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SIU Today - April 06, 2023

SIU criminology program using virtual reality to better understand police work

A virtual reality simulator in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s criminology and criminal justice program will provide students greater insight into law enforcement challenges, while also providing a research mechanism to study aspects of police work.

Odenkirk experiences SIU all over again

SIU alumnus and actor, comedian, filmmaker and author Bob Odenkirk returned to campus on April 3 where he interacted with students and faculty in the College of Arts and Media, received a key to the city of Carbondale and received his bachelor's degree in radio-television along with an honorary doctorate. Nearly 2,000 people attended a Q&A with Odenkirk at Banterra Center.

SIU to honor eight Excellence Award recipients 

SIU Carbondale will recognize eight faculty and staff members for superior scholarship and creative endeavors, teaching and service with the 2023 Excellence Awards. The awards are bestowed annually for exceptional work both in and outside the classroom. The recipients will be recognized during a ceremony at 3 p.m. Monday, April 17, in Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium. 

Imagine Your Genius Showcase is today 

The everyday talent and creativity of the Saluki community will be on tap during the Imagine Your Genius Showcase, set for 5-8 p.m. today, April 6, at Shryock Auditorium. The event will feature students, staff and faculty showcasing their genius, skills, creativity, research and passion. Bruce George, founder of the Genius Is Common movement, will speak and serve as a judge for the performances. Here is a video message from the chancellor on the event.

SIU lecture to focus on rise and benefits of AI

A lecture hosted by the College of Liberal Arts will highlight the rise of generative artificial intelligence and its interdisciplinary importance in social science and the humanities, along with the impact on everyday life.  Ajit Jaokar and Ayse Mutlu, both faculty at the University of Oxford in England, will present “The New World of Artificial Intelligence at the Center of Virtual Expression” from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 10, in Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium.

SIU staff encouraged to attend a virtual wellness session

The SIU System will offer a wellness session for staff only on April 25. The session, “Work Smarter: Time Management and Self-Care Strategies,” is from noon to 1 p.m. As with the previous trainings, this workshop is supported by the SIU System president, the SIU Carbondale and SIU Edwardsville chancellors, and dean and provost of the School of Medicine. The administration encourages supervisors to allow their employees to attend this professional development opportunity, as operations permit. 

Paul Simon Institute to host journalist, national security analyst April 13

Philip Taubman, a lecturer at Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation and the author of a new book on former Secretary of State George Shultz, will join the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual conversation on April 13.

Remember to wear maroon on Spirit Friday

When you are admitted to SIU, wearing maroon definitely is a fashion choice, as Claire Castillo, coordinator, Undergraduate Admissions, and Terrance Bishop, coordinator for student success, College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences, show. The Saluki men’s and women’s track teams host the Bill Cornell Invitational, Friday and Saturday, April 7-8, at the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex. The Saluki baseball team hosts Belmont for three games, beginning today, April 6, through Saturday, April 8, and Southeast Missouri on Tuesday, April 11, all at Itchy Jones Stadium. Be sure and tag your favorite photo in Saluki best with #SpiritFriday.

‘Music of Middle Earth’ presentation is Friday  

Janice Dickensheets, an associate professor of music history at the University of Northern Colorado, will give a talk on the nuances of Canadian composer Howard Shores’ scores for the film trilogies “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” at 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, in Altgeld Hall, Room 119. The presentation is free and open to the public. 

2023 SIU Civil Service Council Flea Market is April 22

The Civil Service Council's 2023 spring flea market is April 22. Proceeds from vendors’ fees go to the Civil Service Education Assistance Fund toward scholarships for SIU students.

View this month’s ‘Saluki Watch Dawg'

The Department of Public Safety’s April 2023  issue of the “Saluki Watch Dawg” is available. This month’s edition has information on what to do if there is an “active threat” on campus, including what to do in the event of an active shooter; severe weather preparedness tips, and resource information for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect. The planned “active threat” exercise on campus is scheduled for April 20.

New Arts Jazztet will perform Sunday 

Members of the New Arts Jazztet, a Southern Illinois jazz group comprising SIU faculty, along with guests will perform at Jazz Vespers, an Easter evening prayer service at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Chautauqua St., Carbondale, at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 9. NAJ was formed in 1984 among several School of Music faculty and has been in residence from that time. Learn more about NAJ.