What’s happening this week: SPDC events, SUBFest and a home game showdown – Elon University

Weekly Report on University Activities and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

This report outlines scheduled university events for the week of November 3, analyzing their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Professional Development and Economic Opportunity

The Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) is offering several initiatives aimed at enhancing student employability and career readiness. These activities directly support SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by equipping students with essential tools for entering the workforce. By providing resources free of charge, these events also address SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), ensuring all students have equitable access to professional development opportunities. The “Pathways to Justice” event specifically aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by fostering interest in legal professions.

• Free Business Cards: Scheduled for Monday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the SPDC, Moseley Center 104. This initiative provides students with professional networking materials.
• Free Resume Printing: Scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the SPDC, Moseley Center 104. This service offers students high-quality printed resumes, folders, and thank-you cards.
• Pathways to Justice: A networking event with 11 law schools, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in McKinnon Hall. This event promotes careers dedicated to strengthening legal institutions.

Cultural Enrichment and Community Well-being

The Department of Music will host two concerts this week. These cultural events contribute to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by enhancing the cultural and social vitality of the community, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by making cultural heritage accessible.

1. Elon Orchestra presents ‘An Evening in Bridgerton’: Scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m. in Whitley Auditorium.
2. Elon Chorale Fall Concert: Scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Whitley Auditorium.

Promotion of Inclusivity and Reduced Inequalities

An event celebrating an alumni author will highlight inclusive storytelling and diverse family structures. This celebration directly supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by promoting LGBTQIA+ visibility and inclusion. It also contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by fostering a peaceful and inclusive society.

• Alumni Author Celebration: Jeffrey Williamson-Rose: Scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in McKinnon Hall. The event features the authors of “We Love You ForAva” and focuses on LGBTQIA+ families.

Fostering Community and Social Cohesion

Several large-scale community events are scheduled to enhance student engagement and social bonds. These activities support SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting social interaction and a sense of belonging, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by creating inclusive and engaging community spaces.

• SUBFest: A festival with live music, food, and crafts scheduled for Friday, Nov. 7, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Young Commons.
• Football Tailgate: Elon v. Rhode Island: A community-building event scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Global Basketball Courts.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The entire article is set within the context of a university (Elon) providing information and opportunities to its students. It discusses course registration, professional development services, and educational events, all of which are central to the mission of providing quality tertiary education.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article heavily features the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC), which offers services explicitly designed to help students secure employment. Events like “Free Business Cards,” “Free Resume Printing,” and networking opportunities directly support the goal of promoting productive employment for young people.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The “Alumni Author Celebration” for a book titled “We Love You ForAva” is hosted by the Gender & LGBTQIA Center. The event’s purpose is to showcase “LGBTQIA+ families and the power of inclusive storytelling,” which directly addresses the promotion of social inclusion for marginalized groups, a key aspect of reducing inequalities.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The “Pathways to Justice” event connects students with representatives from 11 law schools. By encouraging and facilitating entry into the legal profession, the university is contributing to the development of future professionals who will work within and strengthen the institutions of justice.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 4 (Quality Education):
   • Target 4.3: “By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.” The article is a communication from a university to its students about academic and co-curricular opportunities, which is fundamental to providing quality tertiary education.
   • Target 4.4: “By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.” The SPDC’s services, such as providing business cards, resume printing, and hosting career networking events, are direct actions to equip students with relevant skills for employment.
2. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Target 8.6: “By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.” Although the target year has passed, the activities described are aligned with its objective. The SPDC’s mission is to prepare students for “internships, career fairs, job opportunities and more,” directly aiming to reduce the number of graduates who are not in employment or further training.
3. Under SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):
   • Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.” The event celebrating LGBTQIA+ authors and families, hosted by the Gender & LGBTQIA Center, is a clear initiative to promote the social inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community.
4. Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Target 16.3: “Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.” The “Pathways to Justice” event, which facilitates student interaction with law schools, supports the pipeline of talent into the legal system, which is essential for upholding the rule of law.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Implied Indicators for SDG 4 and SDG 8:
   • The article does not provide statistics but implies several measurable indicators related to student engagement with career services. For the “Pathways to Justice” event, it states, “Space is limited to 60 students,” implying that the number of student attendees is a key metric. The article also mentions that 11 law schools are participating, which serves as an indicator of the scope and scale of the networking opportunity provided. The availability of services like “Free Business Cards” and “Free Resume Printing” implies that the number of students utilizing these services could be tracked as a measure of progress.
2. Implied Indicators for SDG 10:
   • For the “Alumni Author Celebration,” the article encourages attendees to “RSVP to be part of this inspiring celebration.” This suggests that the number of RSVPs or attendees at events promoting inclusivity is a relevant indicator of community engagement and support for these initiatives. The collaboration with the “Elon LGBTQIA Alumni Network” and the “Carolina Adoption Center” also serves as an indicator of partnership-building to promote inclusion.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: elon.edu