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Billiken Parents and Families

Office and Parent and Family Engagement

Welcome to the SLU community! As part of the Billiken family, you play an integral role in assisting with the transition and success of your student into the Saint Louis University community. Saint Louis University's Office of Parent and Family Engagement (OPFE) provides resources, communications and services for families to assist with navigating SLU so that your student can succeed in the college environment.

Whether you live across town or the globe, we know a part of you is at Saint Louis University as long as you have a student here. Parents and families are a valued part of our SLU community, every member of which is devoted to the academic and personal success of students.

The Mission of the OPFE

Our mission at the Office of Parent and Family Engagement is to cultivate strong bonds between Saint Louis University and our students' families by fostering open communication and understanding. We strive to showcase the diverse perspectives and experiences of our university environment while engaging families in enriching programming that promotes academic growth and a vibrant collegiate experience. 

Through building a supportive community, we aim to empower families as valuable resources for our university and collaborate with them to advance SLU’s mission of serving a higher purpose for a greater good. 

Billiken Parent and Family Association

Billiken Parent and Family Association

All SLU families are members of BPFA, keeping them informed about topics affecting the student journey.

Stay Informed

Stay Informed

The Office of Parent and Family Engagement keeps families informed while their student is at SLU.

Attend Events

Attend Events

Learn about campus events for families, from Homecoming weekend to the annual BPFA Trivia night.

What's the Scoop at SLU?

What's the Scoop at SLU?

The What's the Scoop Facebook Live webinars are designed to help families learn how various campus offices work to support students.

The First Year Experience

The First Year Experience

It all starts with SLU 101! You and your student will attend sessions to help prepare you for the year to come.

Know Your Resources

Know Your Resources

All the ins and outs of SLU can seem overwhelming at first. Answer your questions and find resources to support you and your student.

To Get Started

  1. Like the SLU Office of Parent and Family Engagement Facebook page
  2. Join the Billiken Parent and Family Association Facebook Group to connect with other SLU families (Be sure to answer all the required questions to join)
  3. Download the official SLU Parent and Family Guidebook
  4. Sign up for emergency alerts. Students can list up to three cell phone numbers and email addresses for emergency alerts through their MySLU portal. Parents can also opt-in by texting SLUALERT to 7-7295.
  5. Email us anytime at parents@slu.edu

Stay Informed and Find your Community

Great for families outside of St. Louis, the BPFA Family Networks span across more than a dozen cities in the United States, facilitating connections among our more far flung Billikens. These groups coordinate a range of activities, from Billiken basketball watch parties to regional recruitment events, with the goal of nurturing strong bonds between families and the University.

Watch for more information about BPFA Family Networks here

Key Fall 2024 Dates
9/27

Homecoming and Family Weekend

10/24

Fall Break begins

11/27

Thanksgiving Break begins

12/9

Final exams begin

Staying Connected With Your Billiken

FERPA: Requesting Academic Records

Your student has complete control of his or her academic record. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, is a federal law controlling the confidentiality of, and access to, student education records. Once a student reaches 18 years of age or attends a post-secondary institution, he or she becomes an "eligible student," and all rights formerly given to parents under FERPA transfer to the student.

If you’d like to access your student’s record, you can request that he or she create a mySLU Share account that allows a third-party — including a parent or family member — to access certain records. For example, a student may choose to release financial aid or grades. This is entirely your student’s choice, and all issues of access need to be discussed with your student.

Visit the Registrar's Office