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SIU Today - October 08, 2026

Homecoming celebrates 75 years of Saluki pride with concerts, football and fun

It’s a diamond anniversary for SIU Carbondale’s unique mascot during the 2026 Homecoming festivities. After all, there is only ONE Saluki! “Decades of the Dawg: 75 Years of Saluki Pride,” Oct. 12-17, promises to be memorable with a giant pep rally, Homecoming Music Street Festival, numerous activities, a parade, tailgating and Saluki football.

Student-run River Region News returns

River Region News, SIU Carbondale’s student-run newscast, is back after nearly six years on hiatus, bringing campus and regional news in a digital-first format to viewers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube platforms. The relaunched newscast debuted Sept. 4.

Register for electronic travel-reimbursement training

SIU Carbondale is introducing a new electronic travel-reimbursement process. Training sessions will be offered throughout October and November to help employees prepare for the transition. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, Accounting Services will no longer accept paper travel expense vouchers.

Reminder: Honorary degree/service award nomination deadline is Wednesday

The nomination deadline for SIU Carbondale honorary degrees and distinguished service awards is Wednesday, Oct. 14. The awards will be presented at May 2027 commencement ceremonies. The SIU School of Medicine in Springfield is also eligible.

Great Glass Pumpkin Patch sale is Oct. 17

The Great Pumpkin Patch, a fall tradition at SIU Carbondale, returns for its 21st year as students in the glass program sell glass pumpkins they designed and made themselves. The sale is from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 17, on the lawn in front of the breezeway between Pulliam Hall and the Wham Education Building, just outside the glass studio.

Sign up now to join SIU’s 2026 Saluki Homecoming parade

Entries are now being accepted for SIU Carbondale’s 2026 Homecoming parade, which will make its way through the city streets and onto campus, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. The entry deadline is extended to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Show your Saluki pride

Homecoming is next week, and University Bookstore is offering great deals to help you gear up and show your Saluki pride. The bookstore, located in the SIU Student Center, offers a 25% off sale on all Champion apparel starting today (Oct. 8) through Oct. 15. The sale is available both in store and online at Salukishop.com. 

Soccer, volleyball and baseball highlight Saluki sports

The Saluki women’s soccer team hosts Illinois State at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex. The women’s volleyball team hosts Northern Iowa at 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 at Davies Gym, and the Saluki baseball team hosts John A. Logan College at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Itchy Jones Stadium. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.  

New Arts Jazztet to perform Sunday 

Members of the New Arts Jazztet, a Southern Illinois jazz group comprising SIU faculty and guests, will perform at Jazz Vespers, an evening prayer service, at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Chautauqua St., Carbondale. NAJ was formed in 1984 by several School of Music faculty and has been in residence since that time. The performance will feature works by Milt Jackson, Rod McGaha, Pat Metheney, Thelonious Monk, Thaddeus Tukes and Peter Zak. The service will also be livestreamed on the Jazz Vespers at Epiphany Facebook page.