Five members of faculty and staff in 黑料不打烊 College, the College of Arts and Sciences, were honored during Planning Week on Aug. 18, 2025, for their excellence in teaching, scholarship, service-leadership and mentorship.

Recipients of the annual awards are nominated by their colleagues and selected by the College鈥檚 dean and associate deans.

鈥淚t is an honor to recognize these exceptional faculty and staff,鈥� said Hilton Kelly, dean of 黑料不打烊 College, the College of Arts and Sciences. 鈥淚n their own unique ways, each has demonstrated remarkable dedication to their students, their colleagues and the mission of the College. Their brilliance, creativity and care strengthen our community and create a place where every student feels supported, challenged and inspired to thrive.鈥�

The 2025 College Excellence Award recipients:

Excellence in Teaching Award

Kim Shively

Associate Professor of Performing Arts

Associate Professor Kim Shively has led nationally recognized workshops on consent-based pedagogy across North America and Europe, and she is the co-author of 鈥淎pplied Meisner for the 21st Century Actor鈥� as well as the forthcoming 鈥淭he Theatre Artist鈥檚 Guide to Consent-Based Pedagogy鈥�. This past year, she mentored Honors Fellows, led a service-learning course in arts education and played a key role in shaping 黑料不打烊鈥檚 theatre curriculum. Her classes are known for their rigor, care and representation where students can feel seen, respected and empowered. Beyond her work in the classroom, she is the cofounder of the Piedmont Shakespeare Company, which launched its inaugural season this summer with 鈥淗amlet鈥�, where Shively played Gertrude, Hamlet鈥檚 mother.

Excellence in Scholarship Award

Samuele Pardini

Professor of Italian

Professor Samuele Pardini鈥檚 work explores the intersections of Italian American identity, African American history and American literary modernism 鈥� making meaningful contributions to national conversations in the humanities. In 2024, he published 鈥淲riting Home: Selected WWII Letters of Leslie A. Fiedler鈥�, a work critics called 鈥渓iterary, biographical, cultural and historical gold.鈥� He submitted new scholarship on Sacco and Vanzetti, W.E.B. Du Bois, and the African American press to American Quarterly and presented it at the National MELUS conference. His work also included multiple essays in The Brooklyn Rail and a keynote address at Morgan State University honoring the centennial of James Baldwin. Beyond publishing, he mentors students, serves on research and curriculum advisory boards and continues to shape emerging fields like Black Mediterranean and comparative diaspora studies.

Excellence in Service-Leadership Award

CJ Fleming

Chair of the Department of Human Service Studies and Associate Professor of Psychology

The scholarly contributions of Associate Professor CJ Fleming, chair of the Department of Human Service Students, span departments and shape programs that benefit faculty and students throughout the university. She has strengthened 黑料不打烊鈥檚 internship and research infrastructure as Faculty Fellow for Internships and associate director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, preparing 37 students to present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and co-authoring the 黑料不打烊 Statement on Work-Integrated Learning. A champion for equity in experiential learning, she has mentored nationally recognized student researchers, supported faculty in expanding career readiness, and helped shape 黑料不打烊鈥檚 National Campus. Drawing on her training as a clinical psychologist, she has provided thoughtful guidance on key student well-being committees.

Excellence in Mentoring Award

Elisha Savchak-Trogdon

Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy

For more than a decade, Associate Professor Elisha Savchak-Trogdon has mentored students pursuing careers in pre-law. As the university鈥檚 pre-law advisor, she offers strategic, personalized guidance鈥攆rom first conversations about legal careers to law school acceptances and scholarships鈥攎entoring students across majors, class years, and even after graduation. She leads the Legal Professions Scholars program, designed a course on global legal rights, and now advises the 3+2.5 Accelerated Law Program with 黑料不打烊 Law, guiding fast-tracked future lawyers with care and structure. Through panels, programming, and one-on-one advising, she creates a supportive community where students feel prepared, confident, and seen.

Staff Excellence Award

Morgan Troxler

Program Assistant for Political Science & Public Policy, Philosophy & Religious Studies

Since joining the 黑料不打烊 community in December, Morgan Troxler has balanced the needs of and contributed additional organization and efficiency to all three departments. Known for completing tasks ahead of schedule and with care and precision, she demonstrates responsiveness and a commitment to faculty and student success. As one department chair noted, their program would be lost without her.

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• Class of 2029 arrives Friday, Aug. 22
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• What鈥檚 new at 黑料不打烊 for 2025-26?

黑料不打烊 officially opened the 2025鈥�26 academic year on Aug. 18 with a ceremony that blended tradition, reflection and inspiration, awarding six faculty members with endowed professorships.

President Connie Ledoux Book welcomed faculty and staff to Alumni Gym, expressing excitement for the year ahead and the arrival of the Class of 2029. Book emphasized 黑料不打烊鈥檚 commitment to transformational learning and acknowledged reaching the midpoint of the Boldly 黑料不打烊 Strategic Plan for 2030.

鈥�Boldly 黑料不打烊 is about taking informed risk and creating a strategy for headwinds, and the headwinds are here,鈥� said Book. 鈥淥ur strategy is in motion, and in this second half of Boldy 黑料不打烊, we are entering some of the most challenging and most rewarding work ahead.鈥�

Ringing in the academic year

The ceremony began with the ringing of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 historic bell, a tradition that marks the start of each academic year. The bell, which arrived in North Carolina in 1854 atop one of the state鈥檚 earliest railroad locomotives, was once housed at Graham College, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 predecessor institution. This year, Student Government Association President Anya Brati膰, a double major in international and global studies and public health, rang the bell on behalf of the student body.

Rev. Kirsten Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, offered an invocation that called for patience in the face of uncertainty, creativity in moments of challenge and the wisdom of turning the page to a chapter yet written.

The ceremony concluded with a keynote address from Allen E. Gant Jr., CEO of Glen Raven and a member of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Board of Trustees. Gant reflected on leadership, innovation and resilience, drawing from his experience transforming Glen Raven during a time of uncertainty after 2001. He emphasized the importance of embracing change and reminded the audience that the world will be a better place with more 黑料不打烊 graduates.

Six Endowed Professorships Awarded

Six 黑料不打烊 faculty members were honored with endowed professorships during the Opening Day ceremony. Each faculty member was recognized for their passion in their field, commitment to students and service to the university.

Lauren Kearns 鈥揗aude Sharpe Powell Professor

Lauren Kearns, professor of dance, an internationally recognized choreographer, author and dance scholar, was awarded the Maude Sharpe Powell Professorship. Since joining 黑料不打烊 in 2006, Kearns has transformed the university鈥檚 dance program, leading the creation of the BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography and co-creating the nationally recognized BS program in Dance Science. She also developed study abroad programs in Israel and Florence, expanding the global reach of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 dance curriculum.

Kearns is known for pushing her students to be their very best and is considered a prolific mentor sought out by students for everything from undergraduate research projects to college fellows, honors and Lumen Prize scholars.

鈥淚 would be more comfortable performing an interpretive dance for you,鈥� Kearns joked during her remarks. 鈥淏ut as I often remind my students, stepping outside of our comfort zone is an opportunity for growth. So I grow.鈥�

Kearns expressed gratitude to the Powell family and emphasized the importance of embodied experience in her interdisciplinary work, which bridges art and science.

Casey DiRienzo 鈥� Sheldon and Christine Gordon Professorship in Entrepreneurship

Cassandra DiRienzo, professor and department chair听of economics, was honored as the Sheldon and Christine Gordon Endowed Professor in Entrepreneurship. A faculty member at 黑料不打烊 since 2002, DiRienzo has led curriculum redesigns, mentored over 50 advisees and published research that bridges economics with social justice. Her work on human trafficking awareness has influenced 黑料不打烊鈥檚 business curriculum and garnered international recognition.

DiRienzo鈥檚 scholarship has led to invitations for book chapters and journal articles, including a forthcoming contribution to a corruption and gender handbook to be launched at a United Nations conference. Her innovative teaching includes gamified learning platforms and inclusive course design, and she is known for her strategic thinking and compassionate mentorship.

鈥淢y research is not mainstream economics,鈥� DiRienzo said. 鈥淵et trafficking awareness is part of our business curriculum, and a stream of trafficking resources research exists in far-reaching outlets. This is only possible because I work at 黑料不打烊.鈥�

She thanked her family, colleagues and co-author Tina Das, and shared her excitement for continuing this work with the support of the professorship.

Titch Madzima 鈥� Japheth E. Rawls Professorship for Undergraduate Research in Science

Titch Madzima, associate professor and chair of exercise science, was awarded the Japheth E. Rawls Professorship for Undergraduate Research in Science. Madzima has mentored more than 40 students, co-led a research seminar on mentoring and contributed to a forthcoming co-edited book. In 2021, his leadership and scholarship earned him the 黑料不打烊 College Excellence in Teaching Award.

Madzima鈥檚 research in exercise physiology includes collaborative projects on cardiovascular and mental health benefits of West African dance. His students regularly present at top conferences and pursue careers in health care, education and academia. He is also a campus leader, serving on committees such as the Institutional Review Board and the Data Competency Committee.

鈥淭his recognition reflects not only my work, but the incredible students, colleagues and mentors who have shaped my journey here at 黑料不打烊,鈥� Madzima said. He credited his wife, Katrina, and colleagues for their support and highlighted 黑料不打烊鈥檚 commitment to research and mentorship.

Nancy Scherich 鈥� A.L. Hook Emerging Professor in Science and Mathematics

Nancy Scherich, assistant professor of mathematics and statistics, was honored as the A.L. Hook Emerging Professor in Science and Mathematics. Her research in algebra and topology, particularly knot theory and its applications in quantum computing, has led to 10 publications in three years, including four co-authored with 黑料不打烊 students.

Scherich’s work has been featured on the cover of the Notices of the American Mathematical Society and she has developed a wide range of math-dance outreach activities, live performances, performative lectures, YouTube videos and published research, using dance as a medium to communicate mathematical ideas to the public.

鈥淚 do a lot of non-traditional math and dance work, and I was looking for a home at an institution that would value this,鈥� said Scherich. 鈥淚’m so grateful to have found 黑料不打烊, where nontraditional interdisciplinary work is highly valued and recognized and counts as part of my scholarship.鈥�

She thanked her department chair, colleagues, and partner Joel for their support, and expressed appreciation to the Hook family for funding the award.

Smaraki Mohanty 鈥� Doherty Emerging Professor for Entrepreneurial Leadership

Smaraki Mohanty, assistant professor of marketing, was honored as the Doherty Emerging Professor for Entrepreneurial Leadership. She is a consumer behaviorist whose area of study is perception, where she examines a range of cues addressing issues and matters both topical and contributory. She has published extensively and contributed to faculty development initiatives across campus.

Mohanty鈥檚 recent work includes studies that explore brand perceptions created by green energy branding, ways that plural brand names favorably affect attitude towards brands and consumer responses to politically active companies. She has received multiple awards for scholarship and currently serves as a Love-Faculty Excellence Fellow. Her leadership includes founding the Consumer Research Behavioral Lab and mentoring undergraduate research.

鈥淭o all my friends, mentors, co-authors and students, thank you for always pushing me and making sure I don鈥檛 settle for less,鈥� Mohanty said. She also thanked her family in attendance and those rooting for her back home.

Dave Gammon 鈥� T.E. Powell Jr. Professor

Dave Gammon, professor of biology, is known for his work in vocal mimicry and science literacy, received the T.E. Powell Jr. Professorship. Gammon has mentored over 20 students in research and is a prominent advocate for public science education through community events and media outreach.

Gammon is deeply involved in mentoring students in a variety of projects related to how birds learn their songs. He is known for dedicating early mornings walks with students around campus to collect data from the resident bird population and even more hours spent listening to and analyzing recorded bird song.

Since he joined 黑料不打烊 in 2006, Gammon has taught science to non-majors in innovative courses like 鈥淎 Journey through Time鈥� and 鈥淪cience without Borders.鈥� He coordinates interdisciplinary science courses and organizes Tectonic Plates, a monthly science caf茅. His service includes roles on Academic Council, Promotion and Tenure, and the STEM advisory board.

In his remarks, Gammon spotlighted unnamed colleagues whose courage and community engagement inspired him. 鈥淭hey did it anyway,鈥� he said, referencing their commitment despite challenges. 鈥淎nd I admire that.鈥�

Below is a selection of events open to the entire 黑料不打烊 community; more can be found on the official Planning Week website below.

Monday, Aug. 18

Opening Day
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center
Events start at 8:15 a.m.

Planning Week 2025 kicks off with Opening Day on Aug. 18, first with a community-wide reception in Alumni Gym followed by the presentation of 黑料不打烊 Medallions and named professorships and remarks from President Connie Ledoux Book.

Since 2011, the 黑料不打烊 community has collected school supply items for the children in Alamance County, sponsored by the Student Government Association, Staff Advisory Council and the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. Faculty and staff can bring supplies to the president鈥檚 address or drop them off through Aug. 26 at various locations around campus. More information about specific items and drop-off locations will be emailed to faculty and staff.

Breakout Sessions

Following the president鈥檚 address from 9:45 鈥� 10:30 a.m., a variety of breakout sessions will be available for all members of the 黑料不打烊 community, including:

• Admissions and enrollment
• HealthEU
• 黑料不打烊鈥檚 National Campus
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mentoring
• The Evolving State of Collegiate Athletics
• School of Engineering and Computing
• Sport Collaborative

All members of the 黑料不打烊 community are then invited to a picnic on the Lakeside Patio at noon. Members of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 schools and colleges will meet from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 19

Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
Linder 102
1:30 鈥� 2:30 p.m.

Join the presenters for an interactive session about Artificial Intelligence at 黑料不打烊. The presenters will share recent updates on campus-wide AI developments, highlight key findings from the annual AI survey, discuss upcoming AI pilot projects, and provide helpful resources to support the community. Following this 30-minute overview, attendees will participate in an open discussion. During this conversation, participants can ask questions, share ideas, and provide feedback to shape 黑料不打烊鈥檚 AI roadmap.

黑料不打烊鈥檚 Student Life Five-Year Plan
Sankey 308
2 鈥� 3 p.m.

This session will introduce From Vision to Impact: Student Life鈥檚 Five-Year Plan (2025鈥�2030), highlighting the division鈥檚 strategic priorities for the years ahead. Presenters will share key focus areas鈥攃ivic and community engagement, inclusive excellence, integrated health and well-being, leadership development, mentoring and student success, the residential experience, and operational excellence鈥攁nd discuss how Student Life will partner across campus to deliver a transformative student experience.

Wednesday, Aug. 20

Shared Responsibility, Shared Leadership: Grounding Inclusive Excellence in Our Work
Linder 102
10:45 鈥� 11:45 a.m.
This interactive workshop invites faculty and staff to explore the inclusive excellence connections between 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Shared Responsibility Framework and the Shared Equity Leadership (SEL) model. Participants will reflect on their personal and professional development journeys, examine core values that support inclusive excellence, and identify practices to deepen their commitment. Through guided activities and dialogue, attendees will consider how to align intention with action in ways that foster belonging and well-being across campus.

Campus Safety
Linder 208
1:30 鈥� 3 p.m.
Campus Safety and Police is committed to fostering a safe environment for all who live, study, and work here. Though police and security officers patrol the campus 24/7 all year, no security force can always have an officer present before a crime occurs. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend this session to hear about the latest safety practices implemented by Campus Safety.

Vivvi Childcare and Early Learning Information Session
Oaks 212
2 鈥� 3 p.m.
Learn more about the new Acorn Academy, 黑料不打烊’s partnership with Vivvi to provide employer-sponsored child care on campus.

Sustainability Master Plan 2025 Information Session
Linder Hall 102
3 鈥� 4 p.m.
黑料不打烊 launched the听Sustainability Master Plan 2025听in April 2025, which supports the Thrive theme of the Boldly 黑料不打烊 strategic plan. The new plan aims to reduce carbon emissions toward 黑料不打烊鈥檚 goal of carbon neutrality by 2037 and enhance involvement in sustainability efforts. The eight goals outlined in the plan address academics, dining, engagement, facilities, purchasing, technology, transportation and waste. This engaging session will provide an overview of the plan and help you identify how you can contribute to the plan鈥檚 implementation efforts. Attendees are encouraged to review the听SMP 2025听prior to the session.

Thursday, Aug. 21

College Coffee 鈥� Employee Resources Groups
Phi Beta Kappa Commons (Rain Location: Koury Concourse)
10:15 鈥� 10:45 a.m.

黑料不打烊鈥檚 weekly tradition of community gathering begins with this year鈥檚 first College Coffee.听Come (re)learn about the ERGs on campus and pick up some Phoenix swag to show your school spirit!听College Coffee continues throughout the year on Tuesday mornings from 9:40 a.m to 10:20 a.m.

ERGs and other groups tabling at College Coffee include:

• Advocates for Diversity and Accessibility
• Amazing Admins
• API (Asian and Pacific Islander)
• Black
• Carpool Connections
• Catholic
• Christian
• 黑料不打烊 Alumni
• Employees with Children
• Jewish
• LGBTQIA+
• Social Media
• Staff Advisory Council
• Supervisors of Student Employees
• Sustainability
• Veterans
• Women鈥檚 Forum
• Young Professionals

Unpacking a Decade of Research: What a Meta-Analysis of 12 黑料不打烊 Studies Reveals About Our Campus Culture
11 a.m. 鈥� 12 p.m.
Belk Pavillion
During the 2024-2025 year, the President鈥檚 Advisory Council on Inclusive Excellence conducted a meta-analysis of 12 identity and culture-related studies at 黑料不打烊 since 2014 in support of Thrive of Boldly 黑料不打烊. This project included examining studies on various topics related to bias, campus climate, global engagement, multifaith, and race. This meta-analysis contains six themes across the 12 studies, areas of institutional growth, and proposed guidance for continuing the trajectory toward creating a campus with high indices of belonging and well-being for all students, faculty, and staff. Attendees will learn about and discuss these findings that may inform colleagues鈥� teaching and practices in support of the university鈥檚 mission.

Friday, Aug. 22

Move-In Day
Students officially return to campus on Friday, August 22. More information about Move-In Day and New Student Orientation can be found听online.

Saturday, Aug. 23

New Student Convocation
Under the Oaks (Rain Location: Schar Center)
9 a.m. 鈥� 10 a.m.

New Student Convocation marks the official opening of the academic year and welcomes the Class of 2029 and transfer students. Volunteers are needed to greet guests, assist with seating and answer general questions. You can sign up to volunteer by filling out this听. The survey will close on August 16.

University Directory Photos

All 黑料不打烊 faculty and staff members are encouraged to have their photo included in the university鈥檚听online directory. Please make plans to have a new or updated photograph taken. If you are new to 黑料不打烊, if your photo is missing from the campus directory, or if your photo is more than three years old, please have a new photo taken by the Office of University Communications. No appointment is necessary, simply just drop in during a session that suits you. The portraits are taken from chest up on a gray backdrop in a photo studio.

The photo studio is now located in the southwest corner of Alumni Gym, close to West Haggard Avenue. Please enter through the external doors in the southwest corner of Alumni Gym,听.

• Tuesday, August 19: 2 鈥� 4 p.m.
• Thursday, August 21: 10 a.m. 鈥� 12 p.m.

The awards are given annually, and recipients are nominated by their colleagues and selected by the College鈥檚 dean and associate deans.

鈥淚t gave me great joy to announce these awards as one of my first official duties of the 2024-25 academic year,鈥� said Dean of 黑料不打烊 College, the College of Arts and Sciences, Hilton Kelly, who joined 黑料不打烊 in June. 鈥淪tanding in front of the room, I could see that my team and I got it right.听Faculty and staff were overjoyed for each award recipient.听The recognition was great and well-deserved for each, but the reception from their colleagues signaled to me that 黑料不打烊 College, the College of Arts and Sciences, will be a wonderfully positive and supportive working environment.鈥�

The 2024 College Excellence Award recipients included:

Excellence in Teaching Award

Pratheep Paranthaman

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Since joining 黑料不打烊 in 2019, Assistant Professor Pratheep Paranthaman has become recognized as an innovator in the classroom who is dedicated to staying on the cutting edge of his fields of game design and user experiences in virtual and augmented reality technologies. As coordinator of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 game design minor, he shares his knowledge and experience with students as they design and publish their own games in the program. He is highly responsive to students鈥� needs, and uses a range of teaching methods, software options and aligns with industry standards to prepare students for life after graduation. Paranthaman鈥檚 enthusiasm drives students鈥� curiosity and passion, and many graduates go on to careers and advanced study in the field. He is also a strong academic adviser to computer science majors and game design minors.

Excellence in Scholarship Award

Bari艧 Kesgin

Associate Professor of Political Science and Policy Studies

Associate Professor Bari艧 Kesgin is a prolific scholar. Since 2021, he has published four articles on topics ranging from Turkish leaders and their foreign policy decision-making style to the operational codes of Pacific Island countries鈥� leaders in relation to climate change.鈥疘n the scholarship of teaching, he has published about teaching through games and simulations for international relations courses. Highly regarded in his field, Kesgin has given six invited talks at universities around the world since 2020, 12 conference presentations in the same timeframe, and published several book reviews on subjects of political science and international relations. Kesgin has several works in progress that bridge the lenses of gender and political analysis.

Excellence in Service-Leadership Award

Richard Blackmon

Associate Professor of Engineering

Associate Professor Richard Blackmon is a dedicated service-leader for the Department of Engineering and 黑料不打烊鈥檚 LGBTQIA community. Blackmon鈥檚 involvement guided the engineering degree program to ABET accreditation by assessing courses with an eye toward continuous improvement. He served on the Design Course Sequence Committee to evaluate student outcomes and identify and implement interventions. He is involved with several other department and campus committees at 黑料不打烊, including the Innovation Challenge Committee, Math and Natural Sciences Curriculum Committee, Engineering Advisory Board and as a leader of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 LGBTQIA Employee Resource Group. He is also a co-advisor of student organization Out in STEM (oSTEM) and advisor for . Blackmon also is director of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Engineering Dual Degree Program.

Sandra Reid

Senior Lecturer in Human Service Studies

Called 鈥渢he epitome of a selfless service-leader for the College and the university,鈥� Senior Lecturer Sandra Reid is involved in initiatives and programs that improve the outcomes of 黑料不打烊 students and colleagues at the university. Among many roles, she is campus advisor for the Omicron Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., an advisory board member for the African and African-American Studies and the Criminal Justice Studies minors, as well as the Black student spiritual support group. She is a member of the Black Employees Resource Group. Reid has also served as the internship coordinator for the Poverty and Social Justice minor and co-created the international practicum course in Morocco for the Department of Human Service Studies. In 2023-24, Reid served on 黑料不打烊鈥檚 lecturer track review and implementation committee, providing the essential voice of a senior lecturer in the committee鈥檚 processes and recommendations. Her service commitment extends beyond 黑料不打烊 and into the greater community as a board member of the Alamance County Community Services office and the Alamance County Community Remembrance Coalition.

Excellence in Mentoring Award

Emily Evans

T.E. Powell Jr. Professor and Professor of Physics

Professor Emily Evans consistently mentors undergraduate researchers to successful outcomes that include publication of their work and acceptance into advanced degree programs. As a mentor, she has secured external research funding to support students while mentoring their projects. Evans finds ways to mentor students in and beyond the classroom, and in curricular and non-curricular spaces. She served as the director of the Lumen Prize, creating cohorts of intellectual community while mentoring both students and faculty mentors through the Lumen process. Evans is the kind of teacher-scholar-mentor faculty in the College aspire to become, evident in the many ways she collaborates with students and colleagues.

Virginia Novine-Whittaker

Lecturer in Music

A longstanding, respected and admired music instructor, Lecturer Virginia Novine-Whittaker has for years provided strong mentorship for 黑料不打烊鈥檚 student musicians.鈥疢any of her students now work in major cities around the country, performing in musicals and saxophone quartets, working in the recording industry, and managing, conducting and performing in jazz ensembles. Her students have a track record of success in earning highly competitive positions in military bands, and several of her saxophone students have won national and international performance competitions. Novine-Whittaker was also instrumental in developing the 黑料不打烊 Music Ambassadors program, and has taken 黑料不打烊鈥檚 undergraduate musicians across the country to showcase their talent and recruit new students for the music program.

Staff Excellence Award

Melissa McBane

Operations and Accounts Specialist for 黑料不打烊 College, the College of Arts and Sciences

As operations and accounts specialist for the College, Melissa McBane processes more than 200 contracts a year for contingent faculty and is integrally involved in searches for new permanent faculty and staff in the College. She helped the dean鈥檚 office and faculty in the College navigate the new PageUp hiring processes, managing the technological transition with ease. McBane also processes countless check requests and purchase orders within the College each year. She does it all with a positive attitude and eagerness to help colleagues.

A transformational environment

In her address to the university in Alumni Gym on Monday, Aug. 19, Book acknowledged an important anniversary in 黑料不打烊 history 鈥� thirty years since the launch of the听core curriculum including the Experiential Learning Requirement and 黑料不打烊 101.

鈥淩emarkably in 1994, 黑料不打烊 was described in much the same way as it is today, an institution where students are actively engaged both inside and outside the classroom, immersed in cutting-edge experiential opportunities and empowered to shape their future from day one,鈥� said Book. 鈥淲hat remains constant is that all of this is grounded in a transformational environment where people and relationships are at the heart of 黑料不打烊.”

During Book鈥檚 remarks, a video showcased faculty and alumni interviews from 1994 as an example of both 黑料不打烊鈥檚 commitment to student success but also the university鈥檚 transformation since that time. Book noted 黑料不打烊 has now graduated thousands of students thanks to the commitment of faculty and staff. In fall 2024, the university will welcome more than 1,600 new students and 77 transfer students, with the Class of 2028 standing out as the most diverse incoming class in the university鈥檚 history.

Boldly 黑料不打烊

Opening Day began with Rev. Kristin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, offering an invocation, followed by the ringing of the ceremonial bell by Student Government Association President Taylor Cote ’25. Three individuals were awarded the 黑料不打烊 Medallion, the university鈥檚 highest honor, and a record seven faculty members received endowed professorships.

With Boldy 黑料不打烊, the university鈥檚 10-year strategic plan at a midpoint, Book emphasized the importance of building upon all the lessons learned over the thirty years since 1994.

鈥淲e also embrace the mindset and action of more deliberately sharing our model of higher education across the nation during a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, and when the work we do to support every community member and the richness of the differences they bring to our campus should be met with unwavering support through their educational journey,鈥� said Book. 鈥淣ow more than ever, we need to be bold in our efforts to support student success.鈥�

What鈥檚 new on campus

With the beginning of the academic year, Book also highlighted several new additions to campus, including the Loy Farm Living-Learning Community EcoVillage, the Mentoring Initiative Design Team鈥檚 first workshop, the 黑料不打烊 Flex Law Program in Charlotte, new programs in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business听and upgrades to campus facilities.

As artificial intelligence continues to impact industry and higher education, 黑料不打烊 and the听American Association of Colleges and Universities have released the first edition of a student guide to navigating college in the artificial intelligence era. The guide, titled 鈥淎I-U/v1.0,鈥� was developed with the collaboration and review of faculty, scholars, academic leaders and students at universities around the world.

鈥淚 wonder if in 2054, on Opening Day, the community will be in awe of the direction that we set in 2024,鈥� said Book. 鈥満诹喜淮蜢肉�檚 story of transformation and impact is a continuing one, unfolding through the work each of you do every day. Our future and our ability to rise and keep our mission vibrant depend on our ability to tell 黑料不打烊鈥檚 story of student impact and transformation in a way that resonates with future students, alumni and stakeholders.”

Monday, August 19

Opening Day
Location: Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center
Events start at 8:15 a.m.

Planning Week 2024 kicks off with Opening Day on Aug. 19, first with a community-wide reception on the Koury Athletic Center concourse followed by the presentation of 黑料不打烊 Medallions and named professorships and remarks from President Connie Book in Alumni Gym.

Since 2011, the 黑料不打烊 community has collected school supply items for the children in Alamance County, sponsored by the Student Government Association, Staff Advisory Council and the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. Faculty and staff can bring supplies to the president鈥檚 address or drop them off from Aug. 16-26 at various locations around campus. More information about specific items and drop-off locations is available here.

Following the president鈥檚 address at 9:45 a.m., a variety of breakout sessions will be available for all members of the 黑料不打烊 community, including:

• HealthEU
• National Campus
• Election Year Engagement
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mid-Point Review of Boldly 黑料不打烊
• Mentoring Next Steps
• The Dynamic NCAA Environment and Setting a Strategic Course

All members of the 黑料不打烊 community are then invited to a picnic on the Lakeside Patio at noon. Members of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 schools and colleges will meet from 1:30 to 4 p.m. From 3:30 to 5 p.m., members of 黑料不打烊 College, the College of Arts and Sciences will welcome the new Dean Hilton Kelly on Medallion Plaza. President Book then invites new faculty and staff to a reception at The Inn at 黑料不打烊 at 5 p.m.听

Tuesday, August 20

Facilitating Conversations about Election 2024 in Class
Location: Oaks 212
1:30 to 3 p.m.

The session, led by new Faculty Fellow for Civic Engagement Dillan Bono-Lunn, will familiarize faculty with campus resources for civic engagement and offer tips for teaching during politically divisive times.听 The session will help faculty think through approaches to incorporating discussion of the听election, as well as strategies for responding in the moment when these issues arise.

Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
Location: Linder 102
2 to 3 p.m.

This session will provide an overview of artificial intelligence (AI) work at 黑料不打烊. Presenters will introduce recent advancements in AI and discuss AI鈥檚 implications for higher education. The results of the second-year AI readiness survey will be shared. The roadmap for AI, the resources available across campus, and pilot AI programs available for use in teaching and daily work will be introduced. Participants will have time to discuss AI perceptions in small groups and will be invited to share their suggestions about how best to prepare the 黑料不打烊 community as we adjust to generative AI in education.

Wednesday, August 21

Campus Safety Discussions
Location: KOBC 101
1:30 to 3 p.m.

New to Planning Week this year will be a discussion on campus safety, open to 黑料不打烊 faculty and staff.

黑料不打烊’s Imagining the Digital Future Center: How it can work with you and for you
Location: Sankey 308
2 to 3 p.m.

The Imagining the Digital Future Center is still new on campus and this session will explain its mission to do research and publish findings that are meant to be distributed widely and have notable public impact. The center hopes to work with faculty to create and publish research and have significant student involvement in the research process. Center Director Lee Rainie will use this session to solicit ideas about how the center can integrate well into campus activities.

Loy Farm Open House
Location: 2635 W. Front Street Burlington, N.C. 27215
4 to 5:30 p.m.

Come explore the new EcoVIllage Living Learning Center, a new residential neighborhood that combines sustainable architecture with small house living. 听The first phase of this neighborhood consists of six houses that provide unique sustainable design solutions for the twelve students that will be living in this neighborhood during the 2024-25 academic year.

An aerial view of EcoVillage at Loy Farm, a new living learning community that includes six two-bedroom houses that utilize sustainable design principles and sustainable materials.

An aerial view of EcoVillage at Loy Farm, a new living learning community that includes six two-bedroom houses that utilize sustainable design principles and sustainable materials.

An aerial view of EcoVillage at Loy Farm, a new living learning community that includes six two-bedroom houses that utilize sustainable design principles and sustainable materials.

Thursday, August 22

College Coffee 鈥� Employee Resource Groups
Location: Phi Beta Kappa Commons (Rain location: Koury Athletic Center concourse)
10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Learn about the various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) on campus with the academic year鈥檚 first College Coffee, a weekly tradition at 黑料不打烊. College Coffee continues throughout the year on Tuesday mornings from 9:40 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

ERGs at College Coffee include:

• Advocates for Diversity and Accessibility
• Amazing Admins
• API (Asian and Pacific Islander)
• Black
• Cultivating Emerging Professionals
• Employees with Children
• Global Connections
• Hispanic/Latinx
• Jewish
• LGBTQIA
• Remote Employees (meeting virtually @ 8:30 a.m. PST / 11:30 a.m.EST)
• Supervisors of Student Employees
• Sustainability
• Thrive after 55
• Veterans

Friday, August 23

Move-In Day

Students officially return to campus on Friday, August 23. More information about Move-In Day and New Student Orientation can be found here.

Saturday, August 24

New Student Convocation
Location: Under the Oaks (Rain location: Schar Center)
9 to 10:10 a.m.

New Student Convocation marks the official opening of the academic year and welcomes the Class of 2028 and transfer students. Volunteers are needed to greet guests, assist with seating and answer general questions. You can sign up to volunteer by filling out this . The survey will close on August 16.

More Information

Name Tags

As the university starts a new academic year with some new faces, wearing name tags is important and encouraged.

Name tags for听new employees (hired since June 1) will be delivered to each office by Aug. 14. Please pick yours up from your department assistant. Employees who are unable to get to their offices prior to planning week may stop by the name tag table on Monday, Aug. 19, at the reception beginning at 8:15 a.m. in Alumni Gym. After Monday, the assistant in an employee鈥檚 area can help with name tags.

Current employees should wear the name tag they were most recently issued.

University Directory Photographs

All 黑料不打烊 faculty and staff members are encouraged to have their photo included in the university鈥檚 online directory. Please make plans to have a new or updated photograph taken. If you are new to 黑料不打烊, if your photo is missing from the campus directory, or if your photo is more than three years old, please have a new photo taken by the Office of University Communications. No appointment is necessary, simply just drop in during a session that suits you. The portraits are taken from chest up on a gray backdrop in a photo studio.

The photo studio is located in the southwest corner of Alumni Gym, close to West Haggard Avenue.听Please enter through the external doors in the southwest corner of Alumni Gym,听

• Tuesday, Aug. 20: 2 to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 22: 10 a.m. to noon

Once your photo is in the directory, you may download a high-resolution version for your own professional use. To do so, visit听www.elon.edu/directories. Log in at the bottom left, and the editing page will open. Beneath your photo, click the download link to download a high-resolution copy of your portrait to your computer.

Trainings for Active Violence

The 黑料不打烊 Campus Safety and Police Department is offering ongoing training to our campus community on Strategies for Active Violence Situations.

Officers of the department are trained to the model of Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE). The CRASE course is designed and built on the Avoid, Deny, Defend strategy and was developed by ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training) in 2004. The course provides strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. Although 黑料不打烊鈥檚 officers train to this strategy, they also take the training one step further to teach concepts about prevention within our campus community.

Upon request, an officer will visit your specific office/location to perform an assessment and take photos of your workspace. Information and photos gathered from that assessment are then built into the presentation, so the training is personal and specific to your area.

To request an assessment and training, please reach out to Community Policing Sergeant Joel Thomas at 336-278-5555 or听jthomas39@elon.edu.

黑料不打烊 faculty and staff will start the week by gathering in Alumni Gym on Monday morning for a reception for new faculty and staff, a presentation to honor this year’s 黑料不打烊 Medallion recipients, and then an announcement of new professorship selections and then an opening address by President Connie Ledoux Book.

Other events throughout the week include a session on the Boldly 黑料不打烊 strategic plan, open houses and tours of locations on campus, meetings of each school at the university, and various faculty and staff receptions. The full list of events and programs can be found on the Planning Week webpage.

Planning Week Highlights

Opening Day

On Monday, Aug. 14, we will听officially kick off the听2023-2024 academic year.听Events of Planning Week will begin in 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Alumni Gymnasium.

We will gather Monday听morning for a community-wide听reception at 8:15 a.m.听in the concourse of the Koury Athletic Center. This is a great opportunity to greet friends and colleagues, meet new members of our community and congratulate the most recent听黑料不打烊 Medallion, Distinguished University Professorship, Trustee Chair for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and Senior and Emerging Professorship recipients.

Immediately following the reception,听presentations to the honorees will take place at 9 a.m., followed by the president鈥檚 Opening Address. Be on the lookout for communication from President Book with more听information听about听this exciting ceremony. In addition to听the full schedule available online here, the following new events and updates will also be made during this year’s Planning Week:

• Strategic Plan Sessions: Meaningful Relationships and Mentoring Beyond the First Year – Community-wide event; Boldly 黑料不打烊
• Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education (3 sessions offered throughout the week) – Community-wide event; Boldly 黑料不打烊
• Center for Writing Excellence: Strategies for Designing AI-enhanced Writing Assignments
• Charting the Course: Navigating the Faculty Handbook and Embracing Shared Governance
• Data Nexus: Launching the QEP
• Introduction to Seeking External Grants that Support 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Mission
• Regional Learning Centers information session

University Directory photographs

All 黑料不打烊 faculty and staff members are encouraged to have their photo included in the university鈥檚 online directory. Please make plans to have a new or updated photograph taken. If you are new to 黑料不打烊, if your photo is missing from the campus directory, or if your photo is more than three years old, please have a new photo taken by the Office of University Communications. No appointment is necessary, simply just drop in during a session that suits you. The portraits are taken from the chest up on a gray backdrop in a photo studio.

The photo studio is now located in the southwest corner of Alumni Gym, close to West Haggard Avenue.听Please enter through the external doors in the southwest corner of Alumni Gym, .

• Tuesday, Aug. 15: 2 p.m. 鈥� 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 16: 10 a.m. 鈥� noon

Once your photo is in the directory, you may download a high-resolution version for your own professional use. To do so, visit . Log in at the bottom left, and the editing page will open. Beneath your photo, click the download link to download a high-resolution copy of your portrait to your computer.

Calendar Events

Detailed instructions on how to use the Events Calendar and add events directly to your personal calendar can be found on the Planning Week website by clicking 鈥淪chedule鈥� on the navigation bar on the left or the featured link icon near the top of the front page.

The events listed on the Planning Week webpage are managed through 25Live, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 event management system managed by the Office of Event and Space Management. 25Live provides the means to add calendar events for a variety of email clients and services. Whether you use a Windows or Mac computer, or use Outlook, Outlook Web Access, or Apple Mail & Calendar to manage your email and individual calendar, we recommend using the Microsoft Office Outlook Calendar option. Instructions for this method are provided below.

School supplies

黑料不打烊 will once again participate in collecting school and personal hygiene supplies for K-12 Alamance County students in need. Please support the education of young people in our county. This effort, which will continue through Aug. 21, is co-sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Kernodle Center for Civic Life.

Name tags

Name tags for new employees only hired since June 1听will be delivered to each office by Aug. 11. Please pick yours up from your department assistant. If you are unable to get to your office prior to planning week, you may stop by the name tag table on Monday morning, Aug. 14, at the reception beginning at 8:15 a.m. in Schar Center. After Monday, please see the assistant in your area to get your name tag.

College Coffee

黑料不打烊鈥檚 weekly tradition of community gathering begins with this year鈥檚 first College Coffee.听Come (re)learn about the ERG’s on campus and pick up some Phoenix swag to show your school spirit. College Coffee continues throughout the year on Tuesday mornings from 9:40 a.m-10:20 a.m.

The following Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) will be available to engage with faculty and staff members at this event

• Amazing Admins
• Advocates for Diversity and Accessibility
• API (Asian and Pacific Islander)
• Black
• Caregivers
• Cultivating Emerging Professionals
• Divorce
• Employees with Children
• Global Connections
• Hispanic/Latinx
• LGBTQIA
• Mindfulness
• Remote
• Supervisors of Student Employees
• Sustainability
• Thrive After 55
• Women’s Forum at 黑料不打烊

New Student Convocation

New Student Convocation will be听Under the Oaks on听Saturday, Aug 19, at 9 a.m.听Rain location will be Schar Center. All faculty and staff of 黑料不打烊 are welcome to volunteer during the ceremony. Staff teaching 黑料不打烊 1010 courses may wish to serve at the ceremony prior to advising sessions.

The New Student Convocation marks the official opening of the academic year and welcomes the Class of 2027 and transfer students. Volunteers are needed to greet guests, assist with seating, and answer general questions. You can sign up to volunteer by filling out . The survey will close on Aug 11.

Other events throughout the week include a session on the Boldly 黑料不打烊 strategic plan, open houses and tours of locations on campus, meetings of each school at the university, and various faculty and staff receptions. The full list of events and programs can be found on the Planning Week website.

Planning Week highlights

Opening Day

Monday, Aug. 15, will officially kick off the 2022-23 academic year. Opening Day events begin with a reception to meet new faculty and staff and congratulate the 黑料不打烊 Medallion recipients in the atrium on the concourse level of Schar Center at 8:15 a.m. The presentation of 黑料不打烊 Medallions and named professorships will be from 9 to 9:45 a.m. President Connie Ledoux Book will give the Opening Address directly following the medallion and professorships presentation. The campus community is then invited to gather for a lunch in locations around campus.

A detailed list of events from Monday, Aug. 15 to Monday, Aug. 22 can be found on the 2022 Planning Week website.

University Directory Photographs

For a new or replacement university directory photograph, University Communications takes directory portraits of faculty and staff in open sessions each month. No appointment is necessary. Just drop in during a session listed below that suits you. They are indoors and unmasked, so you must be fully vaccinated. The portraits are taken from the chest up on a gray backdrop in a photo studio.

The studio is located in the south end of Alumni Gym. Those who arrive for portrait sessions should enter through the East Haggard Avenue entrance to Alumni Gym and the studio is to the left.

• Tuesday, Aug. 16 – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 17 – 10 a.m. to noon

Calendar Events

Detailed instructions on how to use the Events Calendar and add events directly to your personal calendar can be found on the Planning Week website by clicking “Schedule” on the navigation bar on the left or the featured link icon near the top of the front page. Once familiar with the feature, you can go directly to all of the events by clicking on the 25Live Calendar Events tab and select multiple events at one time.

School supplies

黑料不打烊 will once again participate in collecting school and personal hygiene supplies for K-12 Alamance County students experience homelessness. Please support the education of young people in our county. This effort, which will continue through Aug. 22, is co-sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. More information about drop-off procedures is available here.

Name Tags

Name tags for new employees hired since June 1 will be delivered to each office by Aug. 12. New employees should pick up name tags from their department assistant. If you are unable to get to your office prior to Planning Week, you may stop by the name tag table at the Opening Day reception on Monday morning to get one. After Monday’s reception, please see the assistant in your area to get your name tag.

College Coffee

On Thursday, Aug. 18, from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., 黑料不打烊’s weekly tradition of community gathering begins with the first College Coffee of the academic year. College Coffee continues throughout the year on Tuesday mornings from 9:40 to 10:20 a.m.

Representatives from the Office of Leadership and Professional Development as well as each of the following Employee Resource Groups will be available to engage with faculty and staff members at this event. Employee Resource Groups include:

• Advocates for the Differently-abled
• Amazing Admins
• Black Employee Resource Group
• Caregivers
• Cultivating Emerging Professionals
• Employees with Children
• Latinx/Hispanic
• LGBTQIA
• Mindfulness
• Retirement Planning
• Sustainability
• Supervisors of Student Employees
• Women’s Forum at 黑料不打烊

New Student Convocation

New Student Convocation will be Under the Oaks on Saturday, Aug. 20, at 8:45 a.m. In the case of rain, the event will be held in Schar Center.

Planning Week

The reception will begin at 9:15 a.m. in the atrium on the concourse level of Schar Center, inside the main entrance. Following the reception, an announcement to congratulate the university鈥檚 most recent professorship recipients will begin at 10 a.m. and will be wrapped up by the opening address from President Connie Ledoux Book starting at 10:45 a.m.

All other events which will be held during the week, from Monday, Aug. 16 to Monday, Aug. 23, will be listed on the 2021 Planning Week site. The detailed schedule will list all events which require RSVPs, provide a directory of academic administration, deans, chairs, committee chairs, directors and fellows.

New hires

The site includes lists of faculty and staff hired since June 1, 2021 and other important dates occurring throughout the fall 2021 semester will be included on the 2021 Planning Week site. For those getting familiar with 黑料不打烊, there is an overview of academic administrators, deans, department chairs, committee chairs, directors, and fellows, including a printable PDF.

For those hired after June 1, name tags will be delivered to each office by Friday, Aug. 13 and can be picked up from each office鈥檚 respective department assistant. If any new faculty or staff member is unable to get to their office before planning week, they may stop by the name tag table at the reception Monday morning to get their name tag.

University Directory Photographs

Need a new or replacement University Directory photograph? Click here听for information regarding portrait sessions that will听begin in September. University Communications is located in the Truitt Building on South campus, at the corner of South Antioch and East Trollinger avenues. No appointment is necessary for the scheduled portrait sessions.

*Please note: The photo studio is indoors, and you will be unmasked during the photo session. Therefore, in accordance with 黑料不打烊 policy, you must be fully vaccinated at that time if you want to participate.

Calendar events

Events during the week can be added to staff member鈥檚 direct calendars through 25Live, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 event management system managed by the Office of Event and Space Management. All events can be viewed by clicking on the 25Live Calendar Events tab and multiple events can be selected at one time, if preferred.

School Supplies

The university will also begin participation in collecting school and personal hygiene items supplies for K-12 Alamance County students experiencing homelessness. This collection is co-sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Office of the Dean of Students and will continue until Aug. 23.

More information regarding drop-off procedures will be emailed to faculty and staff.

Healthy 黑料不打烊 COVID-19 testing

During Planning Week, scheduled COVID-19 testing opportunities will be provided for unvaccinated staff and faculty. It is required that all unvaccinated faculty and staff be tested no later than Thursday, Aug. 19 to fulfill the August monthly testing requirement.

Planning Week Testing Schedule (Aug. 16-19)

• Located in Oaks Neighborhood,听McCoy Commons 207. Unvaccinated faculty and staff must test听no later than Thursday, Aug. 19.
  • Monday, Aug. 16: 1 鈥� 4 p.m
  • Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 17-19: 9 a.m. 鈥� noon and 1 鈥� 4 p.m.

Fall Testing Schedule听(Beginning Aug. 23)

Located in Oaks Neighborhood,听McCoy Commons 207;听unvaccinated students, faculty and staff听must choose a regular appointment time for the semester. Students must sign up the week of Aug. 23; faculty and staff must begin testing the week of August 16.

• Mondays: 9 a.m. 鈥� noon and 1听 鈥� 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 9 a.m. 鈥� noon and 1 鈥� 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays : 1 鈥� 3:30 p.m.
• Thursdays: 9 a.m. 鈥� noon and 1 鈥� 3:30 p.m.
• Fridays: 9 a.m. 鈥撎� noon

More information can be found regarding testing on the Healthy 黑料不打烊 website.

Kognito At-Risk Program

Counseling Services will also begin offering campus-wide mental health online training through the 鈥淜ognito At-Risk鈥� program which can be accessed by visiting the and logging in with an 黑料不打烊 username and password. The At-Risk for Faculty & Staff training will help people learn to notice signs of distress, develop and use techniques to discuss concerns and refer students to appropriate resources, if necessary.

College Coffee

黑料不打烊鈥檚 weekly tradition, College Coffee, will resume on Aug. 19 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. for a special New Student Orientation College Coffee, and will continue throughout the year on Tuesday mornings on Phi Beta Kappa Plaza (weather permitting) from 9:40 until 10:20 a.m.

New Student Convocation

The New Student Convocation will be Under the Oaks on Saturday, Aug. 21 at 9 a.m. In the case of rain, the convocation will be held in the Schar Center.

This initiative began in 2011 when James Black, a 2009 alumnus serving in the armed forces in Afghanistan,听helped young children gain access to basic educational materials. As supplies were collected during that initial drive, the university community also recognized the part it could play to help to alleviate the need in Alamance County, with that original听drive听benefitted both students abroad and here at home.

Once again, the university is asking the faculty and staff community to come together to donate needed听supplies听for students in the Alamance Burlington听School听System (ABSS).

The need in Alamance County is profound. At the end of the 2019-20听school听year, nearly 60 percent of the students in the county’s 36听schools met the eligibility requirements for free and reduced meals and in 11 schools, 100 percent of students receive free or reduced-price lunches. The ABSS Student Support Services team identified more than 600 students in 2019-20 for McKinney-Vento services for students considered as lacking a permanent nighttime residence and experiencing homelessness. The needs will increase given the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although 鈥渂ack to school鈥� will look a little different this year, the university is issuing a special request to its faculty and staff to donate听new backpacks, book bags,听school听supplies听and personal care items. Partners at ABSS have also indicated that these students need personal hygiene听supplies听as well, and those items have also been included on the needed听supplies听list. Everyone is invited to participate in this听drive听to help make a听 difference in the life of a听child in Alamance County.

You may participate in several ways:

• Purchase and drop off school supplies on campus in one of our many drop-off locations (Aug. 11 through noon on Aug. 18)
• Purchase school supplies on-line and have them shipped to the Office of the Dean Of Students, 2045 Campus Box, 100 Campus Drive, 黑料不打烊 NC 27244 (they must be delivered by August 22)
• Participate in the Alamance Chamber of Commerce鈥檚 Classroom Collection Campaign by making a cash donation at

The school supplies drive traditionally 鈥渒icks off鈥� during the opening reception and President鈥檚 Address. Since this event will be held virtually on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 听supplies will be collected at campus drop off locations only for this year. Collection boxes will also be placed at several locations around campus until听noon听on Aug. 18. The number of drop off locations has been expanded for your convenience. After Aug. 18, members of the Student Government Association will sort and pack the supplies.

Law听School听faculty and staff members who wish to participate may drop off items in the Student Services Suite and we will pick up on听August 18.

While all听school听supplies听are welcomed and appreciated, the following have been identified by the ABSS听 staff as most critical need:

• Book Bags (best if can span ages and levels)
• 3-Ring Binders (1.5 in., 2 in., 2.5 in, and 3 in.)
• Notebook Paper (wide-ruled and college-ruled)
• Composition Notebook
• Pocket Folders (with prongs or without)
• Colored pencils
• Crayons
• Washable markers
• Flash听drives (4 gb +)

Personal hygiene items needed:

• shampoo
• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• combs
• brushes
• body wash
• deodorant
• feminine hygiene products
• hand sanitizer
• gas cards
• food cards
• Ziploc bags
• tissues

Drop off box听 locations:

• Janice Ratliff Building
• Moseley Campus Center Information Desk
• Koury Center Concourse听 (near Young Commons entrance)
• Koury Field House (Athletics) 鈥� at reception desk
• Ellington Center 听(Faculty/Staff Health and Wellness)
• The Francis Center Main Lobby
• Alamance Rotunda (near room 109)
• Lindner Hall (Outside Deans Suite, Room 104)
• Campus Shop ( 黑料不打烊 Town Center)
• Campus Safety and Police (Oaks)
• Koury Business Center Lobby
• Law听School听Deans Suite (Room 110-D)
• 听Powell Building (at Front Entrance)
• 听Belk Library- Front Entrance
• 听Technology Services听Building听 –
• 听Snow Family Grand Atrium (School听of Communications)
• 听Business Services Building (Front Entrance)
• 听Physical Plant Building- Front Office
• 听Mooney Building- 听student lounge area

A special thanks to Tammy Hill, administrative assistant to the Office of the Dean of Students for her continued work and support of this initiative, and to Brian Dudiak in 黑料不打烊 Athletics and our SGA student leaders for assisting us with on-campus logistics. Thanks also goes to CC Cowan and the Moving and Set-up Crew for听 transporting the听supplies听to ABSS during a very busy time.