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SIU Today - November 20, 2025

High school students can get jumpstart on college with SIU Carbondale initiative

Starting next semester, students in 26 high schools can take college courses tuition-free from SIU Carbondale, a top-tier research institution. On Nov. 19, Chancellor Austin Lane and leaders at partner high schools throughout Southern Illinois signed a memorandum of understanding for the Saluki Start Dual Enrollment Program. 

SIU’s Campbell brothers share passion for aviation

Separated at birth by less than a minute, SIU Carbondale seniors Ben and Ian Campbell have always been together — whether playing baseball in their backyard, working at a local hardware store in their northern Illinois hometown or working on projects to become Eagle Scouts. And aviation. The only difference there are their majors and career paths.

Morton-Kenney Lecture features Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski of Illinois will reflect on her time in Congress, her efforts to strengthen families and her perspective on how federal policy can support economic growth in the state and nation when she presents the fall 2025 Morton-Kenney Public Affairs Lecture at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, in SIU Student Center Ballroom B.

Reminder: Discussion on equitable funding for Illinois Higher Education is Dec. 2  

SIU Carbondale faculty, staff and students are invited to a Conversation on Equitable Funding for Illinois Higher Education, a presentation and discussion on SB 13 / HB 1581: The Adequate and Equitable Funding Formula from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the Student Center’s Old Main Room. Doors will open at 4 p.m.   

Help SIU save energy, improve sustainability over Thanksgiving break

As students, faculty and staff prepare to leave campus for Thanksgiving break, now is a good time to take simple steps to save energy, which will help the university improve sustainability, one of the five pillars of the Imagine 2030 strategic plan.

$2.1 million gift to COBA will launch student success center 

SIU alumnus Harvey N. Michaels and his wife, Collie, have donated $2.1 million to the College of Business and Analytics to establish the Harvey N. Michaels Center for Academic Success and Engagement. The gift, which incorporates a matching contribution from the Deloitte Foundation, will establish a centralized hub on the first floor of Rehn Hall for student academic support, career preparation and wellness resources.  

Prepare for inclement weather

As the weather gets colder, faculty and staff should take two important steps to prepare for inclement weather: review the campus policy and ensure that the university has your current cellphone number if you want to receive emergency text alerts. 

New life insurance with long-term care benefit is available

Human Resources is sharing information from MyBenefitsPlus on a new voluntary benefit — life insurance with long-term care — to SIU Carbondale employees who are State of Illinois members.

Conversation of Understanding is available for viewing  

The Nov. 12 Conversation of Understanding on maintaining mental wellness, resilience and strengthening community care across the SIU System is available for viewing. The sessions are hosted by the SIU System’s Office of Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The conversation begins at 11:04. 

Saluki women’s basketball on tap 

The Saluki women’s basketball team hosts Austin Peay at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Banterra Center. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.  

No SIU Today on Thanksgiving 

Like the rest of campus, SIU Today will take off Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27. The submission deadline for the Monday, Nov. 24, edition stays the same: 4:30 p.m. today, Nov. 20. The deadline for the Dec. 1 edition is 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25.