August 14, 2009

SIUC unveils ‘RapidReg’ as a resource for students

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- As the fall 2009 semester approaches, returning and first-time Southern Illinois University Carbondale students have a new way to navigate through any potential admissions, financial aid and bursar issues.

“RapidReg” is a resource for helping undergraduate and graduate students resolve any registration and financial aid issues they might have. The Web site, http://admissions.siu.edu/rapidreg/, also contains information for students on claiming their network ID, along with a registration tutorial, and information on University Web mail. “RapidReg” is available by telephone at 618/536-4405.

Fall semester classes begin Monday, Aug. 24.

Victoria Valle, assistant vice chancellor of enrollment management, said the goal is to provide added services for students and “cut through red tape,” through extended hours and providing a clearinghouse of University information available on one site.

“We’ve put a lot of things that were in different places all in one place,” she said. “If students have questions they can call, e-mail, or come in, and we will sit down and help them.”

Valle said registration for the upcoming semester continues.

“It’s not too late and we are working to get them in,” she said.

Students can receive help on the telephone or meet with personnel from the University’s admissions, registration, and financial aid staff.

Inquires by telephone can be made from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Thursday, Aug. 27, excluding weekends. Extended admissions office walk-in service hours from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. begin Monday, Aug. 17, and continue through Thursday, Aug. 27, excluding weekends. Students can also stop in between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, for assistance.

The Graduate School is also offering expanded hours through graduate admission and graduate registration starting Monday, Aug. 17, through Thursday, Aug. 27. The services are available Monday through Thursday until 6 p.m. The Graduate School Admission Office is at 618/536-7791, and the Graduate School Registration Office is at 618/453-2969. Additional information on the Graduate School is available at http://www.gradschool.siuc.edu/.