First Saluki Center | Southern Illinois University

We serve the first, and very best, students.

Nearly one-third of the undergraduate students in the United States are first-generation, meaning they are a student whose parents or legal guardians did not obtain a 4-year bachelor’s degree. If that includes you, we’re here to help!

We are the one-stop shop to give first-generation students access to the support and services they need to successfully transition to college and obtain their degrees.

The First Saluki Center is a campus-wide collaboration - an initiative developed by the Division of Student Affairs and the Dean of Students, working together with Academic Affairs. We connect SIU’s first-generation students with academic resources, social and emotional support, financial literacy, opportunities to get involved on campus and in the community, and career preparedness assistance.

Important Information

The following documents contain information for the SIU community as we begin the fall semester:

• Guide to Important Information for the SIU Community
• Message from the Dean of Students

Visit these websites if you are in need of services:

• Counseling and Psychological Services
• Financial Aid Office
• Center for Learning Support Services
• Career Development Center
• Saluki Cares

Campus-Wide Resources

National First-Generation College Student Facts (pdf)