StFX Get Ready Guide for New Students 2024

GET READY GUIDE 2024

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

The Get Ready Guide is a step-by-step resource to help you prepare for your first year at StFX. It’s also full of helpful information about residence life, support services, on-campus activities, and more.

This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life, and we want you to be ready for it!

An electronic accessible version of this document is available at stfx.ca/getreadyguide for those requiring a screen reader.

GET READY to be a StFX student

Set up your StFX account

Arrange your finances

Visit your healthcare provider

Confirm your technology needs

Review the academic calendar

Register for your classes

Complete the mandatory X Starts Here modules

Read Transitions

Complete the Incoming Student Success Survey

Register for X Act

Set up your Photo ID

Stay connected GET READY to live in residence

Connect with your future roommates

Review your residence contract

Learn our residence community standards

Get to know residence staff

Campus dining

Specific dietary needs

What to bring/What not to bring

READY to join the Xaverian community

Finding help when you need it

Campus life

Welcome days

What does it mean to be Xaverian?

Important dates & milestones

Estimated first year costs

Getting here

@sarahmarieelliott

Dear StFX Student,

I am honoured to welcome you as a new member of the StFX Community! Your decision to attend university marks a major accomplishment and I want to congratulate you on your choice to join us. StFX will be your home away from home for a few years and the start of an experience that will last a lifetime.

Attending university is a significant milestone. It marks a transition for you, as well as for your family and others in your support network. You will want space to have your own experiences, while at the same time you may feel unsure of where to start as you begin this new phase of your life. Know that support from home is often important, especially in the beginning, but as you become more involved and active on campus your life here will become uniquely yours. And we are here to help you wherever or whenever you may need.

To start, this Get Ready Guide contains helpful information for you on how to navigate the campus environment and successfully adjust to university life. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with everything we have listed in its pages.

There are several items that are particularly important. They will help you to understand our StFX community and to know that you belong here as a Xaverian.

1. The Xaverian Community Foundations/X Starts Here Modules. This item is referenced further in this guide. Four of the modules are mandatory and we ask that you complete them before arriving in September. They provide content that will help you develop awareness, resilience, and a sense of our StFX values.

2. The Incoming Student Survey. This survey provides us with specific information we can use to assist you and to help you start your university experience in the best way. It should be completed by the end of July.

3. Transitions: Making the most of your campus experience. This online resource provides a free download with information on a wide range of topics relevant to the university transition. mentalhealthliteracy.org/product/transitions

4. Your StFX Email. Ensure that your StFX email is active and if you do not use it as your primary email, be sure to forward it to one you check regularly. The university will communicate to you through this email so make sure it’s ready to receive information and that you stay informed.

We look forward to supporting your success and to helping you develop a deep connection with StFX. Your academic progress, health, safety, and wellness are areas of primary focus for us, and we are excited to be a part of your life as you have fun and flourish within our community.

I look forward to meeting you when you are on campus!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Yeo Vice-President, Students

GET READY to be a student

SET UP YOUR STFX ACCOUNT

All students can install StFX’s Microsoft 365 license on up to 5 devices at no cost. We recommend installing the full Microsoft 365 suite on your primary device, including Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Visio for Windows users. To install: Go to microsoft365.stfx.ca, log in using your StFX credentials, and click the “Install Office” button in the upper right corner.

Everything begins with your StFX account. It’s your key for accessing important campus services, including course registration, campus wifi, printing services, and Microsoft Office products. It’s also how you will communicate with faculty and staff throughout your time at StFX.

Check your StFX email regularly to avoid missing important information about registration, move-in dates, welcome days, and more.

Here’s how to log in to your email for the first time:

1. Visit microsoft365.com

2. Login using your StFX username & password (provided in your acceptance package)

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

4. Click on the ‘Outlook’ tile

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

GET READY to be a student

ARRANGE YOUR FINANCES

When do I need to pay my tuition & fees? Your tuition and fees are due twice a year. 65% of all tuition, residence, and meal plan fees are due on September 15, 2024. The remaining balance is due on January 15, 2025.

Now is the time to make sure that you have financial resources in place for your university education. Not sure if you will require financial aid? Need help building a budget?

Contact our Financial Aid office for assistance at 902.867.2374 or 902.867.2301 or email financialaid@stfx.ca. You can also visit the Financial Aid website at stfx.ca/financial-aid for helpful information and resources related to financing your education.

Accepted payments:

• Online banking (Register St. Francis Xavier University as a payee using your student ID as the account number)

• Wire transfer

• In person (cash, cheque, debit)

• Directly from Canadian and American government financial aid programs

For more information on payment options, please visit stfx.ca/payments.

GET READY to be a student

VISIT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

Planning to access supports from the Tramble Centre for Accessible Learning? You will require recent documentation confirming your diagnosis—along with recommendations for accommodation—from a qualified professional. For more information, visit stfx.ca/accessible-learning.

StFX has excellent health services on campus at the Health and Counselling Centre. But it’s also very important to arrive on campus prepared. You should visit your family physician or other primary healthcare provider during the summer months to refill any prescription medication and to ensure your immunizations are up-to-date. You may also wish to discuss the Meningitis B vaccine with your care provider, as this is not included in the regular childhood vaccine program.

Please note that you are the only person who can make an appointment for yourself at the Health and Counselling Centre, and that your health information is confidential. For more information, visit stfx.ca/health-and-counselling.

GET READY to be a student

YOUR TECHNOLOGY NEEDS

Most StFX classes require regular computer access.

Please review the hardware, connectivity, and operating system recommendations from our IT Services team to ensure your devices and systems are equipped to support your academic needs.

Computer hardware recommendations:

Minimum Requirements

Processor: Intel Core i5 (sixth generation or newer) or AMD Equivalent

RAM: 8 GB

Hard Drive: 256 GB

Display: 1024 x 768

Connectivity

A high-speed Internet connection, preferably high-speed Fibre, ADSL, Cable, or similar

or

*Due to software requirements, Engineering students must purchase a Windows 10 based computer.

GET READY to be a student

REVIEW THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Need help preparing for registration? Attend an Academic Advising session or make an appointment with one of our advisors. Visit stfx.ca/academic-advising/appointments for more details.

No, this isn’t something that hangs on your wall! The academic calendar is your go-to source for program information, course descriptions, important academic regulations and dates, and much more. Have a look at the calendar as soon as possible, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. stfx.ca/academiccalendar

GET READY to be a student

REGISTER FOR YOUR CLASSES

What is Banner Self Service? Banner is the software that supports StFX’s student information system. You will use it to register in your courses, view your class schedule, view your grades, apply for graduation, or obtain your T2202A tax forms. You can access Banner here: portal.stfx.ca. Use the StFX email/username provided in your acceptance letter and your account password to log in.

First-year students register at the beginning of July. You will receive an email to your StFX account with specific instructions about how to register in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, visit the Registrar’s Office website to learn more about the registration process for your program. Set aside some time well in advance of July to get familiar with this year’s courses and time blocks, and please reach out if you have any questions.

stfx.ca/registrationguide

Key registration dates:

June 13: Course timetable is posted on the Registrar’s Office website.

Early July: Registration times for new students is posted within Banner Self Service. You will also receive an email with your assigned time. Registration begins for new first-year students.

The Tramble Centre for Accessible Learning provides extra registration support for students with disabilities. Contact tramble@stfx.ca for more information.

GET READY to be a student

COMPLETE THE MANDATORY X STARTS HERE MODULES

What is Moodle? Moodle is a learning management system (LMS) that gives both students and their professors an online platform to post assignments, download relevant coursework, have class discussions, and complete learning modules. Access modules at moodle.stfx.ca

X Starts Here is the name of our signature online program designed to help you transition specifically to life at StFX. It is made up of different modules. Four of the modules are mandatory for first-year students and must be completed before you arrive. The mandatory modules cover topics important to our community and support what it means to be Xaverian, including critical information on consent education, academic integrity, healthy socializing, belonging, and anti-racism. Mandatory X Starts Here modules*

Additional recommended modules

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

*To be completed before you arrive

GET READY to be a student

READ TRANSITIONS

“Transitions: Making the most of your campus experience” is a free, evidence-based resource about adjusting to life as a university student. From navigating roommate relationships to understanding stress and mental health, it is a valuable guide to navigating the big changes to come. Find it at mentalhealthliteracy.org/product/transitions

COMPLETE THE INCOMING STUDENT SUCCESS SURVEY

The Incoming Student Success Survey helps us match you with specific resources you need to be ready and confident about starting your journey at StFX. Watch your email for a link to the survey.

REGISTER FOR X ACT

The X Act Program will help you develop and enhance the learning skills and strategies needed to succeed in your first year at StFX. Topics include time management, using a syllabus, using Moodle, academic integrity, academic regulations, studying, coping with stress, and how to connect with campus resources. The six-week program—developed by the Academic Success Centre and the StFX Health and Counselling Centre—is delivered by upper-year StFX students. Registration is open to all first-year students.

stfx.ca/student-services/x-act

GET READY to be a student

SET UP YOUR 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 open later this summer. Watch your StFX email for further instructions on how to access it and how to get your ID card.

STAY CONNECTED

If you haven’t already, follow our social media accounts to stay up to date on campus events and all the great things happening for your arrival.

Take a virtual tour of your new home. Visit visit.stfx.ca to explore the StFX campus and the wider Antigonish community.

GET READY to live in residence

Residence is so much more than just a roof over your head. It’s a place to make friends for life and discover who you want to be.

There are unique and diverse residence communities at StFX to fit your interests and lifestyle. With approximately 90% of first-year students choosing to live on campus, our residence culture is fun, friendly, and welcoming to all. For more information, check out the Residence Handbook and Community Standards available in June.

Feeling nervous about living on your own for the first time? There is an X Starts Here module called Living Your Best Life at StFX that can help.

CONNECT WITH YOUR FUTURE ROOMMATES/FLOORMATES

We are 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.

REVIEW YOUR 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. All students living on campus receive a mandatory tenant insurance package. The $80 fee will be charged to your student account.

LEARN OUR RESIDENCE COMMUNITY STANDARDS

This is a foundational document for all residence students that you should read and understand. It provides detailed information on how to access support, who residence staff are, standards of behaviour, and expectations for how we treat each other and our spaces. Please watch your email for this important information.

GET TO KNOW YOUR RESIDENCE STAFF

Living away from home can be overwhelming at first. When you move into residence, make sure to meet your Residence Life Coordinator (RLC), a full time live-in professional staff member. Other residence leaders include Community Advisors (CAs) and Senior Community Advisors. Your Residence Life Coordinator will reach out in July to introduce themselves and discuss any concerns you raise on the Incoming Student Survey.

GET READY to live in residence

CAMPUS DINING

If you are 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. StFX is also pleased to have a full-service Starbucks located in the heart of campus. Find out more: stfx.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. Find out more: 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). For more information, visit stfx.ca/security

Vegetarian VG Vegan GF Gluten-free

GET READY to live in residence

Planning on bringing a car to campus?

Please note there is a cost for both daily and overnight parking. Daytime Parking—$250 per year, $150 per term; Overnight Parking—$400 per year, $250 per term; Monthly Parking—$50 per month; Single Day Parking—$10 per day. If you purchase an overnight pass, you’ll have daytime parking privileges as well (you wouldn’t need to purchase a daily pass). Visit stfx.ca/security/parking for more information.

Time to start packing? Use this list to help you decide what should come with you and what should stay at home.

BRING DO NOT BRING

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

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

• Bathroom supplies and toiletries (towels, flip flops, slippers, a basket or bag to carry your items)

• Laundry supplies (laundry bag, detergent, clothes hangers, iron/small ironing board)

• A power bar and extension cord

• A first aid kit, including a health care thermometer (so you’ll know whether or not you have a fever if you get sick).

• Pictures/posters to personalize your room and 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). Try to bring low- or no-scent products.

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

• Pets (with the exception of fish)

• Large stereo speakers and sub-woofers

• Any 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, non-CSA approved and/or outdoor mini lights, LED strip lights

• Anything illegal to the Province of Nova Scotia

• Nails/tacks/duct tape (Sticky tack only, please)

• Candles or incense

• Strongly scented room fresheners

• Strongly scented body sprays

• Additional furniture

• Wireless printers

• Weapons of any nature, or anything that could be misconstrued as a weapon

GET READY

to join the Xaverian Community

Finding help when you need it. There are many people and places to find assistance on campus. Our goal is to support you as you transition to life as a university student, both inside and outside of the classroom. So don’t be a stranger. Using the available resources is what successful students do.

Academic Advising | Nicholson Tower | Schwartz School

Academic advisors can help you understand program requirements, declare or change a major or program, and assist with many other academic issues. advising@stfx.ca · stfx.ca/advising

Diversity Engagement Centre | Bloomfield 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 our International Student Advisor who supports international students studying at StFX, as well as the Director of Human Rights & Equity, and the Human Rights Education and Response Advocate. mfogarty@stfx.ca · stfx.ca/diversity

Health and Counselling | Bloomfield Centre

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. We also offer community-based supports and services, including the Bloomfield Hub, which is part of our Flourish@X programming.

902.867.2263 · stfx.ca/health-and-counselling

Additional mental health services include:

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

1.833.292.3698.

The Mental Health Counsellor at the Centre for Black Student Success offers free, confidential, culturally relevant counselling for members of the StFX community who identify as persons of African Descent.

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.

Flourish@X Health and Wellness Resource Portal

The Flourish@X Health and Wellness Resource Portal provides quick and easy access to health-related resources available for StFX students, whether they are seeking supports and services on campus, in the community, or online. The resource portal includes a wide range of useful information for students, parents, faculty and staff, including details about how to make appointments at the Health and Counselling Centre, who to contact about various health-related questions/ concerns, and links to curated resources, all in one central location. stfx.ca/flourish

Kiknu Indigenous Student Centre l Coady West

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. tfrancis@stfx.ca · stfx.ca/indigenous

Office of the Registrar l Nicholson Tower

Supporting students from application through to graduation, the Office of the Registrar can answer any questions you might have about the registration process, adding or dropping courses, exams, and more.

registrar@stfx.ca · stfx.ca/registrars-office

Residence Staff

If you plan to live in residence, any one of your residence staff can always provide you with assistance. A full list your residence staff is available in your Residence Community Standards document—plus their offices are right in your building, so they are always easy to find!

Student

Career Center l Schwartz School

Student Career Services provides career/employmentrelated assistance to all StFX students in any program or year of study, including career coaching, career information, and employment services. We can also help you to access X Connects—StFX Alumni Mentorship Program, which pairs students with alumni mentors to discuss graduate school, career development, and more. stfx.ca/scc

GET READY to join the Xaverian Community

Academic Success Centre l Angus L. Macdonald Library

The Academic Success Centre can help you adjust to the expectations and workload of university-level classes. They provide free academic skills instruction/ coaching, tutoring by subject, writing support, and more. sscentre@stfx.ca · stfx.ca/student-success

Spirituality l Bloomfield (Chaplaincy) & Morrison Hall (Wellspring)

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. stfx.ca/chaplaincy

Tramble Centre for Accessible Learning

Angus L. Macdonald Library

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. tramble@stfx.ca · stfx.ca/accessible-learning

Visible@X/StFX’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate l Bloomfield Centre

StFX’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Advocate leads sexual violence prevention work on campus and provides support/advocacy to individuals who have experienced sexual violence. Confidential support is available to all members of the StFX community. hblackbu@stfx.ca · stfx.ca/visible-at-x

Set yourself up for academic success. Take the X Starts Here module on building your academic skills at moodle.stfx.ca.

GET READY

to join the Xaverian Community

Campus life

Xaverians are well known for their enthusiastic engagement in all aspects of campus life—from clubs and societies to athletics and the arts. There are so many ways to get involved, stay active, and make new friends.

Clubs and Societies

The environment. Politics. Music. Photography. Entrepreneurship. We have 100+ clubs and societies on campus, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can easily launch your own. Learn more at theu.ca/societies.

Theatre Antigonish/Festival Antigonish l Bauer Theatre

Based on campus, Theatre Antigonish is a non-profit community theatre and Festival Antigonish is a premier summer repertory theatre that brings together artists from across Nova Scotia and beyond. There are lots of opportunities for students to take part in fall/winter productions with Theatre Antigonish, from acting to

stage management and beyond, and many students have found summer employment with Festival Antigonish in July and August.

tickets@stfx.ca · theatreantigonish.com

StFX Art Gallery l Mulroney Hall

The campus art gallery produces exhibitions, programs, and special events featuring artists and arts organizations from across northeastern Nova Scotia. stfx.ca/art-gallery

Xaverian Weekly l Bloomfield Centre

Founded as the Excelsior in 1895, The Xaverian Weekly is the official campus newspaper and a member of the

Canadian University Press, North America’s largest cooperative of student newspapers. First year students are encouraged and welcome to attend Contributor Meetings. Student writers, editors, and photographers are hired in September.

xw.eic@stfx.ca · xaverian.ca

CFXU The Fox l Bloomfield Centre

CFXU is StFX’s official, student-run campus & community radio station. Students work at the radio station in a variety of production and programming roles. cfxu@stfx.ca · radiocfxu.ca

Service Learning l Coady Institute

Enrich your academic learning by getting involved in the community. StFX has service learning opportunities both locally and internationally. stfx.ca/academics/service-learning

Recreation, Club Sports & Intramurals

Stay active at X in a variety of ways with XREC (X-Recreation). XREC offers programs, services, and activities, including Active Living, Club Sports, and Intramurals. goxgo.ca/recreation @stfxintramurals

Leadership Opportunities

Residence Councils are a great way to get involved and help make the residence experience fun and engaging, while building your leadership skills.

Varsity Athletics

StFX has 10 varsity athletic teams participating in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) competitions in the sports of football, women’s rugby, soccer, cross country, hockey, and basketball. All students are invited to come out to AUS games and cheer on the blue and white! goxgo.ca

@stfxathletics

stfx_athletics

Welcome days

We can’t wait to welcome all new StFX students to campus! The University and the StFX Students’ Union are planning a series of fun, informative, and inclusive orientation activities for first-year students. GET READY to join the Xaverian Community

August 30: Community Connections Day for students who want to find community and meet campus advisors they can relate to. There are activities exclusively for Indigenous, Black and 2LGBTQIA+ students. Registration is required. Contact studentlife@stfx.ca for more information.

August 30/31: Move-in day for students living on campus. Students living off-campus must check in on August 30 between 8am and 4pm. Please watch your StFX email to learn which date you are eligible to arrive on campus.

Are you neurodiverse and/or anxious about the excitement of move-in day? If you would like to learn more about our low-sensory, more relaxed move-in option please contact us at Student Life studentlife@stfx.ca.

What you can expect during your first week:

Welcome activities with Student Life staff, off campus coordinators, and StFX’s O-Crew. This includes meeting your residence leaders and student life staff— your go-to for anything you need in first-year.

An orientation program for international students

‘Get to know you’ activities for all new students

Encouragement to participate! Welcome week is a busy period and it is the best time to get out there, try something new, and to experience starting fresh with a lot of people doing the same thing!

A full week of activities, plus much more through the month of September.

The Xaverian Welcome Ceremony, a tradition that marks the beginning of your Xaverian journey.

GET READY to join the Xaverian Community

What does it mean to be Xaverian?

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 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.

GET READY to join the Xaverian Community

Spring Summer

Accept your residence offer

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

Register for courses

New students: complete your mandatory X Starts Here modules and the Incoming Student Success Survey

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

Important

dates & milestones

Attend your virtual residence meet and greet. Meet other residence students early and say hello to your residence staff.

Finish off the mandatory X Starts Here modules and take a look at the others throughout the summer.

Submit your Incoming Student Success Survey, if you haven’t already done so.

Fall

*No classes

Welcome Days................................................................................................................................ Friday-Saturday, Aug. 30-31

First Day of Classes ...................................................................................................................................... Wednesday, Sept. 4

Last Day to Change First-Term or Full-Year Courses................................................................................Friday, Sept. 13

December Exam Schedule Posted ..................................................................................................................Friday, Sept. 27

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation* .............................................................................................Monday, Sept. 30

Thanksgiving Day* ................................................................................................................................................. Monday, Oct. 14

Fall Study Break* ................................................................................................................ Tuesday, Oct. 15 to Friday Oct. 18

Last Day to Drop First-Term Three Credit Courses ........................................................................Wednesday, Oct. 30

Remembrance Day* ............................................................................................................................................... Monday, Nov. 11

Fall Convocation ........................................................................................................................................................ Sunday, Dec. 1

X-Ring Day* ...............................................................................................................................................................Tuesday, Dec. 3

Last Day of Classes for Winter Term ................................................................................................................. Friday, Dec. 6

Examinations Begin ............................................................................................................................................... Monday, Dec. 9

Last Day of Exams .........................................................................................................................................Wednesday, Dec. 18

University Closes for Holiday Break .................................................................................................................Friday, Dec. 20

Winter/ Spring

*No classes

University Reopens .............................................................................................................................................. Thursday, Jan. 2

First Day of Classes Second Term .................................................................................................................... Monday, Jan. 6

Last Day to Drop Full-Year or Change Second-Term Courses.....................................................Wednesday, Jan. 15

April Exam Schedule Posted .................................................................................................................................. Friday, Jan 31

Nova Scotia Heritage Day* ................................................................................................................................ Monday, Feb. 17

Winter Study Break* ........................................................................................................ Tuesday, Feb. 18 to Friday, Feb. 21

Last Day to Drop Second-Term Three-Credit Courses .................................................................... Wednesday, Mar. 5

Good Friday* .............................................................................................................................................................. Friday, April 18

Last Day of Classes .................................................................................................................................................... Friday, Apr. 4

Examinations Begin ................................................................................................................................................ Monday, Apr. 7

Examinations End .................................................................................................................................................. Monday, Apr. 21

Spring Convocation ................................................................................................................................................. Sunday, May 5

Students’ Union Health and Dental Plan

You must have health and dental insurance. 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, 2024. 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 partial coverage toward psychological assessments for accommodations with Tramble.

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

Driving Directions

Off the Trans-Canada Highway 104, take exit 32 and follow the signs to Antigonish. Drive through a set of lights to West Street, and then take your first right (at the next set of lights) onto Convocation Boulevard. Follow the signs for parking.

Transit

Maritime Bus (maritimebus.com) provides transportation from Halifax Stanfield International Airport to the StFX campus. Please check their online schedule as bus routes are subject to change.

Family staying over?

Families dropping off students can find a list of accommodations at visitantigonish.ca/stay. Book your hotel early! There are also a number of restaurants in town, from fine dining establishments to casual food outlets.

WELCOME DAY Entrance Convocation Blvd. (follow signs when on campus)

stfx.ca