Orientation

• Claim your Network ID
  • Your Network ID is your university-wide login information, which you will use to register for classes, access your Bursar account, and take care of other items. Your Network ID is “SIU” followed by your dawgtag number (siu85xxxxxxx).
  • Multi-Factor Authentication is a two-step authentication process that increases security for your SIU credentials and accounts. To set up your MFA, follow these instructions. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Information Technology.
• Reserve your New Student Orientation date
  • After reserving your date, check your email regularly for a confirmation of date, program reminders, and other helpful information.
• Contact your Academic Advisor (Registration for New Students starting in the Summer/Fall Opens Mid-April; Registration for New Students starting in the Spring Opens Late-October)
  • Email your advisor to get instructions for how to register for classes. 
  • Access Degree Works through SalukiNet by searching Degree Works to monitor your degree progress.
• Access your Math Placement Test through MyCourses (Math Placement Test Opens February 10, 2025)
  • The Math Placement Test is required for most incoming students. To complete the test, you must log on to MyCourses and select the "Math Placement" course on your MyCourses homepage. Click on "Content" to find the test and instructions. Transfer students who are required to take the test should email Dr. Thara Lowndes at tlowndes@siu.edu to receive access.
  • If you have transferred in credit for the prerequisite to the course you want to take at SIU with a grade of C or better or if you will be entering SIU with a transferable college course equivalent that satisfies the lowest level math requirement for your major, then you may not have to take the math placement exam. You can contact your advisor for further clarification. All incoming students with no transferable math credit must take the placement test.
• Take the Foreign Language Placement Test (if applicable)
  • Get credit for what you know and find the right class for you. Note that the foreign language test is not required.
• Complete the Immunization Compliance Form
  • All students are required to be in compliance with the immunization requirements. The form must be submitted to avoid any registration holds. It can be mailed, emailed or faxed to the Immunization Compliance office or turned in at their table during the Resource Fair at orientation.
• Complete your Housing Contract (if applicable)
  • A Housing Contract is required to reside on campus. Please review student housing policy for more information. For questions, contact University Housing at housing@siu.edu or 618/453-2301.
• Review University Housing’s Packing List (Spring Students Only) 
  • Begin packing for your big move to SIU!
•  Review your Financial Aid Package on SalukiNet
  • You can access your award package by searching Financial Aid on SalukiNet. The Financial Aid Office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at 618/453-4334 or via email at fao@siu.edu. 
  • Financial Aid is available for 15-minute Virtual Financial Aid Advisement Sessions.
• Submit an Official Copy of Your Final Transcripts (After diploma/degree is posted)
  • To avoid any registration holds and for your financial aid to be disbursed, an official copy of your final transcript must be submitted once you are done taking classes at your current institution. High school transcripts should be sent to Undergraduate Admissions and college transcripts to Articulation and Evaluation. If you attend an earlier orientation date, you may not be able to take this step just yet.

Items to Bring to Orientation

• Identification – Valid government issued picture ID (example: driver’s license, state ID, military ID, or a passport) Photos of IDs or school issued IDs will not be accepted.
• Any Financial Aid questions or documents to submit.
• Questions for University Housing.
• Immunization Compliance Form - Can be turned in at the Student Health Center table during the Resource Fair. 
• Weather appropriate clothes and comfortable shoes as this program requires being outdoors and walking
• Notebook/paper to take note

Steps to Complete during Orientation

• Secure University Housing Contract (Summer/Fall Students Only) 
  • Students who have not yet completed their Housing Contract or have questions will have the opportunity to meet with housing representatives at orientation. 

• Visit Financial Aid and Bursar (payment):
  • The Financial Aid and Bursar’s Offices will be open for walk-ins as well as scheduled, individualized appointments throughout all orientation programs.
• Attend College Connection
  • Students and families attend a welcome with the student’s specific academic college or school. Learn about opportunities for involvement and success in the student’s major and career field.
• Campus and/or Housing Tours
  • Tours of campus will be offered for students and supporters to gain an in-depth knowledge of how to navigate campus as a student.
  • Students who will reside on campus will tour their residence halls on their assigned side of campus (East/West)
• Learn About SIU's Resources for Success 
  • Explore what SIU has to offer by meeting with university staff and campus departments during the Resource Fair.
  • Note that immunization compliance forms can be turned in at the Student Health Center table during the Resource Fair.
• Connect with your Orientation Leader
  • Orientation Leaders (OLs) are current students who are here to assist you with your transition to SIU. OLs come from all over the world and represent a wide variety of majors offered at SIU. 
• Visit the University Bookstore
  • Purchase your Saluki Apparel and textbooks. 
• Register for Dawg Days New Student Retreat (Summer/Fall Students Only)  
  • Dawg Days is a four-day, three-night retreat for incoming students at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. Make friends and learn more about life at SIU!
• Check your SIU Email
  • Once you have registered for classes, SIU will only communicate information to you through this email. 
• Download the Saluki SuperFan App
  • SIU app that you can use to check-in at events, such as SIU Athletics and Student Programming Council events, and earn points for prizes.
• Check Out the Saluki Family website
  • Information on upcoming events, including Saluki Start Up and Family Weekend.
• Follow SIU on social media channels

• Complete the New Student Orientation Survey
  • Help us continue to improve the incoming Saluki experience by completing the survey sent to your email.
• Review University Housing’s Packing List (Summer/Fall Students Only)
  • Begin packing for your big move to SIU!

• Sign Up for the Installment Payment Plan on SalukiNet (if applicable)
  • The Bursar’s Office offers an installment payment plan for a minimal fee per semester that divides your bill up into four payments per semester if enrolled by July 30th for the fall semester and December 30th for the spring semester. You must re-enroll in the plan each semester. The Bursar's office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at 618/453.2221 or via email at bursar@siu.edu. 
• Review the Student Health Insurance Plan
  • SIU requires all students taking on-campus courses to have health insurance. To meet this mandate, all students taking on-campus courses will be billed the student health insurance fee. Students who already have comparable health insurance coverage may waive the fee by completing the waiver process prior to the posted deadlines.
• Get your Student ID
  
  • We are upgrading our student ID cards. The new card will offer enhanced convenience, new features, and industry-proven technology to safeguard your personal information. You will receive an email with instructions for obtaining your ID.
• Purchase your Parking Pass
  
  • In order to purchase your parking pass you will need your vehicle registration, license plate number, and SIU Dawg Tag. 

• Check your SalukiNet
  • Manage your class schedule, plan your finances, and check the “Must Do” list for important, time-sensitive items.
• Continue to Check Your SIU Email 
  • SIU will only communicate information to you through this email so it will be important for you to check it daily for information about your transition.