We are excited to welcome you to Saint Louis University for the 2024 AJCU Arts and Sciences Deans Conference. The 2024 conference will be held Oct. 24-26. Sessions will be held on Saint Louis University's campus and Saturday’s session will convene at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel.
Schedule
- 11:30 a.m., Bus leaves Union Station Hilton Hotel for SLU's campus
- Noon - 12:45 p.m., Lunch and conference check-in for early attendees
- 1 p.m., Concurrent sessions:
“Belonging: Truly Walking With Each Other”
Belonging results from diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives and efforts. How do we foster a sense of belonging across our campuses and truly embrace those with different beliefs, experiences, and identities through radical hospitality?
“Generative Artificial Intelligence”
This session will explore the evolving impact of generative AI on higher education, discussing how AI-driven tools are reshaping teaching and learning. - 2:15 p.m., Concurrent sessions:
“Implications of the ‘Nones’”
Recent polling indicates that there is a precipitous rise in the religiously unaffiliated (“nones” and/or “dones”) in the U.S. This session will discuss shrinking religious affiliation in college-aged individuals and the implications on student engagement and preparedness for Catholic, Jesuit education.
“Faculty Matters: Workload and Evaluation”
This session is an opportunity to discuss institutional practices related to faculty workload and evaluation, including course releases for externally funded research, accounting for faculty effort in mentoring student research, and evaluation rubrics. - 3:30 p.m., Back to hotel
- 4:15 p.m., Conference check-in at hotel
- 4:45 p.m., Bus leaves Union Station Hilton Hotel for SLU's campus
- 5 p.m., Happy hour at Saint Louis University, Pere Marquette Gallery
- 6 p.m., Dinner at Saint Louis University, Sinquefield Stateroom
- 7 p.m., Alpha Sigma Nu on our campuses (Clara Dwyer, ASN executive director)
- 8 p.m., Return to hotel
- 8 a.m., Bus leaves Union Station Hilton Hotel for SLU's campus
- 8:30 a.m., Breakfast
- 9:15 a.m., "Saint Louis University Core Curriculum"
(see https://www.slu.edu/core/index.php)
In 2022, Saint Louis University launched its first University Undergraduate Core to prepare all SLU students to be intellectually flexible, creative and reflective critical thinkers. This session will explore that formation process and the goal of emphasizing the Catholic, Jesuit tradition. - 10:45 a.m., Core component concurrent sessions: (Choose one):
“Ignite Seminars/Collaborative Inquiry”
This initial and culminating two-part requirement introduces students to a passion for scholarship in the Jesuit tradition and asks them to collaboratively apply core knowledge to complex questions.
“Cura Personalis and Reflection-in-Action”
These requirements offer students grounding, guidance, and support as they join the University community, engage in vocational discernment, and plan a purpose-filled life in solidarity with others.
“Eloquentia Perfecta”
This four-part series of requirements develops eloquence in written, oral, and visual communication as central to action for the common good. - Noon - 1 p.m., Lunch
- 1 p.m., Panel: “The Work of the Dean and the Life of the Mind”
Does the life of the mind matter to our role as dean? If it does, in what ways? If it doesn’t, what does that say about our job, about the state of Jesuit education, about the direction of contemporary higher education? We tell students that the humanities and broader liberal arts not only have intrinsic worth but also will support them in work, life and civic engagement. Study of the liberal arts will help them flourish. This panel will facilitate a discussion on how deans can manifest these ideas, to lead by example. - 2:15 p.m., Concurrent sessions
“Managing Resources: Thinking Beyond Money”
Managing resources is more than just ensuring we spend to budget. It is also about effectively and efficiently considering the competing demands placed on faculty to be teacher-scholars and transformative mentors. This session will consider how each of us balances these demands within our units to ensure we not only continue to remain cost-effective but also fulfill the promises of a Jesuit education.
“Faculty Morale: Strategies for Deans in Challenging Academic Environments”
Navigating the complexities of faculty morale in today's academic landscape presents unique challenges for academic leaders. In this panel, deans will workshop strategies they have found effective at improving, fostering and sustaining morale among faculty and chairs amidst evolving institutional and social pressures.
“Politically Charged Issues: If, When, and How to Respond”
The dean’s office has the power to embody the Jesuit mission and the values of its institution while guiding departments and faculty. With the continual development of tense political and regional situations, when and how should the dean's office make political statements, if at all? - 3 p.m., Campus explorations: (choose one)
- Museum of Contemporary Religious Art/College Church (MOCRA)
- Saint Louis University Museum of Art (SLUMA)
- Pilgrim’s Path Walk
This mission-centered walking tour of SLU's Campus highlights several sites directly connected to the Jesuit legacy begun by St. Ignatius Loyola, a pilgrim for God. - Open Roundtable Ad-hoc Discussions
- 4:15 p.m., Return to hotel (Bus)
- 6 p.m., Pickup from hotel to dinner at the Missouri History Museum, with access to Gateway to Pride and 1904 World's Fair exhibits.
- 9 p.m., Bus return to hotel
- 10 - 10:45 a.m., Brunch at Union Station Hilton Hotel
- 10:45 - noon, Closing reflection and planning for the 2025 meeting
- Noon, Conference ends (explore St. Louis on your own!)
Conference Information
The conference rate is $550.
St. Louis Union Station Hotel by Hilton
Phone: 314-802- 3142
1820 Market Street
St. Louis, Mo 63103
Reserve Your Hotel Room at the Conference Rate
The conference rate expires after Sept. 29.
A St. Louis icon since 1894, the Union Station hotel retains the elegant archways and décor of its famous Grand Hall. We're within blocks of the City Museum and less than a mile from the heart of downtown. Enjoy the 3D light show, featuring dramatic flames and a 100-foot waterfall, plus access to our fitness center and seasonal outdoor pool.
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Transportation Options
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport is 14 miles from St. Louis Union Station Hotel.
MetroLink
Terminal 1 station is a light rail station on the Red Line of the St. Louis MetroLink system. This elevated station is connected to the eastern end of Terminal 1, near D Concourse, at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
Ride Apps
Ride app companies Lyft and Uber operate at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Reservations must be made online.
Ride App Pickup Zones
Terminal 1: Door 6 (Ticketing Level)
Terminal 2: Door 12
Taxi Information
Taxi Zones
Terminal 1: Door 14 to Garage Yellow Level
Terminal 2: Door 12
Weather
Plan on business casual attire. Please consult local weather the week of your travel. The program will include short walks around campus and off-site excursions, so comfortable shoes and appropriate outerwear are recommended.