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professional development

Continuing Education and Professional Development

We extend the resources of the university beyond campus. By offering innovative experiences and opportunities, we promote personal and professional development through a variety of continuing education in-person and online classes.

Reorganization Information 

To better meet the needs of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus and the surrounding community, we are realigning event planning and outreach functions of the university. Slated for completion around March 9,  events and activities at SIU’s Student Center will now be handled by Student Center Event Services. All other events and activities, along with continuing education, will now be part of the new Events and Outreach office. For full information about our reorganization, please check out our news release.

Events and Outreach, 618-536-7751 or conferenceservices@siu.edu  for conference services and continuing education needs or events@siu.edu for university-wide event inquiries:

  • Conference services including planning assistance and registration for conferences and the vast majority of SIU camps. The current Conference and Scheduling Services unit is being absorbed and that name will no longer be used.
  • Continuing education and professional development, including non-credit classes.
  • University-wide events, including commencement, Honors Day, the 2024 eclipse festivities and similar events.

In the future, there will be one new website for Events and Outreach. For now, people can visit conferenceservices.siu.edu and universityevents.siu.edu. Sarah VanVooren, Jackie Welch, Rebecca Dycus and Brandon McElmurry will continue to address any needs pertaining to outreach, camps, conferences and university-wide events from their office in Room 0015 in Anthony Hall.

Student Center Event Services – 618-536-6633, email studentcenterscheduling@siu.edu:

  • Facilitate Student Center room and meeting requests.
  • Manage events that take place in the Student Center.
  • Assistance with Student Center dining/catering needs.
  • Coordinate Student Center audio-visual assistance requests.
  • Supply general information about Student Center events, availability or solicitation.

Learn more on the Student Center website. Staff members Faith King and Jasmin Valadez, who will be housed in the Student Center Administration Office, across from the ID office, will continue to serve people with Student Center event needs.

SIU Continuing education online classesContinuing Education Online Classes

Explore engaging courses on hundreds of topics to help advance your continuing education and professional development.


SIU PDH/CEUPDH/CEU

Continueing Education has the ability to provide professional development hours for teachers and continuing education units in various professions.


SIU Speaking and Listening programSpeaking and Listening

The Speaking and Listening Program is a special continuing education program that gives an opportunity to learn to speak and/or understand the English language.


SIU Interpreter CourseInterpreter Courses

SIU’s Disability Support Services Sign Language Interpreter Courses are online courses designed to give interpreters online continuing education opportunities.


SIU Vet CertificationCanine and Feline Nutrition Certificate

The Canine and Feline Nutrition Certificate is an online certificate course for pet nutritionists, veterinarians, breeders, pet shop owners and enthusiasts for advance training and education in various aspects of canine and feline nutrition. View testimonies from past students.


SIU Intro to Glass BlowingIntroduction to Glassblowing Intensive

A 4-week studio intensive introducing fundamental techniques of glassblowing. Students will utilize traditional methods as a foundation for exploring glass as a material and its significance as an artistic medium.View testimonies from past students.


SIU Paramedic CourseParamedic Education Program (EMT)

The paramedicine certificate program is designed to prepare professionals to provide advanced emergency medical care and transportation to critically ill and injured patients. A paramedic requires greater levels of knowledge and expertise compared to an emergency medical technician basic, the general prerequisite to enter the paramedicine certificate program.


eng-techEngineering Technician Training Program

This program is designed to fulfill the need of the construction industry by training the underutilized but motivated adults to become entry-level technicians. The training will include classroom instruction, hands-on training in laboratory and field, and on-the-job training in the field