A group of students roasting marshmallows.

Saluki Startup builds on New Student Orientation and provides a fun beginning to Salukis’ college careers. (SIU Carbondale photo)

July 25, 2025

SIU paves students’ road to success with New Student Orientation and more; signup available now

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — As the university ramps up for the new academic year, efforts to set new Southern Illinois University Carbondale students on the road to success are well underway.

New Student Orientation (NSO) sessions are a great way to ensure incoming Salukis have a smooth transition to campus life in August. NSO introduces students to one another, familiarizes them with the countless available campus resources, and acquaints them with representatives from their academic colleges, offering ways to get involved and experience success within specific majors. Admitted students can sign up now with their network IDs to join an online session.

“Our goal is to provide students with all of the programs, initiatives, support and assistance they need to succeed in their academic endeavors at SIU and beyond,” said Jeffery T. Burgin, Jr., vice chancellor for student affairs. “New Student Orientation is a great launchpad for their college careers. When students arrive on campus in August, we’ll offer a host of other activities, services and ways to get involved and prepare for success.”

Sign up now

Two more interactive virtual sessions of NSO for admitted students are planned:

  • July 30, 9-11 a.m.
  • Aug. 5, 10 a.m.-noon.

Students can register now for NSO.

Coming attractions

After NSO, students can take advantage of additional opportunities this fall, including:

  • Dawg Days New Student Retreat, Aug. 10-13 at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. Incoming new and transfer students gather to have fun, make friends and learn all about life at SIU.
  • Saluki Startup, Aug. 13-17. These special immersive events provide students with the opportunity to connect with campus and all its amenities.
  • First-Year Resident Orientation, Aug. 14, 9 a.m.-noon. Students will hear from University Housing leaders and staff about making the most of their new home.
  • Academic Showcases, Aug. 15, 9-11 a.m. Salukis can meet SIU faculty and staff, learn more about their academic majors and the myriad ways they can get involved.
  • Classroom and campus tours, Aug. 15, 2-4 p.m.

And that’s just the beginning. Find a complete schedule of events for Saluki Startup and Weeks of Welcome, Aug. 18-31, at orientation.siu.edu.