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SIU Today - September 02, 2021

University enrolls largest freshman class in five years 

With its largest class of new freshmen in five years, Southern Illinois University Carbondale has stopped a downward spiral in enrollment. This fall, 1,422 Salukis are starting their college career, an increase of 4.5% over their predecessors. 

Saluki Pride: SIU ‘ambassador’ Susan Graham earns national ag educators’ recognition 

Susan Graham’s work on campus doesn’t just stop at the end of the work day. Her commitment to students, faculty and numerous agriculture-related organizations recently has earned her state and national recognition and inspires others to “want to be a better Saluki!” Graham is featured this week in Saluki Pride, which profiles faculty and staff whose work is integral to the university’s success. Nominating a colleague is easy; simply fill out this form.

Vaccination opportunities on campus start today 

Faculty, staff and students are reminded of the opportunities available for receiving COVID-19 vaccinations at the Student Center starting today, Sept. 2. In addition, faculty, staff and students are required, even if they are fully vaccinated, to attest to their vaccination status by Sunday, Sept. 5, or be prepared to be tested or provide proof of being tested at least once a week. Information on vaccinations and campus pandemic safety protocols is available on the university’s coronavirus campus message page.  

SIU accepting honorary degree and service award nominations

The university is now accepting nominations for honorary degree and distinguished service awards that will be presented at May 2022 commencement ceremonies.

School of Medicine assisting with farmer mental health initiatives

The SIU School of Medicine’s Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development is actively participating in an expanded statewide initiative aimed at addressing the mental health needs of the farming and agricultural communities. The Farm Family Resource Initiative was established in 2019 to provide resources in six counties, and a recent $500,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Agriculture will allow the program to expand to all 102 counties in Illinois.

Tips for cyber diligence on campus

As the new academic year begins, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) is emphasizing that everyone contributes to cybersafety.

Student Center facilities, services open to campus groups, organizations

With a new semester underway, Conference and Scheduling Services wants to remind campus groups and organizations that the Student Center offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces and audio-visual services, along with many other planning services to assist with organizing in-person, virtual or hybrid happenings.

SIU Carbondale recognized among the best LGBTQ+ U.S. universities

SIU has earned national recognition again for its diversity and inclusivity as Campus Pride, a leading LGBTQ+ campus rating and information index, honored the university as a 2021 “Best of the Best LGBTQ-Friendly Campus.”

Foreign policy expert to speak on America’s post-9/11 security policies, withdrawal from Afghanistan

Author and foreign policy expert Andrew Bacevich is the next guest in the virtual conversation series hosted by Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9

SIU Alumni Association launches “Ask A Saluki” mentoring platform 

The SIU Alumni Association has harnessed the proud tradition of Salukis helping Salukis with new and powerful artificial intelligence-driven technology designed to connect students’ and recent graduates’ career and professional questions with the best experts among SIU Carbondale’s 250,000 alumni.

New Arts Jazztet will perform in Cairo on Friday

New Arts Jazztet, a Southern Illinois jazz group comprising SIU faculty, will perform at the Smooth Jazz on the River Festival at Fort Defiance State Park at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3. Admission is free.