SLU 101 summer orientation isn’t just for students. Parents and families are encouraged
to attend as well.
SLU 101 includes a full schedule for parents and families of new SLU students, but
there's also time to relax and enjoy the beautiful campus.
We offer a complete schedule of sessions specifically for family members to help you
become more familiar with campus and to cover transition topics specifically designed
for parents/families. Session topics include scholarships and financial aid, student
health, campus safety, academic advising, student services and transition issues.
While you might consider returning to campus in August for Fall Welcome to help your student move on campus, SLU 101 is the event where parents and families
receive the most information about SLU and are able to interact with our faculty,
staff and students. It is helpful to have a parent or family member attend with the
student because SLU 101 programming includes a student track and a family track, with
different schedules.
Guest Accommodations
SLU 101 guests are responsible for their own overnight accommodations. Guests are
not allowed to stay with their students in the residence halls during SLU 101.
Saint Louis University is located in a thriving urban area filled with hotel accommodations
just minutes away from campus, many of which offer discounted rates for Saint Louis
University visitors. Please note that rates are subject to change and based on availability.
Hotels Near SLU
Visitor Parking
Campus Maps
Sample Parent and Family Schedule
Day One
- 8 a.m.
Check-in student at Grand residence hall and then check-in at Busch Student Center
- 9 a.m.
SLU 101 Welcome
- 9:30 a.m.
Overview of the SLU 101 Program
- 10 a.m.
SLU and You!
- 10:25 a.m.
Student Financial Services
- 11:15 a.m.
Academic Program Information Sessions
- 12 p.m.
Lunch
- 1:20 p.m.
Residential Life and Dining or Commuter Life
- 2:05 p.m.
Information Technology Services Overview
- 2:25 p.m.
Campus Safety and Community Standards
- 3 p.m.
Stop, Pause and Ask! (mini-panel)
- 4:10 p.m.
Pick Your Session (variety of short presentations to choose from)
- 4:40 p.m.
Title IX Session
- 4:45 p.m.
Campus Tour
- 5 p.m.
Family Reception
- 6 p.m.
Mission Dinner
Day Two
- 9 a.m.
Semester at a Glance in the Life of a SLU Student (short performance)
- 9:35 a.m.
Student Health and Counseling
- 10:05 a.m.
Student Panel
- 11:15 a.m.
The End is the Beginning: What's Next?
- 12:15 p.m.
Lunch and Campus Resource Fair
- 1:30 p.m.
Residence Hall Sample Room Tours
- By 4 p.m.
Check-out
Orientation Tips
Prepare Questions
Think about what you want to know, not just what you should find out. Consider what
you want to learn prior to your student's return to campus in August. Also think about what
information may help you throughout their time at SLU. Thinking ahead will help you determine what's truly important to you and your student.
Listen and Take Notes
Jot some notes as various presenters share information — make note of websites where
the info resides online. Once you return home, you can read through your notes. It's
easy to say, "I'll remember that point or that contact info," yet the sheer volume
of information you are offered during summer orientation makes remembering everything
from memory very difficult. Use your cellphone to take pictures of important slides
in presentations — sometimes a visual can help in recalling what you learned.
Get to Know Other Parents and Families
SLU 101 is an excellent time to mix and mingle with others who are going through the
same thing that you are. Develop informal support structures and compare notes with
other parents and family members.
Give Your Student Some Space
This is their first full campus experience as a SLU student so it's important that
they learn to navigate on their own. Give them space to meet people, to ask questions
and take charge of their college life. Empowering them to be their own self-advocate
will help build their confidence for their return in the fall.
Self-Care
Drink water, stay cool and pace yourself. Take breaks when you need them during the
presentations. Remember that the facilities are air-conditioned and to wear layers
to help you remain comfortable inside buildings that may feel hyper-cool due to the
high air conditioning during the summer months.
Create a Reflection Checklist
Take notes of things you learn during SLU 101 so you can discuss these items with
your student once you return home. What do you want to discuss with them before they return to campus in August? What family expectations may you have of them? Allow your student to share with you
their personal goals they have for college. Listen to what they learned during SLU
101. Discuss how they can be responsible for managing problems as they occur in college
by knowing the resources and services available for them at SLU.
