Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley offers this weekly message to help students stay informed and prepare for the week ahead.
Get ready for a new academic year!
The first Phoenix Five of the year is here! Each Sunday afternoon, I’ll send you a quick email with five things you need to know for the week ahead. This could include important deadlines and campus events or helpful reminders and opportunities to get involved. My goal is simple: keep you as informed as possible with one Sunday email you can use to plan your week ahead.
With classes beginning on Tuesday, here are five things to help you start the semester off right.
Get Connected on Social Media
Social media is one of the easiest ways to stay plugged in at Elon. If you want to know what’s happening on campus in real time, here are a few Instagram accounts I recommend:
- Elon University (main) @elonuniversity
- Phoenix Athletics @elonphoenix and Phoenix Phanatics @elonphanatics
- Student Life @elon_studentlife
- Elon Dining @elondining
- Student Union Board @elonsub
- Elon News Network @elonnewsnetwork
- HealthEU @elon_healtheu
Hypnotist
Monday, Aug. 24, 8:30-11 p.m., Alumni Gym
Join the Student Union Board (SUB) for the annual hypnotist show – a student favorite! Come ready to watch your friends (or maybe even yourself!) take the stage for an unforgettable, hilarious performance. Visit PhoenixCONNECT to learn more.
Elon Campus Traditions – Starting this Week!
College Coffee
Tuesdays, 9:40-10:20 a.m., Alumni Gym
College Coffee is one of Elon’s most beloved traditions. Every Tuesday morning, the entire campus gathers for coffee, treats and conversation. It’s a chance to meet people, connect with faculty and staff, and hear about what’s happening around campus. If your student organization wants to host an information table at College Coffee, information on how to sign up can be found online.
Numen Lumen: A Thursday Inspiration
Thursdays, 9:50-10:20 a.m., Numen Lumen Pavilion
On Thursday mornings, we pause for a moment of reflection and inspiration. You’ll hear music from student, faculty, and staff performers and reflections from members of our community. This year’s theme is “The Practice of Being Human,” and the first Numen Lumen of the year will be held this Thursday.
Getting Started with Canvas
Beginning with the Fall 2026 semester, Elon is using Canvas instead of Moodle. You’ll use it to access course materials, submit assignments, communicate with your instructors, and view your grades. Before classes begin:
- Log in to Canvas using your Elon account.
- After logging in for the first time, verify your Canvas email address as part of setting up your Canvas account. Your account will not be fully functional until you do.
- Visit the Canvas Transition Hub for student guides, FAQs and support resources.
- Learn the basics by enrolling in the Passport to Canvas course.
When you log in, you may not see all of your Fall courses immediately. Your instructors will make courses available before or on the first day of class.
Cheer on Phoenix at First Home Football Game
Thursday, Aug. 27
Student Tailgate
2-7 p.m., Hunt B (back parking lot of the Schar Center)
Before football kickoff, get ready to ignite your game day with Phoenix spirit at the student tailgate. Parking passes are available in Student Involvement and are limited to one pass per student and three passes per student organization or group.
Elon v. Glenville State
7 p.m., Rhodes Stadium
Start off the fall semester by cheering on the Phoenix as Elon opens the football season against Glenville State. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Rhodes Stadium.