Baylor/Xavier University of Louisiana Exchange Program

The purpose of the Baylor/Xavier University of Louisiana Exchange Program is to coordinate efforts to introduce students to new environments that create an awareness of different institutional and cultural perspectives. The program provides students with a unique opportunity to enhance the high-quality education provided by each institution. For Baylor students, the program provides access to New Orleans’ diverse personality, Xavier’s unique identity as a higher education institution, and the impressive faculty found at an institution with 101 years of history. The Baylor/Xavier exchange extends the transformational education offered at Baylor by introducing students to compelling scholarship from new faculty, inspiring informed engagement within one of the world’s most exciting cities, and stimulating cross-cultural exchange with students who wish to learn about each partner institution.

As part of Baylor’s initiative to integrate diverse learning environments on campus and create leaders prepared to engage a global community, this relationship with Xavier University capitalizes on the unique environment at Xavier. This experience will increase student’s cultural competency and awareness while being immersed in a robust and diverse learning environments. This pursuit of a deeper understanding of African American and Catholic history and culture will strengthen the mission and vision set by the University. 

In order to create the best experience for students, all program participants will be invited to join in campus organization meetings and events, explore New Orleans’ vast opportunities, and study with Xavier University professors in major or minor related courses, or elective courses, all while living at the heart of this activity on Xavier’s campus. 

Students interested in applying should contact the Center for Global Engagement office. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this a study abroad trip? No. The Exchange Program between Baylor and Xavier sends students from and to both schools. While a study abroad trip may focus on language acquisition or host country acquaintance, this program provides students with new resources, connections, and experiences. It focuses on allowing students to hone their understanding of diverse environments and gain the skills needed to thrive in them.
2. How much does it cost? While tuition will remain the same for students as it is at their home institution, the cost for room and board will be determined by whichever institution’s costs are lower.
3. Will Baylor pay for my moving expenses? The cost of traveling is not covered by either institution. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange and pay for travel plans. All personal expenses are the responsibility of the student as well.
4. Are there any requirements to enter the program? All program participants must receive a recommendation from their home institution and approval from their host institution before entering. This means holding a 3.0 G.P.A. or higher, recommendation letters from approved sources, and no previous disciplinary action taken against them by their home institution. Students must also have junior standing or higher, some exceptions made for sophomores. Lastly, students are required to live in on-campus residence halls selected by their host institution.
5. Are there any requirements while I am in the program? Students will be required to maintain a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher, refrain from disobeying their host institution’s rules and regulations, and register as a full-time student.
6. How do I apply? Students interested in applying should contact the Center for Global Engagement office. 
7. Will any of my current scholarships apply to the program? Yes! According to the agreement, students will pay Baylor their normal tuition, and the university will pay the cost difference. The same generous scenario applies if a student is on a scholarship. Baylor will bill the individual the same as they would any other semester that he or she attends at Baylor. It doesn’t matter whether the student is receiving a partial scholarship or a full scholarship; the funding will still apply.
8. For what Baylor courses will I be given credit? Course equivalencies can be found using the Baylor Registrar transfer credit function online. Most courses offered by Xavier University have not been preapproved and must be matched with BU courses as selected. 
9. Will Xavier University or Baylor bill students for housing and meal plans? Baylor students will only receive bills from Baylor. All extra costs incurred, such as housing, meal plans, special travel programs, and other expenses, will be billed through Baylor.
10. What are the elective options provided? Students can choose any elective course offered by XU, as long as they satisfy the course prerequisites and it does not conflict with the rest of their schedule. The XU schedule of classes is available online. 

More about Xavier University of Louisiana

Any student interested in interacting with their cultural history, entering our nation’s pluralistic workforce, or even seeking personal development will find the program centers on experiences that engage these areas. Xavier’s rich background provides a setting that makes these interests part of the concrete reality of the student’s education. For example, the maintained presence of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, who initially founded the university with St. Katherine Drexel, makes the catholic faith an animating force in university structure. Similarly, Xavier was founded in an effort to provide African Americans and Native Americans with education opportunities. Today it accepts students from a broad range of backgrounds, but nonetheless perseveres in this mission through required courses in African American studies and the retention of a student body that is 70.2% African American. Furthermore, these fundamental aspects of Xavier’s mission and character are implemented through centers like the CIIP, CMHHDRE, and Confucius Institute which partner with diverse communities to extend students’ educations to new cultural areas, both globally and locally. To learn more about the work these centers do to promote and create diverse experiences, visit Xavier University Exchange Website.

More about New Orleans

New Orleans is the cultural capital of America. It is home to more than a dozen influential cultures and linguistic backgrounds from Cajun to Vietnamese, hosts one of the world’s most popular and impressive festivals, Mardi Gras, and sponsors more than 45 top museums, a luxurious French quarter, the continents Opera Capital, and innumerable cultural, musical, and recreational attractions.

Located within all of this activity is the vibrant community of Xavier University of Louisiana. XULA stands as a monument to the rich African American history and culture which has come to be one of the most prominent cultures in New Orleans. Since the university’s official founding in 1925 it has retained its unique and strong identity as the only African American and Catholic University in the United States while growing top tier programs in education, management, psychology, marketing, nursing, and more.