SXU to Host Cougar Trax for Incoming First-Year Students
Saint Xavier University (SXU) will host Cougar Trax, its annual two-day kickoff to students' academic careers, on Thursday, August 17, and Friday, August 18.
On Thursday, first-year students will be welcomed to Saint Xavier with New Student Induction, a ceremony that symbolizes their membership in the SXU community. The University president will lead the campus pledge along with faculty and staff who will commit to supporting students along their journeys. Students will walk through SXU's historic 49th Street Gateway Arch, symbolic of both the institution's longstanding history and its future success.
After students say farewell to their families, they'll have a series of educational and breakout sessions and attend the Community and Registered Student Organization (RSO) fair, where they will learn how to get involved in the over 40 active RSOs at SXU. They'll also meet peers and learn about their Transitions course, which provides support and knowledge to new students, assisting them with their passage from high school to college.
On Friday, all incoming students will participate in a first-year service project from 9 a.m. to noon, where they will learn about the importance of the work they’re doing, connecting to SXU’s Mercy mission. Students will have opportunities to work on both on- and off-site projects tending to nature, survivors of domestic abuse, seniors, those in need of food and basic necessities, and more.
Throughout the day, students will learn about the "Mercy Way of Service" and will later participate in First-Year Fest, classroom tours, a belonging meet-and-greet, and the Residence Hall Association (RHA) annual block party. The weekend will wrap up with Mass on the Grass on Sunday at 7 p.m. outside McDonough Chapel.
To view the full Cougar Trax schedule, visit the SXU website.