The spring semester is underway for Elon University Los Angeles students as the city begins to recover from damaging wildfires.
The Elon University Los Angeles program began its spring semester as the LA area begins to recover from the now-contained Palisades and Eaton wildfires, two of the most destructive wildfires in the state’s history.
Following their move-in on Jan. 31, Elon LA students participated in a community orientation on Feb. 1 at The Preserve in Hollywood, Elon LA’s home base, where students had the opportunity to learn about their immersive experience ahead and interact with spring faculty.
Returning to teach at Elon University Los Angeles this semester is instructor Matthew Antonelli, a seasoned industry professional, who is once again teaching the Writing for Film & TV course. Boris Schaarschmidt, a Hollywood-based director and content creator, has also returned to teach the popular Directing course. Two new members of the L.A. faculty join the program this semester: entertainment attorney Daniel Spitz, who is teaching the Media Law & Ethics course, and art historian Grant Klarich Johnson, who is teaching the L.A. Issues – Art History course.
With a commitment to community service, Elon University Los Angeles students will again participate in several volunteer opportunities with local nonprofit organizations, including the Hollywood Food Coalition and other groups involved with the post-wildfire support of displaced families and shattered communities.
All spring students arrived in L.A. with their internships secured. Their unique and immersive experiential learning experiences begin this week at a variety of companies across the city.
The spring 2025 semester will include professional development opportunities for students beyond their internships and academic classes through special gatherings with Elon Los Angeles-based alumni and other industry professionals. In addition, weekend excursions to the sights and places that draw tourists to L.A. will include the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Universal City Walk, a bike ride along the Pacific Ocean, a hike up the Hollywood Hills to the famous Hollywood sign and a day trip to Santa Barbara.
Elon University Los Angeles is one of several cities that create the core of Elon University’s National Campus Programs and Study USA. A robust summer program will follow this spring’s experience for students seeking unique opportunities to study with L.A.-based industry professionals and explore their professional potential through growth-based internships. Applications for next year’s spring and summer 2026 Los Angeles experience will be available soon. For information, visit the National Campus Programs website.
