With autumn leaves on the ground and excitement in the air, over 400 prospective students and their families arrived on campus this Sunday for the annual fall Open House. Visitors travelled from across Atlantic Canada for the full-day event, eager to immerse themselves in the campus environment and learn more about all that StFX has to offer.
"Coming to X is not a four-year experience. It's a lifetime experience," said StFX President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Andy Hakin, as he welcomed the large crowd in the Joyce Family Atrium.
"While we may be recognized by the X ring, it's the experience that brings us together. The feeling of community. At X, you are not I. We are we."
A large crowd gathers for opening remarks from StFX President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Andy Hakin.
Students attended informative presentations from each of the academic faculties, listened to panel discussions with current StFX students, explored campus through guided tours, and dined at Morrison Hall. The daylong program also featured an academic and student services showcase, scholarship and financial aid sessions, and an application centre where students who brought their transcripts were able to receive on-the-spot admission decisions.
Throughout each of the activities offered, one of the consistent takeaways for visiting students and families was the amount of support and attention they can expect to receive if they complete their undergraduate degree at StFX.
"I'm really excited about the small size of X," said grade 12 student, Chloe McRae, during a guided campus tour where she and her guest explored residences, classrooms, labs, the newly renovated Amelia Saputo Centre, and the StFX library.
"I know at a bigger school you can kind of get lost. It sounds like here there's more of a close-knit community, which is definitely more of what I'm looking for."
Academics at X
The academic faculty sessions were an event highlight for many attendees. Each session included a short presentation followed by a student panel discussion and Q&A.
During the Faculty of Arts session in the Barrick Auditorium, Dr. Erin Morton, Dean of Arts, introduced the various options for future arts students including unique offerings such as interdisciplinary arts & science degrees and first year colloquiums. Dr. Morton also shared her observations about the student population at StFX.
"One of things I've noticed here is that the students are very well rounded," said Dr. Morton. "And the community spirit is something that is really special."
The panel discussion featured students completing honours degrees in Psychology, English, and Public Policy and Governance, all of whom attested to the ample student research opportunities at StFX, and the many ways they have developed as critical thinkers, researchers, and individuals.
"Ciara [a fellow panelist] and I both worked as research assistants for Dr. Kailin Wright," explained fourth-year honours English student, Renee Papp. "That's an opportunity I don't think you would get at many other universities. Positions like research assistants are typically only given to graduate students. But at StFX, you get those opportunities much earlier on."
Dean of Science, Dr. Joe Apaloo, opened his presentation in the Schwartz School of Business with a warm welcome and a clear message to a packed room of students and guests: "The one thing I can say with certainty is that the programs offered within the Faculty of Science will provide you with all that you need for any career that is science-based."
He went on to share more information about the breadth of science programs available at StFX, highlighting the interdisciplinary program in Health, a degree program in Human Nutrition with a dietetic internship, a new diploma program in Artificial Intelligence, and more. A student panel then discussed their diverse experiences within the Faculty of Science, most especially the many opportunities to work as lab assistants and complete field research throughout their degrees.
The Faculty of Business' session also held within the Schwartz building began with an overview from Dr. Tim Hynes, Dean of Business, where he emphasized that the difference between StFX's highly regarded program and other schools is not the "course content" but the "course delivery."
"That is one of the key factors that attracts students from British Columbia. From Newfoundland. From Ontario. All provinces where there are good quality universities. But they choose to come to StFX because there is something of value here."
The student panel was moderated by Assistant Professor, Mark MacIsaac, who guided the group of third and fourth year business students through a series of questions related to their time in their respective programs, balancing their studies and extracurricular activities, as well as their overall experience at StFX.
While discussing what it's like to live and learn in such a small community especially for those coming from larger urban centres fourth year Marketing and Sports Management student, Charlotte Howard said she "[feels] seen here at StFX."
"Whether that's in class, around the campus, or in the town. You feel like you're actually part of this community. That was something that I didn't really expect."
The Faculty of Education hosted an academic session in Mulroney Hall, with a presentation from Dean of Education, Dr. Lace Marie Brogden. The session was designed for students considering a Bachelor of Education after their undergraduate degree, and focused on the many strengths of StFX's undergraduate and graduate programs in educational studies. For students interested in Nursing, Associate Dean, Dr. Amy Hallaran, hosted a Rankin School of Nursing session, where she introduced students to the various program streams available and detailed how StFX prepares students to enter the healthcare profession.
Engaging and interactive activities
To close out a full afternoon on campus, several academic departments hosted interactive activities in various locations (in addition to the academic showcase where students and parents could speak one-on-one with StFX faculty members).
These included guided tours of the Rankin School of Nursing's state-of-the-art Simulation Lab with Nurse Educators leading groups of 20 through an exploration of essential training stations. The Art Department held a Drawing Studio and Art Show in Immaculata Hall, and guests had multiple opportunities to listen to a mini political science lecture from Dr. Rebecca Wallace, the Mila Mulroney Research Chair in Women & Politics. The Development Studies department welcomed guests to the Community Engagement Lab where they demonstrated how they produce a podcast, and the departments of Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, Sociology, and Psychology all offered drop-in lab demonstrations and tours.
Anyone who was unable to attend the Open House but who would like to explore StFX is invited to arrange a personalized campus tour or a virtual tour at any time.
