Elon bulletin outlines campus events, safety, and resources for return

Elon University issued its Jan. 5 "What to Know This Week" bulletin covering Jan. 4–10 as the campus reopened after winter break, highlighting practical updates and five priority items dubbed the "Phoenix Five." The notice, sent by Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley, confirmed that the new Gateway Lot for first-year residential parking is open and directed readers to campus safety resources linked in the post.

The bulletin's Phoenix Five focused on events and opportunities that will shape the first weeks of the semester. Philosopher and ethicist Kwame Anthony Appiah is scheduled to deliver the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address on Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. in McCrary Theatre, an event that brings national-level conversation on ethics and race to the local campus. Elon also promoted free, student-led "Burst the Bubble" winter workshops aimed at easing the transition back to campus and addressing student mental health during a high-stress point in the academic calendar.

Greek life timelines were emphasized: Panhellenic recruitment registration closed on Jan. 6, while Interfraternity Council recruitment remains open with a Jan. 16 deadline. Those dates are consequential for students seeking membership and for campus organizers managing space, safety and equity in recruitment processes this semester.

The bulletin also announced an Intersect Diversity & Leadership event planned for Jan. 21 in recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing, part of ongoing campus efforts to foster dialogue and inclusion. For local sports fans, Elon men's basketball will host Campbell at the Schar Center on Jan. 10, a home game that draws students, alumni and community members to campus.

For Alamance County residents, these notices have multiple local impacts. The new Gateway Lot changes parking patterns for first-year students and may affect neighborhood street parking and campus access during busy events. Large public programs, including the MLK address and the Schar Center game, will increase foot and vehicle traffic and create opportunities for community engagement with campus conversations on race, ethics and healing. The student-led Burst the Bubble workshops provide accessible mental health supports at a time when students returning from break often face isolation, stress and academic pressures.

The bulletin linked to registration, ticketing and campus resource pages for each item. Students, staff and community members are encouraged to consult Elon’s event and safety pages for details on registration, attendance and any public-health or safety protocols in effect.