The Billiken Bulletin is Saint Louis University's parent and family newsletter. We recognize the importance of transparency and accuracy to families as it relates to the University and your students. This monthly newsletter will provide additional insight into life on campus and more details about our resources.
March Billiken Bulletin
Welcome back, Billiken families! In this month’s Billiken Bulletin, learn more about how your student can get involved while studying abroad in Madrid, find updates on the mailroom, read advice from our academic advisors and more.
Here For Your Billiken at SLU-Madrid
The Office of Student Affairs at SLU-Madrid is the one-stop shop for everything a student might need outside of the classroom while in Spain. Whether it’s matching students with a host family, helping them start or join a student organization, connecting with their spiritual needs through Campus Ministry, continuing to practice a sport or finding an organization to volunteer with — the Student Affairs team can help. And that’s not all we do, either!
Students come to SLU-Madrid from all over the world to get a four-year degree or a master’s degree, or to study abroad for a semester. We create spaces for our students to thrive and find a sense of belonging, no matter where they come from.
For some students, that means extra help working through a visa renewal. Others want to join us for day trips to Salamanca, Toledo or Segovia — or a weekend trip to northern Spain to see where St. Ignatius started his journey of discovery that shaped our Jesuit identity.
The goal is to care for the whole student and to help them get the most out of their time on the Madrid campus.
Read more about who we are and what we do on our office’s website, and you or your Billiken — or your Billikeño, as we like to say in Spain — can contact us any time at studentlife-madrid@slu.edu.
Managing Billiken Mail: Package Pick-Up
To manage the mailroom’s capacity, Student Mail Services requires appointments for
recipients to come to the mailroom for package pick-up. When your student receives
a package notification, they will also receive an email with a link to the Appointy
system, so they can make an appointment to pick up their package.
If they have multiple packages, they can make a single appointment and pick them all up at once. We ask that the student only makes a pick-up appointment once they have received a package notification. Dollies are available to sign out for up to an hour. If they are not returned, there will be a $100 fee.
Learn More About Student Mail Services
Academic Advisor Corner
Enrolling in Summer Session Courses
As the weather gets warmer, students’ thoughts might shift to summer. For many, summer plans include vacations to visit family and friends, working to save money and spending time outside enjoying the longer days and beautiful weather. Taking a summer class is not usually the first thing students think about when planning a summer of fun. However, the summer session provides a great opportunity for students to move ahead with their degree plans or take elective coursework to support their personal interests and career goals.
When students consider enrolling in a summer session course, we recommend they meet with their academic advisor and their faculty mentors to discuss course recommendations, curriculum implications, experiential learning and the best course of action to take when developing a summer schedule. SLU students should consider the following when planning to enroll in summer classes.
Select Summer Courses
Students usually want to take courses that will count toward their degree requirements. However, advisors and faculty mentors may recommend a course related to an area of interest. Having these discussions early in the semester helps students to determine if a summer course is necessary to progress in their curriculum or just beneficial for the student’s overall academic plan.
Decide Where to Take Summer Coursework
SLU students can begin enrolling in summer courses at SLU on Monday, March 13. The summer schedules from other schools may be available in March for students to review and compare against SLU’s summer schedule. When comparing schools and courses, students should be mindful of course meeting times and dates, course modality (in-person, online or hybrid) and cost (tuition and fees).
Use Transferology
Transferology is an online platform that helps students determine whether their college credits will transfer to SLU. This is a helpful tool for students researching their course options.
Petition to Request Off-Campus Enrollment
SLU requires that students who plan to complete coursework at another institution complete a Petition for Undergraduate Off-Campus Enrollment and receive pre-approval from their academic college or school. This process helps the student confirm how the course will transfer and how it will be applied toward their degree program.
Understand Transfer Course Policies
Students should review the policies and procedures associated with transfer coursework.
- If a student is taking this course to satisfy a major or a minor course requirement, they must discuss and get approval from their faculty mentor/academic department.
- Students must earn a C or better for the course(s) to transfer to SLU. Grades of C-, D or F do not transfer.
- Transfer courses do not calculate into the SLU GPA. The credits earned will be included in a student’s total credit hours earned.
- Students are limited to 12 credit hours during the summer term.
- Thirty of the last 36 credit hours of a SLU student’s degree must be completed at SLU or through a SLU-approved study abroad program.
- International students must submit off-campus approval information to the Office of International Services.
Have an Official Transcript Sent to SLU
Upon completion of off-campus courses, students must send their transcripts to SLU no later than the first week of the following semester. Students will forward either a sealed official transcript or an official electronic transcript from the off-campus institution to:
- Office of the University Registrar, 1 Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63103
- registrar@slu.edu
Do you have a question for Advising? Send it to parents@slu.edu, and we will try to include it in an upcoming newsletter.
Beyond Study Time
For most college students, academic success involves putting in the time, but time is only one part of a good study routine. We must also consider how students use that time and the classic “W’s”: who, what, when, where and why.
Spring Break Safety Tips for College Students
Spring break is a time for your Billiken to celebrate finishing midterms and to get a much-needed break from their studies. For many students, spring break is also a chance to socialize and plan trips with their friends. We know how important it is for students to practice spring break safety tips, so we’ve compiled a list of 11 spring break safety tips for college students.
Black in STEM
Saint Louis University will host its first Black in STEM Celebration to recognize the unique experiences and contributions of Black STEM professionals (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). This event was created to empower Black people in STEM by fostering confidence and inspiration.
The Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement (DICE) invites you to the inaugural Black in STEM Celebration and Awards Ceremony at 6 p.m., Friday, March 3, in the Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium.
The Black in STEM ceremony strives to:
- Facilitate increased access and sustained engagement in STEM for Black students
- Empower Black people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by fostering confidence and inspiration
- Assist Black students in building connections with Black STEM professionals in the region
- Support and retain Black talent to ensure their presence and dedication to STEM is cherished
The keynote speaker will be Cynthia Chapple, the founder of Black Girls Do STEM.
This event is open to all SLU community members. Limited seating is available.
Register to Join a Night of Celebration and Education
Attention Billiken Families with Graduating Seniors
The Office of Career Services recently sent a letter to your senior Billiken detailing post-graduation resources, including a dedicated “Class of 2023” webpage. We encourage you and your graduating Billiken to spend time browsing the page and using the tools available.
You also should encourage your student to schedule an appointment with a career counselor. Along with self-guided work, talking with someone about post-college plans can help refine your student’s next steps. Your student can use MySLU to schedule an individual appointment or check the career services website for drop-in appointment hours. Students can also email career_services@slu.edu or call 314-977-2828.
Health and Well-being at SLU
Is your Billiken looking for connection? Skill-building? Social-emotional support?
Tell them about SLU counseling groups! For students who are interested in or in need
of clinical support in a group setting, the University Counseling Center offers a
variety of specialized psychoeducational and process-oriented groups throughout the
academic year that are intended to normalize student experiences, decrease social
isolation, introduce students to different perspectives and help build communication
skills and confidence. Check out the University Counseling Services webpage to learn more about the current group counseling schedule.
Join Our Webinar Series: What’s the Scoop at SLU?
Between all of the paperwork and processes and the multitude of SLU acronyms, there's much to learn about Saint Louis University. Our webinar series, What's the Scoop at SLU?, is designed to give families a chance to learn more about how campus departments and offices are working to support your student. You'll meet the faces behind the names and ask any lingering questions.
- What’s the Scoop at SLU?: Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources
7-8 p.m., March 1, Facebook Live on the Saint Louis University Office of Parent and Family Engagement Facebook Page
Learn about accommodations, alternate course formats, diagnostic testing, lending materials, temporary situations and parent/family engagement regarding accommodations. - What’s the Scoop at SLU?: Housing and Dining Services
7-8 p.m., March 8, Facebook Live on the Saint Louis University Office of Parent and Family Engagement Facebook Page.
The housing and dining teams will talk about the on-campus housing community, including the roommate change process, how to work out roommate challenges and how your Billiken can participate in the community. Dining options and processes will also be discussed, in addition to the mail process at SLU. - What’s the Scoop at SLU?: Academic Advising
7-8 p.m., April 5, Facebook Live on the Saint Louis University Office of Parent and Family Engagement Facebook Page
The academic advising team will provide an overview of the advising process, the roles of the advisor and the student, how students access their advisor and important dates and events. - What’s the Scoop at SLU?: Career Services
7-8 p.m., April 19, Facebook Live on the Saint Louis University Office of Parent and Family Engagement Facebook Page
Learn about different career development opportunities and services and how students can use these resources throughout their SLU experience. Resume writing, major exploration, job and industry fairs, mock interviews, internship research and more will be discussed.
Meet a Fellow Billiken Parent: Stacy Janson
Stacy Janson is a Maryland native with a reputation for making the best genuine crabcakes you will ever taste! She recently went back to college for enrichment purposes and loves that there’s no pressure this time around. Her daughter is a freshman in the SLU Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Stacy is excited to serve on the board to interact with other Billiken families. For Stacy, BPFA is an important opportunity to be informed of SLU offerings and provide other SLU families answers to questions posed on BPFA’s forum.
Benefits of BPFA
- Engaging with SLU administration, faculty and staff on campus initiatives
- Opportunities to volunteer in-person or virtually for campus events
- Building community with fellow Billiken parents
- Actively engaging in your Billiken's college experience
- Being an integral part in assisting the University to achieve its mission
Interested or have questions? Email bpfa@slu.edu.
Go! Get Your Tickets For BPFA’s Trivia Night and Silent Auction
Calling all Billikens! The Saint Louis University Office of Parent and Family Engagement and the Billiken Parent and Family Association invite all families, future and current students, alumni, faculty, administration, family members and friends of Saint Louis University to the 14th annual in-person and virtual trivia night at 6-10 p.m., Saturday, March 25, 2023. This year’s theme is “Board Games.”
While we hope you can attend the in-person event, the virtual trivia option will also be enjoyable.
Come for a night of games, excitement and raising funds for the SLU community! While teams are typically made up of eight players, larger teams are acceptable but will not be eligible for ranking prizes. You may register as a team, or if you are a single player we're happy to help you join and assemble a complete team. Tickets are $25 per player and $200 for a table of eight. The night will feature games, prizes, a table decor and costume contest and pre-purchased “Snack Sacks.”
Virtual players will join via Zoom, where teams will be placed in your private breakout room. The "Pre-Party" will start at 6 p.m. If your team members are all logged in before 6:30 p.m., you will also be entered for a prize drawing. Trivia questions start at 7:05 p.m. There will be eight rounds of trivia, two mini-games, a 50/50 raffle and an online silent auction.
BPFA’s Trivia Night raises money to assist DICE efforts with The Institute for Healing Justice and Equity and the Billiken Bounty Food Pantry at Saint Louis University. The continued success of this event is due to the generosity of local businesses, personnel, families and friends of Saint Louis University.
Go! Get tickets to the SLU BPFA Trivia Night and Silent Auction on March 25, 2023. We hope to see you there!