Traditional Events

Chapel
Each Thursday morning, a 30-minute gathering allows students, faculty and staff to reflect on the spiritual side of their experience at Elon. Chapel programs are under the direction of the university's chaplain and often include student participation. Attendance at chapel is voluntary.

College Coffee
A weekly gathering of students, faculty and staff around the Fonville Fountain in front of Alamance Building, College Coffee allows time for meeting and visiting with colleagues while enjoying light refreshment and is held in fall and spring semesters. During inclement weather, College Coffee is held in Moseley.

Convocations for Honors
During fall and spring semesters, prominent educators or civic leaders are invited to speak to the student body, faculty and staff. During these ceremonies, students who have achieved Dean's List or President's List status, as well as student members of Elon's Honors Program, are recognized. Past speakers include Queen Noor of Jordan, former President George Bush and primatologist Jane Goodall.

Family Weekend
In the fall, parents and other family members are invited to visit the campus and participate in several events planned especially for them. Activities include a parent-student golf tournament, a football game, parent/professor meetings, coffee at the home of the President as well as evening entertainment and excellent food. It is a great time for families to meet Elon faculty and administrators.

Founders Day
Founders Day is observed annually in March to celebrate Elon's charter by the North Carolina legislature on March 11, 1889. The celebration often includes prominent speakers such as historian and author Doris Kearns Goodwin, who spoke in 2000.

Graduation Celebrations
In the days prior to the May commencement, several gatherings are held for graduates and their families. Senior Showcase features performances or presentations by selected members of the Senior Class. Baccalaureate is an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments and reflect on their meaning. The Commencement Ceremony is held on Saturday morning and occurs, weather permitting, outdoors Under the Oaks. At the conclusion of the ceremony each graduate receives a diploma and an oak sapling suitable for planting.

Greek Week
A time for unity, friendly competition and fun is sponsored each spring by the PanHellenic, National Pan-Hellenic and Interfraternity Councils. Contests of various kinds -- tug of war, chariot races, dance competition and sporting events -- as well as a service project and an educational speaker provide a well-rounded experience to promote Greek life.

Holiday Celebration
Each December the campus celebrates the holiday season with an evening of carols around the Fonville Fountain and the lighting of the luminaries throughout campus.

Homecoming
Homecoming takes place in the fall, bringing many alumni back to campus. Events include a golf tournament, a football game, Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the Alumni Extravaganza!, coffee at the home of the President and many other student and alumni activities. Several class reunions are celebrated each year.

New Student Convocation
Each fall, as part of the new student orientation, all new students, parents and faculty gather Under the Oaks for a convocation.

SURF/Assessment Day
In early April, one day is designated as a celebration of undergraduate research. Morning activities include various assessment and testing meetings. In the afternoon, students present results of research projects. Classes are suspended during the day in order for all students and faculty to participate in this celebration.

"Turning 21"
"Turning 21: Coming of Age at Elon" is a rite of passage ceremony sponsored by the Chaplain's Office once each semester. Students are joined by their faculty or staff mentors for a commemorative dinner program which encourages them to accept their new adult status and move with greater confidence into the future.