During 2019, Saint Xavier University students experienced drastic as well as subtle changes to the school’s environment.
First, Regina Hall’s existence came to an end after the decision to demolish the residence building. SXU’s Gilhooleys was turned into a banquet hall. While these changes are obvious, what is the least obvious are the internal administrative changes of SXU.
SXU made the decision to revamp Student Affairs, and the section is now titled “Student Life”. However, the change goes beyond the title; much of what was Student Affairs is now divided into separate sections: Student Development, Enrollment Management, and Student Life.
Upon hearing the changes, we hope that plenty of students can benefit from these changes, as these new sections have focused their objectives and introduced more opportunities.
For instance, the debut of the transfer section is extremely beneficial for our transfer students. Often times, transfer students feel left behind without the grand introductory experience that first-year students receive. Without the additional transitional support, transfer students find that they aren’t as considered or informed as their counterparts who’ve been a SXU student since the start.
With the incorporation of an advisory board, honors society, and transfer student’s appreciation week, they can now feel a warmer welcome within SXU.
Another major shift to consider is the inclusion of Career Services to Student Life. After graduation, many alumni find it difficult to start a career in a field that matches their dream job.Having them be knit closer together could increase the opportunities that students receive during their time at SXU, which is essential to beginning their careers subsequent to graduation.
Student Life, based off what it offers, appears to be what students really need.
As long as the focus is on their wellbeing, their success, and on improving their experience.
SXU students, whether they are residents, commuters, first-year, or transfers, all deserve an environment where they can feel safe, supported, and encouraged. With additional support, these students can truly prosper and perform their very best.
In correlation to the students’ safety, another major change that has occurred is the new student IDs. Before when the on- campus residents needed to get into their building they dorm in, they would have to swipe to get in.
While the swipe access worked fine, it was difficult to swipe into the building when the students hands were full. The cold weather often made it harder to retrieve IDs with bulky gloves to gain access.
The new student IDs are touch access now, meaning all students have to do is tap the card to the sensor and the door will unlock. This goes for all residence halls, Graham School of Management, the Warde Academic Center, and many other on-campus buildings.
This simple change could even prevent students from losing their IDs as often; being late to class becomes less of a possibility.
The new changes at SXU bring a new and improved on-campus experience. Whether the student is a commuter or on- campus resident, these new changes affect everyone.
Along with these changes comes a new, convenient way for students to approach their everyday school life.
The habits learned in college seep into the careers of the students. Change brings in new ways of thinking and learning that can help everyone flourish in their academic life that goes well beyond college.
Moving forward, we hope that these newly implemented administrative changes can fulfill their objectives and overall improve the lives of students and alumni.