Living Our Values

Inspired by StFX’s Strategic Plan, the Stfx store is making a positive impact on our local and global environment 

We create a space for the University community to exchange knowledge, enrich ideas, and strengthen school spirit. We are committed to supporting our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the University community by embodying our values with integrity, serving as a model of the world we aspire to live in.
 

Academically Driven

We are committed to supporting the academic mission of the university by providing a variety of products and services that enhance the learning experience of students and faculty. 

Some of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to Academically-Driven include: 

• Offering textbooks, course materials, and academic software at affordable prices.
• Collaborating with academic departments and student organizations to support their initiatives and events.
• Creating a welcoming and comfortable environment that encourages study and collaboration.
• Contributing to the Xaverian Fund, a scholarship and bursary fund established for the students who otherwise may not be able to afford to study at the University.
   

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

We are committed to equity and inclusion in literature at StFX. We showcase diverse authors and themes through store displays that raise awareness about historically and currently marginalized and excluded groups throughout the year and during commemorative dates of observance. We celebrate different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives through our book selections, events, and collaborations. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. 

Some of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to EDIA include: 

• Every year, we partner with Indigenous artists and business owners to support Orange Shirt Day programs and events on campus as part of our commitment to reconciliation.
• February is Black History Month in Canada. Every year, we invite visitors to learn about a wide range of books by Black authors – from science fiction to literary, classic to contemporary, nonfiction to delightful children’s titles. ⁠    
• During the month of March we feature powerful and essential books that invite our visitors to discover new authors and celebrate the achievements of women throughout history.
• We feature books that honor 2SLGBTQIA+ stories, celebrate their joy and promote the message of love and acceptance for all.
   

Community

The StFX Store is not just a retail space. It is a hub of collaboration and connection for the university. We recognize that we are part of local, provincial, and national communities and act on our responsibility to support local economies and ethical business practices. Together, we build a stronger, more vibrant community that empowers all its members to reach their full potential. 

Some of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to Community include: 

• Supporting local and Canadian Vendors, such as Avid Apparel, Dubwear Clothing, and Login Canada (just to name a few!)
• Enhancing the visibility of the University brand, developing a life-long connection to the University through the promotion and distribution of StFX merchandise. 
• We actively listen to the voices of our community members to help us understand evolving needs, preferences, and concerns. This enables us to adapt our offerings and services to meet their needs. 
   

Sustainability

We believe in taking sustainable action at the StFX Store. What we do together will resonate tomorrow, and we are deeply aware of our responsibilities to the future. We adopt a comprehensive strategy to integrate sustainability into all aspects of the university, such as partnerships, operations, infrastructure, teaching, and learning. We source from local suppliers and producers to lower our carbon emissions. We strive to provide a wide range of digital, used, learning materials and to recycle as much as we can, whether it is packages, pallets, or plastics. 

Some of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to Sustainability include: 

• Actively seeking out locally-made or Canadian-made products to reduce our carbon footprint.
• Encouraging the re-use of textbooks through used books, buybacks, selling reusable, eco-friendly, and biodegradable bags. Additionally, selling used books can be more affordable for customers, which can help to promote financial sustainability.
• Promoting the use of reusable drinkware. 
• Recycling packaging, batteries, and more. 
• Hiring students during the school year.
• We offer fair wages and benefits to our employees. This helps our employees support themselves and their families, which can have a positive impact on the community.
• We sell local consignment items to support local businesses and writers and community by keeping local money in the community.