Contrary to the common belief that most fifth-year seniors stay on campus for an extra year because of academic reasons, Elon University's fifth-year senior Eddie O'Connell tells his story about staying on campus in order to stay involved.
A double major in history and film, O'Connell said he has taken advantage of his last year on campus by turning around the financial troubles of his social fraternity, Alpha Chi Rho, and by serving over 50 hours of community service in his coed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega.
Elon typically hosts around 70-80 fifth-year students each year to average 6 percent of the total population, according to Rob Springer, director of institutional research. And Registrar Mark Albertson said he believes this low percentage is because of Elon's four credit hour system, winter term opportunities, online classes and summer sessions.
To find out more about the logistics behind fifth-year seniors and Eddie's story, check out this week's issue of The Pendulum (3/9).
-Sam Parker, senior reporter