The eighth annual Atlas Week is set for the week of March 30 to April 6. Deadlines are approaching for student groups who want to host events during the week.

Atlas Week started in April 2001 as an initiative to recognize Saint Louis University’s international dimension and to celebrate SLU’s role in global service and education.

“Students should attend to broaden their knowledge of international issues,” said Michelle Lorenzini, a professor of political science and Atlas Week coordinator. “Students can also participate by planning events and participating in the World Fair.”

Chartered student organizations interested in hosting Atlas Week events should contact Lorenzini before Feb. 23. The deadline to reserve a booth at the Billiken World Festival at the conclusion of the week is March 2.

Last year, there were more than 70 events during Atlas Week, ranging from concerts to guest speakers to film screenings to cooking demonstrations.

“It caters to a variety of interests,” said Quan Zhang, last year’s Atlas Week intern and member of the Atlas Week planning committee. “Some even teach you to dance.”

The culminating event of Atlas Week is the Billiken World Festival, which begins with the Parade of Nations featuring the flags of the world and hosts a variety of performances and food booths.

“It’s a different approach to finding culture,” said Daniel Sims, this year’s chair of the festival. “It’s an informal way to display the culture represented by SLU.”