Global Grad Initiative Sees 300% Increase in Enrollment for Spring 2023
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of multiple departments and divisions, Saint Louis University has increased enrollment in its Global Grad programs by more than 300% compared to this period last year. Launched in 2020, the Global Grad Initiative is focused on a number of business, technology and engineering programs that are attractive to a worldwide audience of prospective students.
President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., addresses incoming international students during
International Student Orientation on Jan. 12, 2023. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
“Two years ago, we began carefully implementing a strategy to expand the reach of SLU's educational mission,” said Eric Armbrecht, Ph.D., associate provost for graduate enrollment. “Many teams embraced a growth mindset and worked together to support new ways of promoting Saint Louis University as a global, Jesuit institution. Young people are coming to SLU from all over the world with their personal ambitions and professional goals. It’s an exciting time for them and our community.”
The new Global Grad students officially joined the SLU community with other international students during the Spring 2023 International Student Orientation on Jan. 12 and 13. Key departments, including Global Grad, Graduate Admissions, International Services, INTO SLU, and Housing and Residential Life, spent many hours of planning in preparation for students’ arrival.
In addition, a number of faculty and staff volunteers — as well as 30 international student ambassadors — brought their Billiken spirit to a packed Wool Ballroom in Busch Student Center, where participants learned more about succeeding in the classroom and navigating immigration requirements, among other key topics.
“Saint Louis University continues to be a preferred destination for students,” said Kathleen Davis, vice president for enrollment management. “Our efforts to build a diverse and inclusive community will also continue to span the globe. Our excellence in education can only expand as we continue to prioritize and support our dynamic enrollment growth plan.”
“It was an honor to greet our newest international students at orientation last week. Each student brings distinctive experience and expertise to our global university,” said President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. “I am grateful to Provost Lewis, Vice President Davis and Associate Provost of Graduate Enrollment Armbrecht for their strategic leadership of this transformative initiative. And I am excited that so many students are choosing to make SLU their home.”