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SIU Today - September 04, 2025

SIU Carbondale enrollment up in Southern Illinois region, overall enrollment remains steady

SIU Carbondale is pleased to report that the overall enrollment on the 10th day of class for fall 2025 remains steady (flat) at 11,785 – only five fewer students than last year – which saw a record percentage enrollment growth. This figure reflects increases among several demographics, including new students from the Southern Illinois region (6%), new students from states bordering Illinois (16%) and online students (23% growth overall, 161% in graduate programs). The success of the university’s enrollment stability was also greatly enhanced by the strategic efforts of Academic Affairs, yielding a 5% growth in retaining continuing students – from 7,532 to 7,898. Despite these increases, an area of concern was the overall reduction of international students, which accounted for the largest decrease among various groups.

Charlotte Thompson Suhler honored with SIU School of Journalism and Advertising naming

SIU Carbondale will name its School of Journalism and Advertising in the College of Arts and Media after alumna Charlotte Thompson Suhler in recognition of her recent gift to the school. The dedication ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, in the journalism wing of the Communications Building, near the Daily Egyptian entrance.

SIU awards 50 full-ride Chancellor’s and Provost’s Scholarships

Exceptional efforts in the classroom and in their communities helped this year’s Chancellor’s and Provost’s Scholars at SIU Carbondale stand out from their peers as they join the Saluki family this fall.

Bob Odenkirk’s return visit to Southern Illinois includes public event at The Varsity

SIU Carbondale alumnus Bob Odenkirk will return to the region in September. He and his brother Bill Odenkirk will meet with SIU students and others, and their visit includes a public event at The Varsity Center from 3-5 p.m. Sept. 12.

Volunteers needed to help with SIU Day on Sept. 24 

Faculty and staff can welcome hundreds of high school students to campus this month and help them discover what makes SIU Carbondale the place to be for college. The event typically attracts more than 500 students from the region. Volunteers should sign up online by Sept. 19.

SIU honors 2025 “Women of Action” 

SIU Carbondale recently honored noteworthy women as the winners of the fourth annual Women of Action Awards. The recognition is given in celebration of the “everyday heroes” who make a real difference in the world around them by encouraging, mentoring and advocating for women and for anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.  

Reminder: Campus community invited to challenge each other at 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb  

The SIU Carbondale campus community can join together in a time of remembrance and reflection on Thursday, Sept. 11, and add a spark of competition at the 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb at Banterra Center. Participants should plan to arrive by 5:45 a.m. Check in at the unit challenge station with your unit’s name and the number of team members. For more information and to register, visit universityevents.siu.edu/saluki-stair-climb.

SIU Day of Giving is Sept. 17

SIU Carbondale will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Day of Giving on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The 24-hour online fundraiser engages alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students in a day of philanthropy and Saluki pride. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $17 million.

Simon Institute hosts diplomat in talk on U.S. foreign policy challenges

Ronald K. McMullen, a career U.S. diplomat and professor at the University of Iowa, will present a free, public lecture at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, that examines the extraordinary challenges facing the United States and growing fissures within the international system.

SIU celebrates Wildlife Habitat Education Center groundbreaking

SIU Carbondale broke ground Aug. 29 on the Wildlife Habitat Education Center at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center — a major step forward for hands-on conservation learning made possible by a $3 million gift from 1967 SIU alumnus Chuck Trover.

Salukis have a busy week ahead 

The Saluki women’s volleyball team hosts the Saluki Bash, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5-6, at Banterra Center. The Salukis face New Mexico State at 10 a.m. Friday, Kansas City at 6 p.m. Friday, and Eastern Illinois at 3 p.m. Saturday. If you can’t make it to West Lafayette, Indiana, for the Salukis’ football game against Purdue at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, you can watch them on the Big Ten Network. The Saluki women’s soccer team returns to the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex for a home match against Chicago State at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com. 

Sign up underway for Hearts in Motion Awareness Walk at SIU

Registration is now underway for the Sept. 27 Hearts in Motion Awareness Walk at Becker Pavilion and Campus Lake. Registration is through Sept. 12.

University export control notice  

Federal export control requirements are complex and far-reaching. To ensure all university personnel are aware of their responsibilities to comply with the federal requirements, the SIU System provides online information and access to export control training documents on the Export Controls website. You can also email exportcontrols@siu.edu to obtain more detailed information.