Community service, academics, leadership, and interfaith community are at the foundation of Saint Louis University’s Micah program.
Micah: Living the Mission
The mission of Saint Louis University is the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity. The Micah program seeks to fulfill SLU's mission by focusing on pillars of academics, service, leadership, and interfaith community. Integrated around themes of social justice, the program is informed by faith and takes its name from the Biblical prophet Micah, who spoke out against social inequities in ancient Israel. The program welcomes students from all faiths and all areas of study to live together in community.
The primary aim of the program is to support the University's mission of developing men and women for others by:
- Building a community of students who serve, study, and live together on campus as a learning community.
- Providing special sections of interdisciplinary courses that address issues related to urban poverty and social justice and fulfill core requirements for most majors.
- Deepening students' understanding of such issues by facilitating their community service , as well as providing guided reflection on their experiences and "faith in action".
- Fostering students' leadership skills by offering extensive opportunities to organize and lead the community activities built into the program.
- Supporting the students' ongoing community through SLU graduation and beyond.
"And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8
Program Requirements
As a first-year Micah, you must meet the following requirements:
- Perform community service for at least 30 hours per semester at an approved Micah service site. This is an average of 2-3 hours per week.
- Take at least three Micah-section courses, two in the fall and one in the spring, which also fulfill some of the University’s core requirements.
- Meet as a community for one hour every Monday evening from 7 - 8 p.m.
- Attend a one-day retreat in the fall and a weekend retreat in the spring.
"The people in the Micah service-based learning community have challenged me and pushed me to grow. I am forever grateful for open conversations, weekly service, late night talks and tangents, and, most importantly, the wonderful friendships."
Claire Creedon, class of 2021
Apply
More than 200 students, ranging from first-years to seniors, are actively involved in SLU’s Micah program. They come from all over the world and study in dozens of major programs.
Up to 50 first-year students are admitted to the Micah program each year. Students interested in the first-year community must submit a brief online application before April 22 of their senior year of high school. Applications are accepted beginning Dec. 1. Early applications are encouraged.
You can apply to the Micah program through the SLU Office of Admission. If you have already applied to SLU, you can log back in and continue to the Micah application.