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SIU Today - October 31, 2024

Celebrating 2024 Native American Heritage Month

Acclaimed author Jay Bird helps kick off SIU Carbondale’s celebration of the rich cultural history of Native Americans during Native American Heritage Month in November. Other special events are planned.

SIU researcher gets $150K to use AI to prevent food poisoning

Anas Alsobeh, assistant professor of information technology, this year received a $150,000 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture by working with artificial intelligence to detect a deadly pathogen before it enters the food supply.

John and Nancy Jackson to be honored with lobby naming at SIU’s Paul Simon Institute

John and Nancy Jackson’s names are synonymous with education and service around SIU Carbondale and the city of Carbondale. Those names will soon be honored at the John and Nancy Jackson Lobby at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. The public is invited to attend the celebration at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at the institute.

2025 dates announced for SIU’s Saluki Family Weekend, Homecoming

Save the dates for SIU Carbondale’s 2025 Saluki Family Weekend and Homecoming celebrations. Saluki Family Weekend is set for Oct. 3-5, and homecoming week will be Oct. 20-26.

Down to the wire: SIU political experts expect few changes in style ahead of election 

Political experts at SIU Carbondale predict voters may not see many changes in how Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump adjust their tactics as the nation’s 2024 presidential campaign winds down in the waning hours toward Election Day, on Tuesday, Nov. 5. 

SIU Carbondale inks agreement to improve access for Parkland College students

SIU Carbondale signed a Saluki Step Ahead agreement with Parkland College to provide quality students the option to earn their bachelor’s degrees remotely and at a lower cost in 12 academic programs. SIU has partnerships with 45 of 48 community college campuses in Illinois, along with agreements with schools in Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.

Red Cross blood drive is Nov. 8 in Student Health Center

The American Red Cross and Student Health Services  are hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Student Health Center. More information, including how to schedule an appointment, is available by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by downloading the Red Cross blood donor app.

Morris Library hosts second concert in Yellow Moon Gyroid series Nov. 6

The second performance of the Yellow Moon Gyroid Concert Series in Morris Library’s third-floor rotunda at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, will have a “Music Palette” program, featuring a variety of music and students from the SIU School of Music, along with highlighting the talents of the Carbondale Community High School Choir and the Carterville High School varsity singers.

STEM brown bag discussion is today

Ross Toedte, a STEM educator and scientist, will lead a brown bag lunch discussion at noon today (Oct. 31) in Pulliam Hall, Room 204. He will discuss integrating educational, social and environmental psychology into the learning environment, as well as other critical K-12 science learning challenges. The event is open to faculty, staff, students and the public.

Volleyball, women’s swimming highlight Saluki action 

The SIU women’s volleyball Salukis have a busy weekend as they host University of Illinois Chicago at 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1, and Valparaiso at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, with both matches at Davies Gymnasium. The Saluki women’s swimming and diving team hosts Illinois and Illinois State at 2 p.m. Friday at Shea Natatorium in the Student Recreation Center. Check team schedules at siusalukis.com. 

Illinois Ethics Matters newsletter is available 

The latest Illinois Ethics Matters newsletter for October 2024 is available. The Office of Executive Inspector General publishes the newsletter to allow state employees to stay informed of current issues relating to ethics. The SIU System Ethics Office website is siusystem.edu/ethics. 

Reminder: University honors course proposal deadline is Nov. 6 

The University Honors Program is accepting course proposals from faculty for fall 2025 and spring 2026 UHON seminars. The deadline to submit proposals is Wednesday, Nov. 6, with selections announced by Dec. 9.