Traditions
Traditions. They are part of what makes the university experience so unique and memorable. We have a number of Saint Xavier traditions that we hope you will explore during your time with us. Below are some of the traditions that occur during the year, a brief description and their time-frame.
Traditions at SXU
Cougar Trax is a two-day program designed to welcome all new first-year students to the academic community and to allow them to experience a unique SXU tradition. This program, held the Thursday and Friday before classes begin, includes a mandatory programming, First-Year Fest, and New Student Induction.
Welcome Week consists of a series of social, educational, and recreational events at the start of the fall semester. Welcome Week takes place the first week(s) of classes every Fall semester.
The RSO Fair provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the registered student organizations on campus. The entire campus community is invited to celebrate the new semester at the Fair and snacks are provided for all who attend!
The RSO Fair occurs once per semester on the Wednesday of Welcome Week and Winter Week.
This month consists of a series of social, educational and recreational events celebrating Hispanic Heritage. This month begins September 15 and goes until October 15!
Sponsored by Student Activities, Student Government Association and Student Activities Board, Campus Ministry, Career Services, Country House Dining Services, UNIDOS and Chicano Bachateros. For more information, contact Student Activities at 773-298-5114 or studentlifeFREESXU.
"We The People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Saint Xavier University celebrates Constitution Day!
President George W. Bush signed a bill on December 8, 2004, (public law 108-447) that designates every September 17 as Constitution Day commemorating the September 17, 1787, signing of the Constitution.
To open the academic year each September, SXU celebrates Spirit of Mercy Day, blending two revered traditions -- the Mass of the Holy Spirit, which opens the school year at Catholic institutions, and Mercy Day, which honors the start of Mercy education in Dublin, Ireland in September 1827.
A week full of Cougar Spirit and entertainment. This annual festivity culminates in the welcoming of alumni and Homecoming football game that occurs annually on a Saturday.
Gather to charge up for finals with a delicious meal of pancakes, sausage, and all the fixings prepared by the Student Activities staff. Enjoy the Finals Breakfast the Monday of Finals Week during both the fall and spring semesters.
The celebration consists of an event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the start of the spring semester. The MLK Celebration takes place during the week following the Martin Luther King holiday.
This heritage month consists of a series of social, educational, and recreational events celebrating Black History. Black History Month events take place during the month of February.
This month consists of a series of social, educational, and recreational events celebrating Women's History. Women's History Month events take place during the month of March.
Each March, SXU highlights the service aspect of its Mission Statement by conferring three awards for outstanding service -- one each to a student, a staff member, and a faculty member. The Mission Day awards ceremony is open to all University members.
SXU has their annual Late Nite event every spring semester. Past dates have included: an inflatable obstacle course, a caricature artist, bingo, crafts, massages, volleyball, basketball contests and of course food. This event is open to all students at SXU.
Explore foods from across the country at SXU's version of the Taste of Chicago, coordinated by Student Activities Board (SAB). The Taste of SXU takes place during the spring semester.
The Scarlet and Gray Awards Ceremony formally recognizes students' achievement in leadership, service, and extracurricular involvement at Saint Xavier University. The Scarlet and Gray Awards occur annually during the last week of the spring semester.
Dance the night away at a downtown venue after enjoying a delicious meal. Coordinated by Student Activities Board. Spring Formal takes place annually on a Friday in late March or early April.