Southern Illinois University’s Week of Belonging 2026 kicks off on Monday, Aug. 24, with the Student Multicultural Resource Center’s Welcome Back Bash at the Student Services Building pavilion from 2-4 p.m. (Photo by Erasmus Tornye)
August 19, 2026
SIU invites students and staff to Belonging Week 2026 celebrations
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Belonging Week 2026 recognizes the diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and invites students, staff, and the community to celebrate.
This year’s theme, “Fostering a Community of Belonging,” is dedicated to building connections, celebrating inclusion, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Throughout the week, a variety of events and activities will offer meaningful opportunities to engage with others, share experiences, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive.
Renada Greer, executive director of the Student Multicultural Resource Center, said the weeklong celebration benefits new and returning students, “Belonging Week is about helping students find their people, discover their place, and make SIU their home away from home. Through connection, community, and access to resources, we want every student to know: You Belong Here.”
Event details
Belonging Week kicks off with the Student Multicultural Resource Center Welcome Back Bash “Old School Field Day,” 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at the Student Services Building pavilion. This event offers Salukis the chance to learn all about the Student Multicultural Resource Center.
Following the Welcome Back Bash, head to “Saluki to Saluki: Grow Up and Live Your Unapologetic Passions.” Keynote speaker Isaiah "Izzy" Carrington is a Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumnus. He attended SIU from 2014 to 2022, earning a master's degree in communication studies. Carrington currently teaches at Harper College and is a nationally ranked powerlifter. His mission is to help students discover what it means to grow up by living their unapologetic passions. From a shy high schooler to an inspiring speaker and coach, Carrington blends humor, heartfelt stories and practical takeaways to empower students to boldly pursue their passions. This event is sponsored by First Year Experience and is in the Student Center Ballroom D, starting at 6 p.m.
There are myriad events highlighting the week on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
- Build connections with SIU Carbondale’s Hispanic/Latino Faculty Council with a Taco Tuesday Luncheon from 11 to 1:30 p.m. Student Services Building room 150/160. The group’s mission is serving as a representative voice of persons who identify themselves as Hispanic, Latino, Indigenous, their descendants, or allies.
- Immediately after the luncheon from 2-4 p.m. is “Belongingness Impacts and Improves Mental Health,” also in Student Building room 150/160. The event emphasizes that inclusion on campus helps to build confidence, especially for students who are away from home for the first time. The event is being held by the Student Multicultural Resource Center and Counseling and Psychological Services.
- The Paulette Curkin Pride Resource Center will hold Safe Zone Training from 2-4 p.m. in Student Services Building, room 170. Started in 1995, SIU Carbondale's Safe Zone program is one of the oldest in the nation. The trainings educate the campus and community about LGBTQIA+ terms, etiquette, culture, and history. Your participation helps to create an inclusive, affirming, and empowering campus climate.
- The Women of Action Ceremony 2026 will be in Morris Library’s first-floor rotunda from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Organized by the Women’s Resource Centerin collaboration with Network Empowering Women, the awards recognize women who have overcome adversity in their workplaces and communities to prevail, lead, inspire, advocate and serve at SIU and in the community.
Other events during the week include:
- Make your own ice cream float at the LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Welcome Back gathering, sponsored LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Constituency Group. The ice cream social is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26, in the Student Services Building. It’s a chance to tour the Paulette Curkin Pride Resource Center and connect with the community.
- Back by popular demand is the “Diversity Is Poster Making Event.” Everyone is invited to stop by the Faner Hall breezeway from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, for this interactive art installation that encourages participants to share their thoughts on diversity. Also on Aug. 27, the Black Staff and Faculty Welcome Back will be from 2-5 p.m. in the Student Services Building room 150/160 and pavilion, The event is sponsored by the Black Staff and Faculty Council Constituency Group.
- “Investing in Campus Community: Fundraising for Impact,” the Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion luncheon is from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28. The luncheon is in the Student Services Building, room 150/160.
- The Asian American and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Welcome Back celebration is from 4-6 p.m. at the Center for International Education (CIE) in Woody Hall. The week-long celebration wraps up with the International Coffee Hour also at CIE 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 28.
More information
Find the complete schedule of events and additional information at diversity.siu.edu/diversity-week. Email diversity@siu.edu or call 618-453-1186 with questions.
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is coordinating the celebration.