Points of Pride - Student Academics, Life and Service

  • SIU is one of the Top 10 Campuses for Students with Physical Disabilities by College Magazine thanks to our Access Inclusive Recreation program, the Saluki Express Paratransit for travel on- and off-campus, accessible buildings, programs and activities as well as available services such as classroom assistants, note-taking and other accommodations.

  • SIU Carbondale again is recognized for its inclusivity and as a leader in assisting disabled college students by being named among the Top 20 Wheelchair Friendly Colleges by New Mobility Magazine and the United Spinal Association.

  • Each year, students from all disciplines compete for 20 Research-enriched Academic Challenge (REACH) grants. Students work on an independent research or creative activity project with a faculty mentor. REACH also sponsors the university's annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Forum, where students present posters describing their research projects.

  • SIU's Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) is one of the oldest and most prestigious centers of its kind in the U.S, dating back to 1964. CESL continues to provide excellent preparation to students from around the world for degree programs at SIU.

  • CampusPride.org lists SIU Carbondale as one of the nation’s top 30 LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges and Universities for “institutional support and exemplary commitment to LGBTQ-inclusion in policy, program and practice.”

  • At SIU, undergraduate students from all disciplines are encouraged to participate in a creative activity or research. The widespread opportunities produce grant-funded undergraduate creative activities and research ranging from comparing microscopic parasites to exploring the art of stage combat.
  • The Saluki Research Rookies Program targets freshmen and sophomores, offering students the chance to learn more about expectations for success in their chosen interests, and to develop relationships within their areas that will fuel their interest in learning.
  • Students can start conducting original research and creative activities as early as their freshman year. 
  • Research assistantships are valuable relationship builders, and often launch students into their own projects.
  • The McNair Scholars program supports undergraduates from underrepresented populations and first-generation students interested in pursuing graduate work. The program helps students realize their full potential by providing enriching educational experiences, strong mentoring and networking.
  • University Housing composts waste from the dining halls at University Farms. The compost in turn is used on campus and at the farms. Produce grown on the farms may be served in the dining halls – meaning the chain has gone full circle.
  • Many of the food products we use in University Housing dining halls come from within Illinois or a 250-mile radius of campus, and we continue to look for more opportunities to use local foods.
  • Saluki softball has the second highest number of Academic All-Americans (26) in the country in NCAA softball history, trailing only the University of Nebraska.
  • The Student Multicultural Resource Center, a division of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, promotes an environment of SIU collaboration to educate, affirm, evaluate and advocate for excellence and inclusion. The center supports student success in learning and development while nurturing an institutional climate of social justice and equity and includes the Black Resource Center, Hispanic/Latino Resource Center, Women’s Resource Center and LGBTQ Resource Center. 
  • The university’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center is a National Environmental Education Landmark, as designated by the National Park Service in 1972.
  • Touch of Nature is home to Camp Little Giant, a therapeutic recreation camp that provides a true summer camp experience to children and adults with differing abilities. Established in 1952 it is one of the first such programs in the country for special populations and the first to earn American Camp Association accreditation.
  • University Housing served more than 1.4 million meals last year with the Saluki Anytime dining plan, which allows students unlimited access to the dining halls whenever they are open. Free nutritional counseling, a gluten-free kitchen and access to a registered dietician are also offered.(
  • University Housing provides more than 2,000 programs within the residence halls each year, focusing on everything from resume building to cake baking to fall festivals.
  • University Housing employs nearly 600 students each year in a variety of positions: office/clerical, resident assistants, dining and other employment.
  • University Housing partners and Counseling and Psychological Services partner to provide counseling services to students in the residence halls every day from 12:30-9 p.m. when the residence hall community is most active. The counselors, who are dedicated on-campus residents, are available by appointment or on a walk-in basis as needed.
  • The First Saluki Center earned the 2021 Silver Excellence Award in the First-generation Student Success category from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators/Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The center also was named a First-Gen Forward Campus by the Center for First-generation Student Success in 2020 and was recognized in the nonprofit Strive for College’s 2021 “I’m First! Guide to College,” a guidebook to help low-income, first-generation college students.
  • Touch of Nature Environmental Center is home to the Touch of Nature Multiuse Trail System, one of the Midwest’s premier mountain biking parks, currently featuring 12 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. When completed, it will encompass about 30 miles of stacked loop trails, adult and children’s terrain parks, an event center space and other features.