Saint Louis University Fall Welcome

New Student Move-In

8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Campus Housing
Welcome home, new Billikens! Please consult your housing assignment message to confirm your scheduled arrival time, as well as details regarding the University's move-in logistics.

Visit Housing and Residence Life for More Move-in Information

Parent & Family Hospitality Headquarters

Noon-4 p.m., Busch Student Center, room 254
A one-stop resource for families looking to rejuvenate, relax and release during move-in to cool down, grab a quick snack, or meet University staff. The Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources Suite 331 will be open for families and students to ask questions, provide additional information, and prepare for the fall semester.

Billiken Bedroom Essentials Pick-Up

Noon-4 p.m., Busch Student Center, room 253
Billiken Families who ordered Bedroom Essentials through the SWAK program may pick up their items at this location. We are excited to help make your student’s residence hall feel comfortable and move-in ready as you begin your SLU journey!

Learning Community Orientation

2-4 p.m., Busch Student Center, Wool Ballrooms
During Learning Community orientation, students can meet others in their Learning Community, Learning Community RAs, and faculty members who serve as 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 full of learning and good times! Required for all Learning Community students. 

Micah Orientation

4-5:30 p.m., DuBourg Hall, Sinquefield Stateroom
This session is part of the orientation for all incoming Micah Program students. You will be escorted from your Learning Community Orientation to this event. During this session, you will be introduced to key components of the Micah Program, including service opportunities, and will participate in small group discussions facilitated by upper-class Micah student leaders.

New Transfer Student Welcome

5-6 p.m., Busch Student Center, rooms 352 and 353
New transfer students are invited to meet one another, their Oriflamme leader, and plan for a fun and engaging Fall Welcome! Light snacks will be provided. If you are driving to campus, please park in Olive/Compton Parking Garage.

Family Farewell

6-8 p.m., Cook Hall Atrium
After moving in your Billiken, you and your family are warmly invited to join the SLU community for an evening of connection, conversation and celebration at our Family Farewell. Enjoy live jazz, light hors d’oeuvres, and a relaxed atmosphere as you unwind from move-in day and begin your SLU journey together. This is also a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with the faculty and staff who will be supporting your student throughout their time at Saint Louis University.

Commuter Student Welcome (Freshmen)

6:30-8:30 p.m., Busch Student Center, Saint Louis Room
All new freshman 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, review the Fall Welcome calendar, and get to know your commuter community. Event will begin with an informal reception, followed by a formal welcome and dinner. If you are driving to campus, please park in Olive/Compton Parking Garage.

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

8:30-9 p.m., Campus Housing
Gather with your RAs and Oriflamme leaders for a Billiken welcome and quick preview of your Fall Welcome experience! For residential students, meetings will occur in your housing community.

Oriflamme Game Night

9-10 p.m., DuBourg quad and West Pine Mall
Grab your neighbors and meet more Oriflamme leaders in the quad for a night of silly activities, a bit of dancing, and favorite party games. Fun, laughter and new friends are guaranteed!

Oriflamme Meet-Up #1

10:15 a.m., various locations
Your friendly Oriflamme leaders will have told you where to meet to start your Fall Welcome experience. Get ready, Fall Welcome begins now!

Life on Campus: Part 1

10:30-11:15 a.m., various locations
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-dent, and share your hopes, fears and dreams about what to expect in the next few weeks. Consider these folks your peer group throughout Fall Welcome and beyond.

Tech Teachings

1-1:30 p.m., various locations
An opportuity to learn about the various applications found within your MySLU portal, and how each of them will contribute to your success at SLU. Oriflamme leaders will notify you of your assigned location. 

Building Your Academic Tool Kit

1:30-2 p.m., various locations
Oriflamme leaders will share with you the best tips, tricks, and campus resources to fully prepare for your academic experience at SLU. This will include everything from tutoring services, supplemental instruction, writing services, and more!

Find Your Classes

2-3 p.m., with your Oriflamme group
Join your Oriflamme leader for a quick campus tour to find your classes! Please dress comfortably as you will be traveling throughout campus.

Oriflamme Meet-Up #2

5:45 p.m., various locations
Description coming soon.

SLU Spirit Campus

6-6:30 p.m., with your Oriflamme group
Join fellow new students in your housing neighborhood to learn popular cheers for our Billiken athletics' teams.

SLU Spirit March

6:30 p.m., Meet at Vandeventer (Vandy) field
Once you've mastered SLU cheers, all neighborhoods will meet up outside the Busch Student Center. SLU's Drumline will lead the Spirit March into Hermann Stadium.

Billiken Men's Soccer vs. Northern Illinois

7-9 p.m., Hermann Stadium
Did you know SLU's men's soccer team qualified for the 2025 NCAA College Cup - the final four of Division I soccer? The Billikens take on the Huskies in their first home game of the year, and you don't want to miss it! Toward the end of the game, our secret judges will select the most spirited community to win a special champion's dinner with the men's soccer team on Monday night.

Billiken Block Party

9-11:30 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship, Simon Recreation Center, Grand Dining Hall and West Pine Mall
Did someone say block party?! Partake in activities from inflatables and karaoke to mini golf and crafts. There will be something for everyone, including a chance to make new friends as you work your way through campus and down West Pine for this night of fun.

Yoga on the Quad

9-10 a.m., DuBourg quad
Start your morning off 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.

President's Scholar Breakfast

10-11:30 a.m.
Special invitation event: Come meet the Presidential Scholars Executive Board and connect with new scholars! It is a great way to start building community. Keep an eye on your SLU email for the invitation.

Oriflamme Meet-Up #3

12:30 p.m., various locations
Time to check in with your Oriflamme leader and head to the BSC!

Live the Oath

1-2:15 p.m., Busch Student Center, Wool Ballrooms
How can we live as 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 2

2:30-3:30 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.

Honors Program Orientation

3:30-6 p.m., Busch Student Center, Saint Louis Room
Join the Honors Program staff and Honors Path Mentors to learn about the program's requirements and expectations, meet your new Honors classmates, and get inspired by current students! Required for all incoming Honors students.

SLU 101: Cram Session

4-5 p.m., Busch Student Center, room 253
This is for new students who were unable to join us on campus for SLU 101, or those who have lingering questions from their summer experience. The focus of this session is to provide a quick overview of the new student checklist to be certain you've tackled all the necessary tasks for a successful start to the fall semester.

Staying Safe with DPS

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

First Sunday Night Mass

8-9 p.m., St. Francis Xavier College Church and fountain plaza at Lindell and Grand boulevards
Join the SLU community for the first student liturgy of the academic year, followed by a cool taste of St. Louis.

Academic Resources: Tabling

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Busch Student Center, North Lobby 
While you're gearing up for classes, stop by these tables to learn about campus resources that are here to help. Featuring Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, University Writing Services, Success Coaching, Math Help Sessions, the Communication Skills Lab, the English Language Center, and the Language Resource Center.

Campus Resource Fair

4-6 p.m., Cook Hall Atrium
Getting familiar with campus resources before classes begin helps you start the semester prepared and confident. This resource fair offers an opportunity to explore key services, connect with campus staff, and learn where to turn for support. Stop by to ask questions, build connections, and discover the tools available to help you succeed at Saint Louis University.

Spirit Competition: Champion's Dinner

5-6 p.m., O’Loughlin Family Champions Center
Description coming soon.

International Student Welcome Party

5:30-7 p.m., Lipic Clock Tower and the Dr. Jonathan C. Smith Amphitheater
Join the Office of International Services for the International Student Welcome Party! Meet students from around the world and enjoy games, crafts, food, and good conversation. Open to both new and returning international students. Rain location: Simon Recreation Center.

Life on Campus: Part 3

7:15-7:45 p.m., various locations
Now that you've learned more about your academic program, use this time with your Oriflamme leader to ask those last-minute questions to prepare for your first day of class, and ensure success in your first semester as a Billiken!

Fall Welcome Bingo

8-10 p.m., Busch Student Center, Wool Ballrooms
Description coming soon.

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 celebrate new beginnings and new Billikens with a special ceremony, outstanding speakers and an inspirational message from SLU's 34th president, Edward Feser, Ph.D. Chaifetz Arena bag policy applies.

Watch the Livestream

Meet Your Ignite Seminar!

1-1:30 p.m.
1:45-2:15 p.m.
2:30-3 p.m.
Various locations
This is the first time you will meet your Ignite Seminar instructor. Required for all new students enrolled in an Ignite Seminar. 

Schedule coming soon.

Sips with SGA!

2-4 p.m., West Pine Mall (near the Center for Global Citizenship)
Kick off your year with something refreshing! Join the Student Government Association (SGA) for complimentary dirty sodas on West Pine from Crispy Sips. This is your chance to connect with SGA executive board members and learn how SGA supports SLU students. Whether you’re curious about getting involved or just in it for the free drink, all students are welcome!

General Chemistry SLUper Session

3-4:30 p.m., Kelley Lecture Hall (Lec 005)
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.

Community Engagement Fair

3-5 p.m., Cook Hall Atrium
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 and learn more about how to become involved in service and justice work in our community. Community organizations looking for volunteers will have booths set up in the business school's Cook Hall Atrium. See how you can get involved in the community, and enjoy some free shaved ice.

Interfaith Fair

6-8 p.m., West Pine Mall (near Wuller Hall)
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.

First Floor Meeting (all residential students)

8:30 p.m., Campus Housing
Now that you've spent several nights on campus, join your floor mates for your first meeting of the year. Your RA will help you get to know your neighbors and your new community better. Required for all residential students. 

Classes Begin

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

But What Can I Do?: A conversation to end sexual violence with keynote speaker, Bonny Shade

7-8:15 p.m., Busch Student Center, Wool Ballrooms
What is sexual violence — really? What does consent actually mean? And how do I respond if a friend tells me something heavy? These are questions we all need help answering and this keynote covers them all. With 1 in 5 college-age women and 1 in 13 college-age men experiencing sexual assault, we all need to get more comfortable talking about prevention, education, and response. This conversation isn’t meant to make you comfortable — it’s meant to make you better! Get ready to walk away feeling empowered to end sexual violence.

Residence Hall Association Late Night Breakfast

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

Academic Support Open House

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

AAMS Meet and Greet

5-6:30 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
The African-American Male Scholars (AAMS) is group who celebrates, supports, and cultivates brotherhood for Black males at Predominantly White Instituions. Learn more about the AAMS program at SLU and how to become involved. Meet current scholars and start building relationships. Food provided!

Learning Community Night Out: Hermann Stadium

7-9 p.m., Hermann Stadium
Description coming soon.

Mass of the Holy Spirit

11-12:15 a.m., St. Francis Xavier College Church
Saint Louis University will mark the beginning of the new 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 first Jesuit school in Messina, Sicily, celebrated the initial Mass.

WelcomeFest

12-4 p.m., West Pine Mall
Description coming soon.

SLU 101: Cram Session

4-5 p.m., Busch Student Center, room 253
This is for new students who were unable to join us on campus for SLU 101, or those who have lingering questions from their summer experience. The focus of this session is to provide a quick overview of the new student checklist to be certain you've tackled all the necessary tasks for a successful start to the fall semester.

Family First

5-7 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
Family First is a welcome celebration for first-year and first-time students hosted by the Cross Cultural Center! Celebrate the start of your new journey at Saint Louis University in the Center for Global Citizenship. Meet students, faculty, and staff, and enjoy food and dance representing cultures around the globe. Discover the power of community while learning more about a few of the cultural organizations on campus. Have fun at the biggest welcome-back celebration at SLU!

PaintSLU

8-10:30 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 to attend! 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.

International Student Orientation

8:15 a.m.-noon, Busch Student Center, rooms 170 and 171
The International Student Orientation supports new international students in their transition to Saint Louis Univeristy. This is your opportunity to meet fellow students and get your questions answered! Orientation will include helpful presentations, engaging activities and giveaways. All new international students are required to attend orientation. A breakfast and lunch will be provided. 

Additional Resources for New International Student Arrival and Orientation

SLU Involvement Fair

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

C U @ the Rec!

8-10 p.m., Simon Recreation Center
Join your fellow 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. Join us for another great year of C U @ the Rec!

Fraternity and Sorority Life Meet and Greet

5-7 p.m., Busch Student Center, Saint Louis Room
What is it like to be in a fraternity or sorority at SLU? Come find out! Meet student representatives from all four of our councils. You'll meet student leaders, connect with other potential new members, and have a place to ask all your questions.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) 101

6:30-8:30 p.m., Busch Student Center, rooms 352 and 353
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 to learn about SLU's community partnerships that form our citywide chapters. Required event to participate in the NPHC Intake Process during the 2026-2027 academic year.

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.

Audre Lorde Scholars Info Social

5-6 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship, room 124
The Audre Lorde Scholars Program provides an uplifting communal space for students to openly discuss their lived experiences through the intersections of race, gender and culture while developing skills in their paths to become future women leaders. Learn how to become involved with Audre Lorde Scholars and mingle with current scholars and mentors!

Sorority Meet and Greet

7-9 p.m., Busch Student Center, Saint Louis Room
If you are interested in learning more about membership in a sorority at SLU, you don't want to miss this meet and greet! You'll learn more about each of SLU's sororities, meet other potential new members, and ask council and chapter leaders all your questions.

Student Employment Job Fair

Noon-3 p.m., Cook Hall Atrium
Are you looking for a student job on or near campus? If so, this is the event for you! Employers from various SLU departments, as well as local campus partners, will be available to discuss their open positions for jobs that are part of Federal Work Study and those that are not. Bring your class schedule (and a resume if you have one, though not required). See you there! 

First Gen Social

Noon-2 p.m., West Pine Mall (near Clemens Hall)
Stop by for popsicles and a chance to meet other first-generation college students, staff and faculty, and pick up some swag along the way!

Chaifetz School of Business Dean’s Welcome

4-6 p.m., Cook Hall Fountain Plaza
Enjoy burgers and hot dogs given out by the Edward Jones Dean of the Chaifetz School of Business, Jackson Nickerson, while informally connecting with Chaifetz student organizations, regional business partners, and networking with SLU alumni. More than a social event, the Dean’s Welcome is a celebration of imagining who you can be while experiencing the Chaifetz Way. Rain location: Cook Hall Auditorium.

Panhellenic Council Scoops and Sisterhood: Recruitment Meet-Up

6-8:30 p.m., SLUruba at Simon Recreation Center
Connect with recruitment counselors before Primary Recruitment begins. Join us for a sweet treat and a chance to learn about the Panhellenic community in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This is the perfect opportunity to meet hopeful familiar faces, ask questions, ease any nerves, and get excited for recruitment while celebrating the spirit of Panhellenic love!

Fresh Look Retreat

Aug. 28 - 30, Manresa Retreat Center
If you're new to SLU as a first-year student, this retreat is specifically created and designed for you. Through community-building activities and story sharing, this retreat provides 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 for the Fresh Look Retreat

Panhellenic Primary Recruitment Orientation

5:30-7 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
Potential new members will get to know their recruitment counselors, learn more about the recruitment process, and connect with one another as they embark on their recruitment journey. Required event to participate in Panhellenic Primary Recruitment.

Register for Panhellenic Recruitment

Fresh Check Day

11 a.m.-2 p.m., West Pine Mall
Fresh Check Day is an uplifting mental health promotion and suicide prevention event that includes interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging, and support from multiple campus representatives, as well as free food, entertainment and exciting giveaways. Fresh Check Day creates an approachable and hopeful atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health, and helps build a bridge between students and the mental health resources available on campus, locally and nationally. Rain location: Simon Recreation Center.

Panhellenic Council Primary Recruitment

Wednesday, Sept. 2 - Sunday, Sept. 6
Panhellenic Primary Recruitment provides prospective members with an opportunity to find a community of like-minded individuals through Sorority Life. SLU takes a values-based approach to the recruitment process to provide a meaningful experience for all participants. Registration is required.

Register for Panhellenic Recruitment

MLK Scholars Mixer

3-4 p.m., SLUruba at Simon Recreation Center
Are you an MLK scholar? 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.

Interfraternity Council Recruitment Orientation and Meet & Greet

7-9 p.m., Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
Interfraternity Council (IFC) recruitment begins here! A required event for those participating in IFC Primary Recruitment. You'll learn more about each of SLU's IFC fraternities, meet other potential new members, and ask council and chapter leaders all your questions. Required event to participate in IFC Primary Recruitment.

Register for IFC Recruitment

Interfraternity Council Brothers and BBQ

5-8 p.m., SLUruba at Simon Recreation Center
Meet members from SLU's IFC while enjoying food and fellowship. You'll spend the evening playing yard games, eating BBQ favorites, and chatting with members from our IFC fraternities on campus.

Interfraternity Council Primary Recruitment

Saturday, Sept. 12 - Monday, Sept. 21
Join our Interfraternity Council (IFC) chapters for Fall Primary Recruitment. Chapters will host a mix of open and closed events. Potential new members are welcome to all open events. Closed events require an invitation from the host chapter. Registration is required.

Register for IFC Recruitment

Fraternity and Sorority Life Cardinals Game

6:45 p.m., Busch Stadium (Downtown St. Louis)
Join your FSL community for an evening at the ballpark! We're heading to Busch Stadium to cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals. This outing is a great chance to connect with fellow fraternity and sorority members, show your SLU spirit, and enjoy America's favorite pastime. Don't miss out on this fun and memorable community event!

National Pan-Hellenic Council 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; please consider bringing a chair or blanket, or wear comfortable shoes.

Student Leadership Retreat

Friday, Sept. 18 - Sunday, Sept. 20

Hosted by the Cross Cultural Center, the Student Leadership Retreat is designed to fortify students in leadership roles on campus and beyond while making meaningful connections through shared experiences. Attend this free, all-inclusive overnight retreat where you'll engage in exercises and activities that will help build a sense of community, forging long-lasting relationships. Develop leadership skills to become the leader you aspire to be while engaging in dialogue about identity exploration. This retreat is perfect for new-to-SLU first-year students and sophomore students looking for connections on campus! Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4. Limited space available.

Register for the Student Leadership Retreat