Elon Traditions
Celebrations
Call to Honor
August
This event occurs each fall for new students to learn about and celebrate the tenets of the Elon Honor Code. They hear from current student leaders, faculty, staff, and alumni about our core values of honesty, integrity, responsibility, and respect. Students share in reciting the pledge and signing the Honor Code. These signatures are then displayed around campus.
Family Weekend
September
Family weekend is typically held in the early fall and is an opportunity for families and friends to return to campus, visit with you, talk with faculty, experience a class, tailgate, attend a football game and participate in numerous other activities. Your friends and family are a part of the Elon Family and we hope they are able to join us!
Learn more about Family Weekend
Homecoming Week
October / November
Homecoming is not just for alumni! Mark your calendar and experience a fall tradition that grows bigger each year. Typically held in late October or early November (depending on the football schedule), you won’t want to miss the many activities that celebrate friendship and community.
Learn more about Homecoming week
Festival of Lights and Luminaries
December
Regularly identified as students’ favorite tradition, in early December the Elon community gathers together in celebration of the winter season. Stroll through this historic campus with thousands of luminaries illuminating the pathways and learn more about the shared imagery of light found in our religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural traditions. Hundreds of student, staff and faculty volunteers help set up this glorious evening and all are welcome to enjoy being together, the live music, hot chocolate, and fun!
Elon Day
March
Each spring, the campus community comes together to celebrate a day of giving and maroon and gold pride. On-campus events include a special College Coffee and the Elon Day evening party typically in the Moseley Center. Alumni chapters also hold Elon Day parties in more than 38 locations across the country and in London. All members of the community can use #ElonDay on social media to share and follow the celebration. This exciting day is typically scheduled in early March.
Learn more about elon day
Holi
March / April
Holi, the Hindu Festival of Color, marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Officially observed in early March on the day following the full moon, colored powder is thrown to celebrate the earth returning to color and good triumphing over evil. It is a celebration that glorifies abundant harvest and the fertility of the land. At Elon, we tend to celebrate Holi in April, when the weather is a little warmer, with a traditional powdered paint-throwing extravaganza at the Speaker’s Corner on Young Commons in front of the Moseley Center.
Senior Week
May
Just because your last classes at Elon are over, doesn’t mean the traditions are! In the week between your last exam and Commencement, we plan a number of events for you to connect with those faculty, staff members and fellow seniors who’ve been an important part of your time at Elon. Enjoy a picnic Under the Oaks, have your picture taken in the Alamance fountain, get dressed up for a senior gala and much more. Get ready — your sapling is next!
Learn more about senior week activities