DEI Initiatives | Governors State University

Youth In Transition - Achieving Completion with Excellence (ACE)

Provide learning equity at the postsecondary level for youth who have experienced alternative care through financial, housing, academic, social, emotional, and mentoring support.

The ACE program is driven by a dynamic core team, including myself, Dr. Kim Major-Ford, Interim Director of Counseling and Wellness; Ms. Megan Washington-Sim, a devoted doctoral candidate; and Dr. Sharva Hampton-Campbell, a GSU alumna and esteemed university partner. Together, we provide the support and resources needed to help you achieve your fullest potential. Our program offers a wide range of resources, covering student-led programming, financial security, housing support, academic guidance, social-emotional well-being, personal and leadership development, mentoring, and engagement in experiential learning opportunities.

ACE Program Events

2nd and 4th Thursdays

Spring 2024 Activities

1:00 - 2:30

March 14	February 22
Listening Circles Location: A1120 Conference Room Refreshments available	Resources, Mentoring, and Supports Sponsored by YCAP Peer Advisor Location
April 11	March 22
Location: A1120 Conference Room Refreshments available	We Like BIG Bucks! Financial literacy Sponsored by external partners. Location
May 9	April 25
Location: A1120 Conference Room Refreshments available	Summer Success and Sustainability Sponsored by YCAP partner

For More Information Contact:

Dr. Joi Patterson jpatterson3@govst.edu

Dr. Kim Major-Ford kmajorford@govst.edu

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DEI Mini-Grants

Governors State University (GSU) enthusiastically invites applications for the 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Mini-Grant. In keeping with GSU’s mission, we have dedicated $25,000.00 in institutional grant funding to “demonstrate inclusiveness and diversity to encourage acceptance of wide-ranging perspectives among students, staff, faculty, and members of the broader community” and our institutional commitment to fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across the GSU community, and the goals and objectives of the Strategy 2025.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have created five (5) DEI Mini-Grants up to $5,000.00 to individuals or groups to support efforts by GSU’s faculty, staff, and student organizations that strive to help GSU become a “model for belonging, inclusivity, and equity in a diverse community.” This initiative serves two purposes: (1) provide seed funding to conduct projects, research projects, resource development, programming, and initiatives that focus on advancing equity and inclusion, belonging, and dismantling racism in its many forms, especially as it relates to teaching and learning environment and (2) to support cross-institutional capacity, mentorship, and community-building in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The DEI Mini-Grants align with four (4) main DEI focus areas and support innovative and GSU community-focus efforts in these areas:

Students

Improve recruitment, retention, persistence, completion, and advancement of students from historically underrepresented communities.

Employees

Improve the recruitment, retention, and advancement of faculty and staff from historically underrepresented communities

Curriculum

Support inclusive excellence within the formal curriculum and with our co-curricular and extra-curricular experiences.

Community

Engage with our alumni and with local, national, and international communities to encourage the pursuit of inclusive excellence beyond the boundaries of GSU.

Timeline

January 2024	Preview Announcement
February 14, 2024	Proposals Open
March 8, 2024	Virtual Information Session - Recording
March 29, 2023	Letter of Intent Due – recommended but not required
May 30, 2023	Proposals Due
September, 2023	Recipients Announced
AY 24/25	Implementation – September 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025

Required Downloadable Proposal Documents

For More Information, please visit the DEI webpage or contact Dr. Joi Patterson, Chief Diversity Officer

Jpatterson3@govst.edu

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Caught Being Good

Were you Caught Being Good? If you were caught being good by one of the DEI Council or President's Cabinet members, you received a special card to redeem for a special gift for making GSU proud.

Caught Being Good is a DEI campaign acknowledging students and employees to work towards the same goals during March. This gift is our thanks to you for helping us reach great expectations to increase the positive social climate at GSU, making GSU a more inclusive and conducive place to learn and work.

To redeem your gift, please get in touch with DEI Council member Ms. Shannon Olison at solison@govst.edu or 708.534.7669 to arrange a pick-up time from Office D34200. Gifts must be redeemed by April 30th, 2023.