Skip to main content

Common SLU Terms

Welcome to the World of SLU Lingo

Starting your journey at Saint Louis University comes with a lot of excitement — and maybe a few new words to learn. From your first SLU 101 session to your first day on campus, you’ll hear plenty of abbreviations, program names, and phrases that are part of everyday Billiken life.

This page is your quick guide to understanding what they all mean!

You’ll find everything from ATC (Academic Technology Commons) and BSC (Busch Student Center) to Flex Points, Billiken Bucks, and BAD (Billikens After Dark). Each term links to the office or program it represents, so you can easily explore more when you’re ready.vLearning this lingo helps you feel connected to campus faster — you’ll know where to grab a bite with your Flex Points, where to go for tech help, and who to call if you need support.

So take a few minutes to scroll through, bookmark your favorites, and start getting familiar with the people, places, and programs that make SLU a community like no other. Welcome home, Billiken! 💙

ATC
The ATC refers to the Academic Technology Commons located in the Pius XII Memorial Library.
BAD
The Billikens after Dark program provides late night, alcohol-free alternative programming at SLU. Past events have included pop culture trivia nights, dances and glow-in-the-dark volleyball.
Billiken Bucks
This is a debit account plan. The funds deposited can be used for purchases at the Instructional Media Center or the campus bookstore, copying and printing at the libraries, Information Technology Services software sales and all DineSLU locations.
BSC
The Busch Student Center is the home to many offices, eateries and study spaces. The campus bookstore, Student Success Center, Dean of Students Office, Events Services, Student Involvement Center and Student Government Association Office are all located there.
CA
Commuter assistants are upperclassman students who work with freshman commuter students throughout their first year at SLU.
CCCGC
The Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship provides co-curricular and educational experiences that engage the SLU community by broadening knowledge of diversity, multiculturalism and social justice.
CGC
The Center for Global Citizenship aims to promote collaboration across the University to educate and engage the SLU community in global awareness, responsibility and participation. The CGC is located on the West Pine Mall and can be recognized by the international flags displayed on its exterior.
DPS
The Department of Public Safety provides a safe campus for SLU students, faculty, staff and visitors. DPS is staffed with well-trained and dedicated officers who patrol the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ensures that, in general, rights belong to the student rather than the parent or guardian. You can learn more about FERPA and third-party access to academic records at SLU through the Office of the University Registrar.
Flex Points
These come from DineSLU meal plans and can be used to purchase food at on-campus eateries such as Qdoba Mexican Grill, Subway and other dining locations on campus. You can also use your Flex Dollars at SLU's on-campus Starbucks.
FYE
The First-Year Experience initiative facilitates students' transition to SLU from high school or another college/university. FYE begins the process of engaging students in the University mission and the SLU experience.
GIC
Great Issues Committee: This group brings speakers to campus and strives to stimulate insightful, provocative debate on current issues that will inform and educate.
Greek Life or FSL
This refers to SLU students who are involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) and members of a social, values-based fraternity or sorority on campus.
ITS
Information Technology Services is the primary provider of technology support and services at Saint Louis University.
Lecture Halls
The Baer-Fuller, Kelley and Lee auditoriums are located just west of the Busch Student Center and are situated underground beneath a glass enclosed pavilion.
LC
A Learning Community houses a group of students on one or more floors of a residence hall with an academic unit tie or a common interest such as faith and service. They all share the common goal of creating intentional educational environments that bring educators and students together to enhance student learning. All LCs are open to first-year students and offer a variety of special features or programs such as study groups, associated courses and resources.
Mission
SLU’s mission is the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity. See the full mission.
Provost
The provost is the senior academic officer at Saint Louis University. The Office of the Provost is responsible for the oversight of all academic, research, scholarship and enrollment management services.
RA
Resident advisors are upperclassmen who provide immediate support and guidance for students in the residence halls and apartments. RAs can assist with many areas, including personal development, community building, programming, academic support and referrals to campus resources.
The Rec
Simon Recreation Center is the main recreation facility on campus, located between the Griesedieck Complex and the CGC. The Rec offers workout spaces and fitness classes.
Registrar
The Office of the Registrar is responsible for course registration, changes of course registration, the online update and production of the schedule of classes, maintenance of academic records and transcripts, enrollment verifications, graduation, academic room scheduling, criminal background checks, external testing services, academic catalogs, and the academic calendar.
RHA
The Residence Hall Association is a student-run and led organization comprised of representatives from each residence hall that provides programming throughout the year. There are many leadership opportunities for students through Housing and Residence Life.
RHC
Residence Hall Coordinators are professional staff members who live in the residence halls. They supervise student staff and oversee community building and the administrative aspects of their building.
SAB
The Student Activities Board provides special event programming and entertainment to Saint Louis University. Events include entertainers, concerts and other programming.
SGA
The Student Government Association oversees the chartering and funding of all of the student organizations on campus and serves as the voice of the student body to the University.
SIC
The Student Involvement Center, located in the Busch Student Center, is committed to creating educational experiences that engage students through their campus involvement, leadership development and college transitions. It organizes events, oversees more than 215 student organizations, fraternities and sororities, and offers plenty of servant leadership opportunities.
SLUruba
Simon Recreation Center's outdoor pool outdoor swimming facility and sand volleyball court.