SIU Day of Giving

The Division of Student Affairs at SIU is committed to supporting the mission of the University by providing purposeful and engaging programs, resources and spaces.  The goal is to create a comprehensive experience that supports and challenges all students to achieve their academic goals and realize their personal potential.

Student Affairs professionals facilitate student transition into the campus community, promote student involvement in out-of-classroom learning experiences, assist student organizations, provide leadership training and coordinate a wide range of programs and services designed to foster student learning.  Please see our funding priorities below and click on the fund that you wish to support.

HEROES (Higher Education Resources and Opportunities for Salukis in Need) Fund

The HEROES program is for SIU students experiencing stress about their meals, financial situation, living situation, access to healthcare, transportation, and/or clothing, personal care, and school necessities. Individualized support, guidance, and advocacy are provided to ensure all students' needs are met so they focus on their academic success.  

Your support will help us provide clothing, personal care items, school materials, transportation, food, medical care and counseling to Salukis who are trying to invest in their futures while going without.

Saluki Cares Fund

Like so many others, our students are in need. The money raised will go directly to current students, helping them pay their bills, keeping food on their tables and strengthening their bonds to SIU.  For example:

• Some students do not have laptops or other technology necessary to take their courses remotely or online.
• The Saluki Food Pantry is supporting a growing number of students who live in the community, including students with families.
• Many students need assistance with housing costs, including those with off-campus jobs that have been suspended.

Your assistance is vital to our ability to respond quickly when they need help the most.  

Thank you for considering a gift to the Saluki Cares Emergency Student fund and giving us the tools to remain flexible and fulfill our mission. Your gift today will make a difference.

First Saluki Center Fund

The First Saluki Center is a campus-wide collaboration - an initiative developed by the Division of Student Affairs and the Dean of Students, working together with Academic Affairs. We connect SIU’s first-generation students with academic resources, social and emotional support, financial literacy, opportunities to get involved on campus and in the community, and career preparedness assistance.

At SIU Carbondale, 40% of undergraduate students are first generation.

The First Saluki Center offers a variety of resources for first-generation students including:

• Peer Mentor Program:  SIU student mentors are Saluki upperclassmen and graduate assistants, who assist and connect first-generation students to resources on- and off-campus, assist with students’ academic preparation, and their social and personal transition to SIU Carbondale. A peer mentor serves as a coach, guide, and a positive role model.
• Living Learning Community: Shared experiences create unique bonds, and first-generation students can enjoy an enhanced experience by becoming part of our first-generation Living Learning Community (LLC). Students build a community with other first-generation students, explore what it means to be a first-generation college student, connect with faculty and staff, and learn about valuable academic and campus resources to help them succeed.
• Life Skills & Academic Workshops:  We sponsor a variety of informational workshops throughout the fall and spring semesters for the benefit of first-generation students.
• Textbooks/Need Based Financial Assistance Opportunities: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 27 percent of first-generation college students come from households with an annual income of $20,000 or less. We realize that finances can interfere with completing educational goals, so first-generation students will have the opportunity to receive need based financial assistance. 
• First Generation Connection:  It is a campus-wide collaboration that introduces and connects first-generation students with peers, faculty, and staff who are here to help them succeed.