Recent Innovations

Campus Mediation Program

Fredrico Pous, associate professor of Spanish; Sandy Marshall, associate professor of geography

This grant supports the continuation of Elon’s campus mediation program, which began in 2021 as part of “Pathways to Conflict Resolution” in the Office of Student Conduct. The initiative trains and engages student mediators to help peers resolve conflicts confidentially and constructively. (Boldly Elon themes: Thrive, Connect)

Computational Social Science Initiative

Hyunuk Kim, assistant professor of business analytics

This project introduces Elon students to computational social science, an emerging field that merges social science theories with data science methods. The initiative will feature six monthly seminars and two summer institutes where students work alongside faculty mentors to apply computational approaches to pressing social issues. (Boldly Elon themes: Learn, Connect)

Expanding Qualitative Research Methods for STEM Undergraduate Students

Heather Barker, assistant professor of mathematics and statistics

This effort creates an online course and micro-credential in qualitative research methods, with workshops to train students on Dedoose software. By broadening access to this highly-sought-after course, more STEM students will be prepared to use rigorous qualitative research approaches in their work. (Boldly Elon themes: Learn, Rise)

Experience Engineering: Inspiring the Next Generation

Center for Access and Success; Sirena Hargrove Leak, professor of engineering; Blake Hament, assistant professor of engineering

This program introduces fourth- and fifth-grade students from underrepresented groups in STEM to hands-on engineering activities. Working in small groups, students will complete projects that spark creativity and reinforce foundational concepts, while families are engaged in complementary events.The aim is to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians. (Boldly Elon themes: Learn, Thrive, Connect)

Improving Student Success in Introductory Mathematics and Statistics Courses through a Learning Assistants Program

Kristen Mazur, associate professor of mathematics and statistics; Ryne VanKrevelen, senior lecturer of mathematics and statistics

This project pilots an undergraduate learning assistant program in “Calculus 1” and “Statistics in Application.” Learning assistants will support in-class active learning and lead supplemental instruction sessions, aiming to improve student outcomes and belonging in two courses foundational for STEM majors. (Boldly Elon themes: Learn, Thrive)

Promoting Mental Health and Wellness Mini Course for Students

Rabbi Mendy Minkowitz and Rivka Taskin, Chabad community affiliates

This initiative develops a mini course with modules, workshops and resources to equip students with strategies for mental well-being and balance. Designed for accessibility across learning styles, the course emphasizes proactive approaches to mental health, with the goal to empower students and promote their success. (Boldly Elon themes: Thrive, Learn)

Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies | Newton Network

Aaron Satko ’25 and Joshua Mason ’25

The Newton Network introduces students to generative AI and emerging technologies through an interdisciplinary newsletter, speaker series, meet-ups with peers from other universities and trips to tech conferences. Plans also include hackathons and digital literacy workshops that will expose students to new technologies and expand their perceptions. (Boldly Elon themes: Learn, Rise, Connect)

STEM Saturday at Elon: Undergraduate-Led STEM Outreach

Christopher D’Inzeo ’24 and Samuel Ramirez ’24

STEM Saturday brings local high school students to campus for workshops, demonstrations and mentoring led by Elon student organizations. First piloted in 2023, the program showcases STEM pathways while empowering Elon students to design and lead outreach that reflects their own experiences. (Boldly Elon themes: Learn, Connect)

The Found Focus Elon Pilot Program

Charlie De Poortere ’24

This project provides Elon students with free access to the Found Focus app, developed to support college students and young adults with ADHD. The two-year pilot integrates technology and human support to bridge gaps in existing services. (Boldly Elon themes: Thrive, Learn)

The Sports Media Lab

David Bockino, associate professor of sport management and director of media analytics program

The Sports Media Lab aims to make Elon an industry leader in sports media research. The lab includes a student panel that pairs undergraduate researchers with industry partners, and a research collaborative for students and faculty to workshop new ideas about sports media research and find ways to make them a reality. (Boldly Elon Themes: Learn, Connect, Rise)

Asian American Affinity Cohort

George Dou, assistant director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education

A new cohort program pilot led by the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education seeks to provide a pipeline for success for Asian American students. The innovative program offers the cohort unique opportunities to build upon their personal, professional and identity development, while creating mentoring relationships within the Elon community. (Boldly Elon Themes: Learn, Connect, Thrive)

A First-Generation Peer Mentoring Program

Darynha Gnep G’24, graduate apprentice for First-Generation Student Support Services

To address the evolving needs of the First-Generation campus community more effectively, Elon’s Center for Access and Success is expanding its First Phoenix Program to include peer mentor development and engagement and promote social cohesion. With the help of an IEC grant, program organizers hope to support 14 mentors and 30 mentees during 2023-24. (Boldly Elon Themes: Learn, Thrive)

Art and Communication Design Day in DC

Shawn Tucker, associate professor of art; Ben Hannam, associate professor of communication design;  Samantha DiRosa, professor of art; and Shannon Zenner, assistant professor of communication design

A day trip to Washington, DC, designed for arts and communication design faculty and students to build on interdisciplinary work across units on campus. Besides giving students first-hand experience with some of the finest art from around the world, the trip provides opportunities to forge ties and bonds of friendship, explore ways to encourage educational transfer across programs and encourage students to make the most of their Elon education. (Boldly Elon Theme: Thrive)

Adapting Communications for the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Brian Walsh, assistant professor of communication design

A two-part, recorded presentation to help School of Communications faculty foster confidence so they can incorporate AI into their lesson plans, work collaboratively with students to leverage its abilities, and take the lead in working with AI rather than falling behind. Artificial Intelligence systems are based on this complex data, and our students need to learn to use it and avoid redundancy in the workforce. (Boldly Elon Theme: Learn)

2022 Elon Education Conference

Allison Bryan, director of the Curriculum Resources Center and associate librarian, and Nermin Vehabovic, assistant professor of education

With a focus on “Transformative and Inclusive Technology Tools and Partnerships with Multilingual K-12 Students, Families, and Communities,” the conference brought together Elon education students, local educators and Elon alumni in education.

Comprehensive Experiential Transcripts: Helping Elon Students Tell Their Story

Rodney Parks, university registrar; Casey Hayes, associate Registrar for technology; and Alexander Taylor, associate registrar and data analyst

Builds on the Elon Visual Transcript by developing a mobile-friendly platform that captures the depth of students’ experiential and applied learning. The tool helps students reflect on their accomplishments, while providing advisors and mentors a single system to track progress. (Boldly Elon themes: Learn, Connect)

Repository for Interdisciplinary Data

Laura Taylor, associate professor of statistics; Ryne VanKrevelen, lecturer in statistics; and Mark Weaver, assistant professor of statistics

Creates a campus-wide repository of interdisciplinary data for use in introductory statistics and related courses. The resource highlights the utility of statistics across fields and gives students access to contextualized, real-world datasets. (Boldly Elon themes: Learn)

Building a Community for Underrepresented Business Students

Nicole Filippo, communications manager for Elon University’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business;  Dinora Guadarrama Flores ’21, Jovani Mendez-Sandoval ’22 and A’Shaela Chaires ’22

Launches programming in the Love School of Business to ensure students from underrepresented populations feel welcome, supported and connected. Activities include community events and expansion of the student mentorship program. (Boldly Elon themes: Thrive, Connect)

Elon Contemporary Chamber Ensemble Concert Series

Jonathan Poquette, assistant professor of music; Cora S. Palfy, assistant professor of music; Linda Cykert, adjunct instructor in music; Katherine Thomas, pianist; and Meagan Skogen, adjunct professor of music

Establishes a new chamber ensemble featuring Elon faculty, local musicians and guest soloists, presenting three to four concerts annually. The series enriches Elon’s cultural calendar and elevates the university’s profile in the arts. (Boldly Elon themes: Thrive)

Infusing Sustainability into the COR 110 Curriculum

Robert Perdue, Tom Arcaro, Samantha DiRosa, Elaine Durr, Kelsey Bitting

Supports faculty from diverse disciplines in creating sustainability and climate-focused modules for COR 110 courses. The initiative equips students with foundational knowledge on climate change and environmental responsibility. (Boldly Elon themes: Thrive, Learn)

Marketplace Under the Oaks

Aidan Steinbach ’23, Kobie Williams ’22, Trinity Swepson ’24, Claire Bach ’21

Provides inclusive opportunities for student entrepreneurs to develop business skills through workshops, mentoring, and events. Grant funds assist students with launching ventures—from registering LLCs to obtaining permits and licenses. (Boldly Elon themes: Rise, Connect)

Connecting Community: Access, Inclusion, and Diversity in Dance

David McGraw, Wen Guo, Lauren Kearns, Jen Guy Metcalf, Renay Aumiller, Casey Avaunt, Keshia Wall

Hosts a two-day workshop for high school students and the local dance community to expand access to dance education and career pathways. Participants engage in training, audition preparation and attend Elon’s Fall Dance Concert. (Boldly Elon themes: Thrive, Learn, Connect)