The objective of EECI is to build a strong foundation for Elon’s early career professionals by providing resources, support, connection to Elon’s goals, professional learning strategies, and a supportive cohort of university colleagues.

EECI is intended to supplement, not replace, Joining Elon – Human Resources orientation, or any other divisional onboarding.

A 2019 Student Life committee researched competencies from NACE, Boldly Elon and professional associations and created the first Student Life EECI cohort in summer 2022, a university pilot with four divisions in 2023, and expanded to the entire university for 2024.

Participant Recruitment

Participant recruitment takes places in the late winter/early spring. We encourage staff with 1-4 years experience to apply for the next cohort.

For whom is this program designed?

EECI is designed for staff members who are in their first four years working in higher education. Supervisor support and approval is a requirement as part of the application process. Requirements are intentionally kept at a minimum to encourage individuals to apply. If a staff member is interested in applying and doesn’t fit the above criteria, they can provide a justification with supervisor support for inclusion.

How will I benefit?

The curriculum for the Elon Early Career Institute is crafted to promote the development of foundational professional competencies:

  • Leadership
  • University decision-making and culture
  • Building meaningful relationships and mentoring networks
  • Skill development for higher education professionals

Participants will also develop competency in inclusive excellence and wellness and well-being, both of which serve as overarching themes and are addressed in relationship to each of the competencies.

How is the program structured?

Participants will attend a two-day off-site retreat experience in the summer followed by monthly one-on-one or large group sessions throughout the academic year. The structure includes:

  • ~35-40 participants representing the various departments across the Elon community
  • 2-3 EECI co-coordinators, with support from the Office of Leadership and Professional Development, oversee and manage all aspects of the program.
  • Each facilitator works with a small group of 2-4 participants throughout the program, including leading the small group sessions and meeting with their participants one-on-one.

EECI Sample Calendar 

  • Early June – Supervisors of participants meet with coordinators and facilitators
  • Mid/late June – Off-site retreat (2 days including an overnight)
  • July – Participants meet one-on-one or small group with their facilitator
  • August – Group program; gather after president’s address
  • September – Group workshop
  • October – Participants meet one-on-one or small group with their facilitator
  • November – Group workshop
  • Early December – Supervisors of participants meet with coordinators and facilitators
  • January – mini-retreat (half- or full-day off-site retreat)
  • February – Participants meet one-on-one or small group with their facilitator
  • March – Group workshop
  • April – Group final program and wrap-up (celebration with supervisors, VPs and participants)

Who is coordinating EECI for 2025-2026?

Lauren Carriker, Amber Moser, and Mary Southern will serve as Coordinators for the 2025-2026 EECI program.

Who is facilitating the 2025-26 EECI?

Anu Pal, Bonny Buckley, Cara Plasencia, Dana Clar, Eleanor Finger, Emily Lyons, Hillary Zaken, Kari Taylor, Kathryn Bennett, Maria Papapietro, Shaina Sondakh-Dorantes, Stormy Shapiro, and Will Roberson will serve as Facilitators for the 2025-2026 EECI program.

How do I apply?

EECI is an optional experience based on participant interest and supervisor approval. Applications include an acknowledgment that supervisors have been consulted. Each participant’s supervisor should be involved and attend supervisor meetings to foster communication and on-going learning between sessions. For information on how to join the Elon Early Career Institute, contact program co-coordinators Lauren Carriker, Amber Moser, or Mary Southern.

*Note applications are now available HERE will be accepted until 5:00pm, Friday, March 7, 2025.