Cougarnet & Beyond: Your SIUE Guide - What You Need To Know
Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your academic journey at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)? CougarNet is your digital gateway to essential resources, offering a streamlined approach to managing your academic life, personal information, and financial records. It is designed to be a comprehensive portal for SIUE students, faculty, and staff.
Navigating the digital landscape of higher education can feel overwhelming, but with CougarNet, the process is designed to be as intuitive as possible. This platform empowers you to take control of your academic and financial affairs, providing access to a wealth of information and services with just a few clicks. Whether you're a prospective student, a current undergraduate or graduate, or a member of the faculty or staff, CougarNet is your central hub.
CougarNet isn't just for students, either. Faculty and staff also utilize the system for a range of administrative tasks and access to vital employee information. From accessing payroll details to managing departmental resources, CougarNet plays a critical role in the daily operations of the university. For staff, access to certain features may require approval from a fiscal officer.
Key Services Offered through CougarNet (for SIUE Students):
- Access to your class schedule
- SIUE transcript retrieval
- Review of final grades
- Account balance information
- Last bill details
- Current transaction history
- Financial aid status updates
- Address management
Accessing CougarNet:
To gain access to CougarNet, you'll need your full SIUE email address and password. The old method of using your 800 number and PIN is no longer supported. This enhanced security measure is designed to protect your sensitive information and ensure a safe online experience.
To access CougarNet, select one of the secure links provided. This will guide you to the login page where you can enter your credentials and begin exploring the various features and services. Remember to always log out or sign out of the application and close your web browser completely when you're finished, especially when accessing services that require authentication. This is a critical step in safeguarding your personal data.
If you have questions or require assistance at any point, several resources are available. Comprehensive support documentation and helpful tutorials can guide you through the different features and functions. If you need additional help, the IT support team and other university departments are available to provide personalized assistance.
For Alumni and Former Students:
Even after you've completed your studies at SIUE, you can still access your records through CougarNet. If your SIUE account is no longer active, you can still access your MySIUE account. This will give you access to resources that may be needed. It includes CougarNet and Blackboard (where your classes are located). Follow the instructions provided to access your MySIUE account.
Enhanced Features:
Exciting enhancements are continually being added to CougarNet to improve the user experience. Recent upgrades include:
- Registration Add and Drop Dates: Accessing this information has been streamlined to make it easier than ever to stay organized and plan your academic calendar.
- Direct Deposit: All SIUE employees are required to participate in direct deposit. Once your hiring documents are processed, you can enroll through CougarNet. This process is separate from direct deposit for school refunds.
The Blackboard Connection:
CougarNet is closely integrated with Blackboard, the learning management system that houses your course materials, assignments, and communication tools. Blackboard allows for assignment submissions, content sharing, and collaboration among students. It is important to note that the Blackboard mobile app is not supported. Accessing Blackboard through a supported browser on a computer or mobile device is recommended.
Financial Information and Support:
1098-T Tax Documents: Annually, the Bursar's Office provides access to your 1098-T tax document by the end of January. Ensure the university has your social security number so they can prepare your IRS tuition payment statement.
Health Insurance for International Students:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has maintained a mandatory health insurance requirement for all international students since 1990. All international students must obtain and show proof of medical insurance every semester of attendance at the university. This requirement ensures that all international students have access to essential medical care while studying at SIUE.
Graduation Information:
Graduation represents the successful completion of all degree requirements as recorded on a student's official transcript. If you are approaching graduation, apply online for graduation through CougarNet. This is the first step in the final process of completing your degree program.
Navigating CougarNet: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Accessing CougarNet:
- Navigate to the SIUE website and find the "CougarNet" link.
- Click on a secure "Enter CougarNet" link to begin.
- This will redirect you to the login page.
2. Logging In:
- Enter your full SIUE email address in the designated field.
- Enter your password in the password field.
- Click the "Sign In" button to proceed.
3. Exploring the Features:
- Once logged in, you'll find a user-friendly interface with various menu options and links.
- Explore the different sections to access your class schedule, grades, account balance, and more.
- Take some time to familiarize yourself with the layout and available resources.
4. Important Reminders:
- Security: Always log out and close your browser after using CougarNet, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Help Resources: If you encounter any issues or have questions, refer to the help section, FAQs, or contact the IT support team.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check CougarNet for announcements, updates, and important deadlines.


