September 22, 2014

University hosting several fall conferences

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting an assortment of conferences this semester that will cover topics for various audiences. 

Continuing Education and Outreach is coordinating the events at several locations, both on- and off-campus this fall. 

The conference schedule, along with a brief description of each conference, who may participate and other pertinent information, includes: 

  • College educators who are involved with undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs will benefit from a workshop hosted by the National Science Foundation. The workshop is Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Founders Hall, Room 2207, at SIU Edwardsville, with a simulcast available in Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium at SIU Carbondale. The discussions will focus on preparing high-quality proposals designed to improve undergraduate STEM education.  The registration deadline is Oct. 1. The cost is $30. 
  • The Dental Professionals Seminar is Oct. 24 in the Student Center Auditorium and International Lounge.  Dentists, dental hygienists and other dental professionals and teams will participate in the seminar led by Kimberly K. Benkert.  The morning session is “Orofacial Myology:  Emerging Roles and Opportunities for the Licensed Oral Health Professional,” while the afternoon session is “Ergonomics:  Work Shouldn’t Be a Pain in the Neck.”  Benkert holds a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from Loyola University College of Dentistry and a master of public health degree in health policy and administration from the University of Illinois. The registration deadline is Oct. 10. The cost is $100 or $80 for American Dental Hygienists’ Association members.  The event will also include exhibits from various dental companies.  
  • The 2014 “Science in the South” Conference, Nov. 7-8, at the Student Center, will bring together K-12 educators and university students from across the state. The conference will feature two days of teaching skills building, expanding knowledge and networking with other educators.  Participants will also learn more about implementing the state’s new science learning standards.  Professionals can earn up to five continuing professional development units for participating in the Nov. 7 session.  There will also be presentations on science-related topics, exhibits and more.  The registration fee is $80 by Oct. 17 or $95 after. The student registration fee is $22. 
  • The Southern Illinois Fertilizer and Pesticide Board’s 47th annual Fertilizer and Pesticide Conference is Nov. 25 at the Holiday Inn, 222 Potomac Blvd., in Mount Vernon. Individual registration cost is $40 before Nov. 24 or $50 after. Registration fees also vary for contributors or exhibitors. The conference will also feature various displays. 

Registration details about each of the conferences are available online at www.dce.siu.edu. More information is also available by calling SIU’s Continuing Education and Outreach at 618/536-7751.