By Chirsti Mathis, SIU News Service 

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale has claimed the No. 1 rank on Online Colleges’ “10 Online Colleges with the Best Financial Aid Opportunities in 2017.”

OnlineColleges.com recently released the rankings, placing SIU at the highest spot from among 969 colleges and universities evaluated.

Online Colleges representatives said editors evaluated and scored multiple variables related to student finance to obtain the rankings. The rankings take into account both the online programs offered and the financial aid opportunities available to students.

Grants and scholarships graded higher than loans

Though loans play into the rankings, grants and scholarships, particularly those offered by the institution, are especially valued in the formula used to determine the ranks. The data analyzed also included the net cost, alternative tuition plans offered, the percentage of students receiving financial aid and the average aid offered.

SIU noted for extensive program offerings and commitment to diversity

A profile of SIU is featured along with the rankings list. The profile highlights the university’s diverse and extensive bachelor’s and master’s degree online programs, the high ranks for percentage of the student body receiving financial aid and the average amount of grant and scholarship aid awarded to students. Also noted is the university’s commitment to diversity and making education accessible to everyone through financial aid opportunities.

BENTON- The following motions were approved at the Monday, Jan. 8, Benton City Council meeting.

Benton Street Commissioner Donnie Wyant made a motion to approve an ordinance for a three-way stop at the intersection of North Commercial and Burkett Street. Wyant added, “We have about 1,200-1,400 feet from Washington St. to Joplin St. with no stop signs or nothing, and I’m getting phone calls from people that have grandkids and kids out there, saying there’s speeding out there.” The ordinance passed 5-0.

Finance Commissioner Miller also approved a resolution to look into establishing usage fees at Twin Oaks.

Please click on the link to read the full story from the Benton Gazette.

http://www.bentongazette.com/news/three-way-stop-voted-in-at-benton-council-meeting/article_5712987a-f96e-11e7-bbb7-a7d94039e2df.html

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-Muprhysboro ) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan Securing Our Schools (SOS) Act establishing a pilot program through the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make panic buttons more available to local school systems. The legislation is supported by the National Sheriffs Association and the National Education Association.

“Response time is vitally important during emergency situations, and the SOS Act provides life-saving technology to contact first responders immediately when these incidents take place at schools,” said Bost. “This serves as both a deterrent from and front-line response to situations that place children and educators in harm’s way. As a father and a grandfather, I’m working to ensure our nation’s children are provided with a safe environment to grow and learn.”

“Every parent should have the confidence when they send their child off to school that he or she will return safely home,” said Schneider. “The bipartisan Securing Our Schools Act will improve the ability of educators to notify first responders in the event of an emergency to better protect the security of students, teachers, and faculty. I’m pleased to partner with Congressman Bost on this commonsense legislation to improve school safety and look forward to building support in the days ahead.”

“On behalf of more than 3,000 elected sheriffs, the National Sheriffs’ Association is proud to endorse the Securing Our Schools Act,” said Jonathan F. Thompson, Executive Director and CEO. “In a time when schools are vulnerable to threats, this bill helps law enforcement work effectively and efficiently to protect lives. I applaud the bipartisan efforts of Congressmen Bost and Schneider and look forward to working with them to ensure passage of this key legislation.”

Background:

The SOS Act would provide a more immediate method of notifying law enforcement and first responders in case of a medical emergency, active school shooter incident, or natural disaster. The legislation would authorize the DOJ to offer grants to local school districts for buying and installing SOS buttons in classrooms. Each grant awarded under the program would cover 75% of equipment purchase and installation costs (up to $200,000). School districts would provide the remaining 25% in matching funds.

More than 30 distinguished speakers and storytellers will host over 150 Bicentennial events statewide throughout 2018  

EDWARDSVILLE— The Governor’s Office of the Illinois Bicentennial and Illinois Humanities today announced a yearlong partnership: The Bicentennial Road Scholars Speakers Bureau.  The announcement was made at the Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities in Edwardsville.

This year’s edition of Illinois Humanities’ popular Road Scholars program will feature writers, folklorists, storytellers, musicians, living history actors and others who are being tapped to add historical flair to Illinois’ yearlong Bicentennial celebration.

“We are honored to be associated with such a prestigious organization and to bring these historical discussions to citizens all across Illinois,” said Randy Dunn, Bicentennial Commission Co-Chair and President of the Southern Illinois University System.  “Community groups, museums, libraries, schools and others can apply to bring these free admission presentations to their communities.”

Road Scholars participants Barbara Kay, Marlene Rivero and Dennis Stroughmatt were on hand for the announcement.

“In cooperation with the Illinois Bicentennial Commission and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, we are proud to devote this season of Road Scholars to exploration of Illinois history and culture,” said Illinois Humanities Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre.  “Presenters who are sharing their talents with us this season will lead us on a fascinating journey through all the nooks and crannies of Illinois’ complex identity.”

A complete list of the 2018 Bicentennial Road Scholars and application to host a scholar can be found here.

ABOUT ILLINOIS HUMANITIES

 Illinois Humanities works to build dialogue across all sectors of society to examine issues important to democracy in the focus areas of public policy, media & journalism, business, and art. Using the humanities as a tool to stimulate discussion, we create experiences across Illinois through programming, events, and grantmaking to engage a diverse public on ideas and issues that matter.

  ABOUT ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL

 On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the state and an invitation to fall in love with Illinois all over again.

 Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting www.illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud. Partners and event and project managers planning activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement to become an official part of Illinois Bicentennial by visiting the PARTICIPATE page at www.Illinois200.com.