SIU Today - January 14, 2021

SIU research discovers new, dominant variant of U.S. COVID-19 virus

A team led by a researcher at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has discovered a new variant of the COVID-19 virus that is specific to and dominant in the United States, adding to the growing list of mutations such as those discovered in the United Kingdom and South Africa. It might be more easily transmissible than other variants, and its impact on vaccines is uncertain.

SIU to provide educational opportunities for East St. Louis junior high, high school students

An agreement between the university and East St. Louis School District 189 will provide mentoring and educational opportunities, summer camps and potential scholarships for junior high and high school students, many of whom depend on their schools to make a difference in their lives.

A/P performance evaluations due April 1

University policy requires that all administrative/professional staff have their work evaluated on an annual basis between Jan. 1 and March 31. The rating period to be used for evaluations completed in 2021 is Jan. 1, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2020. Evaluation forms are on the AIS e-forms website. Completed evaluations should be sent to Labor and Employee Relations prior to April 1, 2021. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Labor and Employee Relations at 618-453-6691.

Reminder: COVID-19 plans for spring semester

Faculty and staff are encouraged to review the university’s coronavirus information site. There, you will find the updated Saluki Safety Plan; the plan for spring semester; updated FAQs; forms for requesting cleaning supplies, reporting cases and notifying our safety team of possible facility exposure; the COVID-19 dashboard updating the number of positive cases each week; and forms to request remote work and approval for events and travel. You may also submit questions to pandemicinfo@siu.edu.

SIU announces dates for 2021 Family Weekend and Homecoming 

Mark your calendars. SIU Carbondale has set 2021 Saluki Family Weekend for Sept. 24-26 and Homecoming for Oct. 10-16.

Expert on American politics to discuss expectations of Biden administration

Timothy Lynch, an internationally recognized expert on American politics and foreign policy from the University of Melbourne in Australia, will discuss global expectations for the incoming Biden administration during a virtual conversation next week hosted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

SIU’s Community Dental Center serving public with monthly specials in 2021

The Community Dental Center is continuing to serve the community, even during the ongoing pandemic, and throughout 2021, the clinic will offer monthly specials to make its services even more affordable.

SIU Today schedule

There will not be an SIU Today issue on Monday as the university observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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