Xavier’s “Let’s be friendly” motto has previously been put into question when considering the Founders Hall eight person to a table rule. Some students and parents believe that the round tables encourage exclusiveness and clique formation, while others enjoy the set up in the cafeteria. Alternatives are being looked into in order to create a more positive and inclusive environment for Xavier students.

One phone app, called “Sit With Us,” was created by Natalie Hampton, a 16 year old girl from Sherman Oaks, California. This app, launched on Sept. 9, 2016, is designed to help individuals who do not have a group to sit with at lunch to find welcoming people to eat with. Not only is it a beneficial way for newcomers to feel like they are welcomed within the community, it also prevents kids from being rejected publicly when trying to sit at someone’s table.

Junior Katherine Thomas said, “finding where to sit at lunch can be daunting for freshman and transfer students, and this app would really help to make them feel more comfortable.”

With the app, students are allowed to sign up as “ambassadors” and can set up “Open Lunch” events, inviting others to sit at their table. Those people that struggle with finding a place to sit everyday now have an option that is positive and spreads the LBF motto.

Junior Bridget Kelly explained, “I think the app would be beneficial at Xavier because it would encourage girls to be more inclusive to one another and it would help prevent people from feeling like they have to eat alone at lunch because they do not know where to sit.”

The “Sit With Us” app would continue to encourage LBF by giving Xavier girls a place to feel safe and welcomed at lunchtime or break, preventing exclusivity in the lunchroom.

Want more information about the “Sit With Us” app? Go to their website to find out: http://sitwithus.io/#!/Home.