Atlas Week Events

Twenty-Sixth Annual Atlas Week Kick-Off Event

5-7 p.m.

Center For Global Citizenship

Join us for the official opening event of Atlas Week 2026! Come and eat food representative of cultures around the globe and enjoy live music and cultural dance performances. Have fun while playing world trivia and participate in raffle prizes. This event is free and open to everyone!

The World In Crisis: Russia, Europe, Latin America, Asia and the U.S.

10 - 11 a.m.
McGannon Hall 144

Faculty members in the Department of Political Science who teach International Studies will offer a tour of major events shaping the present and future of the world. Presentations include Professor Ellen Carnaghan on Russia and Ukraine, Professor Ali Fisunoglu on Europe, Professor J. D. Bowen on Latin America, and Professor Nori Katagiri on Asia and China. Each professor will speak for 10 minutes on their area of expertise, followed by audience questions. If you are interested in the war in Ukraine, recent military developments in Venezuela, or U.S.–China relations and Taiwan, join us for this timely discussion!

Sponsored by the Department of Political Science & International Studies

Accessible Futures: Mapping Our Way To An Inclusive Community

10 - 11:30 a.m.
Busch Student Center 254

This hands-on workshop invites participants to work together to build a more accessible campus and surrounding community. Removing barriers in our environment is a fundamental step toward everyday justice. Most of our spaces were not built with the needs of everyone in mind, and many places are still inaccessible to people with disabilities. The event will begin with a brief overview of accessibility, inclusive design, and the basics of cartography, exploring why maps matter for equity, participation, and independence. No previous experience is needed. 

Participants will then head out in small groups to document accessibility features across SLU and nearby spaces, including entrances, pathways, ramps, elevators, seating, and restrooms. Each contribution becomes part of a shared global resource that helps people navigate the world more safely and independently. This Map Mission frames mapping as an act of care, solidarity, and collective responsibility, showing how small actions taken locally can help create a more inclusive future for everyone. Students interested in learning how mapping and geographic information science can enhance their career opportunities and make a difference in our world should attend!

Sponsored by the Department of Sociology & Anthropology

 

Exploring Kazakhstan

2- 3:30 p.m.
Cook Hall 234

This presentation will primarily discuss the former capital of Kazakhstan through the lens of Elizabeth Blake, Ph.D., professor of the Russian Studies Program. Professor Blake will share a first-hand account of their federally-funded stay in Almaty and Semey, Russia and a review through photography of the Sovietization of urban development in these cities. The Russian study abroad program under consideration in Astana as well as study abroad opportunities in Almaty will be discussed during the course of the presentation. The segment on Almaty will include information about likely sites of interest such as museums of history and art, a museum discussing some of the archeological expeditions that were conducted in the 20th century, and a WWII monument. Please contact Professor Blake for more information.

Sponsored by the Russian Studies Program

Navigating Health Insurance and Medical Care In the U.S.: Guidance for the SLU International Community

3:45- 5 p.m.
Busch Student Center 251B

In light of the ongoing issues between UnitedHealth and SSM and the widespread confusion many international students, staff, and faculty face when navigating U.S. health insurance and medical providers, this workshop/panel aims to provide timely, practical support. The session will focus on navigating health insurance and medical services effectively for international members of the SLU community. It will include practical guidance, a Q&A, and resources that participants can apply directly to their own situations.

Sponsored by the International Faculty and Staff Association (IFSA)

Deporting Our Neighbors: Historical, Legal And Religious Perspectives

7- 8:30 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium

Cases like the Oct. 23 arrest of Alejandro Perez in St. Louis County and his subsequent detainment have heightened awareness in the St. Louis region about the real-life, family, and communal impacts of current ICE practices. Alejandro and many other detainees have been charged under a law going back to 1929, the Undesirable Aliens Act. The offense defined in that law, crossing back into the United States after a deportation, carries with it no statute of limitations. 

Alejandro and people like him have been in the United States for more than a decade, have no criminal record, have tax-payer IDs, are working members of the community, have married, and are raising children who are US citizens. They have become our neighbors. In Alejandro’s case, he is married to a U.S. citizen and SLU alumna, and they have two daughters together. He now faces deportation to Mexico without hope of reentering the United States for twenty years. 

This event aims to educate the SLU and broader community about this law that is being used to deport our neighbors, to uncover the historical background to this law, to hear about the current situation from lawyers and pastors involved in these types of cases, to reflect on law and enforcement from a theological perspective, and to provide a mini-fair to allow the public to learn about and talk to people in organizations involved with assisting our immigrant neighbors, including the MICA Project, CLAM (Catholic Legal Assistance Ministry), and FORAI. Speakers include Anders Walker (SLU Law), Atria Larson (Center for Religious and Legal History), Marie Kenyon, and Kris Walentik (CLAM).

Sponsored by the Center for Religious and Legal History 

Introduction To Restorative Justice

10-11:30 a.m.
Busch Student Center 254

Restorative Justice is an approach to address conflicts, repair harms, and facilitate relationships through establishing trust. At its core, Restorative Justice helps to promote cross-cultural understanding by centering the voices and perspectives of all members in a community that has experienced conflict. As a departure from traditional disciplinary/criminal justice processes, Restorative Justice seeks input from all members of a community when responding to harm. This session will introduce Restorative Justice and engage participants in a proactive restorative justice circle that focuses on building relationships.

Sponsored by the Office of Student Responsibility and Community Standards

 

Global Knowledge Challenge

11 a.m..-2 p.m.
Busch Student Center North Lobby

The Global Knowledge Challenge, presented by the Office of International Services, invites SLU students, faculty, and staff to test their knowledge of the countries and cultures represented within our international student community.

Participants can take part in a variety of interactive activities, including:

• Flag Challenge – Identify countries based solely on national flags.
• Spinning Wheel Trivia – Spin to receive questions from categories such as world capitals, cultural fun facts, and global geography.
• Scratch‑Off World Poster – Contribute to a collaborative display by scratching off the country you call home, showcasing the global diversity of our SLU community.

Winners can take home fun stickers and international candies. Join us for a fun and educational celebration of international cultures at SLU!

Sponsored by the Office of International Services

Unbound: A SLU-JWL Photography Gallery Tour

Noon-1:30 p.m.
Busch Student Center 251 A/B

Join us for an engaging photography exhibit showcasing the work of SLU-JWL students living in Nigeria, Kenya, and Malawi. Experience powerful images alongside the stories, cultures, and histories behind them. This exhibit challenges stereotypes and celebrates the talent, resilience, and limitless potential of refugee students.

SLU-JWL Website

Follow us on LinkedIn: Saint Louis University-Jesuit Worldwide Learning.

 

Standing Up Against Sexual Violence Worldwide

12:30-2 p.m.
Pius Library 2nd floor 

Sexual violence is one of the most pressing problems facing people worldwide. The United Nations estimates that 1 in 3 - or 840 million women - will experience non-partner sexual violence and/or intimate partner violence in their lifetime. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and WGST 1900 and the City Sewing Room invite you to join them in "standing up against sexual violence" by learning more about sexual violence worldwide, viewing denim art, meeting the campus and community artists, and creating your own denim art to be included in the SLU Denim Day Fashion Show on April 29th (see @slu_denimday for more details). Together we can end sexual violence, provide avenues for healing, and work to create a better world.

Sponsored by Women’s & Gender Studies; Center for Social Action 

Hard Choices: U.S. Foreign Policy In An Age Of Crisis

Noon-1 p.m.
Busch Student Center 251A

A group of undergraduate students in POLS 2820: U.S. Foreign Policy will present their perspectives on the current state—and future direction—of American diplomacy. At a moment of rapid global change, this is a timely opportunity to reflect on where U.S. foreign policy stands today and where it may be headed.

Anthony Chaboude, Skylar Launius, Zach Noland and Lauren Young will each deliver a 10-minute presentation on pressing international issues, including contemporary U.S.–Russia relations, U.S. policy toward Latin America, humanitarian affairs, and agricultural dimensions of foreign policy.

Join us for a lively and thought-provoking discussion showcasing student insights on some of the most urgent challenges facing U.S. diplomacy today.

Sponsored by the Department of Political Science & International Studies 

U.S. Without WHO

Noon-1:30 p.m.
Busch Student Center North Lobby

As of Jan. 22, 2026, the United States has decided to withdraw themselves from the World Health Organization (WHO). The World health organization is a global agency that prioritizes global health, research, and aid during emergencies. Since the organization first began in 1948, the United States has been in support and provided aid towards the organization mission. Including physical support, the United States has also been the top financial contributor towards the organization. Without support from the United States, concerns have arisen about the organization’s future outcome.

This tabling event is to bring awareness about what is the World Health Organization, the United States recent withdrawal from WHO, nationwide and global outcomes from this decision, and what can students at SLU, who are passionate about public health, can do in their future to protect global health advocacy.

Fulbright And Beyond: Fellowships For Teaching And Studying Abroad

1-2 p.m.
Busch Student Center 251B

Rebecca Muich, Ph.D., from the Office of Competitive Fellowships and Scholarships, will
discuss opportunities to apply for fully funded experiences teaching English or enrolling in
graduate programs or language-immersive experiences overseas. She will talk about the
Fulbright Student Program, administered by the U.S. State Department, and other prestigious
opportunities to study critical languages, such as the Boren Awards and Critical Language
Scholarship. She will also provide information on awards for graduate programs in the U.K.,
including the Rhodes Scholarship, Gates-Cambridge Scholarship, and the Marshall Scholarship. Learn which opportunities could be a good fit for you, how to develop a strong application, how to ask for letters of recommendation, and the timeline for specific awards.

Sponsored by the  Office of Competitive Scholarships and Fellowships

Changing Professional Practice Today, To Improve Higher Education For The Future

4:30 - 6 p.m.
Zoom

Evaluation serves as a tool to guide campus communities as they effectively prepare and plan for the future. This Panel Presentation features Higher Education leaders: Dominic Jackson, Ph.D., director of student engagement at Maryville University, and Ingrid Manning, director of health services at Harris-Stowe State University. Both presenters will share how they use evaluation in their roles. Their presentations will be followed by a discussion session. Zoom password is 174055.

Zoom Information

Political Writing: ICE Out

5-6 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship Seminar Room 124A

"Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe!” The above is a chant heard throughout the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. It expresses the power of marching as a collective body; when we come together and trust in our united strength, we keep each other safe. In a time of increasing concern around ICE activity, that message feels especially relevant. As such, OneWorld Magazine will be hosting an informational workshop on the history of zines as tools for social justice, and guide participants through creating their own. When we stand as a collective, we protect the most vulnerable individuals of our community. Come learn how to use your own creative voice! Refreshments will be served.

Sponsored by OneWorld Magazine 

 

RHA Multicultural Night

5:30-7 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium & Clock Tower 

The Residence Hall Association will be hosting a Multicultural Night designed to recognize diversity, community, and cultural exchange through food. This event will feature a variety of food trucks and catered options from multiple vendors and restaurants, each representing different cultures and cuisines from around the world. By bringing together different cultural food vendors, we aim to highlight the unique dishes, cultures, and stories behind ethnic foods that are meaningful to many communities.

This Multicultural Night will provide a relaxed and inclusive environment where students can learn about different cultures through food. We hope to enhance conversations, introduce cultures, and connect with peers from diverse backgrounds.

Sponsored by the Residence Hall Association

Restorative Justice: Climate Circle

2-3 p.m.
Wuller Hall, Dorothy Day Room 

Restorative Justice is a framework used to build safe, inclusive, and equitable communities by strengthening relationships, fostering trust, and promoting dialogue. In this session, participants will engage in a Restorative Justice Circle featuring rounds of facilitated dialogue surrounding campus climate.

Sponsored by the Office of Student Responsibility and Community Standards

The Displaced And Disenfranchised: The Refugee Children Of Artsakh

3-3:45 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship Seminar Room 124A

After the 2021 invasion of and subsequent years of war in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), many of the next generation have found themselves in the difficult situation of becoming refugees. Among their struggles has been difficulty accessing education, with the Armenian government cutting educational aid to those who settled in their borders. In this presentation, these struggles will be explored and their impacts dissected, then change will be proposed to make a better future for those that come after.

Food Insecurity In St. Louis

4-5:30 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship Seminar Room 124A

This event is an educational presentation on food insecurity in Saint Louis. Discussion will talk about the work that needs to be done in order to address the issue while highlighting Campus Kitchen's mission and role in fighting food insecurity. Refreshments will be provided.

Sponsored by Campus Kitchen

Stories Without Borders: Open Mic Night

6-7 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium 

Stories Without Borders is a community-centered, multilingual open mic that creates space for students, faculty and community members to share personal stories, poetry, songs and reflections shaped by migration, language, culture and belonging. This session centers lived experience as a form of knowledge, using storytelling as both an artistic practice and a way to build empathy across difference, with particular attention to the experiences of students on campus who are navigating these challenges.

Participants are invited to share original or selected works in any language, with optional translation or contextual explanation for the audience. Contributions may include poetry, short prose, spoken word or personal narratives exploring themes such as home, movement, identity, displacement, resilience and cultural memory. Local immigration organizations will also be present to share their missions and opportunities for involvement.

Stories Without Borders emphasizes creative expression as a way to center the everyday experiences of those around us. No prior performance experience is required, and attendees are welcome to participate as listeners or readers.

Honoring A Legacy, Strengthening Community: The 6th Annual Norman White Memorial Celebration

6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sinquefield State Room, Dubourg 409

The Norman White Memorial Celebration honors the life and work of Norman A. White, Ph.D. (1953–2017), a scholar, mentor, and advocate deeply committed to social justice and community engagement. As an associate professor of criminology and criminal justice at Saint Louis University, Dr. White focused his research and practice on addressing youth violence, racial inequities, and the structural conditions shaping opportunity.

This panel features individuals who worked directly with Dr. White and continue to carry forward his vision of justice in practice. Panelists will share reflections on their collaborations with Dr. White, explore how his values guide their current work, and engage in thoughtful discussion about what it means to translate his legacy into present-day action. A moderated Q&A will follow, inviting students, faculty, community partners, and members of the public to participate in dialogue about how mentorship, advocacy, and community-driven change build a better future in today's world.

This event serves as the 2026 Atlas Week Signature Symposium.

Register for the Norman White Memorial Celebration

More on Dr. White's Life and Legacy

Sponsored by the School of Social Work

Atlas Week Parade of Nations

11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
West Pine Mall

The Parade of Nations is a beloved Atlas Week tradition and features members of the SLU community carrying flags from around the world! The parade starts at the Science Quad and marches across Grand Boulevard to walk down West Pine Mall.

Billiken World Festival

5:30-7:30 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium 

The Billiken World Festival is a yearly fest that is hosted by the International Student Federation to showcase and celebrate SLU's diverse student body by giving a space for cultural performances and catering various cultural cuisines for all to enjoy! All are welcome to attend and to stay after for a night market hosted by the Student Government Association’s Diversity & Leadership Cabinet (SGA DLC).

Sponsored by the International Student Federation & Student Government Association 

Black Media Club Showcase

6:30-8:30 p.m.
Busch Student Center Wool Ballrooms 

The Black Media Club showcase is a creative arts and media event that emphasizes creative freedom, collaboration, and community connection. This event provides students with the opportunity to share original, creative work, including visual art, written word, performance, and other forms of creative media. This showcase brings together the creative work of students developed over the semester through Black Media Club events, including workshops exploring visual art, poetry, and other forms. Participants are welcome to present work from these events or share pieces created independently. Artists may share work created out of personal interest, creative exploration, or simply the desire to share something they have made within a supportive environment. Our event aims to create a space where artists can fully express themselves and engage creatively with art. Artists will display or perform their work, and attendees will have opportunities to view, discuss, and connect with the creators. Along with highlighting student work, the showcase functions as a space for attendees to engage with artists from SLU and the broader St. Louis community, building relationships with others interested or active in the arts and media fields.

Sponsored by Black Media Club

From Heritage to Horizon - An ASA Showcase

6-8 p.m.
Busch Student Center Wool Ballrooms 

Hosted collaboratively by SLU African Student Association (ASA), University of Missouri–St. Louis ASA, Maryville University ASA, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ASA, this year’s Africa Showcase centers on the theme “For Those Who Come After: Building Together a Better Tomorrow in Today’s World.” This powerful, student-led production highlights unity across campuses while celebrating the richness, diversity, and future of African culture. The showcase will feature dynamic cultural performances including fashion exhibitions, high-energy dance routines, and theatrical acting pieces that tell stories of heritage, resilience, and innovation. Each ASA chapter brings its own unique traditions and creative expression, demonstrating how collaboration strengthens community and amplifies impact.

More than a celebration, this event reflects the responsibility of today’s generation to build, uplift, and inspire those who come after us. Through art, movement, and storytelling, we honor our roots while envisioning a stronger tomorrow together. Join us for an unforgettable evening of culture, creativity, and collective pride.

Sponsored by SLU African Student Association