Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to RSVP even if I will be unable to attend?
Yes. Regardless of whether you are attending or not, please RSVP via e-mail to cashonorsday@siue.edu and submit the necessary materials.
What kind of photo do I need to submit?
The photo you submit will appear on the slideshow and posters at the ceremony. Ideally, it should represent you as a student doing something in your field. Because of this, we ask that your photo be professional in manner. Selfies, photos that have other individuals cut off, low quality or filter edited photos, photos with dogs, etc. should all be avoided. The best pictures portray students in relevant academic settings and ideally in an activity for which they are receiving an award. For example, a science student may be looking into a microscope in a laboratory, or an art student may be making pottery from clay.
What should I say in my thank you note?
Your thank you note provides an opportunity for your donor to learn a bit more about you and how you feel about receiving your award. In a sense, donors make an investment in you, your education and your future by funding these awards. The following is good information to share with donors:
- Thank them for the financial assistance and the honor demonstrated through being selected for this award.
- Share with them what you have done during the course of your education at SIUE.
- Let them know how your SIUE education will shape your future and your career. If you have a chance to meet your sponsor at Honors Day, you can share this information in person as well.
How do I know who my sponsor is?
Your sponsor’s name and info can be found in the fourth paragraph of your award letter.
Can I take a picture of my photo release form and email it?
No. You may use a digital signature on the fillable PDF form, or scan the form and email it to the CAS Honors Day e-mail account, cashonorsday@siue.edu.
Is it mandatory to attend the ceremony? What if I cannot attend?
Yes. Students are required to attend Honors Day in order to receive their awards. If you have a conflict on April 14 and cannot participate, contact your department chair so that you can have an excused absence. For additional questions, reach out to Cindy Scarsdale at cscarsd@siue.edu.
What do I wear?
Attire for this event is professional: no jeans, shorts, T-shirts or tennis shoes. Suggested attire is a suit, dress shirt and tie, dress slacks/shirt, or dress. The Cougar Career Closet is a resource available to SIUE students in need of professional attire.
How early should I arrive?
Recommended arrival is 1:30 p.m. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m.
What parking will be available?
The Morris University Center visitor’s lot (Lot B) and all of the campus lots will have open parking that day.
How does the seating at Honors Day work?
Students receiving awards have assigned seating by department at the front of the Meridian Ballroom. Students who receive awards in more than one department will have a space in both areas. There will be a name tag placed on your designated spot. It is extremely important that you sit in the seat that has your name on it.
How many guests can I invite?
Students are allowed to invite up to two guests to the event.
Where do my guests sit during Honors Day?
Guests have open seating behind the students and sponsors in the Ballroom. There will be a designated section to accommodate wheelchairs. Please let your guests know that it will be a large crowd. It is first come, first seated.
What if my guest or I need special accommodations?
SIUE encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, including alternate format media or have questions about the physical access provided, please call the office for Accessible Campus Community & Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) at 618.650.3726 or email myaccess@siue.edu as soon as possible in advance of your participation.
How will I know if my sponsor is attending?
If your sponsor has indicated that they will be attending, your nametag will have a RED "College of Arts and Sciences'' logo. You will also get an e-mail from Cindy Scarsdale letting you know that your sponsor plans to attend Honors Day. Students who do not have sponsors in attendance will have name tags with a BLACK “College of Arts and Sciences” logo. If your sponsors are not attending, you and your guests should go to the Goshen Lounge immediately after the ceremony and enjoy the reception.
Will I meet my sponsor after the ceremony?
If your award sponsor is attending and your name tag has a RED logo, please go to the MUC Conference Center, located on the 2nd floor of the Morris University Center, immediately after the Honors Day ceremony. Your guests are welcome to come with you and meet your award sponsor(s). Please have the photographer take a picture of you with your sponsor during the reception.
After Honors Day, will I receive the photo I take with my sponsor?
Sponsor photos will not be available online. However, you can contact Cindy Scarsdale at cscarsd@siue.edu for a copy. Sometime after the ceremony, a recording of the event, PowerPoints and photos will be available here.
