Three more SIU System Service Centers open

Within the last week, Southern Illinois University opened three SIU System Service Centers to help students achieve their higher education goals.

On Tuesday Nov. 6, SIU, in conjunction with Shawnee Community College, opened a center on the SCC campus in Ullin. The center will better integrate and expand education opportunities for area students by streamlining cooperation between SCC and the SIU system.

On Thursday, Nov. 1, SIU opened system service centers at Rend Lake College in Ina and Olney Central College in Olney.

The three sites are among seven planned for various local colleges in Southern Illinois and mark an innovative partnership between the University and area colleges that will help students pursue their goals in several ways.

Earlier this year, the University opened additional system service centers at Southeastern Illinois College campus near Harrisburg, John A. Logan College in Carterville and Southwestern Illinois College's Red Bud campus.

Workers at the service centers advocate for the University, the community colleges and students. They will broker student services and act as ombudsmen and liaisons between the schools for both students and faculty. They also will create innovative new approaches to help students and the schools work together for common good.

The service centers also will assist with the existing "2 plus 2" program, designed to help students make efficient use of their community college education so that credits easily transfer to SIU. Under the program, SIU counselors monitor such students and provide ongoing feedback on their transcripts to facilitate their continuing education at the University.

Service center workers will help students who want a bachelor's degree to easily make the transition from the colleges to the SIU system.

SIU officials hope the service centers also will increase the University's visibility within the region, encouraging local students to consider its programs in conjunction with local community colleges. The centers also will help the University identify students who express an interest in attending SIU early in their higher education career, allowing SIU counselors to help them achieve their goals.