Elon University - NewCentury@Elon

Student Government Association
Discussion Summary – October 20, 2005
"On Arriving, Deepening and Sustaining: Key Questions about Elon University's Future"

Preface: Fifty-six student leaders from the Student Government Association joined Dr. Leo Lambert, Dr. Smith Jackson and Dean Jana Lynn Patterson for a dinner discussion at Maynard House. The students were divided into groups of eight. All groups discussed Question One regarding Elon’s strengths and general future direction. Each table received one of four additional questions for discussion. The results of the discussion are presented in summary form:

Question #1a. All groups – "If you visit Elon in 2020, what values and attributes of today's Elon would you want to have been preserved?

Many of the respondents felt that Elon’s strengths were centered in a strong sense of community and traditions; close, mentoring relationships among students, faculty and staff; and continual striving for excellence. The study abroad program was cited as a distinctive feature of the university that the group felt should remain a core experience of an Elon education. Group responses indicated that in 2020 they hoped the green spaces would continue to exist, that all facilities would remain in close physical proximity to the core of the campus, and that the physical beauty of the campus would continue to be a top priority. One student reported that Elon was a “hidden treasure” encompassing small classes, student involvement and an innovative spirit among students, faculty and staff. The group felt strongly that the university needs to keep tuition at a competitive rate. The group also expressed strong desire for those traditions that make Elon unique (i.e. College Coffee, turning 21, Holiday reception at Maynard House, Acorns and saplings) to continue to be a part of the Elon Experience.

Question #1b – All groups – "If you visit Elon in 2020, what would you hope to find that is not at Elon today?

The groups reported that Elon in 2020 should have a more diverse student body. Members of the group reported a desire to maintain the “niche” with intelligent, motivated, well rounded students and that there should not be an over-reliance on external measures (SAT scores) of student quality. Members of the group also reported a need for increasing interaction among diverse groups in the years to come.

The group hoped that Elon will not become “stagnant” and that the institution will strive to recruit faculty and staff who are tops in their fields.

Physically, the students reported the need for a convocation center that would house the entire student population. Members of the group hoped for a continued focus on ecological issues and sustainability, potentially incorporating a degree in horticulture or botany in the future.

Programmatically, the group expressed a desire for increased attention to the Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR) and suggested that requiring two ELR credits would enhance the university. The group also reported a need for higher levels of school spirit which is tied into increased quality and performance in athletic teams.

Four additional questions were discussed in a small group format and a summary was presented to the larger group:

The quality of Elon’s student body continues to rise. SAT scores for the class of 2009 average rose above 1200 for the first time. Are Elon students being sufficiently challenged academically?

The group indicated inconsistencies in the levels of academic challenge presented across the curriculum. Many reported that first-year core courses are lacking in challenge and rigor while upper-level courses present increasing levels of challenge and rigor to students. The group indicated that accreditation of programs (Love School of Business and Communications) has intensified the level of rigor in those programs. The students also indicated that it would be helpful to examine pre-requisites for upper-level courses so that professors can increase the level of rigor in those courses.

We have had great success with our Elon Experiences: study abroad, leadership, service learning, undergraduate research and internships. What would you recommend as the next level of quality in this area? Should we add another experience (what would it be?) or are there ways we should deepen the existing experiences?

The group presented different models for consideration, including expanding the Elon Experiences offerings (i.e. wellness) and requiring two Elon Experiences for graduation and leaving the requirement as it is. The group offered specific recommendations requiring each of the experiences:

Broaden offerings for study abroad to include more middle eastern (Israel), Asian (Thailand) and African offerings. Consider curricular reviews to better integrate study abroad participation into course requirements.
Provide increased focus on leadership as an avenue for Elon Experiences and clarify participation opportunities for all student leaders. Provide increased recognition for student leaders.
Expand service learning opportunities and provide greater depth for the requirement. Perhaps require a year-long service commitment to fulfill the ELR.
Student concept is that undergraduate research is primarily the physical sciences. Provide greater attention to undergraduate research in the liberal arts and social sciences as well.
Develop internship coordinators within each school, especially Elon College. Strengthen Career Center resources and alumni career networks.

How specifically can Elon further develop a culture of philanthropy in our community? What are the roles of trustees, alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends in such a long-term endeavor? What are the most compelling messages we can bring before donors as we strive to build Elon's endowment?

The student consensus was that much of what makes Elon great is due to the generosity of others. The group saw a tie between more athletic scholarships and an improved athletics program, and between more need-based scholarships and a more diverse student body. To this end the students recommended building philanthropy of service at the student level thorough emphasis on the Acorn Society. The group also felt it is important to strengthen class affiliation and build a stronger alumni presence and base. One specific program presented was for young alumni to pledge $25 for their first five years after graduation so that the habit of giving will be established.

A premier program of international education and top-rated pre-medical and pre-law programs have been suggested as prime foci for “deepening?” What other examples can you suggest and defend?

Students did not express a need for increasing graduate studies but felt Elon should emphasize the current programs. If the university considers additional graduate programs, those programs should be tied into a current undergraduate major and should provide for a seamless graduate experience for some students (i.e. a 5-year education masters degree). The students also expressed that the increased presence and integration of international students is important to deepening the campus experience.