SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - April 30, 2026

Nearly 2,100 students will be honored at SIU Carbondale’s commencement exercises

The academic achievements of nearly 2,100 SIU Carbondale students will be celebrated during spring 2026 commencement exercises May 8-9. “Commencement is a powerful reminder of what Salukis can achieve,” Chancellor Austin A. Lane said.

Benefits Choice open enrollment begins Friday and closes June 1 

The deadline for the State Employees Group Insurance Program Benefit Choice open enrollment for all eligible employees is June 1. Open enrollment begins Friday, May 1. Employees can review the Benefits Choice Booklet for details on all changes, benefit enhancements and premium costs. An on-campus Benefits Choice Fair is May 26 in the Student Center.

Saluki Pride: Brent Pease receives Early Career Faculty Excellence Award

Brent Pease’s research into the effects of light pollution on avian activity has gained national and international media attention. Pease, the 2026 Early Career Faculty Excellence Award recipient, makes his greatest impact on campus through his dedication to students and local citizens.

Tasty event and survey will help finalize menu for SIU’s new 1869 Grille

The eagerly anticipated debut of SIU’s new 1869 Grille is Tuesday, May 5, in the Student Center — and the campus community is invited to help finalize the menu. A mini-taste testing is set for noon in the 1869 Grille lobby. Students, faculty and staff can enjoy free small samples of food – while supplies last – and complete a survey to assist with the final selection of menu items.

All-Hazards Emergency Plan drill reaffirms SIU’s commitment to preparedness, campus safety

SIU Carbondale conducted its annual All-Hazards Emergency Plan exercise on April 27, reaffirming the university’s commitment to preparedness and campus safety. This year’s exercise was built around an active-threat scenario with a specific focus on policy-level decision making and communication.

Reminder: Tedrick Welcome Center grand opening

SIU Carbondale and the SIU Foundation will celebrate the opening of the Tedrick Welcome Center (1264 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale) from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 1. A public open house is the following day, Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome to both events.

SIU timber sports team gets their chops in to win Midwest Foresters Conclave 

In the quest to rebuild a tradition, SIU Carbondale students recently dominated the field to earn the title at the 69th Midwest Foresters Conclave at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.

Alumni Weekend for Saluki baseball 

It’s Alumni Weekend for the Saluki baseball team as it hosts Indiana State for three games, Friday through Saturday, May 1-3, at Itchy Jones Stadium. The games are at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. on Sunday. The Salukis then host nonconference foe Bellarmine University at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 5. The Saluki softball team hosts the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Charlotte West Stadium beginning Wednesday, May 6, through Saturday, May 9. For complete Saluki schedules, visit siusalukis.com. 

Reminder: SIU Today begins summer schedule May 14

After the spring semester ends on Saturday, May 9, SIU Today will begin its summer schedule and come out once a week, each Thursday except for holidays, beginning May 14. Submission deadlines will remain the same. May 5 is the deadline for the May 7 edition.