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Billiken Success Program

For some students, full acceptance to Saint Louis University is contingent upon successful completion of the requirements of the Billiken Success Program (BSP), a collaborative and intensive program of support for select new freshmen who do not meet all admission requirements. BSP staff assist participants every step of the way, providing personalized support through proactive, regular and frequent academic advising, as well as connecting students with important campus resources like tutoring and writing services.

The Billiken Success Program runs from August through May. It kicks off with JumpStart, a seven-day program before the start of the fall semester and concludes upon completion of freshman year. Students who successfully complete all requirements of BSP will be granted full admission to SLU at the start of the second year.  

Important Dates

The Billiken Success Program launches with the seven-day pre-semester JumpStart. Participants must attend all aspects of JumpStart, including the Kickoff luncheon, to maintain their conditional admission status. Dates and locations are subject to change.

Summer

Friday, Aug. 9, 2024

  • Morning  — Move into residence hall with other early arrivals.
  • 12-2 p.m. — Kickoff luncheon  
  • 2-5 p.m. — Flexible time, room setup and family farewells
  • 5 p.m. — Gather to depart for overnight retreat
  • 5:30 p.m. — Depart for overnight retreat

Friday-Sunday, Aug. 9-12, 2024

  • JumpStart off-campus, overnight retreat.

Monday-Friday, Aug. 12-16, 2024

  • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. — JumpStart on-campus programming

Official programming ends at 5 p.m. Students may attend optional evening activities.

Friday, Aug. 16, 2024

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024

  • First day of classes

The Billiken Success Program runs from August through May.

JumpStart Program Costs

During the on-campus portion of JumpStart, breakfast, lunch, and some dinners are provided. Students should budget between $100-150 for other meals and school supplies. Commuter students need to pay for parking.

The Billiken Success Program information is subject to change.

Billiken Success Program Requirements

The Billiken Success Program offers educational opportunities that will benefit you through graduation and beyond. This collaborative effort between you and SLU will help prepare you for new academic challenges. It provides educational support, workshops, guidance, and fun experiences.

To continue at SLU after the first-year, participants must complete the following requirements:

Before classes begin:

  • Attend and fully participate in the on-campus JumpStart program, which runs from noon on Friday, Aug.9, 2024, through Aug.16, 2024. Participants must attend all aspects of JumpStart, including the Kickoff and luncheon, to maintain their conditional admission status and not have their conditional admission revoked.
  • Move into your residence hall on Aug. 9, 2024, (if living on campus), earlier than most new students.

During the fall and spring semesters:

  • Meet with the BSP Director weekly, beginning the first week of classes.
  • Develop and implement your BSP Success Plan, which includes additional meetings and activities geared toward student success.
  • Successfully complete CORE 1500 (Billiken Success Program section), or equivalent, in the first semester.
  • Earn at least 18 new SLU credit hours by the end of the spring semester.
  • Maintain “Good Academic Standing” each semester, as defined by the University catalog.
Ongoing Support During Your First Year as a Billiken 

This yearlong program is your on-ramp to a successful college experience at Saint Louis University. It consists of three phases (JumpStart, fall and spring) and requires full participation in each one.  

JumpStart (See Key Dates for Details)

  • Meet your advisor(s), mentors and advocates.
  • Develop skills and strategies for academic success.
  • Launch your BSP Success Plan.
  • Get to know SLU's campus.
  • Make friends and have fun. 

First Semester (Fall Freshman Year)

  • Update your BSP Success Plan.
  • In-depth weekly academic advising
  • Cura Personalis 1, a one-credit-hour course for all new freshmen
  • Individualized development of skills, self-awareness and strategies
  • Peer mentoring

Second Semester (Spring Freshman Year)

  • Update your Success Plan.
  • In-depth academic advising (how often depends on your achievement)
  • Individualized development of skills, self-awareness and strategies
  • Peer mentoring

And Beyond

  • Ongoing guidance and advocacy through graduation

Once you have successfully completed all phases of the Billiken Success Program, you will continue as a fully admitted second-year SLU student. Academic advising will be in the area of your major while your Billiken Success Program advisor will continue with you through graduation as advising support.

Please note that information about the Billiken Success Program is subject to change.