04/22/2024
Each year, Saint Louis University welcomes more than 1,700 new undergraduates to campus.
Coming from scores of countries and every U.S. state, they are mostly just out of
high school, but not all of them. Many have relatives who attended SLU, but many also
will be the first in their family to complete a college degree.
They have their own achievements and challenges, preferences and pet peeves, and unique
identities.
The University wants each and every one to feel at home. To become part of the SLU
community and to enrich its culture. To become, in a word, Billikens.
Below, see some of the many ways the University helps students start their new life
at SLU.
Photos by Sarah Conroy unless otherwise noted.
June 5
SLU 101 SUMMER ORIENTATION: These two-day overnight campus orientation visits, held
in May, June and July, offer incoming undergraduates everything they need to prepare
for their first semester. During a SLU 101 session last summer, Emily Tran (center)
leads her peer group outside of Ritter Hall.
Aug. 17
INTERNATIONAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL: International students dance during an ice cream social
sponsored by the International Student Federation. The Office of International Services
holds a special orientation before the start of the fall, spring and summer semesters.
Last fall, with more than 1,500 international students new to campus, this orientation
and other events for international students were bigger than ever.
Aug. 18
MOVE-IN: Orange-shirted helpers from the Oriflamme group play a key role in welcoming
new students to campus the week before classes begin. These leaders bring enthusiasm
and enough energy to get everyone — and all of their stuff — moved into the residence
halls. Here, an Oriflamme member leads the way across Laclede Avenue near Grand Hall
(left).
Aug. 19
NEW STUDENT CONVOCATION AND FAMILY WELCOME: At convocation, held in Chaifetz Arena,
SLU administration, faculty, staff and students officially welcome new Billikens and
their families to the campus community.
SPIRIT COMPETITION: Students go all out for the spirit competition during the soccer
game. Here, a student holds a flag to display Billiken pride.
PARTY ON GRAND: A student makes an illuminated putt at the post-soccer-game party
along the West Pine Mall. The event includes SLU’s version of Carpool Karaoke, coloring
and crafting, and more.
Aug. 22
LIVE THE OATH: SLU’s Oath of Inclusion is a student-led initiative that sets the expectation
for all Billikens to promote inclusion on campus. New students are required to attend
the Live the Oath event at the beginning of the academic year. Here, Luella Loseille
(A&S ’17, Grad Ed ’19), assistant director of the Cross Cultural Center for Global
Citizenship, speaks during the event at Chaifetz Arena.
COMMUNITY SERVICE FAIR: The Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement
holds a fair for students to learn about becoming involved in diversity, equity and
inclusion initiatives on and off campus.
Aug. 23
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES: Students stream through the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering
building on the first day of fall classes.
Aug. 24
MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Mass in St. Francis Xavier College Church helps mark
the beginning of SLU’s new academic year. This Jesuit tradition dates to 1548 and
is celebrated today by Jesuit schools around the world.
WELCOME BACK PAJAMA JAM: Students dance during the Pajama Jam, which is held in Busch
Student Center and hosted by the Student Government Association. Photo by Mariah Slaughter
Aug. 25
CU @ THE REC: Dancers from Phases of Motion perform during this Fall Welcome event
that showcases SLU’s cultural dance teams. Photo by Michelle Peltier
Aug. 26
PAINT SLU: During Paint SLU, a Fall Welcome favorite, a member of the paint staff
pours neon yellow paint on the
crowd. Don’t worry — it’s biodegradable and watersoluble! Students gather at the Olive
Compton Garage, get painted and dance to a live DJ. Photo by Michelle Peltier
Sept. 6
FRESH CHECK DAY: Students sign and color a banner during Fresh Check Day. The event
introduces students to the mental health resources available on campus, in the local
community and nationally.
Sept. 9
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT FAIR: One of the surest ways to become a Billiken is to get involved.
The Student Involvement Fair helps match students with more than 200 cocurricular
opportunities, such as the Wilderness Adventure Club.
Sept. 13
CURA PERSONALIS CLASS: D’Ashia Miller, Gian de Guzman and Tess Riley (from left) learn
about SLU’s Center for Global Citizenship during a Cura Personalis 1 class. A requirement
of the University core curriculum, the class offers students guidance and support
as they join the SLU community, explore vocations and plan or a purpose-filled life
in solidarity with others.