SIUE is among a group of universities protesting a bill that would allow a northern Illinois community college to offer bachelor's degrees, contending that it could lead other community colleges to look to offer four-year programs on their campuses. Harper College in Palatine, Ill.… 3 Comments

The extra crowds expected at Saturday's commencement ceremonies may be able to see the graduates walk after all. An overflow room will be set up in an instructional gym of the Vadalabene Center for audience members to use if the seating in the main gymnasium fills, SIUE announced in a press release Thursday afternoon.… Post the First Comment

The Student Fitness Center expansion project and renovation to the Vadalabene Center began Monday, closing off certain sections of the SFC and many of the entrances and parking spaces around the buildings. The south and east building entrances will remain open, but all others will be fenced off because of the construction.… Post the First Comment

Caffeine junkies will need to find other places to feed their coffee fixes besides Starbucks until it reopens June 13. Construction on Starbucks, which began May 12, will continue until June 9. Starbucks will have a trial run, or soft opening, from 9 a.m.… Post the First Comment

After two failed attempts, Facilities Management's Grounds Department successfully completed the burning of a section of prairie on campus this morning. According to a Facilities Management mass e-mail, the burning of the prairie is a long-time tradition, started by cattle ranchers to grow new grass for the buffalo.… Post the First Comment

Third-year pharmacy student Brandy Bratcher does not mind being a guinea pig. "If anything, it's a different experience," Bratcher said. Being part of the first class of the School of Pharmacy has its ups and downs. "We had a lot of input for the school, but there's no upperclassmen to ask about how classes go," Bratcher said.… Post the First Comment

Faculty members will be receiving twice as many paychecks beginning in the summer, as the university is implementing a new schedule for paying faculty through the Banner System. "It is a new university wide policy set to go into effect in July," Faculty Senate President Kay Covington said.… Post the First Comment

United Students Against Sweatshops requests for SIUE's formal affiliation with two workers' rights organizations has been denied after months of petition and student investigation. Senior Andy Lucker is the organizer for SIUE's division of USAS, a student group that aims to keep all merchandise sold at SIUE sweatshop-free.… 32 Comments

The Morris University Center's Goshen Lounge was filled with emotion and reflection Monday evening as representatives of the Save a Life campaign spoke to students about the importance of moral courage. The Save a Life campaign works as part of the Colin P.… Post the First Comment

Students who find it hard to pay for tuition may be getting a break, thanks to a new state scholarship program. Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is placing $3.5 million in college scholarships for Illinois students. The scholarship is a part of the Illinois State Treasurer's Bright Start Scholarship Program, which will provide money to needy college students and comes at no cost to Illinois taxpayers.… Post the First Comment