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Guidelines for Media Access

There are a lot of great things going on at SLU, and we welcome the media to cover our news, events, faculty experts and more. However, as a private university, we require reporters and news crews to contact our communications teams for permission before coming onto campus.

Media may not be on SLU’s campuses without obtaining permission from SLU’s Office of Public Relations or Department of Athletics. Members of the media who receive permission to be on campus must be accompanied by a member of the SLU Public Relations or Billiken Media Relations staff. Please note that face masks are required in health care or clinical settings where patient encounters are likely.

Limited Access Areas

Our communications teams are available to escort reporters in areas that have limited access, such as:

  • Patient care spaces, including waiting areas
  • Research labs or areas with research subjects
  • Classrooms when class is in session
  • Libraries and museums
  • Places of worship
  • Private functions not open to the public

Except in rare circumstances, such as the annual move-in, our student residence halls and apartments are not open to the media. This includes indoor lobbies and outdoor courtyards.

To arrange coverage at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, contact SSM Health, which owns and operates the facility.

Event Coverage

If we have sent out a news release about a SLU event or a press conference, you don’t have to contact us in advance to cover it. However, it’s always good to call to get the best parking or to make technical arrangements. To cover other events, please contact our communications staff.

To arrange coverage in one of our athletics venues, including Chaifetz Arena, contact Billiken Media Relations in the Department of Athletics at 314-977-3177.

Emergency Situations

During emergency situations, we may restrict access to campus for safety reasons and require media to follow guidelines provided at the site of an incident. For an ongoing situation, we will establish a media area where briefings will be held.

Commercial Filming/Photography

If you wish to film or take photos on our campus for commercial purposes, please review our commercial filming policy.