Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What will I do at FOCUS?
- Who are FOCUS Leaders?
- What should I bring? What should I wear?
- Will I get to meet other students?
- Is FOCUS mandatory?
- Do I have to stay overnight?
- What are the rules during FOCUS?
- How much does FOCUS cost?
- Should my parents attend?
- Will I attend the same sessions as my parents?
- Do I have to fill out the Registration Survey?
- Will I find out what classes I will be taking in the fall?
- What if I changed my mind about my major?
- If I am a student with a disability or special needs, who do I talk to?
- How do I get to SXU, where do I park, and when should I arrive?
- What if I have an emergency and cannot attend my FOCUS session?
- What if I need to switch my FOCUS session?
- What if I have more questions?
- When can I leave FOCUS?
- What if after attending FOCUS, I am interested in living on campus?
- What if I meet someone at FOCUS that I would like to room with in the residence halls?
What will I do at FOCUS?
You will have an opportunity to learn about the student experience at SXU through various presentations, small group activities, and hands-on sessions. We want you to know that we’re glad you picked SXU and want to show you what great things our campus community has to offer. We’ll also help you find out important details such as obtaining your fall class schedule, how to use SXU’s computing systems, where to pick up your financial aid and pay bills, and how to get involved as a student. You will be assigned a team with approximately 25 other FOCUS attendees and will have two FOCUS Leaders who will assist your group. You will stay overnight in one of SXU’s Residence Halls and have the opportunity to experience a glimpse of college student life.
Who are FOCUS Leaders?
FOCUS Leaders are Saint Xavier students who have been selected to help you learn about the University. They are fun, energetic, and full of information – so plan to ask them many questions. They are students who are involved in various leadership roles on campus such as playing sports, being officers in student organizations, and serving as a part of student government. The FOCUS leadership team truly represents the spirit and diversity here at Saint Xavier, and we’re confident you’ll find them very valuable in beginning your college experience.
What should I bring? What should I wear?
Plan to bring casual, comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. You will need to bring overnight supplies, though linens, towels, and pillows will be provided for you. Bring any outstanding transcripts, financial aid paperwork, etc. All meals will be provided, but you may want to bring change for the vending machines. Plan to bring a sweater or sweatshirt as our rooms sometimes get cold. If you like to workout, the gym will be open so bring your athletic wear. You may bring a cell phone, but we respectfully request that you have it in the off mode during all FOCUS sessions. Plan to leave cash and valuables at home. Alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons, and explosives are all prohibited on campus.
Will I get to meet other students?
You will meet many other students! You will be able to meet many other incoming freshmen at FOCUS who will all be getting ready for the same experiences you are. You will also have FOCUS Leaders, who are current SXU students who have all experienced student life first hand at SXU. They are ready and excited to welcome you to the SXU community, to be a support, and to answer any questions you may have.
Is FOCUS mandatory?
Yes, FOCUS is a required component of the SXU experience.
Do I have to stay overnight?
Yes. It is required for freshmen to complete the entire FOCUS experience. Part of that includes staying overnight in a residence hall at SXU with your fellow classmates. All FOCUS students must stay overnight. There will be many things to do in the evening, and we particularly want students to get to know their classmates. These connections will be vital during your first year at SXU. We plan to give you a taste of college life and the experiences you will have as an SXU student. We think you will really enjoy this new experience!
What are the rules during FOCUS?
As in all communities, there are a few rules everyone must follow to maintain health and safety and to successfully complete the program. During FOCUS all student attendees must:
- attend all sessions, both days
- remain on campus for the duration of the FOCUS program
- stay overnight in the residence hall in assigned room (no non-FOCUS participants will be allowed in the residence hall)
- wear nametag at all times
- return key upon check-out on Day 2 (there is a $50 fee for unreturned keys)
- no cell phones, alcohol, weapons, explosives, or illegal drugs allowed
How much does FOCUS cost?
The FOCUS Orientation fee is $100. This nonrefundable fee covers the two-day program costs for you and up to two parents/guardians. Your parents/guardians must register separately for their orientation program. There is also a nominal charge for parents/guardians wishing to stay overnight on campus.
Should my parents attend?
Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend! There is important information we want to share with those who wish to attend Parent Orientation. The programs we have developed will be very informative and helpful. Parents are free to attend whatever portion of the Parent Orientation program they are able to attend.
Will I attend the same sessions as my parents?
No (primarily). We have different sessions designed for both students and parents to meet their own unique needs. There will be a few times during the program when students and parents will be together.
Do I have to fill out the Registration Survey?
Yes. This is very helpful information for the academic advisors who will be constructing your fall schedule. Please answer the questions truthfully and to the best of your ability. This will give you the greatest chance of being placed in classes that interest you and meet your needs. We strongly encourage parents not to fill out this form, but to let their students complete it.
Will I find out what classes I will be taking in the fall?
Yes. You will receive your fall schedule during FOCUS.
What if I changed my mind about my major?
You can change your major at any time by visiting the office of Advising and Educational Planning Services and completing the change of major form. We recommend that you visit with an advisor to discuss your decision.
If I am a student with a disability or special needs, who do I talk to?
You can contact the Learning Center and Disability Services office, located in L-109B of the Warde Academic Center on the Chicago Campus, at (773) 298-3308. The Learning Center works closely with students and faculty to provide services and academic assistance to students with documented disabilities. Specific accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on appropriate documentation and individual consultation with the student.
How do I get to SXU, where do I park, and when should I arrive?
Directions to the Chicago campus and a printable campus map and parking maps are both available online. Parking is readily available on campus and you will be allowed to park overnight if you are staying on campus. No special permit is necessary. Check-in for FOCUS will be in the Regina Hall lobby (see map for location) and begins at 9:30 a.m. Parents will register in the McGuire Hall lobby by the Library entrance in the Warde Academic Center main entrance.
What if I have an emergency and cannot attend my FOCUS session?
Please call the Campus Life at (773) 341-5060 as soon as possible. We will assist you in getting placed in a future FOCUS session.
What if I need to switch my FOCUS session?
Please call the Campus Life at (773) 341-5060. We will assist you in getting placed in an alternate FOCUS session. The sooner you can call us, the better.
What if I have more questions?
Please call the Campus Life at (773) 341-5060. You may also e-mail us at focus@sxu.edu.
When can I leave FOCUS?
You must stay overnight for the whole two-day program.
What if after attending FOCUS, I am interested in living on campus?
If you are interested in living on campus after attending FOCUS, please submit a housing contract and the $150 non-refundable deposit to the Office of Residence Life, Rubloff Hall 110 or through our online reservation system. We typically begin a waitlist for new students near April 1st so please check with a representative from Residence Life to determine what your status will be at the time of contract submission.
What if I meet someone at FOCUS that I would like to room with in the residence halls?
If you meet someone at FOCUS that you would like to room with and have already submitted a housing contract you may change your roommate preference by contacting the Office of Residence Life at (773) 298-3997 or via e-mail to reslife@sxu.edu. You may also stop by the Residence Life table at the Road to Success. You will need to submit the first and last name of the individual you would like to request. If you have not already submitted a housing contract, please do so and indicate the person whom you would like to room with under the roommate preference section. Please note that we do not guarantee specific roommate placement but will do our best to accommodate requests.