This document provides information for parents about choosing Saint Louis University for their child's college education. It discusses SLU's Jesuit values of educating the whole person through rigorous academics and compassion. The document provides details on SLU's supportive programs for first-year students, major exploration advising, tutoring resources, and challenging majors. It also highlights SLU's commitment to global education through study abroad opportunities, the campus in Madrid, and worldwide service projects. Faculty perspectives emphasize how SLU's low student-faculty ratio and research opportunities benefit students. Statistics are given on academics, research, and community service at SLU to help parents learn why SLU could be a good fit.

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OFFICE OF ADMISSION
One N. Grand Blvd.
St. louis, mo 63103
A PARENT'S GUIDE TO SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

2. beabilliken.com 2
The college
search
process
is a huge
undertaking
for your son
or daughter
and your family.
Together, you page through
countless viewbooks and catalogs,
schedule numerous campus tours
and compare so many statistics and
rankings that the numbers seem
interchangeable. How do you finally
decide which school will be the best
fit for your child?
Here at Saint Louis University, we know
that choosing a college is a big decision.
That’s why we’ve developed this guide
specifically with you, the parent, in mind.
Sure, we’ll give you some nuts-and-bolts
information about campus life and meal
plans – but we’ll also do much more
than that.
We’ll show you how SLU’s Jesuit
tradition of “educating the whole person”
emphasizes rigorous academics as well as
compassion for others. We’ll explain how
our First-Year Experience program helps
students transition from high school to
college. We’ll discuss how our challenging
majors and specialized advising system
prepare students for success and
significance after graduation. We’ll give
you a taste of what being a Billiken is all
about and why SLU might be the perfect
choice for your son or daughter.

3. BE brilliant.
Saint Louis University’s Catholic, Jesuit
tradition fosters the intellectual and
character development of nearly 14,000
students. As one of the oldest and most
prestigious Catholic universities in the
United States, SLU has been shaping
students for nearly two centuries to
form new ideas, seek greater perspective
and serve others. But students of any
faith can appreciate and benefit from
our top-notch faculty, nationally
ranked academic programs and research
opportunities.
What a Jesuit Education Means
Education in the Jesuit tradition means "educating the whole
person" - caring equally for the personal and intellectual
development of each individual. Taking courses in such wide-
ranging disciplines as the arts, sciences, business, health care
and engineering, students cultivate a strong base of varied
knowledge with which to serve humankind with intelligence and
compassion.
Student success center
The Student Success Center is a one-stop shop that
provides resources to help students achieve their
goals at SLU. The center offers students pre-major
advising, tutoring opportunities and writing support.
Major Exploration Advising Office
Choosing a major can be a daunting, yet exciting task.
Many students enter college without having selected a
field of study, and that's perfectly normal. SLU knows
how important and personal the choice is and its staff
is devoted to advising first-year students as they explore
major options. Students make early, genuine connections
with an academic advisor and a career counselor, both of
whom offer the expertise and support students value as
they consider academic and vocational options.
Tutoring Center
The tutoring center assists undergraduate students in
becoming more confident and independent learners,
while improving the quality of their academic performance.
Carefully selected and trained tutors are available for one-
on-one and group tutoring sessions in specific subject areas.
Writing Center
Staffed by friendly, experienced consultants, the writing
center helps SLU students with writing, oral presentations and
multimedia projects. Students can work with consultants from
the beginning of their projects to plan the organization of a
paper, develop an efficient project timeline and discuss possible
revisions for their papers and presentations.
What special projects have you
worked on with students?
Finan: I direct field schools in St. Louis and in Ireland,
mostly archaeological in nature. SLU students are often
keen to join such projects, and they have become key
parts of my research because of their ability to critically
analyze data in the field. As well, the students are,
without exception, team players, in that I have found
them to be leaders on-site.
How do students and professors
benefit from SLU’s low student-to-
faculty ratio?
Finan: I maintain an open door policy with my
students, in that while I have office hours, I tell
students that if my door is open, they are free to
come and chat. I have found that it is in those
conversations that the low student-to-faculty ratio
is most important, because that is how we can talk
about projects, research, and critical thinking
more regularly.
What opportunities outside of the
classroom does SLU offer to students
to encourage intellectual growth?
finan: I can say without hesitation that the College of
Arts and Sciences offers countless opportunities for SLU
students to develop outside of the classroom. Whether
it be with archaeological field schools, anthropological
research, biological and environmental studies, or
international internships, our faculty and students work
together to do serious research infused with the Ignatian
spirit of finding God in all things and working towards a
better world for all.
Average class size: 24.4
Student-faculty ratio: 12-1
Faculty excellence: 99
percent of SLU’s full-time
faculty hold the highest
degree in their fields.
Academic programs:
Nearly 100 undergraduate
programs
The Carnegie Foundation
lists SLU as one of
only seven of Catholic
universities that is
“research intensive.”
A Quick Look at SLU Academics and research
Tom Finan, PH.d.
position
at slu:
Assistant Professor of history
and Director of the Center
for International Studies
“Our faculty and students
work together to do serious
research infused with the
Ignatian spirit of finding
God in all things and
working towards a better
world for all.”
beabilliken.com 43 saint louis university

4. BE Global.
A SLU education is rooted in Jesuit
ideals that are more than 450 years old
and that have spread far and wide from
their roots in Europe. SLU continues this
global education through its own campus
in Spain, many worldwide study-abroad
opportunities and diverse humanitarian
efforts. Moreover, the St. Louis campus is
composed of students from more than 75
countries, sharing their culture with others
through speakers, events and cuisine. At
SLU, Billikens expand their horizons and
prepare to address the challenges of the
world beyond the classroom.
Saint Louis University – Madrid
SLU Madrid is the University’s campus in Spain and was the first
U.S. institution recognized by Spain’s higher education accreditation
authority as an official foreign university. Founded in 1967, it is the
oldest and most renowned U.S. university in Spain.
SLU Madrid is home to more than 670 students from around
the world. Students can easily explore Madrid on foot, via the
Metro or by bus.
At SLU Madrid, students can complete any of six four-
year undergraduate degrees as well as two master’s degrees.
Students may begin programs in aviation, engineering,
business, health sciences and liberal arts on the Madrid
campus and complete them on the St. Louis campus.
Study Abroad
Saint Louis University has one of the three largest study
abroad programs in Missouri. Students from all majors
can benefit from the opportunity, as employers often value
international experience. Those job applicants are culturally
literate, creative thinkers who are open to many career paths.
About 800 Billikens study abroad each year.
Study abroad locations include Brussels, Belgium; London,
England; Quito, Ecuador; Beijing, China; Lyon, France and
more than 30 other destinations.
Many scholarships and grants will transfer as a student studies
abroad on a semester or yearlong program.
Worldwide Humanitarian Efforts
Students discover plenty of ways to serve others around the globe
both through SLU programs and independent ambition.
The University encourages and facilitates service trips to places
such as Belize, Honduras and El Salvador, as well as locations
within the United States. Many students choose to offer their
time to the poor and marginalized during University holidays and
breaks.
Students at SLU founded and maintain the OneWorld organization
and magazine, which is dedicated to raising awareness of worldwide
social justice issues and inspiring positive action.
Brenna Wildt
Anticipated graduation year: 2014
Majors: English and Spanish
hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.
The experience taught me to look at the bigger picture
and to not get caught up in the miniscule details.
What made you want to study abroad
at our campus in Spain?
Wildt: I knew that I wanted to study abroad. When I first
visited SLU and learned of the University’s campus in Madrid,
I was immediately drawn to the program. Having a Saint Louis
University campus in a foreign country made the entire process
of studying abroad more feasible for me. I knew that my classes
would transfer easily, all of my scholarship and financial aid
would transfer, and that I would be experiencing a completely
new culture with several of my closest friends from SLU’s
main campus.
How did you prepare to go abroad?
Wildt: Preparing to live in a foreign country for four
months can be an extremely overwhelming and daunting
task. But with the help of the study abroad office here at
SLU, the process was completely painless. Before I left
for Spain, SLU helped me contact my host family, create
my class schedule, and even retrieve my Visa from the
Consulate General in Chicago. From there, all I had to
think about was planning weekend getaways in
Europe and how I was going to fit all of my clothes
into two suitcases!
How was the experience of taking classes
in Madrid?
Wildt: As hard as it may be to believe, Saint Louis University’s
campus in Madrid is as beautiful as its main campus in Missouri.
While at SLU Madrid, students have the opportunity to learn
in a truly diverse academic setting, with teachers and students
from all around the globe. As both a Spanish and English major,
it was great to be able to choose from a variety of different
courses, taught in both English and Spanish. I never had to
worry about my credits transferring, or being able to fulfill major
requirements. It was great to share the classroom with so many
different students each day!
How do you think studying abroad
has contributed to your overall SLU
experience thus far?
Wildt: SLU’s Jesuit mission statement talks about promoting
men and women for others with a global consciousness and a
genuine desire to help their surrounding world. My semester
abroad enabled me to become globally responsive, culturally
knowledgeable and self-aware. I felt as though I absorbed just as
much while traveling as I did in the classroom and had so much
fun being rootless in Europe with some of my best SLU friends.
Being a Billiken in Spain enabled me to have the full
SLU experience.
The center houses the
office of international
services, the international
studies program, the
English as a second
language program and
Center for Sustainability.
101 flags adorn the
roof representing the
home countries of SLU's
international students and
locations where students
and faculty travel to study,
teach, research and serve.
Features a 1,000-square-
foot lounge with streaming
international media from
around the globe.
Houses state-of-the-art
conference rooms with
global teleconferencing
capabilities.
Center for global citizenship – demonstrating our commitment to international education
beabilliken.com 6

5. What does “getting a Jesuit
education” truly mean?
meconi: At its best, a Jesuit education means forming the
whole person, allowing ourselves to be formed not only
to recognize the blessings of wisdom and friendship, love
and truth, but also to be able to hand those gifts back in
whatever way a person senses. In my opinion, the entire
ethos of Jesuit education comes when St. Ignatius of
Loyola (founder of the Society of Jesuits) writes: All
things on the face of this earth are given to you to help
you to achieve the end for which you have been created,
to become saints. All things, not simply religious
or pious things but the study of law and medicine,
business and the arts, are all given to us to experience
a dimension of God's love and to be so impassioned
about that new presence, we cannot help but bring
others there.
How do you incorporate
the jesuit mission into your
classroom experience?
meconi: To make this vision real, I am always
asking my students to filter this or that text
through their own experience. How do each of us
sense what Augustine or Leo the Great are saying?
I try to make sure that my students realize that truth is not
determined by what century one happens to find him or
herself in at any given moment. The truth of human nature
and of God remain constants and in that encounter between
humanity and divinity comes the greatest of all dramas, the
pinnacle of all poetry, and the truth of all mystery. Here
we come fully alive, I think, and the Jesuit mission is to
take that gift out to the world–to educate others, to assist
others in realizing their own dignity, and to help reclaim the
beauty that is most often dismissed for efficiency's sake.
In what ways will the Jesuit values
benefit students for life after
college?
meconi: Any school can give a young person a career;
I hope we are helping them find their vocation. While
convalescing from a battle wound, St. Ignatius realized that
he no longer wanted to fight for a king who would die and
this is precisely how I approach my courses: that we all know
there is more to life than a big paycheck and that what really
matters are the persons in our lives and how we conduct
ourselves in those relationships. As a theology professor I
don't worry so much about the what questions in life, but
the why questions instead; for in the long run, what we
do in life pales well behind why we live our lives.
Last year, students, faculty
and staff performed more
than 1 million hours of
service work to the greater
St. Louis community.
More than 3,000 members
of the SLU community
volunteer for the annual
SLU Make a Difference
Day.
In 2012, SLU’s Relay for
Life team raised more
than $140,000 for cancer
research and patients.
SLU students volunteer
with more than 400 St.
Louis agencies on a
regular basis.
Quick facts about service at SLU
BE spiritual.
Being a Billiken at Saint Louis
University means more than just hitting
the books. It means being encouraged to
explore your own faith and to serve those
people who need it most. SLU takes this
mission to heart and offers your son or
daughter plenty of opportunities to see
where his or her heart leads.
Jesuit Mission
The first sentence of Saint Louis University's mission statement
announces the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for
the service of humanity as the guiding principle of everything we
do at SLU. The campus community prizes this mission as central to
all personal, academic and professional endeavors.
Campus Ministry
The Eckelkamp Center for Campus Ministry serves students of
many faiths. In addition to offering a rich variety of Catholic
faith services, the campus ministry staff also addresses the needs
of diverse religious traditions, including Islamic, Jewish and
Protestant.
There are many opportunities for students to explore
their faith at SLU, including retreats specifically
designed for freshmen, Bible study, mission trips and
prayer groups. Moreover, campus ministers and Jesuit
priests are available for conversations about God, faith
and belief.
Many activities are led by students and are available to
those of all faiths, including the popular 9 p.m. Sunday
Mass. This Mass regularly attracts nearly 900 students
who come to worship, sing and connect with others,
regardless of their individual faiths.
Service to Others
Service is big at SLU – not because the University
demands it, but because that’s just the kind of students,
faculty, staff and alumni we have. It’s why neighborhood
research and assistance is part of so many class projects.
It’s why SLU’s chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, the national
service fraternity, is the largest in the nation. It’s why the
nationwide Campus Kitchen project chose SLU as its pilot
program to prepare and deliver meals to the region’s needy.
Caring about others is what it means to be a Billiken, and
there are many ways for your son or daughter to get involved
in the way that’s best for him or her.
David Meconi, S.J.
position
at slu:
Assistant Professor,
Theological Studies
beabilliken.com 87 saint louis university

6. Saint Louis University’s education
in the Jesuit tradition instills in
students the leadership qualities they
need not only to be successful, but
also to become agents of change and
visionaries for tomorrow. Students
are encouraged to seek change,
challenge probabilities and introduce
possibilities. SLU offers a variety of
programs that help students plan
their futures from their first days on
campus. Our graduates have gone
on to become foreign presidents,
members of Congress, NASA
directors, Broadway producers and
more. SLU prepares students to
become sure-footed leaders, poised
for exciting and challenging careers.
Fostering career interests
At SLU, students engage in numerous academic
societies, clubs, fraternities and associations, connecting
to others with similar career interests. Examples include
Society of African American Studies, Political Science
Club, American Society of Mechanical Engineers,
International Business Club , SLU Teach, Physician
Assistant Association, Capture: Photography Club
and Math and Computer Science Club, just to name
a few. Organizations like these help build community
within the academic departments. Many clubs strive
to help make a difference in the community and
provide opportunities for members to further their
careers through related volunteer work, leadership
opportunities and networking events.
Pre-Professional Health Studies
Students of any major who are interested in medicine,
dentistry, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy or veterinary
medicine may choose to be part of the pre-professional
health studies program. The pre-professional health
studies office advises undergraduate students who plan
to continue their education after graduation, offering:
• a full-time advising office
• assistance tailoring a student’s class load to fit his or
her abilities and schedule
• courses for students interested in medicine and other
professions
• an active student club with opportunities for service
at medically related sites
Pre-Law Scholars Program
Qualified students interested in law
school may apply for SLU’s Pre-Law
Scholars Program. If selected into
the program, students are placed on a
guaranteed admittance track to the Saint
Louis University School of Law. Students
in the program take Foundations of Law
– a course that permits students in the
Pre-Law Scholars Program to take a course
in SLU’s law school, be taught by law school
faculty and tackle an introductory law school
curriculum during their junior year.
Career Services
SLU’s career services office provides students
with one-on-one career counseling, internship
and job assistance, résumé reviews and mock
interviews. Billikens have inside access to job
and internship postings through the CareerLink
database and countless important resources for
securing their dream jobs.
In addition, Career Services hosts career and
graduate school fairs, networking events and
workshops throughout the year to connect students
to academic and career success.
Alumni volunteer to participate in panels, workshops
and other career services events, allowing current
SLU students to network with St. Louis professionals.
In addition, Billiken alumni give back by becoming
alumni mentors who serve as informational contacts
and share insights and advice with current students.
BE
successful. Monica Frazier
Graduation year: 2013
Major: Business Management (Entrepreneurship)
and African American Studies
current position: Manager in Training for
Village Green
current city: Columbus, Ohio
How did the SLU community help
prepare you for your career?
Frazier: The SLU community is definitely an
environment of people (professors and students
alike) that fosters opportunities for one to
learn and grow as a person. It allows you to find
yourself and understand who you are when
‘no one is looking’. With that being said, this
opportunity-rich environment really allowed
me to start my career on a positive note. The
Jesuit education really enforces being a man or
woman for others, which in its basic principal
allowed me to grasp the concept of hard work,
teamwork, and honesty in my respective
field. Without these values, I would not be
able to stand out and excel the way I have not
only in the beginning of my career, but in
preparation for my future.
How did the SLU experience
prepare you professionally?
Frazier: One of the biggest compliments
I've received in the workplace is that
I'm extremely professional for someone
who just came out of college. I have SLU
to thank for that. As a student of the
business school, professionalism in our
presentation, papers, and classes was a
standard that was held at high esteem.
Without the integrity of SLU, I would
not be prepared professionally.
Did you have any
internships as a student?
Frazier: I held two internships during my time
at SLU. Both were at the Federal Reserve Bank
of Saint Louis. I worked as a Human Resource
Analyst. My first summer, Summer 2011, I worked
with the organizational development side of HR,
doing a lot of data coding, trainings, and company
events. My second summer, I worked with the
talent acquisition team and created a reality show
for the intern program, among other recruiting
tools.
how do you think SLU, As a Jesuit
institution, uniquely shaped you
as a person?
Frazier: SLU promotes the seeking of truth,
selflessness, and continual learning. The
Jesuit education is extremely unique because
it develops you more in your college career.
College is supposed to help you understand who
you are, who you want to be, and provide the
tools to be successful. Taking advantage of the
Jesuit education will help you do just that. SLU
allowed me to find my social justice passions, my
educational fortes, and helped me improve my
character along the way.
beabilliken.com 10

7. FIRST-Year
Experience.
The transition from high school
to college isn't always easy for
students - they must get used to
new people, new ways of thinking,
new challenges and maybe even a
new city. Often, freshman year is
the first time many students will be
called to make important decisions
on their own. It can feel like a lot to
handle, but Saint Louis University
has a program in place to help
your son or daughter find positive
growth during his or her first year
of college.
SLU’s award-winning First-Year Experience
program begins with summer orientation
and continues throughout the entire
first year at SLU. New students will form
friendships and gain insights into making
their freshman year at SLU a successful
one – all within a supportive community
that focuses specifically on the needs of
freshmen.
SLU 101 summer orientation
SLU’s summer orientation program, SLU 101, is where the
SLU experience officially begins. During this part of the
First-Year Experience, students meet their new classmates
and start to form the friendships that will sustain them
throughout their time at SLU. At this time, students also
will get information about clubs and organizations that
might interest them.
At SLU 101 students can begin checking tasks off their
to-do lists by completing math or foreign language
placement exams, setting up their wireless accounts on
their laptops and learning about University resources such
as the libraries, campus eateries and service opportunities.
Perhaps most importantly, students meet their academic
advisor and faculty members from their chosen discipline
to discuss academic objectives and enroll in fall classes.
Fall Welcome
The fun really starts when students arrive on campus for
Fall Welcome. For move-in day, SLU rolls out the blue
carpet by providing upperclassmen to help carry items
into your student’s residence hall. These upperclassmen,
wearing can’t-miss orange shirts, are part of a group called
Oriflamme, and they're there not only to help students lug
televisions and suitcases into rooms, but also to help your
student feel comfortable in his or her new campus home.
Once your student has moved in, SLU provides plenty
of opportunities to mingle during social events such as
comedians and concerts and the popular square dance.
During the first week of Fall Welcome, SLU hosts a
convocation in Chaifetz Arena, which serves as a special
welcome for all Billikens – students, their families, faculty,
staff, alumni and friends.
Learning Communities
Exploring interests and meeting new friends are big
parts of the college experience, and SLU’s Learning
Communities make it easy to do just that. Learning
Communities consist of groups of students who live in the
same residence hall floor(s) and share a common interest.
Students in LCs live and study together, attending a
variety of co-curricular programs and often engaging in
service projects together.
Students list their LC preferences in the housing
application. Examples include Health Sciences,
Engineering, Ethical Leaders in Business, Careers and
Majors Exploration, Diversity and Unity, the Arts,
Leadership and Social Change, Honors, Global Villa, Life
Sciences and Micah (Faith and Service).
Many students in LCs take courses in common, though
it's not required.
First-year interest groups (FIGs)
FIGs, the academic component of learning communities,
consist of small groups of first-year students (commuter
students included) who live in the same Learning
Community and take two to three courses together in the
fall semester. FIG students are able to easily form study
groups and get help with challenging courses.
Ultimately, both LCs and FIGs strive for the same
thing: to establish a community of learners who explore
the campus and city community together during their
first year at SLU. A first-year student said it best: This
experience was everything I never knew I needed in my
first year of college!
beabilliken.com 12
First-year experience Courses
Academic programs throughout SLU offer
first-year courses to promote a smooth
transition to college for students. The
University encourages all first-time students
to enroll in University 101, a class that meets
once a week to help students become connected
to the SLU community. Other FYE courses
include BIZ 100: Business Foundations for
business majors, Crossroads: An Introduction
to Honors for Honors Program students
and Student Development I for Physical
Therapy students.
SLU inquiry courses
In addition to University 101, all first-year
students are encouraged to register for a SLU
Inquiry course. These small classes involve
20 students or fewer in an engaging learning
experience that focuses on problem-solving in a
collaborative environment. SLU Inquiry courses,
offered in academic departments across the
University, provide a supportive atmosphere for
beginning undergraduate students.

8. Add slu.edu to your
email safe list.
This will ensure receipt of important
updates from SLU throughout the
application process.
Apply online.
Complete SLU’s free online
application for admission at
apply.slu.edu.
If you complete the regular SLU
online application, you need not
submit an additional essay. Please
answer the essay questions within the
application.
Students submitting the Common
Application should complete the
Personal Essay portion of the Writing
Section before submitting the
Common Application.
If you are applying to SLU through
the downloadable printed application
($25 application fee applies), please
send a writing sample (for example,
a high school English, research or
theology paper) with your application.
Print a copy of the
Secondary School
Report Form.
Print the Secondary School Report
Form from the link provided in the
online application or by visiting
slu.edu/x5115.xml. Complete the
first section and then forward the
form to your guidance counselor. Be
sure to request that your guidance
counselor send the Secondary
School Report form along with your
official high school transcript directly
to SLU.
The Secondary School Report Form
is the only recommendation required
for admission. Applicants also may
submit up to two additional letters of
recommendation from other sources.
submit your official
transcript.
Request that your high school
transcript be sent to SLU:
Saint Louis University
Office of Admission
DuBourg Hall, Rm. 119
One N. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Be Sure your official
ACT or SAT scores are
sent to slu.
Scores must be reported directly by
the testing company. SLU’s ACT
code is 2352; SLU’s SAT code
is 6629.
SLU accepts either ACT or SAT
scores. You may submit as many
individual test score reports as you
deem necessary; SLU will evaluate
only your highest composite score.
December test scores from your
senior year are the last that can be
taken into account for scholarship
consideration.
SLU does not require that ACT
test-takers sit for the optional
writing section of the ACT. The
writing section of the SAT – though
a mandatory part of the test – is
not scored by the University; your
SAT score will be considered on a
1600-point scale (math and critical
reading).
submit A résumé of
activities.
Though not required, submission
of a résumé is strongly encouraged
for scholarship consideration. Your
résumé also may be submitted with
your online application.
1.
2.
6.5.
4.
as you’re completing your application checklist, make sure you do the following:
3.
aPPLY.SLU.EDU
Scholarships
College is one of the most important investments of your life
– nothing else will affect your future as much as your college
education. That’s why Saint Louis University is dedicated to
providing you with the very best resources and assistance.
SLU remains dedicated to keeping our one-of-a-kind education
affordable, and we understand the sacrifices that students and
families make for quality education. Our counselors will work with
you to come up with an aid package and review all of your options.
Investing in yourself may seem expensive now, but SLU offers many
forms of support for financing your education. Take a look:
MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Saint Louis University offers several merit-based scholarships
to help students meet their financial needs. The deadline for
priority consideration is Dec. 1. Students who have completed
their application by this time are automatically considered for
scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $18,000. In order to be a
recipient of a merit-based scholarship, students must meet the
requirement of at least a 3.0 GPA and ACT score of 23, or SAT
score of 1050. After the Dec. 1 deadline, scholarship consideration
is based on availability.
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Presidential Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition award
that requires a separate online application that includes a
scholarship essay, résumé, and two letters of recommendation.
As SLU’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship, this award
has a strict Dec. 1 deadline. Applicants should show a commitment
to student leadership and service and are expected to have a
cumulative GPA of 3.85 or higher and an ACT score of at
least 30, or SAT of at least 1330. Selected
candidates will be invited to campus for
a weekend interview process. If awarded,
the Presidential Scholarship will replace
any offer for merit-based scholarship
previously made by the University.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
SCHOLARSHIP
The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship is
a renewable four-year award that requires
a separate online application that includes
scholarship essays, a résumé and two letters
of recommendation.
The award has a value of $3,000 per year and
combines with other merit-based scholarships
previously awarded by the university. All
recipients receive a minimum total award of
$13,000 (merit-based plus MLK scholarship).
Applicants should show a commitment to the
promotion of diversity and inclusion and be
driven individuals of continued growth within
their community. Prospective scholars should
also be dedicated to promoting the ideals of Dr.
King at Saint Louis University. Students should
have an ACT of at least 23, or SAT of 1050 and
a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. Selected
candidates will be invited to campus for a weekend
interview process. The deadline for applying for the
Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship is Feb. 1.
In addition, there are aid opportunities for
upperclassmen as you continue your education at SLU.
How to apply, deadlines and
Financial Aid Information
beabilliken.com 14

9. Flex dollars are the second component of the meal
plan. They comprise a cash-equivalent dollar amount
redeemable at the other dining establishments on campus,
including Chick-fil-A, Au Bon Pain, Salsarita’s and
Subway. While the amount of meals a student has per
week cannot be changed after a certain point in the year,
additional flex dollars always can be added to a student’s
account by contacting parking and card services. The
commuter meal plan, which is the minimum meal plan
required for any non-residential student, consists entirely
of a flex dollar balance.
Billiken Bucks represent a third type of campus currency
that – although redeemable for food purchases – is often
reserved for other campus expenditures. Places like the
SLU bookstore accept Billiken Bucks in place of cash, and
a student’s on-campus printing account is linked to his or
her Billiken Bucks balance as well. SLU students also can
use Billiken Bucks at several off-campus establishments
in the neighborhood. Billiken Bucks are not a part of
a student’s meal plan, so a balance must be established
separately through Parking and Card Services.
What on-campus conveniences are
available?
SLU’s campus features a convenience store in DeMattias
Hall and a book store in Busch Student Center. Both
venues stock common necessities that SLU students may
need to purchase at a moment’s notice. The convenience
store is open seven days per week, and the SLU bookstore
is open Monday through Saturday. SLU’s Busch Student
Center also contains a florist, a salon and a branch of U.S.
Bank. ATMs are located in several places across campus,
and a grocery store and 24-hour Walgreens pharmacy
are located just a few blocks west of campus on Lindell
Boulevard.
Can first-year students park their
cars on campus?
First-year students are allowed to park their cars in all
residential parking lots throughout campus, as well as
in the two parking garages near freshman residence
halls. First-year students who reside in Reinert Hall also
are eligible to park on the surface lot surrounding their
residence. Parking permits can be purchased in DuBourg
Hall Room 33 throughout the year, including during
SLU 101 orientation sessions. To learn more about
parking on campus, visit slu.edu/services/parking.
What other methods of
transportation available?
Out-of-town students who need transportation to and
from Lambert International Airport may consider using
MetroLink, the light rail system in St. Louis. The cost
of a MetroLink ticket is significantly cheaper than a
traditional cab fare, and a MetroLink station is located
a block from campus on Grand Boulevard. The station
includes a call box that dials directly to SLU’s department
of public safety, which will pick up and drop off students
at the station free of charge.
On Saturdays, the Billiken Weekend Shuttle takes
students to and from popular destinations such as Wal-
Mart, Brentwood Promenade, St. Louis Galleria mall and
Schnucks Supermarket. The shuttle service is free and runs
from noon through late Saturday evening.
How do Health Sciences students
attend classes at SLU’s Medical
Center? What about flight students
who need to visit the Parks Center for
Aviation?
The Grand Shuttle, which departs from Busch Student
Center, is available to take students to and from the
Medical Center for free throughout the day. A separate
shuttle is available for flight students who require
transportation to the Parks Center for Aviation Science in
Cahokia, Ill.
What if my son or daughter gets sick
and requires medical attention on
campus?
The Student Health and Counseling Center, located on
the first floor of Marchetti Towers East, provides medical
treatment, counseling and outpatient services to SLU
students Monday through Friday. Appointments are
recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
The center offers Saint Louis University students these
standard services:
Physician office visits
Laboratory testing
Immunizations and allergy injections
EKG interpretations
Physical exams
Radiology procedures
Orthopedics
Sports medicine
Physical therapy
Dietetics
Gynecology services
Frequently
asked
questions
Are students required to live on
campus?
Yes, first-time, first year students are required to live
on campus for four semesters (generally freshman and
sophomore year). Saint Louis University considers the
on-campus residential experience an integral part of a
student's total education.
Select circumstances qualify for exemptions from the
residency requirement. Please see page nine of your
student’s admission packet for more information about
exemption criteria and exemption requests.
What is the process for housing
assignments?
Students must submit their enrollment deposit to secure
their position in the class of 2018. To begin the housing
process, students should submit their housing deposit,
housing application and residential contract. Each of these
submissions can be completed online through mySLU, the
student portal.
Within the housing application, students will complete
a short roommate questionnaire to help SLU assign an
appropriate roommate. Students who wish to request a
specific roommate must provide the requested roommate's
Banner ID. Only mutual requests of admitted SLU
students of the same sex will be considered.
Upon receipt of deposit, application and contract, housing
and residence life will assign housing based on a first-
come, first-served basis. The housing priority deadline
is May 1, 2014, but students are encouraged to submit
their deposit, application and contract as soon as possible
to increase their chances of receiving their housing
preference.
Students will receive a housing assignment letter in mid-
July and instructions on viewing assignments via their
SLU email address.
When should my child get his or her
books?
Students can stop by the SLU bookstore any time after
they have registered for classes – usually during SLU
101 – to purchase their books for the fall semester. The
bookstore will arrange to have their books boxed and
awaiting pickup when they return to campus for move-in
and Fall Welcome.
A printed copy of the student’s class schedule is required
to place an order. If they prefer, students may also order
books online at slu.bkstore.com.
What does my child need to know
about computing on campus?
Information Technology Services provides all information
regarding minimum hardware recommendations for
student computing. To view these recommendations, visit
slu.edu/its and select Students. The ITS home page also
includes a link to discount purchasing programs with
Apple, Dell and IBM.
SLU’s campus is entirely wireless. This includes residence
halls, academic buildings, Busch Student Center and
several outdoor areas such as the clock tower. The ITS
website also contains a special page called “New to SLU?”
for freshman students, complete with information about
logging into the mySLU portal, changing passwords and
contacting any of the six ITS service desks located around
campus.
How do meal plans work?
Meal plans operate from a SLU student ID card, meaning
that students need not carry cash to complete most
transactions on campus.
Meals are redeemable at SLU’s all-you-can-eat residential
restaurants in the Griesedieck Complex and Reinert
Hall. One meal allows students to eat as much as they
care to in one sitting. Other campus venues such as Au
Bon Pain, Grand Market, Salsarita’s and Terra Ve host
meal-equivalency nights where one meal can be exchanged
for a certain dollar amount. These equivalency nights
allow students to conserve their flex dollars and gain some
variety in their eating habits.
15 saint louis university beabilliken.com 16

10. beabilliken.com 18
Like all medical establishments, student health and
counseling charges for its services and requires students
to have medical insurance. Students who already have
health insurance – usually as a part of a parent’s plan –
should submit an official health insurance waiver. Any
student who does not provide the University with proof
of existing insurance coverage automatically will be
billed for coverage under a University-sponsored health
plan.
New students also are reminded to complete and
submit the required immunization paperwork before
the start of the school year. All of these documents may
be downloaded from the Admitted Students webpage
found at admission.slu.edu.
What can you tell me about safety
on campus?
The safety of SLU’s students, faculty, staff and visitors
is among the University’s top priorities. Education,
communication and prevention are key to SLU’s
successful safety and preparedness efforts.
SLU’s Department of Public Safety patrols campus
24 hours a day, seven days a week, and comprises
one of the largest private police forces in the state of
Missouri. Nearly 100 Department of Public Safety
officers, licensed by the St. Louis Board of Police
Commissioners, patrol all property owned by Saint
Louis University in marked cars, on bicycles and on
foot.
The Department of Public Safety office houses the
communications center, staffed 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. Students can call the communications
center at any time of the day for any security services
or to obtain any one of the numerous personal services,
some of which are listed below:
• SLU-Ride escort program – a student run program
that allows any individual on campus to call for a
walking escort or ride to and from any point on
campus after dark. Approximately 50 students work
in this program as either dispatchers or safety escorts.
• Escorts to and from the MetroLink platform when
the shuttles are not in operation
• Lock-out assistance for vehicles
• Jump start assistance for vehicles
All residence halls feature both a swipe-card entry
system and a 24-hour desk worker to ensure that
residents and registered guests are the only individuals
who can gain entrance. The University also features
a series of emergency call boxes that are located
throughout campus, and all parking facilities are gated
and require an electronic access card.
In addition, SLU recently implemented a mass
communication system designed to notify students,
faculty and staff via mobile phone and text message in
the event of a campus emergency. Public safety officers
also receive special training for first-responder and crisis
situations.
What if a student needs
academic assistance?
Most SLU students find that their
professors – who keep office hours in
addition to class time and often provide
home phone numbers on their syllabi – are
their first stop when seeking academic
assistance. The University, however, offers
additional options for students who desire
help with their coursework:
• The Student Success Centers, with
locations in Busch Student Center and at
SLU’s Medical Center, provide a one-stop-
shop to aid students in their personal and
professional success.
• Disability services assists students who
request reasonable accommodations in their
academic or campus environment because of
documented clinical or medical disabilities.
• Tutoring services employs carefully selected
undergraduate students as tutors and who
provide one-on-one instruction in specific
academic areas.
• Writing services, which has branches across
campus, is staffed by consultants who can help
SLU students with writing, oral presentations and
multimedia projects.
Students also can take advantage of free Academic
Success Workshops, which aid students in the
development of effective learning and study skills.
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