Phoenix Five: Sunday look at the week ahead for Dec. 1-7

For those students who have travel plans that will be affected by the winter storms in northeast Ohio, western Pennsylvania, or western New York: if there are weather delays that impact their ability to get back to the Elon area in time for any class meetings, the student should reach out directly to the instructors of those courses. University policies indicate that individual instructors and academic departments set class attendance policies and expectations. Wishing everyone safe travels back to campus!

While students were away on break, the Elon men’s basketball team defeated Notre Dame on their home court in South Bend, handing the Irish their first season loss. Make plans to catch the Phoenix in action this Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. in Schar Center.

Housing Selection for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

First Information Session, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 4 p.m., via Zoom

Housing selection information for the 2025-26 academic year is now live and available on the Residence Life website. All current students who intend to return to campus housing, in residence halls and apartments, need to take action. All rising juniors/seniors who currently reside in apartments are encouraged to consider renewing their apartments for the following year. Take action with these three steps:

• Apply: Complete your housing application on Self-Service by Feb. 10, 2025.
• Group: Mutually match with roommates on Self-Service, if applicable.
• Select: On your selection day, the group member with the best selection time will choose a space for your group.

The first information session for housing selection will be held Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m. at this Zoom link. Additional sessions will be held in January.

For additional questions, call 336-278-7300, chat on the self-service www.elon.edu/housing (Elon students only), or email residencelife@elon.edu.

Festival of Lights and Luminaries

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6:30-8 p.m., Historic Neighborhood; Rain date: Thursday, Dec. 5

Join the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life for a beloved Elon tradition as we celebrate light and the winter season. The Festival of Lights and Luminaries will once again fill the Historic Neighborhood with light. Take in the beautiful luminaries and learn more about the imagery of light found in different religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural worldviews. All are welcome for an evening of community, learning, live music, crafts and fun!

World AIDS Day

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Moseley Center

World AIDS Day is an international awareness day to commemorate people living with HIV/AIDS, honor those who have died from the disease, inform our community to stop the stigma and provide resources to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Stop by the SPARKS table to learn more information about advocacy, treatment, research and prevention and the chance to win an Irazu gift card! Visit PhoenixCONNECT for more information.

Student Holiday Party with President Book

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6-9 p.m., The Inn at Elon

All students are invited to join President Connie Ledoux Book for the annual holiday party at The Inn at Elon. President Book will be available for photos, and food and drinks will be provided. Don’t forget that voting for the best gingerbread house will be live on-site, close at 7:30 p.m., and the winner will be announced at 8 p.m.

Limited parking available at The Inn – carpooling is highly encouraged. On campus, designated student parking is open to students at Inman, Colonnades and Global. Entrance for the party is through the lit pathway at the back entrance of The Inn.

Peer EARS (Empathy, Assistance, and Referral Support)

Sunday, Monday and Friday Afternoon (Through Dec. 8), Moseley Center

Peer EARS (Empathy, Assistance, and Referral Support) is a new peer-to-peer resource to support student mental health, developed through a collaboration between Counseling Services and Human Service Studies. Peer EARS invites students to connect with a trained peer who understands and can offer support. Peer consultants support students who may be struggling with common concerns like homesickness, academic pressure, personal stress, feeling disconnected and navigating relationships.

While peer consultants have completed coursework and training to prepare them for their role, it is important to note that they cannot offer professional mental health support. Peer EARS is not a substitute for mental health counseling.

Peer EARS is here for all Elon students—no appointment necessary! Simply stop by during “open ears” office hours. Visit the Counseling Services website for more information.

Have a great final week of classes. Next Saturday is the official “Reading Day” for the fall semester, and next Sunday will be the last “Phoenix Five” update of the semester/