Saint Louis University Fall Welcome

New Student Move-In

8 a.m.-6 p.m., residence halls
Welcome home, new Billikens! Consult your housing assignment message to confirm your arrival time, as well as details regarding the University's move-in logistics.

Visit Housing and Residence Life for More Move-in Information

Parent and Family Hospitality Headquarters

9 a.m.-6 p.m., The Marketplace in the BSC
A one-stop resource space for families looking to take a break from move-in, cool down, grab a quick snack or meet University staff. Select campus offices will be available to answer questions or assist with your last-minute needs.

Vintage Swag Sale

9 a.m.-6 p.m., The Marketplace in the BSC
If you're looking for some vintage SLU gear, check out our Swag Sale at the Parent & Family Hospitality Headquarters. This sale features event shirts and giveaways from recent years, with proceeds benefiting the campus food pantry, Billiken Bounty. Cash sales only, while supplies last.

Learning Community Orientation

2-3:30 p.m., Wool Ballrooms (BSC)
During LC Orientation, students will have the opportunity to meet others in their learning community, peer mentors and faculty members who provide support throughout the year. Learn what's in store for the fall, from class requirements to cool events. Plus, get ready for some team-building games that'll have you laughing and bonding in no time. Think of it as the ultimate kickoff for a semester of learning and good times! Required for all learning community students.

Commuter Student Meet and Greet

4-5:30 p.m., Saint Louis Room (BSC)
New commuter students are invited to the Busch Student Center to complete their own official check-in. Meet members of the Commuter Student Association and your Oriflamme leaders and wrap up any last-minute business before classes officially begin. Commuter community dinner provided following check-in.

Welcome Black and Latine Students!

5-6:30 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship
We invite all new Black and Latine first-year students, along with their families, to meet peers and community members. It's an opportunity for everyone to connect and greet one another, fostering a sense of belonging and support from the beginning of their college journey. The event aims to provide a brief introduction to the purpose of the community, emphasizing the importance of understanding community care and embracing a non-monolithic view of racial identity. Additionally, we'll focus on promoting well-being and the importance of staying connected within the community.

Transfer Meet and Greet

6-7 p.m., BSC 352/3
New transfer students are invited to meet each other and their Oriflamme leader and to make plans for a fun and engaging Fall Welcome.

Commuter Night Out

6-8:30 p.m., City Foundry/PuttShack
The night is still young! Following the Commuter Meet and Greet, join the Commuter Student Association and other commuter students at the Puttshack in the City Foundry. Hang out and make friends over rounds of mini golf. Complimentary tickets provided at the Commuter Meet and Greet.

New Family Night at Hermann Stadium

7-9 p.m., Hermann Stadium
As students begin Fall Welcome, we invite new families to join us at Hermann Stadium to support our men's soccer team in their home season opener where they'll battle the University of Evansville. This is a great event if you are staying over for Saturday's activities. Pick up your complimentary tickets at the Parent & Family Hospitality Headquarters.

First Floor Meetings

7:30-8:30 p.m., residence halls
Join your RAs, peer mentors and fellow Billikens for your first official floor meeting of the 2024-25 year. Required for all new residential students.

Outdoor Movie Night

9-11 p.m., DuBourg Quad
Kick off your first official night on campus with a fun feature film (to be announced). The Quad transforms into an outdoor movie theater, complete with treats, courtesy of the Student Activities Board. Come for the film, stay for the snacks and make new friends!

Convocation

10 - 11 a.m., Chaifetz Arena
You won't want to miss the official kickoff to the academic year. Members of the SLU community come together to celebrate new beginnings and new Billikens with a special ceremony, outstanding speakers and an inspirational message from SLU's 33rd president, Fred Pestello, Ph.D.
* Families and guests are encouraged to attend.

Not Able to Attend in Person? Watch here for a link to the live stream.

Family Farewell

11 a.m.-1 p.m., On your own
Following Convocation, we encourage families to spend quality time with their Billikens — grabbing a quick meal, running last-minute errands or exchanging well wishes and hugs. The Fall Welcome schedule ramps up after lunch, and your student will be busy making new friends and learning what it means to be a Billiken!

Life on Campus: Part One

1:30-2:30 p.m., various locations
Fall Welcome officially begins now! Join your Oriflamme leader for your first small-group dialogue where you will review the full calendar of activities, learn what it means to be a SLU student and share your hopes, fears and dreams about what to expect in the next few weeks. Consider these folks your personal peer group throughout Fall Welcome and beyond.

Billiken Block Party

8-11 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship, Simon Recreation Center, Grand Dining Hall, and West Pine Mall
After the soccer game, make your way to the west side of Grand Boulevard and enjoy our Party on Grand. You will find SLU's own version of Carpool Karaoke — a Fall Welcome favorite — as well as coloring and crafting, mini golf and much more. Spend the night traveling along West Pine Mall, meeting new people, having new experiences and making lifelong friends.

Hit the Ground Running: Introduction to General Biology

9 a.m. BIOL 1240-02, ISE 211/215
10 a.m. BIOL 1240-03, ISE 211/215
10 a.m. BIOL 1240-01, Lee Lecture Hall 001
11 a.m. BIOL 1240-04, ISE 211/215
12 p.m. BIOL 1240-06, ISE 211/215
Only required for students enrolled in BIOL 1240
Hit The Ground Running is an opportunity to meet your General Biology instructor and classmates, and to get some useful insights into the course before classes begin. You will hear advice based on experience and will take some practical steps toward a good start in biology.

Yoga on the Quad

9:30-10:30 a.m., DuBourg Quad
Start your morning with a 45-minute yoga session on the Quad! This class is for all levels and will be a relaxing start to the week. Bring your own yoga mat if possible; limited mats will be provided. Rain location: Simon Recreation Center

Zumba on the Quad

10:30-11:30 a.m., DuBourg Quad
Join us for a dynamic 45-minute total-body workout of cardio dance on the Quad! This fun and easy fitness class will combine high energy and motivating music. Put on comfortable shoes, fill up your water bottle and get ready to dance. Rain location: Simon Recreation Center

Life on Campus: Part Two

1:30-2:30 p.m., various locations
During your second small group meeting, you will begin to dive deeper into the academic expectations of the University, understand what to expect when meeting with your advisor and faculty, and learn about the necessary campus resources to help you achieve academic success at SLU! *Required for all new students. Required for all new students.

Find Your Classes

2:30-4 p.m., campus tours
Lace up your walking shoes as you travel around campus with your Oriflamme leader and find your classes. Trust us, this will prove very helpful on Wednesday. *Required for all new students.

Commuter Community Meal

4-5:30 p.m., meet in the Commuter Student Lounge (BSC)
Now that you've found your classes, new commuter students are invited to join members of the Commuter Student Association (CSA) and Oriflamme as they lead you on a special campus tour, including crucial hang-out spots and resources for commuter students. Commuter students are invited to stay for a community meal.

Staying Safe with DPS

6-8 p.m., Wool Ballrooms (BSC)
Spend some time with SLU's outstanding Department of Public Safety where you will meet many of our officers, learn how to stay safe on campus, and pick up self-defense tips. Presentation and panel discussion begin at 6 pm; self-defense activities follow at 7 pm.

First Sunday Night Mass

8 p.m., St. Francis Xavier College Church and U.S. Bank Plaza
Join the SLU community for the first student liturgy of the academic year, followed by a cool taste of St. Louis after Mass.

Academic Resources Tabling

10 a.m.-1 p.m., Busch Student Center, north lobby
While you're gearing up for classes, stop by these tables to learn more about campus resources that are here to help. Featuring Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, University Writing Services, Success Coaching, Math Help Sessions, Communication Lab, the English Language Center and the Language Resource Center, as well as information about Vocation Week.

Black And Latine Empowerment Dinner

5-7 p.m., Pere Marquette Gallery; Grand and Spring residence halls
An engaging workshop with breakout sessions designed to introduce you to the resources and opportunities available on campus. Join us to learn valuable tips and strategies to navigate University life, and connect with mentors who will guide you through your academic journey. These sessions will be appetizers for a semester series of events to help you navigate SLU as a Black and Latine student. Dinner provided for attending students. 

Oriflamme Game Night

8:30-10:30 p.m., Vandeventer (Vandy) Fields. 
Come one, come all to a night of silly activities and games hosted by your wonderful Oriflamme leaders. Fun, laughter and new friends are guaranteed! Rain location: Simon Recreation Center.

Meet your Ignite Seminar Instructor

9-9:30 a.m.
9:45-10: 15 a.m.
10:30-11 a.m.
Various locations
First meeting with Ignite Seminar instructors. Required for all new students.

General Chemistry SLUper Session

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Kelley Lecture Hall (OO5)
In this informal/optional event, students preparing to take CHEM 1110 or 1130 are welcome to meet some of this year’s gen chem instructors, learn about lecture and lab, and ask burning questions about the class and majoring/double-majoring in chemistry. A variety of candy — gloriously full of chemicals — will be provided. 

Live the Oath

1-2:15 p.m., Wool Ballrooms (BSC)
How can we be a community that lives in solidarity, and seeks and fights for justice, equity, and inclusivity for all? What is our responsibility to one another? An oath is defined as "a solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one's future action or behavior." Begin to learn about SLU’s Oath of Inclusion --- its herstory, why it was suspended, and why it’s returned. Join the Student Government Association as we dive into what it means to “Live the Oath.” *Required for all new students.

Life on Campus: Part Three

2:15-3 p.m., various locations
Now that you've taken the Oath of Inclusion, spend time with your Oriflamme leaders and reflect on what it means to live the oath in your daily life. Consider how this will impact your time at SLU, and what you can do to make the oath a living experience. As a Jesuit institution with a mission of serving "for and with others," the Oath of Inclusion is a great example of how we should embrace and celebrate all members of the Billiken family. *Required for all new students.

Community Engagement Fair

3-5 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
It's never too early to start living out SLU's mission of service to humanity and social justice values! Meet the Center for Social Action team (CSA) and learn more about how to become involved in service and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on and off campus. Community organizations looking for volunteers will also have booths inside the CGC and along West Pine Mall. See how you can get involved in the community while having fun with carnival snacks.

Interfaith Fair

7-9 p.m., West Pine Mall near the Clock Tower
Join Campus Ministry and our affiliate non-Catholic partners on West Pine Mall outside of Campus Ministry for tasty treats and to learn about what we have to offer students of all faiths.

RHA Late Night Breakfast

9:30-11:30 p.m., Grand Dining
Fuel up for your first day of classes at RHA's Late Night Breakfast - a SLU favorite! We recommend spacing out your arrival, as lines may be long.

Classes Begin

The Fall Welcome fun doesn't end when classes begin. Events continue this week and are open for all students to enjoy.

SAB Bingo

7-9 p.m., Wool Ballrooms (BSC)
Grab your friends and join SAB for a night of good clean fun, snacks and fun prizes. You don't want to miss the first bingo event of the year!

Mass of the Holy Spirit

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., St. Francis Xavier College Church
Saint Louis University will mark the beginning of the academic year with its traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit. This is a tradition at Jesuit schools and universities throughout the world. These celebrations date to 1548, when the initial Mass was celebrated at the first Jesuit school in Messina, Sicily.

Student Success Center Open House

1-5 p.m., BSC 331
Classes have started — now learn how the Student Success Center can help! Stop by to learn about Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, University Writing Services and Success Coaching. Talk with the success coach and our peer tutors, SI leaders, and writing consultants about how we can support you throughout the year. While you're here, score some swag and enter to win Billiken Bucks.

Billikens Soccer @ Hermann Stadium and Spirit Competition

7-9 p.m., Billiken Women's Soccer vs. Brigham Young University; featuring the Annual Spirit Competition
New students will journey to Hermann Stadium to cheer our Billiken women to victory over the BYU Cougars! As a special treat, the new class will participate in SLU's biggest "Rock, Paper, Scissors" competition at halftime. Spirit Competition judging begins at 6 p.m. as students enter the stadium.

Family First: A Celebration

5-7 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
Family First is a welcome ceremony for our Black and Latiné/Latinx-identifying Billikens. Meet and interact with Black/Brown peers, faculty, and staff and get to know the community!

Graduate Student Night @ Billiken Men's Soccer vs. Indiana

7-9 p.m., Hermann Stadium
An exclusive graduate student community night as SLU men's soccer hosts Indiana University in an exciting nonconference match-up. We welcome graduate students to the Billiken family, complete with their own SLU swag and sponsored snacks. While supplies last.

Paint SLU

8-11 p.m., Olive/Compton Garage
PaintSLU, a Fall Welcome favorite, returns with a live DJ, dancing and neon-colored fun! PaintSLU is a cross between a live concert and a color run ... with real paint. Because this event has become a campus favorite, all students are welcome.

We recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting wet from our biodegradable and water-soluble paint. There will be shower caps provided for those who wish to remain paint-free.

Student Involvement Fair

11 a.m.-2 p.m., West Pine Mall
Learn how to get involved in more than 200 cocurricular opportunities on campus, while building community with your fellow SLU students! 

MLK Scholars BBQ Meet and Greet

2-4 p.m., SLUruba
Are you one of our MLK scholars? Stop by for this summer fun pool party for all MLK scholars. Meet and greet both new and current scholars and celebrate the start of the term.

CU @ the Rec

8-10 p.m., Simon Recreation Center
Join your classmates for this one-of-a-kind Fall Welcome dance show! This event showcases SLU’s outstanding cultural dance teams. You won't want to miss the exciting Fall Welcome giveaway either.

Explore STL on Your Own

Take a day to get to know St. Louis. Here are just a few of the fun options around town. As an added bonus, most of them are free and accessible with your Metro pass.

• All day, Tower Grove Park
  The International Institute of St. Louis’ Festival of Nations is the bi-state region’s largest annual multicultural celebration.
• 9 a.m.-7 p.m., The Saint Louis Foundry
  An industrial site for nearly a century, this 15-acre site just south of Fresh Thyme has been reimagined as City Foundry STL, featuring first-to-the-area makers and merchants, plus a food court of diverse options.
• 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park
  The quality and breadth of the Saint Louis Art Museum’s collection place it among the best institutions of its kind. Check out the many free collections and exhibitions, then hang out on the famous green slopes of Art Hill (great for sledding in the winter, too!) Is art not your thing? Forest Park also features a free history museum, science center and our world-famous zoo.

Pride Reception

3-5 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
The Pride Reception serves as a welcome and introduction to organizations and services at SLU for queer-identified students and those doing ally work within the queer community.

Panhellenic Council Meet and Greet

6-8 p.m., Saint Louis Room (BSC)
If you are interested in learning about membership in a Panhellenic organization, you don't want to miss this meet and  greet! Each of SLU's seven groups will be showcased alongside a brief program from the Panhellenic Council, one of four governing organizations at SLU for affiliated students.

NPHC 101

8-9:30 p.m., BSC 352/3
Interested in the history of National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations, or curious about membership in a historically Black Greek chapter? Come to this event for a brief Q&A and learn about SLU's community partnerships, which form our city-wide chapters.

Voter Registration

More information to come

Audre Lorde Scholars Info Social

5-6:30 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship, Seminar Room 124
The Audre Lorde Scholars program is designed to support students who self-identify as Women of Color while facilitating networking, community and social opportunities. The program provides an uplifting communal space for scholars to openly discuss the experiences and challenges that Women of Color face. Learn how to become involved with Audre Lorde Scholars and mingle with scholars and mentors!

Campus Ministry Community Night

5:30-6:30 p.m., Wuller Hall
Join Campus Ministry for Community Night — food and fun. All are welcome as we strive to cultivate our Billiken community this year!

Billiken Night at the Ballpark 2024

6:45- 19:15 p.m., Busch Stadium
Tickets will be available for both new and returning students, graduate and undergrad. More information to come.

Meet the Greeks!

7-8 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship
Whether you know a little or a lot about fraternities or sororities, you won't want to miss a Q&A with members of SLU's own FSL community. What does it mean to be part of a values-based organization? This special panel will include representatives from all of SLU's affiliated councils. 

NPHC Yard Show

8-11 p.m., Lipic Clock Tower and the Dr. Jonathan C. Smith Amphitheater
Get ready for a fun and lively late-night event featuring stepping and strolling from local National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations! *Seating at the Clock Tower is limited, so consider bringing a chair, blanket or wear comfy shoes.

First-Gen Welcome Back Kickback

4-6 p.m., BSC Saint Louis Room
Are you a first-generation student? This social is for you! Join us for a night of board games, line dancing and networking with other first-generation students, faculty staff, alumni ... and good food.

This kickback will allow you to get answers to questions you are unsure of where to ask, make important connections with others within the SLU community, and most importantly, will remind you that you are not alone and there are people ready and eager to support you.

A Fresh Look Weekend Retreat

Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, Manresa Retreat Center
If you're new to SLU as a first-year student, this retreat is specifically designed for you. Through community-building activities and story-sharing, A Fresh Look Weekend Retreat provides you a chance to take a fresh look at your life: who you have been and who God desires you to be in your future. Within this retreat community, you will also explore the concept of gratitude and the ways that you — through a variety of approaches to prayer — can encounter and converse with God in everyday life.

Register at the SLU Campus Ministry Website

Interfraternity Council: Recruitment Orientation/Chapter Meet & Greet

Sept. 1, 1 - 3:30 p.m., TBA
Interfraternity recruitment begins here! A required event for those participating in the IFC process, recruits will connect with one another, their upper-class recruitment guides, and mingle with each IFC fraternity at SLU.

IFC Brothers and BBQ

Noon-2:30 p.m., TBA
An opportunity for potential recruits to meet brothers from the Saint Louis University fraternal community while enjoying some STL BBQ.

Panhellenic Recruitment Orientation

5:30-7 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m., TBA
A required event for those participating in Panhellenic recruitment. Potential new members will get to know their recruitment counselors, learn about the process, and connect with one another as they embark on their recruitment journeys.

Fresh Check Day

11 a.m.-2 p.m., West Pine Mall (Rain location: Center for Global Citizenship)
Fresh Check Day is an uplifting mental health promotion and suicide prevention event with interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging, support from multiple campus representatives, and free food, entertainment, and exciting giveaways! Fresh Check Day creates an approachable and hopeful atmosphere for students to engage in dialogue about mental health, and build bridges between students and the mental health resources on campus, in the local community and nationally.

Billiken Beginnings: Navigating the First Eight Weeks

5-6 p.m., Ritter 327
Join us for the first session of Billiken Beginnings, a workshop series offering support during the transition to college. Each week, campus offices and your SLU peers will share information and experiences related to the week's topic. This week, we'll focus on building strong academic habits, while upcoming sessions will tackle time management, involvement and homesickness, holistic wellness, major and career exploration, and resiliency. You can attend the sessions that interest you or attend them all — each session will have door prizes!

Learn About Billiken Beginnings Sessions

Student of Color Leadership Retreat

Manresa Retreat Center
The Student of Color Leadership Retreat is for students who self-identify as a person of color. The retreat will develop a cohort of student leaders who can foster change on campus by cultivating a diverse campus environment that is radically inclusive. The Student of Color Leadership Retreat is designed to fortify students in leadership roles on campus and beyond while making meaningful connections through shared experiences.

Register for the Student of Color Leadership Retreat