The University offers many services, resources, and programs that enhance student life experiences under the administrative umbrella of the Division of Student Services. Directed by the Vice President for Student Services, Student Services departments and programs provide students opportunities to learn and develop through out-of-class experiences. Co-curricular programs coordinated by the departments serve to complement the academic mission and enrich the overall educational experience of students through the interweaving of students’ academic, interpersonal, and developmental experiences. Students engaging in these programs, activities and services explore opportunities for leadership, community service, social, diversity and inclusion experiences while having fun and acquiring skills in preparation to lead purposeful lives.
Student Handbook
The Xavier University Student Handbook provides general information that facilitates adjustment to college life. All students are required to become familiar and comply with the guidelines, policies, and regulations contained in the Student Handbook. The Handbook also outlines student rights and university standards for behavior. The XU Student Handbook is available online at http://www.xula.edu/student-handbook/.
Activities and Student Organizations
Greek Life - The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is the advisory and governing body of Xavier University’s eight (8) social Greek fraternities and sororities. The NPHC provides a forum to exchange ideas, coordinate matters of common interest, plan cooperative service and academic programs, and formulate membership intake rules, policies, and plans. Individual member organizations offer leadership, service, cultural and personal development opportunities. More information may be obtained from the NPHC Advisor whose office is in the University Center, Room 305B.
Leadership Opportunities - Students prepare for leadership roles and responsibilities through the use of multiple tools, tips and programs. One primary source of leadership development is XU LEADS (Leadership Education and Development Skills). This program engages emergent and advanced leaders and introduces basic and advanced leadership skills through teaching effective and ethical leadership practice. Students discover their approach to working with others and leading their peers, while understanding their personal values and opportunities to further develop as leaders.
Service Opportunities - Mobilization At Xavier (M.A.X.) is the campus student umbrella organization that coordinates community service activities on and off campus. M.A.X. offers a variety of exciting and fun, but meaningful service opportunities to fit students’ time and talents as they become active in the community and promote social awareness and civic engagement.
Student Government - The Student Government Association (SGA) is the official representative of students in University policy-making and administration. This organization establishes an accountable self-government and provides the opportunity for each student to participate in the responsible, individual and collective action as a member of the campus community. Its purpose is to plan, promote, and make recommendations for the interests and welfare of the student body as well as the University. It is charged with providing a forum for the expression of ideas and concerns as well as enacting legislation which regulates and funds student organization programs, other activities and services and the general conduct of student life. (http://www.xula.edu/sga/)
Xavier Activities Board - The Xavier Activities Board (XAB) serves as the official planning body for major student activities. This student-run group provides diverse programming that appeals to the entire student body and aids in the development of the well-rounded student. Membership in XAB includes an Executive Board, Program Chairs, and representatives from the student body. XAB holds weekly meetings and all students are encouraged to attend and provide fresh ideas on educational, social, cultural and entertainment programs. XAB operates under the Campus Activities office and is advised by the Director of Campus Activities.
Student Involvement
Athletics and Recreational Sports
The balanced Athletic and Recreational sports program offers an important educational experience, an array of programs and services, and provides excellent training for students in all departments of the university.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Xavier Intercollegiate Athletics is a member of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). Xavier has an outstanding athletics program with varsity teams in basketball, tennis, cross country and track and field for men and women, and volleyball for women. The team mascots are Gold Rush for the men’s teams and Gold Nuggets for the women’s teams.
Campus Recreational Sports
Campus Recreational Sports offers intramural and club sports, informal recreation and fitness programs and is housed in the Fitness Center. The Fitness Center provides an indoor running track, exercise and dance rooms, weight equipment and a variety of treadmills, elliptical machines, spinner and upright bikes, and much more. Group exercise and dance classes are offered each semester. These activities vary in skill level to attract and involve students with differing interests and abilities
Campus Activities
The Office of Campus Activities provides a host of programs and activities that encourage the personal development of students and enhances their educational experience. Social, cultural and entertainment programs as well as diversity and inclusion events are designed to increase involvement, foster discussion and ensure students are more engaged in campus life and their overall education. This unit also oversees guidelines and procedures for University-recognized student clubs and organizations and offers programs for student organization leaders and members to develop valuable leadership and life skills through activities such as retreats, conferences and workshops.
Campus Ministry
Xavier University is a Roman Catholic institution. The Office of Campus Ministry (OCM) offers religious programs and activities for the entire University community and all religious affiliations. Opportunities are provided for students, faculty and staff to meet with the OCM staff to plan and prepare spiritual activities. These activities fall into several areas which include: spirituality, fellowship, community, and social justice outreach. Campus Ministry programs and staff members strive to foster spiritual development, provide religious education and continuing faith formation for the University Community. The Campus Ministry staff supports and fosters the development of emergent leaders shaped by religious and moral values for leadership and service of others. More information about Campus Ministry can be found on its website: (http://www.xula.edu/campus-ministry/).
Center for Student Leadership and Service
The Center for Student Leadership and Service (CSLS) houses Leadership Development Programs, Service-Learning, Transition Programs, and Volunteer Services. The Center for Student Leadership and Service is designed to contribute to the University’s Mission by implementing programs that promote, empower, and motivate students to become socially conscious and civically engaged in a complex global community through leadership training and service opportunities.
Leadership Development Programs prepare students for leadership roles and responsibilities through the use of multiple techniques. The XU LEADS (Leadership Education and Development Skills) program, comprised of emergent and advanced leaders, introduces basic leadership skills through teaching effective and ethical leadership practice. Students discover their approach to working with others and leading their peers, while understanding their personal values and growth process.
Xavier University’s Offices of Academic Affairs and Student Services collaborate in the planning and implementation of Service-Learning. Service-Learning is a teaching pedagogy that enriches classroom instruction through experiential learning in the community and reflection. Service-Learning is designed to aid students in developing critical thinking and practical skills, civic responsibility and self-esteem. The CSLS coordinates the logistical aspects of service-learning as well as provides student support for service-learning students.
Transition Programs offer first year students an opportunity to become more acclimated into the Xavier community and experience through co-curricular programs. Transition programs are reserved for new first-time Xavierites and assist in exposing them to the academic, cultural, and social climate of Xavier University of Louisiana.
Volunteer Services is the centralized office to guide, support, and encourage community involvement. It advises the on-campus student organization Mobilization At Xavier, MAX, and is responsible for ensuring diverse community service experiences for all students through Days of Service and One-Time Service Opportunities. Through service our students become change agents within their communities contributing to its sustainability and rebuilding.
Services and Resources
Counseling and Wellness
All students may obtain personal, behavioral, professional, individual, and group counseling through the Counseling and Wellness Center. Counseling is free and confidential to the full extent allowed by law. Students are assisted by counselors in exploring feelings, attitudes, motivation, academic abilities, study habits, time management, test taking, and coping skills, as well as many other areas of need.
The Counseling and Wellness Center Staff includes professionally-trained certified/licensed professional counselors, and a licensed clinical psychologist. Referral services are available when needed. Emphasis is placed on aiding students and on maintaining a confidential counseling relationship.
Xavier’s Wellness Programs for students, staff and faculty are coordinated through this office. The Wellness Programs encourage students to be the best that they can be in every area of their lives - physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, spiritually intellectually, academically and occupationally. Wellness programs include Annual Recovery Celebration (fall), Wellness Awareness Activities (fall), a Behavioral Health Awareness day (spring), Wellness Awareness Day (spring), a weight reduction program (The Biggest Losers Contest) and Denim Day Activities (spring). Dating violence and sexual assault prevention and awareness programming is coordinated by this office. In conjunction with Student Health Services, the Counseling and Wellness Center provides a cessation program for smokers. Many wellness reading materials are available, which include information on various topics, including: substance abuse, sexual assault and dating violence, depression, nutrition, stress management, smoking, self-esteem issues, general mental health, conflict management and assertiveness training. The Counseling and Wellness Center also sponsors Wellness Peer Counselors, a student organization which helps other students, staff and faculty learn how to live a wellness lifestyle through programming and campus activities.
More information about the services of the Counseling and Wellness Center can be obtained on the website: http://www.xula.edu/counseling/index.html.
Disability Services
Academically qualified students who have disabilities are encouraged to attend Xavier University of Louisiana. Students requiring special assistance or consideration in order to meet program or degree requirements should apply for reasonable accommodations with the Office of Disability Services once they have been admitted to the university.
The Office of Disability Services provides a variety of services for students with a disability (temporary or permanent). The Office staff provides support and assistance to students with medical, physical, emotional, and/or learning disabilities. Among the services available are those related to accessibility of campus facilities, individual counseling, coordination of reasonable classroom accommodations, and referral to testing services, and governmental and community agencies.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services immediately to make the necessary arrangements. Write to Xavier University of Louisiana Counseling and Wellness Center; Attn: Disability Services; One Drexel Drive, Box D; New Orleans, LA 70125; (504) 520-7315.
Health Services
The mission of Student Health Services is to provide the most efficient and effective medical care on behalf of Xavier students with the emphasis placed on mitigating illness. The goal of Student Health Services is to assist students in the development of good physical and mental health and provide educational information related to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The following immunizations are required for all students entering the University:
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): (2 doses) of live vaccine at least 28 days apart, 1ST MMR dose must be given on or after the first birthday. Not required if born prior to 1957.
- Tetanus-diphtheria-Pertussis (TD, T-dap): One (1) dose of vaccine given within the past ten (10) years.
- Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine (Quadrivalent vaccine A, C, Y, W-135): One (1) dose required at 16 years of age or older. Not required for those 55 yrs. or older.
- Tuberculosis (Tb) Questionnaire.
The immunizations listed above are required for all new students, students who have been out a semester or more, and recent graduates of the university who are reapplying for graduate or undergraduate credit.
These immunizations, in addition to the Required Immunization Form, must be submitted to Student Health Services prior to registration. Forms are available in Student Health Services and at: http://www.xula.edu/student-health/documents/ProofofImmunizationComplianceForm.pdf
Health insurance is MANDATORY for ALL undergraduate students. It must provide coverage in the New Orleans area for both physician office visits as well as the emergency room. Students are billed for the student health insurance prior to registration. Students can waive the insurance if their private insurance meets University criteria. The waiver process can be completed online and is available on the Student Health website (http://www.xula.edu/student-health/index.html). This information is also available in the new student packet. If additional information is needed, contact Student Health Services at 504-520-7396.
Student Health Services offers a caring environment with a range of healthcare services, including primary health care, acute care (non-life threatening), a women’s clinic, allergy shots, and health and wellness education.
Services provided in Student Health are unlimited to all currently enrolled Xavier University students.
Residence Life
Residence hall living allows students to meet and learn from a variety of interesting people and be in the heart of campus life. Resident students at Xavier are close to the library, university center, classes, dining halls, and all the facilities and programs designed to help students adjust and prosper at college. With over 1,100 students residing on campus, resident students will never be at a loss for people to meet and things to do.
Currently, Xavier offers four facilities for students interested in campus residency. All rooms in Xavier’s various residence halls come furnished with beds, desks, dressers, and wardrobes. Also included are basic cable service, laundry facilities, Internet access through a direct link to the campus network and mini computer labs, Each hall also has a game lounge and study rooms throughout the hall.
New students apply for campus housing after being notified of admission to the university. Returning students apply for housing through the annual re-application process each spring for the upcoming fall semester. All residents who re-apply and have cleared their fiscal accounts with the university are eligible to participate in room and roommate selection during the spring semester for the summer and next academic year. Transfer students are housed on a space available basis. All residents must complete a housing agreement and emergency evacuation plan for the academic year. The University reserves the right to use residence halls between semesters and during summer breaks. On-campus storage is not available. All inquiries regarding housing should be addressed to the Office of Housing and Residence Life, reslife@xula.edu.
University Center
The University Center is the center of campus life at Xavier. The University Center serves students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests offering a variety of programs, activities, services, and facilities to complement the academic experience. An extensive array of cultural, educational, social and recreational programs provides students, in particular, the opportunity to balance course work and free time as cooperative factors in education. The University Center functions as the gathering place of the university community as it provides services and conveniences in offices for Student Government and student organizations, Student Services Vice President and departments, e-conference rooms, campus card center, campus mail service, campus dining hall and other outlets, a game room, a café, and a large study area that converts to a showcase lounge and much more.
University Police
Xavier’s Office of University Police is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure campus environment. Students must understand that personal safety and security begin with the individual. The University Police Office is open 24 hours per day and serves as the information center to visitors entering the campus. Officers patrol the campus on a regular schedule by foot, bicycle, and vehicles. Officers also serve as crime prevention practitioners by re-enforcing safety and security information to Xavier’s students, faculty, and staff. The Office of University Police offers several crime prevention and safety awareness programs throughout the year. Members of the Xavier University Police department are trained officers who hold a Special Officers commission by the New Orleans Police Department and many have attained an additional certification, P.O.S.T. (Peace Officers Standards Training), commissioned by the State of Louisiana, Office of State Police.
Campus Emergency Alert Systems
An Emergency messaging system is offered to the campus community to receive notification of weather alerts and other emergencies via text, email and voice mail upon registration of wireless device and email address. Students in on-campus housing must register for this service. The University utilizes this messaging system to deliver other time-sensitive notifications to students, faculty, and staff. The service enables the university to schedule, send, and track messages via four different forms of communication:
- Personalized voice messages to landline phones, cell phones, and e-mail addresses;
- Text messages to cell phones, PDAs, networked digital signage, and other text-based devices;
- Text messages to e-mail accounts; and
- Messages to TTY/TDD receiving devices for the hearing impaired.
Also, the university has installed “Code Blue” outdoor call boxes to provide additional security on campus. These outdoor telephone stations around campus allow students or other campus visitors who may be in danger or need to report suspicious activity to communicate an emergency directly to campus police and be seen via a video link.
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