SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - January 15, 2026

SIU grad engineers solutions to protect communities from water-related disasters

Growing up in Nepal’s flood-prone Terai region, SIU Carbondale graduate Dewasis Dahal learned early that water can be both a lifeline and a threat. When he arrived at SIU in August 2023 to pursue a master’s degree in civil engineering, he joined Associate Professor Ajay Kalra’s Water Resource Lab, and the December 2025 graduate is now a water resources engineer working on projects to protect communities as water risks grow more unpredictable.

Preparing for the 2026 digital accessibility mandate: A universitywide responsibility

Public universities nationwide are preparing for new federal digital accessibility requirements that take effect on April 24, 2026, under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These regulations require that all publicly available digital content meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards.

SIU Carbondale welcomes nominations for 2026 Sturgis Public Service Award 

SIU Carbondale is seeking nominations for the Lindell W. Sturgis Memorial Public Service Award, which honors an employee for their community work away from campus. Nominations must be received by Feb. 20. 

Streamlined research proposal management system starts Feb. 1

The Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA) will begin using a new cloud-based system on Feb. 1 that streamlines how sponsored project proposals and awards are created, routed, tracked and reported.

A/P performance evaluations due March 31

University policy requires that all administrative/professional staff have their work evaluated on an annual basis between Jan. 1 and March 31. The rating period to be used for evaluations for 2025 is Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. Evaluation forms are on the AIS e-forms website and the Labor and Employee Relations website. For more information regarding formal and informal performance evaluations, visit the performance evaluation website. Completed evaluations should be sent to Labor and Employee Relations at LER@siu.edu or mail code 4319 before April 1. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Labor and Employee Relations at 618-453-6691.

New, free, fun event for faculty and staff 

Unleashed: A Salukis After-Hours Social is a new happy hour-style event providing faculty, staff and retirees with an opportunity to socialize and enjoy free entertainment, free food and fun. The kickoff is Jan. 29 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Student Center Old Main Lounge on the second floor.

SIFest’s 22nd season will celebrate ‘America at 250’

Set your calendars to commemorate the nation’s music history as the 22nd season of the nationally recognized Southern Illinois Music Festival (SIFest) will celebrate “America at 250,” June 18-July 4, with American classical music from the 18th through the 21st centuries.

Budget management report training sessions set

The Office of Administration and Finance is offering in-person training sessions to help SIU Carbondale employees learn how to use the new Saluki Budget Management Report. Training sessions are available Jan. 21-Jan. 30.

Luncheon to recognize SIU ‘Black Alumni Changemakers’

The SIU Foundation is hosting a public luncheon on Feb. 6 to recognize the scholarship, service, leadership and influence of seven alumni beyond campus with “Voices of Impact: Celebrating SIU Black Alumni Changemakers.” The event begins at 11:30 a.m. in Student Center Ballroom B. Tickets are available for $25 each, and RSVP is requested by Feb. 2. Learn more about the honored alumni.

Spring 2026 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 Student Affairs website. In accordance with the Drug Free Schools Act, the university provides the 2024 Drug Free Schools and Campuses Annual Notification available online.

Busy week for Saluki basketball, swimming 

The Saluki women’s basketball team hosts Murray State at 6 p.m. today, Jan. 15, and the University of Illinois Chicago at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Banterra Center. The Saluki men’s basketball team hosts Belmont at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Banterra Center. The Saluki men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams host McKendree University at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, in the Recreation Center’s Shea Natatorium with the women’s team hosting Vanderbilt at 1 p.m. Saturday. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.  

Dates open for Faculty-Staff Lounge at Old Main 

The SIU Carbondale Faculty-Staff Lounge at Old Main has several openings available for the spring 2026 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.

Reminder: Annual King Scholarship Breakfast is Monday

Tickets are available for the 44th Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast hosted by the Carbondale branch of the NAACP on Monday, Jan. 19, in the Student Center, starting at 7:30 a.m. The program, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” honors King’s legacy as a civil rights leader.

Reminder: No SIU Today on MLK Day

There will not be an SIU Today edition on Monday, Jan. 19, as the university observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The submission deadline for the Jan. 22 issue is 4:30 p.m. Jan. 20.