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. Via is a mandatory one-day orientation for incoming first-year students. 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.

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:

• 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.

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 4 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. The Via for Families program and student Via sessions primarily run separately, with some opportunities and information sessions together. Students are allowed to bring up to two attendees with them.

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 Office of 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 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 Office of 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 about SXU's student planning platform in the weeks leading up to 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 call or email the Office of Admission at (844) 468-6798 or admissionFREESXU. The sooner you contact us, the better we can assist you.

Once you have registered for Via, you will be contacted regarding Math Placement.

We believe that accurate placement of students into courses appropriate for their skill levels is important for academic success at SXU. The results of the Math Placement Exam are for placement purposes only and will not impact your admission to Saint Xavier University.

Once a student has registered for Via, they will receive an email notification from our Records Office stating if they are required or not required to take the Math Placement exam. This requirement is based off of high school GPA, intended major and other factors. Students required to take the math placement exam should complete the test at least two weeks prior to their Via session (see exam details in Records Office email.) Students that are not required to take the math placement exam have no further steps.

For questions, please contact the Office of Records and Registration at 773-298-3501 or academictestingFREESXU.

Students who are interested in taking Spanish courses or pursuing a Spanish major or minor at Saint Xavier University need to take a Foreign Language Placement Exam. (Students who are bilingual in Spanish are encouraged to take the exam and explore the possibility of receiving college credit for their Spanish language skills.) We also offer an Arabic exam for those interested in taking Arabic courses. All exams are available remotely. Please visit the Avant Language testing site using the appropriate test code and password below:

Spanish Placement Exam:

• Test Code: 16573b-pl-sp-1
• Password: 3896

Arabic Placement Exam:

• Test Code: 16573b-pl-ar-2
• Password: 3574

Please note: It is very important that you complete the Foreign Language Placement with the utmost academic integrity. Do not reference or use old textbooks or the internet in search of answers. Do not receive assistance from teachers, friends, family, etc. It is important that you complete the test on your own, without assistance. Engaging in academically dishonest behavior (a.k.a. cheating) could potentially place you into a course for which you are unprepared. Placement in a course for which a student is unprepared has resulted in a student receiving a failing grade for the course, delayed graduation as additional semesters may be needed to step-back and take a prerequisite course and or to repeat the failed course, additional costs/tuition dollars due to the repeated course(s), etc. We want you to be in a course in which you can continue to build a solid language foundation and succeed!

You will be given 48 hours to complete the exam. After this time the code will expire. Please allow 48 hours after your exam to receive your results. Foreign Language placement will be updated on your student record in Academic Planning notes once scores are received.

For questions, please contact the Office of Records and Registration at 773-298-3501 or academictestingFREESXU.

We celebrate the diversity of our students and the language skills that many have attained! Students who have prior knowledge of Spanish, whether acquired at home (heritage/bilingual speakers) or through previous studies, may benefit from taking a Foreign Language Placement Exam. Students who place higher than the Elementary I level can pursue retroactive credit for their Spanish speaking skills and associated placement. To take the Spanish Placement Exam, please see the instructions above.

*Note: Students can also earn foreign language credit through Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams, as well as proficiency demonstrated through the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy.

For questions, please contact the Office of Records and Registration at 773-298-3501 or academictestingFREESXU.