Watson and Odyssey Scholars bring powerful and unique experiences, perspectives, and leadership to Elon University. The cohort program harnesses the great potential of these Scholars and provides them with peer and administrative support so they can excel and impact Elon’s campus. Scholars move through a four-year, transformative curriculum that equips them with the skills necessary to make an impact on Elon University and the world.
First Year Curriculum: Identity Development and Acclimation
During the first year, Scholars meet once a month in their cohort to develop a better sense of self, find a niche at Elon University, and have identified peer, faculty, and staff supports. Through their cohort, Scholars identify their own unique skills, values, and experiences and understand how their unique experiences add value to Elon University.
Also during the first year, Scholars take part in the SMART mentoring program and the Academic Enrichment Program. These programs provide holistic student support to ensure Scholar success.
Sophomore Year Curriculum: Active Leadership
During the sophomore year, Scholars continue to meet once a month as a cohort. As sophomores, Scholars are highly involved on campus and thus the focus of this year is to produce an “active leader.” This concept means producing a Scholar who will be able to effectively lead groups on campus, be able to be a leader in the classroom and be able to challenge the status quo. Active leadership makes Scholars question the “so what” of leading: what difference is your leadership making on this campus and beyond? In order to give students an applicable way to use their leadership skills and in preparation of their junior year study abroad experience, the sophomore Scholars participate in a week long service trip to an underserved area of the United States.
During this trip, Scholars explore how their privilege can have power in other’s lives as well as understanding and observing different systems of oppression such as social, economic, and political. Understanding these concepts will allow students to make deeper meaning of their abroad experiences as well as how they can use their leadership to make change.
Junior Year Curriculum: A Global Perspective of Social Justice
Scholars are expected study abroad their junior year. In order to prepare Scholars’ minds to engage in a different culture, Scholars read a “global” book during the summer and spend the Fall semester discussing the global and cultural issues in the reading. The junior year curriculum provides Scholars with the necessary global perspective to process their experience abroad. Scholars are challenged to use their global perspective of social justice knowledge to become activists, allies, and advocates for populations in need.
Senior Year Curriculum: Personal and Professional Development
The senior year curriculum focuses on preparing Scholars for life after Elon University. Scholars receive individualized career and professional coaching. All Scholars learn how to navigate the job process as well as graduate school processes. Scholars are also trained in personal financial management and living independently.
Watson and Odyssey Legacy Nights
Once a month, Watson and Odyssey Scholars meet as an entire group to foster collective identity, community, and share their impact on campus. Legacy nights provide opportunities for all Scholars to support each other and harness their collective skills to impact Elon’s campus.
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