August 13, 2010
Saluki Startup designed to benefit new students
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Helping new students make a smooth, successful transition to University life is the goal of Saluki Startup, a brand new event at Southern Illinois University Carbondale this fall.
The activities begin Aug. 19 and run through Aug. 22, the day the ever-popular Week of Welcome (WOW) begins. Saluki Startup is an extended orientation program for new students.
“It’s four days of activities planned to help students meet new people and learn what it takes to be a successful college student. Startup is also their opportunity to meet and interact with administrators, faculty, staff and the community, who are all here to support them throughout their journey,” said Angie Royal, director of New Student Programs and co-chair of the Saluki Startup Committee.
During Saluki Startup, students will learn study tips, where to find their classes and how to make wise choices that lead to positive results on campus and in their future careers. Every new student is expected to attend Saluki Startup events, and all students are welcome.
“Saluki Startup is SIUC’s way of giving our first-year students additional guidance and assistance as they make the transition from high school to college. By combining academic programs, community information, activities and social events, the entire SIUC community has come together to make sure that our new Salukis have a fantastic, well-rounded start to their year,” said Julie Payne Kirchmeier, director of University Housing and co-chair of the Saluki Startup Committee.
The Saluki Startup schedule, along with a brief description of each event, includes:
Thursday, Aug. 19
• Welcome Fest, 7-8:30 p.m., Student Recreation Center. Enjoy activities, contests, free food and giveaways as you find out about SIUC and the Carbondale area. You’ll find more than 80 booths.
• Family Reception, 7-8:30 p.m., Student Recreation Center. All families of new students are welcome at this event.
Friday, Aug. 20
• Make-up SOAR, 8-11 a.m., Student Center Ballrooms. All new Salukis who have not already attended a SOAR program should do so now. Sign up at www.soar.siuc.edu.
• Monster College Advantage, noon-1:30 p.m., Student Recreation Center. This is the chance for new students to find out virtually everything they need to know to make the most of their college experience. The interactive presentation offers valuable information about choices and how the decisions students make during their first year impact their future and their opportunities. There are giveaways for participants, too.
• Saluki Survival Skills, 2-4 p.m. at various locations around campus, depending upon your major. Each college offers a specialized session for their students. It’s a chance to learn all the terms you’ll need to know, gather study tips, meet faculty and administrators, learn about your academic unit and much more. Some sessions will include tours and/or question and answer sessions. Find out what the expectations are for you and how you can achieve Saluki academic success!
Locations for Saluki Survival Skills are:
• Agricultural Sciences -- Muckelroy/Agriculture Building, Room 102.
• Applied Sciences and Arts -- Quigley Hall, Room 140B.
• Business -- Lawson Hall, Room 141.
• Education and Human Services -- Wham Building, Room 105.
• Engineering -- Engineering Building, Room A111.
• Liberal Arts -- Parkinson Building, Browne Auditorium/Room 124.
• Mass Communication and Media Arts -- Communications Building, McLeod Theater.
• Science -- Neckers Building, Room 240.
• Center for Academic Success -- Student Center, Ballroom D
• Pre-Major -- Student Center Auditorium.
• Southern Social, 5-7 p.m., Old Main Mall, in front of Shryock Auditorium. Enjoy a big pep rally with food, fun, and a chance to meet Chancellor Rita Cheng, SIUC faculty and staff, and your very own Marching Salukis, SIUC cheerleaders, Saluki Shakers and the football and volleyball teams. All new students will be gathering for a class photo, too. The Southern Social is THE place to eat Friday night; dining halls are not open that evening.
• “Dawgs Nite Out,” 8 p.m. to midnight, Student Center. Entertainment, games, prizes and activities, along with free food, await participants. You can make your own street signs, magazine covers, flip flops, or wax hands. Or, do a screen test for SPC-TV, the student-run University cable station. Enjoy rock music by Josh Cramoy. Win door prizes and compete for $1,200 in cash prizes at the Cash Attack Game Show and finish the evening with a late night breakfast bar.
Saturday, Aug. 21
• Explore Your Community, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., all over the Carbondale area. Visit locations around campus and Carbondale on your own, explore the area and check out the promotions and specials many places are offering. This is also a great time to take care of business, too.
• Houses of Faith, 5-6 p.m., Rinella Field, by Brush Towers. Find out about faith-based Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and campus ministry organizations and their services while enjoying games and other fun activities.
• “Sizzlin’ Salukis BBQ -- Get Your Grill On,” 6-7:30 p.m., Rinella Field, by Brush Towers. Come enjoy the barbecue as you meet the men and women from the SIUC Greek community and find out more about the organizations that boast some of the top scholars and leaders on campus.
• Meet and Greet Non-Traditional/Family Cookout, 6-7:30 p.m., Evergreen Terrace. This cookout is a chance for non-traditional students, single parents and students with families to meet one another and connect while enjoying free food.
• Hypnotist Comedian Dan Lornitis, 8-9:30 p.m., Student Center. A fast-paced, funny and free performance with Lornitus leading volunteer audience performers in good-humored fun. He’s a comedic veteran with 3,000 live performances to his credit, including appearances at the comedy club “Funny Bone” and as the opening act for stars including “Weird Al” Yankovic, Phyllis Diller and Louie Anderson.
• Late Night Movie at McAndrew, 10 p.m.-midnight. Watch Johnny Depp in “Alice in Wonderland” on the big screen at the “old” football stadium in drive-in movie style.
Sunday, Aug. 22 -- Week of Welcome (WOW) kicks off!
• Find Your Classrooms, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Student Center or at times/locations to be announced for those living on campus, students can get guided tours of the campus by Resident Assistants or Student Life Advisors and find out where each of your classes meets.
• Watermelonfest with the Chancellor, 2-4:30 p.m., Old Main Mall, in front of Shryock Auditorium. Enjoy nice cold watermelon and drinks with Chancellor Rita Cheng. The event also features fun activities and music by WTAO radio.
Move-in starts early this year with students in Living Learning Communities and those with two-year University Housing Contracts moving in beginning Wednesday, Aug. 18. The rest of the new students move in the following day. Student Life Advisors and Resident Assistants will be on hand to help at all Saluki Startup events. Look for the bright blue shirts saying “Welcome Salukis” on the front if you need assistance.
Students should remember to bring their student identification card to all Saluki Startup events, meals and activities -- it’s your entry ticket.
Organizers also welcome volunteers to help with move-in and many of the other activities. Faculty, staff and community members can help. To see the opportunities available or sign up, look online at http://wow.siuc.edu/volunteer.html.
For the complete and updated Saluki Startup schedule, visit www.salukistartup.siuc.edu. Or, call New Student Programs at 618/453-1000.