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SIU Today - May 21, 2026

Archaeology Field School seeks insight into one of Illinois’ earliest Black communities

An SIU Carbondale student archaeology team is spending six weeks unearthing history to help tell the story of what is believed to be the oldest continually inhabited Black community in Illinois.

Saluki Pride: Maria Claudia Franca earns Women of Distinction Award

Maria Claudia Franca, communication disorders and sciences (CDS) professor, is praised by colleagues across the country for her inclusive excellence, leadership, dedication, teaching and scholarship. For these reasons and more, she was the natural choice to win SIU Carbondale’s 2026 Women of Distinction Award.

SIU aviation technologies students excel in aircraft maintenance competition

A team from SIU Carbondale’s aviation technologies program placed 10th in the nation in the scholastic category of the 2026 Aerospace Maintenance Council competition in Orlando, Florida.

Inaugural Science Reception recognizes outstanding students and faculty

SIU's College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, recently held its inaugural Science Reception to recognize outstanding undergraduate and graduate students for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Lou and Debby Callen Ocean Room ceremony is May 27

A special naming ceremony is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, to officially recognize the Student Health Center’s Lou and Debby Callen Ocean Room. The room is one of three themed stress management lounges at the facility, designed especially to help students relax and de-stress.

What an internal audit actually looks like

The second in a series from the SIU System Office of Internal Audit, Compliance and Ethics provides more information about internal audits and how they benefit SIU.

Celebrate inclusion at Touch of Nature’s Special Olympics Day May 30

Special Olympics Day is coming to SIU Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center on May 30, and this free, inclusive, community-wide event is open to everyone – regardless of age or ability.

Sharp Museum seeking cryptid-themed art for juried exhibition

Whether it’s Bigfoot, the Big Muddy Monster, creatures from the watery deep or urban legends, SIU Carbondale’s Sharp Museum wants art submissions celebrating hidden or unknown animals and creatures. “Spooks or Spoofs,” a national juried cryptid-themed exhibition will run Aug. 11 through Dec. 21.

Reminder: Benefits Choice Fair is Tuesday

An on-campus Benefits Choice Fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, in the Student Center John W. Corker Lounge and Ballroom B. The deadline for the State Employees Group Insurance Program Benefit Choice open enrollment for all eligible employees is June 1. Employees can review the Benefits Choice Booklet for details on all changes, benefit enhancements and premium costs.

Reminder: Flexible schedule summer program starts Sunday  

The university is offering an employee flexible schedule program again this summer. The program starts Sunday, May 24, and continues through July 25, 2026.

Illinois Ethics Matters newsletter is available

The latest Illinois Ethics Matters newsletter for May 2026 is available. The Office of Executive Inspector General publishes the newsletter to allow state employees to stay informed of current issues relating to ethics. The SIU System Ethics Office website is siusystem.edu/ethics.