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SIU Today - September 03, 2026

SIU Carbondale delivers historic enrollment and retention growth

SIU Carbondale has delivered one of the most significant institutional turnarounds in its history — recording overall enrollment levels not seen in the last eight years — reaching above 12,000 students, with an incoming first-year class size not seen for 11 years. Fall 2026 semester enrollment grew to 12,066 students, which represents an increase of 281 more students, or a 2.4% increase from fall 2025.

SIU invites community to free Star Party, guest starring Saturn

The annual Southern Illinois Star Party, which gives visitors an opportunity to view the moon, faraway planets and other celestial wonders, is Saturday, Sept. 19, at the SIU University Farms Astronomy Observation Area.

SIU welcomes 21 new tenure-track faculty this fall

SIU Carbondale is welcoming 21 new tenure-track faculty to campus for the 2026-2027 school year.

Signups underway for SIU’s Homecoming Spirit Competitions

It’s time to show the sparkle of Saluki diamonds for SIU’s 2026 Homecoming Spirit Competition. Registration for contests involving faculty, staff and students is underway until 4:30 p.m. Sept 28.

Celebrate SIU Day at the Du Quoin State Fair on Saturday 

Be sure to wear maroon during SIU/College Day/Coal Heritage Day on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Du Quoin State Fair. Several departments and units on campus will sponsor activities from noon to 3 p.m. in the air-conditioned Second Heat building, located on Midway Drive across from the walk-in plaza and an adjacent outdoor area. Parking is free for all SIU students, faculty and staff with valid ID. In addition, stop by Saluki Central — the roundhouse in front of the main grandstand — during the fair through Labor Day.

SIU’s Yellow Moon Gyroid Concert Series opens Sept. 14

The Yellow Moon Gyroid Concert Series kicks off its third season on Monday, Sept. 14, featuring Wei Denton, a cellist with the Chicago Philharmonic and Northwest Indiana Symphony. The free, public concert begins at 5 p.m. in Morris Library’s third-floor rotunda.

Reminder: Saluki Women’s Weekend registration is open

Seats are still available for the fifth annual Saluki Women’s Weekend, Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 10-12. This year’s focus is women in agriculture in recognition of the “International Year of the Woman Farmer.” Topics include food security and farm-to-table philanthropy as well as the Saluki Woman of the Year awards luncheon. Hosted by the SIU Foundation Women's Leadership Council, the weekend brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members for three days of networking, professional development, philanthropy and mentorship.

SIU President Dan Mahony: “The Hidden Values of Higher Education”

SIU System President Dan Mahony’s latest “Office Hours” podcast is “The Hidden Values of Higher Education.” The podcast focuses on “why general education matters and how these courses help prepare students for life beyond college.” The podcast also examines issues surrounding general education and offers practical advice for students and faculty. Mahony talks with Jeffrey Punske, director of SIU Carbondale’s University Core Curriculum program and a professor in the School of Languages and Linguistics, along with Matthew Schunke, an associate professor in philosophy and Jessica DeSpain, a professor of English, both at SIU Edwardsville.

Saluki women’s volleyball, soccer in action

The Saluki women’s volleyball team opens its home season this weekend with the Saluki Bash at Banterra Center. The team has a pair of matches on Friday, Sept. 4, against Southeast Missouri State University at noon and Merrimack College at 7 p.m. The Salukis then face St. Louis University at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. The Saluki women’s soccer team has a pair of home matches during the next week at the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex. They host Lindenwood University at 7 p.m. today (Sept. 3) and SIU Edwardsville at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com. 

Reminder: No SIU Today on Monday

There will be no SIU Today on Monday, Sept. 7, due to the Labor Day holiday. SIU Today will resume on Thursday, Sept. 10. Submission deadlines remain the same: two business days before the desired publication date. The deadline for the Sept. 10 edition is Sept. 8.