SIU Carbondale Facilities Master Plan

Over the next 12 months, CannonDesign will engage with several key constituency groups representing faculty, staff, students and alumni to outline SIU Carbondale’s needs for the future.

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Last Updated: Jul 02, 2025, 08:44 AM

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is developing its first campus master plan in nearly two decades. As part of the Imagine 2030 strategic plan, this initiative will shape the university’s campus spaces and experience for the long-term future, enhancing education, research, sustainability, and infrastructure.

Guiding Principles

  • Foster a Vibrant, Inclusive Experience

    A smiling man in a patterned shirt holds a flag and flashes a peace sign during a multicultural Parade of Flags event, surrounded by participants carrying flags from various countries.

    Create a vibrant, inclusive experience by elevating student and residential life, improving campus navigation, and embodying the brand to foster a deep sense of belonging among students, staff, faculty, and alumni to the SIU community and campus.

  • Next Generation Campus

    Student in a lab setting with a microscope and bird skeleton model, wearing gloves and seated at a workbench with anatomical models in the background.

    Boldly respond to the diverse needs of the evolving student population by planning for top-tier academic and research facilities, technology, and infrastructure to drive innovation and creativity.

  • Doing More with Less

    Students walk along a tree-lined campus pathway on a sunny fall day at Southern Illinois University, with colorful foliage and historic brick buildings in the background.

    Evolve infrastructure to optimize facilities, meet sustainability goals, reduce energy use and costs, while preserving the campus's unique setting and enhancing spaces that enrich the user experience.

Guiding the Vision

This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and expertise of the many individuals serving on our committees and working groups. Their insight and collaboration are shaping the future of SIU through every step of the master planning process.

Meet the teams behind the plan

The last strategic plan was created for a different generation of students and different physical and technological needs for research and creativity. We need to create a plan that will anticipate and serve the current and future needs of students, faculty and staff, and the community.

Susan Simmers, Vice Chancellor for Administration & Finance

Facilities Master Plan Milestones

Project Launch

  • Discover

    Spring 2025

    • Understand the state of our buildings and spaces
    • Schedule listening sessions

    Summer 2025

    • Assess the condition of campus buildings and infrastructure
    • Understand how campus spaces are organized and utilized
    • Define future needs for a future Saluki Village
    • Set the vision for campus wayfinding

  • Develop

    Fall Semester 2025

    • Define comprehensive campus space needs
    • Develop campus wayfinding concept

  • Detail

    Spring Semester 2026

    • Develop campus options
    • Understand cost impact
    • Develop phasing plan
    • Choose preferred campus option

    • Develop campus wayfinding kit-of parts

  • Deliver

    Summer 2026

    • Finalize plan
    • Approve plan
    • Prepare to present to BOT in September

Facilities Master Plan

Develop a comprehensive facilities road map that aligns with the institution’s strategic goals, supporting optimal use of space and resources to right-size the campus, while enhancing navigation, user experience and brand awareness.

Aerial view of Southern Illinois University’s West Campus residence halls surrounded by colorful fall trees and reflected in the nearby lake.

Facilities Conditions Assessment

Conduct a thorough assessment of current facility conditions to identify maintenance needs, prioritize repairs, and support long-term capital planning.

Aerial view of the Pulliam Hall clock tower and surrounding campus buildings at Southern Illinois University, with intersecting walkways and green spaces below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a facility master plan?

It's a long-term roadmap for managing our campus buildings and spaces.

How will the plan address current campus issues?

By identifying and prioritizing areas that need improvement and creating a roadmap for upgrades.

What are the main goals of the project?

To optimize our facilities, support student success and engagement, and plan for long-term sustainability.

Why are we doing a campus master plan now?

The last plan developed in 2006 was created for a different generation of students with different physical and technological needs.

How can I give input on the plan?

You can participate in an online survey and engagement sessions organized by the university. You can find out more on the facilities master plan website .

Who is involved in decision-making for the facility master plan?

The project is overseen by a Steering Committee [link to steering members], with several Working Groups that inform strategies and assumptions.

How does the facility master plan relate to the 2030 SIU Imagine Strategic Plan?

Creating a new master plan is a recommendation of the Imagine 2030 strategic plan under the sustainability pillar.

What is the budget for campus projects coming out of the facility master plan?

The budget will be determined based on the scope of the projects and available funding sources.