SLU Announces First-Ever Staff-Faculty Day of Service

In the spirit of “setting the world on fire,” staff and faculty members at Saint Louis University will have a chance to serve and celebrate this October through a new volunteer effort, a service half-day in the lead up to the University’s traditional staff celebration, Cannonball Picnic.

The new service day will take place the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 22. Staff and faculty participants will be expected to spend four hours that day volunteering.

A talk by SLU alumnus John O’Leary and the Cannonball Picnic will follow on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

“I am looking forward to continuing the momentum of the food trucks over the summer into the fall semester with additional community events," said Michael Luna, vice president of Human Resources. "I appreciate the collective effort of all those involved to help make SLU a great place to work."

Participation in the service activity is voluntary and will also be determined based on departmental protocols and on supervisor approval. Staff and faculty members who participate will be paid as usual and will not deduct their service time from their individual leave balances. In this, the pilot year of the program, the service event is only open to University staff and faculty. Unfortunately, due to clinical commitments, SLUCare staff will not be able to participate this year.

"I’m so happy this day has been organized and I'm grateful for those who have done the organizing," said Christopher Collins, S.J., assistant to the president of mission and identity. "To be able to set aside a day like this so that we can go out of ourselves as a community into the broader community will be a spark for new energy and gratitude among us."

Those participating in the service activity are encouraged to dress casually and appropriately for their service activity. SLU blue attire is highly encouraged.

Divisions are encouraged to identify their own sites to serve or can request an assignment from the Center for Community Service and Engagement through Monday, Sept. 10. Opportunities to serve on-campus will also be available at the Busch Student Center and in the multipurpose room at Doisy College of Health Sciences.

"This planned day of service is an outstanding opportunity for Saint Louis University to display one of our best assets; the power and influence of our community working together to serve others," said Peter Garvin, a public safety officer and past-chair of the Staff Advisory Committee. 

In order to participate, departments and divisions must designate a contact person to make arrangements for the entire unit and to register their group. Individual registrations are not possible at this time. Registration can be completed online. 

Although a formal meal will not be provided, participating units are encouraged to coordinate sack lunches, potlucks and other team-bonding time prior to their departure for the service site that afternoon. To support this as a team building event, a group guide will be forthcoming with guidance on activities to facilitate a successful experience.

Transportation to the service site is the responsibility of each participating division or department. Carpooling is encouraged.

The service activity is one of several community events held over fall break including the John O’Leary event and the Cannonball picnic. Watch Newslink for more updates.

For more information, contact Bobby Wassel at bobby.wassel@slu.edu.