August 16, 2010

Programs will help students get ready for classes

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- New Southern Illinois University Carbondale students can jump-start their college paths to success with two special events on Friday, Aug. 20.

Monster College Advantage and Saluki Survival Skills, both programs from the all-new Saluki Startup extended orientation program for new students, offer invaluable information about what it takes to succeed as a college student and ultimately in your future career.

Monster College Advantage, set for noon-1:30 p.m., is an interactive presentation. It is packed with valuable information about how you can make the most of your SIUC years and how the choices you make, from the very beginning of your time on campus, can impact your future.

Every new student should plan to attend this vitally important event at the Student Recreation Center. All SIUC students are welcome. Those attending can win giveaways, too.

The focus on helping students accomplish their academic goals continues at Saluki Survival Skills. From 2 to 4 p.m., you will get the opportunity to meet with your specific college, department or group at SIUC. Each session is unique and geared toward the specific academic majors or units.

Find out what all of the terms you’ll be hearing in the next few years mean. Get valuable study tips. Meet and get acquainted with your faculty and staff. Discover their expectations for you. Some groups will get departmental tours and some will participate in question and answer sessions as well.

The 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 -- Communications Building, McLeod Theater.

• Science -- Neckers Building, Room 240.

• Center for Academic Success -- Student Center, Ballroom D

• Pre-Major -- Student Center Auditorium.

University officials emphasize that Monster College Advantage and Saluki Survival Skills are vitally important for all new SIUC students.

After taking advantage of the opportunity to enhance your scholastic efforts, stick around for a couple of other events -- Southern Social and “Dawgs Nite Out.”

Southern Social is 5-7 p.m. at the Old Main Mall in front of Shryock Auditorium. It is a giant pep rally like none other. Come meet Chancellor Rita Cheng, the Marching Salukis, Saluki Shakers, SIUC cheerleaders, members of the football and volleyball teams and other University students. Enjoy outdoor dining, make new friends and be part of the new students’ group photo.

Then, move on over to the Student Center for “Dawgs Nite Out” from 8 p.m. to midnight. Games galore, a chance to create your own wax hands, flip flops, magazine covers and street signs are on tap. Get your caricature made, play “Cash Attack Game Show” to win part of the $1,200 cash prize pot and enjoy live music by Josh Cramoy. Of course, there’s good food too.

All events are free to SIUC students. Remember to bring your student ID.

Saluki Startup is Aug. 19-22 and you can find the complete schedule of events online at http://news.siuc.edu/news/August10/081310cjm10213.html. To find out more about any of the events, contact New Student Programs at 618/453-1000.