Billiken Bulletin Newsletter

Framed in the Ignatian value of cura personalis, meaning care for the whole person, the team in the Dean of Students Office strives to assist students and their families in successfully navigating the SLU experience. We strongly encourage the promotion and development of a healthy mind, body and spirit to help every student persist and succeed in their college career. Through individual support, we aim to ensure that our students have the opportunity to grow as empowered global citizens who make contemplative and just choices that align with their passion and purpose.

Utilizing the community of care model, the Dean of Students Office works to refer students to the resources within the SLU community to assist them in resolving any questions or concerns they have. We always strive to keep the student first! 

We understand that you play a vital role in your student’s success. Conversations with your student through phone calls or visits help them process and gain the confidence to progress academically and personally. Here are great ways to support your Billiken through communication:

Managing Academic Demands

Many students face a learning curve academically when they go to college. The rigor of the coursework can be overwhelming. They do not take the same classes daily, professors are not the same as high school teachers, and parents are not there to remind them to get things completed. Try to have continuous conversations with your student about how they handle their academic course load. Ask them if they have gone through their syllabus and updated their calendar. Allow them to be honest with you about academic struggles. This allows you to offer motivation and encouragement.

Using Resources on Campus

Students are first introduced to campus resources when they get to the University, but they don’t always use them. Ask your student what resources they have used, and research other resources on campus with them. Explain that being proactive in connecting with resources can help when situations do arise. The Dean of Students Office prides itself on getting students the help they need, but they can also go directly to those resources as well.

Working Through Difficult Situations

From roommate issues to not being able to register for a class, difficult situations will happen throughout your student's time in college. Allow them space to talk to you when they are facing challenges. The most important thing is to allow them to lead the conversation. Ask them what options are available. You can give them the pros and cons of each option, but let them choose what is best for them (with some guidance). Help them learn to process and trust their instincts.

Understanding the Importance of Advocacy

Learning to advocate for one’s self is a huge step in life. For many families, it is even a tough step to allow your student to advocate for themself. A large part of the case management process is focused on moving students through certain stages, from others advocating for them to self-advocacy. When speaking with your student, ask if they have spoken up for themselves or sought assistance. This will go a long way as a student becomes more empowered, initiating change and learning how to negotiate systems. Continue to encourage your student to advocate for themselves. It is a skill that will be necessary during and after college.

The Dean of Students office is here if needed. If your student would benefit from meeting with one of our case managers, have them stop by or fill out the Dean of Students Office intake form. If you have further questions about the Dean of Students, please visit their website. 

Greetings from Student Financial Services. It is our sincere privilege to partner with Parent and Family Engagement to help families navigate the process of financing a college education. Our goal is to avoid complex jargon and provide simple, easy-to-understand information that will help your family make the best decisions for your student(s).

To help you understand the financial aid process, we have recorded the following two webinars:

• Financial Aid 101
• FAFSA Presentation, a review of the 2025-26 FAFSA

Other helpful resources

• SLU Student Financial Services
• Look up or contact your counselor's information 
• Additional scholarship opportunities can be found on the Student Financial Services website and via the Scholarship Suite, an icon found on the student’s app tab
• Drop, withdrawal and tuition refund dates
• Information on renewing financial aid

SLU aid renewal

• Eligibility for SLU aid is only measured one time per year after the spring semester
• Students failing to meet renewal criteria will only go on warning after the first year
• Students failing to meet renewal criteria after the second year will lose their SLU aid, but they can appeal

Federal aid renewal

• Per federal regulation, eligibility is measured after each term
• Students failing to meet renewal criteria after one term will only go on warning
• Students failing to meet renewal criteria after a second term in a row will lose eligibility for federal aid but may appeal

Options to cover any remaining balance

• Information about payment plans
• Information about federal parent loans
• Information about private student loans

These options allow you to build a financial plan that works best for your family. We are here to help you choose the best option. A good academic plan is the best financial plan.

• Most degrees are 120 credit hours
• Two semesters per year times four years equals eight semesters
• 120 credit hours divided by eight semesters equals 15 credit hours per semester

Even with our commitment to keep things simple, that is still a lot of information for parents and families to sort through. Please know we are here to serve you. There are multiple ways to connect.

Phone: 314-977-2350 
Email: sfs@slu.edu
Website: slu.edu/financial-aid

Best wishes for a great semester! You learn a lot in college — some of it’s in class. Here’s to helping our young men and women become their best selves.

Important Financial Services Dates

• Feb. 1: This is the earliest date we will begin receiving results from FAFSAs. It may be later, but we will not be able to see any FAFSA results until at least Feb. 1. This may cause a delay in 2025-26 award notifications, but we are committed to providing award information as quickly as possible.
• March through April:  2025-26 academic year award notices are issued. These dates assume the release of FAFSA data by Feb. 1. Please know that we understand the importance of this information and will make award information available as quickly as possible.
• April 1: Priority FAFSA filing date for need-based financial aid. This date was moved back from the traditional date of Feb. 1 due to the delay in FAFSA opening.

Students on academic probation are encouraged to see it as an opportunity to evaluate their situation and make positive changes in their approach to college. This process is very much in line with our Jesuit mission, as St. Ignatius stressed the importance of regularly pausing and reflecting on one's situation, especially before making changes to the educational journey.

If your student is on academic probation, they should plan to meet with their academic advisor before the end of the first week of classes. Their academic advisor is committed to helping them through this process and will assist them in developing a success plan unique to their situation. If necessary, they will also help students reduce their semester credit hours as posted in the University policies on academic probation. 

In addition to meeting with their advisor, SLU expects all new freshmen on probation to participate in Blueprint for Success. This program's content, structure and community-building aspects are beneficial as students develop strategies to improve their grades. This program is also open to first-year students who want to improve their study habits and GPA. The Collegiate Parent offers a proactive approach for your student facing probation.

When looking for important academic and career support on campus, most students think of the resources in the Student Success Center or Career Services. However, academic advisors strongly encourage students to meet with faculty to ensure success in college (and beyond!).  

All faculty hold office hours for their courses, and those times are listed on your student's course syllabus or in Canvas. Visiting faculty during office hours is one of the best ways for students to get academic support and make connections with their instructors. We realize this can be intimidating, but faculty really do want to see students, and it can really help them "stand out" in larger classes. Learn more about getting the most out of office hours.

Each student is also assigned to a faculty mentor who teaches within your student's major and has connections/experience in that field. Faculty mentors discuss coursework, career goals, research opportunities, and graduate school options, and will usually work with your student for their entire time at SLU! Students can find their faculty mentor on their "Success Team" list on EAB Navigate.

Hi, Billiken families! We wanted to share more about our newly created Family Network program. The network was designed and initiated to build deeper connections with our Billiken families, whether you are in St. Louis or across the nation. We have some fabulous and exciting BPFA members who are excited about engaging with other family members. 

Please make sure to fill out the Family Network form. As soon as you have filled out the form, your Network leader will reach out to you. Visit the Billiken Parent and Family Association web page to find your contact. 

Join or start a Family Network in your area

Volunteer Opportunities for Billiken Families

There are some new volunteer opportunities and upcoming programs for Billiken families to engage in. Feb. 5 is Wellness Day on campus. There are no classes for students on this day, which gives them time to concentrate on their own wellness efforts. The Billiken Parent and Family Association will have a table in the Busch Student Center offering some comfort and encouragement. 

We also have the Career Expo from noon to 4 p.m. on Feb. 19. Career Services needs family volunteers to check in, greet and share words of encouragement for our Billikens seeking employment. 

Lastly, Trivia Night is on March 29. You can get a team together and help volunteer. It’s a great way to fellowship with other Billiken families. More information can be found below. Sign up to volunteer.

BPFA and the Office of Parent and Family Engagement cordially invite all Billiken families and students to the 16th annual Trivia Night/Silent Auction. All proceeds will go towards the BPFA Fund, which helps support families and provide engagement opportunities for current students who are attending SLU.

We guarantee a fun evening with a Candyland theme, great prizes, and wonderful auction items that all go towards a great cause. If you or your business are interested in donating, please e-mail bpfa@slu.edu. Embrace your sweetness and join us for a delicious time! Make it a family affair or weekend and invite your Billiken as well as your entire family and friends.

Register

Are you following our new page? Designed for Billiken families who prefer Instagram, this is another way for you to stay informed beyond Facebook. Follow us on Instagram at @slufamily.

How to order course materials:

• Step 1: Go to billikenshop.com/textbooks
• Step 2: Enter your Banner/Student Number to get your course materials list, then choose the books and format you want to purchase and add them to your cart. 
• Step 3: Select a delivery method: Free ship to store or direct to you for an extra charge.
• Step 4: Select a payment type: Pay today or charge to your SLU student account. 
• Step 5: Complete your order! 
• Step 6: If you chose “ship to store,” wait for your “Ready for Pick Up” email and pick them up at the Billiken Shop.