The countdown is on. Several hundred students are preparing to graduate in just over a week at this summer's commencement. According to Record Officer Xanthe Emerick, the Office of the Registrar currently has a list of more than 800 students, approximately 400 graduate students and 430 undergraduate students, who have applied for graduation.… Post the First Comment

Despite a unanimous vote by the 10 members of the education school committee, Provost Sharon Hahs has announced that School of Education Dean Elliot Lessen will remain in his position for at least two more years. Illinois Education Association organizer David Vitoff said he has learned the dean's tenure will be extended for two years, but that the dean is on probation and will be evaluated yearly while on probation.… Post the First Comment

Despite a recent study that claims converting corn to ethanol is inefficient, Martha Schlicher is confident that the studies were based on inaccurate information. Schlicher, who is director of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center in University Park, said the study didn't rely on the most recent and accurate information.… Post the First Comment

As a former journalist, Gregory Conroy knows how to make the most of a story. In his new position as director of Public Affairs, he intends to make the most of SIUE's stories. Conroy has served as assistant director of Public Affairs under its former director, Keith Nichols.… Post the First Comment

SIUE wants you to represent the university at the Illinois State Fair in August. The Illinois State Fair will be Friday, Aug. 12, through Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Springfield fairgrounds. SIUE and the Carbondale campus will staff an informational booth for fair goers to visit.… Post the First Comment