Elon University is preparing to welcome more than 1,600 new students to campus as the Class of 2030 begins its Elon experience.

Students will arrive for Move-In Day on Aug. 21 before beginning New Student Orientation, which will continue through Aug. 24. 

According to Elon, the incoming class represents students from 40 states and Washington, D.C., as well as 19 countries. The class has an average high school GPA of 4.09 and 14% of incoming students are the first in their families to attend college. 

Students and families will first report to Schar Center for check-in before receiving directions to their assigned neighborhoods. Traffic changes will be in place across campus from 7 A.M. to 4 P.M. Friday, according to Elon Campus Safety and Police. 

While Move-In Day is the beginning for students and families, preparations have been underway for months. Patti Gibbons, Associate Director of Cultural and Special Programs, said planning for New Student Convocation begins almost immediately after commencement.

“For the families, we want them to know that they’re in really good hands, and that everything’s going to be good,” Gibbons said.  “We’re here to help any way we can.”

For students, the weekend also serves as an introduction to navigating campus independently. Gibbons said students are experiencing campus differently than they did during previous visits, when they were often guided through tours. 

“We want them to get familiar with the campus at their own pace,” Gibbons said.

New Student Convocation will take place Saturday, Aug. 22, Under the Oaks. Students will first gather in Alumni Gym before processing through Alamance Building and passing the bell that hung in Old Main before the building was destroyed in the 1923 fire. 

The procession will end Under the Oaks where students will receive their acorns, an Elon tradition symbolizing the beginning of their time at the university. 

Gibbons said despite the years of experience, the ceremony continues to be an emotional moment for her and others alike.

“I mean, after 21 years, I still get choked up,” Gibbons said.

Orientation activities will continue throughout the weekend, including Late Night Elon, New Student Convocation and Call to Honor ceremony. Classes will begin Tuesday, Aug. 25.