President Keith Elder Ph.D. pictured with raffle winner during Town Hall Meeting The Xavierite
SXU also highlighted a recent career networking event hosted by the Hispanic Heritage Committee where seven students left the event with interviews.
Students brought up the idea of opportunities beyond campus, including conferences and graduate education. Elder discussed considering requests for funding to help students attend national conferences and professional development events.
Elder explained that students should share their plans in advance so SXU can consider the expenses when preparing its budget.
“We want you all to go to conferences, just let us know how we can be of help and assistance,” Elder said.
Dean confirmed that SXU is discussing the possibility of additional graduate and doctoral programs, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and education doctorate.
She explained that administrators are scheduled to meet to discuss the curriculum, faculty needs and possible development timelines. Other potential graduate programs are still under consideration.
Tuition costs and scholarship availability were another concern raised by students. Elder acknowledged that the university needs to do a better job informing students about any available scholarships.
Students sometimes may not be aware of some of the endowed scholarships. “We’ll do a better job of actually promoting those, making certain students aware,” Elder said.
Elder explained that SXU is considering funding an approach that prioritizes scholarships and endowments designated for particular groups for students before using any other financial aid resources.
Khaden Doss, student, shared similar concerns in an interview. He explained that the cost of attending SXU can create pressure for students and their families.
Doss explained how his father is retired and his mother continues to work hard to support their family. Due to his situation, Doss is applying for as many scholarships as possible to help cover the cost of his education.
“I’m trying to get as many scholarships as I can so I can at least be able to help out my mother in terms of continuing my journey here,” Doss said.
When asked about potential tuition increases, Doss shared, “Honestly, I don’t think they should be raising anything.”
During the meeting, Elder explained that SXU recognizes the importance of providing students with the resources they need to be successful and recognized how many students come from Pell Grant eligible and first generation backgrounds.
He explained how SXU wants to prepare students for the job market while also creating opportunities for them after graduation.
“We want to make sure we put most of our resources toward your success,” Elder said.
Students also asked administrators about campus resources and the overall student experience.
One student requested that Gilhooley’s remain open later in the evening. Katy Thompson, Vice President of Student Life, said the space’s hours have already been extended compared to its initial opening schedule. Currently, they are tracking attendance and student feedback to determine whether additional hours would be practical or not.
“We are looking to see if there’s good foot traffic to keep us extended an hour or two at night,” Thompson explained.
Commuter students raised concerns about limited parking space, particularly on Mondays.
Thompson explained that course scheduling contributes to congestion because many classes take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. SXU will continue examining scheduling and potential hybrid or online course options to help ease congestion.
Students also expressed concerns regarding lighting in parking lots and around campus buildings at night.
Thompson said the Student Government Association (SGA) will be doing their campus lighting walkthrough, and Public Safety will be asked to identify areas where exterior lights are not working properly. That information would then be shared with Facilities for a follow up.
Residence hall conditions were also discussed. Doss raised concerns about fights and smoking that had repeatedly triggered the fire alarms in Pacelli Hall.
Doss explained that students need to be more aware of how their behavior can affect others.
“Some don’t really know how to respect other people’s boundaries. Students need to be more aware,” said Doss.
Dean expressed how SXU is aware of the unprofessional behavior in Pacelli Hall. She brought up the way their system is formed to punish those behaviors with students being put on probation or receive warnings.
SXU has been intervening with unprofessional behaviors such as the ones that Doss brought up as a concern, along with addressing that student RA’s within the residence halls have been helping as well to de-escalate situations.
Dean mentioned the importance of students living in the residence halls to continue reporting any inappropriate behaviors as soon as possible to mitigate them.
Another student, Nayeli Franqui, member of the Student Activities Board (SAB) and Residence Hall Association (RHA), proposed the idea of giving student leaders earlier access to their class schedules. She explained that it can be hard for student leaders to balance their classes, jobs, meetings and organizational opportunities.
She argued that earlier access would help students from SAB plan ahead, manage their time and reduce some stress.
Elder was very open to her concerns and encouraged students to bring the proposal to SGA for further discussion.
SXU continues to want to improve more and more in order to best accommodate their community. With the town hall meeting, there is hope that these concerns and problems of students will be addressed.
For more information pertaining to SGA, contact sga@mymail.sxu.edu.
For more information regarding SAB, contact sab@mymail.sxu.edu.
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