Every Parent Should Know
The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions by Parents
Q. Is a meal plan required if my son or daughter lives on campus?
A. Yes! All students who live on campus must have a meal plan.
Q. Should my son or daughter bring a computer to Xavier?
A. Many students bring computers, but Xavier has six computer laboratories throughout campus.
Q. Who can apply for an upperclassman scholarship?
A. Any student who is not already receiving an academic scholarship and has achieved a 3.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
Q. How much do books cost a semester?
A. Approximately $500 to $600. Science majors books could be higher.
Q. How much money should my son or daughter need for a typical week at Xavier?
A. $15-$20.
Q. Does Xavier have cable T.V. in the residence halls?
A. Yes! We also have computer hookups in every room.
Q. How safe is the Xavier campus?
A. Very safe! We provide a well lit campus at night, a shuttle service to on-and-off campus locations, emergency call boxes strategically located throughout campus, our own security force with nine officers, and keys to the residence halls that only students have.
Q. Can my son or daughter get a job on campus?
A. Upon being awarded federal college work study (CWS) or university employment (UL) by the office of financial aid, students are eligible to apply to on-campus job openings. Students are encouraged to attend the On-campus Student Job Fair which is held the first week of classes in the fall. CWS or UL students who attend the job fair increase their chances of obtaining employment as the University gives priority in hiring to these students. Remaining job openings are made available to all students seeking employment later in the academic year.
Q. What is the first step to be eligible for financial aid?
A. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every February starting with your son's or daughter's senior year in high school. The FAFSA can be picked up at any high school Guidance Office or college Financial Aid Office. It can also be filed online. The FAFSA should be filed regardless of income.
Q. When do classes begin for the new freshmen class?
A. Move in to the residence halls is Friday, August 20, 2010. The first day of class is Monday, August 23, 2010.
The Most Frequently Asked Academic Questions by Parents
Q. How many credit hours does it take to graduate from Xavier?
A. For a typical Arts and Science major it usually takes 120 credit hours. A business major will need at least 126 credit hours.
Q. How many hours of Philosophy and Theology are required for graduation?
A. Nine credit hours of each discipline are required.
Q. What happens if my son or daughter is having difficulty with their math course?
A. Visit with the professor to discuss the difficulty, and visit the math lab for tutoring assistance.
Q. Is English Composition required in the freshman year?
A. Yes, however, a more advanced writing course "rhetoric" will also suffice.
Q. Is there a language requirement for graduation?
A. Yes, two semesters (6 hours) or intermediate proficiency.
Q. If my son or daughter is having a difficult time with a subject, how do they get the needed assistance?
A. First, visit with the professor and determine what assistance will help. Use of the writing center, math lab, and library for a quieter place to study, could be of great assistance. If a tutor is needed, contact the Learning Assistance Center.
Q. What is the core curriculum? How many hours are in it?
A. The core curriculum is 64 hours of Liberal Arts courses required for graduation. Courses in philosophy, theology, mathematics, english, and the sciences make up a portion of the core curriculum.
Q. If a freshman is not in the Honors Program during the fall semester how does one get into it in the spring semester?
A. Contact the Honors Program advisor to see if you meet the academic requirements.
Q. Is there a math requirement for graduation?
A. Yes, a minimum of six credit hours for the colleges of Arts & Sciences and Social Sciences and nine credit hours for the College of Business.
Q. How difficult is it to switch majors?
A. Not difficult at all; visit your academic advisor and fill out a change of major form; then have the dean of your college sign it.
Q. How long can a student remain undecided and not declare a major?
A. Probably no more than three semesters.
Q. Is it important to have a minor? How many hours are required to minor in a particular subject?
A. Minors are good to have if they enhance your major, ie. major in Marketing, minor in Spanish. Most minors need 18 to 24 hours for completion.
Q. Is the Business College accredited?
A. Yes, by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Q. How do I go about ensuring that summer classes taken at another university will be acceptable and transferable to Xavier?
A. Contact the Dean of your college who will validate summer courses taken at another accredited college of university.
Q. Are there study abroad programs? If so, where and how much credit can be earned?
A. Study abroad opportunities for Xaver students abound: short-term, long-term programs, all over the world, supporting all fields of study. For more information about study abroad opportunities at Xavier University,please contact the Director of Study Abroad Programs: Mrs. Margaret McDiarmid at mcdiarmi@xavier.edu