Learn more about the Elon Class of 2028, the most diverse in the university’s history, and look at what’s ahead for Move-In Day and New Student Orientation.
More than 1,600 new Elon University students will arrive on campus on Aug. 23 as the 2024-25 academic year begins.
The Class of 2028 is the most diverse in Elon’s history: 1,627 first-year students and 77 transfer students – 23% of which identify as ALANAM (African American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian Pacific Islander, Native American, Alaska Native and multiracial). This class is coming to Elon from 43 states and 16 different countries including Mexico, Switzerland, France, China and Germany. Twelve percent identify as first-generation college students and the class overall has an average core GPA of 4.08.
Top majors for the new class include psychology, business analytics, marketing, finance, biology, nursing, elementary education, engineering and exercise sports science.
Friday, August 23
Move-In Day
All students will be assigned a specific move-in time between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. that they can find on their Acorn Account. Upon arriving to campus, all students and families must report to central check-in at Schar Center. Students will then receive orientation materials and directions to their move-in location. Each neighborhood has specific driving directions which can be viewed on this map.
“Move-In Day at Elon University is pure excitement! It’s the moment when all the hard work pays off, and the campus buzzes with energy as new students finally arrive,” said Emily Krechel, director of New Student Programs. “Faculty, staff and student leaders have been eagerly preparing all year for this day, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome you to the Elon family. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!”
New Student Orientation
All new students are required to attend new student orientation which starts on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 23, and goes to Monday, Aug. 26. On Friday, students will meet their orientation leader for the first time and, throughout orientation, they will have multiple opportunities to interact with their orientation leaders. More activities on Friday include students learning about their residential neighborhood or campus community (for off-campus students) and having some fun at Late Night Elon.
“Orientation at Elon University is more than just an introduction — it’s the beginning of your lifelong journey as a Phoenix,” said Krechel. “Over those few days, you’ll dive into campus life, learn what it means to be a member of our community, connect with fellow students and start building a community that will support you throughout your time here. We’re here to guide you every step of the way as you explore, discover and embrace all the opportunities Elon has to offer. Welcome to a new chapter filled with possibilities!”
Saturday, August 24
New Student Convocation
The Class of 2028 will be welcomed to the university Under the Oaks by President Connie Ledoux Book during New Student Convocation on Saturday, Aug. 24. Students will first meet in Alumni Gym at 8 a.m. and hear from Jon Dooley, vice president of student life, before walking through Alamance Building and gathering with friends and families Under the Oaks. During the procession, students will pass the bell that hung in “Old Main” before the building was destroyed in the fire of 1923.
If family members want a bite to eat before New Student Convocation, they can stop by the special Parent and Family College Coffee in the LaRose Student Commons courtyard. College Coffee brings together students, faculty and staff each week for food and fellowship.
During convocation, students will receive their acorns, an Elon tradition since 1999 that symbolizes the beginning of their Elon journey. As they prepare to graduate in spring 2028, students will receive an oak sapling at the Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate, a symbol of their transformation during their time at the university.
Later in the day, students can meet with their academic advisors and Elon 1010 Peer Educators and then say goodbye during the Family Send-Off Picnic at several locations: West Koury Lawn, West Mosely Lawn and Martin Alumni Center. Wristbands are required and families can purchase wristbands for $20 per person. Students eat for free with a meal plan.
A full slate of events are planned for families throughout New Student Orientation. However, if families cannot attend, they can always reach out to the Office of Parent Engagement with questions or concerns. Students have additional programming that afternoon and into the evening starting at 4:30 p.m. Orientation events are mandatory for all new students.
Sunday, August 25
Sunday includes several important sessions including “Level Up: Setting the Tone for Inclusion On Campus” and “Retaking Out Story: Reframing the Sexual Violence Conversation,” both in Alumni Gym. Students will also get to cheer on The Phoenix for the first time, starting with the Phoenix Tailgate and Picnic on Phoenix Drive at 4:30 p.m. and a soccer game and pep rally at Rudd Field at 7 p.m. Several “Late Night in the Neighborhoods” events are also planned, starting at 8:30 p.m.
Monday, August 26
Call to Honor
On Monday, all new students will commit to the university’s Honor Code with the Call to Honor at 9:30 a.m. in Alumni Gym. Each incoming class represents one of the four pillars of the Elon Honor Code: honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect. Students sign their name on a poster with the Elon Honor Code and receive a coin with the word “honor” engraved on it. Several other sessions are planned throughout the day, ending with a mesmerizing hypnotist show in Alumni Gym.
Classes begin on Tuesday, Aug. 27.