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SXU Experience

As a student-centered Mercy institution, the academic and personal success of our students is important to all of us at Saint Xavier University. Through the  SXU Experience, we will strive to provide you with a transformative educational experience with high-quality academic programs, engaging leadership opportunities and clear college-to-career pathways. 
 
As you begin your academic journey, you'll have a team of support to guide you throughout your time at SXU to build up your competence, strengthen your character and prepare you for career success. 

Group of Students

 
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Competence

  • Personalized academic planning
  • High-quality academics taught by experienced, caring faculty
  • Collaborative research opportunities


 

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Character

  • 60+ varied student clubs and organizations
  • Leadership and personal development workshops and opportunities
  • Service and study abroad trips
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Career Success

  • Internship and career planning
  • Networking opportunities
  • Access to an e-portfolio to showcase your achievements


Your Success Team

The SXU Experience is a program designed for all incoming first-year students. Its primary purpose is to facilitate a smooth transition to college life and equip students with the necessary skills to navigate their academic and extracurricular pursuits. The program provides students with a dedicated team of support committed to helping students achieve success both in and out of the classroom.  

As participant of the SXU Experience, you will receive a support team made up of a:   

  1. Advisors: Your assigned Academic Advisor will guide you through college, connecting your classes, student life, and career goals. They will provide support, connect you with resources, and help explore majors and careers. Further, your Academic Advisor will assist you in building academic plans, selecting courses, and most importantly providing mentorship throughout your time at SXU.

  2. Cougar Peer Mentor: To help you transition smoothly from high school to college, a Cougar Peer Mentor will be available to offer advice, lend a listening ear, and even accompany you to certain events. This Cougar Peer Mentor will be a valuable source of support during your first year.

staying connected

Throughout the first year, your assigned Academic Advisor and Cougar Peer Mentor will host educational and social activities, programs, and events.

Previous events have included:



Paint and Pop 

Students painted "success" themed canvases while eating snacks and watching the Bee Movie. This was a great opportunity for students to socialize and relax before finals. Cougar Peer Mentors gave a brief presentation on the success coaching program. This event was spearheaded by the Cougar Peer Mentors.



National Love Your Pet Day: DIY Photo Frames 

Students celebrated "National Love Your Pet Day" by creating DIY photo frames for their furry friends. While students decorated their photo frames, Cougar Peer Mentors facilitated a conversation about the Student Advising Center and the success coaching program.



Thriving as an Undeclared Student: Stress Relief Workshop 

The Academic Advisor and Cougar Peer Mentor for undeclared students hosted a stress relief workshop for their students. During the workshop, students learned tips on how to make the best of their time as undeclared. They also decorated cute stress relief squish toys.



Valentine's Day Party: Meet Your Cougar Peer Mentor 

The Student Advising Center hosted a Valentine’s Day Party for the Cougar Peer Mentor students. Students participated in a game of BINGO, enjoyed Valentine’s Day themed donuts and cookies, learned about CFS resources, and got a free t-shirt representing the Student Advising Center.



Create Your Own Vision Board: Make This Year The G(reatest) O(f) A(ll) T(ime) 

The beginning of the Spring 2023 semester marked a fresh start for many. Students envisioned their success by creating custom vision boards. Supplies and snacks were provided by the Student Advising Center. Students had a great time constructing their vision boards while having snacks and mingling with other students. 



Pre-Health Fair 

The STEM-focused Advisors and Cougar Peer Mentors collaborated with staff, faculty, alumni, and an outside employer to host the very first pre-health fair. Students interested in the pre-health field had the opportunity to speak with individuals involved in a variety of health fields such as dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, and others. Students walked away with valuable connections and knowledge about these occupations and career paths.



Fun Facts and "Cougar Trax"

The Academic Advisors hosted an ice cream and Jeopardy social to kick-off the semester. Students were able to cool off with an ice cream sundae bar while playing in a competitive game of SXU-themed and pop culture-themed Jeopardy match.



Major-themed Meet & Greets

The Academic Advisors collaborated with faculty to host a "meet and greets" for students in these majors. This was a great opportunity for students to learn more about their respective majors and meet faculty in their departments.

You can identify and connect with your assigned success team through the Navigate app. Navigate helps you stay connected, access what you need, and tracks progress and involvement so you only tell your story once. With Navigate you will be able to: 

  • Schedule appointments with departments across the University.
  • View your class schedule.
  • Access SXU resources.
  • Explore careers interests.
  • Join study groups with peers.
  • Manage your to-do list.
  • View holds on your accounts.
  • Communicate with coaches, advisors, and professors.

Download Navigate on the App Store or get it on Google Play Store. Navigate is also accessible through a desktop browser: https://sxu.navigate.eab.com/. You will use their SXU credentials to log in. 

In addition to staying connected with your success team, you are strongly encouraged to review Year 1 of the Four-Year Success Plan and use the Student Success Guide as well as check out events and opportunities for getting involved on the Den.

Career Mentorship

In addition to each member of your support team, the Career Development Center will be available to help you develop a plan to achieve career success. They can connect you with career mentors who will provide valuable information, advice, and networking opportunities in your desired field as well as offer various resources and support to enhance your career development, ensuring that you have the necessary tools for success. We also encourage you to connect with your academic advisor and professors who can provide career guidance and resources for navigating career pathways. These services are available to you both throughout your time at SXU and after graduating.  

Throughout your time at SXU, you will have opportunities to develop essential life and career skills through engagement in service, leadership activities, co-curricular experiences, and pre-professional opportunities. Your support team will collaborate with you throughout your first year to create a truly unique and impactful college experience, inspired by our Mercy mission.
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Career Development Center for more information at careerdevelopmentFREESXU.