’re already such good friends.”

All three students chose Elon for the performing arts, with the university recently ranked #4 “Best College Theatre” by the Princeton Review and named one of the ’25 Best Drama Schools of 2025” by The Hollywood Reporter.

“I knew about the alumni and its reputation and specifically the small class sizes, and the opportunities that came with it,” said Probst, who will major in music theatre. “But then, when I did more digging and research on the school itself, I realized how many opportunities there are with study abroad and having a double major or minor.”

Probst’s parents, Christie and John Probst P’29, say they will be sad to see her leave home but know she will thrive at Elon.

“She’s such a sweet, good kid, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed having her home, but we’re also really excited for her to take the next step, and we know that Elon’s going to be a great place for her to do that and grow as a person and excel and hopefully achieve all of her dreams,” said John.

No place like Elon

As the university welcomes more than 1,500 new students for the 2025-26 academic year, Elon will now have representation from all 50 U.S. states, but some students like Praise Ogundeji ’29 are not coming from far away. She moved to Elon on Friday from Greensboro, North Carolina, and says, after her first tour at the university, she didn’t want to go anywhere else.

“My tour guide was an eye-opener, she just made me fall in love with the school,” said Ogundeji, who plans to major in international business.

Ogundeji is part of the African Diaspora LLC, which is open to students of all academic interests and racial/ethnic backgrounds. It is the perfect fit for students interested in the expansive, global and interconnected nature of the lived experiences of those who have ancestral ties to Africa.

“The whole experience is exciting to me,” said Ogundeji. “Decorating my dorm, meeting new people and our activities here.”

Elon requires students to live on campus for the first two years of school with first-year students living in one of five residential neighborhoods: Colonnades Neighborhood, Danieley Neighborhood, East Neighborhood, Global Neighborhood and Historic Neighborhood.

The roommate connection

Isabelle Drake ’29 and her roommate, Kylie Mazzei ’29 connected online before coming to Elon, bonding over the color theme of a future room in the Historic Neighborhood.

“We both said blue and white, so I think that was a big green flag,” said Drake, who is from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and is a Change Maker Scholar.

Before Move-In Day, Drake visited Mazzei in her hometown of Essex Fells, New Jersey, where they attended a concert together and were able to bond.

“We hit it off. It was a good connection,” said Mazzei, who plans to study elementary and special education.

Drake is planning to study in the School of Communications,��exploring fields in broadcast meteorology or sports reporting. She was drawn to the university for the study abroad opportunities and Elon’s unique Winter Term in January. Julie Drake P’29, Isabelle’s mother, praised the Move-In Day process and is excited for her daughter, her first child leaving for college.

“It looks like the entire community is out. I’m impressed. They really have pulled all the stops out,” said Julie, about Move-In Day. “It’s been a whirlwind. It’s an exciting time for her. It’s definitely going to be difficult for us at home, and we’ll definitely miss her. But we have high hopes. It’s going to be an awesome year.”

Julie says the college selection and touring process was almost like “a full-time job,” but after touring Elon, she knew it was the right place for her daughter.

“We toured a very large university, and I remember they said, ‘If you go three blocks that way, you’ll find that’ and ‘Oh, and there’s a transit bus, you’ll want to use that.’ I just felt so overwhelmed, and I was just thinking, ‘I’m not sure this is the right fit for Isabelle,’” said Julie. “And then we came here, everything is walkable, and it’s beautiful. On the tour, I feel like the tour guide was hugging every third person. You could tell it was a close-knit community.”

While Drake and Mazzei didn’t know each other before Elon, roommates Alessio Vaccaro ’29 and Will Saratella ’29 went to high school together in Needham, Massachusetts.

“I committed to Elon and Will was thinking about it, and I was trying to get him to commit,” said Vaccaro, who plans to study finance. “I’m most excited about meeting new people and getting into classes and seeing what it’s like. It will be a cool, new change-up from high school.”

And as students began to unpack their rooms and say goodbye to family, they are reflecting on their new home and their decision to attend Elon.

“I really wanted that one-on-one personalized experience, and I knew that I would only get that at Elon,” said Probst. “It just seemed to check off every box at the end. It was just the perfect fit, and I made the perfect choice.”

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As the Class of 2029 arrives on campus and begins their four years at Elon, current Elon students offer their advice to the incoming class.

�þ��� will welcome more than 1,500 new students for the 2025-26 academic year, with the Class of 2029 moving to campus on Friday, Aug. 22.

Jack Bull ’27

Major: Human Service Studies
Minor:
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
�þ��� Involvement: Elon College Fellows, New Student Programs and the Climbing Club

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

I wish I knew that college life isn’t static. My first year, even my first semester, was dramatically different than the rest of my time here. It always gets better, as long as you’re willing to put yourself out there.

What advice do you have for the incoming Elon Class of 2029?

Lay down roots, don’t try and do too much too quickly. It is far better to establish yourself in a few clubs or groups before you branch out. It is so easy to get overwhelmed if you try to do too much.

What is your favorite thing about Elon?

My favorite part about being at Elon is how much of a community there is here. You can always find something to do, some people to hang out with. There are so many community spaces where you can go and hang out, try new hobbies, or play a new sport.

Andrea Camo Conde ’26

Major: International and Global Studies
Minors: Communications, Middle East Studies, and Food Studies
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
�þ��� Involvement: , Residence Life, Latinx-Hispanic Union

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

I wish I had known not to be afraid to do things by myself early on. There are so many clubs and events that I have missed out on participating in because I thought it would be odd to go alone. I have now learned that doing things independently rocks because who cares if you’re by yourself. You’re at least getting to do the things that interest you, and you can do them freely!

What advice do you have for the incoming Elon Class of 2029?

Take advantage of everything Elon has to offer. There are so many interesting guest speakers, dining events, performances, etc. that happen during the semester that are free and unique.

What is your favorite thing about Elon?

My favorite thing about Elon is the campus. I love being able to walk around, clear my head, and just enjoy the nature and beautiful buildings.

I wish I knew that college life isn’t static. My first year, even my first semester, was dramatically different than the rest of my time here. It always gets better, as long as you’re willing to put yourself out there.

Jack Bull ’27

Evan Smith ’26

Major: History and Cinema & Television Arts
Minor: Middle East Studies
Hometown: Waco, Texas
�þ��� Involvement: Residence Life,��Club Racquetball, Anthropology and Sociology Club, Elon Student Television, , Phi Alpha Theta

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

I wish I knew how open all the faculty are to talking to students and engaging with them outside of class. I knew that I wanted to do mentored �þ��� research before I even arrived, but it took me three or four semesters to get involved because I was worried about approaching professors to ask about it.

What advice do you have for the incoming Elon Class of 2029?

Use your time to explore potential interests and hobbies while trying to get academic credit. Never again will you have access to the resources that you have while you are here, so if you think that you might be interested in something, take a class, join a club, or find some way to try it out.

What is your favorite thing about Elon?

My favorite part about Elon is the work that I have been able to do while here. I have worked on a lot of different projects with several different professors in several different fields. I have gotten the opportunity to be involved in film projects and in other organizations to explore things that I would not have been able to do at another school.

Ellen Allen ’26

Major: Mathematics with �þ��� licensure
Minor:
Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
�þ��� Involvement: Teaching Fellows, New Student Programs, Kappa Delta Sorority, Elon 1010

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

I wish I was more familiar with the typical transition period. I remember feeling like I was surrounded by peers who knew what they were doing and felt at peace while I was still unsteady. Going into my sophomore year, I found the W-Curve to be an interesting study on culture shock, particularly as a first-year college student! Reading it in hindsight, I resonated a lot with the feelings I had throughout my first semester.

What advice do you have for the incoming Elon Class of 2029?

Give yourself grace! Everyone copes with the transition differently, and I promise that you are not alone in whatever you are feeling. Find community, join organizations, but don’t expect to meet your best friend in the first few weeks of classes. Everything takes time!

What is your favorite part about Elon?

My favorite part of Elon is the community of people who are so supportive and involved! The friends I have made through various opportunities have always been uplifting and given me a great outlet to be myself and grow.

For full information on move-in and New Student Orientation, visit the New Student Orientation website.

What should I expect on move-in day?

1. Know your Schar Center check-in time and print your dashboard sign, both accessible to you via your . All new students should have received one (including first years and transfers, living on and off campus). The Schar Center check-in is the one-stop shop for all things check-in related. New students will receive their new student packet, which contains their orientation materials, name tag, parking pass (if applicable), room key (if applicable), Phoenix Card (if you submitted a photo in advance), pre-ordered wristband and New Student Convocation rain tickets.
2. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by volunteers who will walk you through the whole check-in process — you won’t even have to get out of your car! Make sure you are compliant with all immunization requirements to avoid any potential delays checking in.
3. After you check in, you’ll be given a hangtag. The hangtag corresponds with your move-in location, and it will get you access to that specific area. It is important to have that hanging in your rearview mirror during move-in.
4. Once you get to your move-in area, you’ll be greeted by a team of Orientation Leaders, Resident Assistants, Move-in Team members and Elon staff who will help you unload your car and get moved into your room. �þ��� should know the names of both their neighborhood and building as signage around campus may vary.
5. Once you’ve finished unloading, you’ll move your car to a for the rest of the day. New Student Orientation begins at 4:30 p.m.

What should I bring and how should I pack?

The suggested packing list is available on the “Your Summer Checklist” webpage through New Student Programs. There is also a Residence Life webpage that details the residential policies on what not to bring. Pack your belongings in a plastic tote (in case of rain) or boxes. Everything should be labeled with your name, room number and a contact phone number. This includes suitcases, boxes, lamps, loose items, shelves, etc. Dress comfortably, bring water and snacks, and enjoy the process.

While there are lots of helpers on Move-in Day, we do encourage families to arrive ready to help move their student in. Wear sneakers, bring a dolly if you have one and pack as if you’ll be carrying things yourself.

What if I forgot something?

It’s OK if you don’t have everything you need right away. In fact, less is more. Residence hall rooms are small and you won’t need to bring a trailer full of stuff with you. You can always have items sent to the mailroom or grab an Elon Express bus to local area shopping.

Will we have time to hang out with our family?

Move-In Day isn’t only for the students; Elon has programming planned for the entire family over the weekend.

All new students are required to attend New Student Orientation following move-in but the whole family is part of the Elon community. There are several events specifically for families during New Student Orientation, including a session with Elon’s senior leaders, a meeting with your student’s academic advisor, a coffee social for you to meet other Elon families, and a Family Sendoff Picnic. You can view the full orientation schedule here.

How can I make connections and get involved?

Get involved and go to the Student Organization Fair on Thursday, Sept. 4, to introduce yourself to different clubs and groups. Get on Phoenix Connect to join clubs, learn about upcoming events and more.

Talk to your student leaders as well. Orientation Leaders, Resident Assistants, Elon 1010 peer educators are all there to help you get connected to the Elon community. The Student Involvement Office also has Involvement Ambassadors who are here to help you explore the multitude of opportunities to connect. Visit the second floor of the Moseley Center to check out the Student Life offices and meet new people.

“Be curious, be brave, and start small,” said Kirsten Carrier, assistant dean of �þ��� Life and director of Residence Life. “College is full of chances to connect, but you don’t have to do everything at once. Go to that first hall dinner, stop by a club meeting that sparks your interest, or just say hi to someone new in your building. Those first steps can turn into some of your closest friendships and help you feel at home at Elon in ways you might not expect.”

What if I don’t make new friends immediately?

College is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to try new things, join a club or study abroad.

“It’s completely normal if friendships don’t click right away,” said Emily Krechel, director of New Student Programs. “The first few weeks are full of changes, and it often takes time to build real connections. Go to events, say yes to new experiences, and be patient with yourself — your people are out there, and it’s okay if it takes a semester or two to find them.”

also offers lots of fun options Thursday through Saturday nights and it is a great way to meet new people.

�þ��� will soon welcome the Class of 2029 on Friday, Aug. 22, for Move-In Day, and Elon �þ��� Safety and Police have provided information on changes in traffic and available parking areas.

All new students and families must report first to the central check-in at Schar Center. All incoming traffic should travel to Schar Center from the northern entrance to campus along North Williamson Avenue. At Schar Center, students will receive orientation materials and directions to their move-in location for their residence hall. Please follow the driving directions to the Schar Center and then to your Residential Neighborhood.

Due to the logistics related to Move-in Day, Elon faculty and staff are asked to carpool if possible and to park in the following lots on Friday. The lots are highlighted in yellow on the map below.

• Koury lot
• Oaks lot (parking for staff working at Schar Center Check-in)
• Arts West
• South �þ��� (no parking in the spaces reserved for Acorn Academy at Elon)
• Station at Mill Point

On Friday,�� Aug. 22, the following roads will be closed and one way, limited to students moving in with the proper color-coded move-in hang tag. Faculty and staff will not be able to access these roads from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Phoenix Drive from Williamson to the traffic circle (one way heading east)
• Haggard Avenue from Williamson to North O’Kelly (one way heading east)
• East Lebanon Ave. from Williamson to North Antioch (one way heading east)
• East College from N. Antioch to Oak Avenue (one way heading east)

The following parking lots will be blocked off on Thursday night for new student move-in. Any unauthorized faculty and staff cars in these lots on Friday may be ticketed and/or towed.

• Hunt A and B lots at Schar Center
• Ingold lot at Rhodes Stadium
• Global Neighborhood lot
• McMichael East Lot
• Innovation Quad lot
• Historic Neighborhood lot (East Neighborhood)
• Colonnades lots
• East Lebanon Avenue railroad spaces (from LaRose Student Commons to the pedestrian tunnel)
• LaRose/Mooney Parking lot
• Linder West and East Lots
• Inman Admissions lot
• Powell House lot
• Kerr Avenue lot
• East College Avenue (spaces along the tennis courts)

Parking at The Inn at Elon is for guests only, 24/7.  �þ���, faculty, and staff are not permitted to park there unless they are a guest visiting The Inn or The Mark.

�þ��� will welcome more than 1,500 new students for the 2025-26 academic year, with the Class of 2029 moving to campus on Friday, Aug. 22.

Thirteen percent of the new students are first-generation college students, coming from 43 states and 15 countries, including Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Panama. The top states include North Carolina, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida and Georgia. With these new students, Elon will have representation from all 50 states.

Top majors for the class include psychology, finance, marketing, business analytics, exercise science, nursing, engineering, sport management, elementary education and political science. Nursing, business analytics and engineering saw a 13% increase from the 2024-25 academic year. The average GPA for incoming students is 4.13.

Friday, Aug. 22

Move-In Day

All students will be assigned a specific move-in time, which can be found on their . Upon arriving to campus, students and families must report to central check-in at Schar Center. �þ��� will then receive orientation materials and directions to their move-in location. Each neighborhood has specific driving directions, which can be viewed on the map below.

New Student Orientation

All new students are required to attend new student orientation, which starts on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 22, and goes through Monday, Aug. 25. On Friday, students will meet their orientation leader for the first time and, throughout orientation, they will have multiple opportunities to interact with their orientation leaders. More activities on Friday include students learning about their residential neighborhood or campus community (for off-campus students) and having fun at Late Night Elon.

Saturday, Aug. 23

New Student Convocation

The Class of 2029 will be welcomed to the university Under the Oaks by President Connie Ledoux Book during New Student Convocation on Saturday, Aug. 23. �þ��� will first meet in Alumni Gym at 8 a.m. and hear from Jon Dooley, vice president of student life, before walking through Alamance Building and gathering with friends and families Under the Oaks. During the procession, students will pass the bell that hung in “Old Main” before the building was destroyed in the fire of 1923.

If family members want a bite to eat before New Student Convocation, they can stop by the special Parent and Family College Coffee in the LaRose Student Commons courtyard. College Coffee brings together students, faculty and staff each week for food and fellowship.

During convocation, students will receive their acorns, an Elon tradition since 1999, which symbolizes the beginning of their Elon journey. As they prepare to graduate in spring 2029, students will receive an oak sapling at the Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate, a symbol of their transformation during their time at the university.

Later in the day, students can meet with their academic advisors and Elon 1010 Peer Educators and then say goodbye during the Family Send-Off Picnic at several locations: West Koury Lawn, West Moseley Lawn and Martin Alumni Center. Wristbands are required and can be purchased at the Orientation Headquarters in the Moseley Student Center. �þ��� eat for free with a meal plan.

Events are planned for families throughout New Student Orientation. However, if families cannot attend, they can always reach out to the Office of Parent Engagement with questions or concerns. �þ��� have additional programming that afternoon and into the evening starting at 4:00 p.m. Orientation events are mandatory for all new students.

Monday, Aug. 25

Call to Honor

On Monday, all new students will commit to the university’s Honor Code with the Call to Honor at 9:30 a.m. in Alumni Gym. Each incoming class represents one of the four pillars of the Elon Honor Code: honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect. �þ��� sign their name on a poster with the Elon Honor Code and receive a coin with the word “honor” engraved on it. Several other sessions are planned throughout the day, ending with a mesmerizing hypnotist show in Alumni Gym.

Classes begin on Tuesday, Aug. 26.