Via First-Year Orientation

Via is the start of our orientation program and provides you with essential resources and information to prepare you to transition to college. Via will provide information about your first-semester classes and introduce you to our Catholic, Mercy heritage, campus resources and support services -- people and areas that will enrich your Saint Xavier University experience. Bottom line: You will have fun, learn about campus and get acquainted with your new community!

Via is a tribute to the University's motto: "Via, Veritas, Vita." The motto is Latin for "Way, Truth, Life" from the scripture verse "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Via (the "Way") will help incoming students find their way as new members of the SXU community.

Yes. There are necessary tasks to complete before, during and after your Via First-Year Orientation session, and each step is crucial to your transition to college. Before attending Via, students will need to complete Module 1 in the Canvas LMS. Students will receive specific instructions to complete this step. During Via, students will meet orientation leaders, faculty and staff members, learn about the many resources available to assist with college success, and register for fall courses. After Via, students will stay connected through GroupMe and plan to attend Cougar Trax in August.

Start with the Via online course and complete Module 1. This is required before attending your in-person session. This first module will prepare you for your academic advising appointment during your Via session to schedule your classes for fall 2023. Once you complete Module 1, you will be ready to attend your Via session.

Orientation 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! These students are involved in various leadership roles on campus as resident assistants, officers in student organizations and student government leaders. The Via orientation leaders truly represent the spirit and diversity here at Saint Xavier, and we're confident you'll find them very valuable in beginning your college experience.

As in all communities, there are a few rules everyone must follow to maintain health and safety and to successfully complete the Via First-Year Orientation program. We take the safety and integrity of our in-person and virtual spaces very seriously. We enforce University policies because it helps ensure that all of our attendees can enjoy and benefit from the program. Additionally, attending orientation is a part of your experience as an SXU student; you are no longer just a guest or visiting! Before, during and after Via, all students must:

• Attend all sessions and complete Module 1.
• Be respectful of staff, including Orientation Leaders, and other new students during all live sessions.
• Follow all expectations and community standards as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

The Via fee is part of the first-year student fee of $230. This fee includes the meals, swag and mandatory Cougar Trax program costs, as well as many fall activities/programs, and will be included on your first fall bill.

Students will access both modules on Canvas. Canvas is Saint Xavier University's current Learning Management System, allowing students to access course materials and collaborate with their classmates and instructors online.

Start Module 0 here, taking a moment to familiarize yourself with Canvas by watching the following video tutorials:

 

You will need a device with a connection to the internet/Wi-Fi to complete the Via online Module 1. It is recommended to use either a laptop or desktop to complete Module 1. Additionally, we recommend finding a quiet place or utilizing headphones as there are videos you will watch.

We know that access to reliable technology and the internet at home is an issue for some students and families. We are committed to developing individual solutions, where possible, to help you complete your Via online orientation.

Please submit a Remote Learning Support Request to share your challenges. We will evaluate and provide as much support as possible to maintain productive learning experiences.

You will receive instructions to the email you provided during Via registration and to your new SXU student email starting at the end of March and before early registration begins. You must complete the first online module before attending your Via First-Year Orientation session. All important information will be sent to your SXU student email, so it is crucial that you check your SXU email for updates daily.

If you need assistance accessing your SXU email account or other mySXU online tools, please contact The Hub.

Plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes to complete Module 1.

You will have an opportunity to learn about the student experience at SXU through various presentations. We want you to know that we're glad you chose SXU and want to show you what great things our campus community has to offer. Via online Module 1 will consist of video presentations, quizzes, documents and links introducing you to various resources and campus offices.

You will need to attend Via First-Year Orientation in person and on campus. When you register for Via First-Year Orientation, you will select the date that works best for your schedule. Plan to attend the entire time as this will provide the best opportunity for a successful experience.

Check-in is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. The program will conclude by 6 p.m. It is important to take time off of work and any other obligations to attend your Via First-Year Orientation.

We recommend having at least one parent, family member or guest with you; however, it is not required. Each session will be specifically for parents, family members or guests. We do allow up to two attendees with you.

You and your family will receive several communications on what to bring. Since most rooms can become chilly, we recommend bringing a sweater or jacket, comfortable shoes and government-issued IDs.

Accommodations can be made for students and/or guests who have special needs. Request may be made through the Via registration form or by contacting the Center for Accessibility Resources at 773-298-3308 or by email disabilityservicesFREESXU.

Residential students may want to park in a lot near their residence hall, which may include Lot 2, Lot 2A, or Lot 4.

Commuter students may wish to park in Lot 9, Lot 10 or Lot 12.

Parking is free and students are not required to register their vehicle (only if they prefer to do so).

Search for "SXU" in your Wi-Fi settings, then log in using your netID and password. If you have difficulties, please contact The Hub for assistance.

This two-day program, required for students, features sessions critical to success in your first year, fun and social gathering opportunities, and the New Student Induction on Friday. You will receive further details via email later this summer.

Yes. Cougar Trax is the final component to First-Year Orientation and is required. The majority of the program requires full participation while some activities are optional. Be sure to review the schedule entirely to understand your attendance requirement.

Even if you live off campus, you are required to attend. Commuter students do not stay on campus overnight for this program.

Plan to attend Cougar Trax from 1 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday.

Dress for Thursday is casual, but we ask you to dress nicely for Friday's New Student Induction (no jeans, gym shoes, baseball caps, etc.).

Yes! It's not a party without food.

Family members and supporters should plan to attend on Friday for the New Student Induction.

A schedule will be released in May 2023.

You will receive an email to your new SXU account from the Office of Records and Registration. The email will include information about the Math Placement Exam. Students that completed an ACT/SAT exam will NOT be required to take the Math Placement Exam; placement will be determined by your ACT/SAT scores.

Students will receive an email on July 1 for an opportunity to take the Foreign Language Placement Exam.

Students with AP/dual credit must request an official transcript from College Board (AP) or the previous institution to be sent to SXU. When meeting with an assigned SXU academic advisor, please indicate the AP/dual math courses currently in progress or completed. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at academictestingFREESXU.

We realize the move to an online experience might be a challenge for you. We know that access to reliable technology and the internet at home is an issue for some students and families. We are committed to develop individual solutions, where possible, to help you complete your Via online orientation.

Please submit a Remote Learning Support Request to share your challenges. We will evaluate and provide as much support as possible to maintain productive learning experiences.

You can also contact the Center for Accessibility Resources, located in L-108 of the Warde Academic Center, by emailing the director, Margaret Rose McDonnell, at mcdonnellFREESXU. The office works closely with students and faculty to provide services 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.

You will learn more during Via about building a fall course schedule that meets course requirements for first-year students in Module 1. You will complete Module 1 before attending your Via session. During Via, you will meet with an academic advisor, who will assist you in building your course schedule.

As soon as you schedule your classes, you should place your order for books. SXU now has an online bookstore, so students may receive their books at home or delivered to the University. The earlier you order, the more chances you have to find the best deals. For more information on books, search "bookstore" on the SXU website or contact centerforsuccessFREESXU.

Changing your major should always start with a conversation with your academic and career resource advisor in the Center for SUCCESS. They will advise you on the next steps and provide guidance to ease the transition into a new major. You will be given more information on scheduling an appointment with your advisor via Handshake, our academic and career management system.

Please email viaFREESXU. The sooner you contact us, the better we can assist you.