Xavier Terms Families Should Know
“My Student Just Said That…What Does It Mean?”College has its own language, and Xavier does too. Your student may mention a place, program, acronym or college term that is new to you.
This guide is here to help. Find quick, simple definitions of Xavier lingo and common college terms so you can better understand what your student is talking about and what you may need to know.
A
Academic Advisor
A faculty or professional staff member who helps students navigate their academic journey. Academic advisors assist with course selection and scheduling, degree requirements, majors and minors, long-term academic planning, and the path toward graduation.
Family tip: Think “academic path.” An advisor helps students understand what they need to take, when they need to take it and how their courses connect to their degree and future goals.
Academic Probation
An academic status given when a student’s cumulative GPA falls below Xavier’s required standard.
Family tip: Academic probation does not mean a student has been dismissed. It means additional support and academic improvement are needed.
Add/Drop Period
The window when students can change classes without going through a formal withdrawal process.
Family tip: Dropping a class during this period is different from withdrawing from a class later in the semester.
All for One
A phrase deeply connected to Xavier’s Musketeer identity and community. “All for One and One for All” has been associated with Xavier’s Musketeer tradition since the 1920s.
Authorized User
Someone a student has authorized to access certain billing functions, such as viewing an eBill, making a payment or managing a payment plan.
B
Bursar
The Bursar Office manages student billing, tuition payments, payment plans, refunds, and related student account matters.
Family tip: When the question is about what is owed on a student account or making a payment, the Bursar is usually a good place to begin.
C
Care and Support Services
A team that helps students work through academic, personal or other challenges and connects them with resources across campus.
Family tip: If your student is struggling and you are not sure where they should start, Care and Support can help connect the dots.
Canvas
Xavier’s online learning management system. Students may use Canvas to access course materials, assignments, announcements and other information from their professors.
CFJ — Center for Faith and Justice
The Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice supports students as they explore faith, purpose, service, justice and community within Xavier’s Jesuit Catholic tradition.
Cintas / Cintas Center
Xavier's event and athletics facility. Families may visit The Cintas Center for basketball games, university ceremonies, orientation activities and other large events.
Credit Hour
How colleges measure the amount of academic credit attached to a course.
Family tip: Credit hours matter for graduation progress, class standing and sometimes financial aid.
D
Dining Dollars
Funds students can use for food and beverage purchases at participating Xavier dining locations. Dining Dollars are accessed through the student’s One Pass.
E
eBill
The electronic statement showing charges, payments and the balance on a student’s Xavier account.
EngageXU
An online platform students use to find campus events, student organizations, involvement opportunities, forms and activities.
Family tip: If your student is looking for ways to get involved or meet people, EngageXU is a good place to start.
F
FERPA
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
Family tip: Once a student attends college, families do not automatically have access to grades, schedules or other student-specific information—even if they are paying the tuition bill.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office that helps students navigate scholarships, grants, loans, FAFSA and other forms of financial assistance.
Family tip: Think “how college is funded.” For questions about the actual bill or payment, start with the Bursar.
G
GSC — Gallagher Student Center
Known as the “living room” of Xavier’s campus, the Gallagher Student Center (GSC) is a central gathering place designed to bring the Xavier community together. It offers spaces, services, programs, dining and student employment opportunities that support student life, connection and success.
H
Hall Director
A professional Residence Life staff member who works within a residence hall and helps oversee the residential community and student staff.
Hoff / Hoff Dining Commons
Xavier’s main residential dining hall.
Family tip: Students will often simply call it “the Caf.”
HUB — Health United Building
Xavier’s campus facility that houses several health, wellness, recreation and academic services.
Family tip: If your student mentions going to “the HUB,” they could be heading there for a workout, health appointment, counseling appointment or class.
M
Manresa
Xavier’s first-year student orientation experience. Manresa introduces new students to campus, resources, other students and the Xavier community.
O
Office Hours
Time professors set aside specifically for students to ask questions, get extra help or talk about the course.
Family tip: Encourage your student to use office hours before there is a problem. Building relationships with professors is a normal part of college.
One Pass
Xavier’s official student identification. Students use their One Pass for identification and to access services such as campus facilities, meal plans and Dining Dollars.
P
Parent & Xavier Family Hub
An online resource designed specifically for parents and families of current Xavier students. The Parent & Family Hub connects families with information, resources and updates throughout the Xavier experience.
Proxy Access
Permission a student can give a parent, guardian or another person to view certain university information, such as grades, financial aid, billing or class schedules, through Proxy Access.
Family tip: The student controls the access and decides what information a proxy can see.
R
RA — Resident Assistant
A student leader who lives in a residence hall and helps residents connect with their community, navigate concerns and access campus resources.
Registrar
The Registrar Office is responsible for student academic records, registration, transcripts, graduation information and other academic processes.
Family tip: Think “official academic records and registration.”
Registration Hold
A restriction on a student’s account that may prevent registration until a requirement or issue is resolved.
Family tip: If your student says, “I have a hold,” encourage them to find out which office placed it and what they need to do to clear it.
S
Success Coach
A member of a student’s support network who works with first- and second-year students as they navigate goals, university processes and their overall transition and success at Xavier.
Family tip: Think “overall student success.” A success coach helps students work through challenges, stay on track and connect with the right Xavier resources.
Syllabus
The guide for a college course that outlines assignments, grading, attendance expectations, important dates and course policies.
Family tip: Encourage your student to read each syllabus at the beginning of the semester and refer back to it throughout the course.
T
THRIVE Center
A campus resource that helps students build community, confidence and skills for success through mentoring, leadership development and support programs, with a particular focus on first-generation and at-promise students.
Family tip: The THRIVE Center is a great place for students looking for connection, mentorship and additional support as they navigate college.
W
Withdrawal / “W”
Leaving a course after the initial add/drop period. A W is recorded on the student’s academic record but is different from a letter grade.
Family tip: Before withdrawing from a course, students should talk with their academic advisor and, when appropriate, Financial Aid to understand how the decision could affect their progress or aid.
X
XUPD — Xavier University Police Department
Xavier’s campus police department. XUPD provides 24-hour campus safety and police services to the Xavier community.
Y
The Yard
A large green space in the heart of Xavier’s campus where students gather, relax and attend outdoor events, activities and celebrations.
Family tip: If your student mentions an event happening “on the Yard,” they’re talking about one of Xavier’s main outdoor gathering spaces.
Looking for another Xavier term?
Visit Xavier’s full University Glossary for additional terms and definitions.