The 262 leading colleges and universities that host Phi Beta Kappa Chapters have set the standard for quality in arts and sciences. To achieve this level of quality, Elon is making major new investments in people, programs and facilities, creating a climate that rewards and recognizes scholarship. It may take several years to qualify for a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, but in Elon's case, the journey is as important as the goal. The result will be a strengthened and more visible program of arts and sciences.
Build a prestigious honors program
In response to the increasing academic credentials of incoming students, Elon has created 40 Honors Fellows scholarships, giving top students in all fields of study a minimum of $9,500 annually in merit-based aid. Honors Fellows also receive $750 international study grants and are eligible to live in the Honors Pavilion in the Academic Village. During their four years, Honors Fellows take demanding courses that focus on writing, research and critical thinking skills, preparing for a senior capstone: the honors thesis.
Attract and retain excellent faculty members
Elon's rich intellectual community is based on close interaction and mentoring relationships between students and faculty. To continue to enhance the quality of the faculty, Elon will hire additional full-time faculty (more than 78 have been hired since 2000), increase the percentage of faculty members with terminal degrees in their fields and reduce the number of non-tenure-track lines. Faculty and staff salaries will rank in the top third of the Associated New American Colleges. Funding will be expanded for faculty research and development, as well as sabbaticals. Elon will establish a Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning to ensure that Elon remains among the nation's leaders and innovators in undergraduate education.
Increase spending on technology and library resources
Elon continues to make major investments to meet the goal of becoming a national leader in technology-enhanced learning. The focus of the plan is to give all members of the community easy access to technology anywhere on campus, preparing students for an information-based world. A major thrust of the strategy includes substantial annual increases in the acquisition budget for Carol Grotnes Belk Library, and expanding databases, online journal access and other electronic and print resources.
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