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Cougar Trax and New Student Induction

Welcome, new Cougars!

Your academic career officially begins with Cougar Trax. This two-day program, required for students, features sessions critical to success in your first year, opportunities for fun and social gathering, and the New Student Induction on Thursday. Dress for Thursday is business casual, but comfortable. Friday's activities will involve meeting with your Transitions instructor and completing a service project in the spirit of Mercy and in line with the mission of the institution. For Friday's service projects, please wear casual clothing (T-shirt/jeans/sneakers), and if you can, an SXU shirt. For some activities, the service project will take place outdoors.

More About the New Student Induction

At the New Student Induction, students are greeted by the Interim President of the University, Rebecca Sherrick, Ph.D., and other members of the University community. The event includes a student speaker who will discuss Saint Xavier's Mercy heritage and enduring mission. During the Induction students are presented with a Saint Xavier Medallion to symbolize their membership in the SXU community and the beginning of their academic career.

New Student Induction

We witness to Mercy when we reverence the dignity of each person, create a spirit of hospitality, and pursue integrity of word and deed in our lives.

All new students are invited to join us for this unique celebration of your entrance into the Saint Xavier community. At the ceremony you will be greeted by the University president, members of the cabinet, deans, and the faculty and staff of the University. Led by the student president of the Saint Xavier Council, you will recite the new student pledge and be presented with a Saint Xavier medallion to symbolize your new membership in the SXU community.

Cougar Trax Schedule

Champ and Cougar Trax Weekend 2023

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

DATE/TIME

ACTIVITY

LOCATION

8 to 9 a.m. All Student Check-In and Cougar Card Pick Up Butler Reception Room (Warde Academic Center)
9 a.m. New Student Induction Lineup SXU Diner (Warde Academic Center)
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. New Student Induction Shannon Center Main Arena
Parents and guests please proceed directly to the Shannon Center for the New Student Induction ceremony.
10:30 to 10:50 a.m. Family Farewell Shannon Center Main Arena
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Surviving College Shannon Center Main Arena
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Community Fair with Pizza Shannon Center Rec Gym
1:30 to 3 p.m. Identity Pizza Shannon Center Main Arena
3:15 to 4 p.m. Meet your Transitions Class Warde Academic Center
4 to 5:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions Warde Academic Center

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

DATE/TIME

ACTIVITY

LOCATION

7 a.m. Check-in Groups: 1A and 1B Shannon Center Lobby
7:15 to 7:30 a.m. The Mercy Way of Service Presentation No. 1 Shannon Center Main Arena
7:30 to 9:15 a.m. Rotating Departures for Service Projects Shannon Center Parking Lot
7:30 a.m. Check-in Groups: 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, and 3B Shannon Center Lobby
8 to 8:30 a.m. The Mercy Way of Service Presentation No. 2 Shannon Center Main Arena
8:30 a.m. Check-in Group: 4 McGuire Hall Lobby
9 to 11:15 a.m. Service Projects Various Locations
11:20 to 11:50 a.m. The Mercy Way of Service Presentation No. 3 McGuire Hall Lobby and Butler Reception Room
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arrive Back at SXU Parking Lot Near Rubloff Hall
Noon to 2 p.m. First-Year Fest Schmitt Quad
2 to 3 p.m. Classroom Tours- Walk Your Course Schedule Meet at Campus Life Tent- Schmitt Quad
2:30 to 4 p.m. Belonging Meet-and-Greet Various Locations

 

 

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For accessibility-related accommodations, contact the Office of Accessibility Resources at 773-298-3956 or disabilityservicesFREESXU.

For questions or concerns, contact viaFREESXU or 773-298-3670.

New Student Pledge

As a new student of Saint Xavier University, I dedicate myself to academic study, personal development and to the University community.

I embrace the University's commitment to truth, scholarship, and wisdom. I will strive to live the University's core values and to improve my community through active participation. I will follow the Code of Student Conduct. I will challenge myself to embody, through my words and actions, the qualities of Mercy, honoring the dignity and essential worth of all individuals. I will respect the diversity of opinions, ideas, and backgrounds, which are vital to University life.

Further, I accept the obligation of academic honesty, which is essential to honor the work of others and to fulfill the fundamental goals of the University. I accept, as well, the responsibilities of a future graduate: lifelong commitment to my community, my alma mater, and my own quest for wisdom.

All new students, including first-years, transfer, graduate and adult students, are invited and will receive a letter of invitation in early August. Parents or immediate family members are also invited to attend. For more information, contact Student Life at 773-298-3123.