March 16, 2006

SIUC to host open house on March 25

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- High school and college transfer students will trek to Southern Illinois University Carbondale later this month to learn more about becoming a student here.

University admissions specialists expect about 400 students and other guests to attend the open house set for Saturday, March 25, at the SIUC Student Center. The event starts with early bird campus tours at 8 a.m. and ends about 2:30 p.m. with a cultural festival showcasing dance, singing and dramatic presentations by SIUC students.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions sets five such events each year to help high school juniors and seniors and students transferring from community colleges make the transition to SIUC.

Following 8 a.m. check-in, SIU President Glenn Poshard will welcome those attending with a 9 a.m. presentation in Ballroom D. "How to Become a Saluki," a panel presentation covering admissions, financial aid, housing and other topics, follows from 9:15 to 9:55 a.m.

Several other programs then begin at 10 a.m.

Attendees can browse various departmental exhibits starting then. Representatives from many major programs on campus will answer questions. This portion of the event ends at 11:30 a.m.

Visitors also can attend counseling programs to find out more about admissions, financial assistance, forms, procedures, housing policies and options and more. Advisers also will discuss student organizations and academic support programs affiliated with the Center for Academic Success.

From 11:30 until noon, students with undecided majors can discuss options and resources with SIUC counselors from the Pre-Major Advisement Office.

Beginning at noon, select departments will offer seminars and facility tours.

University organizers will offer campus tours throughout the morning at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Housing tours are set for every half-hour from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The next open house is set for July 21.

Promoting excellence in undergraduate academics is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint the University is following as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2019.