There’s no such thing as a free beer, even during senior week. From senior week to commencement, graduating seniors are obligated to pay their way out of SLU.
The cost seniors are most likely to be most enthusiastic about is that of a senior week bracelet. The bracelet, which costs $50, allows graduating seniors access to all the events, entertainment and alcohol throughout the week. Dinners are usually offered as a part of senior week events, but seniors must pay regular price at SLU’s dining facilities otherwise. A non-drinking senior week bracelet costs $25.
“We figure about 80% of our class buy [both types] of bracelets,” Joseph Rothrock said, Senior Class President. “I would say 75 percent of the 80 percent of bracelets sold are drinking bracelets”.
During senior week the Outing Club will be sponsoring a rafting trip with the Adirondack Rafting Company. It’s scheduled to cost $30, Rothrock said. It is the only event not included with the purchase of a bracelet during senior week, and only seventy students can participate, Rothrock said.
“The costs of the rafting has raised concerns,” Rothrock said. “A lot people would like to see it lowered. It’s something the class council is aware of and we’re working to see what we can do.”
“People do purchase additional alcohol for events, as drinks usually aren’t served until the evening,” Rothrock said. “We also host events at the Tick Tock [The ‘Tick Tock Farewell”] and Hoot Owl [the final Tuesday Blues] that are included with the bracelet.”
On the Saturday after senior week, SLU hosts the senior dinner dance – a traditional event where seniors gather with their families in the Leithead Fieldhouse. Tickets cost $32 per person.
As senior week ends and final preparations for graduation begin, seniors must incur several more small costs relating to the logistics of commencement and tuition.
Commencement housing – accommodations offered by SLU for families to stay in university residencies – costs $41 per person per night.
Canton residents also rent out their houses, which go for between $200-$800 per night, Rothrock said. “Hotel prices tend to be around $125 a night at least.” Said Rothrock. Local hotels tend to fill up several months in advance, and some families make reservations before their child steps on campus.
At the Brewer Bookstore, graduation announcements are being sold for $1.25 each, or five for $5.95. Caps and gowns, which were free a few years ago, cost $30. Many students borrow caps and gowns from prior graduates, Rothrock said.
Seniors also must square away any remaining tuition payments by May 4th in order to be eligible to graduate. These costs vary considerably by student and how they approached their tuition payments.
Yearbooks for seniors are free, but additional copies may be purchased for $62 each.
“In the end, it’s all worth it,” Rothrock said. “You’re expected to pay a lot of small costs, but [senior week and commencement are] a great opportunity and everyone gets really excited about it.”
