2022 FYI Kit (StFX University)

FYI 2022

FIRST YEAR INFORMATION

University as it is meant to be

St. Francis Xavier University is located on Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw people.

FYI 2022

The First Year Information (FYI) Kit is a resource to help you get ready for your StFX X-Perience. It includes tips on what to do before you leave home, information on Welcome Day, and advice for transitioning into university life. Read the information closely and follow the links for more on the supports available to you as a StFX student!

X Starts Here Family & Friends’ Guide

X Starts Here is an online program tailored to support your transition to StFX. The program contains a series of online modules that are available in June and can be completed at your own pace during the months leading to your arrival at StFX. Several of these modules are required material in preparation for your first year: the Xaverian Community Foundations Certificate modules. Simply visit moodle.stfx.ca and enter your StFX email and password to access X Starts Here

Consider these modules your ‘how to’ for:

Course Registration and Academic Advising

Living Your Best Life @ X

Building Your Academic Skills

Managing Your Money Matters

Connecting Your Tech and IT devices • Going Global and Studying Abroad • Adjusting to University as an International Student

On behalf of the StFX family, it is my honour to welcome you to our university! We are so thrilled that you have decided to join us and are excited for all you will add to our vibrant community life.

Please know that every single person here at StFX is committed to your health, safety and wellbeing, especially as we transition to living with COVID-19. Coming to university is a big change, both personally and academically, which is why we make sure you have access to the supports and services you need to flourish. Above all else, remember the StFX community wants you to achieve your goals. We are working especially hard to create an incredible, unforgettable university experience just for you. We can’t wait for you to see for yourselves!

One way that we support you to become a Xaverian is through the Xaverian Community Foundations Certificate. Don’t miss out on being ready to contribute to our community by completing your online modules this summer. Watch your StFX email for more information.

I wish you the best of luck as you get ready to begin your StFX journey!

Elizabeth Yeo Vice-President, Students

Welcome to StFX! It’s an absolute honour to welcome you to your new home on behalf of the 5,000+ students who make up the Students’ Union. Your next few years at StFX will be a life-changing experience. Beyond academic rigor, you will be pushed socially to become the next generation of X-Graduates. You will discover new passions and find the tools necessary to work on what you love. Whatever that may be, your Students’ Union, The U, is here to help!

“For Students, By Students,” the U offers a wide array of services that students use on an everyday basis. From skilled student advocates to a stocked campus food bank, to our ever so lively Golden X Inn, The U has everything students need, want, and so much more. Not only do we pride ourselves on our deep sense of tradition and shared student experience, but we also strive to encourage a sense of individuality and uniqueness. There is

something here for everyone, and we are here to help you take those first steps into finding out what that is.

If you ever have any questions about StFX, the Students’ Union, or just want help getting involved I am always free to chat and can be reached via email at su_pres@stfx.ca or check out theu.ca for more information. From this moment on, you are now officially a part of the tight-knit Xaverian community that I hope you will come to know and love as much as I have.

We can’t wait to see you all in September!

Brendan Roberts President, St. Francis Xavier University Students’ Union

Being Xaverian

Being Xaverian means something more than success within the classroom. There is a commitment that we live up to: to take care of ourselves, each other, and the wider Xaverian community.

Belonging Resilience Courage Respect Learning Flourishing Community

Being Xaverian means being academically focused and socially responsible, and thinking about how our actions make our community stronger and improve the world around us.

It isn’t just about the big stuff, but the everyday things, too. The respect we have for one another and our community, the small moments of friendship, the random acts of kindness, and service to others before concern for self. These are the values we hold to heart. This is our commitment to Being Xaverian.

It’s means something to be part of the StFX community. It means something to go here, to wear the blue and white, and to earn an X-Ring.

Welcome. You’re going to love it here and we are going to be a better community with you in it.

ACADEMIC ADVISING

Steps to Prepare

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

LOG-ON TO YOUR StFX EMAIL ACCOUNT

If you haven’t already, get to know your StFX email account as soon as possible:

• Visit portal.office.com

• Login using your StFX username and password (provided in your acceptance package)

• Set up your MFA/recovery information to ensure you can access your account

• Click on the ‘Outlook’ tile

• Download Office 365 to your laptop/tablet/phone/ (including Outlook)

REGISTER FOR YOUR COURSES

You’ll register for courses using StFX’s Banner Self Service in July. We will send instructions on how to register to your StFX email account in the weeks ahead, but for now please take note of the following key dates:

• Thursday, June 16: Course timetable is posted on the Registrar’s Office website.

• Friday, July 8: Registration times for new students will be available and posted within Banner Self Service.

• Tuesday, July 12 & Wednesday, July 13: Registration opens. New students will be invited to register at the specific time they are given on Friday, July 8.

SET UP YOUR StFX PHOTO ID

Your StFX Photo ID serves as your library card, meal plan card, and access card for residence, including laundry services. It also gives you free admission to most StFX Athletics home games!

Our Campus Photo Submission Software will be opened later this summer. It’s a new system for uploading your photo to be printed on your StFX photo ID. Watch your StFX student email for further instructions on how to access it and how to get your ID card.

ARRANGE YOUR FINANCES

The months leading up to your arrival at StFX is when you ensure you have financial resources in place for your university education. Not sure if you’ll require a student loan? Need help building a budget? Visit our Financial Aid website for helpful information and resources: mystfx.ca/financial-aid. You can also contact our Financial Aid Office at 902.867.2374/2301 or email financialaid@stfx.ca.

CONFIRM YOUR TECHNOLOGY NEEDS

You will need a computer to access applications if they are required for your course(s). StFX’s IT Services team has produced a series of recommendations to help ensure that your technology devices and systems are equipped to support your academic journey. You are encouraged to consult these hardware, connectivity, and operating system recommendations before purchasing any device you plan to take to StFX. View them at stfx.ca/technology

SIGN UP FOR STFX ALERTS

StFX Alerts sends you a notification via text, voice message or email when campus is delaying opening or closing early. Enrolment is not mandatory but we encourage all StFX students, faculty and staff to register. Be the first to hear about a snow day! Register now at stfx.ca/alerts

STAY CONNECTED

If you haven’t already, follow our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @stfxuniversity. We’ll keep you updated with all the great things happening for your arrival. Visit stfx.ca/tour-campus to take a virtual tour of your new home. Download StFX Go app (available through the App Store) and follow StFX Student Services. Stay connected with all the amazing activities, events, and services on campus during the academic year.

Important dates & milestones Spring and Summer

• Accept your residence offer

• Apply for financial aid (most jurisdictions open their programs in the spring.)

• Register for courses

• First-year students: complete your mandatory online modules and the incoming student success survey

• Check your StFX student email and attend our information sessions for important updates

Fall Term 2022

Welcome Days

Friday/Saturday, Sept. 2-3

First Day of Classes Tuesday, Sept. 6

Last Day to Change First-Term or Full-Year Courses Tuesday, Sept. 13 December Exam Schedule Posted Thursday, Sept. 29 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (no classes) Friday, Sept. 30

Thanksgiving Day (no classes) Monday, Oct. 10

Last Day to Drop First-Term Three Credit Courses Wednesday, Nov. 2 Fall Study Break Monday, Nov. 7 to Friday, Nov. 11

Remembrance Day Friday, Nov. 11

X-Ring Day Saturday, Dec. 3 Fall Convocation Sunday, Dec. 4

Last Day of Classes for Winter Term Tuesday, Dec. 6 Examinations Begin Thursday, Dec. 8

Last day of exams Saturday, Dec. 17

Winter Term 2023

University Reopens Tuesday, Jan. 3

First Day of Classes Second Term Wednesday, Jan. 4

Last Day to Drop Full-Year or Change Second-Term Courses Wednesday, Jan. 11 April Exam Schedule Posted Friday, Jan 27

Nova Scotia Heritage Day Monday, Feb. 20

Winter Study Break Monday, Feb. 20 to Friday, Feb. 24

Classes Resume After Break Monday, Feb. 27

Winter Midterm Grades Due Friday, Mar. 3

Last Day to Drop Second-Term Three-Credit Courses Friday, Mar. 10

Last Day of Classes Wednesday, Apr 5 Good Friday Friday, April 7

Examinations Begin Monday, April 10 Examinations End Saturday, April 22

Spring Convocation Sunday, May 7

What to bring

Consult this list when deciding what should come with you and what should stay at home.

Please note you can also purchase most of these items in Antigonish.

• personal documents and banking information (ID, health card, credit/debit card, etc.)

• sheets/blanket/pillow(s) and mattress topper

• towels, flip flops and slippers

• a basket or bag to carry toiletries to and from washrooms

• laundry bag, soap and clothes hangers

• power bar/extension cord

• iron/small ironing board

• first aid kit

• pictures/posters & sticky tack to hang them (can be purchased at the StFX Store)

• basic cleaning supplies (you are responsible for keeping your own room clean, this includes any private washrooms)

• for suites & apartment-style residences: pots, pans, kitchen utensils, etc.

What not to bring

• pets (with the exception of fish)

• large stereo speakers and sub-woofers

• kitchen appliances that: have an open element (deep fryers, hot plates, toasters, etc; do not have an automatic shut-off feature; are not approved by CSA (Canadian Standards Association)

• halogen lights and non CSA approved and/or outdoor mini lights

• anything illegal to the Province of Nova Scotia (if it’s illegal, leave it at home—even if it is legal where you live)

• nails/tacks/duct tape (if it can’t be hung up with sticky tack, leave it at home)

• candles or incense

• additional furniture

• wireless printers

• LED strip lights

For more information on packing to live in residence, visit mystfx.ca/university-housing

Planning on bringing a car to campus? Please note there is a cost for both daily and overnight parking.

Daytime Parking—$250/yr, $150/term l Overnight Parking—$400/yr, $250/term l Monthly Parking—$50/month l

Single Day Parking—$10/day. If you purchase an overnight pass, you’ll have day-time parking privileges as well (you wouldn’t need to purchase a daily pass). Visit mystfx.ca/security/parking for more information.

Welcome Days

We can’t wait to welcome all incoming StFX students to campus! Your specific welcome/move-in day will depend on which residence you are living in or whether you are an off-campus student. Please pay attention to these dates and details:

• Residence Move-in September 2 and 3 (check your stfx email for important information from Housing about your move in date and time.)

• Off-campus students must check in on Saturday, September 3 between 1-3 pm at the Charles V. Keating Centre.

Activities

• Welcome activities with Student Life staff, off campus coordinators, and StFX’s O-Crew.

• Information Sessions for parents, family, and friends of new students.

• Welcome BBQ for parents, family, and friends of new students, hosted by StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin.

• ‘Get to know you’ activities for all new students.

Orientation

St. Francis Xavier University and the StFX Students’ Union promise you an orientation experience that is informative, inclusive, and fun! Stay tuned for more details and information over the summer months.

RESIDENT CONTRACT

Please take the time to review your resident contract as much of it is similar to a lease. It is your responsibility to be aware of all clauses outlined in the document.

WONDERING ABOUT THE TRANSITION TO LIVING ON YOUR OWN?

There is an X-Starts Here module on Living Your Best Life at StFX.

STARBUCKS

StFX is pleased to have a full-service Starbucks located in the heart of campus

Living on Campus

Coming to university is a huge step—not just academically, but personally. New experiences, new people, and living away from home can be equally exciting and scary. We are here to help!

Residence Living

Residence communities at StFX offer a variety of fun programs and resources for all different interests and personality types. Residence is not just a roof over your head; it’s a place to get to know yourself and a chance to make friends for life!

When you move into residence, take time and get to know your Community Advisors (CAs) and Senior Community Advisors (SCA’s). As senior students, they’ve been where you are and know that transitions can be challenging. They will help you any way they can!

Over the summer, there will be a selection of one-hour mandatory online modules covering important topics such as respect and consent, safer socializing, and contributing to equitable communities that all first year students will need to complete before their arrival. We are also planning opportunities for you to (virtually) meet your residence mates and get to know each other before arriving on campus. Watch your StFX student email account for more details. mystfx.ca/student-life

Campus Dining

StFX is proud to offer a number of healthy and fulfilling dining options. If you’re living in residence, you will eat most of your meals in Morrison Hall — our main dining facility — where we offer delicious, freshly-made choices to suit all tastes and appetites. Morrison Hall is also equipped with a GRAB & GO feature for convenience when you’re eating on the run. Looking for more dining options? Take advantage of our food convenience stores located across campus, with each one offering a unique dining experience. Read more about these options on our website. mystfx.ca/campusfood

Specific Dietary Needs

We’re committed to meeting the needs of our students who require dietary assistance due to allergies or faith-based requirements. We are equipped with an on-site Registered Dietitian who works with students to help make your dining experience both nourishing and seamless. To learn more about how you can access the dietary accommodation services, please visit stfx.ca/health-wellness

Campus Safety and Security

Safety & Security Services fosters and safeguards a healthy, safe, and welcoming campus community that supports the well-being of students, faculty, staff, and guests. Safety & Security Services provides 24-hour coverage 365 days per year via the Safety & Security Operations Centre (SOC) and provides information, directions, incident response and event supervision. If you lose your Student ID, Safety & Security can also provide a replacement. In addition, the team of dedicated Safety & Security Officers conduct regular vehicle and foot patrols of campus instilling confidence that everyone is LIVING, LEARNING, WORKING and PLAYING in a supportive and safe environment. 902.867.4444 · mystfx.ca/security

Making the Transition

We’re pleased to offer these supports to assist you on your journey.

Student Sucess Centre

Our instructors can help you build tools to help you succeed in your courses. Visit us to find a tutor, learn how to stop procrastinating, improve your grammar, and much more! We also have accommodations for ELL students. The Student Success Centre is located in the Angus L. Macdonald Library. sscentre@stfx.ca · mystfx.ca/student-success

Academic Advising

Academic advisors provide helpful advice if you have questions about meeting your program requirements, declaring or changing your major, changing your program, and most other academic issues. Academic Advising is located in Nicholson Tower, with an additional advisor located in the Gerald Schwartz School of Business. Visit our website for more information on making an appointment. advising@stfx.ca · stfx.ca/advising

Diversity Engagement Centre

The Diversity Engagement Centre is home to advisors who offer support for students who identify as Indigenous, Black, or 2SLGBTQIA+ (and their allies.) It is also home to StFX’s Manager of Human Rights and Equity and the Human Rights Education and Response Advocate. The Diversity Engagement Centre is located in Bloomfield Centre. mfogarty@stfx.ca · mystfx.ca/diversity

Kiknu Indigenous Student Centre

Meaning ‘our home’ in English, the Kiknu Indigenous Student Centre is a safe space for Indigenous students and their families. The centre fosters an environment that promotes friendship and the journey toward reconciliation, while supporting Indigenous student success and overall wellbeing. Andrea Currie in partnership with StFX provides culturally relevant counselling for members of the StFX community who identify as Indigenous. Mi’kmaw Elder Kerry Prosper and Terena Francis, coordinator of Indigenous Student Affairs are also available to Indigenous students. The Kiknu Indigenous Student Centre is located in the Coady West building, Room 104. tfrancis@stfx.ca · mystfx.ca/indigenous

Health and Counselling

Our team of physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals provide primary health care and mental health services to students, at no additional cost. We pride ourselves on offering a warm, welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment. The Health and Counselling Centre is located in Bloomfield Centre. 902.867.2263 · mystfx.ca/health-and-counselling

Additional mental health services include:

• Good2Talk—Free confidential post-secondary student helpline, provides 24/7 professional counselling and referrals for mental health, addictions, and well-being to students in Nova Scotia 1.833.292.3698.

• The People’s Counselling Clinic in partnership with StFX offers culturally relevant counselling for members of the StFX Community who identify as persons of African Descent. Services are free and confidential.

• Andrea Currie in partnership with StFX provides culturally relevant counselling for members of the StFX community who identify as Indigenous.

• The Bloomfield Hub provides a dedicated Student Wellness Program Coordinator and an inclusive space for students to build community and engage in intentional programming to support mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.

• Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate.

Tramble Centre for Accessible Learning

If you have a permanent disability, the Tramble Centre for Accessible Learning can provide assistance and support to help you achieve your academic goals. You can contact the centre over the summer to submit your documentation and arrange required accommodations. The Tramble Centre is located in the Angus L. Macdonald Library. tramble@stfx.ca · mystfx.ca/accessible-learning

Spirituality

StFX honours all students’ spirituality and beliefs with respect and dignity. We offer a prayer space for all faiths, chaplaincy services, and Wellspring, a quiet space for students. Chaplaincy services are located in Bloomfield Centre, while Wellspring is located in Morrison Hall. mystfx.ca/chaplaincy

StFX is where academicallyfocused, socially-engaged students come to university. There are so many ways to make the most of your time here!

Getting Involved

Clubs and Societies

The environment. Politics. Music. Photography. Entrepreneurship. You name it, we’ve got it. We have approximately 100 campus clubs and societies, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for you can launch your own! Learn more at theu.ca/societies

Expand Your Horizons

Service Learning: Enrich your academic learning by getting involved in the community. Did you know StFX was the first university to offer service learning in Canada? Learn more about local and international opportunities at stfx.ca/academics/service-learning

Service Learning: StFX has many global partnerships for studying abroad. Visit stfx.ca/service-learning to learn more.

Theatre, Art and Music

Catch a live show with the latest indie bands or the best in jazz and classical music. Our campus art gallery features regular exhibits and special events, including book launches and photography shows. The StFX campus is also home to Theatre Antigonish, delighting audiences since 1974. Stay tuned for an updated schedule of events. Download the StFX Go App to stay up to date with what’s happening on campus this year.

WANT TO “GO GLOBAL?” There’s a X starts Here module on studying abroad

Recreation, Club Sports & Intramurals

Stay active at X in a variety of ways with XREC (X-Recreation). XREC offers a number of programs, services, and activities including Active Living, Club Sports, and Intramurals. Each of these pillars enable students to choose their way of being social and active here at StFX. Stay up to date about our offerings this fall by visiting our website, goxgo.ca/recreation. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook (@stfxintramurals) and download the StFX Go app from the App Store.

Varsity Athletics

StFX has 10 varsity athletic teams participating in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) competitions in the sports of football, women’s rugby, and men’s & women’s soccer, cross country, hockey and basketball. We regularly host AUS games and encourage all students to come out and cheer on the blue and white! We also have designated X student fan sections and special game-day promotions. Check out our ticketing information, game schedules and more at goxgo.ca and/or follow us on social media: Instagram (@stfx_athletics), Twitter (@stfxathletics) and Facebook (@stfxathletics) and by downloading the StFX Go app.

Your Finances

SECTION A

TUITION AND GENERAL FEES

TUITION AND GENERAL FEES

NOVA SCOTIA NON-NOVA SCOTIA INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS STUDENTS STUDENTS

Full-time Tuition $9,650 $9,650 $9650 International Student Fee $9,650

Government Tuition Bursary (NS Students) (-$1,283) -Information & Technology Fee $443 $443 $443

Facilities Renewal Fee $215 $215 $215

Fitness and Recreational Fee $127 $127 $127 Students’ Union Fee $185.75 $185.75 $185.75

Student Assistance Fee $6 $6 $6

SU Bloomfield Centre Renovation Fee $25 $25 $25 Health and Wellness Expansion Fee $125 $125 $125 Health Plan* $270 $270Dental Plan* $205 $205 -

International Medical Plan* - - $1,025

*Health and Dental rates reflect 2021-22 figures. These are subject to change.

Your Cost for Section A: __________________________

SECTION B

RESIDENCE

Choose one residence option

RESIDENCE

DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM/SUITE

Riley Hall and O’Regan Hall $8,615 $9,005 Bishops $6,305 $7,525

Mount Saint Bernard - $7525 Traditional $6,045 $7,210 Power/Somers Hall—includes $1,000 DCB* $8,950Governors Hall, Private—includes $1,000 DCB* - $10,005 Governors Hall, Semi-private—includes $1,000 DCB* - $9,615

Laundry Fee $140 (charged to all residence students for unlimited access to laundry facilities)

*DCB or declining balance is a debit system allowing students to purchase items at various cafes and coffee shops on campus. Additional blocks of DCB can be purchased in $50 increments.

Your Cost for Section B: __________________________

SECTION C

MEAL PLAN

155 Block + $600 DCB* $3,610

315 Block + $350 DCB* $5,170

415 Block + $350 DCB* $5,895

Unlimited meals + $350 DCB* $6,210

Your Cost for Section C: __________________________

SECTION D

OTHER FEES

Books (Nursing students may have higher book costs.)

$1,250-$1,750 Parking $250-$400 Entertainment, travel, other personal costs varies per individual

Your Cost for Section D: __________________________

Paying Your Tuition and Fees

Your tuition and fees are divided into two payments:

1. Due September 15, 2022: 65% of all tuition, residence and meal plan fees (Sections A + B + C)

2. Due January 15, 2023: The balance of remaining fees. You are encouraged to pay first-term fees before arriving (or while at) Welcome Day. Please note that credit card payments are not accepted. We accept payment via:

• Online banking. Register StFX as a payee using your student ID as the account number.

• Wire transfer

• In person (cash, cheque, debit)

• Directly from Canadian and American government student loan programs

• For more information on domestic student payment options go to: mystfx.ca/payments/ If you are an international student, go to mystfx.ca/international-payment/

Students’ Union Health and Dental Plan

The StFX Students’ Union Health and Dental Plan will cover select medical costs that are not included under most provincial health care plans, including dental work and pharmaceutical drug costs. If unexpected medical issues arise, you will want to have coverage!

Domestic students with alternative coverage may opt-out if they do so before September 30, 2022. You may only opt-out if you can provide proof of coverage from another provider.

We encourage you to investigate the benefits offered by the Students’ Union plan before deciding to opt-out. Some students with alternate coverage choose to stay enrolled in the plan because it covers student-specific needs that some other plans do not, such as psychological assessments for accommodations with Tramble.

To learn more about your benefits and how to coordinate coverage between two plans, visit mystudentplan.ca/stfxsu

Check List

Check off these must-do items as you prepare to embark on your StFX adventure.

❍ Get familiar with your StFX email, Banner Self Service, moodle and MyData accounts. Go to mystfx.ca/welcome for more information.

❍ Register for your courses. Go to mystfx.ca/registration

❍ First-year students: Complete your mandatory online modules. This can be found in moodle “X Starts Here” online course.

❍ Complete the incoming student survey (emailed to you in July)

❍ Set up your StFX photo ID.

❍ Confirm your budget. mystfx.ca/financial-aid/budgeting-university

❍ Apply for financial aid. mystfx.ca/student-loan

❍ Connect with us on social media—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

❍ Check your StFX student email on a regular basis

Your X-Perience begins now!