In the wake of Fontbonne University's impending shutdown post-summer 2025, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) has opened its doors wide to facilitate a smooth transition for displaced students. The initiative includes a waived application fee normally worth $40 and a robust 50% tuition reduction for up to six semesters for students transferring from Fontbonne in good academic standing. This offer applies starting from the Fall 2024 semester, as per an announcement on SIUE's official news site.
Transition efforts are being spearheaded by SIUE's Director of Graduate and International Admissions, James Monahan, who quickly adapted the institution's admission process in light of the closure. "When we learned that Fontbonne was closing, we knew many students were progressing in their education but could not complete their degrees there. We aimed to streamline the admission process, waving application fees to expedite their transition," Monahan said in a statement obtained by the University news. He also stressed SIUE's commitment to accessibility and support during challenging times for students.
Former Fontbonne student and collegiate baseball player, Darren Luchetti, has recently made his way to SIUE, pivoting from athletics to prioritize his academic life. Originally from Maryville, just ten minutes from SIUE, Luchetti felt a local university was the right choice amidst all the uncertainty. He is now pursuing a degree in applied mathematics—a subject he began at Fontbonne—and despite increased class sizes, is carving out new roles on campus, including managing the SIUE basketball team. Reflecting on his acclimatization, Luchetti told the university publication, "The amount of help available here compared to a smaller school has been huge for me."
Similarly, Randi Kassel, a former Fontbonne student transitioning to pursue an MBA program at SIUE, has found the online and accelerated courses to perfectly integrate with her schedule as a parent. Highlighting the seamless nature of her transition, Kassel said, "I didn’t have many challenges because the advisors were proactive in reaching out to help, they were incredibly helpful in managing the enrollment process." Additionally, she finds the coursework immediately applicable to her current job, attesting to the practical relevance of SIUE’s curriculum. In an interview with the university's news site, Kassel encouraged future students "The coursework relates to real-world situations. I often find myself applying what I learn in class to my job the very next day."
As these former Fontbonne students navigate their educational journeys at SIUE, they face the unfamiliar while also discovering new possibilities and resources that promote their continued growth. The university is providing a landing space ripe for fresh beginnings. And thus, SIUE proves itself a supportive institution eager to uphold academic resilience amidst institutional closures.
