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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 SLU 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 what happens at Fall Welcome? Get an inside look.

Fall Welcome 2023: Schedule of Events

The student meal plan begins on Thursday, August 17. Looking for a location? Check the campus map.

Thursday, Aug. 17

New Student Move-In

9 a.m.-3 p.m., Residence Halls
Welcome home, new Billikens! Please consult your housing assignment message to confirm your scheduled arrival time, as well as details regarding 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)
The 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

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Simon Recreation Center
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 2027 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 Honors Program staff and students for light St. Louis fare consisting of appetizers and desserts. There is no set agenda – just a casual opportunity to meet staff and fellow honors families.

BPFA Family Night at The Foundry

5-8 p.m., City Foundry STL
Join the Billiken Parent and Family Association for a Happy Hour at The Foundry. It's another opportunity for you to fellowship with other incoming SLU families. There will be some giveaways to win, and for you trivia fans, there will be a Quiz Night and some great drink specials.

Get to Know Your Neighborhood

6-7 p.m., Grand Dining and The Foundry
If you find yourself solo after a long day of travel and move-in, your friendly Oriflamme leaders will make sure you aren't lonely tonight. Leaders will swing by each floor to collect early arriving residents for an impromptu trip to Grand dining or the Foundry! A great opportunity for you to get to know your new neighbors!

Sponsored by Oriflamme

Friday, Aug. 18

New Student Move-In

8 a.m.-4 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

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Simon Recreation Center
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, Wool Ballrooms (BSC)
International Student Orientation continues with students meeting with University departments, and participating 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., Cook Hall Auditorium (Chaifetz School of Business)
This event is the culmination of the Honors Program 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
This event is sure to be sweet! The Learning Community Orientation will allow students to meet the Learning Community staff and peer mentors as well as learn about the requirements for their learning community. They will take part in multiple team-building games to get to know one another and will leave knowing multiple people in their learning community. Required for all Learning Community students.

Commuter Student Meet and Greet

4-5:30 p.m., St. Louis Room (BSC)
All new freshmen commuter students are invited to the Busch Student Center to complete their own official check-in. Meet members of the Commuter Student Association, your Oriflamme leaders, and wrap up any last-minute business before classes officially begin. Commuter community dinner provided following check-in.

Food for the Soul

4-6 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship
Bring your best recipes for home-cooked meals and exchange them for new ones during this multicultural showcase. Meet and connect with cultural student organizations and learn about opportunities to network and become involved on campus. Open to all incoming students and their guests.

Transfer Meet and Greet

6-7 p.m., BSC 352/3
New transfer students are invited to meet each other and their Oriflamme leaders, 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. 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 exclusive showing of the new Little Mermaid movie. The Quad transforms into an outdoor movie theatre, complete with movie theatre treats courtesy of the Student Activities Board. Come for the film, stay for the snacks and to make new friends.

Saturday, Aug. 19

Convocation

10 - 11 a.m., Chaifetz Arena
You won't want to miss the official kickoff to the academic year. Members of the SLU community come together to celebrate new beginnings and new Billikens with a special ceremony, outstanding speakers and 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 Billikens - grabbing a quick meal, running last-minute errands, or exchanging well wishes and hugs. The Fall Welcome schedule ramps up after lunchtime and your student will be busy making new friends and learning what it means to Be a Billiken.

Life on Campus: Part One

1:30-2:30 p.m., Various Locations
Fall Welcome officially begins now! Join your Oriflamme leader for your first small-group dialogue where you will review the full calendar of activities, learn what it means to be a SLU-dent, 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 Billiken Soccer. Residential students will meet on their floor; commuter students should gather in the Commuter Lounge (BSC).

Dinner

4-6 p.m., Grand Dining Hall
As you prepare for the 2023 Spirit Competition, don't forget to take a dinner break at Grand Dining Hall.

Billiken Men's Soccer vs. University of Illinois-Chicago

6-8 p.m., Hermann Stadium
New students will journey to Hermann Stadium to cheer our Billiken men to victory over the Flames from the University of Illinois-Chicago! As a special treat, the new class will also participate in SLU's biggest "Rock, Paper, Scissors" competition at halftime.

Party on Grand

8-11 p.m., West Pine & Grand
After the soccer game, make your way back to the west side of Grand Avenue and enjoy our Party on Grand. You will find SLU's own version of Carpool Karaoke — a Fall Welcome favorite — as well as coloring and crafting, mini golf and much more. Spend the night traveling along West Pine Mall, meeting new people, having new experiences and making lifelong friends!

Sunday, Aug. 20

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.

Hit the Ground Running: Introduction to General Biology

9 a.m. BIOL 1240-02, ISE 211/215
9 a.m. BIOL 1240-07, Lee Lecture Hall
10 a.m. BIOL 1240-03, ISE 211/215
10 a.m. BIOL 1240-01, Lee Lecture Hall
11 a.m. BIOL 1240-05, ISE 211/215
12 p.m. BIOL 1240-06, ISE 211/215
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 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.

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 the necessary campus resources to help you achieve academic success at SLU. 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!

Staying Safe with DPS

6-8 p.m., Wool Ballrooms (BSC)
Spend some time with SLU's outstanding Department of Public Safety. You will meet many of our officers, learn how to say safe on campus and pick up some handy self-defense tips. Presentation and panel discussion begin at 6 p.m.; self-defense activities follow at 7 p.m.

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. 21: General Events

Academic Resources Tabling

10 a.m.-1 p.m., BSC North Lobby, Tables A and B
While you're gearing up for classes, stop by these tables to learn more about tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, University Writing Services, student success coaching and math help sessions.

"Speak About It!"

7-8 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

6:30-8 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

8:30-10:30 p.m., Vandeventer (Vandy) Fields (Rain location: Simon Recreation Center)
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. 21: Academic Orientation Schedule

Times and Locations 

College of Arts and Sciences

Academic Advising: 1-2:30 p.m.
Wool Ballrooms (BSC)
Orientation: 3-4:30 p.m.
Wool Ballrooms (BSC)

College for Public Health and Social Justice (SPHSJ)

Orientation: Lunch provided.
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship
Academic Advising: 1:15-2:45 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship

Doisy College of Health Science

Academic Advising: 9-10 a.m.
Wool Ballrooms (BSC)
Orientation: 10-11 a.m.
Wool Ballrooms (BSC)

Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business

Orientation: 9-10:15 a.m.
Simon Recreation Center
Students enrolled in BIZ1000 will have an introductory class from 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Academic Advising: 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Simon Recreation Center
Lunch will be provided along with the Meet-the-Programs Fair in the Simon Recreation Center from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Optional School of Business tours will leave at 1:30 p.m.

School of Education

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

School of Science and Engineering (SSE)

Academic Advising: 1-2 p.m.
St. Louis Room (BSC)
Students will be escorted to various locations for their academic program orientations.

Orientation: 2:15-3:15 p.m.
Various Locations
Enjoy “Cookies with the Dean” immediately following orientation.

School of Social Work

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

Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing

Academic Advising: 10:45-11:45 a.m.
South Campus Allied Health Multipurpose Room
Orientation: 9-10:30 a.m.
South Campus Allied Health Multipurpose Room
Bus transportation will be provided at the Fred Weber lot (Chaifetz Arena) beginning at 8:15 a.m. and departing by 8:45 a.m. Students will be brought back to north campus after the academic advising session.

Tuesday, Aug. 22

Life on Campus: Part Three

9 a.m., Various Locations
Spend 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 understand what it means to be "for and with others," and how to live a mission-centered life at SLU. Required for all new students.

Live the Oath

10 a.m., Chaifetz Arena
How can we live as a community that lives in solidarity, and seeks and fights 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." Learn about SLU’s Oath of Inclusion — its herstory, why it was suspended, and why it’s returned. Join the Student Government Association as we dive into what it means to “Live the Oath.” Required for all new students.

General Chemistry SLUper Session

1-2:30 p.m., Kelley Lecture Hall (OO5)
In this informal event, students preparing to take CHEM 1110 or 1130 are welcome to meet some of this year’s gen chem instructors, learn about lectures and labs, and ask burning questions about the class and majoring/double-majoring in chemistry. A variety of candy —gloriously full of chemicals — will be provided. Required for Chem 1110/1130 students. 

Meet your Ignite Seminar

Three sessions at 3, 3:45 and 4:30, Various Locations

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 out SLU's mission of service to humanity and social justice values. Meet the Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement team (DICE) and learn about how to become involved in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on and off campus. Community organizations seeking volunteers will also have booths set up on West Pine. Stop by and see how you can get involved in the community while having fun with carnival snacks. Come roll with DICE!

Interfaith 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.

RHA Late Night Breakfast

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

Wednesday, Aug. 23

Classes Begin

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

Community Night at Campus Ministry

5:30-6:30 p.m., Wuller Hall (Campus Ministry)
Join Campus Ministry for the inaugural Community Night of food and fun. Community Night will occur from 5:30-6:30 p.m., every Wednesday during the semester. All are welcome as we strive to cultivate our Billiken community this year.

SAB Bingo

7-9 p.m., Wool Ballrooms (BSC)
Grab your friends and join 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!

Thursday, Aug. 24

Mass of the Holy Spirit

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., St. Francis Xavier College Church
Saint Louis University will mark the beginning of the new academic year with its traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit. This is 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 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 peer tutors, SI leaders and writing consultants. Find out how these resources can support you throughout the year — and score some swag.

First-Gen Welcome Back Kickback

4-6 p.m., BSC Saint Louis Room (new location due to heat)
Are you a first-generation college student? Then this social is for you! Join us for a night of board games, line dancing, and networking with other first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni … oh, and good food, too. 

This kickback will allow you to get answers to questions if you are not sure whom to ask, connect with other first-generation peers, faculty, staff, and alumni, and most importantly, it will serve as a reminder that you are not alone and there are people here ready and eager to assist you.

AAMS Meet and Greet

5-6:30 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
SLU's African-American Male 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.

Billikens Soccer @ Hermann Stadium

Billiken Women's Soccer vs. Creighton
5 p.m., Hermann Stadium

Billiken Men's Soccer vs. Butler
7:30 p.m., Hermann Stadium

SGA's Welcome Back Pajama Jam

7-10 p.m., Wool Ballrooms (BSC)
Put on your favorite PJs, and don't forget your dancing shoes! Hosted by SGA, and open to all students, you don't want to miss this night of dancing, food and fun. Prizes given to the best, most creative sleep gear.

Friday, Aug. 25

Family First: A Celebration

5-7 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
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.

CU @ the Rec

8-10 p.m., Simon Recreation Center
Join your classmates for this one-of-a-kind Fall Welcome dance show. This event showcases SLU’s outstanding cultural dance teams. You won't want to miss the exciting Fall Welcome giveaway either. Join us for another great year of C U @ the Rec! 

Saturday, Aug. 26

Student Involvement Fair

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

MLK Scholars BBQ Meet and Greet

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

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! Because this event has become a campus favorite, all students are welcome to attend.

We recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting wet from our biodegradable and water-soluble paint. There will be shower caps provided for those who wish to remain paint-free.

Sunday, Aug. 27

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, plus 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!) Is art not your thing? Forest Park also features a free history museum, science center and our world-famous zoo.

Women's Soccer vs. Kansas City

1 p.m., Hermann Stadium

A Capella Showcase

6-8 p.m., Saint Louis Room
Check out SLU's amazing a capella groups as they showcase their talents!

Tuesday, 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.

Audre Lorde Scholars Info Social

5-6:30 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship, Seminar Room 124
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 openly discuss the experiences and challenges that Women of Color face in present time. Learn more about how to become involved with Audre Lorde Scholars and come mingle with current scholars and mentors!

Billikens at Busch Stadium

6:45- 10 p.m., Busch Stadium
Tickets will be available for both new and returning students, graduate and undergrad. More information to come!

Panhellenic Council Meet and Greet

6-8 p.m., St. Louis Room (BSC)
If you are interested in learning about membership in a Panhellenic organization, don't 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 that form our local citywide chapters.

Wednesday, Aug. 30

On-Campus Job Fair

3-5 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship
Are you interested in a part-time job on-campus or near SLU? If so, this fair is for you! Make plans to attend the On-Campus/Part-Time Job Fair to meet with campus departments looking for student workers, as well as some off-campus opportunities that might be a great fit for you!

Campus Ministry Community Night

5:30-6:30 p.m., Wuller Hall
Join Campus Ministry for Community Night food and fun. Community Night will occur 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday during the semester. All are welcome as we cultivate our Billiken community this year.

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 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

8-11 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, Aug. 31

SAB Game Night

7-9 p.m., Wool Ballrooms
Grab a friend and head to the BSC for SAB's first Game Night of the year. Brush up on your Nintendo skills and you could be the Mario Kart Master! Other activities feature a Smash Bros. competition and board games galore. Light snacks also provided.

Friday, Sept. 1 - Sunday Sept. 3

A Fresh Look Weekend Retreat

Sept. 1-3, 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 at the SLU Campus Ministry Website

Interfraternity Council: Recruitment Orientation/Chapter Meet & Greet

Sept. 3, 1 - 3:30 p.m., DeMattias Hall Multipurpose Room
Interfraternity recruitment begins here! A required event for those participating in the IFC process, recruits will have the opportunity to connect with one another, their upper-class recruitment guide, and mingle with each IFC fraternity at SLU.

Monday, Sept. 4

IFC Brothers and BBQ

Noon-2:30 p.m., Pruellage Lawn
An opportunity for potential recruits to meet brothers from the Saint Louis University fraternal community while enjoying some STL BBQ.

Tuesday, Sept. 5

Panhellenic Recruitment Orientation

5:30-7 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m., Saint Louis Room
A 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. 6

Fresh Check Day

11 a.m.-2 p.m., West Pine Mall (Rain location: Center for Global Citizenship)
Fresh Check Day is an uplifting mental health promotion and suicide prevention event, which includes interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging, support from multiple campus representatives, and 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. This will help build a bridge between students and the mental health resources available on campus, the local community, and nationally.

Monday, Sept. 11

Billiken Beginnings: Navigating the First Eight Weeks

5-6 p.m., Ritter 327
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. Learn about strategies for academic success. Sessions will tackle time management, getting involved and combating homesickness, major and career exploration, and building resilience. Attendance prizes are available at each session.

Learn About Upcoming Billiken Beginnings Sessions

Thursday, Sept. 14

Education Abroad Fair

10 a.m.-2 p.m.,West Pine Mall by the clock tower (Rain location: CGC)
Embark on a global journey and broaden your horizons at our annual Education Abroad Fair. Discover exciting opportunities to gain an international perspective and experience a new country, culture and language. Meet representatives from our 40+ partner programs and short-term international opportunities and earn about what our programs have to offer. This is your chance to ask about scholarship opportunities and any and all study abroad questions. 

Friday, Sept. 29 - Sunday, Oct. 1

Student of Color Leadership Retreat

Manresa Retreat Center
The Student of Color Leadership Retreat is designed for students who self-identify as a person of color. The purpose of the retreat is to develop a cohort of student leaders that can foster change on campus by cultivating a diverse campus environment that is radically inclusive. The Student of Color Leadership Retreat is designed to fortify students in leadership roles on campus and beyond while making meaningful connections through shared experiences.

Register for the Student of Color Leadership Retreat

 

Fall Welcome Program Goals and Outcomes

Goals

Outcomes

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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 and 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 responsibilities 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 include diversity, inclusion, and equity-focused programs, “Live the Oath,” community standards conversations, U101 curriculum

 

For students to better understand the Jesuit value of cura personalis and to identify strategies and campus resources to practice care for themselves and others. 

  • Students will identify campus services and resources which support their overall well-being by integrating and prioritizing the mind, body and spirit.

  • How: Enrollment in Cura Personalis 1 course, attending campus engagement fairs, and participating in group dialogues with other SLU students, including orientation leaders and Housing/Residence Life staff.

  • Events include Fresh Check Day, Mental Well-Being Module (CP-1), Student Involvement Fair, Campus Recreation and Wellness programs, Oriflamme small-group meetings, and residence hall community meetings.

  • Families will understand the concept of cura personalis and become more aware of campus resources available to their students, in support of their overall well-being.

  • How: Engagement with ongoing Facebook Live sessions, BPFA engagement programs, and through the University’s  HCFW activities