www.elonnewsnetwork.com
facebook.com/elonnewsnetwork
Friday, August 14, 2020 Volume 50, Edition 1 Elon, North Carolina
@elonnewsnetwork
Elon News Network
THE PENDULUM
MOVE-IN EDITION
WELCOME CLASS OF 2024 CLARE GRANT | PHOTO EDITOR
After students and faculty go through the health check-in at Schar Center, they will recieve a Ready and Resilient kit which includes a lanyard, face mask, hand sanitizer, thermometer, tissues and an information packet about this upcoming year.
ORIENTATION • PAGE 11 A look at how New Student Orientation will work during the coronavirus pandemic
BEHIND THE EMAILS • PAGE 12 Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley discusses the university’s plans for the fall semester
DIVERSITY ACTION • PAGE 14 Breaking down Elon University’s diversity initiatives with senior stafff
2
MOVE-IN
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
THE PENDULUM MACKENZIE WILKES A PUBLICATION OF
GRACE TERRY JACK NORCROSS
LAUREN SINGLES
Established 1974 Volume 50, Edition 1 Elon News Network is a daily news organization that includes a newspaper, website, broadcasts and podcasts. Letters to the editor are welcome and should be typed, signed and emailed to enn@elon.edu as Word documents. ENN reserves the right to edit obscene and potentially libelous material. Lengthy letters may be trimmed to fit. All submissions become the property of ENN and will not be returned.
ELLIS CHANDLER
Executive Director of Elon News Network
EDITORIAL POLICY:
Managing Editor of The Pendulum
ENN
News Director of Elon Local News
entertain and inform the Elon community by providing a voice for students and faculty, as well as serve as a forum for the meaningful exchange of ideas.
Event Coverage Coordinator
Social Media Coordinator
CAITLIN RUNDLE
Sports Director
THOMAS DENOME
Chief Copy Editor
MARGARET FAUST
New Member Coordinator
NYAH PHENGSITHY
Design Chief
CLARE GRANT
Photo Editor
KIERAN UNGEMACH
Politics Editor
KYRA O’CONNOR
Enterprise Story Coordinator
seeks
to
inspire,
WHEN WE PUBLISH: The Pendulum publishes weekly on Wednesdays
Elon Local News broadcasts Mondays at 6 p.m.
ELN Morning broadcasts Thursdays at 10 a.m.
ENN Radio Podcast CORRECTIONS POLICY:
publishes Friday at 8 a.m.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ENN is committed to accurate coverage. When factual errors are made, we correct them promptly and in full, both online and in print. Online corrections state the error and the change at the top of the article. Corrections from the previous week’s print edition appear on this page.
Facebook Elon News Network
Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat @elonnewsnetwork
YouTube Elon News Network
Contact corrections@elonnewsnetwork.com to report a correction or a concern.
games
corrections No corrections in the last edition of The Pendulum.
How to Play: Guess the missing word in the five clues, then find them in the word search below. Words can be found backwards, diagonal, etc. 1. The class of 2024 is the ____ largest class in Elon University history. See Page 5 for answer. 2. ______ is the most popular major for the class of 2024. See Page 5 for answer. 3. New student orientation sessions will consist of _____ videos and small group discussions. See Page 11 for answer. 4. Randy _____ will now serve as the vice president of inclusive excellence and associate provost of inclusive excellence. See Page 14 for answer. 5. Elon Freshman Maddie Shosten owns her own production company ______ productions. See Page 15 for answer.
comic
SCAN FOR MORE COVERAGE FROM ELON NEWS NETWORK OR VISIT ELONNEWSNETWORK.COM 1. Open your phone camera 2. Focus on the QR code 3. Click the pop-up link
MOVE-IN
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
3
Connie Book during an interview with Elon News Network on Thursday, Aug. 13.
CLARE GRANT | PHOTO EDITOR
THOMAS DENOME | CHIEF COPY EDITOR
A student protesting Elon University’s decision to reopen for in-person classes in a “die-in” demonstration on Thursday, Aug. 13 along Haggard Avenue. A butterfly sits on a flower in the garden outside Mosley Center on Monday, Aug. 10.
GRACE TERRY | MANAGING EDITOR
Elon University junior Kevin Murphy gets his temperature taken at the Schar Center health check-in on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
THOMAS DENOME | CHIEF COPY EDITOR
Elon University horticulturist Susan Tripp trims plants in preparation for move-in on Thursday, Aug. 13.
GRACE TERRY | MANANING EDITOR
4
MOVE-IN
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
FROM THE LEADERS
CLARE GRANT | PHOTO EDITOR
Junior Mackenzie Wilkes (left), senior Jack Norcross (middle), senior Grace Terry (right).
S
A LETTER FROM ELON NEWS NETWORK’S LEADERS MACKENZIE WILKES, JACK NORCROSS AND GRACE TERRY
INCE THE SPRING SEMESTER abruptly transitioned to remote learning, Elon News Network has not stopped reporting. We have spent our time preparing for your and our return to campus and we are ready to continue serving our local community, because news never stops. We often use this phrase in our newsroom, but in the last five months, it has never been more true. As we enter this unique semester, we are dedicated to serve our community no matter the circumstances. We hope to give students, faculty, staff and those in Alamance County a voice and tell stories that will affect their lives though all of our platforms. Our organization — composed of The Pendulum, elonnewsnetwork.com and Elon Local News — has served
you through elections, presidential transitions, hurricanes and more. We’ll be here to serve you through a pandemic, social reckoning and whatever else Elon may face. While we are unsure what this semester may entail, we are ready to report it. Journalists are needed now more than ever to distinguish fact from opinion and falsehoods. With any major story there are many angles and many different versions to be told. At ENN, our goal is to tell as many of your stories as possible, and that is just what we will do this academic year. Our phone (336-278-7247) and email (enn@elon.edu) are open to anyone with a story idea or new perspective. We look forward to telling your stories, even if it is from six feet away.
MACKENZIE WILKES Executive Director of Elon News Network
JACK NORCROSS News Director of Elon Local News
GRACE TERRY Managing Editor of The Pendulum
A LETTER FROM SGA PRESIDENT ROBBIE MILEY
W
CLARE GRANT | PHOTO EDITOR
ELCOME TO ELON, CLASS of 2024! I remember when I walked on campus for the first time during my senior year of high school. The campus was so beautiful and vibrant. Every person I walked by seemed so happy, and I knew this was the place for me. If you’re like I was, you’re extremely excited for the start of your college experience and your newfound independence. However, the transition process can still be a little overwhelming. I was surrounded by a lot of upperclassmen who seemed like they were thriving. Everyone seemed to have a solid group of friends, and they were all involved in something they were passionate about. Meanwhile, I couldn’t even find the dining hall. As a first-year, I worried that I would struggle to acclimate to this new environment. Would the classes be too difficult for me? Would I find friends here at Elon? I started to doubt myself. I was quick to compare myself
to the upperclassmen that I knew during my first semester, and that was a huge mistake of mine. You’ll meet some incredible people here at Elon. But don’t let that cause you to doubt your potential. Those upperclassmen that you’ll meet were once incoming first-year students not too long ago. Although they might be doing some extraordinary things right now, they certainly weren’t during their very first week at Elon. Before you know it, you’ll be an upperclassman on campus who is thriving and living your best life. Four years after I first walked on campus, I can tell you that I made one of the best decisions of my life. I hope by the time you’re seniors, you’ll love this university as much as I do. Elon will force you to learn, adapt and grow. By the end, the transformation you’ll see within yourselves is nothing short of incredible. Work hard, believe in yourselves and trust the process. If you do three things, I can promise you that you’ll do great things here at Elon.
MOVE-IN
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
5
Freshman class copes with unique first-year experience Class of 2024 fall semester will be different from previous classes due to health guidelines. Livi Lesch
Elon News Network | @elonnewsnetwork
Halfway out the door to head towards campus, Zane Jackson runs through his mental checklist. He has his phone, pencils, Phoenix Card and computer packed in his bag. Just before he turns to lock his dorm door, the absence of a mask becomes apparent to him, so he turns back to retrieve one. On top of different challenges from the pandemic, the necessity to follow Center for Disease Control guidelines diligently at all times indicates how the class of 2024’s freshman fall semester will differ from previous classes. With an enrollment number of 1602 students, the class of 2024 is the thirdlargest class to have entered Elon University. Compared to last year, there are 57 fewer students on campus for fall semester. Greg Zaiser, the vice president of enrollment, said he found that notable considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 20% of the class is considered “ALANAM,” which means they have Native American, Asian, Black, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or a multiracial ethnic background. This is 2% higher than the class of 2023’s studentof-color ratio. After North Carolina, the state with the most students in the class is New Jersey. The female-to-male ratio is also similar to that of last year’s. The class of 2023 had 38% male students and 62% female. The class of 2024 has 41% male students and 59% female. Zaiser also said that the class of 2024 is academically strong and diverse. Psychology is the most popular major among the class. Jackson, however, currently is undecided and plans to weigh his options by exploring different classes. “I am nervous about starting college during a pandemic because there is just so much I don’t know, but I think that would be true even if there wasn’t a pandemic right now,” Jackson said. “Pretty much everything about college is new to me, so the pandemic just adds in a couple extra steps and uncertainty.” First-year students like Jackson share feelings of anxiousness and confusion towards beginning college. They are now not only troubled by the spread of COVID-19 but also by new social hurdles and online classes.
“
I AM NERVOUS ABOUT STARTING COLLEGE DURING A PANDEMIC BECAUSE THERE IS JUST SO MUCH I DON’T KNOW, BUT I THINK THAT WOULD BE TRUE EVEN IF THERE WASN’T A PANDEMIC RIGHT NOW. PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE IS NEW TO ME, SO THE PANDEMIC JUST ADDS IN A COUPLE EXTRA STEPS AND UNCERTAINTY. ZANE JACKSON FRESHMAN
ZACH OHMANN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
President Connie Book hands out acorns at the class of 2023’s New Student Convocation on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019. The class of 2024’s convocation will be virtual this fall.
ELON NEWS NETWORK PRESENTS
BY THE NUMBERS
1602
ENN
is the enrollment number for the class of 2024.
57
RADIO
fewer students on campus for the fall semester compared to class of 2023 fall enrollment.
“I don’t know about all my classes yet, but my chemistry class is at least partly online,” Jackson said. “I think this would hinder me because I enjoy learning face-toface and the sense of community that comes along with it. If classes are online I tend to lose motivation because instead of focusing on learning my perspective switches to just work for a grade.” Another hurdle that freshmen face is to navigate social life at Elon at a distance. In an effort to combat this challenge, the university is offering virtual events for students and faculty to stay connected. Events such as College Coffee, webinars and group exercises can be accessed through the school website. While Jackson does not have his sights set on a particular extracurricular activity yet, the cancellation of the Fall 2020 cross country season affects his fall semester. “I was looking forward to competing at the huge meets like the ones I’ve been watching online since I was middle school,” Jackson said. Despite the cancellation of competition, athletes are still expected to practice for the following season with an adjusted schedule. However, expectations for the fall semester among students and faculty change everyday. “We will be socially distant in practice. Right now we split up into smaller practice groups of around four people based on who lives together and we won’t be using the weight room this season. In a couple weeks we might transition back into a full group for practice based on how the virus is contained,” Jackson said.
AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE PODCASTS
“
THE PODCAST GIVES OUR AUDIENCE A DEEPER LOOK BEHIND WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE TOWN, COUNTY AND UNIVERSITY. PODCASTING IS AN ENGAGING MEDIUM TO DELIVER STORIES BECAUSE YOU CAN HAVE STORIES DELIVERED TO YOUR EARS ON THE GO. MACKENZIE WILKES JUNIOR, ENN RADIO HOST
6
MOVE-IN
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
STARTING COLLEGE
IN A PANDEMIC
Members of the incoming freshman class share their concerns and react to starting college during a global pandemic Miranda Ferrante | Elon News Network | @ferrantemiranda
Elon University’s incoming freshman class finds themselves in unique circumstances. Their senior year of high school came to an unexpected halt as a result
of the coronavirus pandemic, and their freshman year of college will be heavily defined by medical constraints. Through a series of emails and Zoom calls, 11 first-year
students provided insight into their personal experiences and shared expectations and apprehensions for the upcoming academic year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
PIERSON BLOUNT Lynchburg, Virginia Acting and Musical Theater
“Right now, in the time we are in, it is probably the best time to be at a big campus with a small population. Most of the spread happens inside, when people are close together. If we have a healthy amount of time outside to spread apart and get fresh air, hopefully, we will be okay.”
SYDNI BROWN
Holly Springs, North Carolina Communication Design, Journalism
“I’m a little worried. I’m pretty sure that a lot of people don’t really know what school is going to look like and if there is going to be an outbreak on campus or not. All of the ‘preparedness’ emails were pretty unclear to me too. I just hope everyone stays safe. Everyone ... required to be tested has made me feel a little bit safer. Knowing that everyone is hopefully coming to campus knowing if they need to be quarantined or not is a pretty good start.”
BECCA CHASE
Arlington, Virginia Strategic Communications, Politcial Science
“After having my senior year cut short and missing out on so many key memories of high school, it’ll be refreshing to start a new chapter in college. Being in a completely new world amid pandemic will be a little challenging to get used to, but as long as we all maintain social distancing and adhere to CDC guidelines, I’m confident my freshman year at Elon will be a wonderful experience. I plan to make the most of this year.”
SARAH DODMAN Wilton, Connecticut Undecided
“Starting college in a pandemic is something that has never been done before, and that is scary because nobody knows what will happen. I am fearful that we will get to campus and will be sent home very soon within getting there. The fear of the unknown is a big factor because no one knows how everything will play out. I am most nervous about one person [possibly] testing positive and spreading it around. With in-person classes, this makes the risk of more people becoming exposed higher.”
MOVE-IN
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
PHOEBE GAMPONIA Morgantown, West Virginia Public Health
“Despite the uncertainty of everything, I am still really excited to come to campus this fall. Although I will not be receiving a traditional freshman year experience, I recognize the importance of the new protocol on campus and am overall just excited to begin my college experience. I think Elon has done so many things for students, faculty and staff in order to combine safety and the ‘new normal’ with somewhat of a traditional college experience.”
NIKKI JOHNSON
Los Angeles, California Pre Med, Veterinary
“Some things that Elon has done to make me feel safe on campus is the prepping [of] the dorms and sanitizing them for move-in and the reconfiguring of the dining halls to allow takeout to reduce congestion. I also appreciate the emails and updates I get from Elon, informing me of the plans of the semester, as I know some schools have [left their students in the dark.]”
DECLAN MCGEADY Towson, Maryland Cinema & Television Arts
“I am excited to meet more of my classmates and hear about their time in quarantine. We all share a mutual feeling of tragedy for the loss of our senior year, and I believe that we can make up for it with what comes next.”
MADISON MURSCH
Sarasota, Florida Strategic Communications, Journalism
“I am grateful that Elon has made a Ready and Resilient plan, knowing they have set rules for wearing masks and maintaining social distance is important for me to feel comfortable on campus. I am so excited to be a part of the Elon Community and live in a Historic residence hall. I can’t wait to meet so many amazing new people and have the freedom to study my diverse interests. My plans have not changed as of right now [for the next four years]. I still hope to learn a lot and grow as a student and individual, just now maybe with less flexibility and freedom at first.”
DREW REUSCHLEIN Gaithersburg, Maryland Cinema & Television Arts
“I’m a little nervous that over time, people will get too comfortable and start to ease up on or forget about physical distancing and mask rules, but I’m honestly not too worried. As long as everyone does their part and staff continues to enforce these guidelines, we should have no problems.”
ELIZA TEWS
Frederick, Maryland Cinema & Television Arts, Media Analytics
“Since the start of the pandemic, many of us have been confined to Zoom, so I cannot wait to meet all my classmates and professors face-to-face on campus, socially distanced and masked, of course. Also, I am looking forward to [begin] practicing with the Elon Dance Team and meeting all of the communication fellows.”
JARED WISE Asheville, North Carolina Acting
“My experience has been a little different from others, I was taking a gap year. I was laid off from work, but I did not miss out on any shows or my [high school] graduation. I’m so excited to come to campus and I am confident in their ability to keep everyone safe and distanced. I think that [students] should have the opportunity to take classes remotely if they choose [and feel more comfortable] to do so.”
7
8
MOVE-IN
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
THE PHOENIX GUIDE 2020-2021 MEAL PLANS PLAN
DATES TO KNOW AUGUST
17
NEW STUDENT CONVOCATION
AUGUST
19
CLASSES BEGIN
ALL ACCESS +14 ALL ACCESS +7 ALL ACCESS BASIC 300 BLOCK
YEARLY COST
MEAL DOLLARS
BENEFITS
$8,485
FALL............$170 WINTER.......$60 SPRING.......$170
Unlimited visits to dining halls
$7,983
FALL............$170 WINTER.......$60 SPRING.......$170
Unlimited visits to dining halls
$6,686
FALL............$65 WINTER.......$20 SPRING.......$65
$4,120
FALL/WINTER..$200 SPRING...........$200
150 block meals for fall/winter
$3,282
FALL/WINTER..$250 SPRING...........$250
100 block meals for fall/winter
14 meal exchanges per week 30 guest meals per year
7 meal exchanges per week 20 guest meals per year
Unlimited visits to dining halls 10 guest meals per year
150 block meals for spring
NOVEMBER
23
ON-CAMPUS CLASSES END
200 BLOCK
DINING HALL HOURS
NOVEMBER
24
READING DAY
NOVEMBER
30
FINAL EXAMS BEGIN
DECEMBER
4
FINAL EXAMS END
100 block meals for spring
CLOHAN
LAKESIDE
Monday-Thursday 7:00am-8:00pm
Monday-Thursday 11:00am-10:00pm
Monday-Wednesday 7:00am-9:00pm
Friday 7:00am-2:00pm
Friday 11:00am-8:00pm
Thursday 7:00am-9:00pm 10:00pm-3:00am
Saturday Closed
Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm
MCEWEN
Sunday 10:00am-8:00pm
Sunday 9:00am-2:00pm 5:00pm-10:00pm
Friday 7:00am-3:00am Saturday 10:00am-3:00am Sunday Closed
MOVE-IN
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
9
UNDERSTANDING ELON TECHNOLOGY MICROSOFT OFFICE 365 Microsoft Office 365 is available for faculty, staff and students to access for free. Using www.elon.edu/office365, Microsoft Office can be installed onto a user’s computer up to five times for free.
PHILO EDU
GETTING CONNECTED ON TWITTER
Philo Edu provides live TV to devices such as smartphones, computers or tablets when on the campus network. This streaming service delivers DVR capabilities, along with being able to record up to 20 hours of any program. Access Philo Edu at elon.philio.com.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Connie Book @ElonConnieBook President of Elon University
ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD
Available to Elon Communications students for the fall 2020 semester, Adobe Creative Cloud is free using their Elon email and password. Students can download Creative Cloud apps to their laptops and home computers. See Elon’s School of Communication’s page for more instructions on downloading.
HBO GO The HBO Go streaming service is available for students through an activated Elon Philo Edu account. Students will need their Elon email and password to access HBO GO. See Elon’s Technology Services page for instructions.
HULU + SHOWTIME (WITH SPOTIFY) With a Spotify Premium Student account, students can access both Hulu and Showtime for $4.99 per month. The Spotify account must be created with an Elon email.
Elon University @elonuniversity Main university account
Elon Dining @ElonDining Dining services
THE NEW YORK TIMES Faculty, staff and students have free digital access to The New York Times. To create an account, go to NYTimes.com/Pass, using an Elon email address to create an account. The New York Times can be accessed on any device after the account is created.
PRESSREADER
Elon Athletics @ElonPhoenix Athletic information
With the campus network, faculty, staff and students can read 7,000+ newspapers and magazines from around the world with PressReader. The app must be downloaded to read on a mobile device. An Elon must be used to create an account.
AMAZON PRIME STUDENT Students can use their Elon email to create an Amazon Prime Student account. The membership comes with the first six months free, paying $6.49 per month after that. Students can get FREE two-day shipping with a Prime account, along with access to other Prime services.
Elon News Network @ElonNewsNetwork Student news organization
SPOTIFY Using their Elon email, students can sign up for the Spotify Premium Student account for $4.99 per month. Spotify Premium Student comes with Hulu and Showtime.
Elon Student Media @eustudentmedia Student media organizations
MOVE-IN
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
10 Class of 2020 employed graduate rate decreases due to pandemic Economic downturn, instability contribute to struggles in job market for recent Elon graduates. Kira Silbergeld
Elon News Network | @elonnewsnetwork
Natalie Zagorski ‘20 thought she had finalized her post-graduate plans when Elon University students and staff were told to leave campus as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, she is living at home and working the same summer job that she has had for the past six years, as she gets ready to commence a second job search. Zagorski is not alone. Elon’s graduate class of 2020 are scrambling to land secure jobs that are not impacted by the virus. Elon University’s graduates have experienced the hardships of the job market during the pandemic, considering they were sent home during the spring semester of their senior years and are now struggling to obtain employment. Elon’s Student Professional Development Center reported a 15% decrease in graduates who have accepted job offers. Nationally, the job market has been struggling since the beginning of the pandemic, according to records from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reported that the United State’s unemployment rate hit a record high of 14.7% during April, when many states were under stay-athome orders. Tom Brinkley, the executive director of the SPDC, believes that the job market for recent graduates has suffered less than the national jobs market, saying that the national job market includes hourly and service workers. However, there has definitely been a slowdown in hiring for the class of 2020, according to Brinkley. “There are students who had accepted positions previously who are being pushed out,” Brinkley said. Zagorski is one of the multiple students who had received a job offer only to be told that she could no longer work due to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Zagorski, who recently graduated with a degree in strategic communications and completed minors in sports management, business administration and political science, secured a full season internship with the minor league baseball team the Greensboro Grasshoppers and was splitting her time between classes and the internship when students were sent home. Zagorski also went home, suspending her internship under the premise that she would return to intern for the summer. “Even though it wasn’t a full-time job, securing a full-season internship with the team looked like a promising stepping stone for a career in sports,” Zagorski said. When Elon students were informed about the “extended spring break” that ended up consuming the whole semester, Zagorski said she had a pit in her stomach as Elon continued to cancel events that she loved and looked forward to. “Knowing that my job in promotions and community relations was reliant on large groups of people, I knew that it would likely be canceled as well,” Zagorski said. By May, Zagorski was informed by her boss that the minor league baseball season was canceled and her whole department had been furloughed, meaning she had lost the internship before she returned to the office. She packed up her belongings and moved back home to her family in New Jersey. “What I worry most about when applying for jobs in communications right now is that in the future, I will be disadvantaged when I try to break into the sports field,” Zagorski said. “Experience with team organizations is key for the sports industry.” Zagorski is just the tip of the iceberg for the class of 2020 and employment
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States’ unemployment rate hit a record high of 14.7% during April.
GRAPHIC BY NYAH PHENGSITTHY
“
WHAT I WORRY MOST ABOUT WHEN APPLYING FOR JOBS IN COMMUNICATIONS RIGHT NOW IS THAT IN THE FUTURE, I WILL BE DISADVANTAGED WHEN I TRY TO BREAK INTO THE SPORTS FIELD. EXPERIENCE WITH TEAM ORGANIZATIONS IS KEY FOR THE SPORTS INDUSTRY NATALIE ZAGORSKI CLASS OF 2020
BY THE NUMBERS
15%
decrease in the number of graduates who have accepted jobs, according to Elon’s Student Professional Developmen Center.
20%
of graduates in the class of 2020 have chosen to pursue graduate school.
Natalie Zagorski outside of Alamance Building for her class of 2020 graduation photos.
rates. According to the SPDC, the overall rate of students who are either employed, attending graduate school, completing a postgraduate internship or working for a service organization has declined in the past year. Brinkley said that the SPDC’s data shows that the numbers have decreased from 80% percent in 2019 to 72% percent in 2020, which is still less of a decrease than the national average. Brinkley also mentioned that more students are starting to elect to go to graduate school instead of seeking employment, saying that students who have a hard time getting hired for entry level jobs usually attend graduate school. As of right now, 20% of graduates in the class of 2020 have chosen to pursue graduate school, which Brinkley says is consistent with prior years.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATALIE ZAGORSKI
“Students work harder to land positions than the national average numbers,” Brinkley said. When asked what was next for her, Zagorski said that she has spent a lot of time updating her resume portfolio and LinkedIn, and was networking with other Elon alumni. “I have begun a second job search but haven’t applied to a lot of jobs yet,” Zagorski said. “To be completely honest, there are not too many jobs hiring near me, and I am a bit apprehensive about moving out of state right now.” Zagorski said she is going to truly get into another job search in September, which, according to Brinkley, is a good time to get back into the market. “We are anticipating a pick up in hiring when the fall comes,” Brinkley said.
MOVE-IN
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
11
ORIENTATION IN A NEW WAY CLARE GRANT | PHOTO EDITOR
New Student Orientation leaders at the bottle launching event during their training week on the intramural fields on Thursday, Aug. 13.
Elon New Student and Transition Programs are ready for the class of 2024 to arrive to campus.
more intimate. The team has also utilized the New Student and Transition Programs social media accounts to inform students about orientation. These programs feature a wide variety of content as part of their “Elon Quinn Corrigan Bound” series, which aims to further educate Elon News Network | @quinn_corrigan incoming students about what Elon has to offer. Even with all of these changes, McCrary is Senior Cameron McCrary has been confident the program will be able to provide involved in New Student Orientation the same outcomes. for the past three years. She started as “We hope this will still be a program that orientation leader and is now a student engages students and encourages them to coordinator. McCrary has the responsibility lean into the new norm with connections of building training from peers that will for the orientation support them through this team and facilitating time, ” McCrary said. breakout sessions. Director of New Through this position, Student Emily Krechel WE HOPE THIS WILL she has also helped to has been working with make orientation better students such as McCrary STILL BE A PROGRAM fit Elon’s coronavirus on the planning of policies. orientation this year. She THAT ENGAGES For the past few believes this new way of STUDENTS AND weeks, the New Student orientation will only help Orientation team has to promote Elon’s values of ENCOURAGES THEM been preparing for the engaged learning. class of 2024 to arrive “Students have to TO LEAN INTO THE on campus. With the participate. They will be regulations placed by expected to be engaged. NEW NORM WITH the state and university, There are a lot more CONNECTIONS FROM McCrary said the team opportunities to connect has had to do a lot of with their peers and PEERS THAT WILL remodeling for the student leaders, which is program. really exciting, ” Krechel SUPPORT THEM “Adapting content to said. THROUGH THIS TIME. work with new guidelines Along with the of physical distancing challenge of eliminating and smaller groups while large groups, Krechel CAMERON MCRARY trying to finalize plans said finding spaces across SENIOR on a deadline was one of campus was also difficult. the biggest challenges we “We needed 111 spaces faced,” McCrary said. for our small groups to Orientation typically consists of several meet, which means we have several groups large group presentations and events. In an using locations such as Schar Center and attempt to keep everyone safe and healthy, Alumni Gym, which we have never used the program will be a hybrid of online and before,” Krechel said. in-person group sessions. One event in particular that is “Sessions will be facilitated by the experiencing a major change is convocation. orientation leaders in smaller groups using Instead of being held Under the Oaks it will virtual platforms to connect and engage new be livestreamed from Alumni Gym this year. students,” McCrary said. Only a few groups will be in-person for the These sessions will include both event; the rest will watch it remotely. prerecorded videos and small group Orientation will begin Aug. 16 and conversations, making the experience much continue until the first day of classes.
GOT OPINIONS? ELON NEWS NETWORK WANTS YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARD.
“
NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED. RELEVANT & TIMELY TOPICS. BECOME PUBLISHED. SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES & VIEWS
“
SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY.
ELON UNIVERSITY NEEDS STUDENT INPUT MORE THAN EVER IN THESE WILD TIMES, AND I CAN THINK OF NO BETTER FORUM THAN ELON NEWS NETWORK TO MAKE SURE YOUR IS VOICE HEARD IN DISCUSSIONS SURROUNDING THE SCHOOL. THOMAS DENOME CHIEF COPY EDITOR
CONTACT US enn@elon.edu
12
MOVE-IN
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
The man behind the emails Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley and administration planned for fall semester with student experiences in mind.
and killed thousands of Americans and a movement for social change as the country reckons with police brutality. Both crises have been felt in Elon and Alamance County, as case numbers continue to rise and students and faculty members participate in local Mackenzie Wilkes Executive Director | @macwilkes protests at the Confederate monument in Graham. With these ongoing crises, students have Classes, events and student organizations looked to what university administration is are some of the things that will be different doing in the face of a pandemic and racial during the fall semester, but one thing will injustice. Over the course of the summer, stay the same: emails from Jon Dooley. students have shared concerns with the Dooley is the vice president for student life university administration — including and a man who wears many hats. In his role Dooley — about the fall semester. in student life, he serves as the chief student Some students have questioned the safety affairs officer and is a member of senior staff. in returning to campus this fall. Independently On top of resuming campus update emails and through groups such as Boldy Elon Wednesday mornings, Dooley is in charge of Solidarity Collective — composed of students the office of student life. Under this office are and organizations — students have called on 15 different departments that have to do with Elon administration to be more transparent the student experience on campus, including with decisions regarding the return to campus student activities and health well-being, this fall. Students also hosted a “Die-In” which, due to the coronavirus pandemic, is protest on Aug. 13 on Young Commons to going to be different. protest in-person classes. In planning for the fall semester, Dooley In a town hall where Elon University and said it was important to consider how Alamance County community members to resume the student expressed their concerns experiences — in and out on reopening this fall, of the classroom — in a way senior and Burlington that’s safe, but still holds a native Courtney Guthrie quality standard. felt that student input wasn’t Classrooms have considered. AT THE END OF THE been modified for “It would be an DAY, SOMETIMES social distancing and understatement to say that reduced capacity. T other community members THERE WILL BE to hold classes outdoors. and I have been treated SITUATIONS WHERE Facilities for student like an afterthought in activities have been the development of Elon STUDENTS WILL HAVE modified, and student University’s reopening plans ONE PERSPECTIVE organizations are for fall 2020,” Guthrie said. preparing adjustments to “This is not easy for anyone, AND IT MAY DIFFER their activities through but much less for the people FROM THE DIRECTION workshops. Dooley said who have no say in the students have to be mindful decisions that will severely THAT THE UNIVERSITY that things will not operate impact their personal, DECIDES TO TAKE. the way they normally do. professional and academic “I think it’s just important lives.” AND WE JUST HAVE for students to be patient While planning for the TO RECOGNIZE THAT with themselves and with fall semester and weighing each other as they adjust to the decision to hold inSOMETIMES WE that new normal,” Dooley person classes, several WON’T ALWAYS BE IN said. groups had input in making On top of student including the AGREEMENT ON EVERY decisions, affairs, Dooley also serves Board of Trustees, senior COURSE OF ACTION. as a member of senior staff who met daily over staff, which is composed the summer, representation of a group of university from Student Government JON DOOLEY administrators who advise Association and, as VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT President Connie Book. well as faculty and staff LIFE Dooley’s role on senior staff representation. is student-centered. The decision to hold in“The second [role] is to person classes can be broken serve as a member of President Book’s, senior into several main considerations, according to staff, and to help provide support and advice Dooley. Two spheres of consideration were and guidance about the student experience on if academic experiences and the out-of-class campus,” Dooley said. experiences could still be done in a manner This advice and guidance can be seen in that maintains quality and safety. the plans for the fall semester. In response to tuition not being reduced As fall semester begins, students are this academic year, some students have argued entering into a school year with tangential that they’re not getting an “Elon-quality” crises: a pandemic that has infected millions education. For students, worried about not
“
CLARE GRANT | PHOTO EDITOR
Jon Dooley works in his office on Monday, Aug. 10 while practicing safe social distancing measures.
Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley.
getting the “Elon experience” this fall, Dooley said things will be different, but students have to work through it. “I think we’re all frustrated as we think about our lives right now and part of that comes just from not being able to have full control over the virus and to recognize that the ways that we interact with each other and the ways our community comes together are just going to be different for the duration of this pandemic,” Dooley said. “And I hear that frustration. I recognize that things aren’t always as we want them to be or wish they could be, but part of our work is to figure out how we best move forward together.” Other considerations were the budgetary impact of different scenarios this fall. Elon is projecting a 5% budget reduction over the next two academic years. Student enrollment and tuition are major sources of revenue for the university, and when Elon went remote this past spring, the university lost an estimated $13.5 million refunding room and board. The university has to account for loss of revenue and extra fees because of the pandemic. Given that there’s a pandemic, health was also a major consideration. Testing capacity, including pre-semester tests and random testing — which is free for faculty, staff and students throughout the semester — was being examined for the fall. Dooley said it was important for the university to communicate its plans for the fall semester and yield student questions and concerns, but noted that the university’s plans don’t always align with students. “I think even over the course of the summer, as students have shared their questions and concerns, it’s helped us clarify information and make sure to get information out for folks,” Dooley said. “At the end of the day, sometimes, there will be situations where students will have one perspective and it may differ from the direction that the university decides to take. And we just have to recognize that sometimes we won’t always be
CLARE GRANT | PHOTO EDITOR
in agreement on every course of action.” While Dooley said he is responsive to student questions and concerns directed towards him, he believes there are other avenues like SGA to have concerns heard. “I would say one of the most effective vehicles for influencing student change is through student government and through the elected student body leaders,” Dooley said. SGA Executive President Robbie Miley was on the Task Force for Fall Semester 2020. Among the academic council and staff council, SGA was one of several groups to “lend their weight” in contribution to the “thinking and planning for the fall.” Miley was the only student on the task force. While SGA has legislative power, it can also influence Elon culture and administration. Miley said students should use SGA representatives to funnel concerns to administration. “[Student representatives] are pretty connected to a lot of the people on administration. I think one thing is that it’s really hard to see a lot of the things that happen behind the scenes,” Miley said. “So I think what students are doing and voicing their concerns, whether that’s on social media or directly to the administration, I think that’s really good, but I also there are times where there will be follow up and a little more information added to the situation [through SGA].” As for his worries for the fall semester, Dooley said that the pandemic can be unpredictable. “I think that we all have the same worries that, although we have plans and we have a vision for how we will handle this pandemic, it’s not always going to be predictable,” he said. “And so I think my concern is the concern that many share of how the virus will spread, what that will look like here on campus and in the community and I think each one of us shares some anxieties about what the next several months will look like.”
14
MOVE-IN
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
University debuts action steps for more inclusive campus Senior staff unveil new initiatives on curricular change, staff diversity and alumni engagement. Kyra O’Connor
Enterprise Story Coordinator | @koreports
Elon President Connie Book announced the first five action steps the university will be taking to address diversity, equity and inclusion on Elon University’s campus, including the appointment of Elon’s first chief executive officer of diversity. Book said in a video addressing all students that these action steps are in response to the many Elon students calling on the university for action. “It’s never been more important than now to commit ourselves to the hope and the vision CLARE GRANT | PHOTO EDITOR of these conversations and how we take steps forward as we study, learn and work together,” The Loy Center rock, which is usually painted for panhellenic organizations, now has the letters BLM on it for Black Lives Matter. Book said in the video. Randy Williams, who will now serve as vice with alumni, parents and friends to recruit and Under the second action item, “commit president and associate provost of inclusive support students. to achieving greater levels of faculty and staff excellence, will report directly to Book, and his In a video describing both his new role diversity,” there are three initiatives: develop responsibilities span across campus. Last year, and the “three main buckets,” Williams said equity-minded hiring protocols for all TEN NEW Williams served as vice president of inclusive he hopes students will stay connected and university divisions; implement harassment excellence, along with colleagues Matthew involved, encouraging students to contact him and discrimintaion prevention and anti-bias DIVERSITY, EQUITY Antonio Bosch, who serves as the dean of with their thoughts and suggestions. training for all employees; and reestablish AND INCLUSION inclusive excellence, and Leigh-Anne Royster, “We intend to create an environment the pre- and post-doctoral program aligned director of the Center for Equity and Inclusive where everyone flourishes,” Williams said in with university needs, which has in the past INITIATIVES Excellence. the video. “This will not happen overnight. increased the number of faculty members of In addition to the appointment of It will be a journey, one that requires work, color and “expanded the diversity of Elon’s Williams, the university committed to commitment and accountability.” professoriate,” according to the ten action steps. Action Item: Commit to new revising curriculum and the removal of the The four intiatives under “commit to In her freshman year, Madden-Roberts, learning through curricular name William A. Harper from a Colonnades new learning through curricular change” who identifies as Black, said she was “shocked” residence hall, as well as redesigning the include providing anti-racism education for to find out she had a Black professor, and she change and program development bias response system and basing all future all new students, infusing anti-racist content often only sees professors with a minority merit pay raises partially on faculty and staff and pedagogy throughout the curriculum, identity in the World Language Department. • Provide anti-racism education commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts. engaging in a sustained partnership with a Seeing minority professors or a professor with Sophomore Mahogany Madden-Roberts racial equity organization, and revamping the an identity that “goes against the stereotype” for all new students said initiatives such as renaming the Center for Diversity Course Database. gives Madden-Roberts hope, especially in • Infuse anti-racist content and Leadership after Janice Ratliff and appointing Liz Clark, who identifies as white and is a courses within her major. pedagogy throughout the Williams to be the university’s first chief student organizer for the Boldly Elon Solidarity “If I’m only seeing white professors, I’m like executive officer of diversity are great first collective, said while many of the action steps ‘well, do I really have a chance in this field?’” curriculum steps, but she hopes that students will be able laid out by Williams looked good, she would Madden-Roberts said. • Engage in a sustained to express their concerns and see action, not like to see more concrete measures, especially However, the action initiative related to partnership with a racial equity just planning, implemented. when it comes to the Diversity Course faculty and staff that gave Madden-Roberts organization “They want to show these students that … Database. Beginning in Fall 2020 and with pause was a step mentioned in the original five this can be your home. ‘We are a [predominantly updates in December and May of the 2020-2021 steps debuted by Book: faculty and staff pay • Revamp and promote the white institution], but we still mean well and academic year, the database will be “retooled raises being tied in part to their efforts with Diversity Course Database we want to help you and give you the same and organized” with content dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. experiences your peers may social identity, social “Salary has nothing to do with you just have,’” Madden-Roberts said. justice and systems of wanting to be a better individual,” MaddenThe bias-response system, oppression in the United Roberts said. “You shouldn’t have to pay Action Item: Commit to one of the first five action States, according to the somebody just for them to be a better teacher. steps, will be redesigned by action steps. If you’re a teacher, any kind of teacher or achieving greater levels of Royster and the CEIE, along “It’s good if we have a mentor, you should not discriminate [against] WE INTEND TO CREATE faculty and staff diversity with Williams and Vice database of … different who your mentee is or your student is.” AN ENVIRONMENT President of Student Life Jon courses in diversity, but Under the third action item, “commit to • Develop equity-minded Dooley. that’s not quite the same inspired engagement with alumni, parents WHERE EVERYONE Dooley said having a as integrating them into and friends to recruit and support students,” hiring protocols for all bias response system on your major,” Clark, said. the university plans to enhance recruitment FLOURISHES. THIS university divisions campus is important and “I looked at the history efforts for underrepresented students by • Implement harassment and WILL NOT HAPPEN not something all campuses major previously, and you communicating its “new test-optional” have. In addition to aiding could take an elective on admissions policy, expand aid for Black discrimination prevention OVERNIGHT. IT WILL students, the bias response Black history, but it’s not students to attend and experience Elon by and anti-bias training for all system is also used by faculty the same as having it be raising fundraising targets to “include reaching BE A JOURNEY, ONE employees and staff. Since its inception, a part of your major how 200 Odyssey Scholarship commitments by THAT REQUIRES WORK, the system has been European history is.” 2022,” and expand the Back Life Advisory • Reestablish the pre- and improved, and Dooley said it As part of the Council, which serves to advise the president post-doctoral program COMMITMENT AND will be updated this semester collective, Clark and and senior staff. aligned with university as he and Williams continue representatives from Enhancing recruitment efforts for ACCOUNTABILITY. needs to work with students. student organizations underrepresented students and expanding aid “It’s important to advocate for policy for Black students were two steps that stood RANDY WILLIAMS remember that if you want change at Elon University. out to Madden-Roberts. While expanding VICE PRESIDENT AND ASSOCIATE to make deep structural and In their list of demands, aid for Black students is part of the ten action Action Item: Commit to systemic changes, those don’t sent to Book and other initiatives, Clark said recruitment efforts only PROVOST RANDY WILLIAMS happen quickly and those university administrators work “if campus is also a good place to stay.” inspired engagement with don’t happen overnight,” on July 20, the collective However, many students feel the plan does Dooley said. “We want outlined a number of not make them feel heard. Gabrielle Wilson, alumni, parents and friends to to make sure that we engage that process actions they think the university should take to a junior who identifies as Black, said she feels recruit and support students thoughtfully to develop the best possible protect students, faculty and staff on campus. the ten steps are still “too broad” and “vague,” system and for our campus.” The collective wants the university to leaving questions unanswered in regards ensure that all workers have access to personal to programming, such as when programs • Enhance recruitment WIllaims announces 10 new initiatives protective equipment, especially Physical Plant, mentioned in the action steps will be available, efforts for underrepresented dining hall and landscaping staff, who will and if they are required for all Elon students. students Since his appointment, Williams announced have more interaction with students on a daily “Elon finally acknowledged the fact that we 10 additional initiatives the university will be basis. As many of those who work on campus are tired of having the same conversations with • Expand aid for Black working on going forward. These steps are in in these capacities are unable to work from no actions to back it up, but while reading the students to attend and “three main buckets” listed as action items: home — and many as Clark said are Black and plan it was still vague,” Wilson said. “It hurts experience Elon commit to new learning through curricular brown individuals who are disproportionately because the Black community knows Elon has change and program development; commit impacted by the pandemic. PPE makes sure the capacity and resources to do better, but • Expand the Black Life to achieving greater levels of faculty and staff workers are taken care of as they carry out their they aren’t.” Advisory Council diversity; and commit to inspired engagement roles on-campus, Clark said.
“
MOVE-IN
Friday AUGUST 14, 2020
15
T
HE
NS
D
HI N E B
LE
Freshman Maddie Shosten takes a photo with her camera. Shosten’s passion for telling stories led her to start her own production company specializing in portrait photography and videography.
Maddie Shosten is eager to tell stories through videography and photography at Elon Graysen Shirley
Elon News Network | @elonnewsnetwork
Freshman Maddie Shosten was on a photo shoot with a high school senior in Georgia, searching for a bamboo forest she had seen on TikTok. While exploring, she realized she had walked six miles too many. Although she got lost finding the bamboo forest, she loved the spontaneous feeling from the adventure. Shosten enjoys going on road trips and traveling with her friends and, along the way, capturing moments through her camera lens. Her adventures have led her to discover new places and connect with people who share her same passion for photography and videography. “My favorite thing is going to cool places with amazing people and meeting new people. I think with film, I was able to connect with a lot of like-minded people,” Shosten said. Shosten, who iimmigrated to the United Statesfrom China at a young age, grew up in multicultural and socioeconomically diverse households where she met people from various upbringings. These experiences molded her worldview and sparked her passion for telling stories. Shosten’s first experience with storytelling was in fourth grade when she started to make home movies with her neighbors using her mom’s old iPhone 3. Filming these movies brought Shosten into a different reality where she could let her creative mind flow free. In seventh grade, she received her own digital Nikon camera and began to experiment with different styles of photography before eventually crafting her own. Having never taken a videography or photography class, Shosten has still been able to make her creative visions a reality, including her production company Mei Productions. She has done so by studying YouTube tutorials and working with creatives she has met through social media. Prior to starting Mei Productions, Shosten moved to Atlanta, where she wanted to pursue videography and become involved in the film industry there. While in high school, she began to take photos of and to film her friends, which helped her to grow her network. She started freelancing and has
“
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY ARE VERY THERAPEUTIC, SO I JUST SORT OF LET IT ALL GO. I CAN SPEND HOURS IN FRONT OF THE COMPUTER EDITING BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE IT. IT JUST MAKES ME HAPPY. IT’S REALLY FUN TO SEE IT IN THE FLOW STATE, TO BE HYPERFOCUSED ON SOMETHING, AND TO LOOK BACK AFTERWARDS AND BE LIKE ‘OH WOW, I DID THAT AND IT LOOKS PRETTY COOL.’ MADDIE SHOSTEN FRESHMAN
CHECK OUT MADDIE SHOSTEN’S PORTFOLIO
Visit maddiemei.com or scan the QR Code above.
worked with different organizations and individuals to help bring their stories to life. Mei Productions specializes in senior and family portraits, along with promotional videos for personal and business use. With each product, clients can choose between three different packages — Silver, Gold, or Platinum — which vary in the quantity of photos or videos that the client will receive. Before each session, Shosten has a consultation with her client to understand their vision. She presents them an idea board, coordinates the location and time of shooting and gives recommendations on complementary colors to wear. Shosten gets much of her inspiration for shoots from podcasts she listens to in the mornings. Hearing podcasts helps Shosten to start her day right and energize her creative side. “I get a lot of my inspiration through podcasts. I get inspiration through feelings and emotions, not necessarily through visuals,” Shosten said. “And that is sort of what I try to capture with what I make as well.” After shoots are done, Shosten previews all her shots and starts her editing process. For photos, she uses software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to make adjustments and add her own presets. With video clips, she experiments with merging certain footage together and looking at which songs are best for background music. When Shosten is editing, she is able to let her artistic side come out as she sits in front of her computer testing out different processes for assembling footage or adjusting photos. Editing helps bring all of her ideas together as she focuses on her mission of storytelling through the lens. “Photography and videography are very therapeutic, so I just sort of let it all go. I can spend hours in front of the computer editing because I feel like it. It just makes me happy,” Shosten said. “It’s really fun to see it in the flow state, to be hyperfocused on something, and to look back afterwards and be like ‘Oh wow, I did that and it looks pretty cool.’” In addition to her production company, Shosten hopes one day in her career to start a mentor program for other creatives. She said the program would be like a “Tinder for filmmakers,” where a user’s profile will show their portfolio and allow people to match with others based on their location. Shosten wants the mentor program to help filmmakers connect easily and improve their skills, just as she has had the opportunity to do with other photographers and videographers. While filming a music video, she let one of her friends assist her in shooting a
PHOTO COURTESY OF MADDIE SHOSTEN
couple of B-roll scenes. Although her friend was not a part of the editing process afterward, she was able to mentor them. Throughout Shosten’s journey with her camera, trial and error has shown her which areas she can continuously learn and become better at. She hopes to take what she learns at Elon as a communications fellow and apply it back to her production company. Reflecting her progression over the years, Shosten said she would tell her younger self to not second guess herself. “Like everyone, we tend to put these barriers in front of our goals,” Shosten said. “So if we just do what we think is best and do it like we are passionate about it to begin with, it makes life so much more easier.”
MEI
PRODUCTIONS SERVICES
PORTRAITS KID/TEEN PORTRAITS PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS (PERSONAL VIDEO)
INTERESTED IN LIVING OFF CAMPUS? ACT QUICK!
PROVENCE AT 807 EAST HAGGARD | EVELLIEN AT 223 LAWRENCE STREET
More economical than living on campus!
PROVENCE & EVELLIEN TOWNHOMES & APARTMENTS (336) 266-6666 | www.evellien.com
NOW SOLAR POWERED! Provence is now completely solar powered with solar panels installed throughout the entire complex.
WASHER/DRYER IN EACH UNIT | WALKING DISTANCE TO CAMPUS | 4 BEDROOMS