SIU Welcome Kit 2014-15

Southern Illinois University Ca r b o n da l e

everything you need within reach

Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Summer 2015

Welcome kit: Your simple guide TO how it all begins.

congratulations!

You’ve been admitted to Southern Illinois It’s a reflection University Carbondale. of all you’ve accomplished so far. It’s also a validation of

your potential­—what we see in the exciting years ahead for someone with your abilities.

SIU has all the brains of a nationally ranked research university and all the heart of a small college. Which means that we have everything you’ll need to build your future and you’ll have all the support you need to launch it.

Big things lie ahead, and it’s our promise to make sure nothing stands between you and the future you see for yourself.

Everything you need to get started on your SIU journey is within this kit.

We’ve made it easy to complete the final steps to enroll and join the Saluki family. In this kit, you’ll find simple instructions to help you: » Claim your network ID » Contract for housing online » Apply for financial aid

with the FAFSA » Sign up for New Student Orientation » Register for classes » Return the Immunization Compliance Form » Submit your final transcript(s)

Remember that we’re always here to help you, answer your questions, and address your concerns.

Welcome to

The first thing you need to do: Claim your network ID. This step is essential (especially when it comes to financial aid) and simple. Like opening a door. Go to netid.siu.edu for complete instructions.

Now you’re ready to log on to SalukiNet.

Get to know your personalized portal to web services available only to students, faculty, and staff. It’s the key to your new world. Here’s where you’ll view your campus email, track all of your financial and academic records, follow campus news, and register for classes: salukinet.siu.edu.

If you ever need assistance, simply contact Information Technology at 618-453-5155.

Send your transcripts. SIU must review your

transcripts to ensure that you’ve fulfilled your course requirements for admission. After you graduate from high school—or, if you’re transferring, after your college semester— arrange to have your final, official transcript sent to SIU. Questions? Call 618-536-4405 or visit admissions.siu.edu.

Mail high school transcripts to: High School Transcripts Undergraduate Admissions Mail Code 4710 SIU Carbondale 1263 Lincoln Drive Carbondale, IL 62901

Mail college transcripts to: College Transcripts Transfer Student Services Mail Code 4725 SIU Carbondale 1263 Lincoln Drive Carbondale, IL 62901

Better yet, have your high school or college send them electronically through either Scrip-safe or Docufide.

Submit your immunization form. All students born after January 1, 1957, are required by Illinois law to show proof of immunity to tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella.

International students of all ages must complete a TB screening at our Student Health Services.

Students not in compliance cannot register for classes the following semester until requirements have been met. Your immunization form and return envelope are provided in the back pocket of this kit. If you don’t mail it in time, you can also turn in your immunization form, as well as your transcripts, at New Student Orientation. The form, and helpful details, can be found at shc.siu.edu.

Review your health insurance coverage.

Students are assessed a Student Insurance fee each semester as part of tuition and fees. You’re eligible for a refund of this fee if you’re covered under another comparable health insurance policy.

Refund applications must be submitted by the second Friday of fall and spring semesters and by the first Friday of the summer session. To learn more, call 618-453-3311 or visit shc.siu.edu.

Prepare for Takeoff, Sign Up for Orientation New Student Orientation and Saluki Startup.

We’ll go out of our way to make sure nothing is in yours. Our goals are to help you acclimate to your new community, to ease your transition to college life, and to start your SIU journey off right. Students who attend orientation activities usually earn higher first-semester GPAs and feel better prepared to begin their academic careers at SIU. That’s why New Student Orientation and Saluki Startup are required for all incoming students.

Think of New Student Orientation as a concentrated preview of the University—­one destination with many paths to explore. It’s your opportunity to register for classes, reserve textbooks, and get your student ID. But even more important, it’s a chance to gather a wealth of information about student life, including: • • • • •

• Setting up your Debit Dawg Academic resources account Student services • Where to find your classes 400 student organizations Individual financial aid counseling • University Housing tours • Employment options Student health insurance

You and your family will make connections to other incoming students, current students, faculty, staff, and the city of Carbondale in one convenient visit. You will get a much clearer picture of what your life as a Saluki will be like, all before school begins.

Your extended orientation, Saluki Startup, takes place in the fall, after you move in. You’ll participate in activities planned just for new students. Saluki Startup is all about meeting new friends—fellow students, faculty, and staff—who’ll help you learn more about what it takes to succeed as a college student and what it means to fully embrace the Saluki family.

Be sure you’re good to go! Get details about New Student Orientation (including registration) and Saluki Startup at orientation.siu.edu or call 618-453-1000.

up.

Powering

Register for classes.

Your advisor will guide you and identify classes you should take. Your advisement appointment will be scheduled for you when you sign up for New Student Orientation.

Official registration for Fall begins April 2014. Spring registration begins November 2014 and Summer registration begins April 2015.

A Brighter First-Year Experience.

University College is here to help you make the most of the advantages available at SIU, with programs like New Student Orientation, Exploratory Student Advisement, Career Services, and our Saluki First Year (SFY) program. As a first-year student, you’re automatically a part of SFY. We’ll keep you informed about upcoming events, important announcements, services, opportunities, deadlines, and much more. Think of us as your in-the-know guide, lighting the way throughout your first year here.

The University College office is located in the Student Services Building. You can call us at 618-453-1828, email us at firstyr@siu.edu, follow us on Twitter at @salukifirstyear, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/salukifirstyear.

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Join the movement:

Annotating her history book.

Downloading a textbook. Planning a trip to Giant City State Park.

We’re giving you* much more than a free Dell Latitude 10 tablet. We’re connecting

you to all the resources you need and putting everything within reach. Your tablet comes fully loaded with the software and apps that will give you access to almost anything imaginable—your professors, your classmates, and your potential. You’ll be able to download your textbooks, videoconference with professors anywhere in the world, and stream campus events live. You’ll also save money on textbooks (e-texts are a lot cheaper than their weighty twins), and you won’t have to buy a desktop computer—everything you need will be on the tablet. Best of all, you’ll be part of an integrated digital campus that will change the way you learn, interact, and explore your potential. So when we say revolution, we mean change for the better—and a completely new way to experience some of the best years of your life.

Committing to volunteer at the pantry.

Signing up for class.

Joining a club.

Searching for an internship.

Chatting with a roommate.

Skyping with her prof.

Finding an available washing machine.

Taking notes in Class.

Streaming a lecture.

Registering for housing.

Streaming the Saluki game.

Adding Her analysis to a group project. Adding a comment to Facebook.

tablet revolution.

It’s a whole new Up in front.

*While the tablet PCs will only be given to incoming first-year students, the digital campus

experience is available to everyone. Which means that as a transfer or upper-level student, you will still be able to use your personal device to connect anywhere on campus, download e-texts, stream events, register for housing, and participate in the entire Saluki experience.

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We’re one of the first Tier 1 public research institutions to reimagine the higher ed experience. We’ve partnered with Microsoft, Dell, Intel, and Internet2 to make this happen.

This large-scale, first-of-its-kind initiative is just another part of our commitment to make sure nothing stands between you and your goals. admissions.siu.edu/tablet

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Let’s make it happen We reward initiative. For students who have

the talent and determination, SIU offers an array of generous scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to more than $86,000 in total, four-year value.

In fact, last year, we awarded over $10.4 million in academic scholarships to students like you.

SIU is ranked among “Best National Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. We believe an education like this should be within your reach. That’s why we’ll do everything we can to make it happen for you.

Bringing it all together

University College Advisement, our newly redesigned academic advising program for first-year students.

Our expert advisors are cross-trained across all eight undergraduate colleges—which means when you’re looking to make the most out of your academic experience, you won’t be limited by major, department, or even college. Up to 80 percent of students change majors at least once. With University College Advisement, you’ll navigate lots of possibilities and weigh your ambitions on a broader scale.

University College Advisement also works closely with Career Services. From the start of your first year, they’ll connect you with professional advisors to prepare you for your career. As you move closer to graduation, you’ll work with a faculty mentor in your major—and when you graduate, you’ll have the experiences, insight, and confidence to take on grad school or launch your career.

at the center. you Transfer advising is just as supportive and career-focused, but it is located within individual

Everything is possible.

We remove barriers for everyone, and we are committed to students with disabilities, whether the challenges are physical, emotional, or cognitive.

With SIU’s disability services paving the way, there’s nowhere you can’t go.

disabilityservices.siu.edu

departments. Since transfer students enter SIU at a different level, and most have already declared a major, it helps to work immediately within the department and focus on the necessary next steps.

If you are transferring in, please contact your department for times and locations for advising.

The gateway to the Saluki experience. If you haven’t been to SIU lately, you should know we’ve just completed SSB, the brand-new Student Services Building, which houses all our support services under one roof. From student clubs to Career Services to Admissions and Financial Aid, we’re concentrating everything in one place so that we can build the SIU experience around you.

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housing essentials— what you need to know: Go All In. Living on campus is the best way to

stay connected, energized, and focused. It creates a deeper, more immersive educational experience; joining student organizations of any kind has been proven to boost GPAs. And with learning communities you can share your interests with others who are just as passionate.

Freshman Housing Policy. SIU requires all

single students under the age of 21, not living with their parents or legal guardians, with fewer than 26 credit hours earned after high school, to live in on-campus residence halls. We ask that freshmen commuting from home submit a Housing Policy Verification Form, available online.

The residence halls are located on both East Campus (Mae Smith, Neely, Schneider, and University Hall) and West Campus (Thompson Point). Each hall comes with all the comforts of home, including furnished rooms, utilities (including air conditioning), wireless internet, and cable TV. Choose from a variety of building styles, dining plans, and Living Learning Communities.

NOTE: The earlier you act, the higher your priority is for choosing your room.

Living Large.

Transfer students. Transfer students typically

live in two- and four-bedroom apartments at Wall & Grand Apartments or in our traditional residence halls. Wall & Grand is located near the Student

Living Learning Communities.

Get the jump on a smooth academic and social transition. LLCs, typically focused on certain majors, offer students the chance to live with others who share common interests and to interact with SIU faculty. Proven benefits include higher GPAs on average, more positive campus experiences, and higher graduation rates. To learn more about your LLC options, call 618-453-7535 or visit us online.

Recreation Center. Visit our website, take a virtual tour, and discover the many features and amenities designed to suit your every need. Don’t miss out!

Visit us online for more information.

Apply for Wall & Grand Apartments.

One: Meet eligibility requirements. You must be an SIU sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student of any age, or a freshman age 21 or older.

Two: Apply online.

Three: Contracts will be offered based on application date and space availability.

Apply early for your best chance to live at Wall & Grand.

Four: Sign and return your contract by the given due date.

launch pad.

Choose Your Graduate students and students with families.

Married students, domestic partners, students with children, and single graduate students live in Evergreen Terrace Apartments. You’ll enjoy the scenic southwest campus location overlooking

Evergreen Park. Each bright and spacious apartment comes with a balcony or patio. To ensure that you love where you live, we’ve designed family programs around your needs. Visit our website for additional details and virtual tours.

Apply for Evergreen Terrace Apartments.

Dining Plans. Select your dining plan when you

One: Apply online.

complete your Housing contract. Your plan will be valid in both of our dining halls, regardless of where you live on campus. We offer many dining options including vegetarian and low-fat entrées. View our menus online. Special dietary needs? Let us know by calling 618-453-2301 to speak with a dietitian.

Two: Apply early, contracts will be offered based on application date and space availability.

Three: If offered a contract, sign and return your contract with your prepayment.

Rates.

Rates differ for each residence hall and apartment area. Proposed rates are available online and are subject to SIU Board of Trustees approval.

Questions?

Call 618-453-2301 or visit housing.siu.edu.

How to contract for a residence hall.

You can complete your Housing contract online at housing.siu.edu. Contracts are available online beginning December 2, 2013. The earlier you contract, the earlier you will get to select your room in May. You’ll choose from two contract options: The 2-Year Edge. Lock in housing rates for your first two academic years in

on-campus residence halls, and enjoy other benefits not available

with the 1-Year Basic. The 2-Year Edge will be available online

until June 30, 2014.

The 1-Year Basic. This traditional contract covers the fall and spring semesters of one academic year.

Spring and Summer 2015 students: Please contact us at 618-453-2301 for more information.

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Mae Smith, Neely, and Schneider, East Campus

University Hall, East Campus

Thompson Point, West Campus 9

The facts About Financial aid:

We’re here to help. Our commitment to removing barriers includes making sure that there are no financial issues keeping you from realizing your dreams. That’s why we’ll provide flexible financial aid packages to best meet your needs. And that’s why we’ll lock in your tuition rate for four consecutive years.

Complete the FAFSA by February 15 to receive priority consideration.

Financial aid made easy. Simply fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at fafsa.ed.gov. It’s the first step in exploring your college financing options. Note that online filing begins in January 2014. You’ll need to include SIU’s federal school code–001758.

Complete the FAFSA by February 15 to receive priority consideration. Starting in March, the Financial Aid Office will notify students, via their SIU email account (obtained once you claim your network ID—see page 2), detailing each student’s package of awards—a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and workstudy programs. To learn more, or to check your status, call 618-453-4334 or visit fao.siu.edu.

Installment payment plan. SIU offers an interestfree monthly payment plan with flexible payment options. You’ll be charged a $30 non-refundable enrollment fee per semester. To enroll, simply go to salukinet.siu.edu and click on the My Finances tab. Remember, you must re-enroll each semester.

For more details, including sign-up deadlines, call 618-453-2221 or visit bursar.siu.edu.

the way.

Paving 2013–2014 Costs:

Tuition and fees (in-state): $12,093 Housing + meals: $9,527

Books and supplies: $1,100

Other living expenses: $2,689 Total: $25,409

For alternative tuition rates:

admissions.siu.edu/alternaterates

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Rethinking your semester of entry? Plans change.

We get that. If you prefer to switch your semester of entry to a term other than the one for which you’ve been admitted, no problem. You can change your term of admission one time without reapplying. Simply inform SIU Undergraduate Admissions prior to the start of the term for which you were originally admitted.

After that term starts, you’ll need to reapply, so make sure you let us know early. For additional details, contact Undergraduate Admissions at 618-536-4405 or email admissions@siu.edu.

Come, check Us Out.

Seeing is believing. If you

haven’t done so already, schedule an on-campus visit and see for yourself where the future will lead. There’s no substitute for being here. Come when SIU is ablaze with fall colors or blooming with the full promise of spring. Walk the winding paths past historic academic halls. Imagine meeting new friends on your way to class. Explore state-ofthe-art labs where you may one day conduct hands-on research. Tap into the energy of a top-tier* university with the camaraderie of a small college. Hit the bustling cafés and coffee shops of Carbondale.

Hike the unspoiled trails in one of the many nearby state parks.

Get a true feel for the big things that will soon be within your reach. * We were placed among Tier 1 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report 2012.

A REMINDER ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS. You may

have already received your award letter. If you were invited to apply to be a Chancellor’s Scholar, applications are due December 1. We know you’ve worked hard to get ahead, and your hard work matters to us. If you’d like more information on your award letter, or to see all the additional awards you may be eligible to receive (remember, even if you are ineligible for academic scholarships there are still many different options to explore) then go to: scholarships.siu.edu.

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What’s Next?

Check it Off.

Once you log on to salukinet.siu.edu with your network ID and complete your enrollment, you’ll be able to view your registration status, check your class schedule, and track your financial aid award status online. To speak with a helpful Admissions representative, call 618-536-4405.

Fall 2014, Spring 2015, summer 2015 Freshmen and Transfer Students Claim your network ID Contract for housing online Apply for financial aid with FAFSA Sign up for New Student Orientation Register for classes Return the Immunization Compliance Form Submit your final transcript(s)

Don’t forget, you’ll want to contract for housing online as soon as possible. For Fall 2014, the process begins December 2, 2013. That way, you can enjoy top priority when selecting your room in spring. For more information, visit housing.siu.edu.

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Additional forms » and information you’ll need.

Southern Illinois

University C ARBONDALE

Undergraduate Admissions Mail Code 4710 Southern Illinois University 1263 Lincoln Drive Carbondale, IL 62901

siu.edu

Printed by the authority of the State of Illinois 08/13, 15,100, PO# 140209

So Un C ARBONDALE