|
Student Services, Activities, and Information
The
University Library provides reference and information
services 77.5 hours per week at the circulation and
reference desk. Electronic resources are available from
the library’s website 24 hours per day, seven days per
week. Library staff members offer tours of the library,
and library faculty members provide library instruction
to individuals and groups upon request. In addition,
workshops and training are offered in academic computing
applications to students, faculty, staff, and community
members. The workshop schedule can be found on the
library’s website at www.govst.edu/library.
Books
and other materials in the library are identified and
located through I-Share, an online catalog providing
users with access to the library’s collection and its
holdings by author, title, keyword, and subject. I-Share
also provides users with information on the holdings,
now numbering more than 16 million volumes, of more than
70 libraries that are also members of the Consortium of
Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois.
The
library subscribes to more than 75 electronic databases
in which users can locate full-text books and journal
articles, as well as citations to articles, books, and
other materials, in a variety of subject areas related
to the curriculum at Governors State University. The
library’s website serves as a gateway to these resources
from both on- and off-campus. Instructions are available
on the websites and at the reference desk. Distance
education students are entitled to equitable library
services - see the library’s distance education websites
at www.govst.edu/library for information on
accessing these services.
The
library maintains an extensive collection of print,
audiovisual, and electronic materials. These materials
are, with few exceptions, available on open shelves,
readily accessible to users. The collection encompasses
more than 460,000 print volumes; more than 26,000 media
items, including videocassettes, compact disks,
filmstrips, slides, and kits; more than 1,000,000 items
on microfiche/film; more than 1,900 journal
subscriptions and more than 14,000 electronic serial
subscriptions, as well as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and computer
disks. The library is a select depository for both
United States and Illinois government documents. Staff
members provide assistance in retrieving government
information in the library’s collection and from the
Internet.
Library resources include DVDs for university
telecourses; test files which contain sample materials
used for psychological and educational testing and
measurement; curriculum materials, sample textbooks, and
juvenile literature, which support the teacher education
program; and reserve materials assigned by faculty to
support current courses. Library facilities include
student study and lounge areas; wireless network access
for personal laptop computers; computer workstations to
access electronic and Internet library services and to
use Microsoft Office and multimedia software; scanners;
equipment for viewing audiovisual materials; and card
and coin-operated photocopiers, microform
reader-printers, and laser printers. The library also
provides adaptive technology for disabled students.
The
library accepts referrals from the university’s Office
of Disability Services to train students in the use of
the software and the equipment. Books and journal
articles that are not available in the Governors State
University Library can often be obtained for students
through interlibrary loan or cooperative networks.
Request forms are available on the library’s websites
and at the reference desk in the library.
Users
of the online catalog can initiate their own
interlibrary loan requests from the other I-Share
participants. The materials requested will be sent to
the GSU Library for patron pickup.
The
library also has cooperative agreements with other
academic libraries that permit Governors State
University students to have access to their collections
using their valid GSU I.D.
For
more information about library services, visit the
library website, www.govst.edu/library, or call
the reference desk 708.534.4111.
Academic Computing Services
Academic Computing Services (ACS) provides computer
facilities for students, faculty, and staff. The ACS
complex is comprised of six classrooms and an open lab.
All computers are connected to the Internet. The ACS
staff issues GSU Internet accounts to students holding
valid GSU identification. Hardware in the ACS lab
includes Pentiums, iMacs, laser printers, and a scanner.
Operating systems include Windows XP and Macintosh OSX
v. 10.03. Software categories include Microsoft Office
2003, programming languages, graphics, and client
software. Located in the main lab are three high speed
Hewlett Packard LaserJet printers, which connect all PCs
in the lab to Pay-to-Print stations. Students enrolled
at Governors State and holding a valid student I.D. card
may use the ACS facilities. ACS is located on the second
floor of the D Wing, just past the library. ACS is open
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 10:30 p.m.; Saturday,
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday (fall/winter), 1-9 p.m.; and
Sunday (spring/summer), closed. Student lab aides are
available to answer questions and assist users. For
current information about ACS, please visit
www.govst.edu/its/.
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity offers
information and assistance to students who believe that
they have been discriminated against because of race,
color, national origin, religion, gender, ancestry, age,
sexual orientation, marital status, disability,
citizenship, unfavorable discharge from military
service, or veteran status.
The office also offers information and assistance to
students who believe they have been victims of sexual
harassment.
Any student who believes that he or she has
been unlawfully discriminated against or has been a
victim of sexual harassment may file a grievance with
the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.
Academic Resource Center
Counseling
The professional staff offers confidential counseling for
currently enrolled students seeking to address academic,
career, or personal concerns. Appointments can be made
by contacting 708.534.4508. Additional information
regarding counseling services and referrals is available
on the Academic Resource Center website at
www.govst.edu/sas.
Disability Services
The Office of Disability Services is dedicated to creating an
accessible environment and providing equality of
educational opportunities for students with documented
disabilities. GSU’s goal is to focus on a student’s
ability not the disability. Disability Services ensures
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and
with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Legally mandated access and accommodations are available
to all qualified students who self identify with
Disability Services. Students must provide
documentation by a qualified professional who can verify
the functional impact of the disability as well as
provide recommendations for appropriate accommodations.
The information provided by students is voluntary and
confidential. If requests for auxiliary aids, academic
adjustments, or other special services necessitate a
modification of academic standards or create an undue
hardship on the university, the requests may be denied.
To arrange for appropriate accommodations, contact the
coordinator of Disability Services at 708.534.4508.
Online Orientation/Directed Self-Placement
All undergraduate degree seeking and undeclared students are
required to complete an online orientation program
before registering for classes. The online orientation
program has two components: the first portion provides
basic information about the university’s policies,
programs, and procedures. The second portion is
Directed Self-Placement. This innovative program
assists students in assessing their ability level in
math and writing. Students then self-select supplemental
review or coursework based on this assessment. Online
Orientation/Directed Self-Placement is available 24
hours a day/7 days a week.
Testing
Examinations are administered for the School of Extended
Learning. The testing staff member administers
correspondence and telecourse exams for students who are
unable to attend the regularly scheduled exam dates.
All GSU students can obtain information about and
register for any of the 34 CLEP (College Level
Examination Program) exams. These exams are arranged by
appointment only. This area also provides information
and registration information for a math review workshop
for the Illinois Teacher Certification Basics Skills
Test. This workshop is usually offered four times per
year. Students enrolled in the Counseling program here
at GSU can obtain registration materials for the
National Counselor Examination (NCE) offered twice a
year on campus. Students can also obtain information
for national tests such as the Graduate Record
Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission
Test (GMAT), and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
Contact 708.534.4508 for further test information.
Tutoring
Tutoring services are offered for undergraduate students free of
charge. The following subjects are tutored: math,
accounting, economics, finance, computer science,
statistics, and some science courses depending on tutor
availability. Both onsite and limited online formats
are offered. For more information, please visit the
Academic Resource Center website at www.govst.edu/sas.
Writing Center
The Writing Center provides assistance to undergraduate and
graduate students with one-on-one tutoring sessions
through the online writing center, and beginning
research and documentation help in the library. The
center also offers assistance for students who plan to
take writing examinations, such as the Basic Skills
Exam. For more information, call 708.534.4508 or visit
the website at www.govst.edu/owl.
The Student Life Unit
Located in A-Wing, this area has been
designed to bring diverse students together through a
variety of programs and services. Included in the
Student Center are a television lounge; dining and study
areas; student leader offices (the Student Senate,
student Board of Trustees representative, and IBHE -
Student Advisory Committee representative); and meeting
rooms. The Student Life staff has offices in the center.
The Student Commons is a gathering place for student
interaction within the center. The Student Life Unit
also houses the Recreation and Fitness Center which has
an Olympic style swimming pool, gymnasium, fitness room
(free weights and exercise machines), racquetball court,
lockers, and shower facilities. The Recreation and
Fitness Center is open seven days a week during the fall
and winter trimesters, but is closed Sundays during the
spring/summer trimester. For additional information,
contact the Welcome Center at 708.534.4550.
Career Services
The Office of Career Services assists students and alumni with
all facets of their careers. We offer individual
advising appointments and workshops where students can
receive assistance with developing a job search
strategy, resumes, interviewing, networking, negotiating
offers, and writing job search correspondence. In
addition, the office provides students with hands-on
learning experiences in identifying skills and
researching employers through workshops during the
academic trimesters. Career Services also maintains job
postings from local employers on both hard copy and via
e-Recruiting. College of Education students’ credential
files are managed in the office as well as disbursed.
The office hosts at least two job fairs during the
academic year, which are intended for a generalist
audience, but on occasion hosts targeted job fairs such
as the Education or Health Care Job Fairs. For students
in online degree programs, services are further provided
through telephone appointments and email
correspondence. Its website also provides a wealth of
career-related resources for all students and alumni.
Child Care
The Family Development Center opened its
facility across from the main campus in October 2002.
Using the example of the early childhood centers in
Reggio Emilia, Italy, the building makes use of light,
space, and natural elements to enhance the sense of
community central to child-centered programming.
Educational research and models of effective teaching
practices played a key role in the development of the
center’s program philosophies. Center programs provide
field sites for university instruction, and offer
services to GSU students, faculty, and surrounding
community members. Programs are available by
registration with program staff, and include the
following: 1) state licensed child care for children
ages 6 weeks to 12 years; 2) after school enrichment for
children ages 5 to 12; 3) birth to age 5 parenting
support for families with infants, toddlers, and
preschool children; 4) parent and child play groups
during day and evening hours; and 5) library lapsits
where children and parents are invited to join in the
storytelling, games, and snacks related to a story
theme. Specific program information is available at
708.235.7300.
Clubs and Organizations
Students may take advantage of the many clubs
and organizations that exist at Governors State
University. These clubs provide students with the
opportunity to meet others with the same majors or
special interests. The majority of organizations are
related to academic programs, while others support a
variety of social and special interests. New clubs and
organizations may be formed by any group of seven or
more students. For information or assistance, contact
the director of Student Involvement and Leadership at
708.534.4552.
Quick Start/Escort Service
Quick Start/Escort Service provides students, staff, and
visitors safe conduct to their cars, especially late at
night. Both services are available seven days a week.
Quick Start/Escort Service helps motorists with battery
problems, frozen locks, and empty gas tanks. Quick Start
attendants also assist in fixing flat tires. The
attendant will refer the motorist to a local towing
service if unable to fix the problem with the car. If a
motorist is locked out of his/her car, personnel from
the Department of Public Safety will assist in unlocking
it. The Quick Start /Escort Service attendant can be
contacted by dialing the Department of Public Safety at
708.534.4900.
Identification Cards
Photo I.D. cards are available for all
students at the Welcome Center in D-Wing. I.D. cards
are required for use of all university facilities,
including the library, the computer centers, and the
Recreation/Fitness Center.
Information and Records
Information concerning student enrollment, grade
reports, certification for graduation, diplomas,
commencement, and transcripts can be obtained from the
Registrar’s Office. This office also processes changes
of address, name, and residence classification.
Recreation/Fitness Center
Students, faculty, staff, and community
members can participate in fitness, and intramural and
recreational activities, such as volleyball,
racquetball, basketball, and other sports both as
leisure activities or in a tournament format. They can
also enroll in recreational classes taught on-campus.
Additional activities such as aerobics and swim classes
are available on an enrollment, fee charged basis. For
additional information contact the Recreation and
Fitness Membership Services Office at 708.534.4556.
Access to a College Education Student Support
Services (ACESSS)
ACESSS is a federally supported program by
the U.S. Department of Education that provides high
quality services to retain and graduate students. To be
eligible for services, students must be either first
generation in their families earning bachelor’s degrees
or come from low-income families. If students have
physical or documented learning disabilities, they also
could be eligible for ACESSS. Services provided include
academic advising, personal counseling, assessment of
skills, and suggestions for career options. Staff
monitor academic progress; provide information on
graduate schools; and offer workshops in study skill
development, time management, financial aid, and
motivation for success. Participants are offered a wide
variety of cultural activities to provide enriching
experiences as they progress toward their degrees.
ACESSS is located on the second floor of A Wing in the
Student Center. For more information, phone the program
director at 708.235.3967.
Multicultural Programs
Governors State University is committed to celebrating
the ethnic and cultural diversity of the campus
community. Through the Office of the President and the
Student Life Unit, the university encourages special
events, workshops, meetings, and programs that recognize
the ethnic and cultural diversity of the campus as a
community strength.
The Center for Performing Arts
This 1,200-seat performing arts center opened in
December 1995. The Center is dedicated to providing a
wide array of quality arts, popular, educational, and
family programming to the immediate community and its
surrounding metropolitan region. Major star attractions
are featured, as well as a variety of Illinois artists
and performing arts companies. The Arts in Education
Program at The Center area serves over 40,000 children
with professional performances, performing arts camps,
and master classes. The Center also is a meeting place
for area businesses, organizations, and community
events. For information and reservations, call
708.235.2222 or
see
the Center website at
www.centertickets.net.
Public Safety
Police, public safety, and emergency medical
services in cooperation with the University Park Fire
Department are available at all times from the
university’s Department of Public Safety at
708.534.4900.
Student Handbook
The Student Handbook provides students with
information on policies, student fees, student services,
grievance procedures, etc., as well as an administrative
overview. Student Handbooks can be found at the GSU
website at www.govst.edu/studenthandbook and the
Welcome Center.
Student Government
The university is governed by three senates
representing the faculty, civil service, and students.
The Student Senate is charged with the responsibility of
representing student interests in all policies governing
the university. A student is also elected to be a
representative to the GSU Board of Trustees. A student
and an alternate are elected to represent the university
on the Student Advisory Committee to the Illinois Board
of Higher Education.
Student Life Services
The following services are available from the Welcome
Center:
Student I.D. Cards
Student Lockers
Information provided on:
Housing
Health Insurance
Student Governance
Recreation/Fitness Center Membership
Clubs and Organizations
Student Newspaper
Shuttle Service
The Department of Public Safety operates a scheduled
evening shuttle service to the Metra Station for late
afternoon and evening classes. Contact the Welcome
Center for more information at 708.534.4550.
Special Events
Lectures, concerts, or other special events
are offered to the university community each trimester.
These events are coordinated through the Student Life
Unit.
Student Life Events
Special events are held to celebrate the
following:
Welcome Days
Latino Heritage Month
Black History Month
Women’s History Month
Salute to Graduates
Salute to Graduates Luau and Picnic
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Family Day
Student Life Unit for Performing Arts Series
A limited number of tickets are purchased to
the GSU Center for Performing Arts events. There is no
charge to students receiving these tickets. Availability
is limited and given on a drawing basis. These are made
available during the Fall Welcome Days.
Student Travel/Conference Fund
Some assistance is available through the
Student Life unit for students to represent GSU at local
and national conferences for their leadership
development. Students may not receive university credit
for these experiences. Limited funding is available.
Contact the director of Student Involvement and
Leadership at 708.534.4552.
Student Media
The PHOENIX
is the student newspaper and is the main source of
information about campus life. Staff positions on The
PHOENIX are open to all students. Students
interested in serving on The PHOENIX or starting
additional student publications should contact the
faculty advisor, Victoria Pierce at v-pierce@govst.edu
|
