The AJCU Arts and Sciences Deans Conference

• 11:15 a.m.: Bus leaves Union Station Hilton Hotel for SLU's campus
• Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Early check-in and lunch at SLU, Morrissey Hall
• 1 p.m.:  Concurrent sessions (choose one):
  
  • “Belonging: Truly Walking With Each Other” 
    • Host: Associate Dean Katrina Moore, Saint Louis University 
    • Presenters:
      • Associate Dean Katrina Moore, Saint Louis University 
      • Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement Katie Heiden-Rootes, Saint Louis University 
    • Morrissey Room 3810
      
      Belonging is an outcome of 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”
    • Host: Associate Dean Dan Kozlowski, Saint Louis University 
    • Presenters: 
      • Dean Leonard Kahn, Loyola University New Orleans 
      • Assistant Dean Paul Buehler, Loyola University New Orleans 
      • Associate Dean Tim Welsh, Loyola University New Orleans 
    • Morrissey Room 3800 
      
      This session will explore the impact of generative AI on higher education, with a focus on its relevance to AJCUs. We will discuss Loyola New Orleans' university-level AI policy as well as our experience with some of the opportunities and threats that are posed by generative AI. We will explore what we think to be an area of comparative for our university (and perhaps yours as well): a focus on the responsible use of generative AI. 
• 2 p.m.: Break, Morrissey third floor
• 2:15 p.m.:  Concurrent sessions (choose one):
  
  • “Implications of the ‘Nones’” 
    • Host: Associate Dean Gary Barker, Saint Louis University
    • Presenters: 
      • Associate Dean Gary Barker, Saint Louis University 
      • Rachel Lindsey, director of the Center on Lived Religion, Saint Louis University
    • Morrissey 3810 
      
      Recent data indicates that there is a precipitous rise in the religiously unaffiliated (“nones” and/or “dones”) in the U.S. Drawing upon national surveys, including the 2023-24 Lilly Student Spiritual and Development Survey, this session will discuss shrinking religious affiliation in college-aged individuals and the implications on student engagement and preparedness for the Catholic, Jesuit education. 
  • “Faculty Matters: Workload”
    
    • Host: Associate Dean Dan Kozlowski, Saint Louis University 
    • Presenters: 
      • Dean Donna LaVoie, Saint Louis University 
      • Associate Dean Laurie Russell, Saint Louis University 
    • Morrissey 3800 
      
      This session is an opportunity to discuss institutional practices related to faculty workload, including course releases or other release time for externally funded research, accounting for faculty effort in mentoring students and student research, and teaching.
• 3:30 p.m.: Return to Union Station Hilton Hotel
• 4:45 p.m.: Bus leaves Union Station Hilton Hotel for SLU campus
• 5 p.m.: Happy hour at Saint Louis University, Pere Marquette Gallery, DuBourg Hall second floor
• 6 p.m.: Dinner at Saint Louis University, Sinquefield Stateroom, DuBourg Hall fourth floor
• 7 p.m.: Alpha Sigma Nu on our campuses (Clara Dwyer, ASN executive director)
• 8 p.m.: Return to Union Station Hilton Hotel

• 8 a.m.: Bus leaves Union Station Hilton Hotel for SLU campus
• 8:30 a.m.: Breakfast at Saint Louis University, Morrissey Hall second floor
• 9:15 a.m.: "Saint Louis University Core Curriculum"
  • Host: Dean Donna LaVoie, Saint Louis University 
  • Presenters:  
    • Ellen Crowell, director of the Undergraduate Core, Saint Louis University 
    • Liz Burke, assistant director of the Undergraduate Core, Saint Louis University
  • Morrissey 3400 
    
    In 2022, Saint Louis University launched its first University Undergraduate Core with the intent 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. 
• 10:30 a.m.: Break, Morrissey third floor
• 10:45 a.m.: Core component concurrent sessions (choose one):
  • “Ignite Seminars/Collaborative Inquiry” 
    • Host: Associate Dean Dan Kozlowski, Saint Louis University 
    • Presenters: 
      • Ellen Crowell, director of the Undergraduate Core, Saint Louis University
      • Paul Lynch, associate professor of English, Saint Louis University
    • Morrissey 3400 
      
      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” 
    • Host: Associate Dean Jen Popiel, Saint Louis University 
    • Presenters:   
      • Bobby Wassell, associate core director of cura personalis/reflection-in-action and director of the Center for Social Action, Saint Louis University  
      • Liz Burke, assistant director of the Undergraduate Core, Saint Louis University 
    • Morrissey 3800 
      
      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” 
    • Host: Associate Dean Gary Barker, Saint Louis University 
    • Presenters: 
      • Nathaniel Rivers, associate core director of eloquentia perfecta 
      • Amy Bautz, professor of studio art, Saint Louis University
      • Allen Brizee, director of writing across the curriculum, Saint Louis University
      • Tim Huffman, chair of the Department of Communication, Saint Louis University
    • Morrissey 3810 
      
      This four-part series of requirements develops eloquence in written, oral, and visual communication as central to action for the common good. 
• 12 p.m.: Lunch, Morrissey second floor
• 1 p.m.: Panel: “The Work of the Dean and the Life of the Mind” 
  • Host: Dean Donna LaVoie, Saint Louis University 
  • Presenters: 
    • Dean Donna LaVoie, Saint Louis University 
    • Dean Heidi Bostic, Marquette University 
    • Dean Daniel Press, Santa Clara University 
    • Associate Dean Brad Stone, Loyola Marymount University 
  • Morrissey 3400 
    
    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, and that the study of the liberal arts will help them flourish. This panel will facilitate a discussion on how we as deans can manifest these ideas, to lead by example.  
• 2 p.m.: Break, Morrissey third floor
• 2:15 p.m.: Concurrent sessions (choose one):
  
  • “Managing Resources: Evaluating and Adjusting Faculty Work” 
    • Host: Dean Donna LaVoie, Saint Louis University 
    • Presenters:   
      • Dean Donna LaVoie, Saint Louis University 
      • Associate Dean Matthew Mulcahy, Loyola University Maryland
    • Morrissey 3400  
      
      Managing resources is more than just ensuring we stick to a budget. It is also about effectively and efficiently considering the competing demands placed on faculty to be teacher-scholars and transformative mentors. Importantly, how this work is evaluated matters. This session will provide an opportunity to consider how each of us balances and evaluates faculty workload to ensure effective utilization of faculty time, but also to fulfill the promises of a Jesuit education. 
  • “Faculty Morale: Strategies for Deans in Challenging Academic Environments” 
    • Host: Associate Dean Dan Kozlowski, Saint Louis University 
    • Presenter: 
      • Associate Dean Osasere Evbuomwan, University of San Francisco 
    • Morrissey 3810 
      
      Navigating the complexities of faculty morale in today's academic landscape presents unique challenges for academic leaders. This panel offers an opportunity for deans to workshop strategies that they have found to be 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” 
    • Host: Associate Dean Katrina Moore, Saint Louis University 
    • Presenter:
      • Associate Dean Eliza Rodriguez, Loyola Marymount University
    • Morrissey 3800 
      
      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 Union Station Hilton Hotel 
• 6 p.m.: Bus leaves Union Station Hilton Hotel for the Missouri History Museum
• 6:30 p.m.: Happy hour and dinner, Missouri History Museum [with access to Gateway to Pride and 1904 World's Fair exhibits]
• 9 p.m.: Return to Union Station Hilton Hotel

• 10 a.m.: Brunch at Union Station Hilton Hotel, New York Central room.
  **11 a.m.: Hotel checkout (luggage may be stored at front desk or brought to brunch) 
• 10:45 a.m.: Closing reflection and planning for the 2025 Meeting, room Frisco/Burlington 
• Noon: Conference ends (Explore St. Louis on your own!)

The conference rate is $550.

Register for the Conference

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. The hotel is 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.

• Ballpark Village
• City Museum
• Fox Theatre (Cirque du Soleil Songblazers, Oct. 23-26)
• Gateway Arch
• Kiener Plaza
• Missouri History Museum
• St. Louis Aquarium
• Saint Louis Art Museum
• Saint Louis Science Center
• St. Louis Union Station
• Saint Louis Zoo
• Top Golf