From the summer before your first semester through the end of your first academic year, all first-year students will participate in a number of programs designed to welcome, acclimate, engage and support new students. These programs include: Via, Cougar Trax, Welcome Week and Transitions.
ROAR
ROAR (Registration, Orientation, and Academic Readiness) is Saint Xavier University's one-day orientation program that welcomes new first year and transfer students into the SXU community. During ROAR, students learn about academic expectations, campus resources, and key support services while also building connections with faculty, staff, and students. First year students register for their classes during ROAR with the support of Academic Advisors, while transfer students complete registration prior to attending their Transfer ROAR session. Overall, ROAR ensures all new students feel informed, supported, and ready for a strong start at SXU. For more information, please review the ROAR website or email roar@sxu.edu.
Cougar Trax
Cougar Trax is a mandatory, two-day program designed to welcome all new first-year students to the academic community and to allow them to experience a unique SXU tradition. This program includes a New Student Induction, meetings for students and more and is held on the Thursday and Friday before the fall semester begins. Welcome Week events will begin at the end of Cougar Trax and continue throughout the weekend and first week of classes.
Welcome Week
The first week of the fall semester is known as Welcome Week. This annual tradition is designed to welcome all students -- new and returning -- to the new semester. The week includes a series of social, recreational, cultural and artistic programs held on campus, in the residence halls and in the Chicagoland area.
Transitions
To continue the transition into college, first-year students are enrolled in Transitions, a one-credit, semester-long course that aims to aid students in adapting to university life from a variety of perspectives. The curriculum includes an introduction to the Saint Xavier University community; development of an appreciation for the broader culture of a university education; and diversity, wellness and success strategies.
New student programs are coordinated across the University through staff in the Dean of Students Office, Campus Life, the Transfer Student Services Center and the College of Liberal Arts and Education. Please contact the Dean of Students Office at 773-298-3123 with questions.