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Saint Louis University Fall Welcome

Saint Louis University's Fall Welcome is full of campus traditions to mark the arrival of our new and returning Billikens.

About Fall Welcome

  • Fall Welcome includes University Convocation and our student-led "Live the Oath" presentation, mixed with an array of social programs to help students connect with one another and the University. 
  • Look for the students in orange! Oriflamme leaders are sophomore, junior and senior students here to help you move in and acclimate to your first several days on campus by answering questions and helping you get involved.

Wondering about what happens at Fall Welcome? Get an inside look!

Fall Welcome 2022: Schedule of Events

The student meal plan begins on Thursday, August 18. Looking for a location?  Check the campus map.

Thursday, Aug. 18

New Student Move-In

9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Residence Halls
Welcome home, new Billikens! Please consult your housing assignment message to confirm your scheduled arrival time and find details about the University's move-in logistics.

Visit Housing and Residence Life for More Move-in Information

International Student Orientation

8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Wool Ballrooms 170-171 (BSC)
During International Student Orientation, SLU's Office of International Services will present important immigration information to new international students. Students will also hear from different departments at SLU.

Parent and Family Hospitality Headquarters

9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Busch Student Center 253
SLU's Parent and Family Hospitality Headquarters is a one-stop resource space for families looking to take a break from move-in, cool down, grab a quick snack or meet University staff. Select campus offices will be available to answer questions or assist with your last-minute needs.

Honors Program: Class of 2026 Meet and Greet

4 - 6 p.m., Busch Student Center Amphitheater (Rain Location: BSC: St. Louis Room)
After a busy morning moving into your residence hall, join the Honors Program staff and other honors students during the Class of 2026 Meet and Greet. Families are invited to attend before or after their dinner plans for the evening. There is no set agenda – this is just a casual opportunity to meet staff and fellow honors families. Appetizers and desserts will be served. 

Women's Soccer Game vs. Arkansas

7 p.m., Hermann Stadium
Here's your chance to support SLU's four-time A-10 Conference women's soccer champs as they "kick-off" the 2022 season! If you're in the area on Thursday night, all new students and their families are encouraged to join us as we cheer the Billikens on to victory over the Razorbacks! Students must show their ID for entry and families will receive complimentary admission.

Friday, Aug. 19

New Student Move-In

8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Residence Halls
Welcome home, new Billikens! Please consult your housing assignment message to confirm your scheduled arrival time and find details about the University's move-in logistics.

Visit Housing and Residence Life for More Move-in Information

Parent and Family Hospitality Headquarters

8 a.m.- 6 p.m., Busch Student Center 253
SLU's Parent and Family Hospitality Headquarters is a one-stop resource space for families looking to take a break from move-in, cool down, grab a quick snack or meet University staff. Select campus offices will be available to answer questions or assist with your last-minute needs.

International Student Orientation

All Day, Multiple Locations
International Student Orientation continues as students meet with University departments and participate in language testing. Students should consult their detailed schedule from International Students Services for specifics on timing and location. 

Honors Program: Fall Orientation

9 - 11 a.m., Anheuser Busch Auditorium (Cook Hall)
This event is the culmination of the Honors Program's early move-in schedule. Honors Program staff will share information about Honors Program requirements/expectations, and new students will collaborate with their Path mentors on a team-building task. All incoming honors students are required to attend.

Learning Communities Orientation

2 - 4 p.m., Wool Ballrooms
Welcome to the LC Jungle! This animal-themed orientation will allow students to meet SLU's Learning Community staff and peer mentors, as well as learn about the requirements for their learning community. Students will take part in multiple team-building games to get to know one another and will leave knowing multiple people in their learning community. This event is required for all Learning Community students.

Commuter Student Check-In

3 - 6 p.m., BSC: St. Louis Room
All new commuter students are invited to the Busch Student Center to complete their own official check-in. Meet members of the Commuter Student Association and your Oriflamme leaders, and wrap up any last-minute business before classes officially begin. A commuter community dinner will be provided following check-in!

Transfer Meet and Greet

6 - 7 p.m., BSC 352/3
New transfer students are invited to meet each other and their Oriflamme leader and make plans for a fun and engaging Fall Welcome experience!

First Floor Meetings

7:30 - 8:30 p.m., Residence Halls
Join your RAs, Peer Mentors and fellow Billikens for your first official floor meeting of the 2022-23 year! Attendance is required for all new residential students.

Outdoor Movie Night

9 - 11 p.m., DuBourg Quad
Kick off your first official night on campus with an outdoor showing of the movie Lemonade Mouth and theater treats, courtesy of the Student Activities Board. Come for the film, stay for the snacks and make new friends!

Saturday, Aug. 20

Convocation

10 - 11 a.m., Chaifetz Arena
You won't want to miss Convocation, SLU's official kickoff to the academic year. Members of the SLU community come together to celebrate new beginnings and recognize new Billikens with a special ceremony. You'll also hear from outstanding speakers and get an inspirational message from SLU's 33rd President, Dr. Fred Pestello. Families and guests are encouraged to attend.

Not Able to Attend in Person? Watch the Live Stream

Family Farewell

11 a.m. - 1 p.m., On your own
Following Convocation, we encourage families to spend some quality time with their Billiken grabbing a quick meal, running last-minute errands or exchanging well wishes and hugs. The Fall Welcome schedule ramps up after lunchtime; your student will be busy making new friends and learning what it means to Be a Billiken!

Life on Campus: Part One

1:30 p.m., Various Locations
Join your Oriflamme leader for your first small group dialogue where you will review the full Fall Welcome calendar of activities, learn what it means to be a SLU student, and share your hopes, fears and dreams about what to expect in the next few weeks. Consider these folks your personal peer group throughout Fall Welcome and beyond.

Spirit Competition Prep Begins

2:30 p.m., Residence Halls
Get ready to show your Billiken Pride! In anticipation of SLU's annual Spirit Competition, join your Oriflamme Leaders, RAs, PMs or CAs and get decked out in your new Billiken gear! Plan on an evening full of cheering, face-painting and sign-making as you show spirited support for the men's soccer team! Residential students will meet on their floor; commuter students should gather in the Commuter Lounge in the Busch Student Center.

Dinner

4 - 6 p.m., Grand Dining Hall
As you prepare for the 2022 Spirit Competition, don't forget to take a dinner break at Grand Dining Hall!

Billiken Men's Soccer vs. University of Nebraska-Omaha

6 p.m., Hermann Stadium
New students will journey to Hermann Stadium to cheer on our Billiken men's soccer team to victory over the UNO Mavericks! As a special treat, the new class will also participate in SLU's biggest "Rock, Paper, Scissors" competition at halftime!

Parking Lot Party

8 - 11 p.m., Olive-Compton Garage
For one night only, we turn SLU's Olive-Compton parking garage into your one-stop shop for Fall Welcome fun! There's always a little something for everyone, from a Silent Headphone Disco and Carpool Karaoke to inflatables, airbrush artists, ice cream trucks and more!

Sunday, Aug. 21

Zumba on the Quad

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., DuBourg Quad (Rain location: Simon Recreation Center)
Join us for a dynamic 45-minute, total-body workout of cardio dance on the Quad! This fun and easy fitness class will combine high energy and motivating music. Put on comfortable shoes, fill up your water bottle and get ready to dance.

Life on Campus: Part Two

1:30 - 2:30 p.m., Various Locations
During your second small group meeting, you will dive deeper into the academic expectations of the University, understand what to expect when meeting with your advisor and faculty, and learn about campus resources to help you achieve academic success at SLU! This session is required for all new students.

Find Your Classes

2:30 - 4 p.m., Campus Tours
Lace-up your walking shoes as you travel around campus with your Oriflamme leader and find your classes! Trust us, participating in this activity will prove very helpful on Wednesday!

Escape the Rec

Simon Recreation Center, 5 - 8 p.m.
Join your new friends at the rec center to have fun and show off your next-level escape skills.

First Sunday Night Mass

8 p.m., St. Francis Xavier College Church and U.S. Bank Plaza
Join the SLU community for the first student liturgy of the academic year, followed by a cool taste of St. Louis after Mass!

Monday, Aug. 22: General Events

Academic Support Tabling

11 a.m. - 1 p.m., BSC North Lobby (Ritter Entrance)
While you're gearing up for your classes, stop by the academic support table to learn more about tutoring, supplemental instruction, University Writing Services and success coaching! See the next tab for more information about Academic Orientation.

"Speak About It!"

6 - 7 p.m. and 7:15 - 8:15 p.m., Wool Ballrooms
"Speak About It!" uses theater and dialogue to empower students to give and get consent, build healthy relationships and make a change in their communities. Information about sexual assault prevention, as well as survivor stories, will be shared. New students will be divided into two groups to view this special event. When not watching SAI, students will have the opportunity to visit the Community Resource Fair.

Community Resource Fair

6 - 8:30 p.m., Busch Student Center
The Community Resource Fair is an opportunity for you to further explore both on- and off-campus resources that promote healthy relationships, consent, and sexual assault prevention, response and advocacy. No matter if the fair introduces you to a new concept, organization, or volunteer opportunity, it is designed to help you navigate the many resources available to support students in making healthy personal decisions.

Oriflamme Game Night

9 - 11 p.m., Vandeventer (Vandy) Fields
Come one, come all to a night of silly activities and games hosted by your wonderful Oriflamme leaders. Fun, laughter and new friends are guaranteed!

Monday, Aug. 22: Academic Orientation Schedule

College of Arts and Sciences

Academic Advising: 1-2:30 p.m., Busch Student Center, Wool Ballroom
Orientation: 3-4:30 p.m., Busch Student Center, Wool Ballroom

College for Public Health and Social Justice

Orientation: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship
Academic Advising: 1-2:30 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship

Lunch will be provided during the program orientation from 11:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Doisy College of Health Science

Orientation: 9:30-10:30 a.m., Saint Louis Room (BSC)
Academic Advising: 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Saint Louis Room (BSC)

Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business

Orientation: 9-10:20 a.m., Cook Hall, Anheuser Busch Auditorium
Service Leadership and Getting Involved: 1-2 p.m.
Academic Advising: 2-3:30 p.m., Cook Hall, Anheuser Busch Auditorium

Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business students enrolled in BIZ1000 will also have an introductory class session from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided in the Cook Hall Atrium.

School of Education

Orientation: 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m, Pere Marquette (DuBourg Hall)
Academic Advising: 1-2:30 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship

Lunch will be provided during the program orientation from 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 

School of Science and Engineering (SSE)

Academic Advising: 1-2:15 p.m., Busch Student Center, Saint Louis Room 
Orientation: 2:45-4:30 p.m., Various Locations departing from the Saint Louis Room

**NOTE: The printed Fall Welcome brochure incorrectly shows the location for academic advising as the CGC, the correct location is the Saint Louis Room**

School of Science and Engineering students will be escorted from the BSC St. Louis Rooms to various locations for their academic program orientations.

School of Social Work

Orientation: 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m, Carlo Auditorium (Tegeler Hall)
Academic Advising: 1-2:30 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship

Lunch will be provided during the program orientation from 11:15 am - 12:45 pm. 

Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing

Orientation: 9-10:30 a.m., South Campus
Academic Advising: 10:30 a.m.-Noon, South Campus

Nursing students will travel to the south campus for today's programs. Buses will be staged in the Fred Weber parking lot at Chaifetz Arena by 8:15 a.m., departing by 8:45 am. Buses will bring students back to the north campus when the advising session concludes.

Tuesday, Aug. 23

Hit the Ground Running: Introduction to General Biology

Various times/locations; Only required for students enrolled in BIOL 1240
Hit The Ground Running is an opportunity to meet your General Biology instructor and fellow classmates and to get some useful insights into the course before classes begin. You will hear advice based on experience and will take some practical steps to help you get a good start in biology.

General Chemistry SLUper Session

11 a.m. - Noon, Lee Lecture Hall (LEC 001)
In this informal/optional event, students preparing to take CHEM 1110 or 1130 are invited to meet some of this year’s gen chem instructors, learn about lectures and lab, and ask burning questions about both the class and majoring or double-majoring in chemistry. A variety of candy — gloriously full of chemicals — will be provided.

Life on Campus: Part Three

1 - 2 p.m., Various Locations
Spend some time with your Oriflamme leaders as you reflect on what it means to be a student at a Jesuit institution. As you prepare to learn about SLU's Oath of Inclusion, it's imperative that you take time to understand what it means to be "for and with others" and how to live a mission-centered life at SLU. This session is required for all new students.

Live the Oath

2 - 3 p.m., Chaifetz Arena
How can we as a community live in solidarity and seek and fight for justice, equity and inclusivity for all? What is our responsibility to one another? An Oath is defined as "a solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one's future action or behavior."  Join the Student Government Association as we dive into what it means to “Live the Oath.” Required for all new students.

DICE Open House and Community Service Fair

3 - 5 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship and West Pine Mall
It's never too early to start living SLU's mission of service to humanity and social justice values. Meet the Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement (DICE) team and learn about how to become involved in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on and off campus. Community organizations looking for volunteers will also have booths set up on campus along West Pine Mall. Stop by and see how you can get involved in the community while having fun with inflatables and carnival snacks. Come roll with DICE!

Ministry Fair

7 - 9 p.m., West Pine Mall near the Clock Tower
Join Campus Ministry and our affiliate non-Catholic partners on West Pine Mall outside of Campus Ministry for tasty treats and to learn about what we have to offer students of all faiths.

Late Night Breakfast

9:30 - 11 p.m., Grand Dining Hall
Fuel up for your first day of classes at RHA's Late Night Breakfast a SLU favorite!

Wednesday, Aug. 24

Classes Begin!

The Fall Welcome fun doesn't end when classes begin. Events continue this week and are open for all students to enjoy!

Thursday, Aug. 25

Student Success Center Open House

1 - 5 p.m., BSC 331
Kick off the start of your classes with the Department of Academic Support. Stop by to learn about tutoring, supplemental instruction, University Writing Services and student success coaching. Meet the success coach, as well as some of the peer tutors, SI leaders, and writing consultants. Find out how these resources can support you throughout the year — and score some swag!

AAMS Meet and Greet  

5 - 6:30 p.m., CGC Seminar Room 124
SLU's African-American Males Scholars (AAMS) celebrate, support and cultivate brotherhood for Black men at predominantly white institutions. Learn more about the AAMS program at SLU and how to become involved. Meet current scholars and start building relationships. Food will be provided!

Audre Lorde Scholars Info Social

5 - 6:30 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
The Audre Lorde Scholars Program is designed to support students who self-identify as women of color while facilitating networking, community and social opportunities. The program provides an uplifting communal space for scholars to use an intersectional lens to openly discuss the experiences and challenges that women of color face related to race and gender in predominantly white and male environments. Come mingle with current scholars and mentors and learn more about how to become involved with Audre Lorde Scholars.

Women's Soccer Game vs. Notre Dame

7 p.m., Hermann Stadium
Support our women's soccer team as they battle Notre Dame. Admission is free for students with a SLU student ID!

SAB Bingo

7 - 9 p.m., Wool Ballrooms
Grab your friends and join the Student Activities Board (SAB) for a night of good clean fun, snacks and fun prizes. You don't want to miss the first bingo event of the year!

Friday, Aug. 26

Family First: A Celebration

5 - 7 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship
Family First is a welcome ceremony for our Black and Brown Billikens. Come meet and interact with Black/Brown peers, faculty and staff and get to know the community!

Paint SLU

8 - 11 p.m., Olive-Compton Garage
PaintSLU, a Fall Welcome favorite, returns with a live DJ, dancing and neon-colored fun! PaintSLU is a cross between a live concert and a color run with real paint! All students are welcome to attend! We recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting wet from our biodegradable and water soluble paint. Shower caps will be provided for those who wish to remain paint-free.

Saturday, Aug. 27

Student Involvement Fair

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., West Pine Mall
Learn how to get involved in more than 200 co-curricular opportunities on campus while building community with your fellow students. Slushies will be provided!

MLK Scholars BBQ Meet and Greet

2 - 4 p.m., SLUruba
Are you a MLK scholar? Stop by for this summer fun pool party. Meet and greet both new and current MLK scholars and celebrate the start of the term.

CU @ the Rec

6 - 10 p.m., Simon Rec Center
Join your fellow classmates for this one-of-a-kind Fall Welcome music and dance party. This event showcases SLU’s outstanding cultural dance teams. You won't want to miss the exciting Fall Welcome giveaway either! Join us for our 11th-year celebration of C U @ the Rec!

Sunday, Aug. 28

SLU A Cappella Showcase

6 p.m., Saint Louis Room
Hosted by the Bare Naked Statues, catch great performances by many of SLU's a cappella groups including Astha, Six Eight, Decadence and Beyond All Reason. Free refreshments and merch will be available!

Explore STL on Your Own

Take a day to get to know St. Louis. Here are just a few of the fun options around town. As an added bonus, most of them are free and accessible with your Metro pass!

  • Tower Grove Park, All day The International Institute of St. Louis’ Festival of Nations is the bi-state region’s largest annual multicultural celebration.
  • 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., The Saint Louis Foundry
    An industrial site for nearly a century, this 15-acre site just south of the Fresh Thyme has been reimagined as City Foundry STL, featuring first-to-the-area makers and merchants, as well as a food court full of diverse options.
  • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park
    The quality and breadth of the Saint Louis Art Museum’s collection place it among the very best institutions of its kind. Check out the many free collections and exhibitions, then hang out on the famous green slopes of Art Hill (great for sledding in the winter, too!) Art not your thing? Remember that Forest Park also features a free history museum, science center and our world-famous zoo!
  • 1 - 4 p.m., Gateway Arch National Park Riverboat Dock
    The riverboat dock transforms into a live music venue with local artists performing in the shadow of the Gateway Arch. Grab a table and take in the sights and sounds while enjoying food and drink from the Paddlewheel Café.
  • 1:15 p.m., Busch Stadium
    Join the Cardinal Nation and take home a hall-of-famer bobblehead when you root on the redbirds against the Atlanta Braves. You can get tickets for as little as $8!
Monday, Aug. 29

Pride Reception

3 - 5 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship
The Pride Reception serves as a welcome and introduction to organizations and services at SLU for queer-identified students and those doing ally work within the queer community.

Tuesday, Aug. 30

Panhellenic Council Meet and Greet

6:30 - 8 p.m., Saint Louis Room
If you are interested in learning more about membership in a Panhellenic organization, you don't want to miss this meet and greet! Each of SLU's seven Panhellenic groups will be showcased alongside a brief program from Panhellenic Council, one of four governing organizations for affiliated students.

NPHC 101

8 - 9:30 p.m., BSC 352/3
Interested in the history of National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations, or curious about membership in a historically Black Greek chapter? Come to this event for a brief Q & A, and learn about SLU's community partnerships which form our local city-wide chapters.

Wednesday, Aug. 31

Meet the Greeks!

7 - 8 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship
Whether you know a little or a lot about fraternities or sororities, you won't want to miss a Q&A opportunity with members of SLU's own Greek community. Learn what it means to be part of a values-based organization. This special panel will include representatives from all of SLU's affiliated councils.

NPHC Yard Show

8 - 10 p.m., Lipic Clock Tower and the Dr. Jonathan C. Smith Amphitheater
Get ready for a fun and lively late-night event featuring stepping and strolling from local National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations! Seating at the Clock Tower is limited, so please consider bringing a chair or blanket and wear comfortable shoes!

Thursday, Sept. 1

Mass of the Holy Spirit

11 a.m. - Noon, St. Francis Xavier College Church
Saint Louis University marks the beginning of the new academic year with the Mass of the Holy Spirit, a tradition at Jesuit schools and universities throughout the world. These celebrations date back to 1548 when the initial Mass was celebrated at the first Jesuit school in Messina, Sicily.

Student Government Association Sneaker Ball 2022

7 - 10 p.m., Wool Ballrooms
The Student Government Association presents Sneaker Ball 2022 - A Blue Carpet Affair. Grab your friends, dress to impress and show your best dance moves in your freshest kicks!

Friday, Sept. 2

A Fresh Look Weekend Retreat

Sept. 2 - 4, Manresa Retreat Center
If you're new to SLU as a first-year student, this retreat is specifically created and designed for you. Through community-building activities and story sharing,A Fresh Look Weekend Retreat provides you a chance to take a fresh look at your life: who you have been and who God desires you to be in your future. Within this retreat community, you will also explore the concept of gratitude and the ways that you — through a variety of approaches to prayer — can encounter and converse with God in everyday life.

Register Online at the SLU Campus Ministry Website

Interfraternity Council: Recruitment Orientation

5 - 6:30 p.m., Saint Louis Room
Interfraternity recruitment begins here! This is a required event for those participating in the IFC process. Recruits will have the opportunity to connect with one another and their upper-class recruitment guide. You will also learn more about the formal recruitment process at SLU.

SAB presents Illusionist Jason Michaels

7 - 8:30 p.m., Wool Ballrooms
Come and be awed by Jason Michaels, an internationally award-winning magician, professional speaker, and author who amazes and inspires audiences around the world.

Sunday, Sept. 4

Interfraternity Council Meet and Greet

1 - 3 p.m., DeMattias Hall Multi-Purpose Room
Meet, mix and mingle with representatives from SLU's Interfraternity Council chapters, and learn what it's like to be in a Greek-letter organization on campus!

Monday, Sept. 5

Brothers and BBQ

Noon - 2 p.m., Pruellage Lawn
Brothers and BBQ is an opportunity for potential recruits to meet brothers from the Saint Louis University fraternal community while enjoying some St. Louis barbecue!

Tuesday, Sept. 6

Panhellenic Recruitment Orientation

5 - 6:30 p.m. or 7 - 8:30 p.m., Wool Ballrooms
There are two-time options to attend this required event for those participating in Panhellenic recruitment. Potential new members will get to know their recruitment counselors, learn more about the recruitment process and connect with one another as they embark on their recruitment journey.

Wednesday, Sept. 7

Fresh Check Day

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., West Pine Mall (Rain location: CGC)
Fresh Check Day is an uplifting mental health promotion and suicide prevention event that includes interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging and support from multiple campus representatives. It also includes free food, entertainment and exciting giveaways. Fresh Check Day aims to create an approachable and hopeful atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health. It will also help build a bridge between students and the mental health resources available on campus, in the local community and nationally.

Monday, Sept. 12

Billiken Beginnings: Navigating the First Eight Weeks

4 - 5 p.m., Baer-Fuller Lecture Hall 004
Join us for the first session of Billiken Beginnings, a workshop series designed to offer support during the transition to college. This event features your SLU peers as well as campus offices. Come learn more about strategies for academic success! Upcoming sessions will tackle time management, getting involved and combating homesickness, major and career exploration, and building resiliency. Attendance prizes are available at each session.

Learn About Upcoming Billiken Beginnings Sessions 

Friday, Sept. 16

A Fresh Look Weekend Retreat

Sept. 16 - 18, Manresa Retreat Center
If you're new to SLU as a first-year student, this retreat is specifically created and designed for you. Through community-building activities and story sharing, this retreat provides you a chance to take a fresh look at your life: who you have been and who God desires you to be in your future. Within this retreat community, you will also explore the concept of gratitude and the ways that you — through a variety of approaches to prayer — can encounter and converse with God in everyday life. 

Register Online at the SLU Campus Ministry Website

 

Fall Welcome Program Goals and Outcomes

 

Provide experiences for students to live the University mission and gain a greater understanding of our Jesuit Catholic values, through meaningful programs and activities.

  • Students will: identify the basic principles of the University's mission through experiences and/or actions. 

  • How: Participate in two or more programs designed to promote connectedness to the University's mission.

  • Events include: Convocation, Day of Service, reflection and discernment programs, U101 curriculum, Mass of the Holy Spirit.
  • Families will: understand how basic principles of the University mission are lived through the experiences and/or actions of their students.
  • How: Participate in family-focused University ceremonies and sponsored family programs. 

To revisit the academic expectations of Saint Louis University, each college/school, department and classroom instructors; and review relevant academic support programs.

  • Students will: develop an understanding of the academic requirements and expectations of their respective school or college.
  • How: Reunite with their academic advisor and participate in their college/school orientation program.
  • Events include: College/school orientation, meeting with academic advisors, meeting department faculty and/or mentor, and engaging in academic training courses (i.e. Biology, BIZ1000).
  • Families will: explore the campus resources and services available to them and their students.
  • How: Participate in family-focused University ceremonies and sponsored family programs.

Create a seamless physical, social and academic transition for students to matriculate at Saint Louis University, affirming their decision to “Be a Billiken.”

  • Students will: reaffirm their place and space within the Billiken community, where meaningful relationships can be cultivated.
  • How: Participation in activities that promote belonging and connectedness to a Billiken’s new home away from home; by identifying three people or services who provide a sense of community. 
  • Events include: all social programs, Spirit Competition, community meet and greet events, and interactions with FYE leaders and University staff.

    *Focus on the execution of goals and outcomes among different identities.
  • Families will: develop a connection to the SLU community through interacting with fellow guests, faculty, staff, and student leaders.
  • How: Establish a connection with another Billiken family or the Billiken Parent & Family Association.
  • Events include: University Convocation, the introduction to the academy, and the formal start to the academic year.
Assist students in navigating the physical campus environment and determine critical campus resources that will deepen their engagement with their communities.
  • Students will: articulate how engagement with one or more campus organizations and services can provide meaningful connections with others.
  • How: Through exploring membership in one or more student organizations; and through participation in the University’s various resource fairs.
  • Events included: SLU Fair, Ministry Fair, Service Fair, Employment Fair, sponsored Fall Welcome events, and large and small group dialogue with student leaders.
  • Families will: discern how to support their Billiken as they learn how to be empowered self-advocates for their own collegiate journey.
  • How: Engagement with ongoing Facebook Live sessions, BPFA engagement programs, and through the University’s  Homecoming and Family Weekend activities.

For students to gain a greater understanding of their own personal values, expectations and identity by engaging in small group peer dialogue focused on topics centered around diversity, inclusion and equity.

  • Students will: articulate their role and responsibility in the creation of inclusive communities as a function of our mission.
  • How: Participate in large and small group dialogue to understand inclusive language; experience activities that teach one how to be a “person for and with others.”
  • Events included: Diversity, inclusion, and equity-focused programs, “Live the Oath,” community standards conversations, U101 curriculum