Billiken Bulletin Newsletter
This is the September 2024 issue of the Billiken Bulletin, a monthly electronic newsletter that provides resources to help you as a Saint Louis University family member navigate campus and provide direction to your students when they are unsure about where or how to find the information on campus.
Happy September, Billiken families. The semester has officially started, and we are so excited to have the students back. The new semester brings many opportunities for students and families to engage, participate and transition into their new SLU community. The Billiken Bulletin will open your student's world up to you, and provide resources and contacts regarding the University so that if and when your student needs that support or navigation, you can better guide them to proactively seek the help they need.
Student Wellness Days
Submitted by Campus Recreation and Wellness
At Saint Louis University, the well-being of students is at the heart of our mission,
reflecting our commitment to nurture the holistic development of every individual
within our community. The Provost’s Task Force on Student Well-Being (2022) underscores this commitment by emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive
environment where all students can flourish. SLU brings this vision to life through
Wellness Days — dedicated breaks in the academic semester that allow students to prioritize
self-care, build a sense of belonging and engage with the university's core values.
Wellness can be defined as a dynamic and multidimensional concept that refers to the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. It goes beyond the absence of illness to encompass a proactive and positive approach to living (National Wellness Institute, 2024). All of us can foster wellness in areas of physical, mental, social, environmental, intellectual, spiritual, financial and occupational wellness.
Wellness days support the following key Ignatian values for our community:
- Cura Personalis (Latin meaning “care for the whole person”) - A hallmark of Ignatian spirituality and Jesuit education that utilizes one-on-one spiritual guidance, establishing personal relationships with students to support not only their intellectual development, but also their spiritual and moral identities.
- Cura Propria (Latin meaning “care of oneself’) - This term originated at the 2021 “Commitment to Justice Conference” at which Debra Mooney, Ph.D., offered it as a new Ignatian virtue necessary for the promotion of justice. The concept supports the idea that significant reserves of spiritual, psychological and physical energy and wellness are so important to being effective educators, students, and ‘people for and with others,’ that self-care is an essential Ignatian value.
- Becoming Contemplatives in Action - This Ignatian principle is based on the necessity of being grounded in our beliefs, purpose and vision while we work toward promoting the good of ourselves and others. When we give ourselves the opportunity to enter deeply into reflection, we can pursue our daily activities with greater depth and meaning.
Wellness days are intended as an opportunity for our community to rest, reflect and renew their spirits in ways that support overall wellness. Ultimately, this makes us stronger and healthier not only individually, but also communally, making our Catholic, Jesuit mission more vibrant and meaningful.
SLU Fair 2024: Community Building and Connection
The fall SLU Involvement Fair, held on Saturday, Aug. 14 was a vibrant success, with 219 diverse student clubs and organizations setting up tables along West Pine Mall to showcase their activities and events, allowing both new and current students to learn about opportunities throughout campus to build community, learn new skills and become more engaged.
Simply walking through the fair gave students a clear picture of just how many ways there are to connect with their classmates. Just the short path across the quad featured an amateur radio antenna, Taekwondo club members sparring, a spirited table tennis match and the entire women's Ultimate Frisbee team in full uniform. Other sections of the fair focused on cultural groups, allowing participants to take a virtual trip around the world, spinning a wheel to test their knowledge about the Middle East at one table and sampling regional sweet treats at many others. Other tables at the fair demonstrated students' academic and professional aspirations, like the Chemistry Club, the Real Estate Club and the Forensic Science Club. Additionally, it was clear that SLU's Jesuit Mission drives many students to use their free time and their personal interests to serve others, like the Crocheting Warmth club that donates their creations to local populations in need, or the Green Bandana Project, advocating for mental health awareness.
A full description of all of the involvement opportunities on campus would take more space than we have here, but be sure to encourage your students to visit the SLU Groups portal through their MySLU page and follow the @sluinvolvement account on Instagram to stay on top of all the ways they can find connection and community at SLU.
Student Finds Hope in Saint Louis: From Afghanistan to Saint Louis University
By Megan Ellis
In the wake of Afghanistan's turmoil, a young woman has overcome displacement to find solace and opportunity in the heart of St. Louis, thanks to local community support and a scholarship to Saint Louis University. You can help Sara Mosavi inspire others by donating towards publishing her book, “Traveling with the Wind.”
Sara arrived in St. Louis with her family after fleeing her home in Kabul, Afghanistan. Amidst the challenges of resettlement, she found solace in writing, and her hard work and perseverance paid off. Sara has not only adapted to her new surroundings but excelled academically as well.
After graduation from Affton High School, Sara received a 50% scholarship to attend Saint Louis University through a partnership with Kindness Begins with Me and The Scholarship Foundation of Saint Louis. Sara will start classes in the the fall, with an interest in studying neuroscience. This generous scholarship is an exciting opportunity for a bright young person to pursue her dream of higher education.
“I am grateful,” Sara says, “that God gave me a chance and hope to live again, and guided me to choose SLU to make new memories - to be happy again, and have a place to achieve my childhood dream. I am honored to be Billiken!”
However, Sara's journey doesn't stop there. Inspired by her experiences and driven by a desire to share her story, Sara is now in the process of writing a book, “Traveling with the Wind.” It is a coming-of-age memoir that sheds light on the challenges faced by refugee teens and the resilience that can emerge from adversity. Sara says this book “helped her transform her pain and loss into a powerful testimony of the human spirit.
A Message from Student Financial Services
It is our sincere honor and pleasure to serve our Billiken students and families. Whether you are a brand new or returning member of the Billiken family, we welcome you to campus for what will be a great year! Here are a few quick items from SFS to help you navigate the fall semester:
- General Financial Aid information
- Applying for and Accepting Financial Aid
- Options and Information on Paying your Bill
- Frequently Asked Questions
Remember, students can check their mySLU for any outstanding items. Please make sure all payment arrangements have been made prior to October 1st to avoid any registration holds.
The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) presented challenges for families and schools alike. While the U.S. Department of Education has resolved many of the issues, they are preparing us for a similar timeframe for the 2025-26 FAFSA.
- Starting on Oct. 1, the department will release the 2025-26 FAFSA form for testing with a limited set of students and institutions.
- The department will make the application available to all students on or before Dec. 1.
Please know we are here if you have any questions. Best wishes for a great year!
Join the Family Networks of the Billiken Parent and Family Association
There is still time to sign up for the newly created Family Networks which are a part of the Billiken Parent and Family Association; The goals of these networks are:
- To make connections with other families
- To be a resource and support for other Billiken Families across the nation
- Fostering fellowship, and creating lasting memories with SLU!
From cheering on the Billikens at a basketball watch party or helping welcome new students at regional recruitment events, the Family Networks hope to offer a range of activities designed to bring families close.
Join a Family Network or Become a Liaison for Your State
The sign-up link will close on Sept. 9, but will be available again later in the semester. Be a part of something special and help build a supportive, engaged community for all Billiken families. Please email bpfa@slu.edu with any questions.
Upcoming Programs and Information
What’s the Scoop at SLU Facebook Live Series
Billiken families, join us for our Facebook Live Series, What’s the Scoop at SLU? It’s a monthly Facebook Live that covers various topics presented by campus administrators at SLU. All webinars are found on the Office of Parent and Family Engagement Facebook page.
The next Facebook Live is at 6 p.m., CST, Sept. 9. Campus partners from the Center for Accessibility and Disability Services, Academic Services, and RISE-Reflect, Ignite, Succeed, and Engagement. All Facebook Lives are hosted on the Office of Parent and Family Engagement Facebook page.
See the Entire Webinar Schedule
Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024
Homecoming and Family Weekend is Sept. 27-29 and registration is now open! We have activities planned for families the entire weekend, and still have slots open for Paint and Sip, one of last year's most popular events for families. This year we will paint a simplified version of Van Gogh’s The Starry Night the “SLU” way.
See the Homecoming and Family Weekend Schedule
If you have further questions, please free to email parents@slu.edu.
Fall Welcome Survey
For those families that were able to join us for Fall Welcome, we want to hear your feedback about your time on campus.
Billiken Beginnings Workshop Series
The Academic Support and Success teams have created a workshop series called Billiken Beginnings: Navigating your First Eight Weeks. All sessions are 5-6 p.m., Monday evenings, in Ritter Hall room 327.
Flu Season Approaches
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection affecting the upper respiratory system. It spreads easily, especially during colder months. While most recover, those 65+, young children, and people with certain health conditions are at higher risk. The best prevention is the annual flu vaccine. For more details and updates, visit SLU's Flu Information.
Other Important Calendar Dates
September 2: Labor Day, no classes
September 25: Wellness Day, Students have no classes
September 27-29: Homecoming and Family Weekend; Registration is now open