August 11, 2021

Media Advisory – SIU Move-in, Saluki Startup, Weeks of Welcome

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is welcoming thousands of new and returning students to campus this week for the start of the fall semester, which begins on Monday, Aug. 16. Reporters, photographers and news crews will find a wide variety of appealing stories and video opportunities in the coming weeks during move-in, Saluki Startup and Weeks of Welcome.

Move-in begins Thursday

New students will move into campus residence halls on Thursday, Aug. 12, while returning students move in on Friday, Aug. 13.

Chancellor Austin Lane will meet with SIU legacy students and parents at the Alumni Center outdoor patio, set for 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thursday and also will visit with families during the move-in Friday morning between 8 and 10 a.m.

The move-in process typically begins with students and their families dropping off the student’s belongings in designated areas near each residence hall. Students will then proceed to the check-in area to obtain the keys to their rooms and then they are free to move in after completing the check-in process.

This year there will be safety precautions in place during the move-in. All students, staff, faculty and guests must wear masks when inside buildings. Only two people may accompany students to their room at a time. Enhanced cleaning protocols will also be in place in all public and community spaces. All University Housing residence halls will be in use this year.

For additional information about move-in, visit housing.siu.edu/move-in/. If you have additional questions or need more details, contact Jim Hunsaker, senior associate director of operations for University Housing at 618-453-1067, 618-201-2211 (cell) or jhuns@siu.edu.

Saluki Startup starts the semester off right

A wide variety of special events take place Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 12-15, as SIU welcomes new and returning students and helps them get acquainted and begin the new academic year on a positive note.

The events media may want to cover, along with a brief description, sponsors and contact information for more details include:

  • Light up the Lake, 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, Becker Pavilion on Campus Lake. Students will enjoy glow-in-the-dark games and activities, snacks, a DJ and get freebies. New Student Programs, Recreational Sports and Services.
  • Saluki kickoff events, 6-9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 13, Saluki Stadium. There will be a big pep rally, inflatables, games, a DJ, food, and a class photo for first- and second-year students since the pandemic prevented last year’s class photo. New Student Programs.
  • Chancellor’s Welcome Fest, noon-2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 15, Morris Library lawn. This longtime SIU tradition gives students a chance to get better acquainted with Chancellor Lane and other campus administrators, faculty and staff as they enjoy a cookout, climbing wall, yard and watermelon games, a DJ, giveaways and a fun afternoon. New Student Programs.

For more information about any of these events, email orientation@siu.edu or call 618-453-1000. Find the complete Saluki Startup schedule of events at wow.siu.edu/saluki-startup.

Weeks of Welcome help Salukis connect

Through six Weeks of Welcome, or WoW, SIU gives new and returning students a chance to enjoy a wide variety of special activities to help them meet other students, faculty and staff and become part of the Saluki family. Media will find numerous noteworthy activities to cover. Highlights of the activities set for Aug. 16-Sept. 25, along with contact information, include:

  • Involvement Fair, 5-7 p.m., Aug. 19, Faner Plaza. This is the chance for students to find out how to get involved with student organizations, campus groups and departments and community organizations. Office of Student Engagement, alexander.maxwell@siu.edu, 618-453-5714.
  • Sunset Concerts, 7 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 26, the free outdoor concert location alternates between the steps of SIU’s Shryock Auditorium and Turley Park in Carbondale. Student Center/Student Programming Council/City of Carbondale/Carbondale Park District, alexander.maxwell@siu.edu, 618-453-5714.
  • Diversity Week kickoff: 3-5 p.m., Aug. 30, Student Center Ballrooms. Chancellor Lane will open the event as students and members of the campus community meet with representatives from student organizations, campus resource centers and the SIU community in an embrace of diversity, equity and inclusion. A variety of diversity events will take place throughout the week. Office of Associate Chancellor for Diversity, dianah.mcgreehan@siu.edu, 210-385-9013.
  • Diversity Week closing ceremony, 1-3 p.m., Sept. 3, Morris Library, first floor rotunda. Join in a celebration of diversity, inclusivity and equity and hear from Meera Komarraju, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, and Paul Frazier, associate chancellor for diversity, about their visions for the future of the campus. Guests will be invited to share their personal visions and goals for inclusivity. Office of Associate Chancellor for Diversity, dianah.mcgreehan@siu.edu, 210-385-9013.
  • Ken Jennings appearance, 7 p.m. Sept. 16. The “Jeopardy!” champion and author will speak at Shryock Auditorium. More details coming soon.
  • Saluki Family Weekend, Sept. 24-26, featuring a craft sale, Greek Sing, the Saluki Family of the Week, tailgating, and the Saluki football team hosting Illinois State. Saluki Family Association, familyweekend@siu.edu or 618-453-1000, or Office of Student Engagement at 618-453-5714.

Find the complete schedule of events and additional information for Weeks of Welcome at wow.siu.edu/schedule. Check the website often as the schedule is subject to change and new events are added frequently.