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SIU Today - May 18, 2023

Doctoral student probes Galapagos tortoises’ little-known reproductive ecology

Emily Donovan, a doctoral student in zoology, is working to unlock secrets into the Galapagos tortoises' reproductive ecology with the assistance of Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau, an assistant professor with the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory.

Flexible schedule summer program starts May 28

The university is offering an employee flexible schedule program again this summer. The program will begin May 28 and will continue through July 29.

Saluki softball team earns NCAA berth

SpiritFriday and wearing maroon take on special meaning as the Saluki softball team faces host Utah in the NCAA Tournament’s Utah Regional at 2:30 p.m. Friday on ESPN+. For the Salukis, 36-18 and Missouri Valley Conference Tournament champions, it’s the 14th overall NCAA tournament appearance and fourth since 2017. Other teams in the double-elimination regional are host Utah, Mississippi and Baylor.

Decal-By-Mail program available through May 31

The Department of Public Safety Parking Division’s Decal-By-Mail program for eligible faculty and staff for the fiscal year 2024 is available through May 31. Applicants must use payroll deduction. The salary range for decal categories has not been increased.  Faculty, staff and students are reminded that parking rules are still in effect over the summer. Please visit parking.siu.edu for complete rules and regulations.

Veteran data analyst will lead SIU’s institutional effectiveness efforts 

David G. Shirley, who has spent several years helping universities make data-informed decisions, will join SIU Carbondale’s leadership team as the director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning and Research, effective June 1. 

Saluki Pride: Bethany Peppers wins SIU’s Emerging Leader Award 

Bethany Peppers, assistant director of Student Involvement and Leadership for the Office of Student Engagement, has worked at SIU for only a couple of years, but her connection to the university goes back much longer, and she’s already setting herself apart as a leader.

Flying Salukis continue national success with third-place finish

The Flying Salukis flight team, under the direction of Nathan J. Lincoln, a senior lecturer in aviation management and flight, used balanced scoring and a team effort to finish third in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association championships last week. The finish marks the 14th time the nine-time national champions have finished in the top five in the nation.

Benefits 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 no premium increases. Employees are encouraged to review the Benefits Choice Booklet and select the best coverage for themselves and/or their families.

‘Hidden Gems’ will be easily found at Southern Illinois Music Festival

The 19th annual Southern Illinois Music Festival returns starting next week, featuring the finest professional singers and instrumentalists from the United States and Europe, along with orchestral and chamber music, opera, jazz and educational programs. The nearly three-week festival runs May 25-June 11.

Students invent device to easily monitor kestrels nesting in high places

Melissa Flores and Bradley Thompson, both recent graduates in the electrical engineering technology program, used high technology to solve a problem for an avian conservation group in central Illinois: monitoring nesting kestrels in hard-to-reach places.