SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - March 05, 2026

SIU Simmons Law School is expanding legal clinics

SIU Simmons Law School is expanding opportunities for students to receive experiential training through additional legal clinics that will serve more clients in the region.

Plan to attend SIU’s popular Maple Syrup Festival at Touch of Nature March 21-22

The 2026 Maple Syrup Festival, a popular springtime tradition for the whole family, is happening March 21-22 at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.

Paul Simon Institute discussion focuses on importance of ‘charisma’ in politics

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will explore the power and mystery of charisma during a virtual discussion with Molly Worthen, a professor of American history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, on Monday, March 16.

Provost Faculty Fellow application deadline extended 

The application deadline for SIU Carbondale faculty to participate in the Provost Faculty Fellow program for the fall 2026 semester has been extended to April 1.

Traveler training session is March 17

The Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Office is offering an additional in-person travel training session on Tuesday, March 17, to help SIU Carbondale employees improve the travel and reimbursement process. The session is from 9-10:30 a.m. in Morris Library, rooms 752/754. Pre-registration is required.

Fuller Futures Festival and Conference is next month 

SIU Carbondale faculty, staff and students are invited to submit proposals and be engaged in a five-day festival April 22-26 that looks to carry on the vision and legacy of noted futurist, architect and designer R. Buckminster Fuller.

SIU offers free TV, film production assistant training starting March 20

Interested in getting involved in film production? If so, you’ll want to check out SIU Carbondale’s SI Film and TV Workforce Training Program.

SIU’s Bull Performance and Test Sale is Friday

A months-long evaluation process will come to fruition on Friday, March 6, as 100 to 150 beef producers are expected to attend SIU Carbondale’s 44th annual Bull Performance Test and Sale at the SIU Beef Evaluation Center.

SIU President Dan Mahony: “Paying for College: Myths and Realities” 

SIU System President Dan Mahony’s latest “Office Hours” podcast is “Paying for College: Myths and Realities.” The podcast takes a deep look at myths and realities that surround college affordability, along with practical insight on financial aid, scholarships, loans and special programs offered at SIU to make college more affordable. Mahony talks with Elyse Weller, director, SIU Carbondale’s Financial Aid Office; Andy Benoit, who recently served as SIU Edwardsville’s vice chancellor of the Division of Enrollment Management; and Addison Bean, a senior in communication studies with a specialization in public relations (SIU Carbondale). 

A busy weekend in Saluki sports

At 3:30 p.m. today (March 5), the men’s basketball Salukis face Drake to open the State Farm MVC Tournament in St. Louis. Faculty, staff and students are invited to a watch party at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Center Roman Room. Back on campus, the softball team opens its 2026 spring home schedule at Charlotte West Stadium with three games against Valparaiso — a doubleheader at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 6 and a 1 p.m. game on Saturday, March 7. For complete Saluki schedules, visit siusalukis.com. 

New Arts Jazztet to perform Sunday

Members of the New Arts Jazztet, a Southern Illinois jazz group comprising SIU faculty and guests, will perform at Jazz Vespers. The evening prayer service is at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Chautauqua St., Carbondale. NAJ was formed in 1984 by several School of Music faculty and has been in residence since that time. The performance will feature works by Gianni Bedori, Ulysses Elam, Nick Ford, Donald Harrison, Keith Jarrett, and Courtney Pine. The service will also be livestreamed on the Jazz Vespers at Epiphany Facebook page.

No SIU Today next week

Like much of campus, SIU Today will be on spring break next week. It will return on Monday, March 16. The deadline for that edition remains the same, Thursday, March 12.