Leadership ELR

The Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR) is a graduation requirement for all Elon University students. The ELR expands upon the Five Elon Experiences (leadership development, global engagement, internships, undergraduate research, and academic service-learning) by providing a structure to facilitate and encourage students to practice close observation of the world around them and reflect insightfully about those observations. Students may complete this by fulfilling two units of experiential learning. See Elon’s Core Curriculum Experiential Learning for more information.

The Leadership ELR requires at least one semester to complete the following:

(1) Hold a leadership position on campus and complete a Leadership Development Moodle Course; or

(2) Complete a Common Good Initiative through approved processes; or

(3) Complete a Leadership ELR-approved course.

Whether you want to complete the ELR for a formal leadership role/position or through a self-identified initiative to create positive change, completion of the workbook will enhance your experience by providing you with the opportunity to reflect on and improve your leadership. Each student will identify an advisor or mentor to help guide their ELR experience. Approved leadership positions can include a role/title within an organization, campus program, or classroom experience where the student is learning or engaging in leadership practice.

In order for a leadership role to qualify, the leader:
- Must direct the efforts of a group of people toward a common goal
- Must be responsible for group outcomes
- Must be engaged in relationships with group members such that influence is multi-directional
- Must promote civic engagement or service to the common good
- Must spend a minimum of 40 hours or more dedicated to the leadership role
- Must be supported by an advisor, coach, or supervisor who can provide them with ongoing feedback and mentoring.

To meet the Leadership ELR you must engage in at least 40 hours of activity during the duration of the project or leadership experience. This means you should apply by the semester deadline so that, if approved, you can be added to the Leadership ELR Moodle course at the beginning of your leadership role or project.
Students who would like to meet the Leadership ELR through a Leadership-ELR designated course should note that only a few courses a year hold this designation. A course being leadership-related, or counting toward the Leadership Studies minor, does not qualify it for this designation; the only courses that qualify have been pre-approved six months in advance. Exceptions are not made. To find courses that meet this designation for an upcoming semester, search in OnTrack’s Course Catalog using the “Course Type” option at the bottom – if a course carries both the ELR and the Leadership or Leadership Elective designations, then it counts. For a list of all Leadership ELR-designated courses, click here.

Extra Insights:

Students are eligible to complete 2 units of the Leadership ELR, however, they must be from two distinctly different leadership roles or experiences and a student must complete the L-ELR Moodle course for each experience.
Several specialty groups sponsor an opportunity to earn the L-ELR within specific roles. Examples include: Residence Life leadership positions, the Elon 1010 Peer Educator Position, etc. Inquire with your supervisor for more details or contact us at lead@elon.edu
Treasurer positions and Social Media Managers are reviewed and approved based on the criteria outlined above. They need to be particularly involved in leading a team within their role. This usually means the treasurer is responsible for overseeing a group of members in large-scale fundraising activities or similar projects. A Social Media Manager would typically have a team they are leading to produce and publish content to be eligible. Not all treasurer positions or Social Media Managers meet these requirements and are therefore not always approved.

Application Process

Step 1 – Required ELR Information Session

On-Demand Information Session: Click Here to watch the recorded information session and take the quiz to prove attendance. (TAKE THE QUIZ)
Please watch the information session and take the quiz no later than Friday, February 28, 2025, so you have time to receive and submit the formal application.

Step 2 – Formal L-ELR Application

Once you’ve submitted the Information Session Quiz, you will receive a formal application from lead@elon.edu. Submit it for review no later than the deadline listed below for review. If approved you will be added to the Leadership ELR Moodle Course and may begin working on the modules.

Spring 2025 Deadline to submit formal application: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Reminder: Students will receive the Leadership ELR Application Form upon completion of the required information session and video quiz.

Step 3 – Leadership Experience & Completion of the L-ELR Moodle Course

Spring 2025 Deadline to complete the Moodle Course or Specialty Group Workbooks: Friday, May 9, 2025

If you have any additional questions about the Leadership ELR,
please visit the Center for Leadership or email lead@elon.edu.

“My experience in this role stretched my skills in conflict resolution, event coordination, and relationship-building. My role directly impacted the group by creating a culture of support and belonging. My philosophy of leadership centers on shared purpose and empowerment, viewing leadership as a learning process where leaders and members collaborate to kickstart change.”

Ela Pease, Fall 2024 L-ELR Participant

“My self-efficacy has grown significantly. I’ve gained more confidence in my ability to lead by realizing that leadership is a dynamic, collaborative process where adaptability, communication, and empathy are key. As I’ve taken on more responsibility and seen the impact of my actions on others, I’ve become more confident in my decision-making and problem-solving skills, knowing I can inspire and empower others to achieve shared goals.

Chloe Capone, Fall 2024 L-ELR Participant

“Knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses can be a blessing, knowledge that you are stronger suited in one area of your life, while in another you need help and support. Being a leader does not mean you have to do it all on your own, asking for help is always ok. That is something that has taken me a while in my life to accept that help from others makes you a stronger leader altogether.”

Caroline Morin, Fall 2023 Leadership ELR Participant

“This experience has had a profound impact on my development as a leader. The understanding of leadership as a relational process has deepened, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, diversity, and constant improvement.”

Brendan Gallagher, Fall 2023 Leadership ELR Participant

“My direct involvement in guiding and motivating a team fosters an appreciation for the importance of relationships, effective communication, and collaboration. Learning to navigate interpersonal dynamics, provide support, and make decisions that consider the well-being of the team were integral aspects of my leadership development.”