We have received a number good questions and thoughtful feedback following last week’s post announcing that we would move forward with the renaming of the colleges as well as the movement of some departments to new homes as a consequence of the proposed renaming and refocusing of colleges. As a reminder, the proposed restructuring and…
Month: March 2018
Embracing Accuracy
Following is a statement I have issued in response to a press release from the Illinois Education Association’s regional office and the Faculty Association. Statement of Chancellor Carlo Montemagno The Faculty Association’s continued efforts to mislead our community by misrepresenting information is a disservice to everyone who cares about the future of SIU. Here are…
Defining what makes us remarkable
Seth Godin, in his book “Purple Cow,” notes that the phrase “you can’t out Amazon Amazon” was once posted on a banner in Walmart headquarters as the company was deciding whether to venture into online retail business. The point was that the company should find its own path rather than emulate – and lose to…
Retention is magic
Growing enrollment isn’t only about recruiting new students. It’s about retaining those we have. Enrollment growth on the recruitment side of the equation will take time as we revitalize SIU, so it’s critically important that we also immediately focus on retention. A number of factors contribute to student persistence: the quality of our academic programs,…
A Status Report on Academic Reorganization
The reorganization process continues to move forward. We are finalizing and distributing program change plans that take into account feedback from stakeholders, which we continue to welcome. There are many steps and touch points in the academic reorganization process, some spelled out in our collective bargaining agreement, some defined by constituency group and college operating…
It’s Greek to me
Congratulations to all members of our Kappa Alpha Order fraternity for earning five awards – including Samuel Zenas Ammen Award for Chapter Excellence – last month. The award for chapter excellence is given to the top 10 percent of chapters nationally for excellence in all chapter functions: academic programming, academic achievement, community service, philanthropy, public…
Celebrating the University Museum
Thank you to all who donated to yesterday’s Day of Giving. While totals are still being finalized, we exceeded last year thanks to your commitment. Today, I’d like to talk about one of the many things that make SIU worthy of your donations. Today we celebrate the reopening of the University Museum with a reception…
A day and a year of giving
This Wednesday, March 7, is the second SIU Carbondale Day of Giving, a focused effort to encourage private donations in support of our students and programs. Last year’s inaugural day of giving exceeded expectations by raising more than $340,000. The Day of Giving is also about building awareness of the importance of philanthropy and welcoming…