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SIU Today - September 22, 2026

SIU enters FY27 with a balanced budget, employee raises and deficit elimination

SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget — which reflects a balanced state budget, the complete repayment of its historic $80 million cash deficit, and faculty and staff raises — was unanimously approved by the SIU Board of Trustees on Sept. 17.

SIU professor: Diesel fuel, heating oil prices could continue climb without geopolitical changes

While gasoline prices might experience the seasonal fall drop, the prices paid at the pump for diesel fuel and home heating oil could continue to climb if there are no geopolitical changes, said Gregory D. DeYong, an associate professor of operations management in the College of Business and Analytics.

900+ area high school students will attend SIU Day on Wednesday 

More than 900 students from 24 area high schools will meet faculty and staff to get a taste of Saluki life during SIU Day from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Conversation of Understanding to look at building a stronger SIU community 

A virtual Conversation of Understanding on Wednesday, Sept. 23 will explore findings from the 2026 SIU System Viewfinder Campus Climate Survey and what it reveals about the experiences of students, faculty and staff.

Salukis turn out in force for first Saluki Takeover Tour Champaign

Saluki spirit took over Champaign on Sept. 17 as more than 175 alumni, prospective students, families and friends of SIU Carbondale packed the Chancellor’s Reception during SIU’s first Saluki Takeover Tour stop in the community.

SIU Day of Giving is Wednesday

The 11th SIU Day of Giving is Wednesday, Sept. 23. The 24-hour online fundraiser engages alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students in a day of philanthropy and Saluki pride. The event is part of the SIU Foundation’s inaugural Week of Philanthropy, a celebration of the generosity that creates opportunities across SIU Carbondale.

Reminder: Honorary degree/service award nominations sought

Nominations are open for SIU Carbondale honorary degrees and distinguished service awards to be presented at May 2027 commencement ceremonies. The SIU School of Medicine in Springfield is also eligible. The nomination deadline is Oct. 14.

Andrew Wilber honored as SIU’s 2026 Inventor of the Year

Andrew Wilber, of the SIU School of Medicine’s Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, is the SIU System 2026 Inventor of the Year and was recognized at the SIU Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 17.

Registration open for the Southern Illinois 2026 Business Plan Competition

Southern Illinois entrepreneurs with a bold idea or growth plan are invited to enter the Southern Illinois 2026 Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions for a chance to win a share of more than $20,000 in cash and in-kind services. Applications are open now and will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25.

Two faculty members receive 2026 SIU System Collaboration Award

Deja Finley, assistant clinical professor in SIU Edwardsville's School of Pharmacy, and Dr. M. Rebecca Hoffman, an associate professor and associate chair in the SIU School of Medicine's Department of Family and Community Medicine, and program director of the SIU Alton Family Medicine Residency Program, received the SIU System’s 2026 Faculty Collaboration Award.