Prospective Students Discover Possibilities at November Preview SIUE Event

Prospective Students Discover Possibilities at November Preview SIUE Event

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville welcomed a record crowd of prospective students and their guests to campus for Preview SIUE, providing an engaging and hands-on introduction to academic programs, student life, and the vibrant Cougar community.

Hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the event, held on Saturday, Nov. 8, drew more than 100 additional student registrants than previous programs.

"With the rapidly changing higher education environment and the expected decline in high school graduation rates in Illinois and the Midwest, the increase in attendance at our fall 2025 Preview SIUE events has been exciting and inspiring to our community," said Andy Benoit, EdD, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management. "Seeing so many eager prospective students and their families engaging with our faculty, exploring our facilities, and immersing themselves in our community demonstrates the promise that is SIUE. It is a strong reminder of the countless opportunities that we offer and the engaged support network that our university provides."

High school and transfer students considering SIUE as the next step in their educational journey explored the Edwardsville campus through tours, interactive academic sessions, and conversations with faculty, staff, and current students.

"From the moment students arrived for this event, there was an energy that set this Preview SIUE apart," said Alicia Taylor, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions. "Our team has been intentional in tailoring programming so that prospective students can truly see themselves at SIUE, allowing them to envision their next steps in an environment that feels welcoming, dynamic, and full of campus spirit."

The day's agenda began with a check-in and resource fair, followed by campus and housing tours, a lively welcome session in the Meridian Ballroom of the Morris University Center, and a series of breakout discussions focused on financial aid, scholarships, student success, and academic opportunities such as the John Martinson Honors Program. Faculty and current students hosted lab demonstrations, creative showcases, and hands-on activities across campus, highlighting the breadth and quality of academic experience at SIUE.

Among the attendees were two groups of TRIO Upward Bound programs from across Illinois, including programs from Illinois Eastern Community Colleges and SIUE East St. Louis Center. Christopher Cooper, SIUE TRIO Upward Bound Program Director, said that Preview SIUE had a powerful impact on the group of students the program brought to the event.

"Exposure creates beliefs, and our students saw a future with their name on it," Cooper said. "Our high school students were fully engaged and truly enjoyed the experience. SIUE did an excellent job at making everyone feel at home from start to finish."

The day also featured a meaningful full-circle moment for Cooper. Several past TRIO graduates and SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School alums were part of the hosting team that welcomed prospective students to campus, exemplifying the ongoing impact and legacy of the SIUE TRIO Upward Bound in action.

"Events like Preview SIUE remind us how transformative a campus visit can be," Taylor said. "When students walk our grounds, meet our people, and experience our campus culture, they can begin to imagine themselves as part of it, and that's where their journey to becoming a Cougar truly begins."

Prospective students who were unable to attend this fall's Preview SIUE events are encouraged to schedule a campus visit or join an upcoming Preview SIUE session this spring. Visit siue.edu/visit for more details or to schedule a visit.

PHOTOS: Members of the SIUE Cheer Team joined Eddie the Cougar in welcoming prospective students to Preview SIUE; prospective students review information provided during November's Preview SIUE event; a prospective student and and parent pose excitingly at Preview SIUE; the Meridian Ballroom at Morris University Center was packed with attendees for the November Preview SIUE event.