New Student Orientation

First-Year FAQ Students discussing in class

How much “spending money” will I need per month?

Everyone is different – it all depends on you. Some students survive with $75 per month, while others spend $400 per month. How much do you typically spend at home? Factors include whether or not you have a car, if you eat out a lot, and how many visits you make to the mall.

Where can I find employment at Elon?

There are jobs available campus-wide. There is a job board on the first floor of Duke. Be sure to watch for job opportunities on the Elon television station, check E-Net!, or visit: www.elon.edu/employment/students.

When can I start taking an active role on campus?

The Organization Fair is Friday, September 1st and is a great time look into the organizations you may want to be a part of. Visit www.elon.edu/students/organizations for a complete list of organizations or stop by the Center for Leadership, Moseley 224. Freshman elections for the Student Government Association will be on September 6th and 7th. Contact SGA at sga@elon.edu for more information. If you are interested in Greek Life, Elon has a deferred recruitment process which occurs after your first semester; visit www.elon.edu/greeklife for more information.

How does the Phoenix Card work?

This card serves as your student identification card, meal plan card, Phoenix Cash, and also as an optional link to a Wachovia bank account. Your meal plan can be used at any of the on-campus food service venues. Phoenix Cash can be used on and off-campus venues that are part of the Phoenix Cash program. Your Phoenix Card will also allow you to get free tickets to both cultural and athletic events! For more information please visit: www.elon.edu/phoenixcard

Can I ship my belongings to Elon?

If you are flying to Elon or want to save space in the car, you are welcome to ship your belongings to your campus box. Please address the boxes with your name and campus box, and clearly label the boxes as “New Student.” Due to limited space, trunks cannot be shipped.

Example: John Smith "NEW STUDENT"

XXXX Campus Box

Elon, NC 27244

What can I do if I do not get along with my roommate?

It may take some time getting used to living in a dorm room, but having a roommate is part of the fun of college. If you have any problems with your roommate your Senior Resident Advisor (SRA) and Resident Advisor (RA) who live on the hall will be there to assist you in the transition into your new home.

Do I need to have a computer in my room?

Not necessarily, there are 20 computer labs with over 620 workstations on campus. If you wish to bring your own computer, please visit www.elon.edu/technology for the recommended requirements.

What is Elon 101?

Elon 101 is a group of approximately fifteen students who attend a class led by an Elon professor and an Elon 101 teacher assistant (T.A.). The class meets once a week for your first semester to help you learn more about Elon and one another. Your Elon 101 group is the same as your Orientation group that you will meet with prior to classes starting.

What is College Coffee & College Chapel?

Elon has many traditions that you will soon be a part of, and College Coffee & College Chapel are two of them. Every Tuesday and Thursday the campus gathers for the events. College Coffee (Tuesday from 9:40am - 10:20am) allows Elon faculty and staff to meet around Fonville Fountain with Elon students and enjoy a complimentary breakfast. College Chapel (Thursday from 9:50am - 10:20am) is held at Whitley Auditorium. This is a nondenominational service open to the entire Elon community.

What classes should I take?

Your course load is the total number of "semester hours" (or "credit hours") of the courses you register for in a given semester. For example, if you register for four 4-hour courses, you will be in class 16 hours a week -- and you will have a 16 semester-hour course load.

Most students enrolling at Elon take five classes (15-18 credit hours) in their first semester. They select two courses from the First-Year Core, two courses from the Liberal Studies Areas and Elon 101. Some students will also enroll in one or two special interest courses like choir, PE or dance.

The First Year Core classes include:

*General Studies 110, the Global Experience: 4 semester hours
*English 110, College Writing: 4 semester hours
Mathematics (MTH 112, 121 or higher excluding MTH 210): 4 semester hours
Health Education 111, Wellness: 2 semester hours

*Note: Because of the writing load involved in GST 110 and ENG 110, these two courses are not taken in the same semester.

Liberal Studies courses are selected from four general areas: Expression, Civilization, Society and Science/Analysis. The courses in these four categories can be found in the Academic catalog.

Elon 101 is a 1 credit-hour course of about 15 people. You will learn about life at Elon and help prepare yourself for college-level study. The instructor you have for Elon 101 will be your academic advisor until you declare a major.

What if I don't get the classes I want?

The Academic Advising staff to tries to ensure that you are assigned to classes that you have requested and that meet your Liberal Studies degree requirements. If you suspect a mistake has been made (e.g., you've been enrolled in a course at too high or too low a level), you should consult Academic Advising in Duke 108, (336) 278-6500.

During the first day or two of every semester, there is a period of "drop and add" where students may, with the approval of their advisor, drop a class they are enrolled in without any penalty and/or add an additional class if there are spaces available. Students may continue to drop a course without penalty for several weeks into the semester, until the "last day to drop a course," which is indicated in the Academic Calendar; however, dropping after "drop and add day" may result in only partial (or no) refund of the tuition. Dropping a course after the "last day to drop a course" will result in an F for the course.

What kind of relationship can I expect to have with my instructors?

You can expect to find instructors who want to get to know you, who want to help you and who want to share their passion for their subject. However, you can't just stand back and wait!

What makes Elon different from many large schools is that you will have access to faculty members. They will teach you, take time to answer your questions and be available to you. They will spend hours planning for the classes they teach you, evaluating your assignments and staying on top of their fields to know what's current. Elon faculty will learn your name, become familiar with your work and cheer you on to new accomplishments.

To be sure, there are differences in faculty. Some are funnier than others. Some are more patient and express more compassion than others. Some may ask you to call them by their first name, while others will prefer you call them "Dr." or "Professor." But one thing you can count on with all faculty members at Elon is that they care about your future and helping you reach your potential.

How hard will my classes be?

We want you to apply yourself and stretch your mind. Your professors will give you assignments that will push your reading, research and communication skills. They will ask you to think about new issues, to consider various alternatives. You will need to think about classwork and homework differently than you did in high school.

If you're in a class and feeling lost or confused, you should notify the instructor. Special tutoring with peer tutors may be arranged through tutoring services. The professor will be glad to help you get over a hurdle in understanding.

Try as they might, students do occasionally fail or complete below-average work in classes. Elon's policy on Repeat Courses (see catalog for entire policy) says that students may repeat courses within four semesters of attendance (excluding winter and summer session) and that only the most recent grade is counted (rather than any previous grade). While this policy doesn't apply for multiple repeats of a course, it does allow most students a second chance to raise their grade without any permanent damage to their grade point average.

When should I declare a major?

Students may declare a major after their first semester on campus. Most students have declared a major by the end of their sophomore year. If desired, a second major and/or a minor may also be selected at that time or later. Students should be aware that changing majors late in the junior year or in the senior year may delay graduation, as students must meet the requirements of a major, not just acquire the requisite 132 hours of credit for graduation. Some majors at Elon require that you make an early commitment and plan your courses carefully in order for you to fulfill the requirements in a timely manner.

Students who would like help in selecting a major may enroll in COE 110, Exploring Careers/Majors, for one semester hour of credit. This course is offered both fall and spring semesters. To declare a major, students complete a form in the Office of Academic Advising, Duke 108.


What to Expect What to Bring Move-in Day/Schedule Orientation Directions About the Area Orientation Home About the Web site First-Year Summer Experience First-Year Q & A Common Reading Campus Dining Phoenix Card Bursar's Office Parking Campus Shop Other Services Setup Tips Troubleshooting Specs & Software E-mail Cable & Phone Technology Support Staying Connected Contact Info Parent Questions Family Weekend New Student Orientation Home	First-Year FAQ How much “spending money” will I need per month? Everyone is different – it all depends on you. Some students survive with $75 per month, while others spend $400 per month. How much do you typically spend at home? Factors include whether or not you have a car, if you eat out a lot, and how many visits you make to the mall. Where can I find employment at Elon? There are jobs available campus-wide. There is a job board on the first floor of Duke. Be sure to watch for job opportunities on the Elon television station, check E-Net!, or visit: www.elon.edu/employment/students. When can I start taking an active role on campus? The Organization Fair is Friday, September 1st and is a great time look into the organizations you may want to be a part of. Visit www.elon.edu/students/organizations for a complete list of organizations or stop by the Center for Leadership, Moseley 224. Freshman elections for the Student Government Association will be on September 6th and 7th. Contact SGA at sga@elon.edu for more information. If you are interested in Greek Life, Elon has a deferred recruitment process which occurs after your first semester; visit www.elon.edu/greeklife for more information. How does the Phoenix Card work? This card serves as your student identification card, meal plan card, Phoenix Cash, and also as an optional link to a Wachovia bank account. Your meal plan can be used at any of the on-campus food service venues. Phoenix Cash can be used on and off-campus venues that are part of the Phoenix Cash program. Your Phoenix Card will also allow you to get free tickets to both cultural and athletic events! For more information please visit: www.elon.edu/phoenixcard Can I ship my belongings to Elon? If you are flying to Elon or want to save space in the car, you are welcome to ship your belongings to your campus box. Please address the boxes with your name and campus box, and clearly label the boxes as “New Student.” Due to limited space, trunks cannot be shipped. Example: John Smith "NEW STUDENT" XXXX Campus Box Elon, NC 27244 What can I do if I do not get along with my roommate? It may take some time getting used to living in a dorm room, but having a roommate is part of the fun of college. If you have any problems with your roommate your Senior Resident Advisor (SRA) and Resident Advisor (RA) who live on the hall will be there to assist you in the transition into your new home. Do I need to have a computer in my room? Not necessarily, there are 20 computer labs with over 620 workstations on campus. If you wish to bring your own computer, please visit www.elon.edu/technology for the recommended requirements. What is Elon 101? Elon 101 is a group of approximately fifteen students who attend a class led by an Elon professor and an Elon 101 teacher assistant (T.A.). The class meets once a week for your first semester to help you learn more about Elon and one another. Your Elon 101 group is the same as your Orientation group that you will meet with prior to classes starting. What is College Coffee & College Chapel? Elon has many traditions that you will soon be a part of, and College Coffee & College Chapel are two of them. Every Tuesday and Thursday the campus gathers for the events. College Coffee (Tuesday from 9:40am - 10:20am) allows Elon faculty and staff to meet around Fonville Fountain with Elon students and enjoy a complimentary breakfast. College Chapel (Thursday from 9:50am - 10:20am) is held at Whitley Auditorium. This is a nondenominational service open to the entire Elon community. What classes should I take? Your course load is the total number of "semester hours" (or "credit hours") of the courses you register for in a given semester. For example, if you register for four 4-hour courses, you will be in class 16 hours a week -- and you will have a 16 semester-hour course load. Most students enrolling at Elon take five classes (15-18 credit hours) in their first semester. They select two courses from the First-Year Core, two courses from the Liberal Studies Areas and Elon 101. Some students will also enroll in one or two special interest courses like choir, PE or dance. The First Year Core classes include: General Studies 110, the Global Experience: 4 semester hours English 110, College Writing: 4 semester hours Mathematics (MTH 112, 121 or higher excluding MTH 210): 4 semester hours Health Education 111, Wellness: 2 semester hours Note: Because of the writing load involved in GST 110 and ENG 110, these two courses are not taken in the same semester. Liberal Studies courses are selected from four general areas: Expression, Civilization, Society and Science/Analysis. The courses in these four categories can be found in the Academic catalog. Elon 101 is a 1 credit-hour course of about 15 people. You will learn about life at Elon and help prepare yourself for college-level study. The instructor you have for Elon 101 will be your academic advisor until you declare a major. What if I don't get the classes I want?* The Academic Advising staff to tries to ensure that you are assigned to classes that you have requested and that meet your Liberal Studies degree requirements. If you suspect a mistake has been made (e.g., you've been enrolled in a course at too high or too low a level), you should consult Academic Advising in Duke 108, (336) 278-6500. During the first day or two of every semester, there is a period of "drop and add" where students may, with the approval of their advisor, drop a class they are enrolled in without any penalty and/or add an additional class if there are spaces available. Students may continue to drop a course without penalty for several weeks into the semester, until the "last day to drop a course," which is indicated in the Academic Calendar; however, dropping after "drop and add day" may result in only partial (or no) refund of the tuition. Dropping a course after the "last day to drop a course" will result in an F for the course. What kind of relationship can I expect to have with my instructors? You can expect to find instructors who want to get to know you, who want to help you and who want to share their passion for their subject. However, you can't just stand back and wait! What makes Elon different from many large schools is that you will have access to faculty members. They will teach you, take time to answer your questions and be available to you. They will spend hours planning for the classes they teach you, evaluating your assignments and staying on top of their fields to know what's current. Elon faculty will learn your name, become familiar with your work and cheer you on to new accomplishments. To be sure, there are differences in faculty. Some are funnier than others. Some are more patient and express more compassion than others. Some may ask you to call them by their first name, while others will prefer you call them "Dr." or "Professor." But one thing you can count on with all faculty members at Elon is that they care about your future and helping you reach your potential. How hard will my classes be? We want you to apply yourself and stretch your mind. Your professors will give you assignments that will push your reading, research and communication skills. They will ask you to think about new issues, to consider various alternatives. You will need to think about classwork and homework differently than you did in high school. If you're in a class and feeling lost or confused, you should notify the instructor. Special tutoring with peer tutors may be arranged through tutoring services. The professor will be glad to help you get over a hurdle in understanding. Try as they might, students do occasionally fail or complete below-average work in classes. Elon's policy on Repeat Courses (see catalog for entire policy) says that students may repeat courses within four semesters of attendance (excluding winter and summer session) and that only the most recent grade is counted (rather than any previous grade). While this policy doesn't apply for multiple repeats of a course, it does allow most students a second chance to raise their grade without any permanent damage to their grade point average. When should I declare a major? Students may declare a major after their first semester on campus. Most students have declared a major by the end of their sophomore year. If desired, a second major and/or a minor may also be selected at that time or later. Students should be aware that changing majors late in the junior year or in the senior year may delay graduation, as students must meet the requirements of a major, not just acquire the requisite 132 hours of credit for graduation. Some majors at Elon require that you make an early commitment and plan your courses carefully in order for you to fulfill the requirements in a timely manner. Students who would like help in selecting a major may enroll in COE 110, Exploring Careers/Majors, for one semester hour of credit. This course is offered both fall and spring semesters. To declare a major, students complete a form in the Office of Academic Advising, Duke 108.