PREPARING FOR YOUR JOURNEY

If you follow these ten steps, you’ll find your preparation smooth and easy. Should you have questions, you can always email Dr. Leon.

10 EASY STEPS

STEP 1. Gather Information (if necessary)

Our expeditions fill up quickly, so if you are interested in enrolling, do take time to gather all the information you need as soon as possible. To request more information, you can: a) submit a form or email; b) call or come visit us at our office; or c) attend an information session. Details are below.

A) Submit Request Information or Email Us

OR

B) Call or Come Visit us

OR

C). Attend an Expedition Information Session (if necessary)

Quick Tip: If you do plan to attend, you'll only need to attend one of these meetings.  

STEP 2. Apply for Expedition(s) / Reserve Your Spot Early 

Quick Tip: Spaces fill up quickly. Spots are reserved on a first come, first serve basis, assuming applicant is in good academic standing with no pending conduct concerns. Since we cannot guarantee spots, we recommend securing one as soon as possible by submitting the required deposit for your desired expedition.

STEP 3. Get "IN THE KNOW". Don't miss out on important updates!

Follow Xavier Expeditions on: 

Quick Tip: By following us and signing-up for updates, your preparations will be much easier. Plus, you'll get reminders of important details and updates on what the bears are doing.

STEP 4. Secure Your Spot by Paying Deposit 

Quick Tip: Deposit deadline dates are different for each expedition. But given the number of students interested in participating, the best way to secure your spot (in addition to enrolling) is by submitting the required deposit as early as possible. Deposits are non-refundable, but do contribute to your overall travel expenses for the expedition in which you are enrolled. To learn more about deposit amount and due date for your expedition, click on the "When is Deposit Due?" button.

YOU CAN MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT EASILY BY CLICKING ON THE BUTTON BELOW TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE XAVIER STUDENT PORTAL:

Please click on the button to the right to complete the form.

STEP 5. Complete Required Forms

a) PRINT OUT & COMPLETE FOUR FORMS BELOW.
Please note that having forms notarized is NOT required (unless otherwise indicated). For questions regarding completion of forms, contact Dr. Leon Chartrand.

b) MAIL FORMS TO:

Dr. Leon Chartrand
Xavier Expeditions
120 Hinkle Hall
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45207-4442

Quick Tip: Once all forms are received, Xavier Expeditions will register your expedition courses for you, as they are closed to general student population and on-line registration to prevent the class from being filled up by students who have not paid deposits.

STEP 6.  Submit Expedition Payments to Xavier University’s Bursar. 

If necessary, contact the Bursar about scheduling payments.

STEP 7. Attend Pre-Expedition Meeting (as scheduled).

This meeting is mandatory for all students. It covers logistics about travel, packing lists, safety, and pre-trip assignments for the courses. It also involves ensuring accurate completion of required forms. 

Quick Tip: Once application has been approved and deposit has been made, you will be put onto your respective expedition contact list. After that, Xavier Expeditions will contact you on any pertinent information for preparation as well as notify you of the scheduled Pre-Expedition Meeting.

STEP 8. Review and Gather Your Packing List Items

What to bring? Each Expedition has a recommended "Packlist", based on Adventure Level. This list is based on extensive experience from our wilderness guides and familiarity with our expedition activities. To learn which packlist is appropriate for your expedition, consult what Adventure Level your expedition is designated as by visiting Upcoming Expeditions.

Quick Tip: We will go over questions related to the packing list during the Pre-Trip Meeting. But, you are always welcome to contact our office or send us an email anytime you have questions.

STEP 9. Finalize Travel Payments with Xavier University’s Bursar by your scheduled deadline.

STEP 10. Attend "Living with Bears" Workshop (if required by expedition)

"Living with Bears" is a workshop designed to teach participants how to travel and act safely in bear country. Most of the time, these workshops are held during the first day or at the beginning of a hike or prior to a flight into bear country. This meeting is mandatory for Expeditions to the Arctic and to Yellowstone. 

Quick Tip: We offer this workshop to help students learn about bear behavior, how to behave respectfully in bear country, and how to act safely during an encounter.

CONGRATULATIONS!

YOU'RE READY!

Be sure to go over your packlist. Contact Dr. Leon Chartrand with any questions.

Be sure to arrive at airport TWO hours prior to scheduled flight departure.