SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - December 01, 2025

SIU celebrates 50 years of preparing students for the ever-evolving hospitality field

The Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management program has adapted to an ever-changing industry in its 50 years, but its experience-oriented mantra remains constant: “The community is our classroom.”

Reminder: Faculty-staff appreciation coffee is Tuesday 

A faculty-staff appreciation coffee hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane is from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the Student Center’s International Lounge prior to the university recognizing employees for their service and commitment  and honoring retiring employees during a ceremony and reception at 10 a.m. in the Student Center Ballrooms. 

Nominate an inspiring colleague for a Faculty and Staff Excellence Award 

Know someone who inspires you with their incredible talent, passion and commitment? Nominate them for a Faculty and Staff Excellence Award. The nomination deadline is 4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23.  

Supplemental retirement, deferred compensation plans updated 

The Internal Revenue Service has increased the amounts individuals can contribute to their 403(b) and 457(b) accounts for 2026.  

Reminder: Prepare for inclement weather

The Emergency Operations Center actively monitors weather conditions. Faculty and staff should take two important steps to prepare for inclement weather: review the campus policy and ensure that the university has your current cellphone number if you want to receive emergency text alerts. 

R1 Minute focuses on undergrad’s experience with deer 

In the latest installment of R1 Minute, Natalie Hawkins, a student of Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau, associate professor in the Center for Wildlife Sustainability Research, discusses how working as a field technician, tracking and collaring animals, and collecting data in the wild became a life-changing experience and shaped her path in conservation. Watch the video. 

Celebrate SIU, regional innovation and entrepreneurship at Dec. 4 showcase

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase, set for Thursday, Dec. 4, is a unique celebration of some of the region’s newest and best innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs. Everyone is welcome to attend the 4:30-6:30 p.m. event at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center.

Reminder: Dec. 13 commencement volunteers needed

Volunteer opportunities remain available for faculty, staff and members of the community who would like to assist graduating Salukis as they celebrate their accomplishments during commencement exercises at Banterra Center on Dec. 13.

SIU Press holiday book sale is Dec. 4-5

Southern Illinois University Press is hosting a holiday book sale Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4-5, in Morris Library’s Hall of Presidents and Chancellors. The book sale is from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Reminder: Applications for Thrasher, REACH research funds open today 

Faculty should remind undergraduate students of two scholarship programs coming up for renewal, beginning today, Dec. 1. The Susan C. Thrasher Undergraduate Research Fund and the Research-Enriched Academic Challenge (REACH) programs both offer financial support and research opportunities. Applications will be available until 11:59 p.m. Jan. 26. 

Reminder: Mandatory annual Ethics Act training due Dec. 31  

Mandatory 2025 annual Ethics Act training for all SIU Carbondale faculty, staff, graduate assistants, undergraduate assistants, volunteers, student workers and extra help workers takes place until 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31 on the D2L platform. School of Medicine employees located on the Carbondale campus will complete training using HealthStream.