High school students from across the region will see what SIU has to offer, including exploring robotics and artificial intelligence programs, during SIU Day on Wednesday, Sept. 23. (SIU Carbondale photo by Erasmus Tornye)
September 22, 2026
900+ area high school students to attend SIU Day and explore campus programs
CARBONDALE, Ill. — More than 900 students from 24 area high schools will get a taste of Saluki life on SIU Day at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. They’ll get to meet faculty and staff, and find out about resources and academic programs, giving them a chance to imagine their potential future at SIU. The event is from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
After an event welcome, students will take part in academic breakout sessions, which include hands-on activities, in various locales on campus from 10:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., an up-close look at academic programs in action.
“SIU Day is about helping students turn possibilities into plans,” said Josi Rawls, undergraduate admissions associate director. “By bringing Southern Illinois high school students to campus, we give them the chance to explore their interests, connect with our academic programs, and begin seeing themselves as part of the Saluki community.”
High school students may visit labs, tour campus, experience technology and view creations by SIU students — there are sessions and topics for a wide range of interests.
For SIU Day, students are coming from:
- Anna-Jonesboro Community High School
- Carbondale Community High School
- Carterville High School
- Chester Community High School
- Cobden High School
- Du Quoin High School
- Egyptian High School
- Elverado High School
- Galatia High School
- Goreville High School
- Herrin High School
- Johnston City High School
- Joppa Junior and Senior High School
- Marion High School
- Murphysboro High School
- Pinckneyville Community High School
- Red Bud High School
- Shawnee High School
- Sparta High School
- Steeleville High School
- Vienna High School
- Waltonville High School
- Webber High School
- Woodlawn High School
Media advisory
Reporters, photographers, videographers and news crews are invited to cover SIU Day. Here is the itinerary.
- 9-9:30 a.m. — Check-in, John W. Corker Lounge SIU Carbondale Student Center
- 9:45-10:15 a.m. — Welcome and introduction of colleges, Student Center Ballroom D
- 10:30-11:20 a.m. — Session 1, various locations on campus
- 10:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. — SIU automotive/aviation programs, Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center (includes lunch)
- 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — Lunch, International Lounge and Student Center Ballrooms
- 12:30 -1:20 p.m. — Session 2, various locations on campus
- 1:30 p.m. — Closing remarks, Student Center, Ballroom D
If you are interested in covering the event, contact Josi Rawls, associate director for transfer relations, at josi.rawls@siu.edu or 618-453-2992.