InFocus News

Learn why general education matters and helps students beyond college on this edition of Office Hour with SIU System President Dan Mahony.

In the episode, we are joined by faculty members Jeff Punske of SIU Carbondale and Matt Schunke and Jessica DeSpain of SIU Edwardsville for a conversation on the value of gen ed courses. This discussion explores the goals and history of general education, its role in developing critical thinking and civic engagement, the challenges facing general education today and advice for both students and faculty. We also share what our favorite gen ed courses were and how they helped lead us to our careers today.

Southern Illinois ornithologist and ecologist Mike Baltz is back with his monthly essay on the natural history of this place we call home.

Nature Notebook is a series of commentaries on the natural history of the southern Illinois region.

In this episode of Office Hours, SIU System President Dan Mahony explores one of the biggest questions facing students and families today: How do you pay for college?

Many people believe college is becoming less affordable, but the reality is more complex. National data shows that net tuition and fees at public universities have declined in recent years, and most students receive some form of financial assistance. In fact, across the Southern Illinois University System, over 90% of first time undergraduate students receive support to help cover the cost of college.

President Mahony is joined by higher education leaders and financial aid experts who share practical insights about scholarships, financial aid, student loans and programs that make college more accessible. The conversation also features an inspiring SIU student who explains how she has found creative ways to cover her college costs without taking on loans. Whether you are a student, parent, educator, or advisor, this episode offers helpful guidance, real-world strategies, and encouragement for navigating the college financial planning process.

The southern Illinois community will have a unique opportunity to experience The World According to Sound,

That's the name of a free performance being held Saturday (2/21) evening at 6:30 PM at SIU Carbondale's McLeod Theater. Radio producers Chris Hoff and Sam Harnett are the creators of this unique sound experience.

WSIU's Jeff Williams talked with them about the show. The program is free and open to the public. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

The program is sponsored by The School of Media Arts, The College of Arts and Media, and WSIU.

In this episode of Office Hours, SIU System President Dan Mahony explores how leadership, service and involvement outside the classroom help students develop the skills employers value most — including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership.

Joining the conversation are student affairs leaders from SIU Edwardsville and SIU
Carbondale, along with student trustees from both campuses. Together, they share powerful stories about experiential learning, stepping outside comfort zones and turning student involvement into lifelong skills.

Ornithologist and ecologist Mike Baltz is back with his monthly commentary on the natural history of southern Illinois with February's edition of Nature Notebook.

Southern Illinois ornithologist and ecologist Mike Baltz is back with the January edition of Nature Notebook, his regular monthly essay on the natural history of our region.

Ornithologist and ecologist Mike Baltz is back with his regular monthly essay on the natural history of southern Illinois with the December edition of Nature Notebook.

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association says the cost of federal health care benefits is going up an average of 12%.

NARFE's John Hatton talks about the increases and what federal employees and retires need to consider as they decide which benefits plan to go with for the coming year.

More information is available on their website https://www.narfe.org

Ornithologist and ecologist Mike Baltz is back with his regular monthly essay on the natural history of southern Illinois with the November edition of Nature Notebook.