Students First

Since 2004, EIU has been on the forefront of implementing a residential curriculum that focuses on the intentional interactions between the residents and their resident assistants.  The Panther Success Initiative (PSI) is the cornerstone of our residential learning communities.  The PSI program is intentionally centered on understanding each student as an individual and providing the appropriate support to better enable a successful income.

The goals of PSI are as follows:

  • provide RA's and residents with meaningful interactions
  • serve as an early intervention with students experiencing difficulties
  • assist each student in becoming involved on campus
  • have interactive learning communities
  • increase GPA and student success
  • increase student satisfaction and retention
  • increase interaction with faculty

The Student is...

...the most important person on campus. Without the students, there would be no need for the institution

...not a cold enrollment statistic, but flesh and blood human being with feelings and emotions like our own

...not someone to be tolerated so that we can do our thing.  They are our thing.

...not dependent on us.  Rather, we are dependent on them

...not an interruption of our work, but the purpose of it

We are not doing them a favor by serving them.  They are doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so.

Faculty Fellows

Studies have indicated that non-classroom interactions between students and faculty members can have a positive effect on student persistence and degree completion.  As part of the Faculty Fellows program, volunteer EIU faculty members engage students in activities outside of the traditional classroom setting.  They assist students on move-in-day and attend various residence hall programs throughout the year.  These activities are simply a way for students to interact with faculty outside of the classroom to better meet the goals of the program:
  • Increase student engagement by promoting the personal growth and development of students through contact with members of the faculty outside the classroom setting.
  • Provide faculty with an understanding of Residential Life including gaining a stronger understanding of the learning communities where their students reside.
  • Increase the student's awareness of the intellectual, social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of their own development
  • Provide an opportunity for students to learn from the professor's life story - how they developed a passion in their area of expertise, and how the student can apply these learning opportunities to their own passion.

Charleston Chew Program

Students have the opportunity to get to know professors on a personal level.  How is this?  The Charleston Chew program allows students to invite faculty members to breakfast, lunch, or dinner in one of the residential dining centers.  Students can also invite faculty to programs, campus events, or community events as well.  Speak with any Housing staff member to arrange a gathering with a faculty member.  Of course, University Housing & Dining Services will cover the cost of the faculty member; he or she just needs to bring a Panther ID card!