September 03, 2015
Saluki Cares is a resource for students
Saluki Cares, a university-wide care and support system, recently began its seventh year helping students reach their academic and personal goals and handle the challenges they encounter along the way.
The university created Saluki Cares in 2009 to give students and their families answers and assistance in a prompt, coordinated way and to help students with issues and during crises situations. More than 2,500 students have benefitted from the referral program.
Saluki Cares connects undergraduate and graduate students to the numerous resources in place to help them deal with virtually any issue they may face during their collegiate career. Homesickness, loneliness or other adjustment issues, physical or mental health concerns, financial worries, academic anxieties and off-campus housing disputes are among the many situations for which students have received help. Likewise, Saluki Cares has assisted students with situations including accidents, death and grief struggles, victim/survivor issues and other challenges that cause student stress and distress.
Although freshmen utilize the program at the highest level, students of all ages have found help through Saluki Cares. The program also has a limited budget to provide financial assistance including tuition assistance, book stipends and even transportation funds for emergencies and crisis situations.
Faculty and staff from all over campus are part of the Saluki Cares team. Volunteers who interact regularly with the students come from the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. They include faculty, and professionals from Student Life, Dean of Students, Financial Aid, University College, Student Health Services, Center for International Education, Campus Ministries, New Student Programs, Career Services, Public Safety, Learning Support Services, University Housing, Alumni Services and more.
“We have assembled a team of dedicated and compassionate professionals who are committed to the success of our students both inside and outside the classroom,” Lori Stettler, interim vice chancellor of student affairs, said.
Faculty, staff, parents and students can make a referral to Saluki Cares. To make a referral, visit the website at www.salukicares.siuc.edu, call 618/453-1492 or email siucares@siu.edu.
The Saluki Cares team will contact referred students and offer to connect them with the multitude of resources available to them on the SIU campus. The process is confidential.