Prairie Hall Newsletter

HVAC Update

There is only one HVAC system at each residence hall. At any given time the system is either in “heat” mode or “cool” mode. The system works by circulating heated or cooled water throughout the building to individual rooms where fans are used to move the warm or cool air into the room. To switch the system from one mode to another mode takes about a week’s work, so the switch is made only once in the fall and once in the spring.

At this time the system is set to “heat”, so no cooling is available. If your room is uncomfortably warm, make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” and the temperature is turned down low. If you put the thermostat on “cool”, the system thinks there is cold water in the system and runs the system more, which is exactly the opposite of what is wanted. Open a window, if needed, to let out the excess heat and then allow the system to reset to the new thermostat setting.

Your understanding during these temperature swings is appreciated.  Should you have any questions, please contact University Housing Facilities Management at 618-650-2070. 

Package Reminder

Please make sure packages are addressed to you and your full name.  All packages that cannot be easily identified as a resident of Prairie Hall will be sent back to the shipper.

Join Area Council! 

Area Council is the representative and programmatic board of your community.  If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, complete the “Area Council Application” in Roompact.

It’s Canadian Geese Nesting Season!

Some things to know about the Canadian Goose… 

• Resident Canadian geese are well-adapted to human dominated landscapes.
• They nest in a variety of locales – some in very close proximity to people.
• Goose nests occur near:
  • Sidewalks
  • Entryways of homes and buildings
  • Adjacent to paths and roadways
  • Balconies, porches and rooftops
  • Nesting season occurs as early as late February through mid-may
  • Both birds of the pair attend to the nest
    • A single goose that appears to be “patrolling” an area may indicate that a nest is in the vicinity

The behavior of nesting geese to humans varies tremendously.  Some nesting geese readily flee when approached by humans whereas other geese will stand their ground to defend the nest.  Some geese will actually attack approaching humans by running or flying at them.

Goose behavior during nest defense consists of geese standing erect and/or spreading their wings to make themselves appear larger while loudly hissing.  The defense behavior can be daunting.  Attacking geese will often try to strike their perceived nest predator with their wings and/or will bite.

Here are some helpful tips regarding geese:

• DO NOT FEED THEM.
• DO NOT THROW ITEMS AT THEM – they my see this as a threat and attack.
• Do not be afraid of them.
• Continue to face them.
• Never turn your back on them or run away from them.

What to do if you come across aggressive geese:

• Call UHFM (University Housing Facilities Management) Office at 618-650-2070 to report it.
• Be specific with date/time/location of incident..
• If an issue appears to be an emergency and/or someone is injured, call 911 or contact the SIUE Police non-emergency number 618-650-3324.

IF A GOOSE IS ATTEMPTING TO NEST ON YOUR BALCONY OR PATIO – PLEASE CONTACT UHFM IMMEDIATELY (618) 650-2070.

University Housing will work closely with Facilities Management regarding aggressive geese around housing facilities.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact University Housing Facilities Management at 618-650-2070.

COVID Self-Reporting Form

You should complete this form if you are aware that you:  

• Have been tested for COVID-19, with or without symptoms  
• Have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been given a diagnosis of presumed positive by a health professional  
• Have symptoms, but not yet tested positive 
• Have had a CLOSE contact with an individual who has been tested and diagnosed with COVID-19

In alignment with the Centers for Disease Control's definition of CLOSE contact, reporting is necessary if you are someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.

Your identity will not be disclosed to anyone other than SIUE employees responsible for maintaining your health and safety, or Health Department officials as required. You may voluntarily share your information with whomever you choose.

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 Program, American Cancer Society and Centers for Disease Control. 

Register for the Summer session!

Registration opens on March 29 for summer classes. Take advantage of nearly 1,000 summer courses, including on-campus and online options. Study on campus, or take an online course while working at home.

Summer session is a great way to complete an extra course—saving money by staying on track to graduate. Many summer classes meet for five weeks or less.

If you choose to study on campus, SIUE provides discounted housing rates. Choose from comfortable apartment-style options for the entire summer semester, a five-week session, or May term.

siue.edu/summer

summersession@siue.edu

Safe Zone Scholarship Deadline is March 31st!

The Safe Zone Scholarship deadline has been extended to March 31.  Find out more information at https://siue.academicworks.com/opportunities/9582. 

 

Tutoring Resource Center

For Tutoring Schedules, or to sign up for individual tutoring, please go to www.siue.edu/lss/tutoring-resource-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 Spring 2021 Events:    

Virtual Mock Interview Day 

Tuesday, March 30 

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

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! RSVP through your Cougar Jobline or call the Career Development Center at 618-650-3708. 

 

Resume Workshops throughout the semester – Check our website for a full schedule of the workshops.  

 

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/

Upcoming Campus Recreation Events in April!  

Mini Health Assessments. Wednesday, April 7^th at the Student Fitness Center, from 11:00am-1:00pm and 4:00pm-6:00pm.

Make an appointment by clicking this link HERE and discuss your nutrition, fitness and health goals during your appointment time.

14^th Annual Cougar World Games. Thursday, April 8^th at the Outdoor Recreation Complex (RECPLEX) from 6:00pm-9:00pm.

Engage in various recreational activities, meet members of various Club Sport teams, and enjoy some Food and receive an event T-shirt (while supplies last). If you are not able to make the in-person event, please reserve a time on Friday, April 9^th to pick up your Event t-shirt. A Reservation is required, please make your reservation HERE.

Men’s and Women’s Club Soccer Home Games, Sunday, April 11^th. Location: RECPLEX

Men’s Club Soccer plays at 1:00pm and Women’s Club Soccer play at 3:00pm. Come to the games to cheer on and support your SIUE Club Sports Cougar Athletes!

Club Sports Game Day t-shirts will be given out and Food for attendees from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. (while supplies last). Please bring your SIUE ID Card.

A Reservation is required, please make your reservation HERE.

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.