News and Events

Installation Week is here and the events that can enlighten, challenge, and entertain fill our calendars. The following is a complete list of Installation Week activities. Everyone is encouraged to attend and participate in as many events as possible. Full event details are available on the Installation website (www.govst.edu/installation).

Monday, October 29 - Saturday, November 5

Art Exhibition - Dr. Margaret Burroughs

GSU Art Gallery

Monday, October 29

Artist Reception - Dr. Margaret Burroughs

6 to 8 p.m.

GSU Art Gallery

Tuesday, October 30

Discussion and Exploration of the Creation of a Doctoral Program in Leadership at GSU

5:30 to 7 p.m.

Hall of Honors

Wednesday, October 31
Business Ethics and Social Responsibility - Panel Discussion

5 to 7 p.m.

Hall of Honors

Thursday, November 1

Latino Roundtable – The Impact of Education on Health and the Workforce in the Latino Community

3 to 5 p.m.

Sherman Music Hall

“Scholars or Citizens, Workers or Poets? The Fertile Mess of Teaching and Learning Writing” - Panel Discussion

Dr. Douglas Hesse

6:30 to 8 p.m.

Sherman Music Hall

The Globalization of Higher Education

5 to 6:30 p.m.

Hall of Honors

Friday, November 2

Business Appreciation Breakfast (Invitation Only)

8 to 9:30 a.m.

Hall of Honors

Seeds of Greatness - A Salute to Student Achievements

3 to 4:30 p.m.

Engbretson Hall

Presidential Reception

5 to 7 p.m.

Center for Performing Arts Lobby

Saturday, November 3

Pre-Program Breakfast (Invitation Only)

9 to 10 a.m.

E-Lounge

Installation Ceremony

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Center for Performing Arts

General Installation Reception

12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Hall of Governors

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park Tours

Originating in Hall of Governors - North Entrance

1:15 to 2 p.m. (Inner-loop tour)

1:30 to 2:45 p.m. (Outer-loop tour)

Non-profit Organization Exposition

1 to 2:30 p.m.

Hall of Governors

Display - Juried Works of GSU Faculty

1 to 2:30 p.m.

Cafeteria Annex

Don’t miss it and don’t tell anyone! This secret sale at the GSU Bookstore is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Two crewneck sweatshirts for only $20 or $11.95 each!

The sale starts Wednesday, October 31 at noon and lasts as long as the sweatshirts are on the counter. There is a limit of 10 sale sweatshirts per customer and no other discounts apply. Stock up on gifts and warm clothes for the chilly months ahead.

The GSU bookstore is located in D-Wing next to the Cafeteria. For more information, call 708.534.4558.

Calling all witches, ghosts, super heroes, cowboys, and Little Red Riding Hoods! The GSU Civil Service Senate is hosting a Halloween celebration on Wednesday, October 31, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex, for students, faculty, and staff. 

In addition to delicious refreshments, there are also three ways to win fame, ribbons, and prizes. Participants can compete in a word scramble contest or don a costume and take the Trivia Trail. Unscrambling the words will lead them to Question Keepers. The Question Keepers will then ask them trivia questions. The contestant with the most correctly answered questions in the allotted time wins. The Trivia Trail is followed, at 1:15 p.m., with a costume contest and more prizes.

Whether you are in costume or not, take a break from what scares you and join the fun in the Cafeteria Annex!

For more information, call 708.534.7525 or email r-rainey@govst.edu.

The classic tale of America’s favorite orphan, Annie, is coming to the Center for Performing Arts this weekend. Memorable songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard Knock Life” make this Tony Award-winning musical a classic.

Tickets are still available for both performances (1 and 6 p.m.) on Sunday, November 4. Adult ticket prices range from $58 to $69 and children’s seats (16 and under) are $43 to $54.

Call the Center at 708.235.2222 or visit www.centertickets.net to purchase your tickets today.

Non-traditional student show determination and perseverance by returning to school, taking classes, and earning degrees. National Non-Traditional Student Recognition Week, beginning on November 5, celebrates their resolve and persistence. Join the celebration at GSU. Events are free, open to non-traditional students, and listed in the event section of the GSU View.

The School of Interdisciplinary Learning and Student Life are sponsoring the Non-Traditional Student Week events. For more information, call 708.534.4092 or visit www.govst.edu/sidl.

Please submit your new requisition signature/approval forms to the Procurement Office. Beginning on November 1, any requisition received from a budget without a current signature form on file in the Procurement Office will be returned to the unit without processing. For further information, call 708.534.4056.

At her installation as president of GSU on November 3, Dr. Maimon will announce The GSU Promise – a commitment to provide qualified low-income graduates from Illinois community colleges the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree debt-free.

Low-income students are eligible for Federal Pell grants and aid through Illinois’ monetary Assistance Program. But federal and state aid may not cover the full cost of an education. The GSU Promise will cover the difference.

The Governors State University Foundation’s goal is to raise funds to create an initial endowment of $1 million to cover the shortfall in financial aid. A number of concerned individuals and corporations have already made financial contributions to launch this major program.

Faculty, staff, and retirees are invited to join these Founding Investors by contributing to this bold new initiative, which will provide opportunity to deserving individuals.

While contributions can be made anytime to support The GSU Promise, donations received by October 30 will be acknowledged in the Installation’s souvenir program. In addition, your name will be listed on a prominently displayed plaque honoring The GSU Promise Founding Investors.

Faculty and staff can donate in one of two ways:

Donate by check, credit card or via payroll deduction. To do so, print and complete the Employee Giving Form and return it, in person, to the Advancement Office (D34200); or

Make a credit card donation online by using the Online Donation webpage.

Please donate today. All donations will count toward next year’s Faculty/Staff Campaign as well as increase your department’s giving participation rate. If you are currently making payroll deductions for the previous Faculty/Staff campaign, your new GSU Promise payroll deduction pledge will not commence until your existing pledge authorization expires. If you have any question, the Advancement Office at 708.534.4105.

Thank you for supporting The GSU Promise through the GSU Foundation. Together, we will change lives!

ComEd will make necessary repairs to their equipment on our campus, which will require separate, scheduled power outages in the OTS Building and Faculty Office Center. Those repairs are scheduled to take place as follows:

OTS Building

Thursday, October 25, 2007, from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. All internal and external IT systems, such as WebCT, all email, and web systems, will be unavailable.

Faculty Office Center:

Saturday, October 27, 2007 from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. (FOC occupants, as a precaution, please shut down your computers before leaving work Friday to avoid lost data).

All other buildings will be unaffected by ComEd's work.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Facilities at 708.534.4515 or Information Technology (IT) at 708.534.4357.

At the invitation of State Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson, who teaches a class in public policy at GSU, Tom S. Mullikin, author of Global Solutions: Demanding Total Accountability for Climate Change, will speak on October 29, at 4:30 p.m. in Engbretson Hall.

Tom Mullikin led a team of researchers, environmental experts, and policymakers on expeditions to Antarctica and Africa to study the effects of climate change on the polar and sub-Saharan regions. What he saw in those regions was truly remarkable -- and disturbing. His discussion reflects on these journeys, and examines the problems surrounding the implementation of sound social policy to address global climate change.

It looks as if the GSU Library staff is waiting for a visit from the Great Pumpkin! Pumpkins decorated by library staff members are on display in the library through Halloween. The GSU community is invited to stop by and vote for their favorite pumpkin through October 30. The winners will be announced on October 31. 

The State of Illinois’ vendor, “Maxim”, will be on campus to provide free flu immunizations to eligible employees and retirees on Thursday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Honors.

To be eligible, an employee or retiree must be enrolled in either the State’s Quality Care Health Plan (QCHHS) or a state sponsored managed care plan (HMO Plans offered by the State). Dependents, spouses, contractual workers, consultants, and students, as well as employees who have opted out of health insurance coverage through the state are NOT eligible for these free flu immunizations.

To receive the immunization, employees must present their health insurance ID card as well as their Governors State University ID card. Retirees must present their health insurance ID card and one other form of identification. 

Governors State University is celebrating the presidency of Dr. Elaine P. Maimon with an installation ceremony, special presentations, exhibits, panel discussions, and community receptions. The week of events culminates with the installation ceremony on Saturday, November 3, at 11 a.m., followed by light refreshments and an ice cream social for all those attending. Additional event information is available on the Installation website.

Installation Week Events

Monday, October 29 - Saturday, November 5
Art Exhibition - Dr. Margaret Burroughs
GSU Art Gallery

Monday, October 29
Artist Reception - Dr. Margaret Burroughs
6 to 8 p.m.
GSU Art Gallery

Tuesday, October 30
Discussion and Exploration of the Creation of a Doctoral Program in Leadership at GSU
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Wednesday, October 31
Business Ethics and Social Responsibility - Panel Discussion
5 to 7 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Thursday, November 1
Latino Roundtable – Correlations between education, health, and employment among Latinos in the U.S.
3 to 5 p.m.
Sherman Music Hall

Writing Across the Curriculum - Panel Discussion
Dr. Douglas Hesse
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Sherman Music Hall

The Globalization of Higher Education
5 to 6:30 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Friday, November 2
Community Appreciation Breakfast (Invitation Only)
8 to 9:30 a.m.
Hall of Honors

Seeds of Greatness - A Salute to Student Achievements
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

President’s Reception (Invitation Only)
5 to 7 p.m.
Center for Performing Arts Lobby

Saturday, November 3
Pre-Program Breakfast (Invitation Only)
9 to 10 a.m.
E-Lounge

Installation Ceremony
11 a.m. to Noon
The Center for Performing Arts

General Installation Reception
Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Hall of Governors

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park Tours
Originating in Hall of Governors - North Entrance
1:15 to 2 p.m. (Inner-loop tour)
1:30 to 2:45 p.m. (Outer-loop tour)

Display - Juried Works of GSU Faculty
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Cafeteria Annex

GSU recently welcomed Dr. Carol Cortilet-Albrecht as the new Registrar, after the departure of longtime employee Dora Smith. Carol comes to GSU after spending seven years at DeVry University.  Her last role there was as Lead Metropolitan Registrar for the Chicago Metropolitan DeVry University system.

“I’m excited to be at GSU and fully on-board with a new focus on customer service,” said Cortilet-Albrecht. In addition to the focus on customer service, she has also taken a critical look at how the Registrar’s Office currently operates and has identified three areas of concentration for development. “We will immediately address how we process transcripts, look to simplify the student appeals process, and work to implement a new classroom scheduling system.

Welcome Carol!

That common question is now answered at a new, real time, interactive site that enables applicants to GSU to track the progress of their applications.

The site, MYGSU, can be accessed through links on the admission website. Students receive information on the site when they receive their application acknowledgement letter. The letter, sent one day after a student applies, contains passwords and IDs needed for student access to MYGSU. Once a student logs into MYGSU, the student can view the status of each document required for an admission decision. Since applicant information is updated daily, receipt of documents is reflected promptly on MYGSU. 

The next time applicants comment on their admission status, refer them to MYGSU. They will have immediate access to the status of their application.

The University Library is offering several workshops addressing the needs for the need for quality, concise, and condensed instruction in a variety of computer and research skills used by both those in and out of school.

The one to two-hour workshops are free and open to both students and staff of the university and members of the community. Among the many topics covered by the various workshops are computer research, APA style papers, basic Excel, Facebook and YouTube, RSS feeds, and blogs. Workshops are offered several times until December 6.

Advance registration is preferred but not necessary. For a complete schedule, to register, or for more information, call 708.235.7514 or visit www.govst.edu/library.

The Friends of the Library will be taking donations, (suggested donation is $1), for Fannie May candy bars, Tuesday through Thursday (October 23-25), from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

With less than three weeks until the Presidential Installation Ceremony, the planning committee is working tirelessly to confirm the final event details.

The official ceremony takes place on Saturday, November 3, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., in The Center for Performing Arts. The preceding week will be filled with related events. More information on the events will be available in Monday’s View.

All faculty, staff, and students who plan to attend - regardless of their role in or at the ceremony -are asked to RSVP by the end of the day on Friday, October 19. Visit the Installation website to respond electronically.

Help make Installation a success by lending a hand. Volunteers are still needed on November 3. Contact Rosemary Hulett at 708.534.7892.

Three bridges connect the Faculty Office Center to the main building. The bridges have an exterior sprinkler system for protection against exterior fires, such as a car fire. Facilities Development and Management is currently investigating issues related to the bridges' sprinkler system. Until a resolution is reached, all general and accessible parking spaces, as well as standing vehicles under, around, and in close proximity to the bridges will be strictly prohibited - effective Friday, October 19, 2007.

This restriction does not affect delivery service to the D-Kitchen or F-docks.

Please note, the external bridge sprinkler system is independent of the building sprinkler system and will not affect fire protection inside the buildings. Alternate accessible parking can be found on the north ends of parking lots A - E.

Please call Facilities Development and Management at 708.534.4515 with questions and concerns.

Two-for-one balcony seats will be available for David Sedaris’ performance at the CPA on Friday, October 19, at 8 p.m. Sedaris made his comic debut recounting his strange-but-true experiences of his job as a Macy’s elf clad in green tights, reading his “SantaLand Diaries” on National Public Radio’s "Morning Edition." His sardonic wit and incisive social critiques have since made him one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers.

The two-for-one ticket offer will be available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 19. Tickets must be purchased in person at the box office. Advance ticket sales at a 10% discount can be made at the box office or by calling 708.235.2222.

Enjoy an evening of spooky fun and fall festivities at the 5^th Annual Haunted Hayride and Harvest Fest sponsored by Student Life and the Student Senate on Friday, October 26. This free, fun, family event is open the entire GSU community: students, faculty, staff, and their families and friends.

The Haunted Hayride begins at the North Study Hall and runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Harvest Fest is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria Annex. Laser Tag is in the Gymnasium from 6 to 9 p.m.

Student Life is sponsoring a canned food drive during the event. All donations go to the local food pantry.

For more information, call 708.534.4550.

Buy a calendar, support a great cause, and enjoy the “Men of GSU.” Each month features a different member of the GSU faculty, staff, and student body photographed in and around GSU. The calendars cost only $10 and all proceeds support the Jennifer S. Fallick Cancer Support Center. Calendars are on sale at the Recreation and Fitness Center office.

GSU student members of Brother 2 Brother, the Black Student Union, and the Social Work Student Organization are volunteering to help make the First Annual Jazz Connection a success. The event supports the work of the Ford Heights Community Service Organization, which helps individuals and families in times of crisis with emergency support and educational services.

The First Annual Jazz Connection is on Saturday, October 20, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the BCEC Auditorium, Prairie State College, 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights. Tickets are $45. For more information, call 708.758.2565. 

Don’t miss a date or be late with an assignment! GSU student planners for the 2007-08 academic year are currently available for free at the Welcome Center. Pick yours up today!

See the fast turns, high steps, and dazzling moves of GSU faculty and their ALAS student partners as they demonstrate the hottest Latin dances. The Association of Latin American Students and the Office of Student Life present Dancing with the GSU Faculty on October 15, at 5:30 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. After the dance presentations, everyone is welcome on the dance floor for Latin dance lessons.

The faculty stars who will be tripping the light fantastic include Dr. Russ Carter, Dr. “Chip” Coldren, Dr. Rupert Evans, Dr. Lydia Huerta, Dr. Ning Lu, Dr. William Nowlin, Dr. Catalina Ramos, Dr. Vinicio Reyes, Dr. William Wilkinson, Dr. Adam Zagelbaum, and Ms. Bonnie Lunde.

For more information call 708.534.4494.

As part of the Distinguished Lecture Series sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Eugene Yan, scientist in the Environmental Science Division of Argonne National Laboratory, will discuss “Advances in Groundwater Restoration for Contaminated Sites” on Monday, October 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Sherman Hall.

Dr. Yan supervises and mentors GSU computer science faculty and student teams for research participation at Argonne. His experience encompasses hydrologic, geological, and environmental investigations and research.

GSU has new procurement signature thresholds for requisitions as approved by the administration and new signature approval forms for authorization.

Many departments have already returned the new signature authorization forms. Procurement requests that all required forms be submitted within the next week. Copies of the form are available on the Procurement Intranet page.

The Intranet also has bid and contract thresholds for your reference. All purchasing and contract transactions must have a purchase order issued prior to the start of work.

For more information, call Procurement, 708.534.4056, or visit the GSU Intranet.

We have been happily overwhelmed by the 285 suggestions submitted by students, faculty, staff, and alumni in the first month of “Why Not?” Each idea has been forwarded to the appropriate office for evaluation, and each contributor will be notified of the decision regarding the idea that was suggested.

So far, the “Why Not?” proposals have fallen into five broad categories.

Scheduling Many people asked, “Why not schedule classes in the morning to accommodate those who work an afternoon shift and those who are at home while their children are a school?”

In the near future, we will survey students to assess their interest in taking classes at different hours and to identify if some days are more desirable than others. Students who have been admitted to the university but chose not to enroll have already been surveyed to determine if they would enroll at GSU if classes were offered at different times or on different days.

Aesthetics The university's physical appearance drew many submissions. Suggestions ranged from “Why not install a large sign at GSU's entrance promoting events at the university?” to “Why not improve the look of the interior of the building?”

Good suggestions all. This year, we will design and install marquee-type signs at both main entrances to the university. As to the interior, improvements currently are being made to the Hall of Governors. The front entrance atrium will also be improved. Within the next few weeks, new carpeting and seating areas will be installed. Facilities Development and Management will address submissions concerning cleanliness of classrooms. Although it is not exactly an appearance question, some asked, “Why not vary the music played by the carillon?” That a good idea has already been implemented. The musical selections will be changed more frequently.

Cost Many comments involved financial aid and many of those focused on increasing book advances, which are currently $300. Beginning in the Winter Trimester, eligible students may receive book advances of up to $700.

“Why not eliminate the parking fee?” one person asked. That fee, which faculty and staff pay through payroll deduction and students pay through tuition bills, covers the cost of upkeep and maintenance of the parking lots as well as the sidewalks – like repairs, snow removal, and resurfacing. An immediate priority is to improve lighting and reconstruct the parking lots, using the funds collected from the parking fee.

Fund Raising One person asked, “Why not recognize donors who give generously to the university by establishing a donor's circle?” Others offered different proposals to increase contributions. Currently, GSU is conducting a national search for a Vice President of Institutional Advancement. The new executive will be responsible for finding ways to increase significantly contributions to the university from individuals, corporations, and foundations – undoubtedly using ideas like these.

Communications and Marketing There were many worthwhile ideas in this category, ranging from “Why not change the name of the university?” to “Why not advertise in national publications such as Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report?” A name change may require state approval and would be very expensive to create a new identity and brand the university with a new name. That's not to say GSU will never change its name, particularly if an appropriate donor offered to make a very substantial contribution.

As to advertising and marketing, the university invests its limited resources on media and promotional activities that are most likely to reach prospective students and deliver the best return on the investment. At the moment, that does not include expensive national publications.

These are many good ideas to consider, investigate, and implement. Some can be put in place immediately. Others will take time, either because of cost or complexity. Each “Why not?” is appreciated; each will be seriously considered. Keep the good ideas coming. Why Not?

Warner Saunders, co-anchor of the NBC-5 weekday evening news broadcasts, will emcee the installation ceremony of Dr. Elaine P. Maimon as president of Governors State University.

“We are very pleased that Warner Saunders will be here to help us commemorate the installation of our new president,” said Dr. William Nowlin, Chair of the Installation Planning Committee and Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “An installation celebrates the university through community participation and Mr. Saunders is an important and integral part of the Chicagoland community.”

Saunders’ versatile career in television journalism has impacted many facets and issues important to region. He has won 19 Emmy Awards for news, sports, documentaries, children's programs, conversation talk shows, and community town meetings. His documentaries and special segments have shed light on a variety of issues including and South Africa and Nelson Mandela. Negro League Baseball, Chicago street gangs, the lives of school drop-outs.

Installation will be held on Saturday, November 3, at 11 a.m., in the Center for Performing Arts.

Positive suggestions for improving the university continue to pour into the “Why Not?” website.

To date, GSU’s “Why Not?” campaign has received more than 250 suggestions. Many of the submissions have dealt with the improvement of university aesthetics.

While several long-term initiatives to address this issue are currently in the planning stages, students, faculty, and staff can expect to see several significant upgrades in the next month. The carpeting is currently being replaced in the Hall of Governors and the first floor of the C and B wings. And a new student lounge area is planned for the main entrance atrium - complete with couches, coffee tables, and carpeting.

David Sedaris will appear at the CPA on Friday, October 19, at 8 p.m. Sedaris made his comic debut recounting his strange-but-true experiences of his job as a Macy’s elf clad in green tights, reading his “SantaLand Diaries” on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition. His sardonic wit and incisive social critiques have since make him one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers.

Tickets are $45 and available at the CPA box office or www.centertickets.net.

The last of three student chats with the President took place on Tuesday, October 9. Students filled the cafeteria annex rendering the event standing room only. Dr. Maimon reiterated how important it was for students to express their opinions, needs, and concern in order to continuously improve the university.

Education lecturer Patrick Miller encouraged his Master’s in Educational Administration students to attend, citing their need to interact with administrators to help them get a better feel for the field they will be entering.

Tuesday’s conversations addressed many topics including study abroad programs, academic quality, scholarships, and future GSU doctoral programs.

Hear some great music and support a good cause. GSU’s School of Extended Learning is a silver sponsor of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra concert on October 14, at 3 p.m., at the Larsen Fine Arts Center, Olivet Nazarene University, One University Avenue, Bourbonnais.

Proceeds from the concert benefit the Kankakee County Training Center, a non-profit organization assisting adults with developmental disabilities. Tinker Parker, executive director for KCTC foundation and GSU adjunct faculty member, has reduced the ticket price to $35 (general seating only) for GSU faculty, staff, students, and friends. Premium seating is available for $55 per ticket.

This offer is valid until Friday, October 12 only. This offer is not valid at the box office. For more information or to order your tickets by phone at 815.929.2487 extension 302.

Enjoy the music, food, dance, and arts and crafts that celebrate Latino culture at the Latino Culture Fiesta on Sunday, October 14, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Hall of Governors. The Mexican Dance Ensemble and Fusion Salcedo are featured performers.

Everyone is welcome at this free, family event. The fiesta is sponsored by the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) and the Office of Student Life. For more information, call 708.534.4494.

Buy a calendar, support a great cause, and enjoy the “Men of GSU.” Each month features a different member of the GSU faculty, staff, and student body photographed in and around GSU. The calendars cost only $10 and all proceeds support the Jennifer S. Fallick Cancer Support Center. Calendars are on sale at the Recreation and Fitness Center office.

The chats with the President are turning out to be no-holds-barred events. Students at the last session raised concerns ranging from the amount for book advances (too low, given the cost of textbooks) to why it is taking so long to complete the renovation of the elevator in D-Wing, and from scheduling (Could classes be scheduled at more convenient hours and on different days?) to GSU’s preparedness in the case of an emergency. President Maimon and senior administrators addressed the issues head-on.

For instance, the book advance will be raised to up to $700, effective with the Winter Trimester.

After more than 30 years of operation, the elevator is not being renovated. It is being replaced entirely. By contract, the contractor must complete the job in November.

Class schedules are being reviewed. There have been several Why Not suggestions that some classes be scheduled in the morning before students go to work, or at various times during the day. The university will survey students regarding scheduling in the near future.

On the subject of emergency preparedness, the administration reported that an emergency response system will be announced shortly. The Department of Public Safety, working with other units, is developing a system that will allow for immediate communication in the event of an emergency.

The next Chat with the President is on Tuesday October 9, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria Annex. Refreshments are provided.Bring your questions and concerns and get the straight answer.

Once again the Anita M. Stone JCC, with the co-operation of GSU, will offer T.A.L.E. (The Adult Learning Exchange) enrichment classes for adults on campus this fall. The 8-week sessions run from October 12 to December 7. Course topics range from theater and film reviews to investigating the 60s and Vietnam, as well as discussing British history and exploring myths and fables through the Socratic Seminar format. Space is still available.

For more information, call 708.799.7650.

Here is the recipe for the Civil Service Senate Halloween Costume Contest and Trivia Trail: Mix tricks, treats, trivia questions, and brainteasers. Add costumes, contests, popcorn, and apple cider. Stir and recite, “Happy Halloween!”

On Wednesday, October 31, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., costumed students, faculty, and staff can enjoy a Trivia Trail which will, if they solve the word scramble puzzles correctly, lead them to Question Keepers. The Question Keepers will ask trivia questions. The contestant with the most correctly answered questions in the allotted time wins a prize.

The Trivia Trail will be followed, at 1:15 p.m., with a costume contest and more prizes. To take the Trivia Trail and compete in the costume contest, participants must be in costume. Join the fun, whether you are in costume or not, for popcorn and apple cider in the Cafeteria Annex.

For more information, call 708.534.7525 or email r-rainey@govst.edu.

The Friends of the GSU Library are handcrafting a bookshelf quilt to hang prominently in the library. For $50 and a piece of material no smaller than 3” by 12”, participants can commemorate a particular occasion or honor someone special with an embroidered remembrance on the spine of the quilted book. Funds raised will be used to enhance the services offered by the GSU Library.

For more information on the Friends Quilt and to secure your place on the shelf, call 708.235.7500 or visit www.govst.edu/library/friends.

America’s sweetheart and will be joined by the Osmond Brothers in a stop at the Center for Performing Arts this weekend. Tickets are still available for the performance on Saturday, October 6, at 8 p.m.

In addition to the regular performance, Marie’s Dancing with the Stars partner, John Roberts, will also be present and may join Marie on the stage for a dance.

GSU employees can take advantage of two for one tickets on the main floor and in the mezzanine. The offer begins at 10 a.m. on October 5 and ends at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Regularly priced tickets are $68 to $75. The offer is not good on previously purchased tickets.

Governors State University and the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business After Hours networking opportunity tonight, October 4, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the Center for Performing Arts lobby. Faculty, staff, students, and alumni interested in learning about business development and issues in the southland are invited to join President Elaine Maimon at the event.

All GSU students are invited to attend an open forum chat with President Maimon on Thursday, October 4. The informal discussion will take place in the Cafeteria Annex from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pizza, pop, popcorn, and cookies will be served. Bring your questions and ideas!

The first meeting of the Friends of the Governors State University Library Historical Society will be held on the balcony in the library, from noon to 1 p.m., on Tuesday, October 9.

A university library is an invaluable resource for the collection, preservation, arrangement, and dissemination of historical information. A few good friends working together can help the Governors State University Library resource inform our wider communities with the rich legacy of our shared pasts.

Bring a brown bag lunch. Please contact Eric Nicholson at 708.235.7508 or e-nicholson@govst.edu with any ideas you want on the agenda of our initial discussion.

The South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium and Governors State University will host the inaugural meeting of the Southland Writing Consortium on Friday, October 12, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., in E-Lounge. President Maimon will give opening remarks. Dr. Maimon was in the original group of faculty who created the Writing Across the Curriculum program.
 
During the program led by Dr. Becky Nugent, GSU Writing Center Coordinator, participants will form small groups to share their experiences with writing on their campus. Then the large group will reconvene and report on the small group conversations. The ultimate goal of this meeting is to articulate the focus for the consortium. The consortium is comprised of colleges and universities serving the Chicago Southland. Everyone with an interest in writing is welcome.

Learn how to earn elementary teacher certification while receiving a salary and securing a teaching position through Governors State University’s Alternative Certification Program. Information sessions will be held on October 16 and November 7, at 7 p.m., in the Hall of Honors.

Since the Alternative Teacher Certification program began nine years ago, more than 175 participants have changed careers to become some of the most well-trained, supported, and effective educators in the south suburbs and Chicago. Shifting careers from professions such lawyers, accountants, managers, artists, and actors, they have become valued members of elementary and junior high faculty in some of the hardest to staff schools in the region.

For more information, call 708.534.4987 or visit www.altcert.net.

Please join The Friends of Mysteries on Tuesday, October 16, at noon, in the cafeteria annex to discuss Possession by A.S. Byatt. GSU Faculty member Dr. Rosemary Johnsen, author of Contemporary Feminist Historical Crime Fiction, will lead the discussion. This literary mystery is on reserve at the University Library. Please join us for a lively talk. Friends of Mysteries is sponsored by the Friends of the GSU Library and meets monthly during the academic year. Join us and help us select our next mystery.

On Thursday, November 8, representatives from the State’s vendor, Maxim, will provide free flu immunizations to eligible GSU employees and retirees, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Honors. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services sponsors this service for retirees and employees who are enrolled in either the Quality Care Health Plan (QCHHS-State’s PPO Plan) or a state sponsored managed care plan.

Employees must present their health insurance ID card and their Governors State University ID card. Retirees must present their health insurance ID card and one other form of identification. Dependents, spouses, contractual workers, consultants, students, and employees who have opted out of health insurance coverage through the state are not eligible for free flu immunization through this program.

For a list of additional scheduled locations and times for flu shots through this program, visit www.benefitschoice.il.gov.

In light of recent events at educational institutions across the country, the prevention and recovery from acts of violence in schools have become important issues.

As part of the Governors State University College of Arts and Sciences’ Distinguished Lecture Series, Dr. Jane Nicholson will discuss these issues on Wednesday, October 3, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., in Sherman Hall. Dr. James ‘Chip’ Coldren, coordinator of the Criminal Justice program, will moderate the presentation. The lecture is free and open to the public.

This presentation is part of the School Safety Series. The series continues on January 11, 2008, with the Safe Zone Workshop, which focuses on creating schools in which all people will feel safe and supported. A two-day workshop on Reconciliation and Restorative Justice follows on January 25 and 26, 2008.

There are still places available in the Microsoft “Office 2003 to Office 2007” training sessions. ITS encourages faculty and staff to make time for the sessions which provide important information on MS Office upgrades. Training is divided into individual Office-application sessions (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook) to make it easier for you to attend the specific training you need. A certified Microsoft trainer will instruct each one-hour class and explain the differences between the 2003 and 2007 versions.

The hour-long sessions are held on October 3 through 5, and 9 through 11. All sessions are conducted in ACS Lab D2438. Seating is limited for each class.

Please R.S.V.P. to Michael Horvath, Ext. 3195 or m-horvath@govst.edu, with the class and time you wish to attend.

In observance of cancer awareness month, GSU’s Student Life division will hold its 5th Annual Silent Auction. The auction will take place on October 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

The university has partnered with The JSF Cancer Support Center and The Village Door consignment shop. The Village Door has donated gently used items and “fine things” for use in the auction.

All proceeds form the auction will benefit the JSF Cancer Center, which has provided free support programs to more than 20,000 local cancer patients and their families since 1994.

For more information contact Vanessa Newby at 708.534.4551.

President Maimon will host the second of three chats with students on Thursday, October 4. The informal talk will take place in the Cafeteria Annex from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. In addition to the opportunity to express their opinions and thoughts about GSU, attendees will also be treated to pizza and popcorn.