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UIS Performing Arts Center Announces 2022-2023 Broadway Series

The lineup includes Legally Blonde, Tootsie, and The Book of Mormon!

The University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center announces their 2022-2023 Broadway Series. This series features 3 national touring productions all making their Springfield premieres. Legally Blonde - The Musical - Sunday, October 30, 2022, 7:30 PM Tootsie - Tuesday, November 22, 2022, 7:30 PM The long-awaited Springfield premiere of the nine time Tony Award-winning The Book of Mormon - Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 7:30 PM Fabulously fun and international award-winning Legally Blonde - The Musical is the ultimate Broadway tribute to Girl Power! The story follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves that you can be legally blonde and STILL the smartest person in the room. This contemporary, sassy musical moves at a breakneck pace driven by memorable songs and explosive dances. Legally Blonde - The Musical warms the heart by proving that self-discovery can be way too much fun and hilarious to boot. Based on the beloved movie, Legally Blonde - The Musical will take you from the sorority house to the halls of justice with Broadway's brightest new heroine and, of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser. Call it "musical comedy heaven" (Rolling Stone). Call it "the most uproarious new musical in years!" (The Hollywood Reporter). Call it TOOTSIE! This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. Featuring a hilarious Tony(r)-winning book by Robert Horn and an outrageously clever score by 2018 Tony-winner David Yazbek (The Band's Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), this New York Times Critic's Pick is "a joyful delight" (The Washington Post) that's "so packed with punchlines, it should be called a jokebox musical!" (Bloomberg). "In these turbulent times, when the world seems out of balance, we need a place to let the good times roll," raves Rolling Stone. "TOOTSIE is it!" The New York Times calls it "the best musical of this century." The Washington Post says, "It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals." And Entertainment Weekly says, "Grade A: the funniest musical of all time." Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it "Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal." It's The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award(r)-winning Best Musical. Why did we only book 3 great shows this year? Bryan Rives, Director of the UIS Performing Arts Center said, "We have heard from some of our subscribers how the current economy is affecting them, so to keep subscriptions affordable for everyone, we have reduced the number of shows in next season's Broadway series from 5 shows down to just 3...lowering the cost of a subscription package by 40%! We are hoping this will benefit our patrons' pocketbooks and keep the high quality national Broadway tours coming to Springfield, IL." Broadway Series Subscription Sales Timeline: Now - June 23rd - Current Subscribers may renew their current subscription seats July 1st - July 14th - Subscription packages available for select membership levels of FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center July 15th - July 31st - Subscription packages available for ALL membership levels of FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center August 1st - Subscription packages that remain will be available to the general public To Be Announced - Single tickets for these Broadway shows with no subscription required Subscription packages start at just $42 per person. Subscription packages include a ticket to all three productions with a $60 discount per couple off of the price of non-subscription package tickets. Subscription packages are available online at UISpac.com. Call the UIS Ticket Office at (217) 206-6160 for more information about subscriptions. Members of the FRIENDS of the UIS Performing Arts Center receive a variety of benefits throughout the season including advance ticket purchase opportunities. Memberships start at $5 per household. To join, or for more information, visit UISpac.com/friends or call the UIS Ticket Office at (217) 206-6160.

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University of Illinois at Springfield Virtual Tour

Are you applying to uis explore the campus using the virtual tour below..

Virtual tours are a great way to refresh your memory or to preview an on-site tour of University of Illinois at Springfield.

What's in it for me?

At the beginning of your college search, a virtual tour can be a beneficial tool to explore the campus before your visit. When you do visit the campus, be sure to talk to current students about their experiences. A student perspective is a helpful way to gauge your future experience when attending UIS. Already took an on-campus tour? It's inevitable. All of your college tours will blend, and you might forget the appearance of University of Illinois at Springfield's library, dorms, or cafeteria. Use the virtual tour to jog your memory! With the interactive mapping tool below you can even explore the area surrounding the campus.

Use the resources below to start your virtual tour.

Using the Map

Click and drag the little orange person to a location on the map. Locations with panoramas appear as blue lines or blue dots when moving the orange person. The blue dots are panoramic views that you may swivel. The blue lines are paths that you can navigate along.

Panoramic View

You can "pan" or "swivel" the camera around by clicking on the image and dragging your mouse or finger. If you see a white arrow on the picture, you can click or tap on it to move in the direction of the arrow. This will also update the location of the little orange person on the map so you can get a better sense of where you are and what direction you are facing.

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UIS Performing Arts Center announces 2021-2022 Broadway Series

The University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center has announced its 2021-2022 Broadway Series featuring six national touring productions.

“Escape to Margaritaville,” “Summer,” “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “Anastasia” have never been performed in the Springfield area, according to Bryan Rives, director of the UIS Performing Arts Center. “Fiddler on the Roof” last appeared at Sangamon Auditorium 20 years ago during the 2001-2002 season. “RENT” played here in January of 2019, but the venue is bringing it back by popular demand.

Show selection is a "complex process which involves many factors," said Rives, the first being aware of what shows are touring the country followed by if the shows are willing to just perform one night and how recently the show title has been presented in the area either at UISPAC or local production. Shows need to be spaced apart from each other as much as possible during the season.

More: Legendary rock band Foreigner's 'Greatest Hits' tour coming to UIS Performing Arts Center

“This can be difficult as touring productions are in our geographical area only a couple of times a season as they crisscross the country,” Rives said. "Also, several of the shows this season are ones that we had previously contracted with for the 2020-2021 season but were never publicly announced due to the COVID crisis. Finally, we do like to think we have a sense of humor. Opening the season with ‘Escape to Margaritaville’ seemed like a natural choice considering what we all went through with the COVID crisis. I for one am ready to escape back into live theatre.

“Judging by the ticket sales already,” Rives continued, “I think our patrons are showing us they are ready to get back to experiencing live performances. Live streaming can fill some of the void for performing arts, but there is absolutely no substitute for a live performance in front of a large audience.”

Aside from filling patrons needs for entertainment and getting out, these events are critical to UISPAC. “Ticket sales certainly pay the bills. But more importantly, the community is voting on the type of events they want to see in our community by showing up. Whenever we have an event that sells out, we look to bring more of that type of show to the Performing Arts Center. If we have a show that is poorly attended, quite often we are forced to pass on scheduling similar shows. Each show must cover its own costs. Direct University funding only covers about 17% of our annual operating costs. The rest comes from ticket sales, venue rentals and the generosity of our FRIENDS donors.”

More: Springfield Area Arts Council’s Artist on the Plaza returns

Safety of patrons, staff and artists is paramount, Rives said. Because the events are still a few months away, listing any COVID health protocols relating for events is premature. Attendees should check the website prior to attending regarding any specific protocols for the day of the event. In the meantime, vaccinations are encouraged.

All faculty, staff and students were already required to pay to park vehicles on campus, and the University is now also requiring all visitors to pay for parking. This includes people attending events at the UIS Performing Arts Center. The Event Parking rate is $5 cash per car payable as vehicles enter the lots. Rives explained that parking fees fund maintenance and repairs to the University parking lots.

More: UIS PERSPECTIVES: Put your education to work with UIS’ graduate internships

Rives suggests patrons keep up to date on UIS Performing Arts Center events by becoming a FRIEND of UIS Performing Arts Center, enrolling in the free email club for advanced event notices and pre-purchase opportunities, and checking out the website social media tools. Patrons can also receive a copy of our Broadway Series brochure by calling the UIS Ticket Office.

More information

Show line-up:

* "Escape to Margaritaville" – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28

* "RENT" – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18

* "Summer" – The Donna Summer Musical – 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19

* "Fiddler on the Roof" – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 2022

* "An Officer and a Gentleman" – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2022

* "Anastasia the Musical" – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2022

Tickets: Series subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now. Single tickets are $89, $79, $69, $49, & $24. Subscribe to all 5 performances (not including "RENT") and save $100 per couple or $50 per person. Subscription packages start at just $70 per person. Add-on "RENT" for a 6-show package for just $84 per person. Orchestra seating and additional prime locations in other areas are available only by subscribing during the subscription sales period.

Visit UISpac.com or call the UIS Ticket Office at (217) 206-6160 for more information.

Celtic Woman 20th Anniversary Tour

In the 20 years since the global musical sensation’s debut, Celtic Woman has emerged as both a formidable musical presence and a genuine cultural phenomenon. The group’s albums and DVD releases have been consistent multi-platinum best-sellers and its concert tours continue to touch the hearts of a devoted audience that spans the globe. Both an accomplished recording ensemble and a world-class performing collective, Celtic Woman introduces some of Ireland’s most talented singers and musicians to the world stage. The group’s repertoire encompasses Irish classics, contemporary songs, classical favorites and stirring originals. The lineup of performers has evolved in the years since the group’s inception but the signature sound of Celtic Woman has remained consistent, showcasing the members’ individual and collaborative talents. Celtic Woman is comprised of four young Irish women whose performing skills bring centuries of musical and cultural tradition to life. In concert, their angelic voices and instrumental virtuosity are accompanied by a robust ensemble that includes Irish dancers, bagpipers and a full band playing an array of traditional Celtic instruments, including bodhrán, tin whistle, bouzouki and Uilleann pipes.

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Undergraduate Admissions

Deadline Update: We want to ensure anyone applying for federal financial aid has enough time to make an informed decision regarding their college choice! For this reason, we're extending our enrollment decision deadline to May 15.

We are unable to allow visit registrations at this time, but we're working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Please check back at a later date. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Schedule a Virtual Visit

We offer a variety of virtual options for you to learn more about UIUC, our admissions process, and our academic communities.

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Explore all of our virtual visit options, including admissions and academic offerings.

View Prospective Events    View Admitted Events

Admissions Virtual Events

Learn more about our university and what you should do next to prepare. We host a variety of virtual events as well as transfer one-on-ones.

First-Year General Info Sessions

These hour-long virtual info sessions are for high school students who have received an offer of admission. A counselor will walk you through your next steps as an admitted student. Following the presentation, we'll also hold a student panel and answer any questions you have!

Sessions will be available again in the spring.

First-Year International Info Sessions

These hour-long virtual info sessions are specifically for international high school students who have received an offer of admission. A counselor will walk you through your next steps as an admitted student and answer any questions you might have.

Transfer Info Sessions

These hour-long virtual info sessions are for admitted transfer students who have received an offer of admission. A counselor will walk you through your next steps as an admitted transfer student. Following the presentation, we'll also hold a student panel and answer any questions you have!

Sessions will be available again in the fall.

Transfer One-on-Ones

Talk one-on-one with an admissions counselor to discuss UIUC and your next steps to enrollment. Sessions are about 15 minutes each, and you can choose to talk via phone or Zoom.

Spanish-Speaking Family Sessions

Our Sesión Virtual Para Estudiantes Admitidos will be held entirely in Spanish. A counselor will walk you and your family through your next steps as an admitted student and talk about how you'll unleash your power at UIUC. Following the presentation, we'll also hold a student panel and answer any questions you and your family have.

Prospective

These hour-long virtual info sessions are specifically for international high school students who are interested in UIUC and haven't been admitted yet. A counselor will walk you through our international admissions process, talk about everything UIUC can offer you, and answer any questions you have.

These hour-long virtual info sessions are for transfer students who are interested in UIUC and haven't been admitted yet. A counselor will walk you through our transfer admissions process, talk about everything UIUC can offer you, and answer any questions you have.

Talk one-on-one with an admissions counselor to discuss UIUC and our application process. Sessions are about 15 minutes each, and you can choose to talk via phone or Zoom.

First-Year Application Workshops

These 45-minute virtual workshops are for high school students who are interested in UIUC and haven't been admitted yet. A counselor will walk you through our admissions process and answer any questions you have about applying!

Academic Virtual Events

Get more information about our academic communities! They all offer unique ways to interact and discover what it's like to be a student within their majors. Reach out to an academic community directly if you have any questions.

If you don't see a department you'd like to meet with, please let us know .

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Virtual options are not currently available for this academic community.

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General Studies

If you'd like to schedule a virtual visit with us this summer, email us directly . We'd love to meet you!

Don't see a DGS virtual visit that works with your schedule? Email DGS to schedule a personalized, one-on-one visit another time!

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Don't see a virtual visit that works with your schedule? Email the iSchool directly to schedule a personalized visit another time!

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Don't see a virtual visit that works with your schedule? Email Social Work directly to schedule a personalized visit another time!

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Living on campus is an essential part of the college experience, but the process of selecting a residence hall and meal plan can be a bit overwhelming. These sessions will help you navigate the process and find the right hall for you.

• Admitted Student Sessions

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Best of: Illinois’ First Lady MK Pritzker takes us inside the Governor’s mansion

A room inside the Illinois Governor's Mansion in Springfield. Illinois Public Media

In Illinois, the Governor's Mansion in Springfield serves as the residency for the governor and their family, and the hub for the state's social settings. The 168-year-old building has a very rich history, dating back to before the Civil War. The mansion's history and its renovations have been documented by Illinois' First Lady, MK Pritzker, through a new coffee-table book called A House that Made History: The Illinois Governor's Mansion, Legacy of an Architectural Treasure .  

MK Pritzker First Lady, State of Illinois and author,  A House that Made History: The Illinois Governor's Mansion, Legacy of an Architectural Treasure

A version of this conversation was first broadcast December 12, 2023.

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Your 2024 Illinois Solar Eclipse Guide

Jan 03, 2024 • Outdoors & Regional

Explaining the 2024 Solar Eclipse

Imagine being in the Middle of Everything to witness a   twice-in-a-lifetime astronomical event . If you make your way to Southern Illinois, you'll get that chance. 

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse is a rare, celestial event that occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, causing the sun to be partially or completely obscured from view as observed from a specific region on Earth. This happens because the moon's shadow is cast onto the Earth's surface, blocking or partially covering the sun's light.

When is the next total solar eclipse?

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse is set to occur, marking the final one visible from the United States until the year 2045.

Where will the eclipse be visible?

This celestial event will pass through a path of totality encompassing 13 states, including Illinois.

Where is the best place to view the eclipse?

While a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the entire country including much of the rest of Illinois, the special characteristics of a total solar eclipse can only be experienced within the narrow path of totality that will traverse Southern Illinois - specifically in areas such as Carbondale. It is only within this specific region and during this precise moment that you can observe the sky transitioning to darkness, resembling nighttime, as the Moon completely obstructs direct sunlight and unveils the solar corona—the Sun's outer atmosphere.

This means only residents of Southern Illinois and visitors alike will have the rare, unique opportunity to see this truly remarkable event and be witness to the rare astronomical phenomenon known as a total solar eclipse. Carbondale is on the center-line of the path of totality and will see 4 minutes and 9 seconds of totality for eclipse 2024 (nearly double what was seen in 2017). For other spots to view the eclipse in Illinois, keep reading!

How do I plan to see the eclipse?

If you're planning to travel, be sure to   view the Illinois Department of Transportation's website   for travel tips and info on how to prepare.

Read on for more details on what you'll need to bring with you, the best places to see the eclipse, events, and more. Let's have a solar-bration!

Get in a Celestial State of Mind

Before embarking on your eclipse adventure, take a moment to delve into all things out-of-this-world by visiting these planetariums and observation centers. These celestial phenomena have fascinated humanity for centuries, and understanding them can add a whole new layer of wonder to your experience.

William M. Staerkel Planetarium

With a state-of-the-art digital projection system and special programs, visitors to Champaign can learn about the stars, planets and more at the second largest planetarium in Illinois.

Strickler Planetarium

Come witness the history of the universe in Bourbonnais from its fiery birth to the formation of our own solar system on a state-of-the-art digital projector that gives a multimedia and full-dome show.

Adler Planetarium

Located in Chicago, America’s First Planetarium is more than a museum. It's a laboratory, a classroom, and a community. Enjoy interactive exhibitions, live planetarium shows and more.

Cernan Earth & Space Center

Triton College's on-campus space center in River Grove is an educational, engaging attraction with galactic appeal. It features a variety of earth and sky shows, children's shows and laser light shows.

Road Trip Hotspots:  Roadside Stops  

As you head off on your road trip to Southern Illinois, there's a bounty of iconic attractions and features to stop by along the way. 

Kaskaskia Dragon , Vandalia

Is a dragon really a dragon without fire-breathing? Of course not. And this ferocious metallic statue in Vandalia agrees. On your way to experiencing something celestial, stop by this attraction for a fun dose of mythical. 

Big Things , Casey

Yes, seeing a total eclipse will make you feel small. But so will the town of Casey just off of Interstate 70. Host to a variety of larger-than-life attractions like the world’s largest rocking chair, mailbox, golf tee and driver, pencil, keys, and so much more. This town will make you feel like you’ve just stumbled upon a lost suburb of giants.

Fort Massac Encampment , Metropolis

For those history lovers, Fort Massac is Illinois’s first state park and home to a wooden fort built by French soldiers in 1757.

Superman Statue & Museum , Metropolis

Metropolis is the home of Superman! Take a photo with the 15-foot-tall statue of the Man of Steel. A statue of Lois Lane is also located nearby. And be sure to visit the world's largest collection of Superman memorabilia at the  Superman Museum .

Walker’s Bluff Casino & Resort , Carterville

Keep an eye out for a variety of hosted activities related to the eclipse, plus enjoy all the amenities on offer including a spacious indoor/outdoor pool, fine dining venues, and a variety of gaming and entertainment.

Road Trip Hotspots:  Nature Walks

Don't forget to visit a few local state parks and rolling hills to get in some of your steps and take in the wondrous beauty of the natural landscapes that surround you.

Starved Rock State Park , Utica 

Seasonal waterfalls, awe-inspiring bluffs, and rugged canyons dominate the storied landscape at Starved Rock. Rich with history and beauty, Starved Rock’s hiking trails meander through towering trees and scenic overlooks along the Illinois River. 

Matthiessen State Park , Utica

Located in central LaSalle County, approximately four miles south of Utica and three miles east of Oglesby, Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology as well as recreation.

Pere Marquette State Park , Grafton

With nearly 8,000 acres of scenic beauty, Pere Marquette State Park is one of the most picturesque and beautiful locations on the Illinois River and the largest state park in Illinois.

LaRue Pine Hills , Wolf Lake

LaRue-Pine Hills is one of the most unique areas in the world. As with many places in the Shawnee National Forest, the beauty we see today is rooted in geologic history. Scenic drives, hiking, and camping are available.  

Best Places to View the Eclipse in Illinois

The Path of Totality will span across 13 states. A large section of Southern Illinois lies along the path, hitting multiple towns and cities. Take a look at the map below and see which parts of Southern Illinois lie within the Path of Totality, so you can discover which places will be best to view the eclipse! 

Marketing itself as the Crossroads of the Eclipses, this is a great spot for eclipse-chasers. Southern Illinois University is planning a public viewing at a football stadium – with NASA Edge in attendance.

Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest

Situated in Shawnee National Forest, a beautiful, unspoiled wilderness area in Southern Illinois, Garden of the Gods is a perfect spot for viewing astronomical events.

Bald Knob Cross, Alto Pass

As well as being close to the point of greatest eclipse duration – Bald Knob Mountain is one of the highest places in the area. Expect low horizons and a big crowd.

Traffic Information

There'll be an increased amount of traffic on the roads around the eclipse event. Make sure you plan ahead and check out the below links for further details.

• Road construction:  Road Construction (gettingaroundillinois.com)
• Traveler info:  Traveler Info (gettingaroundillinois.com)

Solar Eclipse Events in Illinois

Fairfield eclipse (fairfield), april 8, 2024.

Event date(s): April 8, 2024 Location: Fairfield, IL

Join us for the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th, 2024 in Fairfield, Illinois – The Center of it All!

Solar Eclipse At Historic Bell Hill (Cobden), April 8, 2024

Event date(s): April 8, 2024, 12-3 pm Location: Cobden, Illinois

Total Eclipse of the Art: at Alto Vineyards

Event date(s): April 6, 2024, 12-5 pm Location: Alto Pass, Illinois

Come and enjoy this day in celebration of local talent with an eclipse theme, in Alto Vineyard's comfy & pleasurable environment. This is a perfect opportunity to purchase that one-of-a-kind memorabilia of this historic crossover eclipse that will engulf Southern Illinois.

Total Eclipse Run (Vienna), April 8, 2024

Event date(s): April 8, 2024, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Location: Vienna, Illinois

Get a move on and Run on the Day of the 2024 Total Eclipse by participating in the Total Eclipse Run presented by Revive Vienna. SAG Station (Drinks and Snacks) and SAG Driver will be available during the run times.

Solar Eclipse Wine Glass Painting at StarView Vineyards (Cobden), April 7, 2024

Event date(s): April 7, 2024, 1-3 pm Location: Cobden, Illinois

Get ready to unleash your creativity while enjoying a glass of wine, great food and friends. StarView Vineyards are are hosting a Solar Eclipse Wine Glass Painting event where you can personalize your very own wine glasses or beer mugs. Choose between a solar eclipse-themed design or make your own unique design! By the end of the event, you'll have two glasses to sip out of while you watch the once in a lifetime total Solar Eclipse the next day!

Solar Eclipse at Blue Sky Vineyards (Makanda), April 8, 2024

Event date(s): April 8, 2024, 11:00 am - 6:30 pm Location: Makanda, Illinois

Blue Sky Vineyard is perfectly positioned along the path of the 2024 eclipse with scenic views of the vineyard, open skies above and surrounded by rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest.

Join us at the Eclipse Crossroads for the second total solar eclipse at Blue Sky Vineyard. Did you know that Blue Sky Vineyard was NASA’s Point of Longest Duration for the 2017 eclipse? We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the 2017 event with so many wonderful guests and are now planning our 2024 experience.

Total Solar Eclipse Olney Illinois 2024 (Olney), April 8, 2024

Event date(s): April 8, 2024, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: Olney, IL

Marshall Illinois Eclipse (Marshall), April 8, 2024

Event date(s): April 8, 2024, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Location: Marshall, IL

Come join us for the Marshall Illinois Eclipse event!

Southern Illinois Eclipse (Carbondale), April 8, 2024

Event date(s): April 8, 2024, 1:59 pm Location: Southern Illinois

Twice in a Lifetime Solar Eclipse (Chester), April 8, 2024

Event date(s): April 8, 2024 Location: Chester, IL

View the NEXT Total Solar Eclipse On The Mighty Mississippi! Come join us for the Twice in a Lifetime Solar Eclipse event. Totality... totally worth it!

Discover Totality, Discover Carmi (Carmi), April 8, 2024

Event date(s): April 8, 2024, 12:45 PM Totality Begins: 2:01 p.m. CDT Location: Carmi, IL

Carmi is on the centerline of the path of totality and will see 4 minutes and 1 seconds of totality for the April 8, 2024 eclipse. This is double what was seen during the 2017 solar eclipse.

Eclipse on the Bricks (Albion), April 6-7, 2024

Event date(s): April 6-7, 2024 Location: Albion, IL

Come celebrate the historic Total Solar Eclipse with the Eclipse on the Bricks festival !

Bald Knob Cross of Peace Eclipse (Alto Pass), April 8, 2024

Event date(s): April 8, 2024, 12:00 PM Location: Alto Pass, IL

Get your tickets early! There has been a great amount of interest shown in their “spot on” location for the best viewing of this rare eclipse. They're working with the Solar Eclipse Committee and other area businesses on planning this incredible event, but suffice it to say that Bald Knob Cross will be a very popular spot for viewing this phenomenon. Gates will open at 10 AM. Please plan on arriving by 12 Noon to experience the Partial Eclipse beginning around 12:40 PM CDT, and the Maximum Eclipse around 2:00 PM CDT.

2024 Solar Eclipse (Newtown), April 8, 2024

Event date(s): April 8, 2024, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Location: Newton, IL

Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival (Carbondale), April 8, 2024

Event date(s): April 8, 2024, 1:59 pm Location: Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois

On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse path stretched across the entire United States, reaching its point of greatest duration (GD) a few miles south of Carbondale. This region in Southern Illinois is not only in the path of the 2017 eclipse, but also the 2024 eclipse, making it a unique location for being able to perform observations of both eclipses from the same location. Carbondale is on the center-line of the path of totality and will see 4 minutes and 9 seconds of totality for eclipse 2024, nearly double what was seen in 2017. The two eclipse paths form an intersection just south of the SIU campus around Cedar Lake.

Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center (Makanda), April 6-9, 2024

Event date(s): April 6-9, 2024, 1:59 pm Location: Makanda, Illinois

Located in the path of totality for the 2024 Solar Eclipse, Touch of Nature is the perfect location to turn the eclipse into a fun filled experience. The second of two once in a lifetime eclipses will be taking place in Southern Illinois and Touch of Nature is in one of the most ideal spaces for the viewing of this event. For nearly 4 minutes and 9 seconds, the sun will be completely blacked out in the middle of the day!

Eclipse Events: Market, Music, Trivia, Viewings & More (Greenville & Centralia), April 6-8, 2024

Event date(s): April 6-8, 2024 Location: Greenville, Centralia & Salem, Illinois

Head to Greenville and Centralia to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event, and support some great public libraries at the same time. There's a variety of events during the weekend before and day of the eclipse including music, trivia, murder mystery nights, markets and eclipse viewings and parties.

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What to Bring with You

As you travel down to Southern Illinois, you might be wondering what essentials you'll need to bring with you to have a great solar eclipse road trip. We got you.

Solar Eclipse Glasses

The actual full eclipse lasts a couple of minutes, but before it happens, the Sun, even a sliver of it, is still way too bright to look at with your own eyes. These glasses allow you to look right at it and see the outline of the moon move over.

Check the Weather!

Bad weather can impact your solar eclipse experience. Make sure you check the weather forecast. If it's looking a little cloudy, dress appropriately and cross your fingers—but it's a rare occurrence so don't let a little cloud put you off.

A Good Quality Camera

Don’t rely on your phone camera to get a good picture. If you're experienced and come prepared, you might just get that magic shot. You may need to use a “solar filter” to prevent harming your camera’s imaging sensor.

Bug Spray/Repellent

If you choose a remote outdoor spot to enjoy the eclipse, make sure you stay one step ahead of pesky critters and bring some bug spray to keep them away (especially if you've followed our advice and packed a tasty lunch).

Plenty of Food and Water

Depending on how early you get to your spot, the experience can last a while—and you might as well make a day of it! So bring plenty of food and water to keep you fed and hydrated—you don’t want to miss it trying to find lunch!

Make a Pinhole Projector

In a pinch, a pinhole camera/projector can help you watch the eclipse unfold in a safe way. All you need is white card stock, aluminum foil, tape, scissors, and a pin or paper clip. It's also a great project to help pass the time.

Sun Protection (Of Course!)

This should be an obvious one! Make sure you’re prepared to be outside in the sun for a while. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sun umbrellas, and anything else that'll help make your viewing experience relaxing (and burn-free).

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• Apr 13 2024 SIUE Hosts Regional Economic Summit for Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
• Apr 12 2024 SIU Board of Trustees Freezes Undergraduate Tuition Rates for 2024-2025 Academic Year
• Apr 12 2024 Student Parents Select Wardrobe Items and More during SIUE’s Early Childhood Center Clothing Swap

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SIU Board of Trustees Freezes Undergraduate Tuition Rates for 2024-2025 Academic Year

The Southern Illinois University System (SIU) is not increasing undergraduate tuition rates at its Edwardsville and Carbondale campuses in the 2024-2025 school year. The SIU Board of Trustees voted to freeze undergraduate tuition rates at its meeting today in Carbondale.

SIU offers some of the lowest undergraduate tuition rates among state public universities in Illinois. SIU campuses charge U.S.-based students the same undergraduate tuition rates per credit hour, which are below the national average. SIU Carbondale has not raised the undergraduate tuition rate in seven years, and SIU Edwardsville’s undergrad tuition rate has only seen two small increases since 2019. For more information on undergraduate tuition rates at SIU Edwardsville and Carbondale, please visit siue.edu/paying-for-college/ and tuition.siuc.edu/.

“SIU prioritizes keeping tuition rates affordable and accessible for all students,” said SIU System President Dan Mahony, PhD. “SIU strives to provide a high-quality education at a low cost, providing an outstanding value for students and families. Right now, we know that so many other costs are skyrocketing for students and families with inflation. As SIU continues to educate and grow our nation’s workforce, we want to do what we can to keep an SIU education in reach for every student.”

Another program that increases access to higher education is the SIU System Commitment, an initiative that began in 2021. The SIU Commitment programs cover tuition and mandatory fees for new four-year undergraduate students and transfer students who are eligible and have a family income of $113,575 or less at SIU Edwardsville and $103,040 or less at SIU Carbondale. The family income cap was recently raised from $63,575 to help more students. Learn more about the SIU Carbondale Saluki Commitment at fao.siu.edu/types/saluki-commitment.php and the SIU Edwardsville Commitment at  siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/list-feed/siue-commitment.shtml.

While higher education continues to face a number of financial challenges, SIU appreciates the recent increases in state funding. “We thank Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the General Assembly for continuous increases in higher education funding, which included a significant 7% increase for public universities in 2023,” said Phil Gilbert, chairman of the SIU Board of Trustees.

SIU employs more than 7,000 faculty, staff and administrators who serve approximately 23,500 students through our campuses in Carbondale, Edwardsville and Springfield. The SIU System Office and SIU Medical School are in Springfield, Illinois as well as SIU Medicine clinics that serve thousands of patients. PHOTO:   SIUE students on the Stratton Quad 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the  Illinois Board of Higher Education .

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UIS unveils innovative 2024 summer courses

The University of Illinois Springfield is announcing its lineup of future-oriented summer courses for 2024. UIS is offering more than 250 courses starting June 3 for students who want to learn on campus or online.

“These classes are a great tool for current UIS students and students from any college or university who needs a course or two to continue their education over the summer,” said Vickie Cook , UIS vice chancellor for enrollment and retention management. “Reduced fees this year make it more affordable than ever to work toward your goals.”

Many of the courses being offered this summer address emerging trends showcasing UIS' commitment to providing innovative education:

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (CSC 479) : Covers problem-solving methods, data representation, state-space search strategies, game-playing programs, knowledge representation, logic, theorem proving, question answering systems and natural language processing.
• Business Process Modeling and IT Governance (MIS 567) : Teaches methodologies for redesigning business processes and related IT support. Topics include business process modeling, simulation, analysis, redesign, workflow automation and enterprise governance of IT.
• Cloud Security (CSC 570) : Focuses on security concerns and countermeasures in cloud computing. Covers access control, identity management and data security. Background in cloud computing technology required.
• Introduction to 5G, IoT, and Cloud (CSC 470) : Explores 5G wireless systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing. Topics include 5G characteristics, IoT architecture, networking, data analytics and cloud/fog/edge computing.
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (EXR 352) : Covers health promotion, disease prevention, mortality, morbidity, epidemiological terminology, behavioral and environmental contributions to illness, injury and risk reduction strategies.
• Healthcare System Analysis and Design (HCI 552) : Introduces theoretical and practical techniques in healthcare information systems analysis and design. Covers Electronic Health Record (EHR) analysis, design and modeling.
• Public Service Ethics and Leadership (PAD 538) : Examines ethical issues in public service, emphasizing legitimate administrative discretion for public value leadership.

Registration for summer courses at UIS is now open. For more information and to register, visit the summer classes website .