Saint Louis University — Madrid Fall 2020 Welcome Sessions will be unlike any other, as the COVID-19 pandemic offers us new ways to connect through virtual or remote experiences.
Our Student Life team and Campus Ambassadors will serve as guides to help new students adjust to Madrid and the campus. Many Fall Welcome activities will be delivered in modified formats or will occur in very small groups of 10. This hybrid programming model allows both on-campus and remote students to connect as One SLU.
Families are encouraged to join us virtually for the Class of 2024 Convocation ceremony, which will live stream on Zoom at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 13 (Madrid time).
The Welcome Sessions are full of activities planned to help you meet new friends and connect with campus resources and the city of Madrid.
Look for the students in orange! These Campus Ambassadors are student leaders who are here to help you move in and acclimate to your first several days on campus by answering questions and helping you get involved.
Please check the Welcome Sessions schedule.
Fall Welcome 2020: Schedule of Events
Madrid-Based and Remote Students
10:30 a.m. – Campus & Neighborhood Tour
Meeting Point: Entrance of Padre Rubio Hall (Avenida del Valle, 28)
Campus Ambassadors will be eagerly waiting to greet you and following all safety protocols, guide you through campus.
10:30 a.m. – Campus & Neighborhood Tour
Meeting Point: Entrance of Padre Rubio Hall (Avenida del Valle, 28)
The Campus Ambassadors will be eagerly waiting to greet you and, following all safety protocols, guide you through campus.
4 p.m. – Shopping Essentials with Campus Ambassadors
All New Students in Madrid
Meeting Point: Entrance to El Faro
RAs will assist you in purchasing the things you need to start the academic year — and your new life — in Madrid.
Mandatory for all new students in Madrid
On campus · PRH · Avenida del Valle 28 · Madrid 28003
Learn about life at the University and in the city of Madrid with your classmates and professors. Includes a picnic lunch, academic and student life information sessions, and fun activities.
9:30 a.m. – The building will be opened. Sessions will not start until 10 a.m. or later as we go step by step through COVID procedures. Everyone must maintain social distance and wear a mask at all times.
Your temperature will be taken as you are checked in. Hydro-alcoholic gel will be available for hand sanitizing.
Students will be assigned to classrooms according to their major.
10 a.m. – Sessions will start with Student Life and Campus Ambassadors.
11 a.m. – Program directors and faculty members will meet you in the different groups around 11 a.m.
When the sessions are over, grab your picnic lunch. SLU-Madrid Campus Ambassadors will take you in groups of 10 for a walk and to eat together. (Please indicate any food restrictions on the survey you will be given.)
5 p.m. – Convocation of the Class of 2024
All New Students
Zoom Session: Meeting Number Forthcoming
Members of the SLU community will convene to celebrate all new students on campus. This year's ceremony will be live-streamed. Parents and families are encouraged to join us from their homes or watch the recorded ceremony.
6 p.m. – Virtual Kick-Off Party with Campus Ambassadors
All New Students in Madrid
First Day of On-Ground Classes
4:30 p.m. – Workshop on TIE Application and Residency Requirements
Mandatory for All Non-EU Students
Zoom Session: Meeting Number Forthcoming
Carlos Villar will help you with the Residency Card process via Zoom.
3 p.m. – Virtual Activities Fair
All Students
Zoom Session: Meeting Number Forthcoming
Q&A meeting with student club leaders and club advisors via Zoom.
7 p.m. – Faculty-led Madrid Walking Tours
All Students in Madrid
Meeting Point: Plaza Mayor - Equestrian Statue of Philip III (Metro: Sol)
SLU faculty will host small groups through a history of Madrid. Tours available in both English and Spanish. Sign up in the Student Life office.
9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Day Trip to Aranjuez (Tentative)
All Students in Madrid
Meeting Point: Entrance to Padre Rubio Hall
The day trip to Aranjuez is subject to change, dependent on the COVID-19 measures in place on this date. Sign up in the Student Life office.
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Day Trip to El Escorial (Tentative)
All Students in Madrid
Meeting Point: Entrance to Padre Rubio Hall
The day trip to El Escorial is subject to change, dependent on the COVID-19 measures in place on this date. COVID-19 Sign up in the Student Life office.
6 p.m. – First SLU-Madrid Sunday Mass
All Students
San Ignacio Hall Student Lounge and Patio
Celebrated by Fr. James O'Leary, S.J., Campus Minister. The Department of Campus Ministry welcomes everyone back to campus! Join us in the San Ignacio Hall Student Lounge to celebrate Mass in English every Sunday at 6 p.m.
11 a.m. - Mass of the Holy Spirit
All Students
Padre Rubio Hall Patio
The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a tradition among Jesuit academic institutions dating to 1548, in which the community gathers to thank God for the gifts of creation and salvation and to seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the coming year.
This schedule is subject to change.
Last update: September 10