The spring semester is in full swing, which means this is SIU’s busiest time. There are more events planned on campus than I can keep track of, including theater productions, musical performances, lectures and more. SIU is celebrating Earth Month and Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month while also gearing up for commencement.
All of this is also happening during academic “crunch time,” with only a few weeks left before final exams. With so much going on, it’s easy for some big events to get lost in the crowd.
SIU Day coming Friday
Last fall, the university hosted its inaugural SIU Day, an opportunity for high school students to visit campus and participate in engaging hands-on activities. The day was a huge success, with hundreds of students participating in more than 30 different activities.
This spring promises an even bigger event, with more high schools attending and more programs and groups on campus planning their own activities. If you’re interested in lending a helping hand, there are still plenty of volunteer opportunities as well.
Illinois Junior Academy of Science (IJAS) State Science Fair
Every year, SIU hosts the Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region 8 Science Fair, but this year, the university will also host the state-level event on May 3 and 4. More than 1,500 junior high and high school students are expected to attend, who have each advanced from their regional competition.
Projects will include student research in 19 different content areas, ranging from aerospace science to zoology and everything in between. Already, events planned include a “Pizza Pie and Pi” social, campus and lab facility tours, a sci-fi themed social and more.
There are many ways that faculty, staff and community members can be involved as well, including serving as judges, hosting an activity or volunteering in other areas.
Commencement activities
Graduation ceremonies will be May 11, with three separate ceremonies throughout the day, and there are several events planned.
On May 10, high achieving students, including those earning Latin Honors (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude), University Honors Program, and Athletic Honors, will be recognized in the Academic Excellence reception. Students will receive medallions or cords they can wear with their regalia to acknowledge their accomplishments.
Students can also celebrate commencement at Forever SIU, a celebration open to all graduates and their guests. From 5-10 p.m. on May 10, the Student Center will host food and drinks, photos, a balloon artist, bowling and billiards, graduation crafts and a cash bar.
Sign up now to volunteer at any commencement-related events, and keep an eye out for more news.
I look forward to all of these events, and I hope to see you there.