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After 18 months of preparation and fundraising, Elon University has announced plans for the construction of additional buildings for the School of Communications to begin in early 2016. In doing so, President Leo Lambert hopes to cement the school’s reputation as a national powerhouse while fulfilling the increased student interest in this area of study.
Students at Elon University have begun to notice the inequality in laundry accommodations across campus.
Elon University students respond with their thoughts on Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn and their speech given at Fall Convocation this October.
The best investment human beings can make is in one another, said the Pulitzer-prize winning, journalist-turned-something-more couple of Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, at Elon University’s Fall Convocation 2014.
Elon University students hoping to complete an Experiential Learning Requirement need look no further than the John R. Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement, more commonly known as the Kernodle Center. The Kernodle Center offers students opportunities to get involved with yearlong service organizations or special events, and Elon Volunteers! operates as an umbrella organization for services on campus. “We have 130 student leaders who plan, implement and evaluate service programs for students,” said Mary Morrison, the assistant dean of students and director of the Kernodle Center. “All of that is engaged with the community.” Elon Volunteers! offers programs, events and service organizations. Popular events include blood drives and Special Olympics, service organizations include Safe Rides and Habitat for Humanity, and their programs include Students Helping Animals Regain Equality and Lunch Buddies. S.H.A.R.E. gives students the opportunity to interact with the animals of Alamance County, according to sophomore Chelsea Weber. “I chose to volunteer in hopes of gaining knowledge about how to deal with different types of dogs, but I also just really missed my dog, and this helped fill the void,” Weber said. Other students on campus choose to participate in awareness volunteer programs such as Invisible Children or the Campus Kitchen Project. During the 2013-2014 school year, more than 11,000 pounds of food was collected and donated to community members through Campus Kitchen. Volunteering through the years From 2013 to 2014 the number of volunteers increased by 23 percent, and more than 120,000 hours of service were completed. Morrison speculates these changes have occurred because of increased class sizes and better outreach. “We’ve been doing a better job of reaching out to student organizations and asking them to report their hours,” she said. “We have more students and more students engaged in service.” Last year more than 3,000 students volunteered through on-campus initiatives, including both service organizations and service-learning courses. Service-learning courses require students to apply what they are learning in their classes to help the community. For example, students enrolled in a public relations class can work for real businesses or non profits to create materials for them that they otherwise could not afford. Students can also complete the service ELR requirements by reporting their volunteer hours. “Many students don’t feel a need to get credit for their service, but we are trying to help them understand that we want to let the Elon community know all the good work that students are doing,” Morrison said. “It’s an important part of the Elon education, being engaged with the community through service.” Kernodle Center access and changes There is now a Downtown Center for Community Engagement that students can rent out for group meetings or conference. The space features a space for 15 to 20 people, a flat screen to display presentations and white boards to record notes. Making it easier to access the Downtown Center is the BioBus, which has been around for a couple of years but is less popular than other routes. The BioBus route is roughly an hour long and travels to all of the community partnerships with whom Elon volunteers interact. Morrison encouraged students without cars to look into the bus route because they can still easily volunteer in the community. She also suggested students simply ride the bus to see the work that Elon students are doing in the community. Despite these improvements, the Kernodle Center “always wants more folks involved,” Morrison said. With more than 30 volunteer organizations on campus, students can find a cause they feel passionate about. “A lot of people tend to think of volunteering as work, but if you pick something you enjoy, you’ll look forward to doing it,” Weber said. Getting involved early can lead to other volunteer opportunities in the future. “I’m so thankful that S.H.A.R.E. opened my eyes to the needs of animals at shelters so I could pursue volunteering at home as well as at Elon,” Weber said.
Uber has arrived at Elon University. The nationally known ride-sharing service based in San Francisco recently expanded to 25 colleges and universities across the country, recognizing the untapped potential of college students who have places to go but no transportation of their own to make it happen. Operated through a free mobile phone application available on both iPhone and Android operating systems, Uber uses GPS technology to pinpoint the locations of drivers and their passengers. Once a ride is requested through the app, an unoccupied driver picks up the passenger. The driver’s progress can be traced in real time, through a tiny car icon that meanders through streets en-route to pickup. The latest section of the Piedmont Triangle to experience Uber, the university and the surrounding area, could use more in the way of reliable, affordable transportation, according to Uber spokesperson Taylor Bennett. The affordability comes into play on cross-campus hops. An Uber fare from Danieley Center to West End Terrace falls between $5 and $7, even less when split between up to four people for standard Uber vehicles, as allowed by the app. So far students have seemed to agree. New Uber driver Billy Futch has grown his steady passenger base bit by bit since becoming a driver almost a month ago. The recently retired Town of Elon resident has been filling his days driving strangers, what he called a “welcome break” from the monotony of the television-fueled days that came before. Though he was a bit apprehensive at first, the experience has been a good one for Futch, who said his passengers have been respectful and courteous. Because all Uber drivers are independent contractors, each sets his or her own hours and schedules, which can vary week to week. Futch logs off the app and stops giving rides by 10 p.m. during the week. Weekends sometimes go a little later, depending on traffic. Though the Internet is rife with Uber horror stories from drivers who pick up unruly, and often intoxicated, customers who wreak havoc on the interiors of vehicles, Futch hasn’t had such problems so far. Averaging a couple of dozen rides each week, the new Uber driver’s only complaints have been with patrons who request a ride, then cancel, causing Futch to get in his car needlessly — not that he minds, much. “I’m sitting right here watching TV, and when the phone goes off, I go,” he said, adding that the notifications from pending riders are more a cause of excitement than of annoyance. And his customers have not just been students. Businessmen and professors on lunch breaks and commuters bound for Raleigh via Burlington’s train station have been added to a growing list of repeat patrons, in recent weeks. Uber’s advantages — lower fares than cabs, drivers with thorough background checks and the sort of instant-gratification the service provides — help Futch’s business expand. “I just want the kids to be comfortable,” Futch said. “I want to hold a conversation. I want to get them there safely and get repeat customers. It’s good for me, and it’s good for them.” Known for fares cheaper than traditional cabs, largely due to a lack of regulatory fees from state and local agencies, the ride-sharing service has taken chunks of business from them. But cost tends to even out over longer trips, which are expensive for Uber drivers who must make the trek back after dropping off customers. Burlington-based Golden Eagle Taxi Service, whose owner could not be reached for comment, charges a flat rate of $85 for a trip from Elon University to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Uber, by comparison, starts at $87 for the 50-odd mile trip, and ranges up to more than $100. Extensive safety features built into the service comfort weary first-time customers, of whom Futch has had many. Before the ride, passengers can view their driver’s photo and see specifics on the vehicle that will be picking them up. All Uber-authorized vehicles must be from 2004 or newer, be mid-to full-sized and fit an “excellent condition” descriptor, though Uber does not inspect individual cars. Unlike the cars that pick them up, Uber passengers and drivers are rated after each trip. On a one-to-five scale, both parties are graded in terms of courtesy and respect. Uber has drawn widespread criticism for allowing passengers to see driver ratings, but blocking the same passengers from seeing drivers’ ratings of them. Rival ride-sharing services such as Lyft, which lets passengers see their own ratings, are causing more anxiety on the part of passengers and drivers seeking to raise their “score” through fake nice behavior, Bennett said. “We’re trying to keep this as authentic as possible. When you have those scores, then there are efforts to manipulate those scores,” Bennett said. Elon junior Brandon Coxall-Europe, who has been one of the early Uber adapters, said he wishes the service was a little more transparent, but he doesn’t think it’ll stop students from using it. Besides, drivers aren’t going to turn down easy money, he added. “I don’t think it’s that big of a deal,” Coxall-Europe said. “If a driver really wants to make some money, this is not New York or a huge market where they’re going to make lots. We’re in Burlingotn. If people really want to make some money, they’re going to pick you up, anyway.” Futch, who likes to joke his new side job “keeps me out of my wife’s hair,” said the atmosphere in his car is a good one, often upbeat, always casually conversational. But he knows he has a for-the-moment monopoly on the area, one he’s not willing to let slide without a fight. “I really just enjoy this,” he said. “It’s not a full-time job. It’s not a way of life. But it keeps me busy, keeps me feeling a little younger. I don’t want to give that up.”
The Peace Corps Prep Program at Elon University offers a hands-on way for students to connect with the university’s guiding principle of global citizenship. The program is part of Elon’s environmental studies department and fosters skills in sustainable agriculture, responsible architecture and environmental management, according to the Peace Corps Prep Program website. “It fits in really nice,” said professor Steve Moore, director of the Peace Corps Prep Program’s advisory committee. “The Peace Corps and our emphasis on engaged learning and global citizenship are all really key parts of graduating and continuing the Elon tradition.” The prep program was created February 2013 after President Leo Lambert approved the initiative, forging a collaborative relationship between the university and the Peace Corps. “We wanted to provide them skills in sustainable food systems,” Moore said. “As their projects evolve, they can develop their own skills.” The Peace Corps is a highly selective service program that sends Americans across the world to aid the pressing needs of developing countries. Volunteers work to improve the infrastructure of their chosen countries and assist local populations by teaching them skills in sustainability and self-sufficiency, said the Peace Corps website. Junior Philip Gurley is currently enrolled in the prep program. As an international studies major with a concentration in Latin American studies, Gurley said he’s primed to work in South America after he graduates. “My uncle was involved with volunteer work in Africa,” Gurley said. “I’d like to follow in his footsteps and do humanitarian work in Latin America.” The prep program, which currently has around 150 enrollees, allows students to get experience and learn valuable trade skills. The skills students learn will prepare them for construction or farming-related assignments, if they choose to join the Peace Corps after graduation. “It’s definitely been rewarding so far,” Gurley said. “Last year I started some environmental science courses. Now I’m actually taking a garden studio class during the spring. This ties into the sustainable agriculture expectations for the Peace Corps.” On July 15, the Peace Corps reworked its application and selection process. Resulting in a more personalized, shorter and efficient application system. Applicants are now able to choose which programs and countries they wish to apply to and know whether they are accepted into the program earlier. While Peace Corps applicants like Gurley will apply with the new, streamlined application system, past applicants weren’t so fortunate. Elon graduate Kylee Bushway is currently waiting for her departure date for Madagascar as a Peace Corps volunteer. Applying under the old Peace Corps application, Bushway wasn’t able to choose her destination. Even so, Bushway said she is excited to become a community health adviser in Madagascar, teaching its citizens child health, water sanitation and preventative measures against STIs. “I bought into the whole Elon global citizen thing from the first year on,” Bushway said. “Being a public health major, I’ve already studied and been exposed to international health issues.” While Bushway didn’t go through Elon’s Peace Corps Prep Program, she said it’s “a good way to open up Elon students’ eyes earlier as underclassmen.”
Phil Smith and the staff of The Oak House have started to settle into their routine as the bar and coffee lounge’s opening month on campus draws to a close. The month has gone better than Smith expected, despite some of the challenges that come with running a business. “We’re still learning what works and what doesn’t work,” he said. “Every single day I learn something new.” Opening hours have already shifted from 7 to 7:30 a.m. during the week. After the first week, there were only a few people coming in between 7 and 7:30, so management made the change. The half-hour change saves The Oak House money and allows student baristas an extra 30 minutes of sleep. Technological issues with the router and point-of-sale system prompted Smith to invest in Square, an iPad, iPhone and laptop service that makes buying and selling faster and more efficient. The POS system has shut down multiple times, preventing customers from paying with credit cards. Paying with Phoenix Cash has not been an issue because it runs on a different system. Although it takes several minutes to fix the system, a backup option keeps the line of customers moving. Even with the setbacks, technology will serve as an important communication tool when student staff members are only working two or three hours a day. “There’s not a lot of consistency with people coming and going a lot,” Smith said. “We don’t really have shifts.” Smith said he wants to use the Notes app on the iPads in The Oak House more effectively, which will allow the constantly rotating staff to stay updated throughout the day. As the bar and lounge continues to “put out the fires,” business continues to grow. Customers have started to request items like breakfasts sandwiches and omelets. But both Assistant Manager Alex Ward and Smith have said they are not ready to offer a full menu. “As much as I love an omelet and would love to serve it, we are not in a position right now to serve from raw to plate,” Smith said. Ward explained that expanding options at The Oak House means hiring more staff, including chefs. The Oak House, he said, focuses on specialized drinks and the space, not on food. Both Ward and Smith also understand that adding too much too soon could put The Oak House in the same position as the restaurants before it. Smith wants to be the place that makes it. “We want to meet people’s needs, but we don’t want the idea of The Oak House to be compromised,” Ward said. Fewer food offerings and a less complex menu makes the staff more versatile. They can move from the bar to the coffee line based on need, prepare appetizers, clean the equipment and close up without Smith. Peter Walpole, a barista at The Oak House, said the staff juggles multiple roles well. “We’re always asking ourselves, ‘What can we do to serve customers best, to be more efficient?’” he said. Walpole said he sees the same customers several times a day and has started to form relationships with them. Smith has picked up on customer habits and patterns, too. In just one month, The Oak House already has regulars. There are the guys who come in on Tuesdays and Thursdays, drink a beer and talk about philosophy before heading to their philosophy class. There’s the group of girls who eat dinner at Pandora’s Pies, enjoy a half-price bottle of wine at The Oak House and head down to the Fat Frogg for Trivia on Tuesday nights. And there are the cooks from The Root who end their Thursdays with a beer at The Oak House. Smith did not think the lounge would be as busy as it is; in fact, he thought he’d be closing early. He has the opposite problem now: students do not want to leave. Representatives from student organizations have even started to approach Smith and Ward about hosting events at The Oak House. Student Union Board SUBLive co-chair Charles Racioppo met with Smith to plan the SUBLive Open Mic Night held during Family Weekend. After the event, students asked Racioppo when The Oak House would host the next SUBLive event. “There’s nothing definite for next semester,” Racioppo said, “but we want to go out of the box and expand a bit. We want to do something we haven’t done before.” At the moment, The Oak House is working on ways to attract the community outside of the university. Winter and summer breaks can hurt small businesses at Elon. Smith wants locals to come in, but with floods of Elon students, faculty and staff, he worries that they may not have the best experience. “We need to plan in thoughtful and intentional ways,” Smith said, “so as to achieve balance without turning away the crowd, but also welcoming the folks outside the Elon community.”
Elon University students and community members explored the cuisine, arts and recreational activities Alamance County has to offer through Welcome to Your Neighborhood, an event sponsored by the Elon Community Church. The event was created last year after discussions between the church’s university relations committee and Elon faculty and staff. “When we formed in January 2013, we met with faculty and staff at Elon,” said Committee Chair Sherry Scott, “We asked what the needs of the students were.” According to Scott, University Chaplain Jan Fuller said students need to learn what the area outside of Elon has to offer them. She wanted to come up with a way to help students find restaurants off campus. That proved to be a difficult feat for the committee. “We had no way of helping students find restaurants,” Scott said. “So we decided to bring the restaurants to students.” Scott and the rest of the university relations committee sought out a variety of restaurants from Italian-American to Southern to, of course, North Carolina barbeque. Next, they reached out to local recreational facilities like Burlington Parks and Recreation, Alamance Battleground Friends and the Burlington Velo Club. Scott explained that Welcome to Your Neighborhood not only introduces students to food and recreation, but also to local artisans. If a student likes to paint, they can talk to an artist who gives lessons. Students who want to act or volunteer can look into Stanfield Walker Studios and Studio One, the two theaters in Alamance County. “Everyone’s happy with who they’re meeting,” Scott said. “And they’re finding out things they wouldn’t otherwise know.” First years Lea Silverman and Micaela Soucy did not know the Burlington Co-op took Phoenix Cash until they were directed to the church on their way to Acorn. “I don’t know the restaurants in the area, so it’s good to get take-out menus,” Silverman said. Sophomore Kelly Reagan agreed. “It’s good to see what’s in the community,” she said, “Especially since I have a car this year, and I don’t really know what’s around.” The gathering is also a good way for local businesses to find support from the Elon community. Antioyne Rone lived his whole life in the town of Elon and has watched the university grow. He left the area for Atlanta in 2001, and when he came back, he was surprised at how much Elon had increased in size. “It needed people,” he said. Now, Rone said he hopes the growth will benefit his family’s new restaurant Delightful Soul, a Southern-style restaurant that opened five weeks ago. The business had been a catering company for 10 years, but customers clamored for a restaurant. One of the organizers of Welcome to Your Neighborhood approached Rone at Delightful Soul and asked if he would set up a stand at the event. He jumped at the opportunity. “We needed exposure,” he said. “We cook from our heart and soul, and it shows in the food.” Reagan, Silverman and Soucy want to support Rone and the other small business owners in the area. “It makes us more aware of what’s in the community, especially since Elon is a bubble,” Reagan said. “We need to support Alamance County.”
Elon University’s Fellows programs offer students looking for more rigorous coursework a path to pursue an added challenge.
Elon University hosted the event “Troy Davis: The Human Face of the Death Penalty” Thursday. Troy Davis’ case incited international controversy when the state of Georgia executed him in September 2011, despite compelling evidence to invoke reasonable doubt. The program featured a discussion led by the sister of Troy Davis, Kimberly Davis, and co-author of “I Am Troy Davis,” Jen Marlowe. The seats, aisles and even the stage of Yeager Recital Hall were crowded with Elon students, faculty, staff and community members. Elon’s Criminal Justice Studies, Pre-Law Program, African and African-American Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies sponsored the event. “The fight to end the death penalty —that is the fight that the rest of Troy’s family is still fighting in the trenches, day in and day out,” Marlowe said. The presentation began with Davis recounting the details of her brother’s long legal battle. Troy Davis was convicted for the 1989 murder of police officer Mark MacPhail in Savannah, Georgia, in spite of a lack of substantial evidence. During the 20 years between Davis’ conviction and execution, he gained public support worldwide, including that of Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former President Jimmy Carter and the human rights organization Amnesty International. An evidentiary hearing held in 2010 presented affidavits in which seven of the nine murder witnesses changed or recanted their previous testimony. Despite such defense efforts, the prosecution used further controversial evidence, which eventually resulted in Troy Davis’ conviction being upheld. The U.S Supreme Court denied the appeal of Davis’ case and he was executed Sept. 21, 2011. “It was a case I didn’t know about,” said junior Emily Usher. “I really like the message they promoted, which was fighting against corruption in general.” After Davis presented the details of Troy Davis’ struggle, Marlowe introduced several community members who read passages from her book, “I Am Troy Davis.” The readers included Elon senior Alex Dawson, sophomore Tucker Kelly, University of North Carolina at Wilmington professor Kimberly Cook and human rights activist Tory Brown. Marlowe reached out to the Davis family after seeing Troy Davis’ sister, Martina Davis, on the television show “Democracy Now.” During Troy Davis’ stay in prison, Marlowe was able to frequently correspond with Davis through writing letters. Marlowe used veiled questions in her letters, so Davis was able to aid in writing Marlowe’s book without being detected by strict prison officials. After Troy’s execution, Martina received a letter from her brother urging her to write the book. Martina and Marlowe began worked on the book for the next two months, until she passed away from breast cancer. Kimberly Davis urged audience members to fight against injustice. “We need to take information into the community and stand up for something that’s right,” Davis said. “We need to stand up for what is right and stand up for justice.” Following the presentation, Marlowe had T-shirts with “I Am Troy Davis” on them, with proceeds going to the educational fees of the Davis family children.
On Saturday, 448 paint-covered Elon University students, faculty and staff were scattered all over South Campus after participating in the Colorful Run. Students ran and walked the 1.7 mile course to raise money for Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center. As participants followed the course along the cross country trails, they navigated through clouds of colored powder thrown in every direction. “The fact that I got to run with my friends, get covered in colors and raise money for such a deserving cause was incredible,” said first year Ian Heaton. “I’m definitely going to do this every year.” The Colorful Run, which is based on the Hindu springtime celebration called Holi, involves blasting festival-goers with a powdered cornstarch dye as a symbol of joy and goodness. The walkers and runners paid a $15 registration fee to participate, with the money going directly to Duke Children’s Hospital. First brought to Elon in 2012, the Colorful Run is sponsored by Elonthon and Campus Recreation. The “fun factor” of the event motivates people who wouldn’t typically be active to participate and make the most of the experience. “Collaborative exercise, as well as adding fun into the mix, encourages a lot of people who don’t regularly participate in physical activity to get involved,” said Health and Human Performance lecturer Elizabeth Bailey. The run is a part of a growing national trend toward cloaking exercise in fun guises, such as the Raleigh Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, which has grown a faithful following thanks to its unique style of blaring rock music while marathoners run the course. Members of the Elonthon committee were cheerleaders for the day as they stood alongside the course and motivated the participants. In the midst of the craziness and excitement, it was easy to forget the reason for running that day. But thanks to the Elonthon committee members, students were reminded of the real reason for the run — it’s all For The Kids. “Since I’m a part of the Elonthon committee, I see a lot of the hard work that goes into planning events like this, and it’s awesome to know how much of a difference things like this make for the families who need us,” said junior Katie Dalton. The 2015 Elonthon Dance Marathon is scheduled for April 10-11 in Alumni Gym. Last year, it faltered with a drop in donors and participants, from which organizers seek to rebound for this year’s event to come.
The recent disappearance of University of Virginia sophomore Hannah Graham has sent shock waves through the country. Graham’s disappearance serves as a tragic reminder that college students must use extreme caution when walking around after dark. At Elon University, the easiest and most effective way to keep safe at night is to travel around the campus with a group of friends. If, for some reason, you become separated from your friends or find yourself walking alone, Elon Campus Safety and Police offers a security escort service every day of the week from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. It is a common misconception that walking home alone is safe as long as you are on the phone with someone. The office of Campus Safety and Police strongly disagrees. This practice does more harm than good. If you are talking on your phone, it leaves you unaware of your surroundings and more likely to be approached by someone. Being distracted makes you an easy target for burglary or assault. If you find yourself in an unsafe situation, seek out the blue lights around campus, which serves a twofold purpose. First, it allows students, faculty and staff to raise alarm and connect with security during an emergency. Secondly, it is to give the campus a secure feeling. While in the presence of blue lights, students know there is a way to get a rapid response when needed. According to Dennis Franks, the director of Campus Safety and Police, Elon’s campus has 35 blue lights across its campus. New blue lights are added as needed, and Frank’s office evaluates requests for new blue lights from the community. Recent additions to the blue light system include Loy Farm and Arts West. Typical to any college, most on-campus crime at Elon results from Liquor Law Violations. With that said, the campus is not immune to violent crime. During the 2014 spring semester, a local man was charged with rape and burglary at an off-campus house party on West College Avenue. Although the administration and campus security make every effort to keep Elon safe for all its students, it is important to remember that incidents like the Graham case can happen to anyone, anywhere. No matter where you are on campus, it is critical to practice caution and to be aware of your surroundings.
UPDATED: This story has been updated to include new information shared by the Delta Delta Delta house captain.
With the international economy becoming more and more intertwined, Consul General Christoph Sander of the Federal Republic of Germany came to Elon University Wednesday evening to talk transatlantic trade and ongoing economic issues within his home country.
The events in Ferguson, Missouri started with police officer Darren Wilson stopping Mike Brown in the street. The legality of these stops, done by police all over the country, was the subject of the Elon University School of Law’s forum with legal experts from around the area.
The construction of the new Inman Admissions Center, which will integrate Elon University’s financial planning, recruiting and admissions staff, is on schedule to be complete by early January. “The building phase is moving along quite well,” said Brad Moore, university architect and director of planning, design and construction management. “We’ve almost wrapped up the exterior of the building. Inside, we’ve started putting in drywall and the first coats of paint.” By early 2015, staff will begin relocating to the new two-story, 32,000 square-foot building. Many offices are already coordinating their move. Greg Zaiser, vice president of admissions and financial planning, said most of the office furniture will arrive soon. The Nugent lobby, which will provide seating and information in the front atrium for current and prospective students, will be one of the first spaces to be furnished. If construction continues on schedule, “financial planning, the welcome center and graduate admissions will proceed in moving in the early part of next year,” Zaiser said. The move, however, would need to precede Elon’s application deadlines on Jan. 10. “We don’t want to be out of commission during that time,” Zaiser said. “It’s one of our busiest of the entire year.” The admissions and financial planning staff helped plan the building’s interior design. Most have already scouted out their potential office locations. “In terms of work space and work flow, we had to consider the public space we need to accommodate all of our visitors,” Zaiser said. Students are also considering public spaces. Many are glad the construction of the new admissions building is almost over. Its completion will make it easier to get to East Campus without having to circumvent construction barriers, especially those who live in the Loy Center or other areas near the ongoing construction. “It’s hard to get around everything right now, so I’m glad that the admissions center will be completed soon,” said senior Mackenzie Kiger. Kiger also said that while it will be convenient to have all admissions-related offices in one area, she worries about the lack of parking spaces for students and faculty. The Inman Admissions Center will feature a new 70-space parking lot on its north side for visitors only. — perhaps the biggest criticism of students. “A bigger building for admissions is good, but I still wish there was more parking for students,” said freshman Daniel Roth. While the university may have had sacrificed on some student parking, Zaiser said he was excited to “become one department with financial aid and admissions.” “We have not been physically together in a decade,” Zaiser said. “Sharing one space will be much more customer friendly for currently enrolled students, prospective students and families. Ultimately, this will serve everyone.” The Inman Admissions Center will not be dedicated until spring of 2015, though the facility will be in complete use before that time.
Despite Elon University’s “slow growth” trajectory, as outlined under the Elon Commitment, appointments to the Writing Center have increased a little faster, with consultations more than doubling within the last six years. As the student-run service has grown, it has grappled with how to remain relevant and where to draw the line between enabling and editing. Recently, the Writing Center has undergone renovations, adding a new presentation practice room and two multimedia studios that give students hands-on experience with the latest technology. The number of consultants available to students, faculty and staff helps keep wait times down, consisting of 40-60 fully trained consultants to help the community with writing. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance — online, over-the-phone or in-person to keep the line moving. The number of sessions scheduled with the Writing Center consultants continues to increase. The number of sessions has more than doubled in the last six years, resulting in about 3,200 sessions last year alone. More so than the Writing Center, the Writing Excellence Initiative admitted that there was a flaw in Elon’s writing education programs across majors. That’s not to say problems don’t exist in the center as it stands. Students who have recently had appointments in the Writing Center aren’t all happy. From complaints about bias to grumbles about wait times, first-year students in particular haven’t all been pleased. “The session seemed to be very rushed,” first-year Jordane Mink said. “I understand that the consultants have a lot on their plates, but I wish I would have received more input in my writing.” The Writing Center consultants stress that they want students to voluntarily sign up for a session. Professors are encouraged to discuss the value of the resource to students, and possibly add a small incentive for making use of it, but are asked to refrain from making it a requirement. “We are not the police. We don’t want to be a punishment,” said Paula Rosinksi, director of the Writing Center and associate professor of English. On the whole, students on campus report mostly positive experiences and have gone on to recommend the service to others. “This is a great resource to have,” said first-year Jacquelyn McGorty. “It’s extremely beneficial and a good use of time.” So far this year, the Writing Center has had a steady flow of students, faculty, staff and members of the Elon community in and out of its doors. The visible space, online scheduling and raised awareness across campus have been a major factor to the increased success of the Writing Center. One idea currently being developed is a new family of Elon Fellows — Writing Fellows. Fellows would be trained consultants would be paired with a faculty member who would provide them with assignments. The student and the professor would be able to develop writing assignments and provide feedback, allowing them to learn from one another.
For a group of 27 Elon University seniors, giving back to the university has taken priority over taking a dip in one of the fountains or stealing a brick before walking Under the Oaks one last time this spring. The Senior Giving Campaign, expected to be the largest on record, has been spreading the word about making donations to the university and giving back to the community they say has given them the ideal college experience. Senior Allison Fox, committee chair, said the initiative is off to a promising start. “We’re doing great,” Fox said, “We have 59 donations but for just being a month in or so and just launching the campaign, I think its great.” Reaching that amount of participants is no easy task. Between looking for a job, applying to graduate schools and trying to enjoy their last year as Elon students, the senior class has a lot going on. Giving extra money to the university on top of tuition isn’t always at the top of the list. Fox said the key to getting her classmates to participate is all about explaining what the money is going toward: The recommended donation of $20.15, the cost of roughly 10 cups of coffee, will help build a strong foundation for Elon’s future. “I think it’s really important for an institution to have a strong alumni support in order to grow, get new buildings and stay on the radar as a credible university,” she said. Since its inception, the Senior Giving Campaign has grown; last year’s participation was 41 percent, a record that this year’s seniors are attempting to surpass. Senior George Riter, student relations vice-chair, got involved when he saw how the university’s finances were broken down. “It’s amazing to find out that tuition doesn’t cover all the school’s expenses, and it’s important for alumni to give back to make sure that their old school will continue to thrive,” Riter said. As for this round of donations, Riter said students have the freedom to funnel their money to the their favorite department or club. “You can donate to your favorite department, club, organization or Elon’s biggest need, to name a few,” he said. “Additionally, I think it’s important to talk to seniors early in the year, that way they can see all their money can do, and also allow them to budget effectively.” Those interested in donating can log into the Elon website and find the page (www.elon.edu/e-web/advancement/senior-gift/) or simply contact any members on the campaign’s committee. In upcoming weeks, the campaign will also have a booth set up at College Coffee and is in the process of planning more events.
The results of a recent Gallup poll indicate North Carolinians have varied thoughts when it comes to the state’s climate surrounding religion and the attitudes toward minorities, among other topics. These factors point to a general welcoming climate, and in a state with unsteady levels of acceptance, Elon University students and alumni have mixed feelings about living in North Carolina. The poll was conducted nationally between January and July 2014 and sampled residents of all 50 states according to population. The information for North Carolina residents appears in the North Carolina Scorecard. In addition to satisfaction and culture, the survey also asked questions about politics and economics. In the survey, 63 percent of North Carolina residents indicated they would remain in the state, compared to the national average of 65 percent. In addition, 83 percent indicated they are satisfied with their city or area, the same as the national average. Elon junior Kirby Vuocolo, from Pennsylvania, said she wants to stay in the state after graduation. “I feel safe, and people in general are just nice,” Vuocolo said. “People talk to you in line at the supermarket. There’s a quaintness here. Everything is so close, but it’s still rural.” Lauren Duffy, director of employer and corporate relations for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and a 2008 Elon alumna from the Washington, D.C. area, lived in Paris, Baltimore and Arkansas after graduation. But in 2012, she decided to move back to North Carolina. “There was a peaceful atmosphere in North Carolina that wasn’t in the D.C. area,” Duffy said. “I didn’t know much about North Carolina when I was a student. Now, I have a better understanding of the state.” She and her husband, also an Elon alumnus, moved to Raleigh and Duffy said it’s the best place she’s lived. “We really chose to come back to North Carolina based on our experience at Elon,” Duffy said. “We just appreciate the Southern culture, but in Raleigh we have amenities of the Northeast, like the arts and culture.” Arayael Brandner, an alumni engagement officer for the mid-Atlantic region and a 2013 Elon alumna, said she decided to stay in North Carolina to pursue a career in higher education. She said she has noticed general trends with students staying in the state in her tenure in the alumni office. “A lot of students who stay go to cities like Raleigh or Durham,” she said. “A lot of young alumni end up in my [mid-Atlantic] region. I think a lot of people come back and settle here. This is a good place to raise a family. A lot of people venture out and if nothing sticks, they come back to North Carolina.” But in the poll, only 34 percent of people indicated that North Carolina was the best or one of the best states to live in, compared to the national average of 46 percent who said their state was one of the best. Sophomore Mackenzie Dunn, from New York, said that the area around Elon doesn’t have the same offerings as her home environment. “For me, coming from a big city, here is really different,” she said. “I miss being closer to a city. It feels remote for me. The Elon area is sort of removed from the rest of North Carolina.” Dunn added that she decided to explore colleges in North Carolina after hearing about other New Yorkers who moved to the state. She said she would consider staying in the state after graduation because of the lower cost of living and job opportunities. “A lot of people from New York move down here because you have everything you need, but it’s a slower pace,” she said. “It’s also Southern but not so [far South].” But Thomas Arcaro, professor of sociology and director of Project Pericles, said that satisfaction is difficult to measure from polling. He said that people should look at the Gallup results with caution because some of the questions were “poorly conceived.” “There are so many factors that go into whether you’re satisfied or not, and few depend on where you live,” Arcaro said. “Happiness and satisfaction have to do with relationships and what you’re doing.” Arcaro said that one of the poll’s limitations is that people could answer based on a personal desire to justify their choice to live in North Carolina. “People want to affirm that they’ve made the right decision about where to live,” he said. In the culture section of the poll, over 50 percent of residents were “very religious,” compared to the national average of 41 percent. Vuocolo said that this atmosphere has influenced her experience in North Carolina. “I’ve always been very religious,” she said. “I’m in a Christian sorority. There are a lot of organizations both on campus and off campus to stay religious.” But Arcaro said that the religious atmosphere in North Carolina is difficult for non-Christians and non-believers, which can impact their satisfaction. He said that Christian beliefs influence many laws in the state, including Amendment One, the 2012 ban on same-sex marriage. “The arguments were almost exclusively biblically based,” Arcaro said. “That’s just an example of when [Christian] beliefs have affected society in a very significant way.” In the poll, more than 80 percent of residents said they thought their city or area was a good place for ethnic or racial minorities, about the same as the national average. Despite these poll findings, Arcaro said North Carolina, like other Southeastern states, isn’t friendly to minorities. “If your skin is a different color [than white], life is not the same,” he said. “Racism is alive and well in the U.S. and in North Carolina. I can’t imagine anyone who’s Latino or African-American responding this way in the survey.” Brandner said she thinks there aren’t many events around Elon to allow people to learn about different cultures. But she said that she goes to performing arts and athletic events at the university to be educated. “I think it’s becoming a more inclusive area,” she said. “I almost wish there was more in the area — more opportunities to learn about different cultures.” But Duffy, who lives in downtown Raleigh, said that the city has a welcoming atmosphere for minorities. “I think that Raleigh is a progressive city,” Duffy said. “But coming from the D.C. area, there are a lot more international people there.”