February 01, 2018

SIU welcomes top students for scholarship interviews Feb. 2 and 3

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- More than 350 high-achieving students and their family members will be at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2 and 3, for the Chancellor’s and University Excellence Scholarship Interview Weekend.  

Students will interview for the university’s top scholarships, tour campus, visit colleges, and learn about the University Honors program, student life and more. About 80 of the students will stay overnight in campus residence halls.   

More than 1,000 visitors from 18 states 

The students and families, together totaling more than 1,000 visitors to Carbondale and the campus, are coming from 18 states. All of the students are already admitted to the university.  

“This important weekend gives top students and their families an opportunity to visit the campus and learn firsthand about our quality programs and support services, our dedicated faculty and staff and the inviting atmosphere within our community and region,” Chancellor Carlo Montemagno said. “I’m looking forward to learning more about these students and their families and showing them the significant role SIU can provide in their continuing educational journey.” 

Nearly 425 students invited 

Students unable to attend the weekend event interviewed for scholarships on an alternate date. Overall, 419 students were invited to the interview weekend based on their ACT scores, academic credentials and high school activities.   

SIU will award 25 Chancellor’s Scholarships, which cover tuition, fees and room and board for four years, and a larger number of University Excellence Scholarships, which is a $9,500 award for four years. 

New scholarships offered this year 

New this year, the university will also be offering Chancellor Transfer Scholarships and University Excellence Scholarships. SIU will award five Chancellor Transfer Scholarships, which cover tuition and fees for two years, and 50 University Excellence Transfer Scholarships, which is a $9,500 award for two years.