Winter Term 2021 will offer students an array of exciting experiences that include in-person and virtual events along with engaging student-led courses.
Winter Term 2021 got underway on Wednesday, Jan. 13, with the first day of classes, with the three-week term offering ways for students to engage beyond their coursework.
Events both in-person and online are organized around one or more the term’s four themes: health, multicultural engagement, media and politics. Among the events is the series of WInterfaith lunch discussions, held virtually this year. A panel focused on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy will kick off the series on Tuesday, Jan. 19, with more details and the opportunity to register available here. Other events include Winter Term trivia and a Red Cross blood drive on Jan. 20, a virtual performance by the Phoenix Piano Trio on Jan. 24, a presentation by the Department of Performing Arts of “Beast Mode Champion” on Jan. 28 and the expressive arts workshop SoulCollage on Jan. 29.
Along with several events honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., throughout the month of January, the Elon community will have the opportunity to hear from Deena Hayes-Greene, the co-founder and managing director of the Racial Equity Institute and chair of the Guilford County Board of Education. For the Marthy Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address, Hayes-Greene will participate in a discussion with Vice President and Associate Provost for Inclusive Excellence Randy Williams and Stephanie Baker, assistant professor of public health studies. That discussion will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be available at www.elon.edu/live.
Additionally, a series of free, student-led, non-credit sessions are available through the annual Burst the Bubble series. These sessions are designed and led by students as ways to share a talent, interest or skill. Typically a Burst the Bubble program meets three times – once a week – for an hour each time. Burst the Bubble programs are offered during Winter Term and are open to all students at Elon University.
Winter Term 2021 Events
Jeremy Bolen, “Slow Pause”
Monday, January 11 – Friday, February 12
Art installation, Gallery 406, Arts West
Jeremy Bolen’s exhibition features a collection of images, videos, hybrid objects and sculptures that explore human and non-human interaction with the invisible. During this time when all are intimately dealing with a pandemic, issues of what can and can’t be perceived have become paramount. Using the resources and archives of several scientific institutions including Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin and Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, as well as makeshift seismographs and early writings on climate change, “Slow Pause” incorporates unique, material-based, site-specific recordings to explore modes of understanding the unseen and how our patterns of movement impact the world in which we live. Much of Bolen’s work involves the invisible presence that remains from various scientific experiments and human interactions with the earth’s surface. His work has been exhibited widely at locations around the world. Bolen is assistant professor of photography at Georgia State University and a co-founder and co-organizer of the Deep Time Chicago collective. He is represented by Andrew Rafacz Gallery, Chicago.
Mindful Moments
Tuesday, January 12, and Tuesday, January 26
10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
https://welltrack.zoom.us/j/84063164189
The term “mindfulness” is used quite often around campus…but what does “mindfulness” even mean? And even more importantly, what does it look like? this 30-minute drop-in workshop gets right down to business by teaching students concrete mindfulness skills to use while walking, interacting with others, eating, sleeping, or even breathing.
Counselor Christine Borzumato-Gainey will be leading Mindful Moments every other Tuesday, beginning in Winter Term.
Sponsored by Counseling Services
Tectonic Plates, Alamance County’s Science Café:
“COVID-19 vaccine: Is it safe for me?”
Tuesday, January 12
7 p.m.
Zoom discussion
Learn cutting-edge science in a relaxed informal atmosphere without all the technical jargon. Programs are held on the second Tuesday of each month (September through May). In January, Jessica Merricks, Elon assistant professor of biology, will discuss COVID-19 vaccines.
Information is available at https://www.facebook.com/TectonicPlatesScienceCafe.
Sleep: Applying Science to Snoozing Workshop
Thursday, January 14
11 a.m to noon
https://welltrack.zoom.us/j/84734038169
Too much or too little, sleep issues are a common stressor we will struggle with at some point in our life. This workshop is dedicated to finding out the areas that are making sleep difficult for students and methods to improve the overall quality and quantity of sleep.
Jeremy Bryant, LCMHC will walk students through a series of interactive and informative tasks to help them better understand their own sleeping patterns and areas for improvement.
Sponsored by the Counseling Services
Mindful Yoga
New videos being uploaded periodically
Click here to receive updates when new videos are posted.
In a typical yoga class, one would use their body to create poses in order to build strength, improve stamina, and practice balance. Mindful Yoga incorporates these practices into each class, but puts a heavier focus on linking body and mind. Classes use centering exercises, mindful focusing, and meditative calming to help participants to feel still, quiet, and at peace within oneself. Poses will be less strenuous than a typical yoga class, but will require some effort and consistent self-reflection will be used throughout each course.
Counselor Allison Agresti from Counseling Services will be the instructor for Mindful Yoga.
The Mindful Yoga Workshop will be provided via a series of videos uploaded to the counseling services website. Every few weeks, Agresti will create and upload a new video for students to watch on their own time.
Sponsored by the Counseling Services
WInterfaith
Tuesday, January 19, Wednesday, January 20, and Thursday, January 21
12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Virtual
Winterfaith been a partnership with Elon Community Church and the Truitt Center to educate the Elon community about different religious traditions over J-term. Traditionally, each week of Winter Term we would host a speaker from a different religious, spiritual, and/or philosophical tradition to give a short explanation of their worldview and gather for a meal. This year, we are moving the program to a virtual 3-day symposium the week of MLK day. The speakers would be over lunch (12:15-1:15) on Tuesday, Jan. 19, Wednesday, Jan. 20, and Thursday, Jan. 21, and on Zoom. Tuesday features an interfaith Panel on the Life and Legacy of MLK, Wednesday features a Hindu speaker, and Thursday a Native Saponi speaker will join us.
Register to Zoom at these links:
Tuesday, Jan. 19 (MLK Panel in collaboration with the CREDE and ABBSSS): Noon
- Register in advance for this meeting: https://elon.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqduippzovGtAjB2tpxKs41XcfbITvipUL
Wednesday, Jan. 20 (Hindu Perspective): 5 p.m. (Note the change in time to avoid conflict with the Presidential Inauguration)
- Register in advance for this meeting: https://elon.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAuc-ihpzsvGtYCFWbeQtRF0CjCCDG-Nd50
Thursday, Jan 21 (Saponi Perspective): Noon
- Register in advance for this meeting: https://elon.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvf-uvrTsvG9U9zExjd-khrYsK7w0iMZTu
Let us know if you’d like a meal at this link: https://forms.gle/HY79epumqUWdML499
Sponsored by Elon Community Church and Truitt Center and CREDE
Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Address with Deena Hayes-Greene
Tuesday, January 19
7:30 p.m.
Virtual discussion available at www.elon.edu/live
Deena A. Hayes-Greene is a racial equity consultant, trainer and community/institutional organizer whose work focuses on the impacts of race and racism on individuals, systems, institutions and organizations. Her work examines the impact of the broader environmental and social determinants of well-being and opportunity and the power analysis that guides institutions and organizations to dismantle racism.
Hayes-Greene is the co-founder and managing director of the Racial Equity Institute LLC, a minority-owned business based in Greensboro, North Carolina, focused on racial equity training and consulting throughout the United States. As a community leader, she has served on the Guilford County Board of Education since 2002 and as its chair since 2018. Her advocacy has challenged the school district to investigate the structural causes of the disparate outcomes of African American and other students of color as chair of the Achievement Gap Committee, the Historically Underutilized Business Advisory (HUB) Committee and the School Safety/Gang Education Committee. As chair of the HUB Advisory Committee, she illuminated the disparities in school construction and goods and services data and initiated efforts to examine institutional practices and systemic barriers.
Hayes-Greene is also the chair of the board of directors for the International Civil Rights Center and Museum and a judge for the Roddenbury Foundation. She is a member of the NC State DMC-RED Subcommittee (Disproportionate Minority Contact – Racial and Ethnic Disparities), Guilford Anti-Racism Alliance and the Ole Asheboro Street Neighborhood Association. She has also served on the Human Relations Committee for the City of Greensboro and the Guilford Gang Commission.
Use or Abuse?
Tuesday, January 19
2 to 3 p.m.
https://welltrack.zoom.us/j/85422693544
Have you ever wondered if your substance use is normal? Unsure if your roommate needs help for their drinking? This workshop provides overall education around the effects and risk factors of substance use, practical insight on reducing harm if you choose to use, how to talk to a friend about substance use concerns, and how to link yourself or a friend to appropriate assistance and services.
Counselor Allison Agresti with Counseling Services will present this workshop.
Sponsored by the Counseling Services
Winter Term Trivia
Wednesday, January 20
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom – registration below
Residence Life will host a Winter Term-themed trivia night that is open to all students, faculty and staff. The event will take place on Zoom, and participants will answer questions about each of the four Winter Term themes — health, intercultural engagement, media and politics — among other topics.
Every trivia participant will be given a voucher for a free item on the coffee side of the Oak House. The first and second place winners will receive Visa gift cards, and the third place finisher will receive an Oak House branded glass.
If you’re interested in participating, please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/ADChAWvR4S4ErzRR6.
Sponsored by Residence Life
MLK Days of Service: Habitat for Humanity Build
Wednesday, January 20, Thursday, January 21, and Friday, January 22
7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A Habitat home in Burlington; address to be provided upon registration
Join us for a Habitat build as part of the MLK Day(s) of Service this January 20th, 21st, and/or 22nd. Build shifts are from 8-11:30am but transportation will be provided to and from the service site so the full service shift is from 7:30am-noon. No construction experience needed. Sign up can be found on Phoenix Serve.
Sponsored by Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Habitat for Humanity
Presidential Inauguration Watch Event
Wednesday, January 20
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Virtual
The Elon community will watch history unfold with the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States. In lieu of a campus-wide gathering, students are encouraged to watch the event with a roommate.
Sponsored by Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Elon Votes!, and Council on Civic Engagement
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, January 20
12:30 to 6 p.m.
PARC Gym
The top priority of the American Red Cross is the safety of their donors, volunteers, employees and blood recipients and are committed to transparency with the American public during this public health pandemic. The American Red Cross have also outlined a list of COVID-19 safety protocols they have created to successfully give blood during this time.
To sign-up to donate, visit this link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Elon. Once at the link, click “See Times” and then select an appointment time.
Sponsored by Kernodle Center for Civic Life
Stress Reset
Thursday, January 21
10 to 11 a.m
https://welltrack.zoom.us/j/88502397686
Experiencing stress and anxiety is a natural process, but too much stress can lead to problems. Extreme stress can cause students to lose sleep, feel unmotivated for class, forget important events, or even not want to be around friends and family.
Counselor Jeremy Bryant with Counseling Services will help participants in this workshop understand how stress and anxiety are created, how they impact a student’s life, and what can be done to decrease stress in your own life. Students will leave this workshop with many tangible skills to combat stress.
Sponsored by the Counseling Services
Building Resiliency: Coping Through Chaos
Friday, January 22
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
https://welltrack.zoom.us/j/88537480745
Dealing with distress is difficult and it can be hard to know how to cope. Many times we either get overwhelmed by powerful emotions or find harmful ways to cope.
Counselor Carnice Covert with Counseling Services will lead this workshop where students will practice a variety of mindfulness techniques and coping strategies in order to find which skills best fit for them. At the end of the workshop, students will walk away with a variety of coping skills that they can implement as they move forward in the semester and beyond.
Sponsored by the Counseling Services
Loss and Support Group
Friday, January 22
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Numen Lumen Room 201
This support group is open to any current Elon student who is coping with the loss of a loved one and feels that they could benefit from the support from others who have experienced the same.
University Chaplain Rev. Dr. Jan Fuller and Counselor Mark P. Eades will lead this support group. Please contact Chaplain Fuller for more information or to be added to our listserv.
Sponsored by Counseling Services and Truitt Center
Mental Health First Aid Certification
Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24
3 to 5:30 p.m.
(need to both to complete)
Virtual – information will be sent to attendees
Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.
Learn more about the course here: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/take-a-course/what-you-learn/.
Completing the program will result in a three-year certificate. These virtual sessions have required pre-work to complete in advance.
RVSP for the event on PhoenixCONNECT (just search ‘Mental Health First Aid’).
Contact Evan Small (esmall@elon.edu) with questions or for more information.
Sponsored by Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning
Phoenix Piano Trio presents
“Happy Belated Birthday Beethoven”
Sunday, January 24
3 p.m.
Virtual performance from Whitley Auditorium available on Facebook Live
To commemorate the birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven, the Phoenix Piano Trio will perform a recital of works by the admired German composer and pianist.
Food Insecurity in our Community (& How you can Help!) Panel
Monday, January 25
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
https://elon.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MOUbZ8fWTA2_G6ZL1ZcKXg
In an attempt to raise awareness of food insecurity in our community and engage students/campus to get involved to meet the need (including by donating to a J-term food drive), this panel will bring together community partners from Allied Churches, Salvation Army, and Second Harvest Food Bank to share about their organizations, the impact of Covid, and how people can help; zoom registration will be available soon.
Sponsored by Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Campus Kitchen, Service LLC, Challah for Hunger
Quieting the Inner Critic
Tuesday, January 26
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
https://welltrack.zoom.us/j/84048413589
As the saying goes, sometimes we can be our own worst critic. Often times we can get caught up in the negative self-talk that often leaves us discouraged. In this workshop, students practice how to turn their attention away from distracting thoughts and towards more positive and empowering thoughts.
Counselor Carnice Covert with Counseling Services will be conducting this workshop as she helps students to identify troublesome thoughts and replace them with more helpful strategies.
Sponsored by Counseling Services
Life after Loss: Supporting Self and Others
Tuesday, January 26
4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
https://welltrack.zoom.us/j/84535463189
Loss can be a painful and sometimes unexpected experience; and when loss happens, understanding how to cope with it can be stressful, confusing, draining, and often times painful.
Counselor Mark Eades with Counseling Services and University Chaplain Rev. Dr. Janet Fuller will show participants in this workshop some typical ways that individuals experience loss emotionally, physically, and mentally, ways in which loss can affect a person’s life, and what can be done to help someone accept loss and re-engage in their life. Whether you are someone experiencing loss yourself or know someone who has experienced a loss and would like to learn how to support them, this workshop is for you.
Sponsored by Counseling Services
Department of Performing Arts presents “Beast Mode Champion”
Thursday, January 28
7:30 p.m.
Virtual performance available for a three-week run at
www.elonperformingarts.com
Directed by Kirby Wahl
“Beast Mode Champion” is a high-octane rock musical set in the sweaty and hilarious world of professional wrestling. The show, slamming to life in and around the wrestling ring, plumbs the murky depths of masculinity, identity and performance through a team of unlikely heroes, thrust into the arena of pro wrestling in search of power, fame and love. “Beast Mode Champion” is receiving its workshop premiere at Elon University, after being developed at the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts by Dan Gibson ’10 and Alex Higgin-Houser.
SoulCollage (an expressive arts workshop)
Friday, January 29
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Click here to register
Talking is often what people think of when they imagine engaging in counseling, but creative expression can open up a whole new level of understanding that words aren’t able to capture. SoulCollage is a creative process of making cards using visual images to represent different aspects of yourself, your community, and other important influences in your life. While there are many facets of SoulCollage, in this outreach we focus on using the process as a tool to invite self-reflection, intuition and insight. Watch this short video to learn more about SoulCollage then sign up for one our live online group meetings to connect with others through SoulCollage.
To learn more about SoulCollage, click here.
To Register for this workshop, please click here. There will be a maximum of five students permitted to attend. Students are accepted on a first come, first served basis. You MUST register in order to be able to participate.
Sponsored by Counseling Services