December 2024
Hello, Xavier Families!
It's the last week of classes which means students may be starting to feel stressed and tired. Don't forget to check in and send some encouraging messages over this next week. As you prepare for the end of the semester together, this newsletter is packed with a ton of great information and reminders.
I wish all your students well on their final exams and assignments, and I hope you all enjoy your time together over Winter Break.
Go X!
Abbie Hopperton
Director of Parent and Family Engagement
families@xavier.edu
May 2025 Commencement Information
Will your student be participating in the 2025 Commencement ceremony? To help get you all ready for the big day, here are a few reminders:
- Apply For Graduation: The deadline for students to apply for graduation is Friday, January 24, 2025. Applications submitted after the deadline incur a $50 late fee. An application must be submitted in order to award a degree, whether or not students plan to participate in the ceremony.
- Save the Date
- Grad Fair (for students only): Grad Fair is Tuesday, February 25, 2025 in the Cintas Center. Grad Fair is open to all undergraduate or graduate students graduating in May 2025, or who graduated in August or December 2024. It’s the place to pick-up or order your cap and gown, shop for alumni and graduation merchandise, take part in filming the Commencement video and more.
- Commencement: Our ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the Cintas Center. The undergraduate ceremony starts at 9 am, and typically lasts about three hours. Tickets are required (more details coming soon). Students who graduated in August 2024 and December 2024 are invited to participate in the May ceremonies. There are no additional ceremonies in August or December.
- Ordering Regalia: To pick up regalia (cap and gown) at Grad Fair, students need to place an order by Thursday, February 20, 2025. If you plan on getting regalia at a later date, place your order no later than Friday, May 2, 2025 to guarantee that your regalia will be in hand by Commencement.
Be sure to check the commencement website for additional information. If you have questions, please contact our Commencement Team at commencement@xavier.edu.
Late Night Breakfast
Late Night Breakfast is on Monday, December, 9 at 9 p.m. in Hoff Dining Commons. The event does not require a meal swipe and all students are welcome to attend this signature Xavier event! Late Night Breakfast is made possible by Xavier Eats, Auxiliary Services and Student Government Association.
Day One Textbook Return
Textbooks must be returned to the Day One Book Depot by the conclusion of finals week. Instructions for returning textbooks have been emailed to students and reminders will be sent as the deadline approaches. Please encourage your student to contact the Book Depot with any questions at 513-745-3311, option 3.
Spring Meal Plans Are Now Available
Spring Voluntary Meal Plans are now available for purchase through Housing Self-Service. Students with Fall Voluntary Meal Plans will automatically be re-enrolled in their existing plan. Remaining Dining Dollars roll over from Fall to Spring. Meal Swipes do not roll over.Any changes to Spring Voluntary Meal Plans must be made by the first Friday of the Spring Semester (January 17). The Caf will open for its first Spring meal on Sunday, January 12 (for dinner). Please contact Auxiliary Services with questions at 513-745-4281.
A Message from the Office of Residence Life
Winter Break Reminders- Residential areas close for Winter Break at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 13. Students are expected to depart campus 24 hours after their last final or by the closing date. The winter break housing request, for students needing to request to stay past the closing date, is open on a student’s Housing Self-Service.
- RAs have been hosting floor meetings regarding closing. Check with your student to see if they have already attended a meeting or their plans for attending a future closing meeting.
- Students who do not plan to return to Xavier for spring semester, due to graduating, withdrawing or studying abroad, should plan to submit the Not Returning to Housing form on their Housing Self-Service.
For more information, please visit: xavier.edu/residence-life/ra-selection/
A Message from the Career Development Office
Spring Career Fair – Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Get ready to network with top employers at our Spring Career Fair on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Cintas Center. This is the perfect chance for your student to connect with recruiters, learn about exciting job/internship opportunities and gain valuable career advice.
Here are a few tips to help them make the most of these opportunities:
- Encourage your student to schedule a resume review with their Career Coach and attend Career Fair Prep sessions.
- Assist them in selecting professional attire that is appropriate for the Career Fair.
- Help them practice their interview skills to build confidence.
By taking these steps, you can help your student feel prepared and confident as they navigate the exciting world of career opportunities. More information about the Spring Career Fair can be found online.
Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky Education Career Fair - April 8, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky Education Career Fair is the chance for your student to connect with top school districts and healthcare organizations across the region. This collaborative event, hosted by Xavier University and other local universities, will take place April 8, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Whether your student is a future teacher, counselor, social worker, nurse, occupational therapist, coach or psychologist, this career fair offers a wealth of opportunities. Network with recruiters, learn about job openings and gain valuable insights into the field.
To make the most of this event, you can help them prepare by encouraging them to meet with their Career Coach, research employers, polish their resume and dress professionally. Remind them to attend the morning networking event to connect with other professionals and potential employers. More information about the event can be found online.
A Winter Break Parking Advisory for Resident Students
Please take note of important parking arrangements for Winter Break (December 14 – January 11) due to multiple game days on campus. To ensure smooth operations and adequate parking for game day visitors, resident students leaving their vehicles on campus over Winter Break must move their vehicle to the R2 Lot on or before December 13:- This measure is essential to:
- Accommodate game day parking needs.
- Ensure vehicles are in a centralized, secure location while you are away.
- Vehicles must remain in the R2 Lot during winter break and can be moved back to other R-Lots just before classes resume on January 13.
Plan Your Summer Abroad over Winter Break
Study abroad programs are currently accepting applications for Summer 2025. We have 16 faculty-led opportunities where students earn Xavier credit through a program offered by our faculty. Courses vary from core curriculum credit (e.g. ENGL 205, perspectives and flags), as well as major offerings in business, education, sciences, sport management, English and Spanish. Additional opportunities are available through our approved program options, which include expanded program locations and full-time internship and research opportunities. All summer applications are due February 1, 2025.
Fall 2024 Final Exam Schedule
As a reminder, final exams take place from December 9 to 13. Each student’s exam schedule is dependent upon their current class schedule. More information about the final exam schedule can be found online or in your student's course syllabi.2025-2026 FAFSA Form is Now Open
Any student who wants to be considered for federal and state aid should file the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). The results of the application will be used to determine student eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study funds and loans. File the 2025-2026 FAFSA form at fafsa.gov to apply for federal and state aid for Summer 2025, Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.Student Employment Information
Students who are interested in applying for Xavier student employee positions should be aware that openings are posted year round in Handshake. However, the bulk of 2025 Spring, Summer and/or Fall position openings will be posted starting now and continuing through mid-April. It is suggested that students check Handshake at least once a week for any new postings.
When a student is hired, they must complete onboarding (if they haven’t already worked in a Xavier position) which includes bringing to campus with them acceptable original documents for their I-9 Verification appointment. Documents must be original, no copies allowed. Most students bring either a passport OR a combination of a driver’s license AND a social security card. The newly hired student can’t start training or work in their position until they’ve completed this process.
Reach out to student employment at claryv@xavier.edu with any questions.
Winter Week of Welcome
- December 6 – Last Day of Full-Term Classes
- December 9-13 – Final Examinations
- December 13 – Last Day of Fall Semester (Official Fall 2024 Graduation Date)
- December 17 – Final Grades Due
- January 13 – Spring Semester 2025 Classes Begin
First Look: Xavier unveils renderings for new medical school
Xavier University released official renderings of its proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine on Wednesday, two days before it ceremonially breaks ground on the 130,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.
Take a deep dive into Xavier's NEW Residential Curriculum with Anderson Reeves
Learn more about our new Residential Curriculum, MAGIS, with Anderson Reeves from our Office of Residence Life. Through this program, residents will develop self-awareness, appreciate diverse perspectives, and foster a sense of belonging for themselves and others.