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The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of Undergraduate Admissions hosted nearly 100 admitted students and family members during its annual Admitted Student Visit Day for multicultural students on Monday, April 11. 

According to Kelley Brooks, assistant director for campus visits in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, admitted students were invited to campus to learn more about the next steps to enroll, interact with SIUE students and hear about their experiences, and tour campus and University Housing. 

“The goal of the program is to provide information so that students feel comfortable enrolling for the fall 2022 semester,” Brooks said. “It’s important to showcase the support services and student organizations on campus that are available to students of color as SIUE moves in the direction to empower students of color to enroll at the institution.”

The morning started with a student performance by the Black Theatre Workshop, which is led by Kathryn Bentley, associate professor of theater performance and artistic director of the Black Theatre Workshop.

Chancellor James T. Minor welcomed students and families and shared encouraging words about the college process.

“Higher education has the power to transform families and communities,” Minor said. “I understand the excitement and angst of this moment for students and parents. I enjoying talking to admitted students about their their hopes and dreams. I want to make sure that we do everything we can to help them realize those dreams.”

“It is incredibly important that SIUE keeps the promise of higher education alive for deserving students from all backgrounds. We have the ability to create social and economic mobility for individuals while also powering the workforce of the future.”  

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

• Black Student Union 
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 
• SIUE 100 Collegiate Chapter 
• Student Nurse Achievement Program (SNAP) 
• African Student Association 

Representatives from SOAR (Student Opportunities for Academic Results), 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: Assistant Director for Campus Visits and Outreach Kelley Brooks welcomes students and families to SIUE’s Admitted Student Day. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions hosts the event each year for multicultural students. 

SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, spoke to the group about the college process. 

Nearly 100 admitted students and family members attended the event.