First-Year Experience

The foundation of your Xavier journey

At Xavier, we believe that the first year of college is a transformative time filled with endless opportunities for growth, discovery and connection. The Core Curriculum will guide you as you culminate your own personal growth, community and belonging, and diverse and new understandings.

Discover more Connections from the Core
Xavier’s Core Curriculum complements our major programs with not only expertise, but deeper understanding. Students uncover meaningful connections between their studies and personal values.

Feel a sense of belonging in the Xavier Community
As a shared academic experience, the Core builds a sense of community, encouraging students to form lasting relationships through discussion, reflection, and navigating diverse perspectives.

You are more Capable than you ever thought
The Core also equips students with flexible skills, creative problem-solving, and the capability to discern their unique vocation, empowering them to lead purposeful, impactful lives in their careers and beyond.

View more on Xavier's 3 Cs Core Curriculum

Students writing on a white-board and smiling

Key competencies of the Core Curriculum

Ethical and Moral Reasoning: Think critically about ethical issues and make decisions grounded in values.
Cultural and Global Awareness: Cultivate an understanding of diverse cultures and global issues.
Quantitative Literacy: Build a foundation in scientific reasoning, data analysis, and quantitative methods.
Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility: Foster a commitment to social justice and the common good.

Two students looking at a poster detailing one of the First-Year-Seminar courses

Skills valued by employers

Xavier's Core Curriculum prepares students for teamwork and leadership in diverse workplaces while nurturing creativity and adaptability for solving real-world problems. As a result, graduates demonstrate reflective judgment, initiative, and the confidence to lead, making them valuable contributors in any organization.

View student outcomes

Three students presenting a paper to their class

Components of the Core Curriculum

Our core curriculum is designed to provide you with the tools, resources and support you need to navigate this exciting chapter of your journey.

First-year Seminar Courses
GOA: First-year Journey Program
Ethics, Religion and Society
Liberals Arts Perspectives
Rhetorical and Quantitative Reasoning
Cultural Understanding

Manresa Student Orientation

Manresa \man-ree-sa\ (n) 1: Town in Spain where St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, reflected on his life. 2: Xavier's first-year orientation program, designed to introduce students to campus and each other before classes start.

Manresa is a chance to connect with classmates, upper-class student leaders, and the campus community. Students experience the program in a small group, which gives them the opportunity to create connections that may last for years to come.

Manresa Orientation Details