In the wake of all of the noise, it might be easy to miss hearing about all of the great things happening at SIU. Here’s a sampling of good news from the last week alone. Last weekend, we wrapped up a multi-day, student-led event hosting 400 engineering students from 15 universities for the Midcontinent Student…
Month: April 2018
SIU programs enrich the entire community
As a comprehensive research university, we are tasked with offering a well-rounded education to all of our students. But our commitment goes beyond just our students to their families and the entire Southern Illinois region. We are not only an economic engine that provides jobs and attracts people to shop at local businesses, but a…
Alumni and our academic mission
Guest blog post by Meera Komarraju, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, SIU Carbondale On most campuses, faculty members welcome alumni to their classes to talk with students about their careers and expertise. At SIU, alumni also regularly volunteer to serve as mentors to our students in multiple ways. Sometimes these…
It’s about the ‘product’
As we focus on recruitment, we must think about the product we deliver. Of course, education is not a product like a cell phone or a can of vegetables on a grocery shelf. It is a valuable service we offer to people who have many other choices. Our “product” is the Saluki experience. When people…
Field trip
Earlier this month, six faculty members took a field trip to Arizona State University to learn first-hand about the transition of many of its departments into schools. There, at the invitation of ASU President Michael Crow, they met with academic and administrative leaders to gain a better understanding of the possibilities and the process –…
Moving forward: A new update on academic reorganization
Following are brief updates on the status of academic reorganization. Votes so far So far, 12 departments have voted on proposed schools. Overall, about 65 percent of the votes have been “yes,” 29 percent have been “no,” and 6 percent have been “abstain.” Here’s a breakdown: School of Biological Sciences Microbiology: 4 yes, 0 no,…
Together or separate?: The system question
The recent board vote defeating a proposal to transfer $5.1 million in state appropriations from SIU Carbondale to Edwardsville has led to a call from Edwardsville-area legislators to separate the system. I understand that this is not the first time this discussion has been raised. The renewed call for separation is a disappointing response to…
Thank you for your passion, commitment
Those of you following today’s Board of Trustees meeting already know that the proposal to shift $5.1 million in state appropriations from the Carbondale to the Edwardsville campus effective July 1 did not pass. I am grateful to the faculty, staff, students, community members and trustees who spoke about the importance of maintaining these funds…
Eight months of progress
When I arrived on campus nearly eight months ago, I knew I was coming to a university with strong faculty and staff, loyal alumni and friends, and a welcoming community. I also knew that that we had a lot of intense, meaningful work to do to fulfill the promise of the university’s mission. Looking back…
A special tie to the Special Olympics
I have spent a lot of time recently talking about the future of SIU, but I have also been impressed by the amazing things this institution has accomplished throughout its past. For instance, you may know Special Olympics is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, a celebration that kicks off Friday at Touch of Nature….