SLU Set to Open Year With Convocation
Saint Louis University will kick off the new academic year with convocation on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
The annual event welcomes the newest Billikens to SLU. Convocation is one of the first opportunities for the entire new class of Billikens to develop a sense of cohesion and identity. Members of the SLU community share what being a Billiken has meant to them and what they hope it will mean for the newest members of the Billiken family.
“We are looking forward to welcoming our newest Billikens to campus and welcoming our entire community back for another academic year,” said Kathy Johnson, Ph.D., executive vice president and provost. “Convocation is the official start to the academic year, and we are so excited for the entire SLU community to celebrate this milestone together.”
Convocation is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Chaifetz Arena. All members of the SLU community, including current students, are invited to attend. Although some key offices around campus must remain open to support students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend.
Anyone attending is invited to enter Chaifetz via Gate B and sit in the 200 section of the arena. Chaifetz Arena’s bag policy will be enforced.
In the past, this event has been held on Saturday. For 2026, University leaders moved the event to the Tuesday before classes begin so more faculty and staff can be there to welcome students.
This year’s event will be emceed by students Naiyah Taylor and Mason Bader. The ceremony is scheduled to feature remarks from President Edward Feser, Ph.D., and faculty speaker Cristina McGroarty, Ph.D., from the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing. Vice President of Mission and Identity David Suwalsky, S.J., will speak about SLU’s mission.
The ceremony is scheduled to conclude with a special recessional. Current members of the SLU community will line the sidewalk outside the arena as new students will recess and rub the belly of the Billiken for good luck, commemorating the start of their SLU journey.