Saint Louis University Madrid Campus
 | |
| Motto |
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam "For the greater glory of God" |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1818 (U.S.); 1967 (Madrid) |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic (Jesuit) |
| Director | Paul Vita, Ph.D. |
Academic staff | 110 (75% holding terminal degrees) |
| Students | 675 students who come from the United States (40%), Spain (25%), and over 65 other countries (35%). Male: 40% / Female: 60% |
| Location | Madrid, Spain |
| Colors | Blue and White |
| Mascot | Billikens |
| Website | http://www.slu.edu/madrid |
 | |
Saint Louis University Madrid Campus is the Spanish branch of Saint Louis University, an American Jesuit university founded in 1818. The Madrid campus began as a study abroad program of Saint Louis University in the 1960s and received official recognition as a university in Spain in 1996.
The University
Saint Louis University is officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Community of Madrid and has students from more than 65 different nations. Saint Louis University is an American, Jesuit University ranked among the top 100 research and teaching institutions in the United States.[1] Distributed over two campuses: St. Louis Campus in the United States and Madrid Campus in Spain, the University enrolls more than 11,000 students, over 650 of whom pursue their studies in Madrid. [2]
Saint Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The most recent accreditation approval, in 2012, was issued following a three-year intensive self-study carried out by a set of university-wide committees, including a subcommittee of the Madrid Campus. The Institutional Actions Council (IAC) of the HLC voted to continue the accreditationof Saint Louis University, with the next comprehensive evaluation set for 2021-22, and with the request for an interim report on assessment of student learning due in August 2016.
The University also has attained accreditation from appropriate professional bodies for specific programs; for example, the John Cook School of Business, through which the Madrid Campus offers its International Business programs, is accredited by AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the premier business school accrediting body.
Saint Louis University has been continuously accredited since 1916.
Saint Louis University is ranked among the top Jesuit universities in the country and is considered one of the nation's best values in higher education.
History
SLU's Madrid Campus dates from a modest study abroad program launched by Raymond L. Sullivant, S.J. in the 1960s. Its success led Father Sullivant to offer classes in conjunction with the University of Comillas and then to establish an independent, permanent program, with its administrative offices and classrooms located between Madrid's Complutense University and the city center in 1967.
Shortly thereafter, a number of Spanish students, attracted to the University's liberal arts curriculum, enrolled in its classes, and within a decade the university was home to hundreds of students. Its program expanded, providing a full range of courses and a library, which permitted Spanish and European students to complete the first two years of their undergraduate studies in Madrid.
Its distinct position as the American Jesuit University in Spain prompted SLU to build a campus. In 1990, it purchased what now stand as Padre Rubio and Padre Arrupe Halls. In 1996, SLU's Madrid Campus was the first U.S. university to receive official recognition from the Consejería de Educación y Cultura, Madrid's higher education authority; degree programs offered in Madrid are also accredited by the University's regional accrediting agency in the U.S., the Higher Learning Commission of the North Association of Colleges and Schools.
In 2011, the University expanded its Madrid Campus further with the acquisition and renovation of San Ignacio Hall, providing additional space to support its students and faculty, including a new library, cafeteria and auditorium.
Today, students from more than 65 countries study undergraduate and graduate courses to obtain either U.S. four-year undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees or, in the case of study abroad students, credits towards their degrees on their home institutions. Recognized as a center of international education in Spain, SLU-Madrid remains committed to the ideals of service and leadership that the University, its students, faculty and staff have upheld since 1818.
Facilities
Padre Arrupe Hall houses the Office of Admissions, administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, and biology, chemistry, computer, nursing and physics labs. Padre Rubio Hall, the main academic building, features additional classrooms, the Office of Student Life, student lounges, the bookstore and St. Timothy’s Chapel. San Ignacio Hall, acquired in 2011, is home to an auditorium, art, dance and music studios, additional classrooms, a full- service cafeteria and dining room, the library, faculty residences and offices and a rooftop terrace.
Students in Madrid have access to the vast collection of electronic resources and databases owned by Saint Louis University. The Madrid library’s collection holds over 10,000 volumes that support specific course and research needs in Madrid.
SLU-Madrid offers career counseling, practice interviews, résumé critiques and workshops/ networking events on campus. A complete list of companies and organizations where recent graduates are employed is available on-line.
Billiken
The Billiken is Saint Louis University’s official mascot for 100 years and the Billiken News is the Madrid campus's electronic newsletter.[3]
The Billiken is Saint Louis University’s distinctive mascot and has been for 100 years. The SLU mascot is a fitting representation of the essence of the University and the one-of-a-kind educational experience students receive during their time on campus.
Undergraduate Degree Programs
The Madrid Campus offers the following undergraduate degree programs:
- Majors:
- Art History
- Business Administration: Economics (BS)
- Business Administration: International Business
- Communication: International Emphasis
- Economics (BA)
- English*
- History*
- International Studies
- International Relations/Political Science
- Psychology
- Spanish *Includes one semester at the St. Louis Campus; special tuition discounts apply.
- Madrid Minors:
- Art History
- Business Administration
- Communication
- Computer Science
- Economics
- English
- History
- Ibero-American Studies
- Mathematics
- Middle East Studies
- Modern Languages and Intercultural Communication
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Spanish
- Studio Art
- Theological Studies
- Women's and Gender Studies
In addition to the Madrid Campus degree programs, Saint Louis University offers over 85 majors that can be finished with approximately four semesters of study on the Madrid Campus before transferring to the Saint Louis Campus for completion.
Postgraduate Education
Two Master programs are offered in English Literature and Spanish Language and Literature. There is also a Summer Law School.
Saint Louis University offers to complete all courses required for the MA in Spanish program at the Madrid Campus. Students can also fulfill requirements for the MA in Spanish through a combination of study at the Madrid Campus and the St. Louis Campus.
The Madrid Campus program provides a focus on Spanish and Latin American language, culture and literature, with special emphasis on the latter. The program is designed for holders of a B.A. in Spanish or a related field, language educators, and literary scholars.
Research
Access to research grants is available at Saint Louis University in Missouri (offered by the U.S. government, other universities and foundations).
Student Life
The Student Life department of SLU Madrid organizes several activities which emphasize the Jesuit heritage of the institution. Bible study seminars and interfaith discussion groups are organized periodically. Every semester a trip to the Sanctuary of Ignatius of Loyola in the Basque Country is held. SLU Madrid also offers various service opportunities in collaboration with other charity organizations such as The Red Cross, Bokatas or the American Women's Club. Trips to popular tourist destinations around Madrid, such as Toledo, Segovia and El Escorial, are also held every semester for new and visiting students.
There are several student associations operating in SLU Madrid, such as the Student Government Association, the Gay-Straight Alliance, the IR Society, Poker Club, the Glee Club etc.