Prairie Hall Newsletter

This Week in Prairie Hall

Follow @SIUEHousingCommunities on Instagram!
Join Prairie Area Council!
Meet Your Assistant Community Director!
Mobile COVID-19 Screening Sites in University Housing
University Housing Announcements
COVID-19 Expectations and Guidelines
Important Housing Information
Laundry Tips and Tricks!
Around the "e"
Career Development Center
Health and Safety Tips

Follow @SIUEHousingCommunities on Instagram!

Join Prairie Area Council!

Meet Your Assistant Community Director!

Season’s Greetings All!

Welcome to SIUE! My name is Ishmeal Allensworth and I am thrilled to be the Assistant Community Director of Prairie Hall. This year will look different and present new challenges than we anticipated; however, I am certain that we all will be able to overcome anything.

Some advice that I have is to get involved at SIUE and advantage of every opportunity it presents to you. Don’t be afraid to raise your hands or ask questions for clarity. Lastly, use a calendar and prioritize school and your self-care. We may not see each other in person, but I hope you have a great virtual experience.

Please know that I am available to answer questions you may have throughout this year. My office is located in the main office in Prairie Hall. I am available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-4:30 pm. I can be reached via email at iallens@siue.edu. Feel free to reach out anytime!

Mobile COVID-19 Screening Sites in University Housing

Mobile COVID-19 Screening Sites in University Housing

SIUE is offering COVID-19 screening tests to any member of the SIUE community who would like to get tested to confirm their status as positive or negative for COVID-19. A screening test should not be taken if you have a known exposure to COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms.

Over the next few weeks, mobile COVID-19 screening sites will be in residential communities and other areas of campus. Residents should bring their SIUE ID, health insurance card (if applicable), and will have the choice of a Starbucks coffee coupon or SIUE t-shirt for completing the screening. The following are the dates and times in the Housing communities:

September 22 – Evergreen Hall Lobby – 1:30 – 3 pm

September 29 – Prairie Hall Lobby – 1:30 – 3 pm

September 30 – Bluff Hall Lobby – 1:30 – 3 pm

October 6 – Woodland Hall Lobby – 1:30 – 3 pm

October 7 – Cougar Village Commons – 1:30 – 3 pm

  • If you have a known exposure to COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, please stay home and do not schedule a screening test through this process. Students should contact Health Service at 618-650-2842 or cougarcare@siue.edu to determine the next steps and testing options. If experiencing symptoms, residents should not leave their personal living space and should complete a COVID-19 Self-Disclosure Reporting form online.
For more information on COVID-19 testing, please visit https://www.siue.edu/about/announcements/coronavirus/reporting-confirmed-cases/testing.shtml

University Housing Announcements

Vote on October Movies

University Housing offers a free movie channel, UHTV-3.1. Movies are updated monthly.

University Housing residents can stream movies anywhere on campus. Visit movies.siue.edu or download the free Swank Media Player app on your mobile device. 

Click here to vote on the movies you want to be added in October! Voting will close on Wednesday, September 23.

SIUE Esports Arena in Bluff Hall is now open!

- Hours of operation are 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
- Open to members of the SIUE community who have registered for classes this current term.
- Space capacity is 12 people. It is vital and expected that students follow room capacity expectations. If the room is at capacity, please come back at a later time. Additionally, players should be thoughtful of the length of time they are in the Arena and impact on others.
More information can be found at siue.edu/esports.

Study Tables!

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 5 pm and Fridays at 4 pm in the Prairie Hall Classroom.  Study Tables are hosted by RAs who are available to help answer questions or just provide a  quiet space for residents looking to study.

University Housing Facilities Management (UHFM) is hiring Student Maintenance Workers!

Clean hallways, breezeways, offices, restrooms, and laundries. Additional duties may include fueling of vehicles, recycling responsibilities, running errands, and maid service. Flexible hours are available.  Shifts are typically 7:00 am to 11:00 and 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. Immediate need for individuals who can work weekends or Mondays, limited availability of shifts Tuesday through Friday. 

Apply online through the Student Job Finder at www.siue.edu/studentemployment . Questions? Please call UHFM at 618-650-2070.

COVID-19 Expectations and Guidelines

  • When you are inside, always wear a face-covering that covers your mouth and nose, except while you are in your own living unit.
  • When you are outside, wear a face-covering anytime you can’t maintain a 6-foot distance between yourself and other people.
  • If you have been around someone who has tested positive or think you have COVID-19 symptoms, please fill out the COVID Self-Reporting Form (https://www.siue.edu/about/announcements/coronavirus/reporting-confirmed-cases/index.shtml).
  • If you are awaiting COVID-19 test results, please quarantine at home or in your living unit until you get the results back and are cleared by Health Services and University Housing.
  • You are strongly encouraged to make any guests that enter your room or apartment wear a face covering at all times and maintain a physical distance of 6 feet when possible.
  • Please wash/sanitize your hands on a regular basis and sanitize any frequently touched surfaces in your living unit and bathroom.
  • Residents are expected to comply with posted occupancy limits for shared common spaces.  A maximum of four persons may occupy a room at any time.  
  • Violations of COVID-19 expectations and guidelines may result in your removal from University Housing.

Important Housing Information

Policies – YOU NEED TO KNOW!

As a resident of the Cougar Village, you are responsible for knowing the information, policies, procedures, and deadlines that are contained in the University Housing Living Guide.  To access the living guide, go to:  http://www.siue.edu/housing/pdf/SIUE-Housing-Guide-Final.pdf

Facilities Issue?  Put in a workorder!

University Housing Facilities Management (UHFM) is the unit assigned to the development and maintenance of University Housing facilities and grounds. UHFM is responsible for repairing housing units, care of the grounds surrounding housing facilities, performs snow removal, maintains the cleanliness of common areas and offices in University Housing buildings, oversees pest control and much more.

In the event of any building or grounds related issues, Students need to initiate the repair by submitting a Maintenance Request to University Housing Facilities Management (UHFM). UHFM responds to student-initiated repair requests as a first priority.  To complete a work order, click HERE!!!

Get protected!  Insure yourself and your belongings!

University Housing does not insure the personal property of residents. Residents are strongly encouraged to insure their personal belongings while living in University Housing. Students can look into renter’s insurance or their parent/guardian homeowners’ policy for potential coverage options.

SIUE is Smoke-Free, Tobacco Free, Nicotine Free

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has implemented the Illinois law that prohibits smoking and all tobacco related products into its policies and procedures. The Smoke Free Campus Act means that there can be no smoking or tobacco products of any kind on any State-owned University property.

To view SIUE’s Smoke-Free Campus Policy, click here.

Visit these sites for more information, Smoking Cessation ProgramAmerican Cancer Society and Centers for Disease Control

Laundry Tips and Tricks!

Around the "e"

19th Annual Chili Cook Off!

Date: Wednesday, September 23rd from 11:30 am-1:30 pm

Location: Stratton Quad

It is encouraged for students to pre-register ahead of time for a selected arrival time though the sign-up genius link. Chili Cook-off Sign up!

Students will have the chance to vote for their favorite chili on the day of the event. Masks and Student ID’s are required arriving at the event.

*Chili is available while supplies last*

Cougar Connectors

The SIUE Cougar Connector program is a new initiative to support incoming first-year students at SIUE. This program will connect an upper-class student with 10 incoming students based on their first-semester transition course. Throughout the semester, the connector will offer advice, discuss topics such as the importance of time management, and help their first-year student group get involved and feel like a part of the SIUE community. Your connector should have reached out to this past week over email. Email them back to join the group and get connected! Email Ian Toberman or Colin Boysen with any questions.

Come to the Tutoring Resource Center for help with your math, science, and business questions!

The Tutoring Resource Center will provide both face-to-face and online tutoring this fall semester as follows:

Face-to-face and online tutoring

Monday through Thursday:         8 am – 4 pm

Friday:                                                   8 am – 3 pm

Online tutoring only

Monday through Thursday       4 pm – 7 pm

Saturday:                                         9 am – 12 noon 

Sunday:                                            4 pm – 7 pm

Career Development Center

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center is open for virtual or in-person appointments. You can make your appointment through your Cougar Jobline account or call our office at 618-650-3708. The Career Development Center can help you with your resume, cover letters, job search, LinkedIn accounts, graduate school personal statements/application, mock interviews, and much more. Our office is located on the lower level of the Student Success Center in room 0281. 

Upcoming Fall Events 

Virtual IT Career Fair 

Thursday, October 3 

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

Premier Virtual Career Fair Platform 

 

Virtual October Career Fair 

October 7    College of Arts and Science, School of Business, and 

                     ALL non-teaching majors 

October 8    School of Engineering 

BOTH DAYS 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  

Premier Virtual Career Fair Platform 

 

Virtual Mock Interview Prep Workshop** 

Thursday, October 15 

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. 

Zoom Link will be provided  

Prepare for your Virtual Mock Interview with this workshop.  You will get helpful tips on virtual interviewing, attire, resumes, and more!  Reserve your spot today through your Cougar Jobline by clicking on Events - Virtual Mock Interview Prep Workshop - +Register or you can call the Career Development Center at 618-650-3708.  Spots are limited! 

 

Virtual Mock Interview Day** 

Tuesday, October 20 

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Zoom Link will be provided  

Are you ready for your next interview? You can find out by attending a Mock Interview with real recruiters and get instant feedback on your interviewing skills.  The mock interview is 45 minutes with 30 minutes of interviewing and 15 minutes of feedback.  This is a very popular event and you will need to RSVP for your time slot!  Gain confidence in your interviewing skills and call today! 

 

Financial Matters: Ask an Expert 

Tuesday, November 10 

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. 

Premier Virtual Career Fair Platform 

Have you ever wanted to ask questions about financial matters to experts?  This virtual event will be a drop-in event to talk to experts about various topics like salary negotiations, mortgage loans, insurance, etc.  Virtually chat with experts of your choice with no obligation to buy any products.  Reserve your spot today through your Cougar Jobline by clicking on Events - Virtual Financial Matters: Ask an Expert - +Register or you can call the Career Development Center at 618-650-3708.   

 

Virtual Pharmacy Career Fair 

Wednesday, November 18 

12:30 – 3:00 p.m. 

Premier Virtual Career Fair Platform 

 

Virtual Pharmacy Residency Showcase 

Wednesday, November 20 

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. 

Premier Virtual Career Fair Platform 

**RSVP to attend these events through your Cougar Jobline or call our office. 

 

Career Development Center 

618-650-3708 

Email: careerdevelopment@siue.edu 

Website: siue.edu/cdc 

Student Cougar Jobline Link: https://siue.12Twenty.com/ 

Health and Safety Tips

Sign up for e-Lert today!

What is e-Lert? SIUE's e-Lert is a text messaging service that will be used to quickly notify faculty, staff and student cell phones when an urgent situation, such as a bomb threat, severe weather, hostile intruder, or when the University closes due to inclement weather. There is no cost to register for the alerts; however, standard rates may apply if your cell phone plan does not include text messaging.

Rave Guardian

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) now offers the Rave Guardian app for its students and their families. Rave Guardian is one of the best ways to not only improve personal safety, but also protect your friends by building a private safety network. This app provides instant communication with friends, family, campus safety, and even 9-1-1.

SIUE encourages all students throughout campus to utilize the app to network with friends and help increase overall safety and security of the entire student body. An important part of the Guardian app is that students can use it not only to keep themselves safe, but to help protect others. Even students who may not feel as if they need others to help keep them safe can utilize the app to be a guardian and help protect their friends.

Download Rave Guardian and Become a Guardian on Your Campus

Download Rave Guardian for Free The app is available for free on the Apple or Google app store.

Use Rave Guardian to Protect Yourself and Others

Set a Safety Time – Notify people you trust to check in on you if are alone or in an unfamiliar place.

Manage and Message Your Guardians – Invite family, friends or others to be your Guardian, and communicate with them within the app as needed.

Easy Emergency Communication – Call safety officials directly for help if you are in trouble and send text tips – including photos – if you see something suspicious.

Rave Guardian is a proven personal safety solution used on campuses across the country. To learn more, visit siue.edu/emergency.