Welcome to the September 2024 edition of GradNews!  This monthly newsletter will include key information and resources to support your success as a graduate student at SIUE.  Each month we will bring you news about upcoming events, campus resources, research funding, professional development, campus engagement, and graduate student success stories.  Watch for GradNews coming to your email inbox each month! 

Welcome to the 2024-2025 Academic Year!

A special welcome to our new graduate students beginning their graduate journeys at SIUE. We hope that you will engage deeply in your academic program as well as with the campus at large. We are thrilled to have you!

Complete the Online Graduate Student Orientation

All SIUE graduate students, including returning students, are encouraged to complete the Graduate Student Online Orientation.  Discover critical information on academic expectations, advising/registration, graduate assistantships, academic & career support, managing your mental health, campus resources, research funding, finding a mentor, community engagement, and more!  

New or Returning Graduate Assistant?

Complete the online GA Orientation, which has a wealth of information and resources for both new and continuing GA's!

Graduating this year? 

Be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the tasks needed to complete your degree and graduate as intended on the Graduate Student Completion Checklist!

Want to know about events on campus?  

Check out the list of events on the SIUE box office page. 

Subscribe to GradTips!

GradTips is a subscription-based monthly email series available for graduate students around the below topics:

• Research & Writing at the Graduate Level
• Wellness, Mental Health, & Self-Care
• Maximizing Mentoring Relationships

Subscribers will receive one email sent in the middle of each month that focuses on a resource or best practice around that topic. To subscribe, submit the online subscription form and select the topic(s) you would like to receive each month. (You may be asked to use your SIUE credentials to log into the Kuali Build system.)

Searching for a Graduate Assistantship?

• Make sure you are eligible. Before applying to a GA position, read through the eligibility requirements to make sure you are eligible. 
  
  
• Talk to your Graduate Program Director. Many graduate assistants find a position within their own unit or school. Check with your GPD and inquire about any openings you may be qualified for in your home department or related areas.
  
  
• Check out the GA Current Postings. The Graduate School posts open GA positions from units across campus. View the Current Postings to see the position details and qualifications for each opening. Submit application materials directly to the hiring unit and contact the individual listed on the bottom of the posting if you have any questions. Check this page for updates frequently as you are searching for a position.

TimelyCare

Did you know that SIUE students have access to FREE 24/7 virtual care? The virtual health and well-being platform TimelyCare is designed for college students. Students do 
not need insurance to access TimelyCare services. Download the app here. 

• TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand emotional support to talk about anything, including anxiety, relationships, depression, and school-related stressors. 

• Scheduled Counseling: Choose the day, time, and mental health provider that best works for you. (9 visits per year) 

• Health Coaching: Develop healthy lifestyle behaviors, including nutrition, sleep habits, time management, and mindfulness.
  
  
• Self-Care Content: Visit the “Explore” page within TimelyCare for guided selfcare content, including yoga and meditation sessions, as well as group conversations with our providers on a variety of health and well-being topics. 
  
  
• Basic Needs Support: Access to low or reduced-cost community resources, including food and housing assistance, transit support, childcare, and finances. 

Is a Thesis or Dissertation in Your Future?

If your degree requires completion of a thesis or dissertation, access the resources on the Completing Your Degree webpage as you begin the process.  You'll find an overview of the process, writing resources, formatting templates, and all relevant deadlines for each semester. 

Other Resources for Graduate Students

Did you know that the extensive campus resources available on SIUE's campus are also available for graduate students?

Below is just a sampling of the resources available to you to ensure you are supported during your time at SIUE! 

• Cougar Cupboard - A convenient, anonymous, free food pantry to ensure that all SIUE students have access to food
• Career Development Center  - Help with everything from resume writing & job searching to free professional clothing in the Cougar Career Closet
• Health Services - For essential medical & laboratory services and an on-campus pharmacy
• Counseling Services - Supporting the mental health all SIUE students
• Textbook Rental Services - Free rental service to minimize textbook costs
• Writing Center - For help during the paper composition process
• University Housing - For those interested in living on campus
• Student Clubs & Organizations - From academic to cultural to recreational organizations, there's a community for all
• Library Services - Including research support from an expert librarian
• Student Fitness Center - Fitness equipment, athletic courts, rock climbing, an indoor pool, and so much more
• Kimmel Student Involvement Center - For students interesting in engaging in campus leadership

Academic & Professional Organizations at SIUE

Opportunities abound for you to engage in your discipline beyond your coursework at SIUE.  From Criminal Justice to Engineering, organizations centered around academic programs and career interests span across just about every discipline you can imagine. 

Speak with your faculty about which organizations exist in your particular area of interest and check out the Get Involved at SIUE website!  Join an organization that aligns with your field, take on a leadership role, gain experience, learn from others, and build your resume!

Meet Danny Houk, Art - Studio Concentration (MFA)

Danny Houk graduated with a studio art degree from UC Davis in 2007 and worked in graphic design for the next 15 years while maintaining a studio practice on the side. In 2022 he enrolled in the SIUE MFA program because of the outstanding work of the faculty, the facilities, and teaching opportunities. In spring 2023 he received the William Justin Brown Memorial Award in sculpture during a student exhibition, and presented his sculptural series "Games People Play" at the spring 2024 Graduate School Research Symposium. To build community, Danny started a grad and faculty news zine called Constant Art and volunteers on the committee for his first student gallery called Noise Box.  

For the remaining three semesters Danny plans to exhibit as frequently and widely as possible, building up his experience. After graduation, he intends to open an art gallery in Belleville, IL that caters to regional artists, sells small press paper works, indie comics, and prints, and offers art classes to the community. 

Brigham Dimick, Art and Design professor, said this about Danny "Danny Houk not only makes exceptional artwork that spans sculpture, drawing, and painting (exploring the impact of religious teaching with humor and deep insight), he also is very active in building a strong sense of community between the graduate and undergraduate students. As an instructor of record, Danny makes his students feel welcome and ensures they get a good education. Danny serves as a great model for doing disciplined creative research while also making everyone feel welcome."