Letter from Vice President

Dear Billikens,

Welcome back to campus! It is my great honor to extend a warm welcome to each of you as we embark on another exciting academic year. Whether you are returning to continue your studies or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of our community.
 
This Student Handbook offers you a guide to the important policies and information that will help you navigate your way here at SLU. It also includes the University’s Community Standards, or code of conduct, which highlights your rights and responsibilities as a SLU student.
 
The year ahead promises to be filled with opportunities for academic achievement, personal development, and meaningful connections. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the athletic field or court, in your personal relationships with one another, or in the jobs, internships, and other commitments you’ll make this year – I encourage you to pursue excellence in all things.
 
It will not be easy. Doing great things rarely is.
 
I encourage you to take full advantage of the resources available to you—attend lectures, participate in research projects, join clubs, and engage with one another, and the community. Challenge yourself by trying something new.
 
Begin this new year by developing those habits that will serve you well in whatever endeavor you chose to pursue. This could be setting aside time for yourself, getting more sleep, making good nutritional choices, exploring a topic you are curious about, and surrounding yourself with friends and others in your life who will lift you up. Remember to lift up others, too.
 
Most of all, I hope you are each able to find space to slow down the pace of life. It can feel crazy, wild, and downright out of control on some days. Savor a rainstorm, take a walk, cherish the small things. When you’re traveling from one thing to another on campus, take a minute to think about something that brightened your day. Laugh when you can and do it as often as possible.
 
These experiences will enrich your time here and help you develop skills that will serve you well beyond your years at SLU.
 
And, as a surprise to no one, this is also an election year. Whatever candidates and issues are important to you, I encourage you to vote. Inform yourself, to the best of your ability, on the issues, seek accurate sources of information, and respect others’ rights to think and vote differently than you. Thinking independently is part of the many marvels of being human.
 
As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of college life, together we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we have continued to implement measures to ensure that our campus is a safe and welcoming place for all. Should you need any assistance, our staff are always here to help.
 
I am confident that this academic year will be a rewarding and transformative one for all of us. Once again, welcome back. You have my sincerest wishes for all the best this year, and in the years to come.

Sincerely,
Matt
 
Matthew T. Goodwin, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President for Student Development
Saint Louis University