2015 Freshman Experience

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!!!

Dungareedoll, I am so happy to hear about the improvements made to the SMART program since my kid enrolled there in the fall of 2013. My daughter knew nothing about it when she arrived on campus to find the sign on her door, and on the door of the one other person of color in her dorm (historic neighborhood). I think it is wonderful that the school responded by making that change, and I give them a lot of credit for that. In fact, I give Elon administration a lot of credit for the efforts that they made/are making in terms of making the college community there more accepting and creating a more diverse environment. Best of all, it sounds to me from what I read in the news online ( http://www.thetimesnews.com/article/20150512/News/305129844 )
that the students at Elon are taking the reins and saying that they won’t tolerate anything less than acceptance and tolerance of every student on campus, which is what has to happen not only at Elon, but at every school in the country in order to stop these racist incidents from happening. I am hoping your D continues to have a positive experience at Elon and I wish her the best.

Hi!
I am a HS junior coming from a Catholic College Preparatory School in which academics are very serious and getting involved is key. I am not part of the party scene and am much more known for my student involvement and leadership. I REALLY am looking for a school that fits my personality of working hard and having a desire to strive as a well rounded person so I started looking at Elon.

I have heard different descriptions if Elon, both good and bad. Im hoping that a parent of a freshmen at Elon might be able to tell me if that school fits the well-rounded social and academic environment I am looking for. Maybe you can reassure me that the school is a good fit.

Anything you comment is much appreciated and I thank you for your help.

Btw congrats on your daughters experience!