SIU launched their new Saluki Start on Wednesday. The program will provided tuition-free online classes for students at 26 southern Illinois schools.
SIU Chancellor Austin lane met virtually with participating schools to sign paperwork launching the program.
Wendell Williams Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions Sara Jiter also attended the meeting to answer questions from the schools.
Williams explains how the university was able to offer these classes to students, "we notice that we had some online slots that was unavailable, that was not filled. So why let those slots, the classes that are already made, why let that slot stay unfilled?"
Participating high schools will suggest juniors or seniors earning a 3 point 0 G-P-A or higher to be part of the program. Those students will complete an admission application with the university and be given a list of possible courses.
SIU will email a final list of available classes on January 8th. Students can then log in with SIU and complete their enrollment.
Lane says this new program allows the university to showcase opportunities to students close to home, "If we can get your students on this Saluki Start, to get them off to a good start is going to make all the difference. And you have high-achieving students that are deserving of every opportunity to access higher education at an institution right here in their own backyards."
If students have questions they should talk with their guidance counselor or school administrator.
Schools that have currently joined Saluki Start with SIUC.
- Anna-Jonesboro Community High School
- Benton Consolidated High School
- Carbondale Community High School
- Carterville High School
- Chester High School
- Cobden Unit School District 17
- Coulterville Unit School District
- Du Quoin High School
- Frankfort Community High School
- Goreville CUSD 1
- Harrisburg CUSD 3
- Eldorado High School
- Hardin County High School
- Johnston City High School
- Meridian High School
- Murphysboro High School
- Nashville Community High School
- Pinckneyville Community High School
- Sesser-Valier High School
- Shawnee Junior-Senior High School
- Sparta High School
- Steeleville High School
- Red Bud High School
- Vienna High School
- Webber High School
- Woodlawn High School
