March 24, 2009
Open house, diversity celebration set for Saturday
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Online registration is open now for the upcoming SIUnity and Diversity Day and Open House, one of the most popular and best-attended open houses of the year at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Admissions staff expects approximately 1,200 prospective students and families to visit campus for the combined open house and diversity celebration on Saturday, March 28.
This event features the standard SIUC open house schedule, but includes a diversity celebration from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. This celebration showcases performances by student groups, and highlights the inclusiveness that is a cherished part of SIUC’s traditions.
Check-in for the event begins as early as 7:45 a.m. at the Student Recreation Center, with Welcome Activities starting at 9:15 a.m.
Here are some of the activities potential students and their families can enjoy on Saturday:
Campus Tours: Take the opportunity to visit our entire campus while you are here. Guided tours showcase our beautiful campus and residence halls. An early bird option, beginning at 8:15 a.m., gives students a chance to check out the scenery before the open house activities begin.
Who Wants to be a Saluki? If you’ve already been admitted to the University and need to know what to do next, this is the session for you. Representatives from the offices of Financial Aid, New Student Programs and University Housing present an overview to bring you on board.
What’s the SI without U? This informational session is for students who haven’t quite decided which college to attend. We offer general pointers for the college admissions and application process, and highlight the strengths that make SIUC a great first choice.
Short Sessions: These short sessions hit some of the big issues, including financial aid, housing, and transfer options. Learn about our Living Learning Communities that help place students in residence halls with other students with similar majors. Get help filling out that FAFSA form. Decide if “Going Greek” -- joining a sorority or fraternity -- might be for you. Learn how the pre-major advisement office can help you turn your personal interests and strengths into a major course of study. Find out about the special programs we have that can make your transition from another college to SIUC seamless and easy.
One-on-one: Take advantage of having representatives from admissions, financial aid, housing, and more on hand to apply for admission, get help with forms, review housing options or check on your admissions status.
Information Fair and College/Departmental Showcases: Browse the campus without leaving the Open House headquarters. This information fair offers you the chance to find out about everything, from recreation options to majors and minors for study, dining options to on-campus health care and more. Talk with representatives from nearly every department on campus, make some contacts, pick up some materials and get your questions answered.
Student Panel: Current SIUC students tell it like it is during a panel discussion. Find out first hand from students who chose SIUC why and how this University is helping them make their dreams come true.
Diversity Celebration: Student organizations bring it on with step, dance, modeling, music and more. This entertaining event is a hit with all.
Pre-registration for open houses is not required, but it does help admissions staff plan. Pre-register online at admissions.siu.edu/ or call 618/453-2992. Contact Pam Wilkins at pamwilks@siu.edu with any questions or to register a large group.