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SIU Today - September 16, 2021

SIU’s 24-hour BioBlitz yields 300 plant and animal species on campus

A 24-hour BioBlitz, the first one held among the campus community, found more than 300 species of flora and fauna living in the area. The effort not only highlighted the diversity of plants and animals, it also was a good way to spot invasive species that might potentially alter the native Southern Illinois ecosystems.

Saluki Pride: For Gail Odaniell, organization is key

After working in the restaurant business, Gail Odaniell, administrative assistant in the Office of Information Technology, was ready for a new challenge. Try overseeing everything relating to human resources, payroll and fringe benefits for more than 100 full-time employees. Yet even during the pandemic when Odaniell has worked remotely, “she has been self-motivated, organized and efficient” with all of her job duties, according to Laurie Holley, OIT senior business manager. Odaniell 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.

SIU law school to hold discussion on recent constitutional issues

A discussion on recent and pending constitutional decisions before the U.S. Supreme Court is a part of Constitution Day activities on Friday.

SIU Carbondale awards 35 Chancellor and Provost Scholarships for 2021-2022

Exceptional efforts in the classroom and in their communities helped this year’s scholars stand out from their peers.

University honors course proposal deadline is Oct. 22

The University Honors Program is accepting course proposals from faculty for fall 2022 and spring 2023 UHON seminars. Courses may be proposed in the faculty’s area of choice or along the theme for the year, which is “Migration and Borders.” 

Vaccination clinics continue this week

The free, on-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the Student Center Cambria Room for faculty, staff and students continue this week. The first- and second-dose clinics will be held today and Friday, Sept. 16-17. Second dose vaccinations will also be available Oct. 4-8. Information on vaccinations, including times, and campus pandemic safety protocols is available at siu.edu/coronavirus.

Paul Simon Institute talk to explore state of philanthropy in wake of pandemic

Monique Jones, president of Forefront, a Chicago-based organization that supports Illinois nonprofit organizations, will talk about the state of philanthropy in Illinois in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic during a virtual discussion hosted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Monday, Sept. 20.

Nick Hill to host Chancellor’s Faculty-Staff Lounge on Friday

Faculty and staff are encouraged to visit with Saluki head football coach Nick Hill at the Chancellor’s Faculty-Staff Lounge at Old Main during the lunch period from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17.