arts & SCIENCES 2014
A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S
African and African American Studies Our faculty
Our students
Renowned scholars and researchers, awardwinning teachers, writers and artists who have... »» published books, book chapters and journal articles on slavery, religion, the media, education, post-colonialism, racial diversity, intercultural competency and a textbook for Elon’s nationally renowned “The Global Experience” course. »» received the Daniels-Danieley Award for Excellence in Teaching »» earned grants, fellowships, scholarship and residencies from organizations like the Oak Foundation, Fulbright and Project Pericles. Leaders on campus, in their disciplines, communities and the world, who have extended their expertise at home and abroad and have... »» directed more than a dozen interdisciplinary programs, chaired their departments and important university committees. »» served on boards and have held memberships in national and international organizations in their disciplines. »» coordinated and led education, literacy, library, health and other initiatives to benefit domestic and international communities. »» developed and led Elon’s most popular short-term study abroad programs to South Africa, Ghana and Brazil.
»» Are recipients of lucrative awards, scholarships and fellowships who have populated the Elon College, Honors, Leadership and Teaching Fellows programs and served as Civic Engagement and Periclean Scholars, Rangle Fellows, Lumen Scholars, a Truman Finalist, a Boren Scholarship recipient and Perito awardees. »» Are inducted into prestigious honor societies like Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Kappa Delta and many more. »» Are conducting, presenting and publishing research and securing prestigious internships locally and globally. »» Have started campus chapters of national organizations like Invisible Children and STAND and their own nonprofit organizations »» Serve as officers in Model UN, as S.M.A.R.T. mentors, writers for The Pendulum and in the Student Government Associations »» Volunteer with Elon’s Campus Kitchen, NC African Services Coalition »» Lead and participate in service trips to Ghana, Jamaica, Malawi, Morocco and Uganda.
Our students often... »» present research at conferences such as Elon’s Student Undergraduate Research Forum, the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and have won
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/african_africanamerican_studies
prizes for their work at the Lilly South Teaching and Learning Conference. »» conduct research in the international and domestic nonprofit sectors, human rights, refugee populations, protest and reconciliation movements and slavery in places like Ghana, Malta, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and the United States. »» publish in journals like South African Geographic Journal, Progress in Development Studies and Africa Media Review »» intern with organizations like the United Nations, the Genocide Intervention Network and U.S. and international government agencies, social service providers, orphanages and sports agencies.
Our graduates are... »» rewarded with highly selective postsecondary learning and volunteer opportunities »» working for Habitat for Humanity, the Peace Corps, Teach for America and are social entrepreneurs. »» working and excelling in a variety of fields such as education, journalism, library science, law, public health, publishing, the nonprofit sector and social work. »» admitted to prestigious and competitive graduate programs such as Central European University, Georgetown University, The University of Texas, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Loyola University and SUNYAlbany.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
American Studies American Studies promotes the study of culture and life in the U.S. and provides a place for investigating American culture in the rest of the world and throughout history. Rapidly expanding program Since Fall 2012: »» The number of declared minors reached 41. »» A program record number of graduates with an AMS minor. »» A new curriculum recognized at the American Studies Association. »» 106 students enrolled in “Concepts in American Studies: Introduction to American Studies” in the last two years. »» A dozen affiliated faculty representing two schools, eight departments and many different disciplines
Outstanding students »» Our students hold majors and minors in Management, Marketing, Political Science, International Studies, Entrepreneurship, Communications, Exercise Science, Media Arts and Entertainment, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Women’s Studies, Anthropology, English, History and Asian Studies »» Our graduates work as journalists, in museums and for local and federal governments and record companies; pursue graduate degrees in Law, Acting, English, Interactive Media
Active, accomplished faculty »» This past year we presented our work at the: American Studies Association General Meeting; Modern Languages Association; Italian American Studies Association; “Chicago Italian Catholics and Religion Conference” at Loyola University; American Society of Church
Historical Review, Journal of Southern Religion, Native South, Apalachee Review, Journal of the Early Republic, Ethnohistory, Essay Daily, The Florentine, Spaces and Flows: An International Journal of Urban and Extraurban Studies.
History; Atlantic Pragmatist Workshop; American Society for Ethnohistory; Mathers Museum of World Cultures, the Department of History and the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center at Indiana University, Archaeological Society of Jamaica; Twelfth International Writing Across the Curriculum Conference at the University of Minnesota; American College of Sports Medicine Conference; and Southeast American College of Sports Medicine. »» Conducted research at/in: the Special Collection of the University of Rochester Rush Rhees Library, the National Library of Jamaica, the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica, the Special Collections at the University of the West Indies at Mona, the North Carolina Baptist Historical Collection, the Southern Historical Collection (at UNC), Moore Town and Accompong, Jamaica, the Paley Center for Media, New York City and the Special Collection of Northern Illinois State University.
»» Received a Hultquist Award and FR&D funds.
Cultural Programming »» Lecture by Professor Kenneth Warren, University of Chicago »» American Classic Group Reading (with Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity) »» Lecture by Frank Lentricchia, member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. »» Lecture by novelist and California State University Professor Mary Bucci Bush »» Workshop on Professor Charles Iron’s book-in-progress led by Professor Keith Harper of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary »» Philip Carret Jefferson Prize. The three winners received prizes of $1000 and summer trip to Monticello, $500 and $100 respectively.
»» Published: the 6th edition of Introduction to Sociology with BVT Publications, the first edition of Essentials of Sociology, a chapter in Millennialism and Providentialism in the Civil War Era (Louisiana State UP), a chapter in How is Global Dialogue Possible?: Foundational Research on Values, Conflict and Intercultural Thought, a chapter in Apocalypse and the Millennium in the American Civil War Era, a chapter in The Civil War in Indian Territory and reviews in Italian Americana, LIMINA: A Journal of Cultural and Historical Studies, American Historical Review, Journal of the Civil War Era, Italian American Review, Journal of Southern History, North Carolina
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/american_studies/
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Art and Art History Diverse Curricula »» Elon’s innovative Art History program has earned a national reputation for its focus on a three-part thematic foundation series that introduces students to visual culture from pre-history to the present, as well as the history of Art History. This broad foundation is developed through rigorous upper-level courses that encourage student research projects and standards for professional research presentations. »» Two degrees in studio art offer different experience for Art students. The B.A. in Art features studio instruction across media or focused in an area of concentration. A studio-intensive B.F.A. in Art offers a focused program of study with an emphasis on studio practice and contemporary art designed for students who want to pursue advanced studies in art. »» The recently introduced minor in digital art will provide a media-focused course of creative study to complement several majors at Elon.
Engaged Faculty Art and Art History faculty are active scholars. Recently, Art History faculty have: »» Published edited volumes and chapters including “The Ordo Missae of Warmund of Irvea: A Bishop’s ‘Two Bodies’ and the Image in Between” in Envisioning the Bishop: Image and the Episcopacy in the Middle Ages, Middle Church Studies, 29, ed.
»» Given papers and organized sessions at national and international conferences, including College Art Association, SCAC and International Medieval Congress, Leeds, England Art faculty have: »» Participated in national exhibitions in ceramics, installation art, painting, photography, digital art and new media »» Exhibited in international venues and have public sculpture on display throughout the U.S., as well as on permanent display in Detroit, Mich.
Mentoring »» Art and Art History faculty and students regularly participate in Elon’s undergraduate research initiatives. In 2011, an Art History major was selected for the prestigious Lumen Prize, and her thesis paper was published this year in the International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities.
»» Presented at national conferences such as College Art Association and South Eastern College conference
Amazing Opportunities »» Last year, 100% of the graduating Art History majors participated in shortterm study abroad or semester abroad programs. Also, more than half of the Art and Art History faculty have led a shortterm or semester-abroad program. »» All Art and Art History students participate in public presentations or exhibitions of their research and/or artwork. Art and Art History students regularly present at national exhibitions and in national academic conferences. »» The department sponsors an exhibition series that includes visiting artists, juried shows and student exhibitions and an Art History Speaker Series that brings engaging scholars with international reputations to our campus.
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/art_art_history/
»» Thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor, the Arts West Gallery has been renovated, expanded and renamed to Gallery 406. The gallery has more than doubled its size and offers a vibrant exhibition and performance space. The department will host several international and nationally recognized artists in this gallery space every year.
Well-prepared for further academic challenges »» Art and Art History students are accepted to the top programs in their fields of study. In the last year, students have been accepted to, or are concluding degrees from, American University, University of Colorado, University of CaliforniaBerkeley, School of Visual Arts - N.Y., Florida State University, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, SUNY-Stonybrook, NYU, Pratt Institute in N.Y., Savanna College of Art and Design, Trinity College Dublin, University College London, University of Delaware and the College of Charleston.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Arts Administration Offered for the first time in fall 2011, Elon’s arts administration major aims to provide the best undergraduate experience possible for students interested in pursuing this field of study by building on strong interdisciplinary coursework and experiential internships with professional organizations and business. Innovative curriculum »» Students pursuing an arts administration major will complete a strong, interdisciplinary program where their learning develops in a structured progression through coursework and internships in arts administration, business and an arts discipline. This coursework consists of an introductory class in arts administration as a field and includes upper level courses in subjects such as accounting, marketing, management, fundraising and legal issues in the arts. The program also combines this coursework with practical experience by requiring internships as a part of the program. »» These experiences result in a major that is very attractive as a double-major to complement another disciplinary field, such as acting, art, art history, business,
»» Recording artists and world-renowned concert musicians and conductors »» Leading business scholars and arts administration professionals.
Outstanding possibilities for students
dance, music performance, music production or recording arts in both management and an art form that allows for a deeper understanding of how organizations and businesses work in the creative sector. »» The program is growing quickly and already has more than 40 declared majors.
»» They are also well-prepared for graduate school, including programs such as those at the University of North Carolina School for th Arts, Drexel University, New York University, Boston University and many others.
Experienced faculty Our faculty are: »» Actors, directors, choreographer and designers with national and international credits »» Legal experts, managers and administrators
»» Students graduating with this major are well prepared to enter the professional artistic field and employ their expertise to bring the arts to the public. Students are prepared to work in a wide variety of positions for commercial and nonprofit arts businesses and organizations.
»» Arts Administration students complete off-campus internships with museums, galleries, dance companies and studios, PR firms, regional theaters, government agencies, symphonies and commercial businesses in the arts.
»» Award-winning sculptors, painters, photographers and digital artists
www.elon.edu/e-web/admissions/majorsheets/artsadministration.xhtml
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Asian Studies The Asian Studies program at Elon offers an interdisciplinary minor (20 hours), with course offerings on the history, geography, religion, languages, philosophy, economics and societies of this vast, diverse continent. In the past five years: »» Declared minors increased by 200% »» Curricular offerings increased more than 380%
websites such as jaina.org and jainelbrary. org.
»» Received five grants and fellowships from the Association of Asian Studies and Elon University.
Real World Applications
»» Affiliate faculty increased more than 100%
»» This year, four out of Elon’s six Fulbright scholars will be teaching English in South Korea, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
Exciting study abroad opportunities:
»» Two graduating seniors successfully navigated the competitive interview process for the JET program (Japan Exchange and Teaching) sponsored by the U.S. and Japanese governments.
»» 18 study abroad programs in multiple cities in the Pacific Rim, India, China and Japan, in addition to Vietnam, Singapore, Nepal and Bhutan »» In 2013-14, 170 students studied abroad in an Asian country.
Excellent Mentoring »» This year, our Asian Studies students have pursued undergraduate research on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and qi energy, Jesus in Japanese animé, mapping Buddhism in the U.S. and the communicative elements of Hindu food offerings. They have published their mentored undergraduate research topics in The Journal of Theta Alpha Kappa, CrossCurrents Journal, ASIANetwork Exchange, The Huffington Post and on
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/asian_studies/
»» Published seven peer-reviewed articles, book chapters or other publications. One article by Distinguished Emerging Scholar Dr. Amy Allocco was the second place winner for the esteemed Elizabeth Schüssler-Fiorenza New Scholar Award, based on her publication in the prestigious Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion.
»» Numerous other graduates attribute their successful employment this year to their language abilities, international study abroad experiences and coursework on Asia.
Active, Accomplished faculty This year, our affiliate faculty have: »» Published War Crimes, Genocide, and Justice: A Global History, of which approximately 40% is dedicated to China, India, Tibet and Japan. »» Prepared two edited volumes on Ritual Innovation in South Asia and New Religious Movements
»» Presented 15 papers of panel responses at professional conferences domestically and in the U.K., on topics such as the migration of European Jews to Shanghai during WWII, pre-modern Japanesese healing techniques, Zen and esoteric Buddhist imagery, Christianity in India, contemporary urban studies and Asian Studies pedagogy. »» Presented more than a dozen campus talks and workshops »» Served as consultant to a major U.S. museum and held seven leadership positions in professional organizations.
Vibrant Cultural Programming »» Annual Lunar New Year Celebration »» Annual Meet ‘n Greet Spring Social »» Co-sponsored other Asian-themed events on campus, e.g. Religion and Violence in Asia and Africa conference; two documentary film screenings; and a campus visit by Tibetan Buddhist lama.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Biology Accomplished students and alumni
Outstanding faculty
Interactive and exciting curriculum
»» Approximately 230 students declared Biology as a major in 2013-14, including 28 students in the Class of 2014. A biology student won the ODK leadership award and 2 biology majors were inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
»» In 2013-14, our faculty participated in eight professional presentations, most of which were co-authored with students.
»» Biology students learn and explore in high-tech spaces such as McMichael Science Center, which was renovated for three new teaching labs and classrooms. The new space will also feature enhanced undergraduate research areas.
»» Of those in the Class of 2013, 14 are enrolled in graduate school or health science programs, 15 are working in research environments and in other professions and seven are preparing for health science programs. »» Each year, 35-40 majors participate in on-campus research experiences, presenting at national conferences. Two students won awards for their research presentations at the NC Academy of Sciences meetings this year. »» During the 2013-14 academic year, eight students presented at SURF, four at NCUR and eight presented or co-authored presentations at regional or national professional biology meetings.
»» The many professional conferences attended by faculty included the North Carolina Academy of Science, Association of Southeastern Biologists, National Science Teachers Association, Pacific Symposium on Biocomputing, Health Professions Advisors of North Carolina, Ecological Society of America, Animal Behavior Society and Regional Society of Microbiology and Experimental Biology.
»» Recently a new exciting curriculum was introduced that created three biology concentrations for students to choose from Integrative Biology, Foundations of Medical Sciences, and Biotechnology/ Molecular Biology. »» One Elon 101 course was offered that focused on biology careers.
»» Biology faculty mentored a total of 39 undergraduate research students including six Lumen Scholars, six Honors Fellows and 11 Elon College Fellows. Biology faculty also mentored one Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) project.
»» The department also received a grant to purchase a digital, inverted fluorescent microscope and the introductory cell biology lab classroom was fully renovated with new state-ofthe-art equipment.
»» Faculty had multiple grants funded to support research and teaching from external and internal funding sources.
»» The department held eight science cafes to raise aware¬ness about biologyrelated issues with members of the larger community.
»» All biology majors complete at least one internship or an independent research project.
»» Faculty authored three peer-reviewed articles and submitted an additional four for review.
»» Annual alumni panels are held so current biology majors can talk to alumni Biology majors about opportunities after graduation.
»» Many faculty were named directors of Elon programs and two biology faculty have won Elon College teaching awards
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/biology
»» The Elon Biology Department is one of just a few under-graduate programs in the United States with a human cadaver lab for learning human anatomy.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Center for Environmental Studies Promoting Community Outreach and Education »» Fall Environmental Forum – Annual attendance of 200 to 400 people including students, faculty and community leaders. Past conferences have focused on building sustainable communities, production of and access to sustainably produced foods across North Carolina and sustainable furnishings. »» Professional Development Workshop topics included the ecology and management of cougars, tracking, management of local food systems through gardens, inviting disadvantaged communities to the table through community gardens, environmental education and life cycle analysis for manufacturing.
Championing Conservation »» Haw River Riparian Corridor Environmental Assessment and Protection Plan for the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund. This research guides NC conservation initiatives in this critical watershed. »» Haw River Conservation Corridor project – a partnership between Elon University, the cities of Burlington and Graham and Alamance County. This work has led to the creation of seven new riverfront parks, 10 miles of recreational
trail and conservation of hundreds of acres of critical river front land.
North Carolina and to assess resilience to economic stress from local foods.
»» Haw River Land Stewards – EPA grant to provide conservation opportunities to landowners throughout the Haw River watershed.
»» Assessment of sustainable agriculture for the protection of water quality.
»» Shallow Ford Park, Altamahaw Paddle Access and Great Bend Park – three new parks on the Haw River for recreation and research. »» Farm Incubator Program – Working with local governments, other universities and nonprofits to establish a training program to assist new farmers with a focus on sustainable food production and economic development.
Outstanding Research »» 53 students doing research and internships including: research on riverbank assessment, algal toxin production, wetlands ecology, invasive plant species, water contamination in Ghana, biogeochemistry of stream soils, economic impact of Haw River conservation projects, water/energy conservation projects, the new Shallow Ford County Park and Elon Forest.
Student Initiatives »» Support for more than 30 student projects in Environmental Studies Senior Seminar, including establishment of new riverfront parks, assistance to farmers markets, business plans for non-profits, environmental impact statement and chicken tractors. »» Elon Environmental Center at Loy Farm – The Center at Loy Farm is a place on the Elon campus that gives students the experience of growing food in sustainable ways while improving the environment. They can also design a built environment –places to live, play and work– that integrate with sustainable agriculture. Food from the farm is distributed to the community through Campus Kitchen. Local governments and nonprofits are partners in exploring a regional network for sustainable food production and consumption, with the Elon Environmental Center at Loy Farm a key piece.
»» Regional sustainable food systems – working with local and state government, other universities and nonprofits to evaluate the value of local foods in central
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/environmental_studies/ecenter
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry and Biochemistry The Chemistry Department at Elon offers an engaging, challenging and rewarding curriculum geared toward postgraduate success in graduate school, professional school or professional work. Professors with a focus on educating eager and open minds »» Faculty annually attend and make presentations at regional, national and international conferences. »» All full-time faculty members continuously mentor multiple undergrad research projects. »» In the last three years, departmental faculty have published 12 research articles in respected peer-reviewed journals, three of them with student co-authors. »» The chemistry department devotes one section of general chemistry and two sections of lab to exploring innovative teaching in the discipline. »» Dr. Grimley is president of the prestigious PLU (Phi Lambda Upsilon), the national chemistry honor society. »» In the past three years, we hired two new faculty members dedicated to high quality teaching and mentoring of undergraduate research. »» In the past three years, faculty have mentored more than 35 students including six Lumen Scholars, six Honors Fellows and 14 Elon College Fellows.
were published in highly respected peerreviewed journals. »» Received a CTL grant to equip the biochemistry lab.
»» We currently have the largest enrollments ever in most courses, as well as the largest numbers of declared majors in chemistry and biochemistry. »» The National Science Foundation recently awarded a grant of $38,685 to the department for a multimode spectrophotometer for use in teaching and research labs.
»» One student was awarded a Goldwater Scholarship and two students received honorable mentions. »» Three students received awards for research presentations at professional meetings.
Successful Graduates
»» Faculty are authors of two textbooks – one on organic chemistry and one on instrumental analysis.
»» 55 graduates in the past three years
»» Faculty engage in collaborative research with biology and physics departments.
Students and faculty continuously engaged in novel, noteworthy scholarship »» More than $50,000 in funding awarded to support mentored undergraduate research in the past three years. »» In the past three years, students and faculty have made more than 40 research presentations at local, regional, national and international professional conferences.
»» First-flight status for Elon’s Writing Excellence Initiative.
»» 36% of graduates went on to pursue a graduate degree (every student who applied was accepted at one of their top three schools) »» 22% went on to health-related professional schools »» 32% are employed in a chemical/ biochemical profession »» The department holds a graduate night with three alumni panelists »» In 2014, we inducted the fourth class of PLU scholars, a distinctive honor.
»» In the past three years, six students co-authored research manuscripts that
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/chemistry/
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Classical Studies The Classical Studies program at Elon gives students an opportunity for concentrated study of “classical” ideas and practices, which form an important part of Western civilization. In addition, the program examines the ways that these ideas and practices have influenced and been modified by later generations. A growing program »» New courses include advanced Latin (Rome: Myth and Empire) and Winter Term GST (Mirabile Visu: Rome in Text and Television). »» Revised program that debuted in spring 2014. »» Recent graduates went on to graduate school in other fields (e.g. biochemistry, religious studies, anthropology, math/ statistics) and took jobs (e.g. with a theatre, in business, in physical therapy).
»» Group of Latin students took trip to Washington D.C. to see modern performance of Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” (Mary Zimmerman as director), which they were reading in original. »» In an effort to engage current and prospective students, the Classics Club for students was created, as well as Twitter and Facebook accounts for the program. »» Exciting partnership with national consortium of Classics program, Sunoikisis.
»» Brought speaker to campus to talk about ancient myth and modern film.
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/classical_studies/
Expert faculty »» Faculty in the Classical Studies program have given lectures, attended professional conferences and published work within the past year. »» Faculty engaged in research, running the gamut from archaeological digs, CATL scholar, article publications, conference presentations and workshops. »» Faculty engaged with other Elon programs – Honors Fellows, Study Abroad and Elon 101. »» Hybrid elementary Greek course featured three professors from Rhodes College, Center for Hellenic Studies and Elon University. »» Past and current students appreciated close faculty-student working relationship and class size; impact of language learning on their thinking and writing; study abroad experiences; research (SURE, directed research, Lumen Prize); connections to present day cultures.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Computing Sciences Success Beyond Elon »» 83% of our graduates report being employed and 17% report being accepted to graduate school within nine months of graduation. Students are successful at obtaining internships, graduate school offers and industry jobs. Recently, these opportunities have included: »» Internships at Google, Red Hat, Clear Channel Communications, Credit Suisse, Elon’s IT department, Prometheus Group and the U.S. Department of Defense »» Graduate School at University of California-Berkeley, University of Michigan, Boston University and NC State University »» Job positions at CGI Federal, Credit Karma, U.S. Department of Defense, JP Morgan Chase, LPL Financial, EMC Corporation, Prometheus, Limited Brands and Fidelity
Innovative Faculty »» Computing Sciences boasts caring, innovative faculty. Computing Sciences professors have won awards for teaching, research and service from both the university and professional associations.
»» Our professors carry out world-class research. Faculty publish in international journals, conferences and books on topics such as creating digital games; teaching mobile computing; humancomputer interaction; open source projects and financial transactions through mobile devices.
Cutting-edge Curriculum and Facilities »» Our department houses two majors: Computer Science and Information Science. Both majors include a combination of traditional core skill classes and cutting-edge specialty classes such as mobile programming, Xbox 360 game development, web development and data mining. »» Computing Sciences majors have exclusive access to a lab with Mac Pro machines, dual monitors and dual-booting capabilities as well as a separate networking lab. There are five department servers and a nine-machine Grid Computing Node.
Student Opportunities »» Our students are active on Elon’s campus through a student club, which sponsors an annual video game night at Belk Library. In addition, students
compete yearly in the Mid-Atlantic programming contest. Elon students are excelling in undergraduate research. The following are titles of student research projects for the 2013-2014 year: »» Using a Mobile Device Application to Facilitate Speech Therapy »» The Microsoft Kinect and Physical Therapy »» Analysis and Software for the Leap Motion Device »» Front End Web Development Research »» Diffusion of a New Collaborative Tool for Social Programming: The Example of Pastebin »» Recreating the Stack Overflow Database Infrastructure »» Tools for Predicting Voter Turnout in a Local Mayoral Election »» Analyzing a Specialty Computer Lab Using Raspberry Pi »» Accurate and Timely Absolute Location for Augmented Reality Mobile Applications »» Real-life Musical Composition Through Virtual Means: A Mobile Application Controlled Ukulele-playing Robot
“The department is strong and benefits from well-qualified, hardworking faculty, excellent leadership, a student centered vision for its education programs and good facilities ... it provides an atmosphere that fosters learning and success for its students.”
Computing Sciences student Jeff Stern hosts a Q&A with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/computing_sciences/
-Dr. Don Bailes, former president of the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Criminal Justice Studies The Criminal Justice Studies minor provides students with a balanced, multi-disciplinary background in the nature of crime and the workings of the criminal justice system. Accomplished students During the 2013-14 academic year our students: »» Conducted research on language barriers in investigative interviews with ESL eyewitnesses »» Participated in internships at several CJS-related sites like the District Attorney’s Office of Alamance County »» Received the Outstanding Criminal Justice student award »» Participated in the Crime Studies Club, which sponsored a self-defense
night with the help of the Graham Police Department.
»» New electives were approved and added to the Academic Catalog: Organized Crime, CSI Reality, Prison Nation, Juvenile Justice, Violence in Families, Comparative Justice Systems and Psychology and Law.
Alumni success
Expert faculty »» CJS faculty published in such academic journals as Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice and Applied Psychology in Criminal Justice, as well as in the book The Elderly Eyewitness in Court. Students collaborated on three of these publications.
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/criminal_ justice/
Innovative Curriculum
»» Recent CJS alums are working in the National Security Administration, the N.C. Department of Corrections and law firms. »» Recent CJS alums have been accepted to graduate and law schools at such institutions as Roger Williams University and Wake Forrest University.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Dual Degree Engineering Program An innovative approach to becoming an engineer
Elon has affiliations with these engineering programs:
Here is what an alumna had to say about her dual degree engineering experience:
»» As the world’s problem solvers, engineers are called upon regularly to apply their knowledge in science and mathematics to address vital global issues. Elon’s engineering program offers students an outstanding opportunity to earn two undergraduate degrees and launch a career in this challenging, lucrative and dynamic field. Students typically can complete both degrees within five years.
»» NC State University »» Washington University »» Georgia Tech »» Virginia Tech »» Columbia University »» Penn State »» NC A&T State University »» Notre Dame »» University of South Carolina
The program is distinguished by:
»» Engineering Physics »» Engineering Mathematics »» Biophysics/Biomedical Engineering »» Chemistry/Chemical Engineering »» Computer Science/Engineering »» Environmental Science/Environmental Engineering
»» “Elon University’s Dual Degree program allowed me to explore multiple engineering disciplines. My interest in physics and mathematics was heightened in courses like Electrodynamics and Circuit Analysis, later leading me to Electrical Engineering. At Elon, I gained invaluable experience and connections in the small classrooms and one-on-one instruction, before transferring to an affiliated university that further developed my engineering capability.” – Lyssa Gremminger ’14
»» A curriculum that combines courses in engineering, the sciences and the liberal arts »» Broad offerings which prepare students for various engineering disciplines »» Engineering faculty who teach all Elon engineering courses and personally advise and mentor all students »» Hands-on and outreach projects that link theoretical concepts covered in class to practical applications »» A low student-to-faculty ratio »» Computing and workshop facilities exclusive to students and faculty in the engineering program »» Competitive engineering scholarships for incoming first year students
Engineering majors focus their study in one of these concentration areas:
After graduation »» Program graduates have completed graduate study in engineering at top engineering schools such as Northwestern University, University of Illinois, NC State University, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. Others are employed at Boeing, International Paper, Michelin Tire, GM, Lexmark, Volvo Trucks, Wake Forest Baptist Health, government agencies and smaller engineering firms.
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/engineering/
Significant 2013-2014 Highlights »» Record number of students transferred to engineering schools »» New undergraduate engineering research projects launched »» Curricular changes to deepen engineering project experiences and develop technical writing skills »» High school students who participated in Elon’s TEAMS Competition placed in the top 10 at the National TEAMS Competition
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Elon College Fellows Elon College Fellows is a four-year program for students who are passionately committed to the breadth, depth and interesting connections within the Arts and Sciences. Fellows classes, an annual scholarship, a travel grant, research funding, events and mentoring are just some of the benefits of being an Elon College Fellow. Junior and senior Fellows engage in a two-year research apprenticeship with a faculty member. There are currently approximately 200 Elon College Fellows. While the accomplishments of each year are significant, the accomplishments below represent those of our most recent graduates — the Class of 2014.
»» 39% participated in Elon’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience. »» Nearly 90% presented their work at Elon’s Spring Undergraduate Research Forum. »» A number of fellows in the Arts and Humanities held special venues to present and discuss their creative projects. »» 29% presented their work at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research. »» 6 of the 2014 cohort were Lumen Scholars.
Profile of the Elon College Fellows Class of 2014
»» 100% did a two-year research experience in the major.
»» 38 College Fellows graduated in 2014, representing 12 academic departments. 18% had double majors, and one fellow had an independent major in social innovation.
»» Examples of research topics include: “Female Voice in Short Fiction” (Lindsey Olsson majoring in English, Creative Writing); “A comparison of Seed longevity of Eastern Tree Species in Seeds of Varying Ages” (Jillian Pieciak majoring in Biology); “Manifestations of Mapuch Resistance in Contemporary Chile” (Mackenzie Mann majoring in International Studies); “Animal Activists and ServiceOriented Nuns” (Brett Evans majoring in Religious Studies).
»» 68% had at least one study abroad or study away experience in locations including France, Italy, Greece, Ghana, India, Peru, Belize, Spain, India and Great Britain. »» 40% enrolled in one or more courses of world languages above the 122 level or started a new language. »» 50% completed an internship, co-op or practicum experience.
www.elon.edu/e-web/admissions/Fellows/
»» 100% did a professional presentation or performance of their research.
»» 24% of the students inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in April 2014 were Elon College Fellows. »» Positions reported by the 2014 fellows include: Teaching for Teach for America, Columbia Publishing Co., statistician, research assistant at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and research assistant at the Tufts Veterinary School. »» Immediate post-graduate studies reported by 2014 fellows include Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Yale University, physician assistant program, University of Maryland School of Medicine and NC State MFA poetry program.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
English Our faculty are:
Our students are:
Award winning teachers »» Five faculty members have received the Daniels-Danieley Award for Excellence in Teaching — more than any other department on campus.
Lumen Prize winners working on topics including: »» Catcher in the Rye and Young Adult Literature
Essayists, novelists, poets, literary critics, legal experts, editors, textbook authors, as well as language, writing and rhetoric scholars »» Four department members published books during the 2013-2014 year: Beyond the Chinese Connection by Crystal Anderson; The Ebony Column by Eric Ashley Harirston; Kids These Days by Drew Perry; Collective Creation and A History of Collective Creation by Scott Proudfit (co-editor) »» Faculty have also published several dozen essays, articles, book chapters, poems, book reviews and various electronic publications this year. Leaders on campus and in their disciplines »» Faculty led or participated in the following interdisciplinary programs: Professional Writing Studies, American Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, African & African-American Studies, Asian Studies, Classical Studies and more. Extending their expertise abroad »» During the 2013-2014 academic year, English faculty led study abroad classes in South Africa, Europe, England and Alaska.
»» They contribute to The Pendulum, Elon’s student-run newspaper.
Our graduates are: Rewarded with highly selective postsecondary learning and volunteer opportunities »» One 2014 student was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Grant.
»» Physics in Fairy Tales »» A rhetorical analysis of the DSM-V Conducting, presenting and publishing research »» In the 2013-14 academic year, more than a dozen students presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and the Sigma Tau Delta National Conference.
»» One 2014 student was selected for the World Race Mission Team. Admitted to prestigious graduate programs »» Graduates focusing on Creative Writing from 2013 and 2014 will attend creative writing programs at the University of Virginia and North Carolina State University.
»» Other students have presented their work at the Association for Business Communication and several composition conferences. »» Students have presented their work regionally, nationally and internationally. Writing and editing campus publications »» They run Colonnades, Elon’s literary journal. »» They work with the Center for Undergraduate Publishing and Information Design and Perspectives on Undergraduate Research and Mentoring. »» They write for and edit Visions, Elon’s journal for environmental and sustainability studies.
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/english
»» Graduates focusing on Professional Writing and Rhetoric will attend North Carolina State University. »» Graduates from 2014 with majors in English are going to graduate programs in urban education, library science, law, publishing, TEFL certification and information science. Working and excelling in a variety of careers »» Graduates from 2014 have paid internships or jobs with Enveritas, AroundCampus Group, Student Life at Duke University and Huckberry.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Environmental Studies Engaged Learning »» In Green Design, students are introduced to a broad range of green design solutions to sustainable living practices through the exploration of architectural, technological and sustainable energy design choices in terms of their practicality, efficiency, cost effectiveness and environmental impact. »» In Sustainable Food Production, students learn important practices including soil and resources management and planning and planting of crop cycles. Students are actively involved in developing their own biointensive food production project that emphasizes millennial old techniques used by various civilizations. »» In Wildlife Ecology, students learn about inter and intra specific animal interactions and conduct and analyze standardized field surveys for vertebrates. »» In Environmental Law and Policy, students are familiarized with the role of government in managing environmental resources and quality in the United States. »» Many students complete research projects or internships. In 2013-14, internships included Accokeek Foundation, Applied Research Associates, Calleva Outdoor Education, Catalina Island Park, Chesapeake Conservation Corp, Conservators’ Center, Destination Science, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Duke University Forest, Eno River Association, Environment Texas, Massachusetts State house, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Natural Science Center of Greensboro, Timberlake Farm and the Virginia Department of Natural Resources. »» Senior Seminar provides seniors the opportunity to take on real projects related to the environment and sustainability.
»» Many students in Environmental Studies continue their studies in graduate school. Recent graduates are currently enrolled in graduate programs at institutions including Emory University, Old Dominion University, Oregon State University, University of Georgia, North Carolina State University, Rutgers University, University of Colorado, University of North Carolina, University of TexasAustin and Pennsylvania State University.
»» During the 2013-14 academic year, Environmental Studies faculty served as external program reviewers, consultants, invited panelists, reviewers and editors for journals, President of the North Carolina Academy of Science and members of the Executive Boards and Boards of Directors for several organizations.
Students are involved in projects including:
Community Interaction
»» Ecological niche modeling in wildlife conservation.
»» Faculty members are often involved in public outreach and educational seminars regarding topics related to the environment.
»» Biogeochemical processes in stream and river banks.
»» Faculty work with Elon University’s Center for Environmental Studies to organize educational workshops and seminars for the general public, as well as professionals in the fields of environmental science and ecology. »» Through courses and research, students frequently partner with agencies such as the City of Burlington, Alamance County Recreation and Parks, the North Carolina Zoo and the Carnivore Preservation Center to address environmental challenges.
»» Coastal ecosystem restoration in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. »» Researching topics including biogeochemical processes in streams and hyporheic zones, ecophysiology of aquatic plants, habitat and range of spade foot toads, agroecology, sustainable design and architecture and environmental security.
Exciting new opportunities include: »» Elon’s Environmental Education Center at Loy Farm that offers teaching, research and service opportunities.
Scholarship and Research »» During the 2013-14 academic year, Environmental Studies faculty were awarded 11 grants or commissioned projects, gave eight professional presentations, published eight papers or technical reports and held five professional exhibitions. In many cases, students were co-authors or presenters.
elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/environmental_studies
»» Received prestigious professional recognition and awards.
»» Elon’s Peace Corps to offer a Peace Corps Prep Program, an academic and service oriented program to prepare students to work in international development fields.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Exercise Science Student Accomplishments
Faculty Accomplishments
»» Cap and Gown data from 2013 indicates that 50% of our graduating seniors had been accepted into graduate or professional programs including exercise science, athletic training, nutrition, physical therapy, physician assistant, medical school, occupational therapy and nursing.
»» Dr. Eric Hall was awarded the Rawl’s scholarship in fall 2013.
»» 27 Exercise Science majors conducted 23 undergraduate research projects in 2013-14. »» 100% of graduating seniors completed a field based experience. »» Kelly Brand (2013 Major of the Year) was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. »» Five Exercise Science majors participated in the Honors program in 2013. »» 12 ES majors participated in the Elon College Fellows program in 2013. »» Seven Science majors and alums were co-authors on peer-reviewed publications and presented at professional conferences. »» Two Exercise Science majors are current Luman Scholars.
»» Collaborate with Elon Sports Medicine, Athletics, Health Services, DPT and faculty from other institutions to continue to expand our initiative to provide baseline testing, follow-up testing and educational services to Elon and local community.
»» Dr. Caroline Ketcham mentored a successful Lumen scholarship application. »» Dr. Paul Miller was honored with the Ward Family Excellence in Mentoring award in spring 2014. »» Exercise Science faculty published 20 peer-reviewed articles and chapters and made 20 presentations at professional conferences during 2013-14. »» Faculty research was supported by Summer Fellowships in 2013 and faculty mentored undergraduate research as part of Elon’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). »» The Coordinator of Elon University’s Health Professions Advising Program is a faculty member in Exercise Science.
Elon BrainCARE »» Elon BrainCARE (Concussion Assessment, Research and Education) has baseline tested more than 500 student-athletes (Elon and local high schools).
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/exercise_science/
»» Have helped design and implement a Return-to-Learn policy for Elon student-athletes following concussion– one of the first in the nation.
Alumni Accomplishments »» Alumni are currently attending or have been accepted to medical schools including Harvard, UNC, ECU, Howard, Marshal and South Florida. »» Students are attending or have been accepted into programs in DPT, PA, RN/ NP and OT at Columbia, NYU, Duke, UNC, Vanderbilt, George Washington, MUSC, Elon, Indiana and Baylor. »» Students are pursuing or have completed MS or PhD in Exercise Science or related fields at programs including Wake Forest, Georgia Southern, Texas, George Washington, UNC and Texas A&M.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
German Studies Through interdisciplinary coursework, undergraduate research, internships and fellowships, study abroad programs and our innovative Business German option, the German Studies program emphasizes the practical and intellectual utility of studying German language and culture.
»» Three students co-authored articles for top German studies journals on the portrayal of Holocaust perpetrators in the 1961 film Judgment at Nuremberg; the role of Islam in 21st-century Germany; and the portrayal of Germany and the Germans in social media.
Our faculty
»» One student wrote an article on Günter Grass’s novel Peeling the Onion, targeted for the undergraduate research journal, Pittsburgh Undergraduate Review.
»» Publish in top teaching and learning journals, including Foreign Language Annuals, the Language Educator and Holocaust and Genocide Studies. »» Present at national and international conferences, including the American Association of Teachers of Foreign Language, the German Studies Association and the CIBER Business Language Conference. »» Conduct research on curriculum development; new approaches to teaching Business German; culture-based approaches to language teaching and 3D game-based language based learning.
Congress-Bundestag Exchange for Young Professionals »» Receive scholarships and grants, including Fulbright awards and highly competitive German Academic Exchange Service grants to support language study. »» Pursue master’s and doctoral degrees, including European Studies at the Hochschule Bremen, International Affairs at American University, German at UNC-Chapel Hill and History at George Washington University.
Undergraduate Research
Our students and alumni
»» One Lumen Scholar investigates Christianity under the Third Reich and another Lumen Scholar researches bridal imagery in a medieval mystical treatise.
»» Earn internships and fellowships in various disciplines: a community service internship in Berlin; the yearlong
»» A SURE recipient analyzes the portrayal of German and the Germans in social media.
elon.edu/german
Business German »» Elon has developed two tracks for students to study Business and German: a dual-degree partnership with the European School of Business in German and a Certificate in Business German (granted by the German federal government.) »» Both tracks feature business-specific language and culture study, providing students linguistic and cultural skills needed to navigate German work environments and communicate effectively in German with clients, business partners and colleagues. »» Our first dual-degree student is now enrolled at the European School of Business with at least two per year expected in the immediate future.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Geographic Information Systems The GIS program aims to provide students with technical and theoretical training in spatial analysis to aid projects across a breadth of disciplines. Students work closely with faculty from six departments on class and real-world applications
New Initiatives
Successful Graduates
Research Experiences
»» Over the last three years, 12 students graduated with a GIS minor to complement their majors in Environmental Studies, Biology, Public Administration, Political Science and History. Five of these students secured employment or graduate studies in GIS-related fields within five months of graduation. »» Jobs include: GIS analyst for a federal government contractor, paid research assistant for an M.S. degree in forest ecology, a support specialist for ESRI, the creator of the ArcGIS software and the largest GIS-software provider in the worlds, M.S. in program in GIS, Masters in Public Administration program.
Over the past three years, 42 students collaborated with faculty members and local organizations on applied GIS research or management projects that produced eight technical reports, two SURF presentations, one NUCR presentation, one statewide conference presentation, two national conference presentations and 10 new data sets. Sample projects included: »» Analyzing changing circulation patterns for 14 North Carolina newspapers »» Assessment of Alamance County farm land »» Historic Land use and demographic change in the town of Elon »» Developing a smartphone mapping application for scenic sites on the Haw River Paddle Trail for the Alamance County Recreation and Parks Department »» Assessing historic land subdivision patterns in Alamance County »» Analyzing water quality patterns in the Cape Fear River Basin »» Mapping and modeling wildlife habitat in Alamance County »» Expanding an asset inventory of the Elon University Campus »» Analyzing sidewalk patterns and food sources in Alamance County to promote healthy community
Internship Opportunities »» Two students completed formal GISrelated internships with the following organizations: Alamance County GIS Department, City of Burlington Water Resources Department. »» In addition, six other students completed volunteer GIS projects in collaboration with: Burlington Stormwater Management Group, Burlington Planning Department, Elon Physical Plant, Healthy Alamance Partnership.
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/geoinfo.xhtml
»» The GIS Minor curriculum was revised in 2014 to expand opportunities for students. »» A new course, GEO 170: Our Spatial World, was developed as a gateway to the minor. The course combines hands-on learning using a variety of technologies with ongoing discussion on the social and ethical implications of those technologies. »» Received a grant from the Academic Technology and Computing Committee to expand hands-on education using emerging Location-Based Service »» GIS faculty and students helped rewrite a lab for the Introduction to Environmental Science course. »» Established an agreement with Elon University Physical Plant staff to have faculty and students help develop a campus master GIS database.
Faculty »» Over the past two years, faculty members published two GIS-related peerreviewed articles and presented one SURF presentation, two regional conference presentations and one national presentation on GIS-related topics. »» Established an Advisory Board for the GIS program, which includes faculty from six departments, with representatives from the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and School of Communications.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Health Professions The Health Professions advising program is designed to help students identify and take responsibility for an academic path which: »» Provides a foundational liberal arts education »» Helps them explore, nurture, and expand their interests »» Helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses and set plans to work on both »» Guides them to experiences that help build or expand their passions (internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, service learning, leadership) »» Provides guidance so they can hit developmental and procedural milestones and be prepared to apply for graduate and professional programs
Our students at a glance »» More than 50 first-year students are enrolled in Health Professions Elon 101 sections each year and hundreds are involved in the Health Professions Advising Program. »» They major in art, biology, biochemistry, business, chemistry,
professions graduate programs, including NIH Fellows Programs; clinical/ research positions; CNA positions; post baccalaureate and master’s degrees and Teach For America.
communications, economics, environmental studies, exercise science, human service studies, math, statistics, psychology and public health. »» In 2013, graduates and alumni have gone to health professions graduate programs including, medicine (MD, DO), dental medicine (DDS), veterinary medicine (DVM), physical therapy (DPT), occupational therapy (OT), nursing (ABRN, RN, MSN, NP), nutrition (MS, PhD, RD), physician assistant (PA), clinical psychology (PsyD) and social work (LSW). »» They had additional Elon experiences such as alternative break outreach programs, Fellows programs (civic engagement, Elon College, leadership and Honors), internships, Lumen Prize, medical brigade, Project Pericles, study abroad, Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars (SURE), undergraduate research (URP) and local, regional, national and international conferences. »» A percentage of students successfully compete for additional experiences after graduation before applying to health
http://www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/health_professions/
»» In 2013, students were accepted to attend a number of outstanding health profession programs at the following schools: Harvard University, Baylor University, University of North Carolina, University of Connecticut, University of Maryland, West Virginia, Wake Forest, Shenandoah University, East Carolina University, Elon University, University of Miami, George Washington University, Emory University, NY Medical College, Duke University, Belmont University, Columbia University and Medical University of South Carolina.
Medical School Success rate 2002–2013 »» 96% of students with a GPA > 3.6 and MCAT scores > 29 were accepted »» 81% of students with a GPA > 3.3 and MCAT scores > 29 were accepted For more information, contact Dr. Caroline Ketcham, cketchum@elon.edu
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
History and Geography Outstanding Faculty »» Our faculty members are superb teachers and mentors. The department currently includes three recipients of the Daniels-Danieley Award for Teaching Excellence, the university’s highest award for classroom instruction. Moreover, during the 2013-14 academic year, half of our faculty members served as mentors for undergraduate research, working with Honors Fellows, Lumen Prize winners and Elon College Fellows, as well as students presenting at SURF and participating in SURE. »» Our historians and geographers are active scholars. They are professionals active in scholarly communities as conference organizers, expert witnesses, guest speakers on radio and television and editors and manuscript reviewers of national and international journals. »» They are the primary authors of three dozen published or contracted books in English and foreign languages, including four published during the last academic year on international law,
Mexican railroads and the scholarship of teaching and learning: David Crowe, War Crimes, Genocide and Justice (Palgrave Macmillian); Michael Matthews, The Civilizing Machine (U. Nebraska); Peter Felten and Charity Johannson, Transforming Students ( Johns Hopkins); and Felten, Alison Cook-Sather and Catherine Bovill, Engaging Students as Partners in Learning and Teaching ( Jossey-Bass).
Global Approach »» More than three-quarters of our faculty teach abroad, offering students chances to learn about the history, geography and culture of Brazil, Germany, China, Honduras, Costa Rica, Ghana, Greece, Italy, Turkey and the United Kingdom from faculty who speak the relevant foreign languages and have lived overseas. »» Last year the department provided students with global opportunities through study abroad courses in China, Brazil, Ghana, Greece and Costa
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/history_geography
Rica, as well as a U.S. History study travel course.
Successful, Engaged Alumni »» Our graduates have excelled both within and outside of the academy. In both 2013 and 2014 for instance, one of the three Distinguished Alumni Awards for the College of Arts and Sciences went to a history alumnus. David Fuhr (‘00) is a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Larry Sondhaus (‘80) is a professor of history at the University of Indianapolis and author of 12 books. »» Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, we have established Alumni Grants for Research, Teaching and Study Abroad. Students may apply for grants of up to $500. In 2013-14 for instance, students used grants to visit archives in South Carolina and Washington, D.C., as well as to present their research in Paris, France.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Human Service Studies The Human Service Studies Department provides innovative pathways to prepare students to address social issues in local, national and global communities as both professionals and citizens. The program enables students to understand and intervene in human problems and prepares them for work with diverse communities. Human Service Studies is an interdisciplinary program, based primarily on the epistemology of the social sciences and emphasizing the critical role of evidence-based practice in achieving effective outcomes. Engaged faculty Continued research on topics such as: »» Post-deployment experience of military mental health providers; Community response to domestic violence; Local perspectives of food justice; Domestic and sexual violence; Adolescents with prenatally-acquired HIV; Family-Teacher relationships in K-12; Family Therapy; University/Community partnerships; Academic service-learning; Intercountry adoption; Child adoption Students and faculty worked in local and international communities to help build the capacity of nonprofit social service agencies: »» Awarded $10,000 from Learning by Giving grant to local agencies; Organized events for American Cancer Society and Special Olympics; Worked with a coalition of social service and educational professionals to identify and apply for grants and other resources; Provided workshops for United Way Agencies; Started a community garden;
Ghanaian coca trade and community impacts; Latino adolescent self esteem; High school career development Programs in South Africa and the United States: A comparative analysis; Play therapy service learning course and the development of college students’ cross-cultural empathy
Raised money for social service agencies in Guatemala; Worked with a sexual assault crisis agency; Worked with malnourished children in Guatemala; Worked in schools in Costa Rica; Helped create a farmer’s market in a low- income area; Planned and implemented health awareness program at local youth center; Organized a condom fair; Worked with Family Justice Center
After graduation
Outstanding students HSS students have conducted undergraduate research on topics such as: »» Disproportionate minority contact in the Juvenile Justice System; Community food justice; Family violence and prevention strategies; The effectiveness of micro-finance programs for women; Perceptions of family teacher relationships among Costa Rican mothers; Human trafficking; Raising a family on $3 a day: Inequities in the
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/human_services/
All majors completed internships with organizations in local and international settings including: »» Alamance and Guilford County Departments of Social Services, Department of Juvenile Justice, Triad Health Center, Alamance Regional Medical Center, Alamance Burlington School System, Family Abuse Services, Crossroads Sexual Assault and Resource Center, Homeless shelter and soup kitchen, Children’s museum, Hospice of Alamance County, Alamance Eldercare, United Way, Head Start, Antiqua Guatemala and the Women’s Rural Health Project in India, Pro Niño, Honduras.
»» Many of our graduates have been accepted to the nation’s premier institutions to continue studies in fields such as social work, counseling, public health, law, nursing and occupational and physical therapy. »» They find jobs in social services, human resources, policy institutes and government offices or international organizations. Graduates also serve in AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, City Year and Teach For America.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
International Studies Elon’s International Studies major is an interdisciplinary program that combines a broad knowledge of international affairs with focused study of one region of the world. Balancing study abroad experiences, foreign language study and other Elon coursework, the program fosters an understanding of emerging global issues along with respect and appreciation for other peoples and cultures. With faculty advice, each student designs a curriculum tailored to her or his interests. For many students, international studies offers an attractive double major or minor. A dynamic program »» Established in fall 1995, the international studies major has proven a dynamic program, developing new regional concentrations and a sustained growth in student interest. In spring 2014, there were 180 international studies majors and 96 minors. »» Since its inception, the major’s curriculum development has benefited from four successful grants from the U.S. Department of Education’s Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program. The most recent grant supported the development of Middle East and Arabic studies at Elon, as well as study abroad opportunities in Egypt, Israel and Jordan.
High student achievements »» International Studies remains one of the top 10 majors at Elon University »» Nearly half of International Studies graduates in 2014 had a second major. Examples of second majors include political science, economics,
»» »»
»»
»»
Student Action with Farmworkers and WBTW News 13. »» Graduate school plans for International Studies graduates in 2014 include studying at the George Washington University, Suffolk University Law School, University of Kent and University of Virginia School of Law.
Committed, distinguished interdisciplinary faculty
environmental studies, world languages and strategic communications. In Spring 2014, 47% of International Studies majors graduated Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Suma Cum Laude. 2014 International Studies graduates had the following honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Lumen Scholars, Elon College Fellows, Honors Fellows and Periclean Scholars. Significant awards received by International Studies students and graduates in the past year include a Princeton in Latin America Fellowship to work in Panama, a William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship to study at the American University in Dubai and a U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship to study Arabic in Morocco. Immediate career plans for International Studies graduates in 2014 include working for AmeriCorps VISTA, Council on International Educational Exchange, Deloitte Consulting, FUNDEMAS, International Rescue CommitteeSummer Youth Academy, JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program,
www.elon.edu/e-web/admissions/majorsheets/international_studies.xhtml
»» Members of the interdisciplinary international studies advisory committee play active roles in advising and mentoring our students. They lead related area studies minors at Elon, serving as coordinators of minors in African and African-American, Asian, Latin American and Middle East studies. »» They advise international-oriented student organizations such as the Model UN and Sigma Iota Rho, and have been recognized with Elon awards for teaching, mentoring, scholarship and service. »» The program’s faculty have published texts and articles on international relations and economics, presented papers at international conferences, received awards such as the Fulbright-Hays seminar abroad award and held leadership positions in the International Studies Association (ISA). »» Elon’s international studies faculty have been actively involved in our nationally recognized study abroad programs, including teaching study abroad courses in Costa Rica, the European Union, Ghana, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Italian Studies The Italian Studies minor provides students with an interdisciplinary knowledge of the Italian language and culture. It focuses on the study of Italy from a variety of perspectives: linguistic, literary, cultural, historical, artistic, philosophical and political. Our Faculty »» Published two articles and one book review »» Brought guest speakers to campus »» Acted as faculty-in-residence of the Honors Program »» Were selected to participate in TEAGLE “Creating Sustained Change in Practices of Engaged and Active Learning in Humanities Instruction” program »» Offered demonstrations as a part of Winter Term ITL 121 curriculum »» Offered a Winter Term General Studies course in Italy
Our Accomplishments »» Increased number of minors from 29 to 43
Ferragamo and teaching English in Italian schools. »» Have gone on to pursue Masters degrees in fields such as Italian Renaissance Art. »» Have worked with native Italian exchange students in local high schools and in student ambassador programs.
»» Recruited via personalized letterwriting campaign
»» Have worked as au pairs in Italy, Switzerland and in other regions with Italian populations in Europe.
»» Opened discussion with Global Education Center regarding new study abroad program for students who want to achieve linguistic fluency
»» Have been accepted for English Teaching Fellowships in the Fulbright Program. »» Have been accepted into MA programs in European universities such as Trinity College in Dublin and Univeristy of Canterbury.
»» Membership in Gamma Kappa Alpha Italian Honor Society at Elon »» Held Third Annual Italian Studies Festival »» Graduated 11 Italian Studies minors in 2014
Real contact with the language
»» Involved students in Italian-themed events throughout the year
Our Graduates »» Have worked in Italy for Italian-owned companies, such as FIAT and Salvatore
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/foreign_languages/italian
»» Outside of the classroom our students come in contact with many other Italian native speakers through a variety of special events, guest speakers and now the addition of a native Italian living in our on-campus Learning Community; La Casa Italiana.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Jazz Studies Jazz Studies instruction creates an environment where life-long habits for active listening, natural inquisitiveness and individual and group expression are developed—and future professional performers, outstanding teachers and on-going consumers and creative participants are inspired. Innovative program »» The Jazz Studies program embraces the key stylistic ingredients of “America’s Classical Music” through courses such as Improvisation, Jazz History, Theory, Arranging, private lessons and three ensembles. Ensembles are open to all students, majors and non-majors alike. »» For the past 18 years, the program has sponsored The Elon Jazz Festival, an on-campus event that welcomes large and small jazz ensembles from across the state for three days of workshops and critiques by jazz performers and educators.
Proficient students »» Students in the Jazz Program are skillful singers and play instruments such as saxophone, flute, clarinet, violin, trombone, trumpet, piano, guitar, vibes, bass, drums and congas. »» They receive invitations to and standing ovations at European Jazz Festivals in Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, The Netherlands and Denmark.
the nation and founding jazz programs, bands and nonprofit music organizations. »» Many of our graduates are also pursuing graduate degrees at schools such as UNC School of the Arts, Queens College and William Patterson University.
Expert faculty
»» They get to study and perform with renowned international guest artists including Joe Lovano, Barry Harris, Ingrid Jensen, Mark Levine, Carl Fontana, Freddie Cole, Jack Wilkins, Skip Gailes, Howard Curtis and dozens more.
Our faculty have: »» Performed throughout the U.S. and Europe, served as a jazz ambassador and cultural envoy in more than 20 foreign countries under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State and been recognized by Downbeat and Jazztimes critics’ and readers’ polls.
»» Each semester, they perform at an area jazz club, state and regional jazz festivals and at swing and salsa dances. In addition, they get to perform in two combos and an 18-piece big band.
Successful alumni »» Our graduates have produced awardwinning albums and are performing in ensembles and bands across the country and the world. »» They are collaborating with well-known jazz performers such as Lee Konitz, Freddie Redd, Butch Warren, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Janis Siegal, Al Jarreau, Antonio Hart, Mark O’Connor and Ted Brown. »» They are working as music teachers, band directors and educators at schools across
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/jazz_studies
»» Presented hundreds of master classes and clinics at more than 40 prestigious U.S. conservatories and universities, as well as at the Percussive Arts Society’s International Convention and the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference. »» Authored a method book, appeared on more than 35 recordings for VSOP, Soul Note, Jazz Karma, Summit and Elon Improvibes labels that included three Grammy nominations »» Published more than 50 compositions and received numerous awards, including the North Carolina Miles Davis Jazz Education Service Award and 27 consecutive ASCAP Plus Awards.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Jewish Studies The Jewish Studies minor at Elon explores the historical and contemporary experience of the Jewish people. Jewish Studies courses consider Jewish history, language and literature as well as the diversity of Jewish religious, cultural, philosophical and political traditions. Expert faculty
»» Themes in the Films of Woody Allen
»» Have authored books such as The Holocaust: Roots, History, and Aftermath and Twice-Dead: Moshe Y. Lubling, the Ethics of Memory, and the Treblinka Revolt as well as articles on topics such as Judaism and Islam and Jewish views of love and empathy.
»» The Spirit of Israel
opportunities include programs in Haifa, Jerusalem and Prague.
Undergraduate research »» Undergraduate research in Jewish Studies was featured in six presentations at this year’s Spring Undergraduate Research Forum at Elon, with topics including depictions of Jews in Western art, ideas about monsters in Jewish texts and Jewish resistance during the Holocaust.
»» Judaism and the Environment »» Messiahs, Martyrs and Memory »» Jews and Muslims: Symbiosis, Cooperation and Conflict
Recent events
»» Courses in Modern Hebrew Language
Interdisciplinary program »» Incorporates courses from departments including Art History, English, Foreign Languages, History and Geography, Philosophy, Political Science and Policy Studies, Religious Studies, Sociology and Anthropology.
Jewish studies courses include: »» Jewish Ethics »» Literature of the Holocaust
www.elon.edu/jewishstudies
»» Our innovative introductory course “Jewish Traditions,” featured in a recent issue of Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies.
»» The Jewish Studies program sponsors many events that engage students such as a recent conference that featured presentations by twelve leading scholars on the past, present and future of Jewish-Christian relations.
Internship opportunities
Study Abroad »» Elon-run study abroad courses in Jewish Studies include a course in Europe focusing on the Holocaust and a new course focusing on the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Other study abroad
»» Students get to apply knowledge learned in Jewish Studies courses and gain experience in a range of areas, including grant writing, marketing, education and research.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Latin American Studies Innovative, Engaging Curriculum Courses in the minor investigate the collective aspirations of Latin Americans through their social and political behavior, cultural priorities and responses to community, national and international issues as well as the physical environment. Appropriate courses in many disciplines taught both at Elon and abroad can fulfill the requirements for the Latin American Studies minor. Those requirements are: »» 20 semesters hours selected from a list of courses and others approved by the program coordinator. No more than 12 hours may be chosen from any one discipline. Up to 12 hours of study abroad courses that emphasize Latin American subject matter may count for the minor as approved by the program coordinator. »» Completion of the Elon foreign language proficiency requirement in Spanish.
»» Engaged in research, including on topics such as inequality and language acquisition in Peru, development and modern food security in Costa Rica, indigenous rights in Ecuador and Chile, the correlation of the immigration debate, public climate and self-esteem among young Latinas. »» Studied abroad in Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Spain and Mexico. »» Served the Latin American community locally and abroad. »» Presented at, organized and supported the International Week celebration focused on Mexico. »» Won Fulbright Study Grants and English Teaching Assisting Grants. »» Four LAS majors have received Elon’s prestigious Lumen Award.
Student achievements Amazing opportunities In recent years, students and faculty in Latin American Studies have:
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/latin.xtml
»» One student was a Student Action with Farmworkers fellow at the NC Farmworkers Project in Benson NC; completed her Luman thesis and presented at SURF. Her Lumen thesis
will be sited in a forthcoming volume on music in Latin America. »» Another student completed and defended an honors thesis titled “Pinochet’s Neoliberal Legacies and the Chilean Student Movement.” In October 2013, she represented Elon University at The National Campaign Conference at Harvard’s Institute of Politics and spent six months in Tunjua, Colombia volunteering at Fundación Juventas. She will be teaching English through the World Teach organization.
Faculty Achievements »» Assistant Professor of History Michael Matthews published a book, book chapter and two book reviews.
Program achievements: »» Increased viability on campus. »» Increased enrollment and number of minors. »» Seven minors graduated with a Latin American Studies minor in 2014.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Leadership Studies An interdisciplinary program governed by experts and supporters of leadership »» To reflect the many facets and perspectives of leadership, courses are offered by a wide spectrum of departments across campus. »» Since 2010, the Leadership Advisory Board has overseen the Leadership Studies academic program. The board is comprised of experts who shared the common goal of creating optimal well-rounded leadership educational experiences for students. Board members represent academics, career services and student life functions.
To infuse leadership in all majors »» A core message of Leadership Studies at Elon is that leadership is applicable to and necessary in every field and students should be prepared to be leaders in their fields. »» Recent and current minors include Academic Fellows, Lumen Prize winners and national honor society members including Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa members. »» Recent graduates have entered a variety of careers ranging from graduate training in Ph.D. and law programs to launching entrepreneurial start-
ups to working for international business consulting firms. Others have found their leadership minor to be complementary to their careers in human resources, sales, teaching and a myriad of other occupations.
course further emphasize the points that leadership is applicable to and has a home in all disciplines.
Recent scholarly work on leadership
Flexible Curriculum »» In Spring 2013, curricular modifications were made to further strengthen the minor as well as offer students more course options. Creating new courses and finding ways to deepen leadership education while offering students great scheduling flexibility continued to be the primary objectives of the Leadership Advisory Board.
Faculty Leadership Scholars »» To further infuse leadership education in the classroom, in 2012, the new Faculty Leadership Scholars program was initiated. Twelve faculty members from a diverse set of departments engaged in a year long series of leadership education workshops. »» The result was a new set of leadership infused courses. These courses offer minors more choices for leadership electives, as well as more opportunities to satisfy their major requirements at the same time. This program and these
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/leadership/
»» A key to the program is maintaining an active presence in the field of leadership research. »» In 2013, Elon faculty members published two articles in Leadership Quarterly, one of the premier academic journals in leadership research. »» Students are active, participating in SURE, SURF and collaborative research efforts with faculty. »» Some current students’ projects include: the impact of student-leaders’ core-self evaluation and overcoming adversity, the examination of competencies of new leader-lawyers and the creation of competency model for entry-level professionals.
Partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) »» Located in Greensboro, N.C., CCL is one of the premier leadership research and consulting organizations. Elon students gain tremendous re-world experience through internship opportunities here.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Mathematics/Statistics Accomplished Students and Alumni »» Our approximately 107 majors and 120 minors include Honors Fellows, Elon College Fellows, Lumen Scholars, Teaching Fellows, Periclean Scholars and Presidential Scholars. Our students are routinely inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Mu Epsilon.
revealed that 65% had secured a job and 30%had been accepted to a graduate or professional school. »» Many of our graduates are enrolled in prestigious graduate schools such as NC State, Duke, Wake Forest, UNC-Chapel Hill,Ohio State, South Carolina, UT at Houston, Emory, Baylor, Syracuse, Texas Tech, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech.
»» Two of our current students published research papers in high-quality peerreviewed journals and four alumni published research with Elon faculty based on their undergraduate projects.
»» Our alumni have been hired by companies such as J.P. Morgan Chase, Credit Suisse, RTI International, SAS and the U.S. Census Bureau.
»» A senior mathematics student was selected as a Fulbright Scholar.
Engaged Teacher Scholars
»» A statistics major was on the third place team in the Deloitte Case Competition. »» Nine senior mathematics majors presented at the Ninth Annual Regional Mathematics and Statistics Conference at UNC-Greensboro. »» In the past four years, ten out of fourteen NOYCE Scholarship recipients receiving $21,000 for two years have been mathematics majors.
»» One faculty member began tenure as the Assistant Director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, while another was selected as a Fulbright U.S. Teaching Scholar and served as Visiting Lecturer at the University of Colombo Faculty of Science in Sri Lanka.
Focus on Engaged Learning
»» In 2013-14, our faculty were quite active in all facets of academia.
»» In addition to highlighting mathematical and statistical theory, our curriculum is designed to train students in real-world applications of mathematics and statistics through access to appropriate computing power and software such as Mathematica and SAS.
»» 10 of our 16 full-time faculty members mentored students in undergraduate research during the 2013-14 academic year including Elon College and Honors Fellows.
»» The department has a Cooperative Learning Lab, which is housed in Duke. All statistics and Calculus I courses are taught in computer labs and many upperlevel mathematics courses regularly access labs as well.
»» They authored or co-authored articles in 11 peer-reviewed publications and gave 16 presentations at local, regional and international conferences.
»» All of our majors must complete capstone experiences in research or internships as appropriate for their selected postgraduation pathways.
»» A survey based on 23 out of 25 math/ statistics majors from the Class of 2012
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/mathematics_statistics/
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Middle East Studies Elon’s Middle East Studies minor offers students an interdisciplinary program, designed to foster greater knowledge of the area as well as deeper understandings of regional perspectives. A dynamic International program
Expert faculty
»» The minor’s interdisciplinary curriculum includes courses in religious studies, foreign languages, political science, history, art history, literature and philosophy. The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers classes in both Modern Hebrew and Arabic.
»» Elon faculty have lived in the Middle East and studied at its institutions of higher learning such as the American University in Cairo.
»» Elon’s approved semester study abroad programs in the region include: Israel, Haifa: University of Haifa – International School; Israel, Jerusalem: Dance Jerusalem; Jordan, Amman: Language and Culture and Diplomacy and Policy Studies; Morocco, Rabat: Multiculturalism and Human Rights; Turkey, Istanbul: Koc University »» Students have participated in internships while in the Middle East. Students interested in pursuing further study of the region beyond the minor consider an international studies major with a Middle East regional concentration.
home and abroad and have presented their research at conferences. Recent research topics include motivations behind the colorful hijab, impacts of presidential addresses on the Middle East peace process, and the Egyptian Revolution and the East West narrative.
»» They conduct research and lead study abroad courses in the region. »» Recent awards include: participation in the Fulbright-Hays Seminar Abroad program in the Arabian/Persian Gulf; Summer funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities for research on the relationships between the Jewish and Muslim communities of the Mediterranean and Near East in the Middle Ages.
Successful students
»» An Elon student studied Arabic language and Islamic civilization in Dubai in spring 2014 on a William Jefferson Clinton scholarship and is studying Arabic in Morocco this summer with the support from the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship Program. »» A recent Elon graduate taught English in Bahrain on a Fulbright award.
Interesting and relevant campus events »» In September 2013, with the Obama administration considering air strikes against Syria’s chemical weapons, the Middle East Studies minor co-sponsored a well-attended Elon forum on the crisis.
»» Students are active in Elon groups such as the Arabic Language Organization and Hillel »» Students engage in undergraduate research about the Middle East both at
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/middle_eastern/
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Multimedia Authoring The Multimedia Authoring minor at Elon provides an interdisciplinary approach to the development of successful and persuasive digital content for all disciplines.
Real-world value
»» Students in the program have the opportunity to develop communication, design and technology skills in the context of disciplinary content. These skills are beneficial for graduates in a variety of fields, but are especially relevant in publishing (both new electronic media, as well as traditional media), business marketing and business consulting.
»» Innovative Advertising
Hands-On Experience »» The multimedia minor allows student to integrate the study of digital design and writing with a solid technical foundation.
with rich technical writing. These design skills will be complemented with courses in information science focusing on web-based databases and web servers. »» In the final Multimedia Authoring Studio course, students will address a variety of multimedia challenges as well as become production designers for Visions magazine, a peer-reviewed publication written by and for Elon students.
Hard Skills »» Adobe Creative Suite (Dreamweaver, Photoshop, InDesign)
A minor in Multimedia Authoring provides students with the tools to land careers in a variety of fields, including:
»» Multimedia Technologies »» Web Publishing »» Digital Art and Animation »» Video Game Design
What students are saying »» “This minor allows me to work in all platforms of media. Technology is the future and it is very applicable to everything you do.” – Devon For more information about the program, visit our website.
»» Students learn document design and content from the English department where they will address the theory and challenge of developing multimedia
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/computing_sciences/curriculum/multimediaminor.xhtml Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Music Committed to Excellence in the Arts, The Department of Music may very well be the best kept secret at Elon University... and beyond. The Music Department »» Teaching the most courses on campus, the Department of Music is a highly successful, fully engaged and vibrantly active team that continues to pride itself as a model of engaged undergraduate teaching, learning and mentoring, maintaining a 6:1 major to faculty ratio. »» The Department of Music is actively engaged on social media with custom iPhone and Android apps, active Twitter and Flickr accounts, as well as a dedicated YouTube channel. »» In fall 2014, the university will begin a major renovation/expansion project for a new state-of-the-art recording studio, class and ensemble rehearsal rooms and practice rooms at Arts West. »» The university has also begun an ambitious $500,000 plan for a new piano fleet over the next five years.
Faculty »» Every full-time music faculty/staff member either performed in a solo or collaborative recital, event and/or was
www.elon.edu/music
Award from the National Association for Music Education for our Music in the Village project and a nomination to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, coordinated by the White House and the U.S. Department of State, for our Elon Music Ambassadors.
invited to present at a conference or university this year. »» One faculty member was granted promotion and tenure, one received an FR&D sabbatical, one an FR&D course release and one an FR&D summer fellowship, while another was named a future CATL scholar. »» Another faculty member had 13 articles published while yet another was invited to present at an international conference, received his 27th consecutive Plus! Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and was nominated for a Grammy award.
»» The department also won top honors for five students at the National Association of Teachers of Singers Conference. »» The department enjoyed a regional invitation for Elan at the Southern Division of American Choral Directors Association conference and a state invitation for our Percussion Ensemble at the North Carolina Day of Percussion.
Students »» One department graduate, Christ Miller, was named an Outstanding Alumni.
Opportunities and awards »» Presented 112 total music-department sponsored/supported events (12 faculty/ staff recitals, hosting 17 guest artists, 60 student ensemble performances, 14 student recitals, five undergraduate research presentations at SURF and four presentations at NCUR.
»» 21 music majors graduated during the period, with 85% reporting they had either been accepted to a top graduate school or found a job. »» Music Education graduates continue to boast 100% placement.
»» The department’s programs continued gaining widespread attention, including a national Chapter of Excellence
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Neuroscience Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field of study that provides students the fundamental knowledge and exposure needed to pursue careers and postgraduate studies in fields related to the health sciences, psychology, biomedical research, human-machine interactions and many other emerging disciplines.
»» Effects of acute exercise on retention and learning »» A-synuclein fibril disaggregation by dopamine derivative DL-norepinephrine »» Effects of oral 5-HTP administration on executive function
The neuroscience minor at Elon requires a minimum of 24 semester hours drawn from a variety of disciplines, including biology, psychology, chemistry, exercise science and computer science, among others. The minor culminates with NEU 495 – Seminar in Neuroscience.
126 minors from the following disciplines: »» Applied Mathematics, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, English, entrepreneurship, exercise science, human service studies, public health studies, psychology and statistics »» In 2014, 20 students graduated with the neuroscience minor.
Neuroscience students have presented their research at the following conferences: »» Society for Neuroscience »» Symposium for Young Neuroscientists And Professors of the Southeast (SYNAPSE) »» CUR Posters on the Hill »» Other regional, national and international conferences in their disciplines
»» Anxiolytic effects of kava and magnesium citrate »» Investigation of the potassium leak parameter in a mathematical model of epileptic seizures
Examples of undergraduate research in neuroscience at Elon: »» An investigation of audiovisual integration in speech perception »» The influence of multiple repetitions and perception of control over memory on memory performance »» Exercise and cognition: Effect of low volume exercise on executive function in older adults »» Motor planning and end state comfort in children with autism spectrum disorders »» Alzheimer’s disease: Analysis of amyloidbeta aggregation »» An investigation of congruent information on associative memory in young and older adults »» Relationship between information processing and postural stability in collegiate and high school athletes
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/neuroscience/
Students graduating with a minor in Neuroscience have enrolled in graduate programs in the following disciplines »» Biochemistry, chemistry, clinical neuropsychology, dentistry, kinesiology, medical school, neuroscience, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, psychology and public health
Students graduating with a minor in neuroscience have been accepted to research positions and fellowships at the following facilities: »» Massachusetts General Hospital »» National Institutes of Health »» Veteran Affairs Medical Center »» Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Peace and Conflict Studies Innovative Program
Engaged Faculty
»» We currently have more than 40 minors and our program is growing every year.
»» The faculty in the Peace and Conflict Studies program seek to create courses and activities that challenge students intellectually and personally to understand the dynamics of conflict and violence in all its forms and to seek paths toward a more peaceful coexistence with other people, cultures and the natural environment.
»» We offer more than 40 courses to choose from, including: International Security, Ethical Practice, Non-Violence of the Brave: From Gandhi to King, International Human Rights, History of the Holocaust, India and Pakistan, Conflict Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Religion in the Global Context, Environmental Ethics, Buddhist Traditions, Christianity and Social Justice, Community Organizing for Change, our core course, Foundations of Peace and Conflict Studies and many more. The program also offers many opportunities for student participation outside the classroom such as: »» Workshops on conflict mediation and conflict resolution and diversity »» Panel discussions on careers and postgraduate options in the areas of peace, conflict resolution, social justice and human rights, both domestically and internationally. »» Numerous film screenings and discussions »» Panel discussions and talks on current important global and local crises and events (e.g. Syrian war, Ukraine-Russia crisis, immigration, human rights)
»» They serve as mentors for undergraduate research which has been presented at national and international conferences and at local community organizations on topics related to human rights, genocide, arms control, religious studies, photography and more.
»» The District Attorney’s Domestic Violence program (Alamance County, N.C.) »» Alamance County Dispute Settlement and Youth Services »» Multiple refugee organizations both domestic and international (e.g. International Rescue Committee) »» Amnesty International »» Women’s Institute for Freedom of the Press »» Human Borders – BorderLinks »» Habitat for Humanity »» YMCA
Accomplished Alumni
»» PCS faculty are also the recipients of numerous grants and awards for pedagogy, scholarship and leadership.
Successful Students »» Our students have conducted study abroad and service-related internships around the globe, including in Ghana, South Africa, Jordan, Dominican Republic, Italy, Croatia, Guatemala, Malta and Lithuania. »» Many of our minors are part of the Elon Honors Fellows and Elon College Fellows.
Our alumni have successful careers with the following organizations: »» National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations »» The Global Village School, a middle school for refugee girls in Atlanta »» United Methodist Urban Ministries »» Southern Center for Human Rights »» National Volunteer Center of the English Open Doors Program in Chile (United Nations Development Program) »» AmericCorps »» Teach for America »» The Human Rights Campaign »» Bonner Center for Service Learning »» Many of our alumni have attended graduate school
In the U.S.. they have served as interns and held positions with:
Jim Pickens Peace and Conflict Studies Outstanding Senior Award recipients Lindsey Langdon and Ashley Fowler (both center) pose with Peace and Conflict Studies faculty April Post (far left) and Safia Swimelar (far right). Langdon is teaching with Teach for America on a Native American reservation in South Dakota and Fowler has a position working on global engagement with the Human Rights Campaign in Washington D.C.
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/peace-conflict-studies/
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Performing Arts Conservatory-style training in a liberal arts setting
»» Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
Contact with professionals
Professional quality productions
Accomplished faculty
We produce a wide range of exciting, professional-quality productions that serve as a laboratory for what our students learn in the classroom. Our season typically includes: »» Three comedy/dramas »» Three musicals »» Three dance concerts »» Two music theatre revues »» Several student-directed plays (one-act, full-length and original works) and two student-choreographed dance concerts »» First-year showcases for acting and music theatre »» Senior thesis productions for each major »» An improv performance »» PLUS–numerous student-generated productions
»» We have a dedicated team of 22 full-time and numerous part-time faculty members, all of whom maintain active lives as artists as well as educators. Their resumes include theatre, dance and music credits on the regional, national and international levels–and since coming to Elon they have maintained their professional activity directing, choreographing, designing, administrating, coaching and performing.
Recent events and accomplishments »» Opened a new facility, Scott Studios, which provides a new studio theatre, a larger rehearsal hall/dance studio, several practice rooms, dressing rooms and shop space. »» Laid the foundations for a professional Equity Summer Theatre »» Launched a new arts administration major »» Created a new interdisciplinary program/ major in dance science–already recognized as one of the three best Dance Science programs in the country »» Added new light lab in the design and production classroom
Innovative training programs »» Winter Term in New York City »» Winter Term Italian Comedy »» Elon in LA (summer or semester program, includes internship) »» London Theatre Internship »» Dance Study in Jerusalem, LA and Florence, Italy.
Student success Our students are active performing artists and administrators. More than 50 percent work professionally each summer. Examples of recent summer theatre and dance job placements for current majors include: »» Santa Fe Opera »» Heritage Festival Theatre »» Hangar Theatre »» Flat Rock Playhouse »» Georgia Shakespeare Festival »» American College Dance Festival »» The Lost Colony »» Mac-Hayden Theatre »» The North Carolina Theatre
www.elon.edu/academics/elon_college/performing_arts/
Each year we host a wide variety of master classes and seminars. Recent guests have included: »» Olympia Dukakis (Award-winning Actor) »» Hal Prince (Broadway Producer/Director) »» Dave Clemmons (Casting Director) »» John Basil (Shakespeare Master Teacher) »» Andrew Lippa (Broadway Composer) »» Lenard Petit (Master Chekhov Teacher) »» Paul Russell (Casting Director) »» Liz Maxwell (Choreographer) »» John Bucchino (Broadway Composer) »» Scott Eck (NYC Improvisation Artist) »» Craig Carnelia (Master Voice Teacher) »» Susie Cordon (Broadway Stage Manager) »» Leslie Scott (Artistic Director, BodyArt, NYC)
Successful alumni Our alumni can be found: »» At the nation’s top graduate programs (including Yale University and NYU) »» On Broadway and Off-Broadway »» In NYC dance companies »» Cirque de Soleil (Las Vegas and International Tour) »» In regional theatre and dance tour companies all over the country »» On national and regional tours »» On cruise ships »» On series television and in national commercials »» Three alumni have received Tony Award nominations
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Philosophy What does it mean to pursue wisdom? At Elon’s Department of Philosophy, it means to build an intellectual community where critical and creative thinking are cultivated, enduring questions are rediscovered and reanimated and theoretical and practical knowledge enhance each other. The Department of Philosophy is known and celebrated for: Innovative approaches to learning »» A faculty member created a class called “Reclaiming Democracy,” in which students and faculty from several local universities along with local activists discuss the region’s struggle with civil rights, social justice and democratic practices. »» Two philosophy majors were selected to be Lumen Scholars. This is the university’s most prestigious award and our department is proud of our ability to mentor students to do exemplary undergraduate research. »» This past year, several of our students presented papers at professional conferences, i.e., alongside full professors. Again, we are proud about the way we have mentored these students.
»» A faculty member guided students through the philosophic challenges involved in communicating with alien intelligences (starting with the challenges that we face in communicating with whales here on Earth.)
Influential, high-quality scholarship »» During the past academic year, faculty in the Department of Philosophy published three books and 13 articles, book chapters, book reviews or translations and presented 22 conference papers – an astonishingly prolific rate for a department with six full-time and two limited term members. »» Our faculty members are actively engaged with Elon’s Center for Teaching
http://www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/philosophy/
and Learning. We are dedicated to enhancing our pedagogical practices. »» The department houses two winners of the university’s Distinguished Scholar Award, plus a Senior Faculty Research Fellow.
An emphasis on philosophy as a way of life »» In the recent past, students have completed a “philosophic internship” in a variety of venues. »» The post-graduate employment rate of philosophy majors continues to keep pace with similar majors on campus. Plus, our graduates report that they are exceptionally satisfied living a philosophically informed life. »» A recent philosophy graduate was accepted into the Philosophy in an Inclusive Key Summer Institute, a competitive two-week seminar held at the Rock Ethics Institute at Penn State, designed to encourage members of groups currently underrepresented in philosophy to consider graduate careers in the field.
Elon College, the College of Arts and
Physics Cutting-Edge Research With Students Our faculty recruits physics students including freshmen into research programs such as nanotechnology, high-energy astronomy and theoretical physics. All physics majors conduct research by their junior year. Recent graduates have won research awards from the Goldwater Scholarship program, the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities and gone on to graduate school at places such as Notre Dame, UNC-Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. Elon physics major receives national award www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/92552 Elon Physics alumna publishes firstauthored paper in top magnetics journal www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/91750 College of Arts & Sciences recognizes outstanding alumni www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/93450 Professors Chris Richardson and Tony Crider receive grant for galaxy studies www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/96210 Professor Scott Wolter awarded Department of Homeland Security grant www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/85664
Leaders in Physics and Science Popularization
Innovative Physics Curriculum
Faculty members in the Department of Physics specialize in many areas of physics outreach both internationally and within our local community. Projects include a Science Education Center in rural India (Professor Kamela), after-school robotics programs (Professor Fischer), role-playing games to teach science (Professor Crider), books on science and spirituality (Professor Das), engineering programs for K-12 students (Professor Hargrove-Leak) and creative writing that features real astronomy and physics (Professor Moreau). Frequently, these faculty members involve research students or full classes in these science out reach endeavors. Professor Pranab Das: Science, religion and emergence of human life www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/97078 Professor Martin Kamela directs a science education project in rural India www.jamkhed.org/sciencecenter Professor Sirena Hargrove-Leak and students host high school engineering contest www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/93370
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/physics/
Elon University is one of the first colleges to use the Matter and Interaction program. Under the guidence of Professor Altmann, students learn relativity and computing as freshmen, where most traditional programs do not cover this until the sophomore and junior years. Students interested in astronomy can take classes in the new astronomy minor, including Introduction to Astronomy, Galactic Astronomy, Life in the Universe and Modern Astrophysics. These classes include hands-on use of telescopes on campus and remote-control of telescopes across the globe. In-class activities, from lab work to role-playing games, help students understand both the scientific and cultural aspects of astronomy. Students interested in science education have numerous opportunities for support and mentoring from the Physics Department. Professor Anthony Crider: Noyce Scholars, professor attend NSF conference www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/96351
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Political Science and Policy Studies Our department is home to two dynamic programs of study: political science and our new policy studies major. The department approaches the discipline of political science as an integrated field of study providing programs focused on government, politics, public policy and public affairs as an essential aspect of a broad liberal arts tradition. The department helps students understand their civic rights and responsibilities and prepares them for their potential roles in local, national and world affairs. Successful and Committed Alumni »» Over the past 10 years, the political science major has doubled in size. »» Students develop research and writing skills that culminate in an original senior research thesis. »» More than 400 students across campus take part in public opinion polling with the Elon University Poll each year. »» About 80 percent of students in the department complete internships in locations all around the world.
Expert faculty »» The number of department faculty has tripled in 15 years.
Wonderful opportunities for students »» In May, 2014, 65 students graduated with a major in political science or policy studies. »» Many students have been accepted into graduate schools such as William and Mary, Duke University, UNCChapel Hill, George Mason University, George Washington University and Boston University.
»» Faculty expertise covers the broad landscape of political science and policy studies areas including: congressional politics, presidential politics, state and local politics, racial and ethnic politics, public opinion polling, media and politics, political theory, international cooperation, international human rights, international organizations (IMF, UN, etc.), international security (crises, conflict, war), regional politics (including politics of Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East), public policy (domestic and comparative international), special topics in public policy including environmental, education, public health, food policy, nonprofit organizations and philanthropy and social change.
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/political_science
»» Others have been accepted to law schools including Stetson, the University of Virginia and the University of Southern California. »» Students who opt to work immediately after graduation are taking jobs working in politics for U.S. senators, state representatives, the Republican National Committee or with nonprofits such as the Borgen Project, Fund for Public Interest and Teach for America. Many work in state and local governments, with the U.S. Federal Government in many departments and agencies and several work for international nonprofits, policy research groups and nongovernmental organizations.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Poverty and Social Justice minor The Poverty and Social Justice program supplements students’ interest in helping people in poverty by educating them about poverty’s multiple causes and realities. This program offers the opportunity to study the root causes and structural patterns that contribute to poverty and focus on processes and strategies of poverty alleviation from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. The Poverty and Social Justice program strengthens students’ capacities to address the root causes of poverty at Elon and afterwards, as global citizens and as professionals in a variety of careers. Regardless of what career they pursue, graduates who possess a deep understanding of what contributes to and exacerbates poverty in society can contribute to solutions that help reduce and alleviate poverty in their local communities and the world around them.
»» Alamance County Department of Social Services – social services
Engaged Interdisciplinary Program
»» Women’s Resource Center – women’s support and resources
»» More than 50 elective courses »» Courses from 14 different departments »» Participation by five different schools (Business, Communications, College of Arts and Sciences, Education and Law) »» 21-24 credits (Intro to Poverty Studies, three electives, capstone, internship) »» Up to two electives can also count for major »» 18 internship opportunities or count your departmental internship or practicum
Amazing Internship Opportunities All Poverty and Social Justice minors are expected to complete an internship, while some students elect to have internships or practicums from their major fulfill this requirement–many students elect to work in the surrounding communities on issues of refugee resettlement, housing
»» Allied Churches – hunger and homelessness »» Burlington Housing Authority – affordable housing »» Crossroads – sexual violence »» Open Door Clinic – sexual violence »» Salvation Army – social services »» Sustainable Alamance – criminal justice »» United Way – poverty
and homelessness, health care, HIV/ AIDS, immigration, social services, sexual violence, criminal justice, food security, affordable housing and many others in placements like these:
Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty
Greensboro/Guilford County: »» American Friends Service committee »» Beloved Community Center »» Church World Service »» Faith Action International – refugees and immigration »» Greensboro Housing Coalition – housing »» Greensboro Urban Ministry – homelessness »» Guilford County Health Department – food security »» Regional Center for Infectious Disease – HIV
Through our PSJ program, Elon is a member of the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty. Elon selects five students each year to participate in the SHECP summer internship program which places 100 students from 23 colleges and universities in placements across the country to work on various issues of poverty in local communities. From rural Appalachia to downtown Boston, from Texas to New York City, Elon students have had amazing opportunities to live in community with students from other SHECP schools and to work in agencies addressing the problems of poverty from a variety of perspectives.
»» Public Defender’s office – legal Burlington/Alamance County:
elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/poverty-studies/
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Pre-Law Program Law School preparation and advising »» Dedicated: Every pre-law student has a dedicated pre-law advisor for all four years. »» Individualized: Advisors develop personalized LSAT study plans for each student. »» Experienced: Our advisors have combined 30+ years of pre-law advising experience. »» Connected: Advisors have strong ties with regional and national law schools. »» Engaged: Our students have multiple internship and outreach opportunities. »» Successful: Most pre-law students are admitted to at least one of their top three schools, often with scholarships.
»» Travel to local, regional and national competitions.
»» Southern California »» UCLA »» George Washington
Going places
»» Wake Forest
»» Each year pre-law students travel to law schools, where they sit in on classes, meet admissions representatives and law students and see firsthand what law school is like on the inside.
»» UNC
Recent law school acceptances »» Chicago »» Duke
Elon Mock Trial Team
»» Berkeley
»» Nationally recognized Mock Trial team.
»» NYU
»» Excellent way to develop critical thinking and enhanced communication skills.
»» William & Mary
»» Elon hosts annual Carolina Classic Tournament, attracting top programs from all over the country.
»» Columbia
»» Students learn about the work of trial attorneys and the judicial system.
»» Washington (St. Louis)
»» Georgetown
»» Richmond »» Elon »» Campbell »» American »» Boston College »» South Carolina »» Case Western »» Colorado For more information, visit the program website at www.elon.edu/e-web/ academics/elon_college/prelaw/
»» Cornell »» Virginia »» Michigan »» Vanderbilt »» Emory
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/prelaw/
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology Using scientific expertise to make discoveries about human behavior and mental processes; applying psychological science to better the human condition
»» 20 Honors Fellows, Elon College Fellows, Leadership Fellows and Lumen Scholars mentored last year. »» Eight students mentored in 2014 Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences
Expert Faculty
Outstanding facilities
Faculty expertise in subfields including: »» Social/Personality/Clinical Psychology
»» Experimental Psychology
»» The department recently moved to the newly renovated Psychology and Human Service Studies Building on South Campus. The department now has more than 4,800 square feet of research space, which includes laboratory suites with data-collection rooms, undergraduate researcher meeting/work space and group interaction rooms.
Faculty who are teacher-scholars
Innovative Curriculum
Our faculty members have been the recipients of Elon College and university awards in teaching, scholarship and service/ leadership. In the last year, they have achieved the following: »» 16 scholarly publications
Students are fully prepared for graduate school or careers in many fields such as psychology, counseling, education, law, social work and others. Our innovative curriculum includes: »» 200-level foundations courses in Lifespan Development, Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience.
»» Developmental/Cognitive Psychology »» Biological Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience »» Organizational/School Psychology
»» 17 professional presentations »» Campus leaders: Associate Provost for Assessment and Academic Operations, Interim Dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, Editor-inChief of Perspectives on Undergraduate Research and Mentoring, Coordinators of various programs/minors including Criminal Justice Studies, Leadership, Civic Engagement Scholars, Women’s and Gender Studies, Poverty and Social Justice and Neuroscience.
»» Senior Capstone Seminar
Engaged Students
»» Nine students mentored in internships last year.
Accomplished Students »» Elon psychology seniors outperform 85-90% of students across the country on National Field Test for Psychology. »» 26 students and alumni coauthored scholarly publications and/or professional presentations with faculty. »» Approximately 37% of our 2013 graduates have been accepted into graduate programs at institutions which include Boston University, Clemson University, George Washington University, New York University, Oregon State University and the University of South Carolina
»» Experimental and Non-experimental Research Methods and Statistics courses. »» 300-level advanced topic courses
»» Our students gave 25 presentations at undergraduate conferences last year.
»» Elon psychology graduates enter a variety of careers including clinical research coordinator, family services coordinator, intake interviews and outreach associates for health and rehabilitation facilities, market research analyst, public relations coordinator, risk management analyst, teacher, teen court coordinator and Teach for America and AmeriCorps members.
»» Approximately 50 students mentored in undergraduate research last year
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/psychology/
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Public Health Studies Public Health Studies (PHS) prepares students with the knowledge and skills to address the public health problems of the 21st century. Elon has offered a minor in PHS since 2008 and a major since fall 2011. PHS is a rapidly growing program. An interdisciplinary approach »» PHS majors complete 28 hours of core courses including Global Health and Introduction to Epidemiology. »» They complete a three-week, field-based public Health Practicum in local agencies including Planned Parenthood, Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance County and Alamance County Children’s Dental Clinic. They complete 16 hours in a focal area: socio-cultural context of health and illness or biological aspects of health and illness. »» Students have the flexibility to double major in a complimentary discipline (approximately half of PHS majors are also double majors).
An interdisciplinary approach »» Students can take PHS practicum abroad in India during Winter Term. This course immerses students in the work of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP) in Jamkhed, which promotes health and provides access to health care in underserved, rural communities. »» Students can earn credit toward the major and minor while spending a
students, Alzheimer’s Disease therapy, transition of pediatric patients to adult care, career aspirations of adolescents living with prenatally acquired HIV and student perceptions of diet quality and nutrient content in the U.S. and India.
semester abroad in Denmark, Costa Rica, South Africa or India. More global opportunities are available every semester.
Engaged Faculty »» Because PHS is an interdisciplinary program, students have the opportunity to take courses from nationally and internationally recognized faculty in a variety of disciplines, including exercise science, biology, chemistry, human service studies, international studies, psychology and policy studies.
Student Research
»» Faculty are engaged in scholarship related to alcohol expectancies among college women; fertility intentions and desires of young adults with prenatally-acquired HIV; influence of athletes’ concussion history on long-term cognitive functioning; and effects of pharmaceutical drugs on the environment.
Student Research »» PHS students are engaged in exciting research projects across campus. Current topics include: educational inclusivity among engaged Latino fathers, nature deficit disorder among fourth grade
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/public_health/
»» Students have presented their research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research as well as at national and international disciplinary conferences. PHS students have also been recipients of the Lumen Prize, the Ward Family Learning in Action award, the Wise Family award, the Thomas Barnett Breaking Down Barriers award and have been inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and ODK.
»» The outlook for careers in public health is strong and continues to expand. PHS graduates are prepared to enter the workforce in local, state, national or international public health organizations, or to continue on to graduate study in public health or related disciplines. »» Recent graduates of the PHS program have been accepted into graduate programs at top schools including UNC Chapel Hill, Emory, Boston University, Johns Hopkins University, Ohio State University, University of Virginia and Washington University.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Professional Writing Studies minor PWS students actively write in their communities »» Students in the PWS minor are actively engaged in their communities through service-learning and client-based writing projects in their courses. This year, students completed research and documents including communication plans, marketing proposals and samples, newsletter, web content and social media plans. For example, students researched the “backyard tiger” debate in North Carolina for a web project inspired by a local nonprofit and in another couse, made recommendations based on careful analysis of the social media presence of 14 campus and local organizations. These projects are at the heart of the minor, which combines theory about writing strategies and extensive writing practice.
PWS students interns at or work for a variety of organizations »» Internships and research experiences allow PWS students to apply their writing skills in a professional setting. This year, for example, students interned at international service organizations, local publications, television stations and major media conglomerates, writing in a variety
of styles and genres relevant to their future endeavors.
for publication on a variety of topics including supporting faculty writers, using Agile productivity strategies and understanding advertising strategies.
PWS faculty are active and engaged scholars Faculty who teach in the PWS program contribute knowledge to the discipline in a variety of ways. This year our faculty: »» Presented at numerous national and regional academic conferences,including Association for Business Communication, Conference on College Composition and Communication, National Council of Teachers of English, South Atlantic Modern Language Association, Council of Writing Program Administrators, International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Broadcast Educators Association and DICTION studies. »» Led workshops for faculty, students and community members on successful communication, collaboration and project management strategies. »» Published in disciplinary, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and faculty development journals as well as edited and completed manuscripts
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/professional_writing
What are PWS graduates saying about the minor? »» “No matter what career field you’re looking to enter, writing will most likely play a significant role in the job. Learning how to apply the writing and rhetoric principles to your work will make you a valuable member of any workplace. Learning to develop a better sense of how and why we communicate [with this minor] will help you enjoy a greater level of understanding with co-workers and develop superior relationships with future clients and business partners.” »» “Professional Writing Studies helped me stand out among other applicants when I was applying for internships because it demonstrated that I was a skilled writer.” »» “Professional Writing Studies is about more than just writing. It is understanding the how and the why of all forms of premeditated communication.”
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Religious Studies The field of Religious Studies provides you with an important knowledge base and helps you acquire a valuable skill set that can be used for adaptive problem solving, ethical leadership and engaged global citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world. Great opportunities for students »» Students in the program have the opportunity to conduct, present and publish undergraduate research mentored by religious studies faculty. During the 2013-14 academic year, three students presented original research at a regional conference, two students published their research and one student presented at a national undergraduate research conference. »» They can take part in interdisciplinary department events such as “Religious Studies at the Crossroads,” a lecture series that aims to foster conversations across different academic disciplines. »» They can also take advantage of activities sponsored by Theta Alpha
faculty hold leadership positions in regional, national and international organizations.
Successful alumni »» At least 40 percent of our graduates in the past five years have attended graduate schools such as Duke University, Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton Theological Seminary, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law, Wake Forest University and Emory University.
Kappa, the national honor society for religious studies and theology.
Expert faculty »» Our faculty have worked, taught, and presented research in 18 countries and are recognized nationally as experts in their fields of study. »» During the 2013-14 academic year, they published three books and seven book chapters and journal articles, presented 20 conference papers and received seven grants to support their scholarship and teaching. »» Faculty have received numerous institutional and college awards for teaching and scholarship and many
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/religious_studies
»» They have worked for AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Presbyterian Young Adult Volunteers, Jesuit Volunteers, Mennonite Volunteer Service and Teach for America. »» They have made careers in diverse fields including business, chaplaincy, community organizing, government, higher education, IT, law, ministry, social work, library science and teaching.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Sociology and Anthropology Accomplished Students »» Our program provides international opportunities for students to travel and study in places like Australia, Belize, Ghana and South Africa. »» Students have the opportunity not only to collaborate with faculty on existing research projects but also to generate new research ideas and topics under faculty mentorship. Recent projects that foster this collaboration include: anthropological work in Central America, internet-based breast milk sharing in the U.S. and recording welfare narratives in Alamance County. »» Our students have received the Lumen Prize, Elon’s premier award to support and celebrate academic research and creative achievement, and have published their findings in academic journals. »» After graduation, they have joined the Peace Corps and worked for the National Institute of Health and Teach for America. »» 24% of students applied to graduate programs in 2014 and all were accepted.
Expert Faculty »» 90% of the faculty in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology are involved in undergraduate mentoring. Department faculty mentored 18 undergraduate research experiences in 2013-2014.
»» Department faculty attended and participated in 10 professional academic conferences.
based anthropological research in the eastern Petén Forest of northwestern Belize during the summer.
»» Department faculty published two books and 10 scholarly articles. »» They are university award recipients. The department is home to two DanielsDanieley Teaching Award winners, two Distinguished Scholar Award winners and the recipient of the Distinguished University Professor Award. »» They are interdisciplinary leaders, serving in positions such as: director of the Honors Program, (former) dean of international programs; (former) dean of Social Sciences; associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; co-chair of the task force on scholarship; founder and director of Elon University’s Project Pericles; and director of the Social Sciences Fellows Program, a branch of Elon College Fellows. »» 80% of department faculty have led study abroad programs.
Innovative Curriculum »» Courses in the department are integrative, showing students not only how societies are connected in a wider global context but also how the different elements of each society are woven into complex cultural patterns. »» The Archaeological Field School in Belize allows students to conduct field-
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/sociology/
Engage in research projects with the community »» A joint project between Elon University and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is studying midwifery at a local Women’s Birth and Wellness Center. »» The Program for Ethnographic Research and Community Studies (PERCS) is in its third year of a multi-year, collaborative research project called “The Voices of Welfare” that brings faculty, students and community members together to address the perceptions of welfare in the local community and across the nation. Community partners include the Department of Social Services, Allied Churches, the Open Door Clinic, the Burlington Housing Authority and the United Way. This year, students and faculty launched the “Voices of Welfare” website (blogs.elon.edu/voicesofwelfare/) and have been accepted at three conferences to present on the project, and continue to work on academic publications, print and online materials for the general public and reports for specific community agencies. Additional information about PERCs can be found at ww.elon.edu/e-web/org/percs/ FollowTheFaces.xhtml
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Sustainability Education and Research »» Faculty and Staff in the Sustainability Leaders Program influenced their colleagues to incorporate sustainable practices, such as energy conservation and waste reduction, into the workplace. »» Three students received $1,000 scholarships through the Sustainability Research Scholars Program, funded by the Class of 2010’s gift. The program awards scholarships on a competitive basis to students doing research related to sustainability at Elon.
Operations »» The annual Don’t Trash It! program collected over 12,000 pounds of bedding, clothing, housewares, food and
furniture as students left campus for the summer in an effort to keep useful items out of landfills and help local charities. »» Two additional LEED certifications were received: Numen Lumen Pavilion – LEED Silver and Lakeside Dining Hall – LEED Silver. The University now has 19 LEED certified structures totaling over 250,000 square feet of building space. »» Elon opened its first electric vehicle charging station allowing owners of electric vehicles to recharge their car battery in the McMichael Science Center parking lot.
Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education in recognition of initiatives across campus that address the three facets of sustainability – social, economic and environmental. »» Elon was included in the Sierra Club’s list of “Cool Schools” published in Sierra’s September/October 2013 magazine and was once again included in The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges. Elon has been in every edition of the Guide and currently has a Green Rating of 96 (scaled from 60 to 99).
Recognition »» The University received a STARS Silver rating from the Association for the
The University has 19 LEED certified structures including the Numen Lumen Pavilion, which is LEED Silver certified. www.elon.edu/sustainability
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
Women’s and Gender Studies Women’s and Gender Studies at Elon is a long-standing, dynamic program with an endowment that supports student, faculty and campus initiatives. As one of Elon’s flagship interdisciplinary minors, WGS at Elon represents a diversity of departmental affiliations across campus.
WGS faculty are active and innovative scholars.
During the 2013-14 academic year we:
»» They participate in art exhibitions and theatrical productions at national venues and present their research at conferences across the United States and abroad in countries such as the Kingdom of Bhutan, India and Canada.
»» Celebrated the 25th anniversary of the WGS program. »» Sponsored three students to attend the NC Leadership Institute for Reproductive Justice in Raleigh. »» Sponsored a panel celebrating Women’s Athletics at Elon during Women’s History Month. »» Offered 28 courses between fall 2013 and spring 2014 for WGS credit from various departments »» Offered fall and spring sections of WGS 110: Sex and Gender. Had maximum enrollment in each section. »» Partnered with various organizations across campus to help sponsor and co-sponsor programs. »» Continued to strengthen alumni connections with our program by inviting them back to talk to students.
»» WGS faculty publish on topics ranging from American impressionist painting, rape, critical feminist pedagogy and objectification, to the Book of Revelation, sports history, gender and media.
Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Lambda Pi Eta and Omicron Delta Kappa. »» Have participated in mentored undergraduate research, internships and study abroad trips. »» Volunteer at Elon and in the surrounding communities and have participated in service-learning projects across the globe. »» Have gone on to pursue graduate study in social services, sociology, women’s and gender studies, higher education administration, social policy, divinity and law, just to name a few. »» Work for Equality North Carolina, the Orange County Rape Crisis Center, UNC Women’s Center, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina, AmeriCorps Vista, the Prisoners’ Education and Advocacy Project, the chaplaincy department at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Los Angeles, Alexander Street Press, The Children’s Aid Society-Carrera Program and Huffington Post- Women.
WGS minors are outstanding students. Our minors: »» Are honors fellows and Elon College Fellows and have been elected into Phi
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/wsgs/
The WGS program works to create a campus community that fosters tolerance and promotes equality. »» Last year, the program sponsored or co-sponsored 10 events on campus that featured academic discussion of relevant issues and co-sponsored the theatrical production The Vagina Monologues with a student group. »» Every year, we sponsor a film series with feature films followed by faculty or student-led discussions with the audiences. Last year, the program sponsored a three-part viewing of Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. »» It also coordinates a Belk Library display highlighting feminist scholarship for Women’s History Month and supports student groups such as EFFECT, SPECTRUM and Sparks.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
World Languages and Cultures Creating global citizens and scholars From Hispanic and Francophone film festivals to Italian music concerts, a German speaker series, celebrations of the Chinese New Year and modern versions of Ovid, the Department of World Languages and Cultures brings the global community home to our Elon community. Our multilingual, multi-cultural faculty members hail from nine different countries and teach eight different languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin and Spanish), offering students international prospects for their future academic and professional lives.
Our faculty »» Many have been recognized for outstanding teaching and service to the community by the university, and for service leadership and excellence in teaching by the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as received multiple internal and external grants to fund their disciplinary research, their technological innovations, their scholarship of teaching and learning and programs to enhance students’ exposure to world languages and cultures. »» Several have published books of literary criticism, textbooks for language teaching, peer-reviewed articles in books and in top journals and faculty frequently present their research at major national and international conferences. »» They are outstanding mentors to Elon College Fellows, Honors
Fellows, Luman Scholars and budding undergraduate researchers. »» Many travel abroad frequently, developing and leading study abroad programs in Mexico, Honduras, Spain, France, Peru, Costa Rica, Italy and Germany.
Our students
Our recent graduates
»» Many students have gained cultural and linguistic competency abroad studying and working in diverse contexts in countries such as Egypt, Morocco and Senegal. »» Numerous international opportunities have included a Fulbright in Guatemala, a seat in the European Youth Parliament in France, a political think tank internship with Centro de Amigos para la Paz in Costa Rica and graduate research in Germany funded by a fellowship for the German Academic Exchange Service. »» Students have performed full-length plays entirely in French through a French Theater in Production course in Winter Term. »» WLC students include Elon Fellows, Lumen Scholars, Fulbright recipients and members of Phi Beta Kappa. »» Students who are engaged in undergraduate research mentored by WLC faculty have presented at SURF, many in their language of study and several have presented at national or international conferences.
www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/elon_college/foreign_languages/
»» Students have pursued graduate study using their language skills in a variety of areas including international business, law, international affairs, international peace studies, environmental science, communications, journalism, education, history, language and literature.
»» Students have interned in web design at the U.S. Holocaust Museum and at the French Embassy in Washington; worked for a social media company in Italy; joined the Peace Corps in Madagascar; created travel documentaries at a television station in Germany; worked at Orange telecommunications in Paris; taught language in U.S. high schools; interned with the United Nations; been offered a position in Volkswagen Group of America’s Graduate Program; earned Fulbright Fellowships abroad. »» Recent graduates have been accepted to programs at New York University, Yale University, American University, George Washington University, the College of William and Mary, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wake Forrest University. »» Several have completed graduate degrees abroad at the American University of Paris and Hochschule Bremen in Germany.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences