Saint Louis University Fall Welcome

New Student Move-In

7 a.m.-6 p.m., Campus Housing
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

Catholic Mass for the Feast of the Assumption

7:15 a.m.,  noon and 5:15 p.m., St. Francis Xavier College Church
Join the SLU and College Church community for the Feast of the Assumption, a holy day of obligation for Catholics.

Parent & Family Hospitality Headquarters

Noon-4 p.m., Busch Student Center, Room 254
A one-stop resource for families looking to rejuvenate, relax and release during move-in to cool down, grab a quick snack, or meet University staff.  The Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources Suite 331 will be open for families and students to ask questions, provide additional information, and prepare for the fall semester.

Learning Community Orientation

2-4 p.m., Busch Student Center, Wool Ballrooms
During LC orientation, students will have the opportunity to meet others in their Learning Community, peer mentors, and faculty members who serve as a support throughout the year. Learn what's in store for the fall, from class requirements to cool events. Plus, get ready for some team-building games that'll have you laughing and bonding in no time. Think of it as the ultimate kickoff for a semester full of learning and good times! Required for all Learning Community students. 

MICAH Orientation

More information coming soon.

New Transfer Student Welcome

5-6 p.m., Busch Student Center, rooms 352 and 353
New transfer students are invited to meet one another, their Oriflamme leader, and make plans for a fun and engaging Fall Welcome experience! Light snacks will be provided. If you are driving to campus, please park in Olive/Compton Parking Garage.

New Family Social @ Expat BBQ

5:30-7:30 p.m., 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63108 (Mezzanine Room)
The Office of Parent and Family Engagement warmly welcomes all incoming families to join us at Expat BBQ at the City Foundry for an evening of connection, celebration, and good food! Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a chance to meet and mingle with other Billiken families. It's a perfect way to unwind after move-in and kick off this new chapter. Drinks will be available for purchase. New Billikens should remain on campus for student programming.

Commuter Student Welcome (Freshmen)

6:30-8:30 p.m., Busch Student Center, Saint Louis Room
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 and your Oriflamme leaders, review the Fall Welcome calendar, and get to know your commuter community. Event will begin with an informal reception, followed by a formal welcome and dinner. If you are driving to campus, please park in Olive/Compton Parking Garage.

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

8:30-9 p.m., Campus Housing
Gather with your RAs and Oriflamme leaders for a Billiken welcome and quick preview of your Fall Welcome experience! Required for all new residential students.

Outdoor Movie: Monsters University

9-11 p.m., DuBourg Quad
Kick off your first official night on campus with a special showing of Monsters University. The quad transforms into an outdoor movie theater, complete with movie theater treats, all courtesy of the Student Activities Board. Come for the film, stay for the snacks and make new friends!

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 celebrate new beginnings and new Billikens with a special ceremony, outstanding speakers and an inspirational message from SLU's 34th president, Edward Feser, Ph.D. Families and guests are encouraged to attend; please park in Olive Compton Parking Garage and enter the arena via Gate B. Chaifetz Arena bag policy applies.

Watch the Livestream

Family, Food Trucks and Farewell!

11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Chaifetz Arena parking lot (Fred Weber Lot)
As you exit Chaifetz Arena, we invite you to join us for a food truck festival where you can grab a quick bite, engage with fellow Billiken families, and meet members of SLU's faculty and staff. We also encourage you to use this time to offer a goodbye to your student, run last-minute errands or share heartfelt hugs. After the food trucks depart, the Fall Welcome schedule ramps up and we keep your Billiken busy and engaged, making new friends and starting their journey at SLU. Please note that all food truck purchases are on your own.

Oriflamme Meet-Up #1

1:45 p.m., various locations
Your friendly Oriflamme leaders will have told you where to meet to start your Fall Welcome experience. Get ready, Fall Welcome begins now!

Life on Campus: Part 1

2-3 p.m., various locations
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 peer group throughout Fall Welcome and beyond. 

Spirit Competition Prep

3 p.m., with your Oriflamme groups
Get ready to show your Billiken pride! In anticipation of SLU's annual Spirit Competition, join your Oriflamme leaders 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 (Busch Student Center 140).

Dinner

4-6 p.m., Grand Dining Hall
As you prepare for the 2025 Spirit Competition, don't forget to take a dinner break at Grand Dining.

Spirit Competition Judging

6:15 p.m., West Pine Mall (outside Busch Student Center)
As you travel to Hermann Stadium, make a pit stop outside of the BSC to perform your community's unique cheer! Judges will select the top three teams based upon your cheer theme, creativity and overall school spirit.

Billiken Men's Soccer vs. DePaul

7-9 p.m., Hermann Stadium
New students will journey to Hermann Stadium to cheer our Billiken men to victory over the Blue Demons from DePaul.  As a special treat, the new class will also participate in SLU's biggest "Rock, Paper, Scissors" competition at halftime!

Billiken Block Party

8:30-11 p.m., Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship, Simon Recreation Center, Grand Dining Hall and West Pine Mall
Did someone say block party?! Partake in activities from inflatables and karaoke to mini golf and crafts. There will be something for everyone, including a chance to make new friends as you work your way through campus and down West Pine for this night of fun.

Yoga on the Quad

9-10 a.m., DuBourg quad
Start your morning off with a 45-minute yoga session on the quad. This class is for all levels and will be a relaxing start to the week ahead. Bring your own yoga mat if possible; limited mats will be provided. Rain location: Simon Recreation Center

Zumba on the Quad

10-11 a.m., DuBourg quad
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. Rain location: Simon Recreation Center

Oriflamme Meet Up

12:30 p.m., various locations
Time to check in with your Oriflamme leader and head to the BSC!

Live the Oath

1-2:15 p.m., Busch Student Center, Wool Ballrooms
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." Begin to 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.

Life on Campus: Part 2

2:30-3:30 p.m., various locations
Now that you've taken the Oath of Inclusion, spend some time with your Oriflamme leaders and reflect about what it means to live the oath in your daily life. Consider how this will impact your time at SLU, and what you can do to make the oath a living experience. As a Jesuit institution with a mission of serving "for and with others," the Oath of Inclusion is a great example of how we should embrace and celebrate all members of the Billiken family. Required for all new students.

Commuter Student Program

More information coming soon.

SLU 101: Refresh

4.-4:30 p.m. and 4:30-5 p.m., various locations
Remember this summer when you selected sessions based upon your own interests? Whether you didn't get to attend everything you wanted, or you've forgotten everything you learned, here's your chance to brush up on important SLU topics. Choose your own adventure, again, and join us for an encore of one of the following SLU 101 presentations.

Commuter Community Meal

4:45-6 p.m., Busch Student Center, Commuter Student Lounge (Room 140)
Now that you've found your classes, new commuter students are invited to join members of the Commuter Student Association and Oriflamme as they lead you on a special campus tour, including crucial hangout spots and resources for commuter students! Commuter students are invited to stay for a community meal following the tour.

Staying Safe with DPS

6:-8 p.m., Busch Student Center, Wool Ballrooms
Spend some time with SLU's outstanding Department of Public Safety, where you will meet many of our officers, learn how to stay safe on campus, and pick up some handy self-defense tips. Presentation and panel discussion begins at 6 p.m.; self-defense activities to follow at 7 p.m.

First Sunday Night Mass

8-9 p.m., St. Francis Xavier College Church and fountain plaza at Lindell and Grand boulevards
Join the SLU community for the first student liturgy of the academic year, followed by a cool taste of St. Louis!

Academic Advising

See the "Academic Orientation Schedule"

Academic Orientation

See the "Academic Orientation Schedule"

Academic Resources: Tabling

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Busch Student Center, North Lobby 
While you're gearing up for classes, stop by these tables to learn more about campus resources that are here to help. Featuring Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, University Writing Services, Success Coaching, Math Help Sessions, the Communication Skills Lab, the English Language Center, and the Language Resource Center.

Honors Program: Fall Orientation

5:30-8 p.m., Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship
Honors Program staff will share information about the program's requirements and expectations, and new students will collaborate with their path mentors on a team-building task. Required for all incoming honors students.

Life on Campus: Part 3

6:30-7 p.m., various locations
Now that you've learned more about your academic program, use this time with your Oriflamme leader to ask those last-minute questions to prepare for your first day of class, and ensure success in your first semester as a Billiken!

Oriflamme Game Night

8-10 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! Rain location: Simon Recreation Center.

Academics 101

New undergraduate students will participate in a variety of academic programs designed by their college or school.  Each student will participate in an academic advising information session, and their college/school orientation session. 

More information coming soon.

Meet Your Ignite Seminar!

9-9:30 a.m.
9:45-10:15 a.m.
10:30-11 a.m.
Various locations
Required for all new students enrolled in an Ignite Seminar (consult your class schedule), first meeting with Ignite Seminar instructors.

Find Your Classes

11 a.m., Campus tours
As a final preparation for class tomorrow, join your Oriflamme leader for a quick campus tour to find your classes! Required for all new students. Please dress comfortably as you will be traveling throughout campus.

General Chemistry SLUper Session

3-4:15 p.m., Kelley Lecture Hall (Lec 005)
In this informal/optional event, students preparing to take CHEM 1110 or 1130 are welcome to meet some of this year’s gen chem instructors, learn about lecture and lab, and ask burning questions about the class and majoring/double-majoring in chemistry. A variety of candy — gloriously full of chemicals — will be provided.

Hit the Ground Running: Introduction to General Biology

9 a.m.: BIOL 1240-02, ISE 211/215
10 a.m.: BIOL 1240-03, ISE 211/215
10 a.m.: BIOL 1240-01, Lec 001
11 a.m.: BIOL 1240-04, ISE 211/215
Noon: BIOL 1240-06, ISE 211/215
Hit The Ground Running is an opportunity to meet your General Biology instructor and 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.

Community Engagement Fair

3-5 p.m., Cook Hall Atrium
It's never too early to start living out SLU's mission of service to humanity and social justice values! Meet the Center for Social Action team and learn more about how to become involved in service and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on and off campus. Community organizations looking for volunteers will also have booths set up in the Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship (CGC) and along West Pine. Stop by and see how you can get involved in the community while having fun with carnival snacks.

School of Science and Engineering's First-year Experience Mentoring Mixer

 5-7 p.m., McDonnell Douglas Hall patio and rotunda
Welcome to the School of Science and Engineering! New SSE undergraduate students are invited to learn more about our First-year Experience Mentoring Program, which pairs new SSE undergraduate students with upper-class SSE student mentors to help navigate their first year. Learn how to sign up for the mentoring program, meet SSE student mentors and enjoy a fun social event to head into the academic year with confidence!

But What Can I Do?: A conversation to end sexual violence with keynote speaker, Bonny Shade

7-8:15 p.m., Busch Student Center, Wool Ballrooms
What is sexual violence really? What is consent? How do I respond to someone? These are questions we all need help answering and this keynote answers them all. With 20% of college-age women and 9% of college-age men being victims/survivors of sexual assault, we all need to get more comfortable talking about prevention, education, and response. This conversation isn’t meant to make you comfortable — It’s meant to make you better! Get ready to laugh, cry and walk away with new knowledge to end sexual violence and change the world.

First Floor Meeting (all residential students)

8:30 p.m., Campus Housing
More information coming soon!

Classes Begin

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

Interfaith Fair

6:-8 p.m., West Pine Mall (Clocktower West)
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.

Student Activities Board Bingo

7-9 p.m., Busch Student Center, Wool Ballrooms
Grab your friends and join 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!

Residence Hall Association Late Night Breakfast

9:30-11:30 p.m., Grand Dining Hall
Fuel up for your first day of classes at Residence Hall Association's (RHA) Late Night Breakfast — a SLU favorite!  We recommend spacing out your arrival as lines may be long. 

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 to 1548, when the first Jesuit school in Messina, Sicily, celebrated the initial Mass.

Academic Support Open House

1-5 p.m., Busch Student Center, Room 331
Classes have started — now check out the Student Success Center! Stop by to learn about Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, University Writing Services and Success Coaching. Familiarize yourself with the space, and chat with the success coach and our peer tutors, SI leaders, and writing consultants about how our resources can support you throughout the year. While you're here, score some swag and enter to win Billiken Bucks.

The CookOut

5-7 p.m., Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
The CookOut is a welcome party for first-year students! Join the fun for great food, learn the latest line dances, and learn more about a few of the cultural organizations on campus. The theme for The CookOut is "So St. Louis." Swing by in your St. Louis gear and win prizes by testing your St. Louis knowledge. Great event for those old and new to St. Louis City!

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.

International Student Orientation

More information coming soon!

SLU 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 SLUdents!

C U @ the Rec!

8-10 p.m., Simon Recreation Center
Join your fellow 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!

Student Government Association Prom

10 p.m.-midnight, Simon Recreation Center
More information coming soon.

Interfraternity Council: Recruitment Orientation and Chapter Meet & Greet

1-3 p.m., Busch Student Center, Saint Louis Room
Interfraternity Council (IFC) recruitment begins here! A required event for those participating in the IFC recruitment process. Potential new members will have the opportunity to connect with one another, the IFC Executive Board, and mingle with each IFC fraternity at SLU! Required event to participate in IFC recruitment in Fall 2025.

Register for IFC Recruitment

Res Hall Night at Billiken Soccer (Men vs. SMU; Women vs. Mizzou)

More information coming soon.

Panhellenic Council Meet and Greet

6-8 p.m., Busch Student Center, 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! You'll learn more about each of SLU's seven organizations, meet other potential members, and ask Panhellenic recruitment counselors all your questions.

Register for Panhellenic Recruitment

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) 101

7-8 p.m., Busch Student Center, Rooms 352 and 353
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 to learn about SLU's community partnerships that form our city-wide chapters. Required event to participate in the NPHC Intake Process during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Pride Reception

3-5 p.m., Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
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 p.m., Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship, Room 124
The Audre Lorde Scholars Program provides an uplifting communal space for students to openly discuss their lived experiences and develop skills in their paths to become future women leaders. Learn how to become involved with Audre Lorde Scholars and mingle with current scholars and mentors!

Panhellenic Council Scoops & Sisterhood: Recruitment Meet-Up

6-8:30 p.m., SLUruba at Simon Recreation Center
This is a brand-new Panhellenic event designed to build connections between potential new members and recruitment counselors before recruitment begins. Join us for a sweet treat and a chance to learn about the Panhellenic community in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This event is the perfect opportunity to meet hopeful familiar faces, ask questions, ease any nerves and get excited for recruitment while celebrating the spirit of Panhellenic love!

Campus Ministry Welcome Night

5:30-6:30 p.m., Wuller Hall
Join Campus Ministry for the opportunity to connect with your SLU community, have a snack and have some fun!

Billiken Night at the Ballpark

6:45 p.m., Busch Stadium (Downtown St. Louis)
More information coming soon!

Meet the Greeks!

7-8 p.m., Cross Cultural 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 Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) Community. What does it mean to be part of a values-based organization? This panel will include representatives from all four of SLU's affiliated councils.

National Pan-Hellenic Council 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 consider bringing a chair or blanket, or wear comfy shoes!

First Gen Social

4-6 p.m., Busch Student Center, Saint Louis Room
Calling all first-generation college students! Meet other SLU students, staff and faculty who are also first-generation and see that you are not alone in this journey. There will be food, fun, a chance to build your SLU community, and maybe win some prizes along the way.

IFC Brothers & BBQ

6-9 p.m., SLUruba at Simon Recreation Center
Meet brothers from SLU's Interfraternity Council, while enjoying food and fellowship at SLUruba! You'll spend the evening playing yard games, eating good BBQ, and chatting with members from our nine IFC fraternities on campus.

Fresh Look Retreat

Aug. 29 - 31, 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 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 for the Fresh Look Retreat

Panhellenic Primary Recruitment Orientation

5:30-7 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m., Busch Student Center, Saint Louis Room
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. Required event to participate in Panhellenic Primary Recruitment.

Interfraternity Council Recruitment

Tuesday, Sept. 2 - Thursday, Sept. 18
Join our nine Interfraternity Council (IFC) chapters for the Fall Recruitment experience. For additional information regarding the IFC recruitment process, please review the IFC Recruitment Guidebook. Follow us on Instagram @SLU_IFC to stay up to date. Registration is required.

Register for IFC Recruitment

Fresh Check Day

11 a.m.-2 p.m., West Pine Mall
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, and helps build a bridge between students and the mental health resources available on campus, locally and nationally. Rain location: Simon Recreation Center.

Panhellenic Council Primary Recruitment

Wednesday, Sept. 3 - Sunday, Sept. 7
The Panhellenic Primary Recruitment provides prospective members with an opportunity to find a community of like-minded individuals through Sorority Life. SLU takes a values-based approach to the recruitment process to provide a meaningful experience for all participants. For more information regarding the Panhellenic Primary Recruitment experience, please review the Panhellenic Guidebook. Follow us on Instagram @SLUPanhellenic to stay in the loop! Registration is required.

Register for Panhellenic Recruitment

MLK Scholars BBQ Meet & Greet

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

Student Leadership Retreat

Friday, Sept. 19 - Sunday, Sept. 21, Location coming soon
The purpose of the Student Leadership 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 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 Leadership Retreat

Fraternity and Sorority Life Cardinals Game

1:15 p.m., Busch Stadium (Downtown St. Louis)
Join your FSL community for an afternoon at the ballpark! We're heading to Busch Stadium to cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals. This outing is a great chance to connect with fellow fraternity and sorority members, show your SLU spirit, and enjoy America's favorite pastime. Don't miss out on this fun and memorable community event!