Date: November 2, 2006
Contact: Eric Matanyi
Phone: (708) 534-4044
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: e-matanyi@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, Illinois, November 2, 2006 – The Governors State University (GSU) Office of Career Services recently hosted a Disability Career Symposium. The event’s goal was to provide higher education professionals who work with disabled students with resources to help them better assist those individuals in seeking, obtaining, and maintaining employment.
The daylong symposium was attended by more than 65 career and disability counselors from colleges and universities around the state.
“Our commitment to students goes far beyond the classroom and far beyond the walls of this university,” said Robin Sweeney, Disability Services Coordinator and Career Advisor at GSU. “By working hand in hand, our Office of Career Services and Office of Disability Services help students successfully transition from the classroom to the working world.”
She also noted the reason for creating the symposium. “Higher education institutions around the state are implementing unique and successful programs to provide career services to disabled students. The event allowed us to discuss our individual strategies, debate the issues, and then put the best ideas to work in our universities and organizations,” Sweeney said.
Participants attended two sessions during the day. The first “Job Seeking Strategy Skills for Disabled Students and Alumni” focused on specific issues from the student perspective.
Delivered as a panel discussion, the second session addressed disabled employees from a business point of view. Panelists discussed the best human resources practices for hiring and retaining disabled staff members including what resources disabled employees seek.
Dr. Stuart Fagan, President of Governors State University, discussed how the assistance of disabled students fits into the university’s mission. “Here at GSU we work hard to make education available to underserved populations -- and that includes students with disabilities.” He added, “Our dedication is rooted in the firm belief that all students need to have continued support and resources to help prepare them for satisfying and rewarding careers.”
