Oriflamme Leaders Prepare to Welcome New Students to the SLU 'Flammily'

Saint Louis University's Orflamme leaders are ready to throw open the doors and welcome the Class of 2027 to SLU. The 185 upperclass students who serve as mentors, assist with move-in and lead small groups of first-year students spent the five days prior to the start of Move-In training, growing and becoming a 'flammily.'

“As we prepare to welcome new students, our leaders break into smaller groups which they call flammilies,” said Susan Fanale, director of orientation. “The flammilies work together throughout training to discuss in small teams/groups the information they are learning in large training presentations.”

The Oriflamme training and building the flammily teams is aimed at prepping the student leaders for two big days of work helping to move in first-year students, followed by small-group mentorship through the Fall Welcome activities.

Oriflamme leaders apply for their roles and go through a competitive interview process before being selected to serve as Fall Orientation Leaders. Their training covers topics such as leading small group discussions, diversity and inclusion, University Mission, campus resources and much more.

Fanale said the student leaders challenge themselves with a variety of self-care goals during the lead up to Move-In. Each flammily keeps track of their water bottle refills during the day to make sure everyone remains well-hydrated. The most-hydrated flammily wins the challenge.

“They do a lot of work for others during Move-In, so it is helpful to be mindful of self-care as well,” Fanale said. 

Each year, Oriflamme leaders help create a successful Fall Welcome experience for first-year students at SLU. The organization formed in 1963 when Thomas McQueeny, S.J., assistant to SLU President Paul Reinert, S.J., recruited 16 men to serve as “ambassadors” to guide visitors and new students at events including registration.

Today, Oriflamme leaders serve as mentors and lead small groups of first-year students in discussions and activities along with other social and educational activities. They will also aid news students in navigating their first days on campus.

“We have a really diverse set of leaders this year with a variety of leadership styles,” Fanale said. “They aren't all the high-energy cheerleaders you see at Move-In. They have a variety of gifts to share with any students who need some one as they start their life at SLU.”

Oriflamme by the Numbers

Thousands of steps, dozens of elevator rides and countless carts full of new dorm accessories tell only part of the story of Move-In each fall. 

• 370 – Orange T-shirts for Oriflamme members
• 185 – Oriflamme fall orientation leaders
• 60 - Years of Oriflamme leadership on SLU’s campus
• 10 – Months of preparation for Fall Welcome
• Four - Oriflamme student coordinators 
• Three – Small peer group conversations led by Oriflamme leaders for new students during the first few days of Fall Welcome
• Three – Unique cheers learned by Oriflamme leaders to encourage first-year students
• One – Oriflamme exclusive dance.