<p>I was planning to drop off my son, get him settled in his dorm, and then depart. The college seems to encourage staying overnight and attending convocation. I would rather get out of my son's hair. Is there any point in staying? What are your plans?</p>
<p>As the parent of a rising sophomore who stayed last year for convocation, I would now say that I would not would have wanted to miss it…</p>
<p>It is steeped in tradition and revelry and is a great start to an Elon college education for both the student and the parents…</p>
<p>You will not be in your son’s hair on Friday night because there are dorm activities scheduled all night (without parents)…</p>
<p>Most parents left sometime on Saturday afternoon/evening, depending on their methods of transportation…we drove back last year right smack into Hurricane Irene on Saturday (a trip I will not soon forget!); hope you have better luck…</p>
<p>We are staying overnight and attending convocation on Saturday. I also view it as an opportunity to purchase anything on Friday afternoon that we forgot to bring with us!</p>
<p>I agree that unless staying for convocation is a huge hardship I recommend staying for it. The students get dressed up and process in. It a a really nice ceremony. Gives you some time to do last minute shopping if needed. take your cue from your son/ daughter . You may want to leave them for a while and let them settle in, attend orientation sessions as needed and then connect with them again later. Go visit a winery or go shopping if you don’t want to hang around. But the morning convocation is beautiful.</p>
<p>Stay if you can,
it’s the welcome to your next 4 years in much the same way that graduation is congratulations for your hard work. Both are Ceremonies and not just aimed at the student.</p>
<p>My daughter is a rising junior. I highly recommend staying for Convocation if you can. It is a lovely and meaningful ceremony. It will foreshadow the graduation ceremony, which is held at the same site - in the morning, “under the oaks.” President Lambert speaks to the parents as well as the students. </p>
<p>They have a “farewell lunch” afterward, outdoors if weather permits. It’s casual, and a great time to meet a few new people and say a final, low-key goodbye.</p>
<p>I felt so bad for last year’s freshmen and families with the hurricane! Convocation the year before was beautiful.</p>
<p>Last year w the anticipation of the hurricane- the university rearranged the schedule Kudos to them! The convocation was at 5 PM the day of move-in. It was excellent. </p>
<p>We left at 4 AM the next morning to beat the storm. So we missed the luncheon which I heard was no big deal. At that point my D was launched.</p>
<p>Funny though, you might be surprised w your son & he might want you to hang around even though that is not his normal way… It can be a little scary for them- even if they are normally very independent, etc.</p>
<p>Hello, all. IMHO, you have to trust Elon not to steer you wrong. There is a well-thought purpose behind everything they do. From what I know so far, you need to take advantage of what they offer and attend when you can. It’s going to be four years, so don’t have any regrets.</p>
<p>Anyone know when the ceremony is this year?</p>
<p>9 am, Saturday August 25</p>
<p>[New</a> Student Programs](<a href=“Elon University / New Student Programs / First-Year Summer Experiences”>Elon University / New Student Programs / First-Year Summer Experiences)</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/students/orientation/2012%20Parents%20Schedule(1).pdf[/url]”>http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/students/orientation/2012%20Parents%20Schedule(1).pdf</a></p>