April 18, 2019

High school students will preview college life at SIU Day 2019

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Hundreds of high school students from four states have been invited to experience a preview of all Southern Illinois University Carbondale has to offer on the second SIU Day, set for April 26.

Finding out what SIU can do for you

The event gives teens the opportunity to check out the campus, explore SIU’s numerous academic majors through interesting, hands-on activities and talk with current students, faculty and staff about what it’s like to be a Saluki.

Beginning at 8 a.m. they’ll all gather at the SIU Arena for welcome festivities and a Student Life Fair. There they’ll meet faculty, staff and representatives from various student organizations and learn about the many ways they can get involved in campus life.

Each of the participating students chooses which of the dozens of exploratory sessions to attend. In all, there are about 40 different interactive demonstrations and activities hosted by academic programs, campus facilities, services and units.

Those attending can participate in College of Business marketing department blind taste tests, see why Harry Potter is studied at college, learn about the numerous allied health career possibilities and tour their labs, check out the Saluki racing experience with moon buggies, formula cars and more, and see creative art and design options. They can visit the state-of-the-art Transportation Education Center, which is home to SIU’s acclaimed automotive and aviation programs, and try their hands at a flight simulator. They can take a guided tour of campus, “meet” SIU’s dinosaurs and learn what bones can tell us, enjoy a mock trial experience, build a bridge and much more.

SIU Day gives participants the chance to explore the many career and educational opportunities available to them and find out just what SIU can do to help them fulfil their dreams and goals.

Bigger than inaugural event

The university’s inaugural SIU Day last September drew hundreds of high school students, primarily seniors, who were invited from about 60 neighboring school districts. Their SIU showcase featured about 30 different sessions to choose from.

This spring’s event will be even bigger, with invites going to all schools within about a two-hour drive of SIU. The focus is primarily on high school sophomores and juniors this time, as officials believe it’s never too early to connect with prospective students and show them how great the SIU experience can be.

The participants will also enjoy lunch on campus and get a free swag bag, including an SIU T-shirt and other goodies.

Volunteers needed

Organizers are still seeking volunteers to help ensure participants enjoy their day on campus. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are welcome. A wide variety of volunteer roles are available; some involve walking and/or standing and some may be outdoors, but organizers will assist in finding a spot you’re comfortable with.

You can sign up online to help at SIU Day. Short volunteer training sessions are set for noon, 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on April 25 in Room 170 of the Student Services Building.

For additional information, or links to sign up for this and other SIU activities, visit the University Events and Protocol website at universityevents.siu.edu/campus-and-community-involvement/index.php