April 08, 2025
SIU supports students’ emotional health with Salukis Care Day on April 16
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Salukis Care Day is all about enhancing the emotional wellness of students and helping them de-stress so they can thrive and succeed.
Faner Plaza will be filled with a variety of fun and meaningful activities for students from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 16. In case of inclement weather, it will take place at the Student Recreation Center. In addition, various campus organizations and departments will offer resources and information. The theme of the day is “Salukis Securing Solitude.”
Salukis Care Day takes place in the midst of a week during which SIU’s Undergraduate Student Government is partnering with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), a unit of Student Health Services, to fund all CAPS appointments for students April 14-18, ensuring students meet personal, psychological, mental or emotional needs and not become anxious or feel overwhelmed or exhausted, said Jacari Henderson, Saluki Cares director.
Media Advisory
Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover Salukis Care Day, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at Faner Plaza. In the event of rain, it will move to the Student Recreation Center. For more information, contact Jacari Henderson at jacari.henderson@siu.edu.
Assorted activities planned to benefit students
Plans call for a diverse assortment of activities and offerings. Some activities are all about fun and helping students relax. Others promote positive relationships and interactions, foster collaboration or encourage looking ahead toward a positive future.
Students can enjoy inflatables, personalized pictures at the College Dreams photo booth, hammocks, bubbles, free refreshments and making their own affirmation bracelets (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), painting Sexual Assault Awareness Month temporary tattoos (noon-2 p.m.) or creating their very own aromatherapy scents. The chalk fest (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) gives them the opportunity to write positive quotes or affirmations. They can also enjoy Salukis Care coloring sheets, add their academic, professional and personal goals to the “dream wall” and more. They can even get acquainted with local law enforcement officers and have positive interactions and a popsicle during Cops with Pops, set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In addition, CAPS will be hosting an Ask Your Counselor panel in Rooms 150/160 at the Student Services Building from 9 to 10 a.m. and Praying Pals will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Salukis can learn more about CAPS and the mental health resources on campus, checking in with the anonymous Mindwise behavioral mental health questionnaire, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Find the complete schedule of events and additional information on the Saluki Cares Day website. Email siucares@siu.edu or call 618-453-5731 with questions.