SIUE —- Student Development and University Activities

Student Development and University Activities

Kimmel Leadership Center
Student Government
Student Leadership Development Program
Student Organizations and Activities
University Center Board
Recrational and Leisure Activities: Campus Recreation
Intercollegiate Athletics
Spiritual Development
The Students’ Advocate

Kimmel Leadership Center
Students enrolled at the University will find many opportunities for developing their potential and obtaining challenging leadership and service roles. Student Government, the Student Leadership Development Program, student organizations, intercollegiate athletics, University committees, honorary organizations, and departmental activities offer such opportunities.

The Kimmel Leadership Center, on the first floor of Morris University Center, provides students with numerous services, programs and activities to help them develop their potential. The Kimmel Leadership Center is the focal point for Student Government and its functions, the Student Leadership Development Program, student organizational activities, and several related student-sponsored activities.

Student Government
Student Government provides opportunities for students to become involved in the decision-making processes of the University. As one of three constituency bodies of the University, Student Government represents the interests of students and collaborates with the administration on many policy matters. In addition, Student Government allocates student funds, appoints representatives to various University and student committees, recognizes student organizations, and reviews student fees.

Student Government comprises seven executive officers: the Student Body President, the Vice President, the Finance Chair, the Personnel Chair, the Public Relations Chair, the Student Organization Advisory Board Chair, and the Student Trustee — a member of the SIU Board of Trustees. In addition, there is a 12-member Student Senate and a Student Government staff.

Students interested in Student Government may visit the Student Government Office in the Kimmel Leadership Center, or call (618) 650-3819 for information.

Student Leadership Development Program
The Student Leadership Development Program provides opportunities for students to develop professional and leadership skills, gain practical experience, and enhance their civic awareness through participation in leadership modules and University and community service.

The Student Leadership Development Program is open to all enrolled students. Students are encouraged to begin the program during the freshman year. The program, designed to accommodate varying student interests and schedules, may be completed at each student's own pace. Students who successfully complete the program receive a Student Leadership Transcript. For more information about the program and its requirements, contact the Kimmel Leadership Center at (618) 650-2686.

Student Organizations and Activities
Students who are interested in developing their leadership potential may wish to become active in one or more of the 140 recognized student organizations. In addition to honorary organizations that encourage and recognize academic achievement, student organizations address educational, religious, social, recreational, and political interests. All enrolled students may take part in student organizations and their activities.

Throughout the year, seasonal activities offer students opportunities to become involved in campus life. These activities include Welcome Week, Homecoming, Black History Month, and Springfest.

The Kimmel Leadership Center plans, coordinates, and co-sponsors a variety of campus programs. Students taking part in the Student Leadership Development Program, and other interested students, may contribute service to such events as the Senior Fair, Elderhostel, Red Cross Blood Drives, Preview SIUE, Tons of Fun, and Welcome Week.

University Center Board
The University Center Board (UCB) serves both as an advisory board and a program council. As an advisory board, UCB functions as the primary recommending body to the Director of the Morris University Center. The Advisory Board consists of the Building Services Committee, Facilities Committee, Finance Committee, and Policy Review Committee.

The UCB Program Council plans and produces many events and activities on campus. The Council provides a wide variety of entertainment, cultural, educational, and recreational programs for the SIUE community. The Program Council consists of Current Affairs, Ethnic Flair, Performing Arts, Public Relations, Advertising/Promotions, Recreation, UC Attractions, and Visual Arts.

Students interested in developing their skills in program planning may obtain more information in the Kimmel Leadership Center in the Morris University Center, phone (618) 650-2686.

Recreational and Leisure Activities: Campus Recreation
Students may take part in a wide variety of recreational and leisure activities offered through Campus Recreation. Opportunities for involvement include a wide selection of intramural sports, sport clubs, aquatics, informal recreational activities, family programs, and special events.

The Vadalabene/Student Fitness Center is available during the day, in the evenings, and on weekends to serve the recreational needs of the University community. Opened in the spring of 1993, the Student Fitness Center offers greatly enhanced opportunities for fitness and recreational pursuits. The Student Fitness Center contains:

four indoor courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, indoor soccer and roller hockey
a suspended jogging track
a 4,000-square-foot weight room
a 4,000-square-foot aerobic exercise room
a 4,000-square-foot cardiovascular exercise room
the wellness resource lab
a student social lounge with wide-screen TV

The adjoining Vadalabene Center offers:

an indoor pool
eight racquetball courts
shower and locker rooms

For more information about programs, services, and recreational opportunities, contact Campus Recreation at (618) 650-B-FIT.

Intercollegiate Athletics
The Intercollegiate Athletics program provides students with opportunities to enhance their education, to represent the University, and to participate in competitive sports while developing skills and understanding. Undergraduate students possessing the necessary requirements, capabilities, and interests are encouraged to participate. Participation, however, is secondary to the students' academic obligations.

The athletics program consists of 15 varsity sports, with seven for men, including baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, track, and wrestling. The eight women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and volleyball. The University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).

Cougar athletic teams have established a successful tradition of accomplishment by winning 16 NCAA Championships. The men’s soccer team captured the first national Division II title in 1972 and a Division I crown in 1979. Men’s tennis captured seven consecutive Division II titles between 1978 and 1984. The men’s basketball team earned its first trip to the NCAA tournament in 1986 and returned in 1987 and 1989. The baseball, wrestling, and tennis teams are perennial qualifiers for these respective championships. SIUE wrestlers amassed three consecutive national titles between 1984 and 1986. The baseball team has made 19 appearances in NCAA tournament play, advancing to the College World Series seven times.

The women’s tennis and softball teams are annual contenders for a championship berth. The tennis team achieved its fourth consecutive national title in 1989, while the softball squad has qualified for seven national championships, finishing second in 1982. Women’s basketball and soccer have qualified three times for the NCAA Tournament. Both last appeared in NCAA postseason play during the 1998-1999 season. The track and cross country program has had several NCAA All-Americans and numerous NCAA qualifiers from both the men's and women’s programs.

Athletic scholarships are available in all varsity sports and are awarded by the respective head coach. All entering freshman athletes must fulfill the NCAA’s high school core requirements in order to compete during their freshman year. Prospective students may wish to seek information from the high school counselor early in their junior year and should apply with the NCAA Clearinghouse early in their senior year.

Facilities for home contests include the state-of-the-art, 3,000-seat Ralph Korte Stadium, which also houses Bob Guelker Field for track and field and soccer; the 4,000-seat Vadalabene Center; a varsity and practice softball complex, the 1,500-seat Roy Lee Field for baseball; six varsity tennis courts; and a national-caliber cross country course.

Students who wish to become involved in intercollegiate athletics should call (618) 650-2871 or e-mail ehess@siue.edu and request an appointment with the appropriate head coach. The Cougars also provide information on the World Wide Web at www.siue.edu/ATHLETIC. (This address is case-sensitive; use caps where indicated.)

Spiritual Development
Students and other members of the University may participate in the activities of the Religious Center, which is home to campus ministries of several denominations. Individual ministries maintain their own schedule of varied events, including worship services, and may collaborate on ecumenical activities. The Center seeks to assist students and others who wish to enrich their spiritual lives. Ministers offer listening sessions, spiritual counseling, and varied activities, and facilitate the connection of individuals with other resources on and off campus.

The Students’ Advocate
The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs is vitally interested in developing students’ potential and in providing an environment that helps students meet their educational and career objectives. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs on any matter that concerns them. The Vice Chancellor serves as the students’ ombudsman and can be particularly helpful in resolving problems involving more than one office or agency of the University. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs may be consulted on matters of student rights and responsibilities, student conduct, and grievance procedures.

Students who wish to seek the assistance of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs may call (618) 650-2020 or make an appointment in Rendleman Hall, room 2306.