Cougar Village Newsletter

The 2020-2021 Resident Assistant application is now open. The RA application can be found online. 

If you have questions, please contact Sarah Kirkpatrick at skirkpa@siue.edu or (618) 650‑4629.  

Optional Information Session Dates

Monday, November 18, 2019	5 PM Woodland Hall MFR
Monday, December 2, 2019	9 PM Evergreen Hall MFR

RA Qualifications

• Turn in a completed application by the appropriate deadline: Wednesday, December 4, at 11:59 pm.
• Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA by the time you assume the position (RAs are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA).
• Cannot be graduating before May 2021.
• Cannot be involved with a full-time internship/co-op, student teach, or enrolled in the School of Pharmacy program during the 2020-2021 academic year.
• Have lived in University Housing for at least two full semesters by the time you would begin as an RA (summer is counted as a semester).
• Be in good financial, academic, and behavioral conduct standing with the University.

Deadline to Complete a Space Change is December 1st!

All space change requests must be submitted by 4:30 PM on 12/1/2019. Any space change request submitted after that time will not be considered until after the third week of the spring 2020 semester. Please keep in mind this is only a request to space change and approval is not guaranteed. Also, please remember that before a space change is approved you may be required to go through the mediation process.  Please contact your Community Director or Resident Assistant with any questions or concerns regarding the space change process.

Choose Live-On.

Reserve your space in University Housing for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021!

Current students can reserve their space on-campus for fall 2020 - spring 2021 during the housing reservation process. The online application for space will be available online from October 28, 2019 - February 7, 2020. Current residents will have to complete the online application for space and pay the $200 advance payment by February 7, 2020. Current residents should not complete a new student application.

If you have any questions, please contact the Central Housing Office at (618) 650‑3931 or housing@siue.edu

Do you use Cougar Bucks?

It is fast and easy to set up and use.

Go to siue.edu/cougarcard

Click on “Add Money to Cougar Card”

Login to GET with your e-ID and password

Under Quick Links click “Add Funds”

 If you are running out of your residential meal plan as the end of the semester nears, you can add Cougar Bucks to bridge the gap between now and the spring semester. In addition, Cougar Bucks can be used for laundry, vending machines, printing, and more.

 Questions may be emailed to cougarcard@siue.edu

Proposed Power Outages

To accommodate maintenance Ameren needs to complete on a main circuit feeding SIUE, Facilities Management (FM) will shut off power temporarily to the starting at 10:00 AM on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, and again at 10:00 AM on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. These outages will last between 15 to 30 minutes.

Hydrant Flushing

As part of the ongoing maintenance of hydrants and the water system, Facilities Management will be flushing hydrants over the next month.  Occasionally, this process results in brown water in fountains, sinks, and toilets.  Allowing the water to run for a minute or two will clear it out; the water is safe to drink and use.

The next meeting of Kaleidoscope will take place on Wednesday, November 13^th from 5-6 pm in the Cougar Village Commons Multifunction room. Food and beverages will be provided!

What is Kaleidoscope?

Kaleidoscope is a new University Housing initiative. Kaleidoscope is a network for LGBTQIA+ residents who come together to support the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals in University Housing and on campus. This space is designed by and for LGBTQIA+ individuals but is not a space for our allies. While allies play an essential role, this space is meant to be a place where LGBTQIA+ community members can gather to:

 Create a safe place in University Housing for LGBTQIA+ students to connect;

• Encourage overall student success for LGBTQIA+ students;
• Promote positive, healthy relationships amongst LGBTQIA+ students;
• Facilitate culturally relevant discussion and reflection;
• And to increase awareness of campus resources.

 Please contact Rex Jackson, rjackso@siue.edu, if you have any questions about this initiative.

Pest Control

SIUE is a beautiful campus surrounded by woods and nature.  It’s that time of year when we see an increase in stink bugs.  They have been bad this year with the warmer temperatures.

 While there is no way to 100% eliminate all bugs in order to reduce pests in your unit, here are some steps you could take.

• Remove food source – take out your trash each day, empty your sink each night, and make sure all open food is sealed or keep in the refrigerator.
• If your windows are open, ensure your screens are securely in the windowsill.  If not, open a work order maintenance request and University Housing Facilities Management will make the repair.  Same for your patio door.
• Frequently vacuum your unit.
• If you see stink bugs in your unit, immediately vacuum them.  Empty your vacuum and discard in trash.
• Pest Control visit campus weekly (typically on Wednesdays) if you need your unit sprayed, please complete a work order maintenance request.

Need to open a work order maintenance request, click HERE.

Toilet Clogging?

To reduce the occurrence of your toilet clogging, University Housing Facilities Management recommends NOT to use flushable wipes.  While the packaging states flushable, it is causing clogging issues.

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

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.

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

 

Juggling your finals??  Hours during finals week!

Tutoring Resource Center

SSC 1252 

Dec 7th – Dec 12^th

Saturday   9 -12 noon

Sunday     4 – 8 pm

     Monday    8 – 6:30 pm

Tuesday   8 – 6:30 pm

Wednesday 8 – 2 pm

Thursday  8 – 12 noon

Tutoring for math, science, and business will be available

Make the most of your summer!

SIUE offers nearly 1,000 summer classes, including more online classes than ever before. Many classes meet for five weeks or less. Lighten your class load for fall, stay within your course sequence and benefit from smaller class sizes.

Start planning your summer now. Summer session advising begins in January and registration opens March 23.

Find more information:

• siue.edu/summer
• 618-650-2080
• summersession@siue.edu
• Service Center on the first floor of Rendleman Hall

Rainbow Graduation

SIUE Safe Zone, the Kimmel Student Involvement Center, the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, and the Office for the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will hold SIUE’s Semi-Annual Rainbow Graduation Celebration on Monday, December 2, 2019, from  4-5:30 pm in the Oak/Redbud rooms of the Morris University Center.

The 2019 Rainbow Graduation Celebration is free and open to all LGBTQI and Ally SIUE undergraduate and graduate students who have earned their degree in the Fall of 2019.

If an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student you know will be graduating and would like to participate or learn more, please share this link with them:  https://www.siue.edu/lgbt/Rainbow%20Graduation.shtml or share the attached event flyer.

 

The link to register for the event is:  https://siue.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/353240

Registration should be completed by Friday, November 29, 4 pm to be included in the event.

FINANCIAL MATTERS: ASK AN EXPERT

 Do you have questions you want to ask experts, but don’t want the obligation to buy products?  Now it is your chance!

 November 12

2 – 3 p.m.

MUC, Mississippi/Illinois rooms

Talk to the experts of your choice with no obligation to buy any products. This is a round table event where you can come and go as you wish.

The event is open to staff, faculty, and students, especially those approaching graduation.

• Do you know the questions you should be asking about company benefits?
• Do you know how to negotiate a salary?
• Do you know how to read your credit report?
• Do you know how to create and follow a budget?
• Do you know what it takes to get a car loan or mortgage?
• Do you know about filing your taxes? 

Below is a list of topics and the company experts on each subject:

Work benefits, hosted by Walmart
Salary negotiations, sponsored by U.S. Steel
Home/renters, auto and professional liability insurance basics, hosted by JW Insurance Group  
Paying off student loans and budgeting, hosted by Lexow Financial Group
Mortgages and car loans, sponsored by TheBANK of Edwardsville
Wise use of credit, sponsored by Regions Bank
Identity theft and email scams, hosted by US Bank
Life insurance and mutual funds, sponsored by Silver Creek Financial
Banking basics, sponsored by PNC Bank
Credit reports: how to read them, what my score means, how to improve my score, hosted by SIUE Credit Union
Taxes, hosted by Scheffel Boyle
Disability Insurance, sponsored by Synergy Wealth Solutions

WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING APPLICANTS FOR SPRING 2020 ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK TRIPS!!!

Domestic Application Link: https://getinvolved.siue.edu/submitter/form/start/339893

Jamaica Application Link: https://siue.studioabroad.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10136

SCHOLARSHIPS LINK FOR BOTH TRIPS: https://getinvolved.siue.edu/submitter/form/start/340094

DON’T MISS OUT ON AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD AND SERVE!

Career Development Center

Please stop by and check out the Career Development Center located in the basement of the Student Success Center, room 0281.  We can help you with your resume, cover letters, job search, LinkedIn accounts, graduate school personal statements/application, mock interviews, and much more.

Upcoming Fall Events

Pharmacy Career Fair

Wednesday, November 20

12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

MUC 2^nd Floor Conference Center

Professional attire required and bring copies of your resume!

A list of attending employers can be found on the CDC website: http://www.siue.edu/careerdevelopmentcenter/students/events.shtml

Pharmacy Residency Showcase

Wednesday, November 20

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

School of Pharmacy Student Learning Center

Stop by to talk to representatives from various Residency Programs. A list of attending residencies can be found on the CDC website: http://www.siue.edu/careerdevelopmentcenter/students/events.shtml

**Call to RSVP to attend these events.

 Career Development Center

618-650-3708

Email: careerdevelopment@siue.edu

Website: www.siue.edu/careerdevelopmentcenter

Fall Driving is Peak Season for Deer vs. Vehicle Crashes

With the onset of autumn, the school year is in full swing, and Illinois deer are traveling greater distances during this time of year. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding motorists to be vigilant during this season as the animals become more active, especially in the early morning and evening hours.

Motorists are urged to consider the following safe driving tips during this season:

• Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to deer crossing signs.
• Scan the sides of the road for eye shine - the reflection of headlights in the eyes.
• Slow down if you see deer. They travel in groups, so more are likely nearby.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Deer can stop in the middle of the road or double back.
• If a collision is inevitable, try to glance the vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic.

More than 40% of crashes involving deer in Illinois occur in October, November, and December, with November being the highest-risk month. Rural environments were the site of nearly 90% of all crashes involving deer, with more than 70% occurring at twilight or nighttime.

If you hit a deer, pull off to the shoulder and turn on the hazard lights. Call 911 to report the accident so that law enforcement can assist. Do not get out of the vehicle to check on an injured deer or pull it from the road.

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.

How do I register for SIUE e-Lert?

If you are a student, faculty, or staff member, you can register by clicking the "Sign Up Now" link and entering your active e-id, password, and cell phone number. Each time you are notified to change your e-id password, you will also be allowed to enroll, update your cell phone number if it has changed, or cancel your registration with the system.

You will still receive alerts as long as you have the same cell phone number.

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 the 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 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 you 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.