I just dropped off my D to Elon. I thought it would be nice to hear what we have experienced. First off, my D is at the campus as a URM. Never has she been pointed out or singled out by the school. She was invited to participate in the SMART program. Since she declined, she has never been harassed, nor have there been any signs on her door denoting her status.
As for Elon the school runs like clockwork. This is not my first child off to college and the orientation weekend and move in was seamless. In addition, all students must attend mandatory meetings and seminars all weekend long. These seminars covers topics like tolerance, drinking, drugs, activities and programs on campus, to banking options. Its insane how far this university goes to inform the students of all there is to offer and how they expect the students to behavior themselves.
In addition, there are programs for parents, siblings and grandparents during orientation weekend. No stone goes unturned.
On top of that everyone is super friendly and welcoming. If someone comes on this campus feeling unwelcomed, then its that person not the school. They bend over backwards to exude southern charm on all.
Every student meets with their academic adviser, as does the parent/guardian. That adviser is someone that is completely prepared to engage your student on all levels, from academics to social issues to emotional issues. It was very comforting to know that there was a surrogate parent there for my child. You leave feeling like your child/young adult is in good company.
At night the school always has fun events for the students. The first night their was a block party, then there was a hypnotist, a BBQ party, yesterday there was Sports Fest. As for the parties that people are always concerned about, so far the cops have been out in full force. According to my D they are out closing down any and all illegal drinking. There are no parties allowed on Frat/Sorority row.
So the threads that put Elon down for mistreating URM students are definitely not the case and the partying atmosphere is not quite what people have depicted either.
Perhaps the school is getting stricter, I’m not sure but this is what Elon is like now.
As for academics. Its even more than what I could have hoped for. All of my D’s teachers have made it a point to reach out to their students. They offer extra credit points if you ask them out for tea or coffee. Or they make it mandatory that you visit them at some point. Its no wonder Elon is number 1 in the nation for student/teacher engagement. It starts from the second they get on the campus. My D is taking 17 credits and in the first week has met with all her professors except one.
The classes range from 11 students to 25. The teachers are amazing and truly engaging.
If you are thinking about applying to Elon, definitely visit and see for yourself. This school is phenomenal!!!