Elon University’s small town sensibilities do not hinder its students from seeking big opportunities. Whether it’s going abroad or participating in undergraduate research programs, Elon students know they’ll leave as well-rounded individuals ready for the workforce. “
Elon is a great school to go to,” writes a junior at the school. “
If you want teachers that are engaged and work with you as a student, this is the place to go. If you like to volunteer and get new experiences daily then this school will offer you with plenty of opportunities to do this. We have important people visit our school all the time, and there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and become involved in the community.”
Elon’s small size gives students a chance to become close with their community and have face time with administrators – something they might not experience if they attended a large state school. “
The best thing about Elon is the close-knit community,” writes a freshman communications major. “
No exaggeration, it is ‘a home away from home’. It is the perfect size, around 5,000 students.” Regarding their relationship with the bigwigs on campus, a sophomore music major writes, “
The administration at Elon is excellent because they let us get to know them on a fairly personal level, and they show their support at all kinds of events.”
The campus, loaded with flower beds and other flora, was granted botanical garden status in 2005. This status not only heightens the students’ educational experience, but it cheers them up on the way to class. “
You know how you wake up at 7 a.m. and are pissed off because you have to walk to class?” asks a sophomore journalism major. “
Well, as soon as you set foot on campus, you'll automatically be in a better mood just because this place is so beautiful to look at.”
Once students actually get to class, they know they’ll do more than just sit in on a lecture. Writes a freshman in the Honors Program, “
Elon stresses engaged learning, which means that the students actively participate in their learning. Class time is used more efficiently because it isn't just all of us sitting in front of a professor lecturing. I am yet to have a professor who does not go out of his/her way to help me to succeed.” This personal interaction with faculty members extends beyond the classroom – even beyond the country. “
Professors know everyone by name and are extremely accessible, whether during their office hours, scheduling personal appointments, communicating by email, or even calling them on their cell phones,” writes a senior majoring in English. “
A great way to form a relationship with a professor is by studying abroad during winter term, where students usually get close to two faculty members during their 3-4 week adventure.”
At the very least, students say their education, along with a little help from the career center and other services available for students, will help them reach their goals post-graduation. “
When you leave Elon, you will certainly be very well prepared for whatever you want to do with your life but you will also come out with a vast bank of knowledge that just makes you a well informed, intelligent person,” writes a freshman involved in campus publications.
As for the students themselves, students say a predominantly white and female student body is fairly visible on campus and that diversity is an issue. “
Elon has a low male-to-female ratio, which I think is felt drastically by everyone on campus,” writes a junior education major. "
I also feel as though Elon's student body is predominantly white, which is noticeable on campus. The diversity is growing across the board, however, and I think Elon is doing a much better job of creating a niche for all types of students here." Though many students are said to come from the upper crust, students coming from more modest backgrounds should not feel out of place. “
The majority of students come from wealthier families, but money is never really important in any sort of social situation,” writes a freshman involved with the Student Union Board.
About a third of the campus goes Greek, and with few students venturing off of campus to find things to do, parties are well-attended throughout the week. Writes a freshman political science/government major, “
On the weekends the off-campus party scene really heats up, plus tons of Greek parties. Being Greek is really big here (but you would never know it based on the fact that only 30% of students are Greek)." Of course, Elon students aren’t just crazed, party animals. They get involved in many campus organizations as well. “
We are all overcommitted and most people love it,” writes a senior involved in leadership programs. "
The organizations on campus are all student run so if you are in a leadership position [you] are going to be busy.” A sophomore involved in intramural programs sums it up like this, “
While Elon students do party a lot, we also have one of the highest community service amounts of any school (in 2007 we were awarded the President's Higher Education Community Service Award For Excellence). Therefore, we make good grades, contribute to society, and reward ourselves for it.” Even balanced students know they should let loose every now and then.
