SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - August 21, 2025

2025 hemp, cannabis symposium to focus on agronomy

A daylong symposium on Sept. 19 at SIU Carbondale for hemp and cannabis researchers, entrepreneurs and industry experts will focus on hemp as a crop and its uses, some of which may be surprising. Space is limited, and discount pricing is available until Sunday, Aug. 24.

Du Quoin State Fair kicks off with Twilight Parade; special on Jake Owen concert 

SIU Carbondale will definitely bring the maroon to the Du Quoin State Fair this year beginning with the Twilight Parade on Friday, Aug. 22. The parade starts at 6 p.m. inside the fairgrounds and features former SIU System President Glenn Poshard as grand marshal, along with Chancellor Austin Lane, the 175-member Marching Salukis, Saluki Spirit teams, Dawg Pound members and WSIU. The 10-day fair also includes the SIU Day/Coal Heritage Day on Aug. 30 and Saluki Central — the roundhouse in front of the main grandstand. For agriculture and educational groups, a flash sale for the Aug. 29 Jake Owen grandstand concert will be from 10-11:45 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22 — tickets are $25 while supplies last. Go to Ticketmaster and type in the code AG2025 for the savings.  

SIU’s renovated Starbucks reopens Aug. 25, ribbon-cutting Sept. 3 

The SIU Carbondale Starbucks, located in the Student Center, will reopen on Monday, Aug. 25, after a summerlong closure for complete renovation and enhancements, and customers will notice a variety of benefits and improvements. Everyone is welcome to attend the grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Sept. 3.

Campus community invited to challenge each other at 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb  

The SIU Carbondale campus community can join together in a time of remembrance and reflection on Thursday, Sept. 11, and add a spark of competition at the 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb at Banterra Center. 

Saluki FanFest is tonight 

Saluki fans are encouraged to attend the 14th annual Saluki FanFest from 6 to 7 p.m. today, Aug. 21, at Saluki Stadium. The free event for the entire family gives fans the opportunity to interact with members of the 2025 Saluki football team.

Dates open for Faculty-Staff Lounge at Old Main 

The SIU Carbondale Faculty-Staff Lounge at Old Main has several openings available for the fall 2025 semester. Anyone interested in reserving the faculty-staff lounge for an event, or who would like to serve as a host, can email Events and Outreach at events@siu.edu.

Saluki Pride mural dedication is Aug. 28

SIU Carbondale faculty and staff are invited to join university and Carbondale Chamber of Commerce officials for a dedication ceremony of the Saluki Pride mural at Moe’s Southwest Grill, 715 N. Giant City Road. The dedication is at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28. 

Saluki women’s soccer plays tonight; faculty-staff football opener tickets available 

The Saluki women’s soccer team hosts Southeast Missouri State University at 6 p.m. today (Aug. 21) at the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex. The football Salukis open the 2025 season at home against Division II Thomas More at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30. Faculty and staff can buy discounted tickets for $10 apiece using the code SIUVIP or on gameday by showing your SIU Carbondale ID. Chancellor Austin Lane invites you to also stop by his tailgate tent in front of Saluki Row (practice field) south of the stadium near the bronze Saluki statue between 3 p.m. and kickoff. Food will be served to the first 200 guests. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.   

Fall 2025 information guide for faculty, staff and students 

A guide to important, student-related policies, information and resources is available online as a reference for all faculty, staff and students. You can access the “Guide to Important Information for SIU Carbondale Students, Faculty, and Staff” on the Office of the Dean of Students website. In accordance with the Drug Free Schools Act, the university provides the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Annual Notification available online.