The special event is planned for members of the Class of 2024, which due to the pandemic were not able to enjoy the traditional welcome to campus most first-year students receive.
In August 2020, members of the Class of 2024 arrived on campus to start what would be a most untraditional academic year at Elon. The COVID-19 pandemic meant changes to many Elon traditions, including Move-In Day, New Student Convocation, Call to Honor and other events that typically take place in person and face-to-face.
“For some of you, this may be the first time you have joined us on campus, but for most, while you were here last year in-person, it was not exactly a ‘typical’ first year experience,” Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley wrote to members of the class. “You and your experience last year have been very much on our minds as we get ready to start a new academic year.”
In recognition of the class’s less-than-typical start to their time at Elon, the university is hosting a special Sophomore Welcome Back Celebration in Rhodes Stadium on Monday, Aug. 23. Members of the class are invited to the stadium at 6 p.m. for the event, which kicks off with a brief program.
Harvest Table will serve a special dinner from the concession stands, using a meal scan, followed by an evening of games and activities, music from a local DJ, and giveaways. All sophomores in attendance will receive a special gift. After the event, sophomores will have priority seating for the back-to-school hypnotist event, also in Rhodes Stadium, before the doors open to all other students at 8 p.m.
Members of the Class of 2024 are also encouraged to participate in the Well Connected Challenge via PhoenixConnect, the Organization Fair planned for Thursday, Aug. 26, and to visit a special Sophomore Football Tailgate Zone at Elon’s first football game on Saturday, Sept. 4.
Learn more about Sophomore Experience Programming here.