Frequently Asked Questions

How is a student admitted to SIUC through CAS?

Individuals who apply to SIUC are routinely admitted if they have: (1) an ACT composite of at least 22 and class rank in the top three-quarters; or (2) an ACT composite of at least 21 and class rank in the top half; or (3) an ACT composite of at least 18 and class rank in the top quarter. A limited number of students who do not meet these standards can enroll in the University through CAS; early application is encouraged because enrollment may be suspended depending upon the availability of resources, space and classes.

The program director reviews CAS applications and considers the following criteria in reaching a decision: class rank, high school GPA, the type of high school subjects passed, and level of courses. All students who are determined to be eligible for admission will be mailed contracts. Students who are denied admission may appeal to the director. After students return their contracts, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions sends copies of student information to the CAS office, where student files are maintained.

Can you please explain placement testing and advisement services?

Students approved for admission into CAS are required to take a battery of placement tests and are advised into courses selected from the SIUC Core Curriculum requirements. The freshman-level English and speech courses have regular and reserved sections to which students are assigned based on placement test results. Students who demonstrate that they could benefit from additional support in reading are assigned a reading course. Students are advised throughout their first year in school by professional academic advisors, who help them select courses for the first two semesters of their freshman year and for the fall semester of the sophomore year.

What type of orientation do new students receive?

CAS and other University staff conduct an orientation program for students and their parents before the start of classes. The orientation consists of an overview of the program and introduction of staff.

Students must remain in the program during their freshman year and complete all program requirements. Students may transfer to another academic unit after they successfully complete the UNIV 100, English, speech, reading and career requirements and fulfill the academic unit requirements of their preferred major. Students who are undecided about their major will be assigned to Pre-major Advisement.

All CAS students are required to enroll in a three-hour credit academic skills and orientation course designed to assist them with the transition from high school to college. Students are required to attend the course until they have fulfilled its requirements. Students on academic probation after the first semester and those who did not satisfactorily complete all course requirements must participate in the course during the second semester.

A select group of students are required to participate in the CAS Peer Mentoring Program. Upper-class students serve as peer mentors to help new students adjust to higher education. Peer mentors meet individually and in groups with their students and serve as role models and guides.

Yes. Information compiled at mid-semester regarding grades will be provided to parents or guardians. All students must sign a release

Free academic coaching – one-on-one or in small groups – is available for CAS students and former students.

All students receive an INC in University 100. Once all of the grades are reviewed, those students who have completed all course work and are in good academic standing will receive a grade. Those students who are on academic probation and those who did not earn a C or better in University 100 will be required to attend the course during the second semester. The length of participation in the spring class will be determined by the instructor based on the students’ performance in University 100 and their other classes.

Is there someone on campus that a student can talk to about personal problems?

The staff at the Counseling Center and the Wellness Center can help. The Counseling Center’s phone number is (618) 453-5371 and the phone number to the Wellness Center is (618) 536-4441.

Students should talk to their Resident Advisor regarding any problems within the residence halls or contact University Housing at (618) 453-2301.

Health insurance is available and Health Services can address any questions. The phone number is (618) 453-3311.

What services are available for students who are struggling in their classes?

The Center for Academic Success provides academic coaching (618-453-6969). The University also provides Supplemental Instruction for some courses. The Writing Center is also available to assist students with their papers.

If a student needs to be out of school for a death or medical reason, how should the teachers be notified?

Transitional Programs can be contacted at (618) 536-2338 and letters will be sent to all of the student’s instructors. We also encourage the student to personally contact the instructors to determine what assignments need to be completed.

Financial Aid has a job board that lists all of the available positions. This information is also located on the Financial Aid website. Financial Aid can be contacted at (618) 453-4334.

Hotel	Phone Number
Best Inns of America	1-618-529-4801
Comfort Inn	1-618-549-4244
Days Inn	1-618-457-3347
Giant City Lodge	1-618-457-4921
Hampton Inn	1-618-549-6900
Horizon Inn	1-618-529-1100
Motel 6	1-618-457-5566
Ramada Ltd.	1-618-351-6611
Stone Creek Cabins	1-618-457-5455
Super 8 Motel	1-618-457-8822

Bank of Carbondale, Banterra Bank, First Southern Bank, Old National, SIU Credit Union, Union Planters Bank, and South Pointe are all located in Carbondale.

According to the local bookstores, the average cost of books per semester is between $300 and $400.

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