This article was collaboratively written by Kyle Acuna and Trey Waller.
Saint Xavier University has transitioned all classes to online learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. President of Saint Xavier University Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D. has been updating the SXU community daily through email announcements. According to Joyner’s email released on March 18, “SXU’s campus remains open to students, faculty and staff, but will be closed to the general public until further notice.”
Resident students have begun moving out while avoiding social contact. Katy Thompson, Dean of Students and Director of Residence life stated: “We have determined a move out schedule over a number of days that only permits 10 students moving out of a residence hall at any one time. Residents were given a 2-hour window to be on campus with a 15-minute buffer before the next group arrives.”
Residence Life stated that the schedule to move out is alphabetized starting March 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for last names A-G, March 20 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for H-O, and March 21 for P-Z.
During move-out, students must follow the distancing rules put forth from the CDC.
Residence Life advises, “Only one student should use the elevator at a time and we hope to have a limited number of move out crates available on campus over these three days.”
The statement continues; “Remember this is not the time to gather in community while on campus (trust us– we know you want to see your friends and roommates– but in order for us to be able to return to any normal routines, we have to be vigilant of the social distancing directive).”
Other campus events have been canceled as well due to COVID-19. Students who bought tickets to Spring Formal will be refunded. Thompson stated, “If you have received an email from the Director of Campus Life, Ali Zaharris, about your cash purchase of one or more Spring Formal tickets, remember to ask the Housing Staff during check-out for your spring formal refund.”
Other canceled events include: “Snix Snax, Resident Assemblies, and other RHA events.” As of publication the Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library remains open, but is limiting the number of individuals inside.
The disruptions caused by COVID-19 may have long-lasting effects on other areas of SXU, including enrollment. Maureen Wogan, Vice-President for Enrollment Management, Student Development and Student Success, stated: “Universities across the country may see a dip in enrollment because of Coronavirus.”
However, Wogan believes such reduction will be mild and that SXU should still be ready to care for its students.
Wogan continues, “We are currently working to engage both current and incoming students and are planning to welcome them to SXU in the coming semester.” When asked if she saw a decrease in credit hours being taken amongst students Wogan said, “All classes are being delivered remotely at this time, so students can take the number of hours they need to make progress toward their degree.”
Due to the widespread nature of COVID-19, SXU is in touch with numerous other universities and organizations. In her March 18 email announcement, Joyner announced: “The Office of Financial Aid is receiving federal guidance on navigating student aid and student worker funds during this evolving situation.”
Wogan added that SXU is also in contact with: “The U.S. Department of Education, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Veterans Affairs, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.”
According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19, or the Coronavirus is in 118 nations.