2024-2025 Academic Catalog

The Saint Louis University Academic Catalog is for informational purposes and does not constitute a contract. Although the academic catalog was prepared with the latest information available at the time of publication, the statements concerning fees, courses, admission and graduation requirements, general regulations and curricula are subject to change. Please refer to your college, school, center or program handbook or website for additional information, policies and procedures of your program.  

The programs of Saint Louis University are open to all without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status. All University policies, practices and procedures are administered in a manner consistent with the University's Catholic and Jesuit identity. Programs and activities located in facilities not easily accessible to disabled persons will be made accessible through relocation or other means upon request. For general information, call 314-977-2222. The 504 and ADA coordinator, the University’s affirmative action officer, is located in room 36 of DuBourg Hall and can be reached at 314-977-3838. 

History

Saint Louis University, a private university under Catholic and Jesuit auspices, traces its history to the foundation of the Saint Louis Academy by Louis William DuBourg, Bishop of Louisiana, in 1818. At Bishop DuBourg’s request, the Society of Jesus assumed the direction of the school in 1827. This small Jesuit college received its charter as Saint Louis University in 1832, becoming the first university established west of the Mississippi River. The University settled at its present site on Grand Boulevard in 1888. 

Saint Louis University has two campuses: the St. Louis, Missouri, campus and the Madrid, Spain, campus. The St. Louis campus is physically divided into the north campus, located in the Grand Boulevard Midtown area; the south campus, located one mile to the south; and SLU School of Law, located in downtown St. Louis near civil, criminal and appellate courts. 

Saint Louis University is classified as a Research University: High Research Activity by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University enrolls more than 15,000 full- and part-time students, including a significant number from countries around the world.

The University is presently composed of the following colleges, schools and centers offering post-baccalaureate programs:

• College of Arts and Sciences (established in 1818)
• School of Medicine (1836)
• School of Law (1843)
• College of Philosophy and Letters (1899)
• Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business (1910)
• Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing (1928)
• School of Social Work (1930)
• Madrid, Spain, campus (1967)
• Doisy College of Health Sciences (1979)
• College for Public Health and Social Justice (1991)
• Center for Advanced Dental Education (1994)
• School for Professional Studies (1996)
• School of Education (1998)
• School of Science and Engineering (2022)

Mission

The mission of Saint Louis University is the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity. 

The University seeks excellence in the fulfillment of its corporate purposes of teaching, research, health care and service to the community. It is dedicated to leadership in the continuing quest for understanding of God's creation and for the discovery, dissemination and integration of the values, knowledge and skills required to transform society in the spirit of the Gospels. As a Catholic, Jesuit university, this pursuit is motivated by the inspiration and values of the Judeo-Christian tradition and is guided by the spiritual and intellectual ideals of the Society of Jesus.

In support of its mission, the University:

• Encourages and supports innovative scholarship and effective teaching in all fields of the arts; the humanities; the natural, health and medical sciences; the social sciences; the law; business; aviation; and technology.
• Creates an academic environment that values and promotes free, active and original intellectual inquiry among its faculty and students.
• Fosters programs that link University resources to local, national and international communities in collaborative efforts to alleviate ignorance, poverty, injustice and hunger; extend compassionate care to the ill and needy; and maintain and improve the quality of life for all persons.
• Strives continuously to seek means to build upon its Catholic, Jesuit identity and to promote activities that apply its intellectual and ethical heritage to work for the good of society as a whole.
• Welcomes students, faculty and staff from all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds and beliefs, and creates a sense of community that facilitates their development as men and women for others.
• Nurtures within its community an understanding of and commitment to the promotion of faith and justice in the spirit of the Gospels.
• Wisely allocates its resources to maintain efficiency and effectiveness in attaining its mission and goals.

Accreditation

Saint Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has been continuously accredited since 1916. Inquiries on accreditation may be made to the:

Higher Learning Commission 
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411
800-621-7440

Some colleges, schools and programs receive individual accreditation from professional disciplinary associations.

In 1967, Saint Louis University became the first major Catholic university in the United States to give lay and clergy people combined legal responsibility for institutional policy as members of its board of trustees. Today, the board is the principal governing authority for the University, charged with fiduciary responsibility and with preserving and enhancing SLU’s Jesuit mission. 

Members of SLU's board of trustees are elected to three­-year terms and may stand for re­-election for two additional three­-year terms. Trustees are volunteers and are not compensated for their service.

The board meets four times a year and has a number of standing committees that include faculty, staff and student representatives.

University President Fred P. Pestello serves as an ex-­officio voting member of the board. Vice President and General Counsel Danielle Uy is board secretary. 

Trustee Emeriti

SLU also has trustee emeriti, former trustees who do not make motions, vote or hold office, but are entitled to all other privileges of board members.

Current trustee emeriti are: J. Joe Adorjan, John Alberici, Barry Beracha, Thomas H. Brouster Sr., Aloys H. Litteken, Nancy Siwak and Francis A. Stroble.

Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., became the 33rd president and chief executive officer of Saint Louis University in 2014. He is the first permanent lay president of Saint Louis University since its founding in 1818. 

President’s Cabinet

The president has a cabinet composed of senior administrators who report directly to him and who advise him on important University matters. Members of the cabinet also work closely with trustees, deans and other vice presidents to advance SLU’s strategic priorities. 

University Leadership Council

The University Leadership Council is responsible for reviewing and approving all University policies and providing input on other important University matters. The group is composed of senior administrators, academic deans, and the leaders of the Faculty Senate, Staff Advisory Committee and Student Government Association.

Office of the Provost

Michael Lewis, Ph.D.
Provost
The Office of the Provost provides leadership for SLU’s academic enterprise, including all colleges, schools, degree­-granting centers and libraries. The office promotes faculty excellence and advances student learning and outcomes. The office also fosters collaboration across academic disciplines and fields of knowledge to address pressing challenges.

Business and Finance 

David F. Heimburger 
Vice president and chief financial officer
The Division of Business and Finance is charged with the careful stewardship of Saint Louis University’s financial resources, including SLU’s $1.52 billion endowment. The division provides a wide array of financial services to the University’s academic units and administrative divisions. It also directs parking, purchasing, real estate and travel, among other areas.

Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement

Rochelle Smith
Vice president of diversity and innovative community engagement 
The Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement helps SLU forge stronger bonds of common human purpose and shared values across the distinctions of race, class, gender, sexual identity and faith. The division’s areas of responsibility include SLU's Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship, the Center for Social Action, the Center for Global Citizenship, a Diversity Speaker Series and the annual MLK memorial tribute. The division also oversees our fulfillment of the Clock Tower Accords, which commit us to actively strengthening diversity, inclusion and equity on our campuses.  

Enrollment Management 

Robert Reddy
Interim vice president for enrollment management 
SLU’s Division of Enrollment and Retention Management works to recruit and retain the highest caliber of talented and diverse students. Admissions, financial aid and class registration are just a few areas the division oversees. It also administers services tailored to support the University’s low­-income, first-­generation, military and international students.

Fundraising and Alumni Engagement

Sheila M. Manion
Vice president of development 
The Division of Development supports the University’s strategic priorities by garnering philanthropic support for student scholarships, teaching positions, capital projects, academic initiatives and more. In addition, the division seeks to engage alumni in the life of the University through a wide range of programs and events.

Facilities

Michael A. Lucido
Vice president of facilities
The Division of Facilities Services is responsible for planning, building, maintaining and enhancing SLU’s 270­-acre, 130­-building campus in midtown St. Louis and the School of Law building in downtown St. Louis. The division’s staff members coordinate construction, grounds, custodial services, maintenance, sustainability and transportation. 

Human Resources

Mickey J. Luna
Vice president of human resources
The Division of Human Resources at SLU is committed to ensuring that the University is an outstanding workplace. Overseeing hiring, compensation, benefits and personnel matters, the division also offers learning and development programs designed to expand employees’ skills and further their leadership abilities.

Information Technology

Kyle Collins
Vice president and chief information officer 
The Division of Information Technology is the primary provider of SLU computing resources, services and support. In addition to software, hardware, wireless networks and information security, the division works with colleges, schools and administrative units to implement practical solutions for complex technology needs.

Legal Affairs

Danielle Uy, J.D.
Vice president and general counsel
The Office of the General Counsel is the principal representative for legal matters involving SLU. Managing all litigation in which the University is a party, the office also reviews contracts and leases and assists with audits and compliance matters. Additionally, the office serves as the primary liaison between the University and state and federal elected officials.

Marketing and Communications

Anita Borgmeyer
Vice president of marketing and communications 
The Division of Marketing and Communications is the central unit managing the Saint Louis University brand. The division provides internal clients with various content, design and consultation services. 

Mission and Identity

David Suwalsky, S.J. 
Vice president for mission and identity  
The Division of Mission and Identity ensures that the principles and traditions of Catholic, Jesuit higher education and the mission and core values of SLU are integrated into operations, structures, programs and practices, and the formation of its students, faculty, staff, administration and board members. To further its goals, the division sponsors several programs, on and off campus, each dedicated to the intellectual and spiritual growth of the participants, and all in the Jesuit tradition.

Research

Kenneth A. Olliff
Vice president for research and partnerships
The Office of the Vice President for Research furthers the success of SLU’s groundbreaking researchers by supporting them through every stage of the process, from seeking grant funding to finding commercial applications for their novel ideas. The office also ensures that all research conducted at the University meets the highest possible ethical and safety standards.

Student Development

Sarah Cunningham, Ed.D.
Vice president of student development
The Division of Student Development ensures that every student at SLU receives a holistic experience in the Jesuit tradition. Its many programs range from residential living to the Department of Public Safety, and it is home to the Dean of Students Office. Nationally recognized for its commitment to diversity, the division also empowers students to become global citizens who strive for a better world.