General Information

History

Governors State was chartered by the General Assembly in 1969. It serves undergraduate transfer students and those seeking master’s and doctoral degrees.

The university’s main campus is located in University Park, 35 miles south of Chicago and is easily accessible by car or commuter train. The campus is located on 760 acres of wooded landscape with several lakes and nature trails.  It includes the internationally renowned Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park.

The curricula of the university are offered through four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Public Administration, the College of Education, and the College of Health and Human Services.

Role and Mission

At Governors State University, our mission is:

• To offer a demonstrably excellent education that meets the demands of our region and state for engaged, knowledgeable citizens and highly skilled professionals and that is accessible to all including those traditionally underserved by higher education;
• To cultivate and enlarge a diverse and intellectually stimulating community of learners guided by a culture that embodies:
  • Openness of communication;
  • Diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives;
  • Mutual respect and cooperation;
  • Critical inquiry, constant questioning, and continuing assessment; and
  • On-going research and scholarship; and
• To strengthen and enhance the educational, cultural, social, and economic development of the region through partnerships with governmental, business, educational, civic, and other organizations.

Accreditation

Governors State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The university is also a member of the Illinois Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs.  Each program is accredited by a professional accrediting agency in each case where there is a national accreditation body.

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400,  Chicago, IL 60602-2504; 312.263.0456; 800.621.7440 FAX: 312.263.7462; E-mail: Info@ncacihe.org

Governance of the University

A seven-member board appointed by the governor of Illinois governs this university. One student serves as a member of the Board of Trustees. The president of the university is responsible to the Board of Trustees for the operation and general welfare of the university. The provost/academic vice president has general responsibility in the areas of academic personnel and programs. Governors State University’s five colleges are directly administered by their respective deans.

Faculty, civil service staff, and students participate in university affairs through membership on the Faculty Senate, Civil Service Senate, Student Senate, and academic and administrative committees. These groups consider and recommend policies and procedures to the president.

Academic Year

The academic year consists of three, 15-week trimesters: fall, winter, and spring/summer. Within each trimester, courses can be scheduled in Block 1, Block 2, or Block 3 as follows:

Block 1: Classes scheduled for the entire 15 weeks

Block 2: Classes scheduled for the first 7 1/2 weeks

Block 3: Classes scheduled for the last 7 1/2 weeks

Information on specific trimester dates for block designations can be found in the schedule of classes.

Alumni Association

All graduates are eligible to join the Alumni Association. All graduates receive a one-year free membership in the Alumni Association upon graduation.  Thereafter, membership dues are $30 for a single annual membership and $40 for a joint annual membership if a spouse is also a GSU alumnus.  Lifetime memberships are also available.

Below is a list of the benefits:

·         Center for Performing Arts — 15 percent discount ticket price. (Discount only applies to events sponsored and promoted by The Center for Performing Arts.)

·         Campus Recreation and Fitness Center — almost a 50 percent reduction in the membership fee.

·         In-library use of library resources, including check-out privileges of printed materials and some media items.

·         Access to the Academic Computing Lab Services.

·         On-campus use of GSU’s Cyber Café, with access to Internet, e-mail, and MS Office (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word).

·         Voting privileges and the right to hold office in the association.

·         Discounted admission on selected Alumni Association sponsored events.

·         Membership in Alumni Clubs of your choice.

For more information about alumni membership, call the Alumni Office at 708.534.4128.

*Note:  Alumni Internet access and e-mail accounts are available to alumni who donate $100 or more to the GSU Foundation.  Donations to the GSU Foundation for alumni Internet accounts do not include alumni membership. For more information about the GSU Foundation’s alumni Internet and e-mail accounts, call the Institutional Advancement Office at 708.534.4105.

Alumni Programs and Activities

A wide range of programs and activities are offered to alumni throughout the year. Educational workshops and seminars are conducted. Alumni and their families are also invited to attend several social, cultural, and recreational activities. Some of the special events include cruise outings, tickets to sporting events, and plays. The Alumni Association’s various clubs sponsor programs and events designed to help alumni connect and network with fellow alumni with similar majors and/or similar professions. The alumni travel program offers trips to Europe and elsewhere. An alumni newsletter is published twice a year with special emphasis on alumni accomplishments. Upcoming alumni events are announced in the newsletter, as are university news-related updates.