News and Events

There are only eleven more working days before the HLC site visitors arrive on campus to evaluate GSU’s academic performance. As a part of their three-day evaluation visit, the team will formally and informally interview students, staff, faculty, and administrators from every unit in the university.

In preparation for their visit, please take time to identify how you contribute to GSU’s mission: Governors State University is committed to offering an exceptional and accessible education that imbues students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in a global society. GSU is dedicated to creating an intellectually stimulating public square, serving as an economic catalyst for the region, and being a model of diversity and responsible citizenship. 

As it commemorates 40 years of providing educational opportunity, GSU is sponsoring a discussion featuring a panel of distinguished guests on Friday, November 6, at 3 p.m., in Engbretson Hall.

The discussion will focus on the birth, growth, and future of the university. The program moderator will be Dr. Paul Green, Director of the Institute for Politics and the Arthur Rubloff Professor of Policy Studies at Roosevelt University, who will also contribute to the discussion.

Current GSU president, Dr. Elaine Maimon and by past president Dr. Leo Goodman-Malamuth, II will be joined by Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Prairie State College and Dr. Blondean Davis, Superintendent of Matteson School District 162.

For more information, call 708.534.4105

At the conclusion of the panel discussion on November 6, a permanent, interactive history wall commemorating the past 40 years of GSU and world history will be unveiled in the main entrance atrium. A public reception will follow.

This event is free and open to the public.

On Friday, October 30, the children of the Family Development Center will parade in costume through the D-wing main entrance lobby to receive treats. Approximately 75 children will arrive at 11:15 a.m. and second group of 40 children will trick or treat at 2:45 p.m. Because many children may be allergic or sensitive to certain foods, the FDC asks departments to consider passing out healthier and peanut free treats.

Vendors will display their wares for sample and sale at the Civil Service Arts and Crafts Fair on Tuesday, November 3, and Wednesday, November 4, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. Lookers welcome, shoppers more than welcome.

Feed your sweet tooth on November 3 and 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from the table of goodies on sale in the Hall of Governors. The Black Student Union is sponsoring a bake sale in support of the Family Development Center. Proceeds from the sale will help finance the pre-kindergarteners’ field trip to the zoo.

Donations of baked goods for the sale are also being sought. Support the FDC and the BSU by baking, giving, and/or eating delectable sweets.

Alumni and current students, professors, and community members alike have shared their stories of GSU's impact on their lives. Forty touching tributes have been compiled into a single collection - Impact.

Printed copies of Impact will be available on November 7, at the 40th Anniversary Celebration. In the meantime, excerpts of several Impact stories are available online.

A minimum $5 donation is suggested per copy. All donations will be used to grow the GSU Promise endowment. To receive a copy of Impact, contact Donna Rutledge at ext. 3964, Lynn Clayton at ext. 3075, or Sheree Sanderson, at ext. 3956.

The Center for Online Teaching and Learning (COTL) is holding a faculty workshop focusing on the academic use of podcasts, blogs, Google Docs, and wikis in teaching and learning. There will be hands-on opportunities for experimentation with each of the tools. Attendees will leave the session ready to integrate these engaging tools into their classes.

Participants can attend a session on Tuesday November 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. or Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, in D2438. Attendees should bring a headset microphone to the workshop. Those who do not have one will receive one that can be used in the workshop and taken with them to use in their courses.

To register, contact Jan Engle at ext. 3073.

Continuing the tradition, the GSU Foundation will reach out and to express gratitude to this year’s donors. Gratitude Day, is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10.

The success of the program depends on volunteers willing to give a little bit of their time to share the gratitude attitude. One hour calling shifts are available from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sixty volunteers are needed. Interested Gratitude Day volunteers should contact Jackie Small at ext. 2188.

Callers will also have the opportunity to sign up for GSU’s new V-Team volunteer corps. The group will help match up willing volunteers with university events throughout the year.

CHHS faculty members Philip Kletke, Ph.D., of the Health Administration Department, Nancy MacMullen, Ph.D., interim Nursing Department chair, and Kim Boland-Prom, Ph.D., LCSW of the Social Work Department recently received new funding for their research and program activities.

Dr. Kletke received funding from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) for a one-year project designed to analyze data from the 2000-01 Physician Survey, which is part of the Community Tracking Study conducted by the Center for Studying Health System Change, in order to examine unevenness in physician Medicaid participation.

Dr. MacMullen received funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program. This program provides loans to students in advanced nursing educational programs that prepare graduates to serve as faculty.

Dr. Boland-Prom received two-year funding from the American Foundation for Research and Consumer Education in Social Work Regulation for the study of social workers sanctioned by regulatory boards.

Only 15 working days left until the eight-member HLC team of consultant/evaluators arrives on campus. Monday, November 16 marks the start of their visit. Interviews will be conducted with various groups and individuals during their three days at GSU. Watch for the schedule of Open Meetings in the GSU View and around campus.

Thanks to all faculty, staff, and students who served on subcommittees and helped write the self-study. Now it is time for the entire campus community to get involved. You can read the self-study at www.govst.edu/hlc. 

Additional information about the visit is available from HLC Co-chairs Eric Martin and Ann Vendrely.

Effective immediately, GSU’s Auxiliary Services has contracted with Nestle Waters North America for bottled water services for all on campus water coolers. This week, Nestle will be on campus to install new water coolers/dispensers.

The contract includes vendor restocking of water on a semi-monthly basis. The process for ordering additional water is defined on the Auxiliary Services intranet page.

All existing Great Glacier blanket orders will be closed. Billing for the new water service will be processed monthly and appear on your Auxiliary Services chargeback statement with other print, supply, and copy charges.

Contact Barb Lane at ext. 7426 with questions.

The success of GSU’s Campus Community Campaign is being measured by “thermometers” posted around campus. While the donation mercury is rising, there’s still a long way to go to reach the goal – and only you can help.

Donate to the GSU Promise, the President’s Excellence Fund, or scholarships – whatever interests you.

Don’t forget that great thank you prizes will be raffled off at the GSU annual holiday party. While everyone is eligible for one ticket, campaign donors are able to increase their odds of winning with more tickets. To get a ticket, see Rosemary Hulett, Christine Radtke, Jackie Small, or Joan Vaughan.

For more information on the Campus Community Campaign, visit the campaign website.

Recognizing the Need for Peer Support for Returning Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans is the topic of an important, free seminar on Tuesday, October 27, from 1 to 6 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex.
 

Participants will focus on making a difference in the lives of returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, understanding the need and benefits of peer support for vets, developing ways the university and the GSU Counseling Department can help veterans and their families, and establishing a peer support network on campus.
 

The seminar is sponsored by Chi Sigma Iota – a professional counseling honors society, and the Illinois Association of Counseling Students at GSU. For more information or to register, call (708) 534-4907.

Congratulations to Mercedes Kane, a recent GSU Master of Fine Arts graduate, whose film won the Short Documentary Prize at the Illinois International Film Festival.

Her MFA thesis film, Hearts of Hope, earned the prestigious closing slot for the festival. More than 300 people attended the screening, including a strong contingent from Governors State. The film celebrates the work of pediatric surgeon Dr. Michel Ilbawi. Many family members of former patients attended the show.

Additional congratulations goes to GSU students and graduates Dirk Fletcher, Liz Fruth, Archie Cocke, Cory Hooper, Leah Shortell, Jerry Slowik, Jamiel Chapple, and Lynn Werth, who assisted Mercedes in various capacities.

The Department of Public Safety offers a few tips to remind celebrants to have a safe and happy Halloween.

• Make sure costumes do not impede hearing and sight.
• Make sure costumes fit and do not pose a tripping hazard because they are too big.
• Wear brightly colored clothing. Put glow-in-the-dark patches or strips on costumes.
• Carry a lit flashlight.

Lynn Salkeld, of the Illinois Department of Employment Security, will be on campus to answer the questions of military personnel and veterans on November 19 and December 17, from 1 to 4 p.m., in room D1408. Salkeld will provide information on employment, disability services, educational opportunities, and other topics.

Volunteering at GSU has an enjoyable way to help the university, make new friends, and learn about campus programs.

Now volunteering is even easier with GSU’s new V-Team. The V-Team is a corps of volunteers who provide the extra assistance that helps make GSU programs, events, seminars, and workshops a success.

The V-Team invites interested volunteers to attend an orientation meeting at 1 p.m., on Monday, October 26, in the Hall of Honors.

For more information contact Pulchratia Kinney-Smith or Mary Rothenberg.  

The 40^th Anniversary Celebration week includes events for students, faculty, staff, and the community. Everyone is invited to join the celebration and commemorate 40 years of educational service and excellence.

Monday, November 2
Nontraditional Student Week
Pizza Party
6 to 8 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Tuesday, November 3
GSU Visual Arts Gallery
Graduate student Robert Catania
Through November 10

Psychology and Counseling
Department hosts Trinity College
(Invitation Only)
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Cafeteria Annex

Civil Service Senate Arts and Craft Fair
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hall of Governors

Nontraditional Student Week
Emotional Wellness Workshop
Learn to balance education, work, and
family as a nontraditional student
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Wednesday, November 4
Civil Service Senate Arts and Craft Fair
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hall of Governors

Student Life
Self Defense Workshop
4 to 6 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Nontraditional Student Week
Alpha Sigma Lambda Induction Ceremony
(Invitation Only)
6 to 9 p.m.
The Center for Performing Arts

Latino Center for Excellence 
Latino Film Festival
View the year’s best Latino films
Time: TBD
Engbretson Hall

Thursday, November 5
Joint Nontraditional Student Week
Celebration with Moraine Valley
Community College
Noon to 3:30 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Ingalls Wellness Center Seminar
Presented by Student Life
Hello Fitness, Farewell Flab & Belly Fat
2 to 6 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Friday, November 6 
Metropolitan Institute for Leadership
in Education (MILE) workshop
Using a Strengths-Based
Model for Leadership and Professional
Development (Invitation Only)
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Room F1603

Celebrating the Past, Charting the
Future - A Panel Discussion
Join a panel of distinguished
guests as they discuss the birth, growth,
and future of the university
3 p.m.
Sherman Recital Hall

Unveiling of History Wall and
Reception
4:30 p.m.
D Main Entrance and Lobby

Saturday, November 7
Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park Tours
Tours originate in Hall of Governors
1:15 to 2 p.m. (Inner-loop tour)
2:15 to 3:45 p.m. (North-loop tour)

40th Anniversary Celebration Event
A Tribute to Motown Greats
Pre-show Reception, Awards, and
Networking
6 p.m.
Hall of Governors
7:30 p.m.
The Center for Performing Arts

After Concert Celebration
DJ/Dancing
9:30 p.m. to midnight
Hall of Governors
Tickets $50 – Includes reception, Motown
Greats show, post-show DJ/Dancing, cash
bar before and after show.
Purchase tickets today:
708.534.4128 or
www.govst.edu/40years 

The Prairie Trail Credit Union Santa will distribute Christmas Club gifts to all Christmas Club members on Wednesday, October 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

New membership registration in the 2010 Christmas Club and other transactions with the Credit Union may also be conducted.

Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at GSU. On Saturday, October 31, The Center for Performing Arts presents Dave Rudolf’s Halloween Spooktacular. Rudolf will entertain goblins of all ages with fun songs and stories to raise the hair on your funny bone. Kids dressed in costume will have the chance to share the stage.

After the show, kids are invited to trick-or-treat at selected sculptures, where ghosts and goblins will explain the sculptures to and give them candy treats to take home.

Reservations are required. Please call GSU's Center for Performing Arts box office at 708.235.2222.

The information you need, the forms you require, the access you desire is at your fingertips on the at the new Faculty and Staff webpage. A link to the page is located at top of the GSU home page. One click leads you to a valuable, concise resource page for faculty and staff. 

Spearheaded by the Faculty Development Steering Committee, designed in Digital Learning, and operationalized by IT, the new page features current faculty and staff related events and links to resources that range from information on research and grants to HR bulletins and business related forms.

“Our first goal was to provide easy access to information for faculty and staff that was dispersed throughout many places both on the intra- and inter-net.” says, Tony Labriola, chair of the committee. The site includes more than 80 links to resources, many of which include additional links to forms, data, art, recreation, payroll, wikis, and workshops. 

“We’re working on a schedule of faculty and staff development activities. Let us know what you have planned and we’ll add it.”

The committee is anxious to hear your feedback and suggestions. Have a look and drop an note to Tony Labriola or Raven James. 

Credit card bills, utility and car loan payments, mortgages, and rent can all add up to one big headache in the form of debt. Learn the Strategies for Managing Debt in Troubling Times at a workshop sponsored by the Academic Resource Center. Dr. Anthony Andrews of the CBPA will be the featured speaker.

This free workshop is open to students, faculty, staff, and the community. It will be held on November 5, from noon to 1 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m., in B1241. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Tamekia Scott at ext. 2228.

At the recent meeting of the Civil Service Senate, members voted to award a lucky civil service staff person two tickets to the 40^th Anniversary Gala and Motown Concert. 

According to Senate President, Kathy Miller, each civil service employee was randomly assigned a number. Dr. Maimon selected a number corresponding to the winning employee.

The recipient of the tickets is Kathleen Frossard-Fisher of Financial Services. Kathleen and her guest will enjoy the 40^th Anniversary celebration compliments of the Civil Service Senate. Katie is happy to be going to the festivities and seeing the Motown show and thanks the Senate for this surprise gift.

“Congratulations to Katie, the lucky winner of the 40^th anniversary party/show raffle,” said President Maimon. “I hope that many more members of the GSU family will attend the free events on Friday, November 6, and participate with Katie in the Motown celebration on Saturday, November 7.”

The university was notified recently that its bottled water provider, Great Glacier, has gone out-of-business. Auxiliary Services has adequate water supply/access on hand and will be announcing a new vendor and a new, streamlined ordering process within the next few days. 

For questions, please contact Jerad Garrison at ext. 7445.

The Center for Online Teaching and Learning (COTL) is holding a workshop for faculty focusing on blended/hybrid courses, on Wednesday, October 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., in D2438. Participants will be provided individual support by COTL faculty to help them design and build their blended courses.

The workshop will focus on blended courses which retain face-to-face student contact while:

• Reducing the number of commutes to campus for both faculty and students
• Freeing up classrooms
• Improving learning outcomes

To register, contact Jan Engle at ext. 3073.

Beginning on Monday, October 19, the Jenzabar CX system reboot will be rescheduled from 10 p.m. daily to twice each week at 5 a.m. All Governors State Jenzabar products will be affected, including CX (Cars), MyGSU, Student View, Faculty View. This change will allow the reboot to happen when system usage is lowest.

Mark your calendars! The Friends of the GSU Library will sponsor a used book sale on Thursday, October 29, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. The sale includes paperback novels, and books on religion, business, management, psychology, nursing, and much more. Prices begin at $.50. All proceeds help support the work of the Friends of the GSU Library.

The Friends of Mysteries are celebrating GSU’s 40^th anniversary by reading and talking about mysteries that were published in 1969. Join us on October 28, at noon, in the cafeteria for a discussion of Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party.

Hallowe’en Party is a Hercule Poirot mystery and was published near the end of Dame Christie’s career. Please join us for a lively discussion of this perennial favorite. On November 19, at noon, in the library, the groups will discuss The Best Man to Die by Ruth Rendall. On December 16, at noon, in the cafeteria, the mystery of the Death of a Dude by Rex Stout will be unraveled.

Evening childcare for the children of students who receive Pell Grants is now being offered at the Family Development Center for a 75 percent discount. This grant funded discount enables children of qualified GSU students, who are 3 to 12 years, to enjoy the safe and enriching environment of the Family Development Center while their parents concentrate on their educations. Childcare is available Monday through Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.

To take advantage of this discount, a copy of the student’s financial aid award letter is required. For more information, contact the Family Development Center at 708.235.7300.

The Intellectual Life Committee is again offering Intellectual Life Grants. The mission of the Intellectual Life Committee is:

• To expand the intellectual opportunities available to the GSU community
• To contribute to the enhancement of intellectual pursuits
• To increase the growth of and participation in intellectual endeavors.

The Intellectual Life Grants will be awarded for up to $500 for events taking place between January 15, 2010 and May 31, 2010 that promote and increase awareness of the arts, humanities and other intellectual topics of universal interest. Possible events might include lecture series, faculty research salons, workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, exhibits, presentations in local communities, and field trips.

The primary audience for these events is GSU students, although the events should be open to all members of the GSU community and the region. GSU staff and faculty, as well as enrolled GSU students with a faculty collaborator, are invited to apply using the Intellectual Life Grant Application. Events must be promoted as sponsored by the GSU Intellectual Life Committee in addition to any other sponsors.

Selection Criteria include:

• Comparative analysis between grant projects presented,
• Value to the GSU community in terms of intellectual life,
• Completion of the event within FY10, and
• Feasibility of the project based on the support of this grant plus any other sources of funding.

Submissions are due November 12, 2009.  You may submit your proposal online or download the proposal form and email it to Diane Dates Casey. 

Award winners will be notified by November 20. For more information, contact Diane Dates Casey.

On October 25, the new GSU table tennis team will compete at the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This year, there are six universities registered in the Upper Midwest Division – GSU, the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Purdue University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 

GSU Ping Pong team members will showcase their talent in an exhibition on Thursday, October 22, in the cafeteria annex, from noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. 

GSU recently established the Office for Veteran and Military Personnel. Lana Bilyk was appointed Coordinator. As Veterans Coordinator, Lana will work as an ombudsman to assist student veterans, military personnel and their families, and also act as a liaison and advocate with the university regarding military and veteran student needs.

The office was established as part of the Higher Education Veterans Service Act, which recently expanded G.I. benefits.

The office is located in D1418. For more information, contact Lana Bilyk at 708.235.2223. 

Anyone planning to submit a grant application to a federal, state, or private agency is reminded to notify the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR) at least two weeks prior to application submission by completing an Intent to Submit Form available online. 

OSPR uses this form to learn about the project, suggest ways to enhance or revise the proposal, assess liability to the university, evaluate the fiscal commitment required of the university, and keep individuals involved in the submission process informed. The form also helps planning to assure that someone is available to assist with the grant submission process.

Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at GSU. On Saturday, October 31, The Center for Performing Arts presents Dave Rudolf’s Halloween Spooktacular. Rudolf will entertain goblins of all ages with fun songs and stories to raise the hair on your funny bone. Kids dressed in costume will have the chance to share the stage.

After the show, kids are invited to trick-or-treat at selected sculptures, where ghosts and goblins will explain the sculptures to and give them candy treats to take home.

Reservations are required. Please call GSU's Center for Performing Arts box office at 708.235.2222.

All GSU employees are eligible to participate in free online technical training from Microsoft. Students are also eligible to participate if they live or work in Will County. In order to be admitted to the online courses, participants must submit an application form no later than October 23. All courses must be completed within one year, by October 31, 2010. GSU employees are encouraged to contact their supervisors who have received application forms via e-mail.

Individuals are limited to a total of six Business and ten Technical Professional course vouchers. Vouchers are available on a first come, first serve basis.

All courses are online and are self-paced. Two course tracks are available:

• Business Courses – 50 courses available for Vista, Office 2003, and Office 2007
• Technical Professional Courses – 125 courses for Microsoft server and programming language products

Employees with questions should contact their immediate supervisors. Interested students can complete the form online and should call the GSU Helpdesk at ext. 4357 with questions.

Learn how to use LinkedIn, a social networking tool, to market yourself in today’s competitive job market. Career Services is offering workshops on Monday, October 26, from noon to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Honors.

Topics include:

• The benefits of LinkedIn
• How to establish a LinkedIn profile
• How to use LinkedIn to network and help your career

The free workshops are open to students, alumni, and the GSU community. For more information, call 708.235.3974.

Work continues on the Friends of the GSU Library bookshelf quilt, which will hang prominently in the GSU library. Some books remain untitled. You still have time to remember a special occasion or honor someone special by making a donation of $50 and having a book “placed” on the shelf with a special title.

For more information, visit the Friends website, and scroll down to Friends Quilt or call Susan Bell at 708.235.7500. Donation s are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

UPI, the faculty union, is sponsoring an H1N1 Flu information session on Thursday, October 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., in D34115. Dr. Sheila Simons, Professor of Health at Eastern Illinois University, will present information about H1N1 and answer attendee questions. Her research interests include human diseases, epidemiology, bioterrorism, and environmental health. Snacks will be provided.

Seasonal flu shots provided by Maxim Health at no cost to insured members and insured retirees will be available on Wednesday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in E-Lounge. To receive the flu shot, employees must present a health insurance ID Card showing eligability and a GSU ID Card (or State ID Card). Retirees must present an insurance ID Card and a State ID or driver’s license.

GSU’s Family Development Center is holding a cookie dough and popcorn fundraiser. Proceeds will help fund new classroom materials and field trips. Twelve varieties of cookie dough, four types of popcorn, and new lava-licious fudge cakes are all available for sale.

The last day to submit orders is October 26. Help the Family Development Center today by calling ext. 7300 or 7320.

Dan Yovich (MA, ’75 and ’76) is a Purdue University professor emeritus. He taught applied creativity courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. Prior to joining Purdue, he was a product research chemist inventing numerous products that were sold to industrial and consumer markets. His major patent in biocide compounds helped create the then emerging field of mildew static and bacteria static coatings.

Dan served as a code intercept officer during the Korean War and is the creator of the game Krypto. He recently created the game MathSuey in conjunction with Laura Bergells, which will be released shortly. Dan founded the Inventors and Entrepreneurs Society of Indiana.

This week, Dr. Maimon appointed the 2009-2010 members to the Planning and Budget Advisory Council (PBAC). Created in 2007, the PBAC committee has helped the university navigate challenging economic times. Specifically, the group promotes transparency and accountability in resource allocation, and provides continuous improvement of GSU’s planning and budgeting process, systems, structures, policies, and practices.

2009-2010 PBAC Membership

- David Curtis, Interim Provost, Co-Chair

- Gebeyehu Ejigu, Executive Vice President, Co-Chair

- Kevin Barto, Superintendent of Grounds, Facilities Management

- Paul Blobaum, President of the Faculty Senate, University Library

- Deborah Bordelon, Dean, COE

- Larry Cross, Associate Professor, Education, COE

- Ellen Foster Curtis, Dean, CBPA

- Shannon Dermer, Division Chair, Psychology and Counseling, COE.

- Dave Diers, Associate Professor, Physical Therapy, CHHS

- Rupert Evans, Assistant Professor, Health Administration, CHHS

- Carmin Garnica, President, Student Senate

- Pam Guimond, Assistant Professor, Science, CAS

- Rosemary Hulett, Associate Vice President, Institutional Advancement

- Karen Kissel, Comptroller & Associate V.P. for Financial Services

- Shelly Kumar, Professor, Science, CAS

- Joe Matula, Assistant Professor of Education, COE

- Kathy Miller, President, Civil Service Senate

- Charles Nolley, Director, Digital Learning & Media Design

- Beth Parin, Associate Professor, Liberal Arts, CAS

- Bill Yacullo, Department Chair, CDIS, CRRS

- Jun Zhao, Associate Professor of Management, CBPA

In conjunction with the Workforce Investment Board of Will County, Microsoft is offering free online technical training to all employers and employees within Will County at no cost. The local program is part of the Illinois-Microsoft Elevate America program, a public-private partnership between the State and the software giant.

All GSU employees are eligible to participate. Students are also eligible to participate if they live or work in Will County. In order to be admitted to the online courses, participants must complete an application form. Program enrollment ends on October 31, 2009. Completed forms must be submitted to HR no later than October 23. All courses must be completed within one year, by October 31, 2010. GSU employees are encouraged to contact their supervisors who have received application forms via e-mail.

Individuals are limited to a total of six Business and ten Technical Professional course vouchers. Vouchers are available on a first come, first serve basis.

All courses are online and are self-paced. Two course tracks are available:

• Business Courses – 50 courses available for Vista, Office 2003, and Office 2007
• Technical Professional Courses – 125 courses for Microsoft server and programming language products

Employees with questions should contact the Department of Human Resources at ext. 4515. Interested students can complete the form online and should call the GSU Helpdesk at ext. 4357 with questions.

Nelda Connors, GSU Foundation Board member and president of Tyco Electrical and Metal Products, was recently named one of 46 local business people who will be featured in Chicago United’s 2009 Business Leaders of Color publication. Chicago United recommends this group to Fortune 1000 corporate boards looking to increase diversity among their ranks as a strategic business imperative.

The Business Leaders of Color features accomplished corporate and civic leaders who have achieved professional success through a track record of balanced decision-making; a range of experiences that reflect flexibility and an ability to transcend narrow experiences; and a respect for diverse points of view and varied ways to approach issues and topics.

Past BLC honorees include First Lady Michelle Obama; Ralph Alvarez, President and Chief Operating Officer of McDonald's Corp.; and Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama.

Mark your calendars for The Friends of the GSU Library book sale on Thursday, October 29, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. Paperback novels, books on religion, business, management, psychology, nursing, and other popular topics will be available. Prices start at an affordable $0.50. Grab a great read for a great deal.

Learn how to use LinkedIn, a social networking tool, to market yourself in today’s competitive job market. Career Services is offering workshops on Monday, October 26, from noon to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Honors.

Topics include:

• The benefits of LinkedIn
• How to establish a LinkedIn profile
• How to use LinkedIn to network and help your career.

The free workshops are open to students, alumni, and the GSU community. For more information, call 708.235.1173.

The Center for Online Teaching and Learning (COTL) is holding a workshop for faculty investigating how to move their courses to a fully online format on Wednesday, October 14, from 1 to 3 p.m., in D2438. Participants will be provided individual support by COTL faculty to help them design and build their fully online courses.

The workshop will focus on:

• Turning successful classroom techniques into equivalent web-based experiences
• Developing lesson plans for online course
• Course organization and digital content development to ensure efficient and effective teaching

A separate workshop for faculty wishing to develop hybrid courses will be offered later in the month.

To register, contact Jan Engle at ext. 3073.

The Friends of Mysteries are celebrating GSU’s 40^th anniversary by reading and talking about mysteries that were published in 1969. Join us on October 28, at noon, in the cafeteria for a discussion of Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party.

Hallowe’en Party is a Hercule Poirot mystery and was published near the end of Dame Christie’s career. Join us for a lively discussion of this perennial favorite.

On November 19, at noon, in the library, the groups will discuss The Best Man to Die by Ruth Rendell. On December 16, at noon, in the cafeteria, the mystery of the Death of a Dude by Rex Stout will be unraveled.

GSU’s 40^th Anniversary year will culminate in style with a week of special events that celebrates the past and looks forward toward a bright future. From November 2 through 7, the university community will host lectures, workshops, tours, and outreach events. The week culminates with a celebration in grand fashion on Saturday, November 7, with a Tribute to Motown Greats, featuring a pre-show reception and post-show dancing with a DJ.

40^th Anniversary Celebration

• Pre-Show Reception - 6 p.m.
• A Tribute to the Motown Greats - 7:30 p.m.
• DJ/Dancing – 9:30 p.m. to midnight

The $50 ticket price includes the pre-show reception, A Tribute to the Motown Greats show, post-show DJ/dancing, cash bar before and after show. 1960s attire is encouraged.

Seating for this once in a lifetime event is limited. Reserve your tickets today. Call 708.534.4128 or visit the 40th Anniversary website.

Emmy Award-winning creator, producer, and host of Animal Planet's The Jeff Corwin Experience and Corwin's Quest, Jeff Corwin will visit GSU’s Center for Performing Arts on Saturday, October 17, at 2 p.m. He will be joined by amazing creatures and will talk about his adventures around the world.

GSU two-for-one tickets will be available for seats on the main floor. Regular price is $39 for adults and $26 for kids. Seats are available close to the stage and are the ones from which Corwin selects people to join him. The offer begins on Friday, October 16, at 10 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. just before the show. Call 708.235.2222 or visit the box office to purchase tickets.

The Wallace Foundation and the Illinois Board of Higher Education have chosen GSU as one of three test sites statewide for reviewing and recommending models for the redefined new principal preparation programs.

The Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education (MILE) is coordinating GSU’s participation. Twelve current school principals will attend a day and a half long session on October 26 and 27, which will focus on creating a principal preparation program that focuses on student learning and school improvement. The primary goal of the agenda is to increase educational attainment to match the best-performing states in the country.

Principals participating in the program will receive a stipend and workbook describing the models. For information, contact Ron Patton, MILE Mentoring Coordinator, at 708.534.4948.

Lynn Salkeld, of the Illinois Department of Employment Security, will be on campus to the questions of military personnel and veterans on Thursday, October 22 and Thursday, December 17. Salkeld will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in room D1408 with information on employment, disability services, educational opportunities, and other topics.

The Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education (MILE) Leadership Series is sponsoring an administrators’ academy on Negotiation Strategies on October 23. This workshop will discuss collective bargaining in Illinois public schools, including strategies and tactics for successful negotiations.

For information or to register, contact Gabrielle Sutton at 708.534.4024.

Members of the Chicagoland business, industry, and entrepreneurship communities will have the opportunity to meet and discuss the issue and concerns of establishing, maintaining, and growing manufacturing in today’s economy at the Chicago Southland Manufacturing Summit on Friday, October 23, beginning at 9 a.m. at The Center for Performing Arts.

The summit is begins at 8:30 a.m. with networking and breakfast. The program begins at 9 a.m. with welcoming remarks from Dr. Elaine Maimon, President of GSU; and Kimberly Porter, Director of Economic and Community Development for the Village of University Park.

The seminar presentation includes speakers William A. Strauss, Senior Economist/Economic Advisor for the Federal Reserve of Chicago who will provide an economic overview with highlights of the Midwest and Chicago Manufacturing index, employment trends, and outlook. Greg Baise, President of Illinois Manufacturing Association, will talk about how manufacturers can prepare themselves for the future in order to maintain a vibrant U.S. manufacturing sector.

Panelists include Mary Culler, Director of Government Affairs for Ford Motor Company; Gary Gardner, President of Namaste Laboratories; Patrick Ormsby, President of Bimba Manufacturing; and Dan Swinney, Executive Director of the Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council. Dr Ellen Foster Curtis, Dean of the College of Business and Public Administration will moderate the presentations and discussion.

The summit is hosted by the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation, Governors State University, and the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors include The Horton Group, Governors State University, CenterPoint at Governors State University, Chicago Manufacturing Center, and Strategic Business Services Inc.

This event is free. Advance registration is strongly recommended. For more information or to register, call 708.922.4671 or email reggie.greenwood@ssma.org. Event information can also be found online.

Recognizing the Need for Peer Support for Returning Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans is the topic of an important, free seminar to be on October 27, from 1 to 6 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex.

Participants in this seminar will focus on making a difference in the lives of returning Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. The seminar will focus on understanding the need and benefit of peer support for vets, developing ways that the university and the GSU Counseling Department can help veterans and their families, and establishing a peer support network on campus.

The seminar is sponsored by Chi Sigma Iota – the Professional Counseling Honors Society, and the Illinois Association of Counseling Students at GSU. For more information or to register for this free seminar, call 708.534.4907.

Facilities will test all of its emergency generators on Friday, October 16, from 7 a.m. to approximately noon. Wings A through G, OTS, and the FDC may be affected with two anticipated "blips" of power interruption as general commercial power switches to the generator.

Tests will only affect circuits that are on emergency power (specific light fixtures and outlets). Since most wall outlets are connected to the standard power panel, computer work should not be affected. However, please save your work often to be on the safe side.

Please contact Facilities at ext. 4515 with questions.

GSU’s full Board of Trustees met on Friday, October 9.

The meeting began with presentations by Dr. Sherilyn Poole, Associate VP of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, followed by Eric Wignall, Coordinator of Instructional Development for GSU’s Center for Online Teaching and Learning.

Dean Poole discussed the university’s preparedness to handle a potential H1N1 flu virus outbreak, noting that the university’s Emergency Response Team has a response plan in place. She also provided prevention tips and information from Will County and the National CDC.

Wignall discussed the continuously evolving online teaching/learning resources available to faculty and students. GSU now provides an online course shell for all courses. He noted that research shows that online teaching is at least as effective as traditional classroom methods.

The Board adopted several resolutions including approval of new honorary degree candidates, adoption of the FY2010 operating budget, and approval the FY2011 State funds budget request.

The most significant resolutions will help the university reach the enrollment goals laid out in Strategy 2015.

1. Undergraduate tuition rates for Indiana residents will now equal in-state tuition for Illinois residents.
2. Tuition for other non-resident students will be reduced to a multiplier of two times the resident rate as opposed to the current 2.5 multiplier.
3. New students who are dually admitted to GSU and a partner community college will now have their GSU tuition rate locked when they begin study at the community college, up to two years prior to enrolling at GSU.
4. Up to fifty qualified, dually-admitted transfer students will have the opportunity to earn a debt-free undergraduate education at GSU, in a new need and merit based program.

Most of these changes will go into effect starting fall 2010.

During her report, Board Chair Lorine Samuels commented on the success of the August Board retreat. She provided a preview of the upcoming HLC accreditation continuation visit and the 40^th Anniversary events in November. She commended the recent excellence award winners and discussed satisfaction with many new campus upgrades. She also discussed the recent funding decrease for MAP grants funds and stressed the importance of supporting the full funding of this critical financial aid program.

Dr. Maimon echoed Samuel’s concerns about MAP funding and noted that the administration is working with other state universities, legislators, and other groups on the issue. Maimon recognized that the State is in a dire fiscal situation, noting that it is not yet time to panic about the budget. The university will be prudent and move forward.

The president recognized the success of the university’s recent Connections customer service training and noted that employees are putting their knowledge to work immediately. Maimon reported enrollment increases that reflect Strategy 2015 goals, including a 12 percent increase in undergrad enrollment this Fall. She closed by noting that because of the state’s budgetary conditions the university faces, and is prepared to take advantage of, insurmountable opportunities.

Brief reports were made by the Faculty and Civil Service Senate Presidents. Paul Blobaum, President of the Faculty Senate, noted how he was looking forward to the 40^th Anniversary events. He also indicated that some faculty are expressing concerns regarding pending changes to the academic calendar.

Civil Service Senate President Kathy Miller gave an update on Civil Service events including the summer picnic/baseball game, cookout fundraiser, and reported that changes have been made to the Civil Service Scholarship program.

Join a panel of distinguished guests as they discuss the birth, growth, and future of the university. Celebrating the Past, Charting the Future: A Panel Discussion will be held on Friday, November 6, at 3 p.m., in Sherman Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Paul Green, Director of Roosevelt University’s Institute for Politics will act as moderator/panelist. Other panelists include GSU President Dr. Elaine Maimon, Prairie Sate VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, former GSU President Dr. Leo Goodman-Malamuth, and Matteson School District 162 Superintendant Dr. Blondean Davis.

As flu season approaches, GSU students, faculty, and staff are reminded to take precautionary steps to prevent the spread of H1N1.

Helpful tips are available on GSU’s H1N1 information webpage, which includes links to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resources. All students, faculty, and staff experiencing confirmed symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are encouraged to stay home, with the approval of their supervisors. Individuals should also call GSU's confidential hotline at 708.235.2827.

The Center of Performing Arts opened their 2009-2010 season last weekend with audience favorite Jim Brickman. This year's fresh season will free your imagination, tickle your funny bone, and touch your soul. Upcoming shows include:

Jeff Corwin – Animal Planet host and eco-adventurist 

October 17
2 p.m.

Dave Rudolf’s Halloween Spooktacular – Fun songs and stories
October 31
11 a.m.

A Tribute to Motown Greats
November 7
7:30 p.m.
Also available as part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration event package. Find out more...

Also be on the lookout for the new Cabaret Series, featuring three of today’s hottest blues/jazz musicians. Purchase your tickets today online or by phone at 708.235.2222.

We are pleased to announce that over 130 GSU employees completed the September  Connections quality service workshop series offered on campus, facilitated by our own GSU employees.

“The feedback from the training has been great, the participants were both informed and informative throughout this process,” reported Tony Tymkow, Project Coordinator for the program. “We are already seeing and hearing of employees applying what they’ve learned. We have received many valuable insights and suggestions from the September groups on ways to improve our communication within the university, and to enhance the GSU experience for our students….we are off to a great start.”

The next three-week ‘Connections’ series will begin next week for those negotiated/non-negotiated Civil Service and Administrative and Professional  employees who have not yet completed the workshops. Employees will be notified of their October training schedule by e-mail (from connections@govst.edu) this week. As always, following receipt of your schedule, be sure to let your supervisor know in advance that you’ll be away from your department for the training, and contact your respective Connections group leader to confirm your attendance. Leaders have asked that group members make every effort to be on-time for the sessions, as there is a lot to cover in a short time-frame.

In order to make necessary electrical connections for the new Nursing Lab project, the power will be turned off in the Faculty Office Center (G-wing) on Thursday, October 8, at 11 p.m.  Only G-wing will be affected by the power outage and work is expected to take approximately four hours.

Employees are encouraged to power down their computers before leaving work on Thursday, to prevent any lost data. Remote desktop access will not be available during the outage.

Please do not hesitate to contact Facilities Development and Management at ext. 4515 with questions.

GSU’s Family Development Center is holding a cookie dough and popcorn fundraiser. Proceeds will help fund new classroom materials and field trips. Twelve varieties of cookie dough, four types of popcorn, and new lava-licious fudge cakes are all available for sale.

Help the Family Development Center today by calling ext. 7300 or 7320.

Student Life is currently seeking volunteers to assist with two upcoming projects.

Individuals interested in participating or assisting with the new GSU golf club should contact Dean Jennings at ext. 4945.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with the annual Harvest Fest and Haunted Hayride on October 23, from 5 to 9 p.m. Contact Adam Taylor at ext. 4552 for more information.

The Governors State University Campus Right-to-Know Crime Report is now available online. In accordance with the 1990 Campus Security Act (The Clery Act), this is a uniform report of crimes committed on the Governors State University campus, as well as in the Village of University Park, from January 1 through December 31, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Criminal categories required under the Clery Act include murder, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, assaults/threats/harassment, intimidation, vandalism/criminal damage to property and motor vehicle theft, as well as statistics on arrests for drug and alcohol violations and weapons violations. For further information, please contact the Department of Public Safety.

GSU grad Dan Yovich (MA, ’75 and ’76) is a Purdue University professor emeritus. He taught applied creativity courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. Prior to joining Purdue, he was a product research chemist inventing numerous products that were sold to industrial and consumer markets. His major patent in biocide compounds helped create the emerging field of mildew static and bacteria static coatings. He served as a code intercept officer during the Korean War and is the creator of the game Krypto. Dan recently created the game MathSuey with Laura Bergells, which will be released shortly. Dan also founded the Inventors and Entrepreneurs Society of Indiana.

GSU’s 40^th Anniversary year will culminate in style with a weeklong celebration celebrates the past and looks forward toward a bright future. From November 2 through 7, the university community will host lectures, workshops, tours, and outreach events. The week culminates with a celebration in grand fashion on Saturday, November 7, with a Tribute to Motown Greats, featuring a pre-show reception and post-show dancing with a DJ.

40^th Anniversary Celebration 

• Pre-Show Reception - 6 p.m.
• A Tribute to the Motown Greats - 7:30 p.m.
• DJ/Dancing – 9:30 p.m. to midnight

The $50 ticket price includes the pre-show reception, A Tribute to the Motown Greats show, post-show DJ/dancing, cash bar before and after show. 1960s attire is encouraged.

Seating for this once in a lifetime event is limited. Reserve your tickets today. Mail the reservation form with a check to Governors State University Alumni Association, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484, or call 708.534.4128.

Dr. Quentin Young, clinical professor of preventative medicine and community health at the University of Illinois Medical Center, will present America at the Crossroads: The National Health Care Debate at Governors State University on Friday, October 9, from 1 to 3 p.m., in Sherman Hall. The lecture is free. Staff, students, and the public are invited to attend.

Young is a long-time leader in public health policy and an early and active opponent of discrimination in healthcare. He currently acts as National Coordinator and CEO for Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP).

He helped found the Committee to End Discrimination in Chicago Medical Institutions in the 1950’s. In the 1960’s, he served as national chair for The Medical Committee for Human Rights. Young is a regular contributor to WBEZ, Chicago Public Radio.

The event is sponsored by TALE (The Adult Learning Exchange) and GSU’s Political and Justice Studies program. For more information, contact Dr. Larry Levinson at ext. 4578.

Icelandic artist Steinunn Thorarinsdottir will discuss her artwork in a presentation entitled Horizons: The Figurative World of Steinunn Thorarinsdottir on Wednesday, October 14, from 5 to 6 p.m., in Engbretson Hall. Her lecture, one of the Distinguished Lecture Series for the fall semester, will illuminate her work, its process, and the impact of Iceland on her figurative sculpture.

Horizons, a major installation work by the artist is currently on view at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park on the campus of Governors State University. The piece consists of 12 life-sized cast-iron figures, each of which possesses a glass insert in their upper torso.

In addition to her lecture, Thorarinsdottir will have the opportunity to interact with faculty and students through her participation in both group and one-on-one reviews of student work. She will also conduct an introductory tour of her installation and provide insight into the organizational mechanics of creating, moving, and exhibiting large-scale sculpture at an international level.

For more information, call 708.534.4486 or visit the sculpture park website.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Association of Latin American Students and Student Life present the legendary Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago. Join the fun on Tuesday, October 6, at 7 p.m., in The Center for Performing Arts. The event is free and open to the entire university community.

Fast costume changes, ringing music, and festive dancing have characterized the company's performances for more than two decades. As Chicago's oldest Mexican dance institution, MFDC has received countless recognitions and awards, including performing for three presidents, and representing Mexico in the 1994 USA World Cup opening ceremony, as well as multiple television performances.

For information, call 708.534.4494.

The Title V-Latino Center for Excellence is sponsoring a special presentation by journalist Vicente Serrano of his documentary exposé, A Forgotten Injustice, on October 8, at 4:30 p.m., in The Center for Performing Arts.

This documentary film uncovers the true story of the almost two million Mexican Americans and U.S. citizens who were forced to leave the United States during the Great Depression in the 1930s. A Forgotten Injustice is the result of an extensive investigation. Serrano traveled across the country and Mexico to capture the experiences of these men and women, many who are still living in extreme poverty in rural areas in Mexico. The documentary includes interviews with historians, politicians, and survivors.

Serrano will answer questions and discuss his research after the film. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call ext. 4553.

GSU’s Intellectual Life Committee is sponsoring One Book, One University in October featuring Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals. The book details Abraham Lincoln’s choice to bring together many of his greatest political competitors to help him lead the country through difficult times. President Obama has cited this book’s influence in his own approach to creating his cabinet.

On October 21, at 6 p.m., in Engbretson Hall, Dr. Thomas F. Schwartz, Illinois State Historian and Lincoln expert from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, will lead a discussion on the themes found in the book, as well as compare and contrast Lincoln’s and Obama’s experiences with their cabinets. Light refreshments will be served.

The Civil Service Senate is sponsoring its annual Arts and Crafts Fair on November 3 and 4, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. All proceeds from this event benefit the Civil Service Senate Educational Assistance Fund. The event is free and open to the public.

Vendors are still needed for the fair. Fees are $35 for one table and $25 for each additional table (maximum three tables). The selling of any and all goods suspected of copyright restriction violations are strictly prohibited.

For more information or to register, contact Cindy Woodard  or Mary Rothenberg.

The State of Illinois has slowed down claim payments under the Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP – State’s PPO Plan) and the Quality Care Dental Plan (QCDP) due to budgetary issues as both of these plans are self insured by the State. The Department of Central Management Services (CMS) is responsible for directing the plan administrator in its effort to pay health (CIGNA) and dental (CompBenefits/Humana) claims.

CMS has set up a tracking website which will be updated from time to time to advise employees of the claim payment release dates and any changes to them.  for advising employees of the status of the late claim payments. From the website's main page, click on - State Employees Group Insurance Program and then, click on the Notice Regarding QCHP and QCDP Claims Payment Delay PDF, located directly under the title at the top of the page.

If you are experiencing a problem in your claim payment, providing the vendor of a copy of this notice may help in presenting your side of the discussion. Contact the Office of Human Resources at ext. 4100, with additional questions.