Hello, Xavier Families! 

With April finally here, the flowers, trees and plants around campus have sprung back to life! Xavier is bustling with excitement: student clubs and activities are ramping up, students are focusing hard on their last few weeks of classes and making plans for summer break, professors and advisors are preparing students for final exams and all the faculty and staff are getting the university ready for Spring Commencement.

As a reminder, Priority Registration is going on this week, so make sure your student is prepared for next semester.

All for One!

Abbie Hopperton
Director of Parent and Family Engagement
families@xavier.edu

Summer Programs 

Xavier is offering new summer programs, camps, and classes for young children, high schoolers, and current students. Learn more about the wide range of fun and educational opportunities available for your child! 

May 2025 Commencement Information

Tickets for Spring Commencement

Tickets are required for all guests over age 2. Graduates who applied for graduation by Friday, March 7, are eligible to claim tickets for their guests. Eligible undergraduate students can claim up to 8 free, general admission tickets. Eligible graduate students can claim up to 12 free, general admission tickets. Students who are graduating do not need a ticket. All eligible graduating students will receive detailed information about claiming their electronic tickets via the Xavier Ticket Office. Students can claim their tickets until Friday, May 2.  There are no additional tickets available for purchase or request.

Guest Information

Families are encouraged to visit the commencement website for all the details about the ceremonies. We have a guest information section and a frequently asked questions section to assist with their needs.

Accessibility Needs

For guests with accessibility needs, we have detailed our accessibility support on our website. Some highlights below:

• We do not have reserved seating at the event, but do have a plentiful supply of accessible seats available for the guest who needs accommodations and one companion. These seats are accessible via ramps or elevators and do not require climbing bleachers or stairs. Our guest services team will direct guests to the seating areas when they arrive. If possible, we recommend arriving early for the ceremony to secure preferred seating. The doors open 90 minutes before the scheduled ceremony start times. 
• We have a very limited supply of wheelchairs available to transport guests from the entrance of Cintas to their seats. These are not available for continued use during the ceremony. They are available at the main entrance, and our guest services team can use them to escort guests to their seats. If possible, we recommend that guests bring their own wheelchairs or explore local rental options. 
• We have quite of bit of accessible parking near the arena. Our parking attendants can direct guests to these locations. Guests can be dropped off at the front entrance of the Cintas Center while another member of the party parks a vehicle. Accessible parking permits are not required.

Parking

There is no need for visitor parking passes for commencement. There will be no citations, if parked in a legal space, during the period of Thursday, May 15 through Saturday, May 17.

Xavier Eats Commencement Bakery

Order your Commencement treats from Father B’s Bakery. Xavier-branded cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more! Order ahead and pick up your desserts from the Cintas Center during the week leading up to Commencement. Order from Father B’s Bakery here.

Senior Family Brunch 

Celebrate Commencement with the return of a Xavier tradition. Share one last trip to the Caf with your classmates on Friday, May 16, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Enjoy a special brunch menu with your family and say farewell to your favorite Caf staff. Two brunch packages are available for purchase, with one featuring a champagne toast and a commemorative champagne glass. Reserve your spot here.

Residence Life News 

End of the Semester/Summer Break Reminders

• The summer housing application is open for students with a legitimate need to stay on campus over the summer. Students may apply on Housing Self-Service by Monday, May 5th.
• Residential facilities will close at the end of the semester at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 9th. For graduating students, they will close at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 18th.  Review all of the important semester dates on the Res Life website.
• RAs will be hosting floor meetings about end of year closing during April. Encourage your student to attend to learn more about preparing for the end of the year.
• If your student will be taking any trips home between now and the end of the semester, start having them bring items home they may not need for a few weeks. This will help lessen the load during closing since move out assistance is not provided.

Student Employment Information 

Students who are interested in applying for Xavier student employee positions should be aware that openings are posted year-round in Handshake. However, the bulk of 2025 Spring, Summer and/or Fall position openings will be posted starting now and continuing through mid-April. It is suggested that students check Handshake at least once a week for any new postings. 

When a student is hired, they must complete onboarding (if they haven’t already worked in a Xavier position) which includes bringing to campus with them acceptable original documents for their I-9 Verification appointment.  Documents must be original – no copies allowed. Most students bring either a passport OR a combination of a driver’s license AND a social security card. The newly hired student can’t start training or work in their position until they’ve completed this process.

Reach out to student employment at claryv@xavier.edu with any questions.

Summer Course Tuition Reduction

It is not too early to begin thinking about summer plans! Taking a summer course or two is a great opportunity for students to catch up or work ahead on their degree. 

This year, Xavier's summer tuition will be 25% off the fall and spring per credit rate, or $750 per credit hour. The summer schedule is available for students to view now on Self-Service, and registration begins March 31.  Courses are primarily online, and classes have one of three date ranges: 

• May 12 to 23 
• May 19 to June 27
• June 30 to August 8  

Students are encouraged to talk with their academic advisor about summer options.  

Reminder to File the 2025-2026 FAFSA Form 

Have you and your student completed the 2025-26 FAFSA? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid must be completed annually to qualify for federal, state, and certain types of Xavier aid – including grants, loans, and work-study. Visit studentaid.gov to complete the application today! Please email xufinaid@xavier.edu or call 513-745-3142 if you need assistance.

Cincinnati Intern Network Connection Program 

An email went out to all current students last week regarding the Cincinnati Intern Network Connection (CINC) program, hosted by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. CINC is a program offered to interns and co-ops, introducing them to the region and all it has to offer to professionals and those who make the region their home.

If your student has secured an internship in Cincinnati this summer, the Career Development Office encourages them to participate in CINC. It is a great way to make connections with other interns/co-ops throughout the summer and to develop professional skills and build connections along the way.

Students will need to register for the program and related events (no charge for events/small charge for FC game). Registration will be available in April on Handshake.

Veteran and Military Family Center  

Our monthly "Lunch & Learn" series will have its last session on April 23rd, we will be celebrating the Month of the Military Child with an open house!

Guardian Blue Angel: Xavier alum Jen Murr joins elite demonstration squad

As U.S. Navy Blue Angel pilots dazzle crowds with death-defying aerobatics this year, one Xavier alumna will carry out an under-the-radar role of the utmost importance — keeping the pilots safe and healthy. 2002 Xavier graduate Cmdr. Jen Murr began a two-year stint with the Blue Angels at the beginning of 2025 as the elite demonstration team’s flight surgeon.

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The Xavier Leadership Center 

Xavier University doesn't just offer courses for your student, our Xavier Leadership Center (XLC) has a wide variety of courses and programs to help you elevate your career. Listen is as Susan and Michelle, share more about the Xavier Leadership Center. 

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