First-Year FAQ

Becoming a Saluki is a very exciting experience. While you learn to navigate campus life, we have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If you can’t find your question below, be sure to email us at orientation@siu.edu

Where can I find a tutor or assistance with class work?

Center for Learning Support Services (CLSS)

Tutoring is available to all on-campus SIU students. The Center for Learning Support Services (CLSS) provides tutoring primarily for 100 and 200 level Core Curriculum courses and select upper-level courses.

For a list of current courses and to sign up for an individual appointment, visit this page.

Walk-in tutoring is also available. For more details, visit the Walk-in Tutoring page.

***Additional math tutoring can be found through the School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences. Courses and hours vary by semester. Check out their website for the most up to date information.

Writing Center

Need assistance with writing a paper? Be sure to check out SIU’s Writing Center! Their 1-on-1 consultation sessions provide individualized attention to improve your writing abilities and products. In these sessions, graduate and undergraduate consultants work with all students on all writing.

Schedule an appointment!

Academic Coaching

Academic Coaching is a service available to all on-campus SIU students. Academic Coaching consists of weekly one-hour, individualized sessions in which the Academic Coach assists students with a variety of academic skills and techniques such as:

Understanding your course’s syllabi
Study skills (which include notetaking, vocabulary, problem solving, organization, task management and time management)
How to apply learning strategies and test-taking strategies to become active and independent learners

How to create goals and study check lists to improve academic performance

Sign up for your appointment today!

How can I find out who my academic advisor is?

Academic Advising is a teaching and learning process dedicated to student success. An academic advisor's function is to TEACH, GUIDE and SUPPORT students and other stakeholders in the University Community.

New students who are not yet registered for classes are encouraged to contact their academic area by the information found here.

Continuing students can find a list of academic advisors on the academic advisement page.

How does parking work? Where can I get a parking permit?

Online Parking System: It’s great!

It's not that the Parking Division doesn't want to see you, but you probably don’t want to wait in line!

What do I do?
Parking stickers for the upcoming year become available on July 1st. After July 1st, click on the Access Your Account link to set-up and access your parking account.

On-campus and commuter student parking information can be found here.

Campus Parking Map

Where are my classes? Where is that building?

Where can I study that’s not my room?

Need a change of scenery while you study? We’ve all been there.

If you prefer places with a lot of foot traffic and energy, try studying at these places:

Starbucks
Roman Room in the Student Center
Delyte’s coffee shop
1st, 6th, and 7th floors of the Morris Library

If you like study spaces with a moderate amount of noise, try these sweet spots:

2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of Morris Library
The “HERE” (Stonehenge) sculpture near Lawson Hall

For a much quieter experience, you can visit:

Japanese Garden, the Kumakura Garden, and the Dorothy Morris Garden at the northern end of Faner Hall
5th floor of Morris Library
Big Muddy Room in the Student Center

If you’re looking for space to do a group project, check out the Group Study Rooms in Morris Library. Reservations can be made here.

Don’t worry! You’ll soon find your favorite study spot on campus.

How do I print on-campus? Where can I print?

SalukiTech Campus-Wide Printing Services (CWPS) provides and maintains printers for use by students, as well as faculty and staff. These printers are conveniently located in more than 30 locations across campus—including public spaces and campus housing. You may print to any of the CWPS printers from any University-owned or personal device as long as you have access to the SIU eduroam network. You may send a print job from off campus if you have VPN access.

No matter where you are working, you can queue your print job and then pick it up at any CWPS station on campus. And, don’t worry about privacy! CWPS printing requests are held in a virtual print queue (up to two hours) until you arrive at the print station and start the job. All CWPS printers accept Debit Dawg.

Printing Costs & Locations

How does my meal plan work?

SALUKI ANYTIME PLAN

This plan is included with the traditional residence halls contract and provides unlimited meals in the dining hall. Students may eat as much or as little as they want and can come and go as often as they want during posted hours of operation.

Plan Availability to Students Not in Residence Halls
Students living in an on-campus apartment or off-campus may purchase the Saluki Anytime Plan by completing the Meals Contract online.

BLOCK-20 PLAN

The Block-20 Plan is also a great fit for students living in on-campus apartments, residence halls, or in designated junior/senior housing. The Block-20 Plan provides 20 meals in the University Housing dining hall.

More information on all dining options can be found here.

How do I know what events are happening on campus?

Download the Saluki Superfan app! You can use it to check-in at events and earn points for prizes!

Events will be listed on the app, and you can easily transfer event information to your calendar on your phone. All the information you’ll need for the event will be in each event listing. Also, see how you rank with your friends' points-wise and compete with others for the leader position.

To download Saluki Superfan App
1. Download the Saluki Superfan app from The App Store or Google Play.
2. Make sure to fill out all your account information to be able to check-in to events.

How do I use MyCourses?

MyCourses (or D2L/Desire to Learn) is SIU’s online learning platform. This online platform may be used by your professor for quizzes, tests, class discussion, sharing of notes, etc. Be sure to ask your professor how they intend to use MyCourses in their class.