More than 5,000 Elon parents and other family members will come to campus for the 2019 Family Weekend. Read this note for the full schedule of events.
Elon is preparing to welcome more than 5,000 Elon parents and other family members to campus Sept. 27-29 for its annual Family Weekend celebration. The weekend full of events offers the opportunity for family members to spend time with their students, learn more about Elon, connect with Elon faculty and staff, and cheer on the Phoenix in Rhodes Stadium.
Family Weekend this year also includes the first event in Elon’s Speaker Series, with Nikki Haley, who has served as South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, offering an address during Fall Convocation on Friday, Sept. 27. Family members can see where their students live in a new event this year, the Neighborhood Social Hour, and can learn more about Elon’s history during a Fireside Chat on Saturday.
Along with supporting Elon’s football team as it takes on James Madison University on Saturday, attendees can view the Dancing in the Landscape performances and ROCKappella shows featuring students in the Department of Performing Arts.
A full schedule of events and other information is available at the Family Weekend website, with registration closing on Friday, Sept. 20. Highlights during the three-day event include:
Friday, September 27, 2019
Check-in and Registration
McKinnon Hall, Moseley Student Center, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Check in and grab your student’s schedule for the faculty meet and greet on Saturday morning, tickets for pre-registered events, Family Weekend t-shirts, pocket guides, and other useful information. Don’t forget to grab a “proud” Elon sticker!
Driving Range Open Hours
Harden Clubhouse, South Campus, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Enjoy the use of our driving range, putting green, and chipping green throughout the day. Range balls in small, medium, and large buckets can be purchased from the golf ball dispenser located on the front porch of Harden Clubhouse.
Information Session: Fraternity and Sorority Involvement
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, Noon – 12:45 p.m.
Is your student interested in joining a fraternity or sorority? Come learn about Elon Fraternity and Sorority Involvement, the community, responsibilities, and obligations of membership, and have your recruitment process questions answered. Session will be recorded and available on our website after October 1.
Information Session: Global Education and Study Abroad / Study USA
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
If your student is interested in studying abroad or taking advantage of one of Elon’s Study USA programs, join the Global Education Center staff to learn more information about programs, scholarships, and resources that Elon has to offer. Session will be recorded and available on our website after October 1.
Space for Jummah Prayer
Numen Lumen Pavilion Room 210, 1:30 p.m.
The Truitt Center for Religious & Spiritual Life has arranged a space and will provide rugs for Jummah prayer.
Sustainability Bus Tour
Center for the Arts, 2 p.m.
This tour discusses specific sustainability initiatives related to activities at the solar farm and Elon Environmental Center which includes the responsible architecture studio and agricultural farm. Participants depart from and return to the Center for the Arts.
For Grandparents: Grandparent Book Club
Ward Octagon, Moseley Student Center, 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Engage in the campus conversation on this year’s Elon Common Reading book: Futureface, by Alex Wagner. Participants are encouraged to read the book prior to this event.
Information Session: Student Professional Development Center
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 2 – 2:45 p.m.
Learn more about how the Elon Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) assists students and alumni in understanding their career-related interests, individual preferences, strengths, and values. Glean helpful information on how the SPDC aids students in understanding how to pursue meaningful internships and careers. Session will be recorded and available on our website after October 1.
Fall Convocation with Nikki Haley
Schar Center, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Nikki Haley, who served as the 29th U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 2017 to 2019 and as the 116th Governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017, will be the featured speaker at Fall Convocation. Tickets are $15 per person and are general admission. Students may use their Phoenix Card to request one complimentary ticket from the Center for the Arts Box Office.
Neighborhood Social Hour
5 – 6 p.m.
Mix and mingle in your neighborhood! Gatherings will be held in the Colonnades, Danieley, East, Historic, and Global Neighborhoods.
Colonnades Social – Colonnades Quad
Danieley Social – Daniel Commons
East and Historic Social – LaRose Commons
Global Social – Great Hall, Global Commons
Phoenix Fourth Friday
Historic Downtown Depot, Burlington, NC, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Burlington City B-Town Events and Burlington Downtown Corporation bring you this exciting event you won’t want to miss! Experience local food trucks, live performances, merchant giveaways, family friendly activities, and much more. Attendance is free, and shuttles will run every half hour from campus (Inman Admissions loop) to downtown. If you plan to drive, you can use Burlington Downtown Depot, 200 S. Main Street, as the destination address. Street parking is available. Be sure to wear your maroon and gold, and join us for this fun-filled community event!
Dancing in the Landscape
Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts, “Falling into Place” is a site-specific dance program featuring the 2019-20 dance majors performing original and experimental work by faculty, guest artists, and students. The motivation behind the entire production is the idea of a series of events that cohere, connect, or fall into place. Please join us for this production that begins at the Center for the Arts and explores beautiful places in the surrounding area.
Hillel Oneg
Sklut Hillel Center, 5:30 p.m.
Join Elon Hillel for a festive community Shabbat candle lighting and oneg on Friday evening at the Sklut Hillel Center. This celebration is open to all – bring your friends and family. Email Jennifer Hill with questions or to request additional information.
The Music Department Faculty Concert
Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
Faculty artists invite Elon families and friends to a mixed program for voice, piano, percussion, wind, brass, and strings. This program has become a much-anticipated Family Weekend event since it began in 1999.
SUBCinema (Toy Story 4)
Turner Theatre, Schar Hall, 8 p.m.
Come and enjoy a family-friendly movie in Turner Theatre! Popcorn, candy, and soda will be available.
Glowga
Young Commons, 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Our Campus Recreation instructors will lead this fun and relaxing yoga session. Be sure to wear your brightest workout gear!
Late Night Elon – Casino Night
Moseley Student Center, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Feeling lucky? Come to the Moseley Student Center for Casino Night! Try your hand at Blackjack, Texas Hold ’Em, or press your luck on Roulette. Cash in your chips for raffle tickets to win prizes! Plus, enjoy entertainment from magician Edd Fairman, Wizard of Sorts.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Check-in and Registration
McKinnon Hall, Moseley Student Center, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join us to check-in if you weren’t able to make it on Friday. Pick up your t-shirt, tickets, campus maps, and pocket guides!
Coffee with the President
Young Commons, 8 – 9 a.m.
Join President Connie Book, members of Elon’s Senior Staff, and other Elon families for coffee and a continental breakfast to kick start your Saturday. Rain location: Koury Athletic Center Concourse.
Sibling Activities
Global Commons / Moseley Student Center / Inman Admissions Welcome Center, 8:45 a.m. – Noon
Fun and games for siblings of all ages!
Field Day: Meant for siblings ages 6-12. Siblings will meet outside on the Global Commons lawn for field games, races, outdoor activities, and more.
Game Center: Meant for siblings ages 6-12. Siblings will meet in the Fireside Lounge in the Moseley Student Center for board games, arts and crafts, kid-friendly movies, and more.
Campus Tours: Meant for High-School aged siblings. Please sign up for a tour on the Admissions website. Tours leave from Inman Admissions Welcome Center.
University Update
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 9 – 9:30 a.m.
Connie Book, university president, will welcome families and provide a university update.
Class on the Grass with Campus Recreation and Wellness
Young Commons, 9:00 – 11 a.m.
Join Elon’s Campus Recreation instructors for wellness classes on the lawn! Our instructors will lead a series of sessions that incorporate balance, strength, flow and relaxation poses. These programs are intended for anyone age 12 and up, and are perfect for students and their older siblings!
9 – 10 a.m.: Zumba
10 – 11 a.m.: Partner Yoga
Faculty Meet and Greet
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy informal conversations with your student’s professors and learn more about classes at Elon. Meeting locations are printed on your student’s guide that is available at check-in.
For Grandparents: Fireside Chat on the History of Elon
Great Hall, Global Commons, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
This year we celebrate over 130 years of Elon’s history – an inspiring story of community, resilience, and bold innovation. This Fireside Chat will featured speakers who will recount Elon’s journey through the years, and the stories that have shaped our institution and defined our traditions. Though this session is designed for Grandparents, any Elon family member may attend!
Featured Speaker: Jerry Tolley
Jerry Tolley is the Mayor of the Town of Elon. Tolley served as Elon’s Head Football Coach from 1977-1981, and is a member of the Elon Hall of Fame.
Featured Speaker: Jane Danieley Shutt P’05 P’10 P’14
Jane Shutt is an Elon parent and the daughter of Earl Danieley, President Emeritus of Elon. Shutt currently serves as the Executive Director of Pineville Neighbors Place in Pineville, North Carolina.
Featured Speaker: Gerald Whittington
Gerald Whittington currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Special Assistant to the President at Elon University. Whittington served for 27 years as Elon’s Senior Vice President for Business, Finance and Technology.
Moderator: Chrystal Carpenter
Chrystal Carpenter is the Coordinator of University Archives and Special Collections and Assistant Librarian at Elon University. Carpenter is a certified Archivist and serves on the Elon History and Memory Committee.
Driving Range Open Hours
Harden Clubhouse, South Campus, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Enjoy the use of our driving range, putting green, and chipping green throughout the day. Range balls in small, medium, and large buckets can be purchased from the golf ball dispenser located on the front porch of Harden Clubhouse.
For Grandparents: Elon Campus Story Tour
Center for the Arts, 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Join us for a special campus bus tour just for grandparents. Get an insider’s view of the university and enjoy the beauty of the campus, which is a designated botanical garden and a member of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta. Buses will depart from and return to the Center for the Arts, and will make an additional stop at Schar Center for those who wish to join the Phoenix Fan Fest.
Phoenix Fan Fest
Schar Center and Hunt Parking Lots, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Get excited for the football game against James Madison University at our all-new Fan Fest! Enjoy a buffet cookout, lawn games, food trucks, musical entertainment, caricature artists, giveaways, and much more! Families are also welcome to bring their own food and beverages. Please be sure to review our tailgating guidelines. Rain location: Schar Center concourse.
Mini Classes
11:15 a.m. – Noon
Distinguished faculty and staff will teach these classes. A full list of session topics, descriptions, and locations will be provided at check-in.
Dancing in the Landscape
Center for the Arts, Noon – 1 p.m.
Sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts, “Falling into Place” is a site-specific dance program featuring the 2019-20 dance majors performing original and experimental work by faculty, guest artists and students. The motivation behind the entire production is the idea of a series of events that cohere, connect, or fall into place. Please join us for this production that begins at the Center for the Arts and explores beautiful places in the surrounding area.
Maker Hub Open Hours
Maker Hub – Downtown, Elon Town Center Third Floor, 1 – 6 p.m.
Come explore the Downtown Maker Hub; a place with tools, supplies, and people to help you explore ideas, learn how things work, and make stuff. Learn more about the Maker Hub.
Football Game
Rhodes Stadium, Kickoff 2 p.m.
Cheer on the Phoenix as they take on fellow Colonial Athletic Association member, the James Madison Dukes. Tickets are available through the Family Weekend registration site, and will be sent digitally to your e-mail address. Tickets are final sale; no returns or exchanges. Students may use their Phoenix Card for a complimentary ticket in the student section. Due to popularity, this game is expected to sell out.
Catholic Mass
Elon Community Church, 6 p.m.
Elon Catholic Campus Ministry invites students and families to Mass. Father Peter Tremblay, Associate Chaplain for Catholic Life, will preside.
ROCKapella Show #1
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 6:30 p.m.
You and your family will be in for a treat as Elon’s a capella groups “rock the house!” Meet the performers in the Koury Center concourse between shows.
Catholic Campus Ministry 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Holland House
Holland House, 7 p.m.
Join Catholic Campus Ministry for “Home at Holland” – the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Catholic Newman Center at Holland House. The festivities will include dinner, drinks, a grateful reflection on our Catholic home for the past 10 years, and a look to the future!
SUBCinema (Toy Story 4)
Turner Theatre, Schar Hall, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Come and enjoy a family-friendly movie in Turner Theatre! Popcorn, candy, and soda will be available.
ROCKapella Show #2
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 8:30 p.m.
You and your family will be in for a treat as Elon’s a capella groups “rock the house!”
Late Night Elon – Mission Improvable Trivia
McKinnon Hall, Moseley Student Center, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Enjoy a Mission Improvable trivia show plus an interactive trivia competition called Nerdology.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
We encourage you to use this day to spend time with your student. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, have your student take you on a campus tour of their favorite spots, use our campus recreation facilities, or simply catch up in your student’s neighborhood.
Family Hospitality Suite
Martin Alumni Center, 9 a.m. – Noon
Need to pick up your T-Shirt? Want more information about campus, programs, and events? Need a place to relax with a cup of coffee? Come visit the Office of Parent Engagement staff at our Hospitality Suite for anything you may need before you depart campus.
Class on the Grass with Campus Recreation and Wellness
Young Commons, 10 – 11 a.m.
Join Elon’s Campus Recreation instructors for wellness classes on the lawn! Our instructors will lead a series of sessions that incorporate balance, strength, flow, and relaxation poses. These programs are intended for anyone age 12 and up, and are perfect for students and their older siblings!
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Gentle Yoga
Sunday Christian Worship
Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 10 a.m.
Open to all members of the community. Connect with the chaplains and campus ministers, and participate in an ecumenical, non-denominational worship.