SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - December 09, 2021

Mother-daughter duo will graduate together from SIU

Guests might just find themselves doing a double take as Dorothy and Ashley Simien, two women who could almost pass for twins, walk across the stage to claim their diplomas during 2 p.m. commencement ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Banterra Center. The university is also holding an 11 a.m. ceremony as the academic achievements of 1,400 students and recent graduates are celebrated that day.

74% of returning students have registered

Almost three-fourths, 74%, of students returning for spring semester have registered for classes. As we head into the home stretch of the six-week registration period, the friendly competition among colleges continues. The college with the highest percentage of registered students wins, and the winning college team members, which include the dean, school directors, recruitment and retention coordinators, and academic advisors, will receive a sponsored lunch and polo shirts.

Saluki Pride: Stacye Saunders is a ‘selfless mentor and advocate’ for students

Stacye Saunders is a double SIU alumna who has an affinity for the university and the community. More than that, she is “well-versed in course and curriculum development, supplemental instruction and student outreach and engagement” and works “diligently to serve underrepresented students across campus.” Nominating a colleague is easy; simply fill out this form.

Signs that a student may need professional mental health support

As students may experience an increase in stress toward the end of the semester, faculty and staff may find themselves encountering students with mental health and emotional needs that warrant a response and/or a referral to a mental health provider. Counselors at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) have provided a list of common presentations that may indicate a need for additional mental health support.

Longtime SIU mathematics educator honored for his contributions

Jerry Becker recently received the Distinguished Life Achievement in Mathematics Award from the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics for his distinguished service and significant contributions in the mathematics education field.

Webinar on COVID-19’s relationship with rural homelessness and housing next week 

Registration is open for a webinar at noon Thursday, Dec. 16, to discuss actions to improve the housing and reduce homelessness in rural regions of Illinois. The Illinois Rural Health Summit organizing group, which includes the School of Medicine’s Department of Population Science and Policy, Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development and the SIU Carbondale Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, have developed a set of recommendations to improve housing in rural Illinois.

Help SIU save energy costs over winter break 

In an effort to control campus energy costs, Facilities and Energy Management asks employees to help conserve energy by following some simple suggestions before leaving campus for the holiday break. Custodial staff will visit the offices of faculty and staff who have been working remotely this semester.

Getting an early start: SIU architecture student already has designs on his future

Jordan Adams, a freshman in the architectural studies program, was lead designer on a team that won a top prize this summer in the NAACP Chicago Southside ACT-SO sustainable building pilot competition. As he begins his college career, Adams is honing his skills further with the help of faculty in SIU’s nationally known program.

SIU recognize new teachers with pinning ceremony

A special pinning ceremony Wednesday recognized the newest graduates of SIU’s Teacher Education Programs. A total of 37 graduates from across campus have now completed their student teaching, the final educational requirement to becoming professional educators. Each student received individual recognition during the ceremony at Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium. The new educators were “pinned” by the teachers they have served alongside in diverse regional classrooms during their final SIU undergraduate semester.

Carbondale Warming Center to receive human rights award

The Southern Illinois chapter of the United Nations Association USA will recognize the staff of the Carbondale Warming Center for its efforts to secure the human rights of a vulnerable population during an award ceremony on Friday, Dec. 10.

Innovation, entrepreneurial spirit highlight 2021 showcase

Creativity and development throughout the region were highlighted at the 2021 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center on Dec. 2.

New Arts Jazztet will perform Sunday

New Arts Jazztet, a Southern Illinois jazz group comprising SIU faculty, will perform at Jazz Vespers, an evening prayer service at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Chautauqua St., Carbondale, at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12.

SIU Today holiday schedule 

This is the last SIU Today issue before winter break. SIU Today will resume in January.