Student Leadership and Service
Inspired by Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Xavier University students participate in leadership and service activities to strengthen their communities while cultivating meaningful co-curricular experiences that elicit the development of life-long skills valued by employers.
If you are interested in learning more about student leadership and service opportunities at Saint Xavier University, please contact Josh Bogaski-Baugh, executive director of Student Success, at bogaskibaughFREESXU.
Leadership
Cougars LEAD
The Cougars LEAD Leadership Certificate is an optional co-curricular program that helps students develop as leaders and stand
out after graduation at no additional cost to their current education.
Scarlet and Gray awards
The annual Scarlet and Gray Awards Ceremony honors outstanding student leaders, organizations, and achievements in service and
extracurricular involvement.
X-Factor
X-Factor Student Leaders are hired each spring through the student leadership search process. Highly talented
students are recruited as orientation leaders, resident assistants, peer ministers
and more!
Synergy Leadership
The Synergy Leadership Summit is an annual student-led leadership conference that includes educational sessions, student-led panels, engaging activities, and service projects aimed at helping students understand various aspects of leadership and become diverse, inclusive, and innovative leaders.
safe zone program
The Safe Zone program promotes an inclusive, welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ persons by educating allies on implicit bias, stereotypes, terminology related to sex, gender, sexual orientation, relationships, gender identity expression, as well as privilege and the limitations of oppression.
Student Employment
Student employment roles help students meet the financial needs of pursuing their
education while gaining pre-professional experience.
Schmitt Scholars
The Schmitt Scholars Program promotes the development of promising student leaders, helping prepare them to make a broader impact on the world after graduation.
Learn moreSXU Experience
Students can serve as a peer SUCCESS mentor, helping to ease the transition from high school to college and fostering peer-to-peer connections.
Learn moreSummer Leadership Institute
The Summer Leadership Institute takes place over the summer and gives students the opportunity to participate in engaging workshops to enhance leadership identity and further develop character and competence for career success. Students that participate in the institute will be able to complete their Cougars LEAD Leadership Certificate at an accelerated pace as well as receive additional certifications such as Safe Zone Ally Training and a certificate of completion signed by the University President.
Service
service opportunities powered by GivePulse
Use the Service tool in the Den, powered by GivePulse, to identify a variety of service opportunities
in the community!
spring break service trips
Spring Break Service Trips let students step outside of their comfort zones and see the country from a different perspective. Accompanied by staff chaperones, groups travel to various sites across the U.S. to spend a week living simply in community, providing daily service to those in need, and reflecting on the causes of poverty and the deeper meaning of Christian service.
Mercy volunteer corps
Mercy Volunteer Corps: Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Volunteer Corps (MVC) promotes social change by placing and supporting volunteers for one year of service with economically poor and marginalized people. Mercy Volunteers live a simple lifestyle in a community while practicing compassionate service and spirituality.
Service Week
Faculty, staff and students participate in service initiatives during Service Week which is tied closely to the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, with opportunities to provide support at the University and external organizations. This event takes place during the same week as We Are SXU Day.
Learn MoreBelize trip
The International Mercy Service Trip to Belize, Central America, lets students experience a new culture while building a home for a needy family.
Learn moreService Club
The Service Club promotes service in the community and encourages planning and participating in service projects.
Learn moreCougar Service Scholars
The Cougar Service Scholars provide acts of service and charity throughout the Chicagoland area.
Learn moreAmerican Red Cross Club
Guided by the fundamental principles of the American Red Cross, the ARC Club will learn, practice, and exemplify humanitarian values through mission-related service projects.
Learn more