For some students, full acceptance to Saint Louis University is contingent upon enrollment in and successful completion of the Billiken Success Program (BSP). The Billiken Success Program is a student-centered, structured program adapted to you based on, for example, an inventory of academic strategies, interests, concerns and continued success. This is facilitated through BSP advising, which is characterized by proactive academic advising.
The Billiken Success Program runs from August through May. It kicks off with JumpStart, a seven-day program before the start of the fall semester, and concludes upon completion of your freshman year.
Dates and locations are subject to change, especially due to COVID-19 precautions.
The Billiken Success Program launches with the seven-day pre-semester JumpStart.
Friday, Aug. 11
- 10-11:30 a.m. — Move into residence hall with other early arrivals. Please check in at the front desk for the residence hall assigned to you. Expect move-in packets to be available at 10 a.m. (updated 7/14/23)
- 12-2 p.m. — Kickoff and lunch is tentatively at the SLU Center for Global Citizenship (CGC). Up to three of your guests may join us for the kickoff lunch. After you submit your enrollment deposit, a link to register your guests will be sent to your SLU email. The Billiken Success Program will send this link to deposited students the last week in July. The CGC is located at 3672 West Pine Mall. Look for a building topped with flags near the clock tower.
- 2-5 p.m. — Flexible time, room setup, family farewells
- 5 p.m. – Gather to depart for overnight retreat
- 5:30 p.m. - Depart for overnight retreat
Friday-Sunday, Aug. 11-13
JumpStart off-campus overnight retreat, Billiken Success Program — The tentative location is the SLU Manresa Center, a short drive from SLU's campus. (Location updated July 14)
Monday-Friday, Aug. 14-18
9 a.m.-5 p.m. — JumpStart (on-campus tentatively), Billiken Success Program
BSP participants, such as commuters, are excused at 5 p.m. and are invited to participate in evening activities that may occur.
Friday, Aug. 18
Fall semester begins with Fall Welcome orientation and general move-in.
Wednesday, Aug. 23
Classes begin.
The Billiken Success Program runs from August through May.
University tuition and fees cover the cost of assessments, workshops and campus events throughout the Billiken Success Program.
During the seven-day pre-semester JumpStart phase (on-campus), lunch is provided each day. Students should budget between $150 - $250 for other meals and program materials. Meals may be purchased on campus. Commuter students need to pay for parking.
The Billiken Success Program information is subject to change.
The Billiken Success Program offers educational opportunities that will benefit you through graduation and beyond. This collaborative effort between you and SLU will help prepare you for new academic challenges. It provides educational support, workshops, guidance and fun college experiences. To continue at SLU after the first-year, you must complete all three phases of BSP.
For 2023-24, successful Billiken Success Program participants will:
- Attend and participate fully in each of the three phases of the Billiken Success Program (JumpStart, fall, spring). This includes the BSP Kickoff. Note: Please refer to your letter of conditional admission for stipulations regarding attendance, participation and completion.
- Complete your first year in academic "good standing" as defined in SLU's academic catalog.
- Earn at least 18 new credit hours by the end of your first year, including CORE-1500 for 1 credit hour during the fall semester (Self in Community). This is a 1-credit-hour course required for all first-year students. It’s the first of a three-part sequence that offers students grounding, support and guidance. The first part assists students in their transition to college-level learning in the Jesuit tradition. Please refer to the University Core to learn more about this course and the Cura Personalis Sequence.
- Implement your BSP Success Plan for each phase.
- Earn a positive recommendation from the BSP academic advisor by completing the above items.
This yearlong program is your on-ramp to a successful college experience at Saint Louis University. It consists of three phases (JumpStart, fall and spring) and requires full participation in each one.
JumpStart (See Key Dates for Details)
- Meet your advisor(s), mentors and advocates.
- Develop skills and strategies for academic success.
- Launch your BSP Success Plan.
- Get to know SLU's campus.
- Make friends and have fun.
First Semester (Fall Freshman Year)
- Update your BSP Success Plan.
- In-depth weekly academic advising
- Cura Personalis 1, a one-credit-hour course for all new freshmen
- Individualized development of skills, self-awareness and strategies
- Peer mentoring
Second Semester (Spring Freshman Year)
- Update your Success Plan.
- In-depth academic advising (how often depends on your achievement)
- Individualized development of skills, self-awareness and strategies
- Peer mentoring
And Beyond
- Ongoing guidance and advocacy through graduation
Once you have successfully completed all phases of the Billiken Success Program, you will continue as a fully admitted second-year SLU student. Academic advising will be in the area of your major while your Billiken Success Program advisor will continue with you through graduation as advising support.
Please note that information about the Billiken Success Program is subject to change.