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SIU Today - May 02, 2022

More than 1,800 students will be honored at commencement exercises

The academic achievements of more than 1,800 SIU Carbondale students will be celebrated during spring 2022 commencement exercises May 6-7. Festivities start with the SIU School of Law commencement on Friday, May 6, at Shryock Auditorium. On Saturday, May 7, Banterra Center will hold two commencement ceremonies.

Faculty and staff group imagines new academic programs through cross-campus collaboration

Over 60 faculty and staff from all SIU Carbondale colleges and several units (see story for the list of names) participated in a two-day workshop to identify potential new academic programs and existing programs that may merit more focus and investment, a project that aligns with the research and innovation pillar of the Imagine 2030 strategic plan.

Benefit Choice open enrollment deadline is May 31 

The deadline for the State Employees Group Insurance Program Benefit Choice open enrollment for all eligible employees is May 31. For the upcoming year, there are plan changes including insurance premium increases. Employees are encouraged to review the Benefit Choice option booklet and select the best coverage for themselves and/or their families. 

SIU researcher enlists citizen scientists to help track sounds of biodiversity

Brent Pease, an assistant professor in the forestry program, is asking the public to keep its ears open with Sounds of Nature, a community research project aimed at understanding changes in biodiversity over time by recording and monitoring so-called “soundscapes,” the collective sounds emanating from a given area. The effort runs through July 15, and plans call for it to continue annually.

President, vice president re-elected to Faculty Senate

Yueh-Ting “YT” Lee, professor of psychology, and Bethany Rader, associate professor of biological sciences, were re-elected to serve as president and vice president, respectively, of the Faculty Senate in 2022-2023.

SIU blood drive May 3 offers incentives for donors

The SIU School of Medicine and its Class of 2025 are sponsoring an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, in the Renaissance Room at the Student Center, and donors will receive e-gift cards and have the chance to win a camper.

SIU School of Music presenting Ukraine benefit concerts this week

The Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Music will present two faculty-student chamber music ensembles this week with proceeds going to help in Ukraine.

Students receive 2022 SIU System Distinguished Service Awards

Four students from SIU Carbondale, the SIU School of Law and SIU School of Medicine received 2022 SIU System Distinguished Service Awards at the SIU Board of Trustees on April 28. In addition, 10 students earned honorable mention.

Kansas City Star editor to discuss news media’s challenges

Melinda Henneberger, the Kansas City Star’s opinions page editor, will discuss the state of the American news media in a virtual event Tuesday, May 3, hosted by SIU Carbondale's Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

SIU’s summer camps are filling up fast, sign up now

Children and youths still have time to sign up for the wide variety of enriching, educational and fun camps for all ages, abilities and interests on campus.

Second annual Student Affairs staff awards took place on April 22

The university’s Student Affairs and Dean of Students celebrated this year’s outstanding staff with an awards ceremony on April 22.