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SIU Today - July 30, 2026

SIU Carbondale researchers name new microbe after the university

A little giant has been found deep in an underground community where thriving means living in hot, dark spaces with no oxygen. While this might sound like the movie trailer for the latest fantasy meets sci-fi blockbuster, it’s the description of a new microbe discovered by Scott Hamilton-Brehm, an associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences, and named after SIU Carbondale.

SIU takes second place in international agricultural robotics competition

SIU Carbondale students Joy Howard and Nathan Wellendorf, members of the university’s Agricultural Robotics Club, finished second earlier this month in the international American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers’ Robotics Student Design Competition.

SIU Carbondale will host Saluki Registration Rally on Aug. 7

It’s not too late to sign up to be a Saluki this fall. SIU Carbondale is holding a Saluki Registration Rally from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at the Tedrick Welcome Center.  Undergraduate admissions staff will be available to help students register for classes, resolve any enrollment questions and make sure that students are prepared for the first day of the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 17.

SIU Simmons Law School summer initiatives showcase legal careers for students

SIU Simmons Law School hosted two free summer programs to help nearly 50 high school and college students learn more about the law school, the legal profession and criminal justice.

Reminder: Volunteers invited to help Salukis move in next week

University Housing is inviting volunteers from the campus and community to help Salukis move in to their new homes away from home. Individuals and groups are encouraged to sign up before Saturday, Aug. 8, to be part of the move-in brigade.

Women of Action Award nomination deadline is Friday

Nominations are open for the fifth annual Women of Action Awards at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The award honors “everyday heroes” who make a difference in the lives of others. Submit nominations online by 11:30 p.m. Friday, July 31.

SIU Press hosts virtual criminology writing panel today

SIU Press is hosting a virtual writing panel at 5 p.m. today (July 30) that focuses on criminology and features two former police officers to provide insight on the criminal justice system and criminology.

Road work on Pleasant Hill Road begins Aug. 17

The planned road work along a 1.5-mile stretch of Pleasant Hill Road is set to start on Monday, Aug. 17. The improvements from Union Hill Road to McLafferty Road are expected to take three months, and will tentatively end Nov. 10, according to SIU Carbondale’s Facilities and Energy Management.

Reminder: Annuitants’ SIU Carbondale chapter meets Tuesday

Bryan Soady, executive director of the statewide State Universities Annuitants Association, will be at a general meeting and reception of SIU Carbondale’s SUAA chapter on Tuesday, Aug. 4, in the Student Center Old Main Room.

SIU Foundation announces 2026-27 Saluki Takeover Tour

SIU Carbondale is expanding its national outreach efforts during the 2026-27 academic year with an expanded Saluki Takeover Tour schedule. The sixth annual SIU Foundation-sponsored tour features stops across Illinois and the country.