The sun shone and campus buzzed with energy and X-citement as hundreds of first-year StFX students arrived for Welcome Day on Friday.
Outside the Keating Centre, O-Crew members cheered and danced as they invited new students through the “welcome tunnel.” Inside, students and their families were greeted by StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin and Linda Hakin, who wished them the best as they embarked on their Xaverian journey.
Checking in, checking out supports
At check-in, students confirmed their arrival with the Registrar’s Office and University Housing, received their Student ID cards, and registered for access to the Health and Counselling Centre.
Students were then invited to explore the Student Services Showcase, meet Students’ Union representatives, and get familiarized with the supports available to them at StFX. The showcase included a photo booth, orientation week kits, an introduction to advisors, and more. Many enjoyed the opportunity to try StFX’s famous Seafood Chowder.
Breanna Eisan, a first-year Health student from New Glasgow, NS, expressed hopeful anticipation of her university experience. "It’s the start of my future, the start of doing what I want to do for the rest of my life,” she said.
Friday was also a big day for Breanna’s mother, Amy. “It’s very exciting,” she said. “The welcoming committee here is amazing. It completely calmed my nerves coming in and has given me a different level of excitement.”
Arriving from all over
Many students and families had made a considerable trek to StFX, travelling (in some cases by car) from as far away as British Columbia, and every province in between. International students dropped pins in a map of the world from such diverse places as Malawi, India, Switzerland, the midwestern United States, and the Bahamas.
A full week of activities
Welcome Day was part of a week of orientation activities planned for new StFX students. On Thursday, a relaxed start was offered to students seeking a lower-sensory arrival experience. The day also included a check-in and introduction to community supports for Indigenous, Black, 2SLGBTQIA+ and International students.
StFX Student Life director Jacqueline De Leebeeck estimated that approximately 200 students arrived on Thursday and about 700+ more checked in on Friday – in addition to student leaders and athletes who were already on campus.
“We are proud to provide a robust welcome experience for our students,” said De Leebeeck. “Every year we look for ways to improve how we welcome new students in ways that meet their needs. We have customized orientation activities that encourage connection with resources on campus and other students with similar lived experience and interest. We know how important a strong residence orientation, academic orientation and social connection are to a successful transition. This is what drives the unique welcome at StFX.”
The coming days will see an academic orientation, training workshops, the Xaverian Welcome ceremony, and a full schedule of recreational activities for new students. Classes for the 2023-24 year begin on Tuesday, September 5. For more information, see the X-Fest 2023 Schedule.
