SXU Holds New Spring Orientation
For the first time, Saint Xavier University (SXU) held its new spring student orientation, ROAR. ROAR, which directly represents key components of what students can expect at the event, stands for Registration, Orientation and Academic Readiness. Each component plays a critical role in supporting students as they transition to SXU.
Registration ensures students are enrolled in their courses and on track academically; orientation introduces students to campus resources, services and opportunities to build connection; and academic readiness prepares students for success by providing tools and information about academic support services.
"ROAR is all about helping students acclimate to the University, build a sense of belonging, and feel confident as they start their SXU journeys," said Josh Bogaski-Baugh, executive director of Advising and Career Readiness.
While orientation is traditionally held in the fall, SXU wanted to ensure equity and equal footing for new students starting in the spring. The orientation provides the same opportunities to connect with the University, access important resources, and build relationships with peers and staff before classes begin.
"The addition addresses a gap that existed in the spring semester and helps incoming students to feel prepared, supported and excited to join the SXU community," added Bogaski-Baugh.
During orientation, students participated in activities designed to foster a sense of belonging, embrace their identities, and celebrate diversity. Through sessions led by student support departments, students gained valuable insights into academic resources, campus involvement opportunities and career development strategies to support their success.
"The ROAR session was led by three Cougar peer mentors, Elizabeth George, Faviola Alvarez and Kalli Demopoulos. They led various sessions and guided students and their families throughout the day. They were able to reference their SXU experiences and share that with our future Cougars. The CPMs brought an incredible energy to each orientation session, ensuring that the day was fun and impactful to students. They were amazing representatives of SXU and made our future students feel welcomed onto campus!" said Tatiana Alaraj, director of the Student Advising Center.
"ROAR was a great success! Our peer mentors did an amazing job leading sessions and guiding both students and parents throughout the day. Their professionalism, enthusiasm, and support created a welcoming atmosphere that helped everyone feel prepared and confident for the upcoming school year," added Jackie Naranjo, assistant director of the Student Advising Center.
Transfer students were able to attend specialized sessions tailored to their unique needs, including detailed information about transfer student services. All students connected with their peer mentors, learned about programs and organizations, explored campus through guided tours, and visited various departments to familiarize themselves with available resources. Parents also attended sessions hosted by the Office of Financial Aid and other campus partners, including sessions focused on fostering student wellness and equipping families with tools to support their students' success.
As ROAR continues, the University continuously looks for ways to enhance the program, aiming to streamline the experience and ensure students gain the maximum benefit. Part of that includes planning to enhance the Transitions course, which the University envisions as an extended orientation focusing intentionally on college success and fostering a sense of belonging.