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SIU Today - November 30, 2023

Connecting SIU and Carbondale through art

Spending 10 to 12 hours a day in sweltering heat 20 feet off the ground on a scissor lift scaffold might not be ideal. But transforming a drab brick wall into an artwork that reflects the vibrancy and spirit within the university is Antonio Martinez’s mission.

Reminder: Faculty-staff appreciation coffee is Monday 

A faculty-staff appreciation coffee hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane is from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 4, in the Student Center’s International Lounge prior to the university recognizing employees for their service and commitment and honoring retiring employees during a ceremony and reception at 10 a.m. in the Student Center Ballrooms.

Simon Institute hosts former Harvard president to discuss her memoir

Former Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust, a leading scholar on the American Civil War, will join the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual discussion at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5. Faust will discuss her memoir, “Necessary Trouble: Growing up at Midcentury.” Registration for the session via Zoom is required.

Reminder: Commencement volunteers sought

Volunteer opportunities are available for faculty, staff and community members who would like to help fall 2023 semester graduating Salukis celebrate their accomplishments during SIU Carbondale’s commencement exercises at Banterra Center on Dec. 16.

SIU brings ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ to Shryock stage Dec. 5

The combined talents of SIU Carbondale opera theater students, the SIU Orchestra, Choral Union and Concert Choir will gather Tuesday, Dec. 5, for a holiday concert that features a classic story of a disabled boy and three visitors from a long time ago. The one-act opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” is set for 7 p.m. in Shryock Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

Supplemental retirement, deferred compensation plans updated

The Internal Revenue Service has increased the amounts individuals can contribute to their 403(b) and 457(b) accounts for 2024. The basic limit increased from $22,500 to $23,000. Employees age 50 and older can elect to defer an additional $7,500 for the year, for a total maximum deferral of $30,500. The limits apply to both the 403(b) and 457(b) plans. More detailed information can be found in the updated universal availability notice, or you can contact the Human Resource Employee Benefits office at 618-453-6668 or hrbeneifts@siu.edu if you have any questions.

Get ready for a maroon-laden weekend

It’s a huge weekend ahead for the Salukis and a time for all fans, like Wil Clark, chief information officer, Information Technology, to break out their maroon. The football Salukis will make their first national television appearance since 2021 when they play at Idaho in the second round of the FCS playoffs at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, on ESPN 2. The men’s basketball team hosts St. Louis at the Banterra Center at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Oklahoma State at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 (also broadcast on the CBS Sports Network). The women’s basketball team hosts SIU Edwardsville at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6. The men’s and women’s indoor track and field team hosts Saluki Fast Start at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Student Recreation Center. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com and tag your favorite photo in Saluki best with #SpiritFriday. 

Conversation on counteracting anti-ADEI policies is available

The Nov. 28 Conversation of Understanding virtual discussion on confronting and counteracting policies and legislation that hinder anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) efforts is available for viewing.

Reminder: Mandated discrimination-free and harassment-free training due Dec. 8 

SIU Carbondale faculty and staff should have received on Oct. 18 an email to complete federally mandated training for maintaining a discrimination-free and harassment-free campus. The training may be accessed from Vector Solutions at siu-il.vectorlmsedu.com/login. Chrome, Firefox and Safari are the recommended browsers. SIU email addresses are assigned as usernames. Employees with more than one university assigned email address can contact the Office of Equity and Compliance for assistance. All faculty, staff, graduate assistants, undergraduate assistants, student employees, extra-help employees and volunteers must complete the training by Dec. 8.  If you need assistance or have questions, contact the Office of Equity and Compliance at odetraining@siu.edu or 618-453-4807. 

Coats for Kids drive begins Saturday 

Saluki Athletics and the City of Carbondale Police Department are partnering again this holiday season for the annual Coats for Kids drive. Beginning with the men’s basketball game versus St. Louis on Saturday, Dec. 2, fans can donate new winter coats at the collection boxes at the east and west entrances to Banterra Center. There are four collection dates during upcoming games over the next week. Coats will also be accepted at the Carbondale Police Department, 501 S. Washington St., and at the Carbondale Civic Center lobby, 200 S. Illinois Ave., through Dec. 8. Any fan who donates a coat can request a free game ticket at the SIU Ticket Office for the men’s basketball game vs. North Dakota State on Dec. 19.