Winter Term 2020 will offer students an array of exciting experiences that range from short-term, study-away programs to engaging student-led courses.
The beginning of January marks the start of Elon’s Winter Term 2020, a month-long opportunity for students to engage in experiential learning through a wide array of courses, seminars and performances on campus and abroad.
Each Winter Term opportunity focuses on four themes: Health, Intercultural Engagement, Media and Politics. The events range from short-term, study-away programs to engaging student-led courses through Elon’s “Burst the Bubble” program. Classes begin on campus on Friday, Jan. 3, with the term concluding on Jan. 24.
More than 1,000 students, faculty and staff are participating in programs away from campus this January, including 609 students participating in Global Education Center programs and 297 students participating in Fellows and Graduate programs.
The month’s on-campus events include the wInterfaith Luncheon Series in which Professor of History Charles Irons will examine the intersection of faith and social justice in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. Students are also invited on a cultural excursion to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, in Greensboro, N.C., and the Department of Performing Arts will present the off-Broadway hit “The Wolves,” written by Sarah DeLappe.
Along with several events honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., throughout the month of January, the Elon community will have the opportunity to hear a lecture from Sonia Manzano, the voice of Sesame Street’s “Maria,” as a part of the Elon University Speaker Series. Manzano will deliver a speech titled “Multi-Racial Latinos & the Civil Rights Movement” during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address on Jan. 14. For more information about the upcoming lecture, click here.
The full list of events for Winter Term 2020 can be found below.
Spanish Conversation Classes
Monday, Jan. 6
Carlton 114, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Free Spanish Conversation classes to learn about the language and exercise cultural humility and dialogue while exploring questions on racial heritage, social identities and intersectionalities, breaking stereotypes and prejudices about Latinx/Hispanic cultures.
Sponsored by El Centro de Español
Martin Luther King Jr. Coffee- The American Dream
Monday, Jan. 6
McKinnon Hall, Moseley Student Center, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Elon University’s Residential Dining and Campus Engagement in partnership with the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE) will be sponsoring a special “The American Dream” community gathering. In the spirit of College Coffee, we invite the campus community to attend and commemorate the life and legacy of one of the world’s most inspiring civil rights leaders. This year’s gathering will include remarks and an activity lead by student leaders in the CREDE. Contact Brandon bell at bbell5@elon.edu for more information.
This program aligns with the “Learn” and “Engage” pathways in the 2020 MLK Jr. Calendar of Events.
Sponsored by The Center Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, Residential Campus Dining and Engagement
Martin Luther King Jr. Global Neighborhood Film Screening: “I Am Not Your Negro”
Tuesday, Jan. 7
Global Commons, Global Media Room 103, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“I Am Not Your Negro” envisions the book James Baldwin never finished, a radical narration about race in America, using the writer’s original words, as read by actor Samuel L. Jackson. Alongside a flood of rich archival material, the film draws upon Baldwin’s notes on the lives and assassinations of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. to explore and bring a fresh and radical perspective to the current racial narrative in America. Raoul Peck’s Oscar-nominated documentary is a journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter. It is a film that questions black representation in Hollywood and beyond. And, ultimately, by confronting the deeper connections between the lives and assassination of these three leaders, Baldwin and Peck have produced a work that challenges the very definition of what America stands for.
Sponsored by The Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, Global Neighborhood, Housing and Residence Life
Stress Reset
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Moseley 105A (The Ward Octagon Room) 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Experiencing stress and anxiety is a natural process, but too much stress can lead to problems. Extreme stress can cause students to lose sleep, feel unmotivated for class, forget important events, or even not want to be around friends and family.
Jeremy Bryant M.Ed., LPC in this workshop will help participants to understand how stress and anxiety are created, how they impact a student’s life, and what can be done to decrease stress in your own life. Students will leave this workshop with many tangible skills to combat stress.
Sponsored by Counseling Services
Winter Term Trivia
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Oak House, 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Oaks, Colonnades, Danieley Center and Station at Mill Point neighborhoods will host a Winter Term-themed trivia night at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 at Oak House. The six-round event will feature questions related to the four pillars of the Winter Term theme. Teams of 2-4 people may participate, and prizes will be awarded to the teams that finish first, second and third. All trivia participants will be given one free coffee-side drink. Students are encouraged to invite faculty/staff to join their teams.
Sponsored by Oaks Neighborhood, Colonnades Neighborhood, Danieley Center Neighborhood, and Station at Mill Point Neighborhood
“Circle of Hope”- Discussion about Inclusive Pedagogies
Thursday, Jan. 9
Moseley 215, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In his work, Martin Luther King Jr. combined hope for a better future with a willingness to confront the unjust realities of the present and past. In this “Circle of Hope” discussion, faculty panelists will share how and why they focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in their courses, as a similar act of hope, despite challenges. Three panelists from a variety of disciplines will share strategies they have used to create more inclusive and accessible courses, from decisions about course design and course framing to everyday pedagogical strategies. Participants will discuss ways we might actively create more inclusive classrooms as an act of hope for a more equitable future for our students and ourselves and as a way to promote learning and growth – our own and our students’—about human diversity and interdependence.
Sponsored by Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education
My Business is Nach’Yo Business
Thursday, Jan. 9
Moseley Student Center Kitchen, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join the Gender & LGBTQIA Center for National Stalking Awareness Month. Learn statistics, warning signs, and ways to support stalking survivors all in the company of a free nacho bar! SafeLine will give information on Elon-specific resources.
Sponsored by the Gender and LGBTQIA Center and Center for Equity and Inclusive Excellence
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Project
Friday, Jan. 10
Habitat for Humanity House – Burlington, N.C., 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Join Elon Volunteers! for a service project with Habitat for Humanity as part of MLK month activities. Volunteers will contribute with hands-on work at this year’s Elon University sponsored Habitat for Humanity house in Burlington. The shift will last from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and transportation will be provided. Click here to register.
Sponsored by The Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement
Pelis on Fridays
Friday, Jan. 10
Carlton 114, Noon to 2 p.m.
Learning? With Netflix!? Learn Spanish while watching Spanish speaking movies, with English subtitles. Immerse yourself in Spanish speaking cultures while breaking stereotypes.
Sponsored by El Centro de Español
EDIT-A-Thon for Social Justice
Sunday, Jan. 12
Belk Library 113, 11 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join friends in Belk Library for a Wikipedia Edit-a-thon! Enjoy pizza and snacks while you learn about editing Wikipedia and contribute to improving Black history representation and sources on Wikipedia. Free food from Mellow Mushroom will be served!
Sponsored by Carol Grotnes Belk Library, the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education
Martin Luther King Jr. Collegiate Oratorical Contest
Monday, Jan. 13
Irazu Coffee Shop, Moseley Student Center, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education in partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. are thrilled to host the MLK Jr. Collegiate Oratorical Contest. Interested collegians can acquire the prompt and register to participate in the contest here. Those seeking to compete in the oratorical contest must register by Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. We invite the campus community to attend the oratorical presentations from our students. Contact Brandon Bell at bbell5@elon.edu for more information.
This program aligns with the “Engage” and “Express” pathways in the 2020 MLK Jr. Calendar of Events.
Sponsored by The Center Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.
Building Resiliency: Coping Through Chaos
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Koenigsburger Room 125, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Dealing with distress is difficult and it can be hard to know how to cope. Many times we either get overwhelmed by powerful emotions or find harmful ways to cope.
Clinical psychologist Carnice Covert will lead this workshop where students will practice a variety of mindfulness techniques and coping strategies in order to find which skills best fit for them. At the end of the workshop, students will walk away with a variety of coping skills that they can implement as they move forward in the semester and beyond.
Sponsored by Counseling Services
Life After Loss: Supporting Self and Others
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Numen Lumen Pavilion Room 201, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Loss can be a painful and sometimes unexpected experience; and when loss happens, understanding how to cope with it can be stressful, confusing, draining, and often times painful.
Counselor Mark Eades and University Chaplain Jan Fuller will show participants in this workshop some typical ways that individuals experience loss emotionally, physically and mentally, ways in which loss can affect a person’s life, and what can be done to help someone accept loss and re-engage in their life. Whether you are someone experiencing loss yourself or know someone who has experienced a loss and would like to learn how to support them, this workshop is for you.
Sponsored by Counseling Services and Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life
Sonia Manzano, “Multi-Racial Latinos & Civil Rights Movement” 2020 Martin Luther
King Jr. Commemorative Lecture
Tuesday, Jan. 14
McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts, 6 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Address
For more than 30 years, Sonia Manzano inspired, educated and delighted children and families as “Maria” on Sesame Street. Throughout her career, Manzano broke ground as one of the first Hispanic characters on national television, and she continues to contribute to enriching diversity on television, on the stage and in the educational realm. A first-generation American of Latin descent, she overcame countless obstacles to become one of the most influential Latinas on television.
Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets now available at the Center for the Arts Box Office. For ticket information, call (336) 278-5610.
Tectonic Plates – Alamance County’s Science Café: Electronic cigarettes – more than smoke and mirrors
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Fat Frogg Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.
Learn cutting edge science in a relaxed informal atmosphere without all the technical jargon. Programs held on the second Tuesday of each month (September through May). In January, Mary Gillett, Regional Tobacco Prevention Manager for Guilford County Public Health will speak on electronic cigarettes.
KORU: Mindful Meditation
KORU #1: Jan. 14, 16, 21, and 23, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
KORU #2: Jan. 14, 16, 21, and 23, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Oasis room in Numen Lumen Pavilion
What, exactly, is mindfulness? Basically, it is a state of intentional awareness in which the mind is fully attending to what’s happening, to what you’re doing and thinking, and to the space around you. Seems simple, yet we so often mentally veer from the matter at hand. Our mind gets distracted, we lose touch with our body, and pretty soon we’re engrossed in obsessive thoughts about something that just happened or fretting about the future. And that makes us anxious or depressed and often overwhelmed. KORU is a structured meditation workshop that helps students to connect with their thoughts, emotions, and actions in order to help restructure your life in an intentional and meaningful way.
This workshop consists of four sessions that will be held twice during the semester.
Students must commit to attending all four sessions and to practicing Mindfulness 10-20 minutes each day. All Elon students are welcome to sign up. The Workshops are based on the Koru Mindfulness program developed at Duke University. This is an evidence-based program proven to help students better manage stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and increase compassion for self and others. Students will learn different mindfulness skills within a small group format so students can encourage and learn from one another.
To register for this workshop, click here.
Sleep: Applying Science to Snoozing
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Moseley 105A (The Octagon Room), 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Too much or too little, sleep issues are a common stressor we will struggle with at some point in our life. This workshop is dedicated to finding areas that are making sleep difficult for students and methods to improve the overall quality and quantity of sleep.
Counselor Jeremy Bryant will walk students through a series of interactive and informative tasks to help them better understand their own sleeping patterns and areas for improvement.
Sponsored by the Counseling Services
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Moseley Student Center, 12:30 to 6 p.m.
The American Red Cross will return to Elon for the January Blood Drive. Information about how to sign-up will be available soon. Email elonvols@elon.edu if you would like to be put on our list to be notified about how to sign-up.
Sponsored by Kernodle Center
“Visual Autonomy / Gazing Otherwise. Alternative visualities in the Americas” – a conversation with Miguel Rojas Sotelo
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Turner Theatre, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Rojas Sotelo is the director of the North Carolina Latin American Film Festival and will discuss the festival’s trajectory as well as his impressions on Contemporary Latin American Cinema. The event will also feature a screening and discussion of “Ixcanul” (Guatemala, Dir. Jairo Bustamante, 2016). Free admission and open to the public.
Sponsored by CATL, Belk Library, Latin American Studies
The Human Library Project
Thursday, Jan. 16
Belk Library, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Human Library Project is designed to create understanding and dialogue across people. Individuals volunteer as “Human Books” and attendees “check out the book,” through one-on-one conversations with the Human Books and shared experiences. Human Book volunteers represent diverse walks of life and identities across race, religion, family background, sexual orientation, gender, profession, hobbies, class, disability, skill set, and additional aspects of what it means to be human! Elon students, faculty, and staff are welcome (arrangements can be made to bring entire classes).
To participate or for more information email Patrick Rudd – prudd@elon.edu, Annabel Bunton – abunton@elon.edu, or James Holsinger – jholsinger@elon.edu.
Sponsored by Belk Library, Koenigsberger Learning Center, Residence Life, and the Center for Equity and Inclusive Excellence.
Inclusive Teaching in STEM Disciplines
Thursday, Jan. 16
Moseley 215, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Despite extensive nationwide concerns about the demographics of STEM disciplines, students of color, women, and other student populations continue to enroll in and graduate from most STEM majors at substantially lower levels than many other fields. How might we, as STEM faculty, take ownership of this problem, come to understand its relationship to systemic privilege embedded in dominant U.S. culture and institutions, and design courses in which students from traditionally underrepresented groups can and will succeed in parity with their peers? Join us for a reflective and generative conversation that explores these and other questions to help us map out faculty practice for inclusive student success in STEM.
Department of Performing Arts presents “The Wolves” – written by Sarah DeLappe
Saturday-Wednesday, Jan. 18-22
Tuesday-Saturday, Feb. 4-8
Roberts Studio Theatre, Scott Studios at Arts West
Jan. 18, 20, 21, 22 and Feb. 4-7 at 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 19 and Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.
Directed by Kim Shively
After multiple successful off-Broadway runs, “The Wolves,” an exciting new play by Sarah DeLappe, comes to Elon! This fresh and raucous script chronicles one season of a girls’ indoor soccer team. The team warms-up and dribbles while dealing with the cut-throat, competitive world of high school sports. As the teens straddle the unsteady terrain between adolescence and adulthood, they struggle and sweat their way through this funny and poignant 90-minute play. Adult language and themes. Not recommended for audiences under 13.
Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Reservations are highly recommended and will be offered beginning Jan. 11 at elonperformingarts.com or the Roberts Studio Reservation Line at (336) 278-5650.
International Museum of Civil Rights – Cultural Excursion
Saturday, Jan. 18
Station at Mill Point, Clubhouse, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Station at Mill Point and the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education are excited to partner to sponsor a trip for Elon University students and the community members of Morgan Place and Ball Park Communities to the International Civil Rights Museum. Positioned directly beside the Station at Mill Point Residential Community, the Morgan Place and Ball Park Communities are historical black communities of Elon.
Students interested in participating in this cultural excursion can sign-up here. Space is limited to the first 12 students who RSVP. Contact Billy Baker at bbaker20@elon.edu or Brandon Bell at bbell5@elon.edu for more information.
This program aligns with the “Learn” and “Engage” pathways in the 2020 MLK Jr. Calendar of Events
Sponsored by The Center Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education and the Station at Mill Point, Housing and Residence Life
Martin Luther King Jr. Church Service
Sunday, Jan. 19
Elon First Baptist Church – 113 Lynn St., Elon, N.C., 10:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
We welcome Elon students, faculty, staff and community to join us in fellowship at Elon First Baptist Church as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join us after service for a continued fellowship, fun and games. Contact Marilyn Slade at mslade3@elon.edu for more information.
This program aligns with the “Engage” and “Express” pathways in the 2020 MLK Jr. Calendar of Events.
Sponsored by Elon First Baptist Church, the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education
Use or Abuse?
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Numen Lumen Pavilion Room 201., Noon to 1 p.m.
Have you ever wondered if your substance use is normal? Unsure if your roommate needs help because of their drinking? This workshop provides overall education around the effects and risk factors of substance use, practical insight on reducing harm if you choose to use, how to talk to a friend about substance use concerns, and how to link yourself or a friend to appropriate assistance and services.
Counselor Allison Agresti will present this workshop.
Sponsored by Counseling Services
MLK Jr. Soup and Society
Tuesday, Jan. 21
McBride Gathering Space (Numen Lumen), 6:30 to 8 p.m.
East Neighborhood and the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education are excited to host the second installment of Soup & Society for this academic year. This is an interactive and dialogue-driven event focused on MLK Jr, race and equity while providing space for individuals to participate in story-telling and experience sharing.
This program aligns with the “Learn” and “Engage” pathways in the 2020 MLK Jr .Calendar of Events
Sponsored by East Neighborhood, Housing and Residence Life and the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education
wInterfaith Luncheon Series: Dr. Charles Irons on Race, Privilege, and American Christianity
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Elon Community Church, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
wInterfaith Luncheon will honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy by examining the intersection of faith and social justice in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. Professor of History Charles Irons will offer historical and personal reflections on the enduring impact of whiteness and racism on American Christianity and what this means for faith-informed social justice work today. The event is free for students, faculty and staff.
This program aligns with the “Learn” pathway in the 2020 MLK Jr. Calendar of Events.
Sponsored by Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, Elon Community Church
Quieting the Inner Critic
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Koenigsburger Room 125., Noon to 1 p.m.
As the saying goes, sometimes we can be our own worst critic. Often times we can get caught up in the negative self-talk that often leaves us discouraged. In this workshop, students practice how to turn their attention away from distracting thoughts and towards more positive and empowering thoughts.
Clinical Psychologist Carnice Covert will be conducting this workshop as she helps students to identify troublesome thoughts and replace them with more helpful strategies.
Sponsored by Counseling Services
People of Conviction: A Lawyer’s Obligations
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Room 207, Elon Law School, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The struggle for civil rights and the pursuit of racial equality in the United States cannot be discussed without considering the significant contributions of lawyers. Attorney David Morrow ’07 L’10 will discuss the role and impact of the many lawyers that served Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his lifetime and the valuable lessons in leadership and service that can be learned from these great examples of lawyer leaders. Attorney Morrow is a nationally recognized attorney, journalist, and genealogist. He is a contributing writer & special legal correspondent for the American Bar Association Young Lawyer Magazine where he has covered the NBA All-Star Games and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and writes regularly about the intersection of pop culture, race and the law. He also speaks regularly about diversity in the legal profession and recently served as the inaugural Director of the Men of Color Project for the American Bar Association.
Sponsored by Elon University Law School