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Billiken Bulletin Newsletter

This is the most recent 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 October, Billiken Families!

It’s hard to believe how quickly the semester is flying by. By now, your student is likely becoming more familiar with life at SLU — adjusting to classes, building friendships, and exploring their new home away from home. Still, mid-semester can bring a mix of excitement and challenges. As midterms approach and routines settle in, some students may begin to feel a bit homesick, and we know you might be feeling their absence as well.

In this issue, we’re focusing on the ways SLU builds community — not just for students, but for families, too. We’ll highlight intentional resources designed to support your students’ growth and well-being, as well as help you stay connected and informed. It's important to remember that feelings of uncertainty are normal and that your student is not alone. Our support systems are here to guide them. Also, as midterms get closer, please encourage them to use the office of academic and tutoring services.

We’re also excited to share more about SLU’s Mission and Identity, with a deeper look into our Pedagogical Paradigm: Context, Experience, Reflection, Action. This unique approach shapes not only the way we teach and also how we help students grow as whole persons.

As always, thank you for being an important part of the SLU community!

Make sure you are also a part of our social media pages:  

Homesickness: More Than Missing Home

Leaving home…

Some for the first time, some the farthest they’ve ever been. When we leave a place, even if we’ve chosen to go, grief sits at the heart. A separation, even temporary, marks the beginning of a new chapter. New people, new places, new responsibilities, and new anxieties. College Students are no different. They’ve had to leave everything they’ve known, the places they can drive to without thinking, the foods they love from their favorite restaurants and the home that has raised them. A feeling more complex than simply missing something. It’s often a deep longing, leading to uncertainty, isolation and feelings of inadequacy. So how can parents, guardians and loved ones show up? How can you help support the grief of being away?

  1. Let them be homesick
    • Let your student grieve and vent, then validate their feelings. Being homesick is common and makes sense! They’ve been in one place for most of their lives, and mostly with you. Validate the emotions they bring up. (The Power of Emotional Validation)
  2. Send them care packages
    • Fill a care package with items your student  can only get back home. Send them something they left in their room – a picture, a favorite pen. Send them something you’ve held onto that you want to share with them now, something they can carry with them, or send them a box of their favorite treats! (Pre Made Snack Packages)

3. Give them space to be independent

While your student is used to having you, they are also here to build the skills and figure out life in their own way and time. Checking in is great, but hovering can cause your student extra stress, leaving them with a sense of responsibility to manage your emotional worries or anxieties. Let them come to you! (What is Lawn Mower Parenting?)

4. Encourage on-campus involvement

We can’t fight isolation in isolation. Being with others can provide immeasurable support and remind us that we are not alone in our feelings. Not sure how to help your student get involved? Check out the SLU student involvement page! (Get Involved!)

5. Connect them to resources

Being in college means having access to an abundance of resources right on campus. When your student calls or texts in distress, being prepared with practical solutions on where to go or who to speak to can eliminate feelings of uncertainty and overwhelm. (On Campus Resources)

The Billiken Family Network

Billiken Families, the Office of Parent and Family Engagement is excited to share an important update with you. The Billiken Parent and Family Association is now being rebranded to the Billiken Family Network. The name and mission will be reflected in all of our communications and social media outlets. Our goal is to create a consistent, inclusive identity that amplifies our mission: to strengthen connections between Billiken families and the University through meaningful engagement, open communication, and regional involvement.

The Billiken Family Network reflects the inclusive, nationwide community that every Billiken family is a part of. You can also join one of our Regional Networks across the country to stay even more connected. Learn more here

Thank you for being an essential part of the Billiken community. We look forward to continuing to support you and your student! If you are interested in engaging with other Billiken Families within your region, please visit our Billiken Family Network 

 

Coming Soon: A New Platform to Engage Our Billiken Families  

Coming soon: The SLU Parent and Family Experience

We are excited to launch a new resource designed to keep SLU families connected and informed throughout your student's journey: from orientation to graduation. 

Email invitations will be sent this month, be on the lookout!

SLU Family of 3 smiling, Coming Soon: The SLU Parent and Family Experience. Get ready to personalize your SLU family and supporter experience. The SLU Parent and Family Experience is designed to provide the information you need, when you need it. This resource will help Saint Louis University families and supporters stay engaged and focused on what matters most: your student's success from orientation to graduation. Be on the lookout for an email invite in October!

The Billikens are 7th in the NCAA for total attendance so far this season

Did you know? Ranked on the field and in the stands. The Billikens are 7th in the NCAA for total attendance so far this season.

It’s not too late to get your Season Tickets to see our Billiken Athletes

Important Academic Calendar Dates

Oct. 1: 2026-2027 FAFSA will be open

Oct. 7: What’s the Scoop at SLU? Housing and Residence Life @ 6 p.m. CST

Oct.r 13: What’s the Scoop at SLU? Living and Feeling Well at SLU @ 6 p.m. CST. For more information, please visit our schedule.

Oct. 13-17: Fall mid-term exams (Monday-Friday)

Oct. 23-24: Fall Break

Key Housing Dates

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
Spring housing contracts open at 10 a.m. Spring housing contracts are available only to students who currently do not live on campus and wish to join the on-campus community for the spring semester. Fall housing contracts are for both the fall and spring semesters. 

Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 –Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Open Room Change (Session 1) Transition Period: Students who request a new room within the Open Room Change Process will move to their new assignment during this time.

Ongoing Counseling Center Resources Programs

Drop-In Counseling: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

SPEED Friending: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. Location: Spring Hall (Multipurpose Room) 6-8 p.m. 

Dinner with Friends You Haven't Met Yet: Oct. 13 (must register with UCC)

Rise & Restore: Yoga & Mindfulness Group for Survivors of Sexual Violence: Oct. 10 and 29 (must register with UCC)

What's Your Style? Attachment Styles Presentation: Anxious Attachment: Oct. 8,  5  Busch Student Center 254

Mindfulness Matters: Oct. 8 and 22,  Center for Global Citizenship Multipurpose Room

Learn More About the Counseling Center