XULA Viewbook

Xavier New Orleans

Exactly how unique is Xavier University of Louisiana? We are the only historically Black and Catholic university in the United States. What gives us the assurance to say we’re unmatched? Xavier has a na-tional reputation for placing African-American students in medical schools, including such institutions as LSU, U of Texas, Morehouse, Johns Hop-kins, Howard, Emory, Meharry, and Tulane. Best of all, these are only two examples of the unique and unmatched characteristics that make Xavier a mind-expanding, confidence-building, spirit-lifting experience.

Unique. Unmatched.

Ready to reveal your true self, reach out to others, stand for what you believe, shoot for the stars?

It Happens At Xavier.

“Whatever your discipline, the entire University is dedicated to your success. It takes this level of commitment to develop Xavierites - people who are academically well-prepared, knowledgeable in their field and equipped with professional and personal connections that endure for a lifetime.”

—Dr. NormaN C. FraNCis,

Xavier President and Alumnus of the Class of ’52

Unique. Unmatched.

Ready to reveal your true self, reach out to others, stand for what you believe, shoot for the stars?


LEAVE IT TO A PHILOSOPHY PROFESSOR,

in this case, our own Dr. Joe LeFevre, to articulate the

essence of our uniqueness. He says, “Xavier students—

more than most, I think—buy into the notion that they

are being educated not just so they will succeed, but so

they can make society a better place.” It is an observation

that fully supports the fact Xavier has risen to national

prominence as a school of excellence by connecting

with determined, caring, committed students who

believe, like we do, that life calls for us to do more than

make a living. It challenges us to help the world live

with greater comfort, vision, and hope. That persever-

ance and hard work can produce results greater than

we imagine. And, with God helping, there are no

boundaries we can’t overcome.

“At Xavier, I was surrounded by the brightest and best. Even though I didn’t have a 4.0 average, I never thought that I couldn’t make it. I am successful in my field. I compete with the best. And I understand how to present myself to the world. Xavier made sure I knew all of those things.”

—CANDRA PALMER, CLASS OF 2000

A Welcoming PersonalityEven with our historic mission to serve the Black, Catholic community, Xavier’s

doors are open to all qualified students. More than one-QUARTER of our students

are Catholic, Around 70 Percent African Americans, and our students hail from

OVER 40 states.

Xavier was founded in 1925 by St. Katharine Drexel (canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000) and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. You’ll find our complete history online at www.xula.edu.

At its core, Xavier’s curriculum is a modern-day example of a classic liberal arts education.

Students in every academic major are steeped in theology and philosophy, the arts and the

humanities, communications, history and the social sciences, mathematics, and the natural

sciences. Does that sound demanding? We are proud to say, it is. This is serious preparation for

a lifetime of learning and teaching, leadership and service. We’ll help you build breadth

of knowledge. We’ll sharpen your curiosity, your critical thinking skills, and your compassion

and self-confidence.

It’s a Joy and a Privilege to Excite the mind.

Do you appreciate the advantages that are created when you push yourself to prove yourself?


It’s a Joy and a Privilege to Excite the mind.

Do you appreciate the advantages that are created when you push yourself to prove yourself?


GIVING OUR STUDENTS THE SUPPORT THEY

NEED TO EXCEL is not only a real point of pride,

it is a real passion. Here’s how it works. You come to

Xavier with great potential and desire. That’s the

starting point. Then we place at your disposal every-

thing you need to realize that potential and fulfill that

desire. You’ll have constant access to state-of-the-art

technology. You’ll be mentored by “model” professors

who are as interested in your attitude as they are in

your academic achievements. You’ll have the resources

of an ultra-modern library, as well as student tutoring

and writing centers. You’ll reap the benefits of our

Center for Student Leadership and Service and our

Center for International and Intercultural Programs.

Some years ago a national publication chronicling Xavier’s academic success quoted a student whose description of our tough-love philosophy still resonates: “Gradually, they saw away your cane, and you have to walk on your own.”

Our Purpose: Your SuccessIt was a revelation for Maurice Taylor, Class of ’02. While attending a national

conference for business students, he was “amazed” at how much he was able to

shine during a discussion of business etiquette. Xavier’s innovative programs had

“given me the experience I needed.”

“Majoring in Philosophy at Xavier and the interaction with my professors and peers molded me into a better person, a better scholar, and a better lawyer.”

—TAMARA MOSBY, XAVIER GRADUATE, PHILOSOPHY MAJOR, ATTORNEY AT LAW, NEW YORK

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCESAccountingArtArt EducationBiochemistryBiologyBiology EducationBusiness*ChemistryChemistry ACSChemistry EducationChemistry Pre-PharmacyChemistry Pre-ProfessionalCommunication StudiesComputer Information SystemsComputer ScienceElementary EducationEnglishEnglish/English EducationFrenchFrench EducationHistoryMass CommunicationsMathematicsMathematics Education

Middle School EducationMusicMusic EducationMusic PerformancePhilosophyPhysicsPolitical SciencePublic Health SciencesPsychologySocial Studies EducationSociologySpanishSpanish EducationSpeech PathologyStatisticsTheology

PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMSPre-DentistryPre-LawPre-MedicinePre-Veterinary Medicine

DUAL DEGREE ENGINEERINGBiomedical EngineeringChemical EngineeringComputer EngineeringCivil EngineeringElectrical EngineeringEnvironmental EngineeringMechanical Engineering

COLLEGE OF PHARMACYPharmacy

GRADUATE PROGRAMSCounseling Curriculum and InstructionEducational LeadershipElementary EducationSecondary EducationSpecial EducationTheology

More pride points: 100 percent of our education majors in recent years passed the National Teachers’ Exam before graduation. Xavier ranks first in producing African Americans with undergraduate degrees in the life and physical sciences. We are also a top producer of African Americans with Doctor of Pharmacy degrees.

AcAdemic ProgramsXAVIER OFFERS A BROAD RANGE OF MAJORS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS, SCIENCE OR MUSIC

DEGREES. THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY OFFERS A 6-YEAR PROGRAM (TWO YEARS PRE-PHARMACY

PLUS FOUR YEARS PHARMACY) LEADING TO THE DOCTOR OF PHARMACY DEGREE. THE GRADUATE

PROGRAM OFFERS THE MASTER OF ARTS AND THE MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING AND THROUGH

THE institure for BLACK CATHOLIC STUDIES, THE MASTER OF THEOLOGY.

Key numbers: The student:faculty ratio is 13:1 and of full-time faculty, 91% have terminal degrees. In 2009, 37% of Xavier graduates entered graduate or professional school.

* concentrations in Finance, Management, Sales and Marketing

Every university has its own personality traits. Ours are as clear as the smiles on our faces.

We are defined by community warmth, urban energy, and personal pride. This is an

environment in which you will feel comfortable (some say, motivated) to step out (some say,

leap out) of your comfort zone and accept the risks (and rewards) of revealing your true self.

We stand for what we believe and give you the room to do the same. We attract students

of many backgrounds with many dreams—and that, in itself, is assurance of a lively spirit

and engaging atmosphere!

The flavor of Xavier is RICH & DIVERSE.

Wouldn’t it be great to be part of a school that considers peer-to-peer support one of its finest traditions?


The flavor of Xavier is RICH & DIVERSE.

Wouldn’t it be great to be part of a school that considers peer-to-peer support one of its finest traditions?


MUSIC, TO A GREAT EXTENT, HAS LONG

BEEN ANOTHER PUBLIC FACE OF XAVIER.

Our choral groups conduct an annual spring tour, our

students have performed before the Pope in Rome’s St.

Peter’s Basilica, and Xavier alumni showcase their

training—as teachers, recording artists, critics, and

performers—around the world. Of course, Xavier is

known by many other faces. One is our “pass it on”

tradition where alumni reach back to help prepare

and connect today’s students. Another is a culture

of tutoring and group learning. As a student, if you

really know a subject, you have a responsibility to help

others. Yet another is an active Campus Ministry that

sponsors Christian Drama, Spirit Praise, Liturgical

Dance Group, and many other community favorites.

Friendly Faces, Too: “My peer dean’s kindness impressed me. I remember being at orientation, thinking, ‘I’m going to like it here.’ Her friendliness made a difference in my world.”

—MONIQUE BAILEY, CLASS OF 2001

MANY FACES IN MANY PLACES Xavier is known in many national and international circles by the acclaim of our

faculty. DR. MICHAEL WHITE, PROFESSOR OF SPANISH, RECIPIENT OF THE FRENCH CHEVALIER

OF ARTS AND LETTERS MEDAL (France’s highest artistic award), EMINENT JAZZ HISTORIAN

AND PERFORMER WAS AWARDED THE NATIONAL HERITAGE FELLOWSHIP AWARD (the nation’s

highest honor given in traditional and folk arts).

“Xavier stirs something at your core that keeps reminding you that you can achieve, and that there is nothing strange about trying to do big things.”

—ELLEN HAZEUR, CLASS OF 1986, NEW ORLEANS CLERK OF COURT

One look at the packed Xavier calendar and you’ll know you can be as active and involved as

you want on this campus. From an annual Spring Festival to intramural sports, to Greek step

shows and student debates; from community clean-ups and an annual class trip, to late-night

chats in the dorm—student life at Xavier is fun, challenging, poignant, revealing, exhilarating,

even exhausting (in a good way). From the moment our friendly peer deans greet you at

freshman orientation and help you settle into life at Xavier, you’ll be on the go.

Imagine looking back and realizing there was never a dull day, something interesting was always happening.


LIKE EXHILIARAT ING? YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE.

Imagine looking back and realizing there was never a dull day, something interesting was always happening.


LIKE EXHILIARAT ING? YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE.

THE XAVIER CAMPUS IS ABOUT CONNEC-

TIONS—in more ways than one. First and foremost,

of course, it is about making personal (and often life-

long) connections with your classmates and faculty.

Is there a chance you will know your chemistry lab

partner 20 years from now? You bet. It happens

more often than not. Also, given today’s demand for

immediate access to information, we are also about

connecting through technology. All Xavier students

are assigned an e-mail account, our residence halls are

networked, and technology is used extensively in

teaching and curriculum development. Since the cam-

pus is 100 percent wi-fi, we encourage you to bring

your personal computer to Xavier.

“Xavier is definitely a very tight knit community. When you walk around you feel like this is a place where you can fit in—where you can really belong.”

—AMANDA MARTIN, CLASS OF 2005

cAMPUS lIFE Active and engaged. the university provides numerous services, resources, and co-

curricular programs to enrich students’ learning experiences including student

government, intramural sports, fraternities and sororities, and other special in-

trest organizations.

“The place” at Xavier is the University Center. Its dining hall, Internet café, student lounges, meeting rooms, post office, and bookstore are among the many draws that bring students to this “highly social” build-ing day after day.

SPORTSXavier’s athletic program has a

rich tradition, including regular

post-season tournament

appearances. Men’s Basketball Men’s Cross Country Men’s Tennis Women’s Basketball Women’s Cross Country Women’s Tennis Women’s Volleyball Cheerleading Gold Star Dance Team Golden Girls Pom Squad

RECREATIONFor fun and for exercise, there is

a full range of fall and spring

endeavors. For example: aerobics,

flag football, volleyball, basketball,

roller-skating, billiards, dodge ball,

co-ed basketball, soccer, ping-pong,

spades, dominos, wacky Olympics,

3-point shooting, free-throw shoot-

ing, rock climbing, bowling, swamp

tour, 2K race—and on it goes!

TO DOHere, just a sampling of organiza-

tions, events and activities. Business Achievers English Majors Club Homecoming Week International Students Organization Leadership Retreat MAX (Mobilization at Xavier, Community Service) New Voices Nubian Expressions Patio Shows Pure Genius Poetry Club Social Greek Organizations

Springfest Student Government Association Students in Free Enterprise Theology Club Wellness Associates Xavier Forensics and Debate Team

“ The Xavier experience inspires personal growth, intellectual growth, social growth, and spiritual growth. To put it another way: ‘Developing the complete student...that is what we do.’”

—RON BECHET, ART PROFESSOR

READY. SET. GO, GO, GO! If it’s Friday it must be Gumbo & Catfish in the Dining Hall. Dive in! Other eateries

on campus include Café a la Carte, The Sandwich Shop, and Freshens. With so much

to do at Xavier, it’s important to have delicious choices to feed your hunger and

fuel your energy.

“Xavier gives you an opportunity to lead. It opens lots of doors for you. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

—MARCUS JENNINGS, CLASS OF 2006

Xavier is located in one of the world’s most fascinating—and resilient—cities. The rich

blend of New Orleans history and multicultural attractions provides students with a unique

place to obtain a great education and enjoy a great lifestyle. Influenced by Afro-Caribbean,

French, and Spanish roots, New Orleans—like Xavier—continues to celebrate its past

while taking great strides toward an ever-brighter future following Hurricane Katrina.

It is a colorful and contagious spirit that draws visitors to our hometown. It is that same

spirit that draws students to Xavier.

It’s rare to find one place that engages all the senses with its music, festivals, food, art, sports, and people.


YOU CAN’T StoP A CITY WITH ATTITUDE.

It’s rare to find one place that engages all the senses with its music, festivals, food, art, sports, and people.


YOU CAN’T StoP A CITY WITH ATTITUDE.

THERE IS NO SCENE LIKE THE NEW

ORLEANS SCENE. It has been that way for

centuries. It will remain that way. Remember, the

citizens of New Orleans were meeting at their favorite

coffee (café au lait) spots 250 years before the

coffee-shop craze captured the rest of the country.

Jazz and Zydeco hit their high notes here. The motto—

laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll)—

started in the Big Easy. Haitian and African Creole cui-

sine, French and Spanish street names, European and

Caribbean architecture—it is impossible to imagine

a cultural gumbo made with more exotic ingredients

than New Orleans. We are talking more than a city.

We are talking an attitude. It is an attitude our students

always have found—and always will find—impossible

to resist.

Fun? Definitely. More? Definitely. For example, Xavier political science students have served internships and done volunteer work at New Orleans City Hall, the International Trade Center, and various public offices.

UNIQUE: AN UNDERSTATEMENT The most celebrated and historic core of the city—including the Faubourg

Marigny, French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District,

Magazine Street, Garden District, Audubon Park and Zoo, and St. Charles Avenue—

is thriving.

New Orleans offers an educational smorgasbord. Our students often develop joint projects with other local public and private colleges and universities.

Three major criteria are reviewed by the Admissions

committee: high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores,

and the high school counselor’s recommendation.

Priority dates for submitting admissions applications are

March 1st for the Fall semester and December 1st for

the Spring semester.

MONEY DOESN’T HAVE TO BE AN OBSTACLE.

You won’t be turned away because of your family’s

lack of financial resources. Eighty-five percent of our

students receive some form of financial aid—grants

(which don’t require payback), loans, and scholarships.

We’ll work with you and your family on structuring a

financial aid package that might make it possible for

you to attend Xavier.

The priority date to apply for financial aid is as

soon as possible after January 1st. We recommend that

you apply as early as you can because funds are distrib-

uted on a first-come, first-served basis.

We’ll happily answer your questions or concerns.

Just visit the Office of Financial Aid website at

www.xula.edu/financial-aid.

“What I love about Xavier is the willingness to give students a chance. Our alma mater has never lost sight of the mission of Katharine Drexel, to provide an opportunity for the least privileged to become leaders in their fields of endeavor.”

—JOY BACHEMIN-JOSEPH, NATIONAL PRESIDENT, XAVIER ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2002-2006

Admissions & Financial AidGenerally speaking, the University seeks ambitious, well-rounded students with

great potential for educational and personal development. Admissions slots are

limited and, therefore, are offered on a competitive basis.

“If you come to Xavier and work your way through, you will be prepared—for anything.”

—VICTOR McCRAY, CLASS OF 2001

WANT IT TO HAPPEN FOR YOU AT XAVIER? The next step is to get to know us better. A good start is to drop by our website

—www.xula.edu—for more details. However, the very best—and certainly most

enjoyable way—is to pay us a visit. We’d like you to sample campus life and talk to

students and professors about Xavier. To arrange to visit, or if you have questions,

please visit the Office of Admissions website at www.xula.edu/admissions.

Xavier In Brief

Mission Statement: Xavier University of Louisiana, founded by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, is Catholic and histori-cally Black. The ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. This preparation takes place in a diverse learning and teaching environment that incorpo-rates all relevant educational means, including research and community service.

History: Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Xavier maintains a historic role in supporting the aspira-tions and development of the African American community.

Location: The heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, one of the most colorful and dynamic cities in the world.

Campus: Recent additions blend with earlier buildings of Gothic design to create a feeling of a new campus with permanence and history. All residential students live in modern residence halls with pleasant living quarters and easy access to recreational facilities.

Enrollment: More than 3,300 students. Over 2,400 are under-graduates. Approximately 70 percent of Xavier’s students are African American.

Faculty: Xavier’s students benefit from the expertise and training of more than 200 full-time faculty members who represent an array of cultures, fields, and diverse experiences. Ninety-one percent of Xavier’s faculty members have terminal degrees.

Academics: Broad range of academic majors for the Bachelor of Arts, Science, or Music degrees. The College of Pharmacy offers a 6-year program (two years pre-pharmacy plus four years pharmacy) leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The University offers graduate programs that lead to the Master of Arts and the Master of Arts in Teaching and through the Institute of Black Catholic Studies, the Master of Theology.

Campus Life: Active and involved. The University provides an array of services, resources, and co-curricular programs to enrich students’ experience (including student govern-ment, intramural sports, fraternities and sororities, special interest organizations).

Athletics: A member of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, which is affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Admissions: Decisions are made with-out regard to religion, sex, race, creed, color, national origin, or handicap. A completed application includes the application form and fee (or fee waiver), high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, and guidance counselor recommendation.

Financial Aid and Scholarships: 85 percent of students attending Xavier receive some financial aid or scholar-ship. Xavier has traditionally offered the opportunity of a college education to academically qualified students, regardless of the financial resources of the student or the student’s family.

Special Programs: Cooperative projects with other schools, exchange programs, career planning and job placement, internships, accelerated learning, ROTC, and pre-professional programs for law, health, medicine, and dentistry.

Library: Houses over 230,000, 1,600 serial subscriptions, more than 80 electronic database subscriptions, and 28,000 electronic full-text journals.

Accreditation: Xavier University of Louisiana is accredited by the Commis-sion on Colleges of the Southern Asso-ciation of Colleges and Schools to award bachelors, masters, and the doctorate de-grees. Contact the Commission on Col-leges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Xavier University of Louisiana.

Xavier University of Louisiana is also accredited by the Association of Col-legiate Business Schools and Programs, the National Council for Accredita-tion of Teacher Education, the State of Louisiana Department of Education, Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education and the National Association of Schools of Music.www.xula.edu/admissions.

This publication was made possible in part by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York. The statements made and views expressed are solely the responsibility of the author.

Xavier University of LouisianaOffice of Admissions

1 Drexel Drive

New Orleans, LA 70125

Phone: 504-520-7388

Toll Free: 1-877-XAVIERU

Fax: 504-520-7941

www.xula.edu

Documents

XULA Viewbook