Top-rated St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, offers its 3,700 full-time students the highest quality programs in the Arts, Sciences, Business and Information Systems, and in selected applied areas including Adult Education, Engineering, Education, Human Nutrition, Human Kinetics, Music, and Nursing. Primarily an undergraduate university, StFX prides itself on a personalized learning experience, international outreach, and an innovative teaching and research environment. Students have excellent opportunities for active participation with faculty in research projects, for internships, community service, and part-time employment. The unique WebFX program combines state-of-the-art technology with innovative teaching. StFX gives every student and professor a personal account, 24-hour access to e-mail and the latest software, scheduling, course material, and the Internet. StFX maintains an impressive record of academic excellence. In recent years, StFX students have received the most NSERC (National Sciences and Engineering Research Council) post-graduate scholarships per capita of any similar-size university in Canada. Arts students also fare well in winning scholarships to pursue graduate studies and four StFX students have been awarded Rhodes Scholarships. StFX is well known for the X-spirit, friendliness, service to local and international communities, and its loyal alumni around the world.

Program offerings at StFX have many highlights including a strong general arts program. Highlights include Aquatic Resources, Catholic Studies, Celtic Studies, Business and Information Systems, Jazz, and Social and Criminal Justice. A new program in Development Studies reflects the strong relationship with the world-renowned Coady International Institute. The Bachelor of Education, one of the four in the province of Nova Scotia, has an emphasis on diverse cultures. Additionally, the Nursing program has a long history of developing strong graduates. Students in certain subjects in arts or sciences have the opportunity to combine the study of two or more areas in joint programs. Science students benefit from small class sizes and opportunities to participate in hands-on research, often continuing their education at the graduate and post-graduate level. Business students now have the opportunity to gain practical experience in their fields by participating in the new co-operative education program.

Much of the StFX residence system, including the various campus food outlets, has undergone major renovations in recent years. There are approximately 1,900 residence spaces. Some houses are co-ed floor by floor or wing by wing. Houses with extended quiet hours, first year only, and wellness (chemical free) lifestyle floors are available. Single and double rooms, as well as suite and apartment style residences are available.

Off-campus housing is readily accessible. It is wise, however, to start looking for accommodation early in the year (i.e. March, April for the following September) for a place close to campus. Price range: room, no kitchen privileges $50.00 to $65.00 per week; room, kitchen privileges $55.00 to $75.00 per week; 1 bedroom $350.00 to $450.00 per month; 2 bedroom $400.00 to $550.00 per month; 3 bedroom $500.00 to $750.00 per month; and 4 or more bedroom house $700.00 and up. Transportation is available. Antigonish is a small town and the campus is within walking distance for the most part. Parking at the University is at a premium, but offered at no extra cost.

Orientation program: New students are assigned academic advisors as well as buddies. Workshops are offered on transition to university, how to use the library and an introduction to computers. Also, sessions are provided for parents of first-year students. The Writing Centre offers workshops and one-on-one tutorials on writing skills, as well as the Excel program, which is widely described as a "University 101" course.

Students who are looking for part-time, full-time or summer jobs, or who are working on developing their post-graduation job search skills, may take advantage of services offered by the Centre for Student Employment and Career Development.

StFX has men's and women's cross-country, ice hockey, soccer, and basketball teams; men's football and rugby club; and women's volleyball and rugby. The recreation program is open to all students, with activities ranging from aerobics to water polo. The campus has a sports complex complete with two ice surfaces, a swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis and racquet courts, and a state-of-the-art weight room.

StFX has one of the most active intramural sports programs in Canada, with over 80% of the campus community participating in games and tournaments. Activities range from tug-of-war to flag football to water polo, with the annual hockey tournament remaining a favourite feature.

Action for Equity, Friends of CACL, Photo-X, Biology Society, Geology Society, Human Kinetics Society, Business Society, GLBX (Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals @X), Physics Society, Campus Alive, Green Council, Political Science Society, Canadian University Nursing Association, History Society, Psychology Society, Chemistry Society, Human Nutrition Society, Salute-X (Students and Alumni), Chinese Christian Fellowship, Information Systems Society, Sexual Assault Educators, Celtic Society, International Students Society, Sociology/Anthropology Society, Development and Peace, Math and Computing Science Society, StFX Choir, Economics Society, Mature Students' Society, Survival-X, Engineering Society, Model United Nations Society, Walk Home, English Society, Music Society, World University Service Can (WUSC), Ethnic Minorities/Multicultural Society, Nursing Society, X-Debate, Exekoi Society, Off-Campus Society, X-Project, Friends of L'Arche, and Philosophy Society.

All students have access to Internet resources, some course materials, schedules and communication with faculty from any computer on or off campus, and a private voice mailbox. Residence rooms have phone, cable TV, and high speed Internet connections. A dozen computer labs are distributed across campus featuring Pentium multimedia workstations. Students have access to the library resources of most of the universities of Nova Scotia through Novanet, a computer database of the holdings.

StFX has a rich blend of societies, clubs, concerts, and theatre. The Students' Union sponsors over 40 clubs and societies, the performing arts series bring in about ten groups per year and Theatre Antigonish mounts three productions. Each of these is open to all students as participants or spectators. StFX is home to students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds, and is committed to building on its Catholic heritage. Two full-time Roman Catholic chaplains organize spiritual retreats and chaplaincy related events. Anglican, United, Pentecostal, and other clergy are available for consultation with students.

The university recognizes that some individuals have physical or learning disabilities. To assist individuals with disabilities, the university offers the services of a contact person. For further information, please call (902) 867-2281. A full range of services is available for students with learning disabilities. Student advisors are available for mature students, Black students, or Aboriginal students. The on campus Health and Counselling Centre is also available to provide support for students with other health concerns.

StFX has agreements with colleges and universities in the New England States and around the world. They include Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, the Institut d'economie scientifique et de gestion (IESEG), part of l'Université Catholique de Lille in France, St Mary's University College of Strawberry Hill in Twickenham, United Kingdom, and St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill and New York. In addition, students have spent their junior year at the Moscow Institute of Social and Political Studies, Université Catholique de l'Ouest in Angers, France, Université Canadienne en France, University of St. Andrews, Scotland, National University of Lesotho, University of London, England, University of Durham, England, and the University of Haifa, Israel. In 1959, StFX established the Coady International Institute that attracts more than 50 Third World leaders to its social development programs each year. This training on campus and other overseas programs empower people of developing countries to reach their potential through economic and social action. Recent graduates also have the opportunity to participate in a youth internship program with the Coady International Institute.

Dates for campus tours: September to April, Monday through Thursday, if students wish to sit in on classes. Otherwise, tours are available at any time. Please call (902) 867-2219 to arrange a tour.