News

The fall semester at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is promising to be one of it’s most diverse yet. SIUE welcomed nearly 400 newcomers to the campus community on Wednesday, Aug. 15, one of its largest cohorts of international students, at its biannual International Student Orientation. These newly enrolled students bring the total number from abroad to approximately 950 on campus, further enriching the diverse cultural landscape for which the University is known.

Despite an initial forecast of rain, the International Student Orientation had sunny skies that lit up the bright faces across the Stratton Quadrangle, where the students gathered to celebrate and take part in an afternoon of activities. The orientation kicked off in the Morris University Center, where new students were greeted with a warm welcome from the Office of International Affairs, staff members and student leaders from across the University.

Cheryl Borowiak, interim executive director for the Office of International Affairs, emphasized the importance of the orientation.

“We are really excited to welcome our new international students to campus,” said Borowiak. “They bring culture, language and enrich our classrooms. Our international students go through a lengthy process to get here. It’s important that we give them the best launch possible by providing an orientation and welcome experience that encompasses campus resources, food and as many events as we can fit in.”

Borowiak continued by praising the International Affairs Office and other staff members who helped make the event a success.

“Kudos to the staff in the Office of International Affairs who assisted students with arrival, orientation planning and all campus staff and ambassadors who assisted in getting new international students acclimated to campus in some way.”

After a traditional group photo in front of the Cougar Statue, the orientation festivities continued. Pop-up tents lined the quad and transformed into a lively celebration of culture, offering a glimpse into the diverse backgrounds of students, tastes of American culture and an array of arts and crafts for students to interact and make formative memories.

A highlight of the afternoon was an African drumming session that invited the students to participate, creating an energetic rhythm that echoed across the quad. The music, combined with joy and anticipation for the student’s new academic journey at SIUE, created an atmosphere of excitement and unity.

The orientation was more than just a welcome— it was a celebration of the rich anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion values instilled in the pillars of the University. The event underscored SIUE’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive and feel like they belong.

The Office’s next upcoming event is the Festival of Nations in St. Louis, on Saturday, Aug. 24.

PHOTO: International students at SIUE