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The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of Undergraduate Admissions hosted more than 100 students, parents and family members during its annual Admitted Student Visit Day for multicultural students on Monday, March 25. Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, and SIUE admissions staff welcomed students from the Metro St. Louis area and from the Chicago area with information sessions and campus tours.

Admitted students experienced an academic fair with participation from the following departments: Engineering, Education Health and Human Behavior, Nursing, Pharmacy, Business, Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR), Housing, College of Arts and Sciences, and Summer Success. Financial Aid, Summer Success, Housing, Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS), SOAR, and Academic Advising also held in-person presentations. The Office of Admissions presentation, “I’m Admitted, Now What?,” by Kelley Brooks, senior assistant director of admissions for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, shared next steps for fall enrollment.

“The goal of the program each year is to educate students on the various academic opportunities that SIUE has to offer. Students of color from the local St. Louis area as well as Chicago were invited to attend,” said Brooks. “Multicultural Admitted Student Day provides an opportunity for students to meet new friends prior to the start of the Fall semester. At the conclusion of the program, the goal is for the student to feel comfortable enough to make a final decision on becoming a future SIUE Cougar!"

In 2024 applicants from Chicago made up nearly 21% of the applicants from the state of Illinois. Nearly 72% of all 2024 applicants identify themselves as part of a multicultural group (Fall 2024 Admitted Applications Survey as of April 1, 2024).

Students engaged with a panel of current students representing the following student organizations:  

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
• Student Nurse Achievement Program (SNAP)  

Representatives from SOAR, the CORE T.E.A.M. (College Readiness: Transition, Engage, Achieve and Mentor) Summer Success Program, the Office of Academic Advising and the Office of Financial Aid shared details about student support services available for SIUE students. The day ended with guided tours of campus and first-year residence halls. 

Kelly Atkins, assistant director of student success in the Office of Academic Advising, shared information about academic advising and success coaching. From developing good study habits and navigating online resources to accessing mental health services, Student Success Coaches are professional staff members who work with academic advisors to support students through transitions and rough spots in the college journey.

“It is our goal to provide a holistic approach to advising and coaching to best serve students,” Atkins said. “I let the students know that we care about them, and we are here to assist with their academic and personal growth at SIUE. They are not just entering a university; they are our newest family members, and we are here to help them navigate their educational journey.”

“Hosting events like this is vital to our recruitment and diversification of our student body. When students enter a university, they like to see a reflection of themselves represented on campus through staff, faculty and peer students. This event allows that to happen.”  
 
PHOTOS: A collection of images from SIUE Multicultural Admitted Students Day; photos by Howard Ash