News and Events

As the university approaches its 40^th anniversary, a new strategic planning process is underway. Just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, the GSU Board of Trustees held a special meeting involving the cabinet, academic leadership, senate presidents, and the new Strategic Planning Steering Committee, co-chaired by University College Dean, John Stoll and Science Division Chair, Karen D’Arcy.

During the kickoff meeting, the group took the first steps toward framing the processes for planning and got acquainted with successful strategic planning tactics. Assisting in the day’s training, Kathleen Paris, consultant emeritus for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, lent her expertise on the topic. Paris addressed process implementation, leadership, decision making, and other best practices related to the planning process.

The meeting also included brainstorming that looked into the future as far as GSU’s 50^th anniversary in 2019. According to Karen D’Arcy, the group was extremely excited about the starting the process. “What emerged was a positive feeling and concurrence of our future focus as a student centered university,” D’Arcy added.

The Strategic Planning Steering Committee is now moving ahead full-speed. Stay tuned for future updates.

Dr. Jane Rhoades Hudak has been named as the university’s next Provost. Dr. Hudak will begin in the Spring of 2008, with current Interim Provost, Dr. Peggy Woodard, continuing to fill the role until that time.

In addition to her regular duties as Provost, Dr. Hudak will also be responsible for developing a research agenda for the university and for nurturing the research capabilities of the faculty.

As the current Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Georgia Southern University, Dr. Hudak comes to us with exceptional experience and knowledge. She is committed to outstanding research and teaching and demonstrates a history of building partnerships with community constituents.

Dr. Hudak has held significant leadership positions in nine national and international organizations. She also holds a Ph.D. in Art Education from The Ohio State University and is widely published and exhibited in the field.

U.S. soldiers need your help. Please, donate new gel inserts for boots, men’s and women’s gel deodorant, and razor refills to be sent to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Drop off your donation at the Student Welcome Center (near the D-wing elevator) by November 30. All donations will be sent to U.S. Troops.

The Center for Performing Arts is offering two-for-one tickets for Saturday’s performance of Sister's Christmas Catechism - The Mystery of the Magi's Gold.

The hilarious holiday tale, written by the authors of Late Nite Catechism and Late Nite Catechism 2, takes on the age-old mystery of ‘whatever happened to the Magi's gold?’ The performance also features a special appearance by the Marian Catholic High School Choir.

Discounted tickets may be purchased in person at the Center box office starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 30. The offer ends at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 1. Call the box office for more information at 708.235.2222.

Express your concerns and ask your questions at the Provost Forum, on Wednesday, December 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Student Commons, A2140. Student leaders and administrators will be on hand to listen and respond. Pizza and pop will be served. Please RSVP to the Provost Office, 708.534.4980, by Monday, December 3.

The GSU Library will be open for extended hours during finals. On Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8 the library will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The library will be open from 1 to 9 p.m., on Sunday, December 9. Quiet study time on each of the three days will be from 5 to 9 p.m., with no reference department services available.

As always, the holidays have snuck up on us. The GSU Holiday Party is next Friday, December 7, from 3 to 5 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. All faculty and staff are invited to partake in the merriment.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by calling 708.534.6364 or p-perdue@govst.edu.

Be part of the festivities, donate a new or lightly used “gift” for the Civil Service Day festivities, December 14. Prizes will be raffled off during lunch. Donations are gratefully accepted and can be made to Renee Rainey, G2330 (in the Library).

It has been a very full trimester with many new innovations at both the program and institutional levels. Discuss the new ideas and directives, learn more about the new committees and personnel, and offer your ideas and comments at a Chat with the President.
 

Dr. Elaine P. Maimon will meet with the GSU community on Tuesday, November 27, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., in Sherman Music Hall. Topics to be discussed are your ideas, the seven imperatives, PBAC, strategic planning, and leadership transitions. Everyone is invited to share their thoughts and concerns and enjoy the conversation and refreshments.

The Commencement Student Speaker Committee is currently accepting nominations for the student speaker for the Winter Commencement ceremony. Forms are available at the Welcome Center, D1429. Please complete both nomination forms and send them to Sara Appel, Director of Student Involvement and Leadership, no later than Tuesday, November 27, 2007. The nominated student must be graduating at the Winter Commencement Ceremony. Please note that the student is required to meet for an interview on Friday, December 7, 2007, between 12 and 5 p.m.

The College of Arts and Sciences is offering a unique opportunity to learn about restorative justice practices from experts in its use and application The discussions are free and open to students and faculty.

Calvin Hill will discuss and demonstrate peacemaking and restorative justice practices in Native American culture on Thursday, November 29, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in E-Lounge.

Xavier McElreth-Bey will discuss balanced and restorative justice approaches to reduce gang problems and prevent youth from joining gangs on Thursday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex.

Educators from all grade and institution levels, school counselors, and community members can use restorative justice practices to make schools and workplaces safe places to learn, live, and grow. The Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education (MILE) of the College of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Extended Learning have teamed together to offer programs designed to help improve work and learning environments.

Safe Zone Workshop is on January 11, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., in Engbretson Hall. UIC Professor Dr. Patrick Finessey presents a training program designed to create safer, more civil schools and communities in which gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans-gendered individuals feel supported. The workshop is free and open to the students, staff, and faculty of GSU as well as educators, counselors, and administrators from the community. (2.5 CPDUs available)

Reconciliation and Restorative Justice Workshop is on January 25 and 26, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the Hall of Honors. Dr. Adam Zagelbaum and Dr. Jane Nicholson, both of GSU, present a two-day workshop on conflict resolution and restorative justice practices for work, institutional, and educational settings. Registration fee is $150, includes 15 CPDUs, and is open to both the university and outside communities.

For more information, call 708.534.4099 or visit www.govst.edu/sxl.

During the month of December, GSU will be transitioning to a new food service provider. Sodexho will replace Aramark on campus at the start of the new calendar year. Sodexho is the leading food and facilities management services company in North America.

Aramark's last day serving our campus will be December 15. Vending will be replaced the following week. The food service operation in the cafeteria will be closed beginning December 17 and will not reopen until the January trimester.

Please note: Aramark will not be able to accommodate catering orders after the December 15 closure date. For other catering options, please contact the Procurement office at x4056.

Announcements about more facility and menu improvements will be made public shortly.

“The Anatomy of Nature,” the artwork of Governors State University graduate student Lauren J. Shover, will be on exhibit at the university’s Visual Arts Gallery, from November 28 through December 6. A public reception celebrating Shover’s artistry will be on November 30 from 6 to 9 p.m.

“Combined Beauty,” an exhibit of the photography and art of graduate student Jayme M. Julian, will be on display in the Visual Art Gallery at Governors State University from December 10 through December 17. An opening reception celebrating Julian’s work will be on Wednesday, December 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The exhibits and receptions are free and open to the public. The Visual Arts Gallery is located in E-Wing and is open Monday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 708. 534.4017.

Each year an outstanding senior from each of the four-year degree granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois is named a Student Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

This year’s Lincoln Laureate from Governors State University is Titus Payton of Chicago. Payton is a senior in the Elementary Education program at GSU. He is currently completing his student teaching at O. W. Huth Middle School in Matteson and will graduate in February.

“We are very proud of Titus Payton. He represents the commitment it takes to return to school and follow one’s dreams. He has been an asset to GSU and will be an asset to the students he will teach,” said Dr. Sherilyn Poole, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Governors State University.

“The Student Laureate honor is a great accomplishment. It recognizes the hard work it took to return to school. This award is a great honor,” said Payton who returned to school after four years in the U.S. Army and seven years as a foreman at a steel mill.

Since attending GSU, Payton made the Dean’s List many times, is a member of the Access to College Education Student Support Services (ACESSS) program, served as a volunteer math tutor, and volunteered at many university events.

Payton plans to continue his education even while he teaches junior high school students. He will have his endorsement to teach mathematics upon graduation, and will return to GSU on a part time basis to earn his master’s degree in multicategorical special education.

Whether you missed GSU’s recent Presidential Installation or just want to relive the magic, full video of the ceremony is now accessible on the web. In addition to the streaming videos, the text of Dr. Maimon’s address is also available along with the program booklet and a poem by Diane Kaplan of Alaska’s Rasmuson Foundation. You can download/view the items through the Installation and President’s websites.

Two emergency situations affected Governors State University this week. On Tuesday evening the GSU Department of Public Safety received a telephoned bomb threat. The university was evacuated and campus police worked with the Cook County bomb squad to rule out any threat. The university opened for business and classes as usual on Wednesday morning.

A natural gas smell was detected in several parts of the campus on Wednesday morning. Communities from the Joliet area to Northwest Indiana also reported the gas odor. Nicor representatives, however, assured us that there was no threat or health hazard on campus.

Campus authorities and the newly formed Emergency Response Team handled both events quickly and effectively. Faculty, staff, and students also cooperated well during both incidents.

The International Student Organization is bringing the world to GSU in “Ecstasy ’07,” on Friday, November 16, from 6 to 9 p.m., in the Center for Performing Arts. The evening will include performances, songs, dance, games, a DJ, and the chance to learn about the countries many of our students come from. The festivities also include a dinner with an international flavor.

As announced last week, Dr. Zafar (ZAM) Malik, long time faculty member in CBPA, passed away on November 6. In remembrance of ZAM, a memorial service will be held next Monday, November 19, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., in the Hall of Honors. Memories will be shared and light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Bill Wilkinson at 708.534.4958 or w-wilkinson@govst.edu.

The Office of Career Services is sponsoring two separate career fairs in December.
 

The Health Professions Career Fair will be held on Tuesday, December 11, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the Center for Performing Arts lobby. Prospective employers will be on hand to discuss job opportunities and review resumes.
 

A Criminal Justice and Public Safety Career Fair will take place on Thursday, December 13, from 1 to 6 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. More than 40 prospective employers representing police departments, sheriff’s departments, corrections, and private agencies will be available to discuss job opportunities and review resumes.
 

Students, alumni, and community members interested in learning about career opportunities are encouraged to attend, dress professionally, and bring plenty of resumes.
 

For more information, call 708.235.3974 or visit www.govst.edu/careerservices.

Registration for current students is now underway and continues through Saturday, January 12. Students may register by phone at 708.235.8887 or online.

Visit the Registrar's website or call 708.534.4500 for more information.

As you may have noticed, GSU has purchased and installed over 2,000 square yards of carpeting in the Hall of Governors and several adjacent corridors.

Due to a manufacturer’s defect, the seams of the carpet are lifting. The GSU administration has been in contact with the installer and the manufacturer to implement an immediate and long-term resolution. In the short term, the installer is on campus daily and will use duct tape, adhesive glue, and protective plastic to secure the seams until the replacement carpet is installed.

Please notify Facilities Development and Management at 708.534.4515, if you identify additional seams requiring attention.

The Family Development Center opens its doors to visitors interested in learning about this remarkable school and childcare facility right here on campus. The Open House is on Thursday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Visit the school, tour the classrooms, view documentation of children’s work and experiences, and see the many play and work areas of the center. Light snacks will be served and each visitor will receive a special gift made by the children. For more information, call 708.235.7300.

The Office of Career Services presents Dress for Success Fashion Show, a seminar for GSU students preparing to enter the workforce, on Thursday, November 15, from 4 to 6 p.m.,  in the Center for Performing Arts.

Fashions for both men and women will be featured as well as style and design tips to help job seekers make a positive first impression. Learn how to dress for success from business savvy fashion contributors: Dress Barn in Homewood, Kohl’s in Orland Park, and Sears in Matteson. Students are eligible to enter drawings for prize baskets loaded with fashion goodies. GSU student id is required to claim the prizes. For more information, call 708.235.3974.

The College of Arts and Sciences and the Provost Office invite you to enjoy a sweet First Friday with friends and colleagues on November 16, from 3 to 5 p.m., in E-Lounge. Special desserts designed to delight the palette, scintillate the senses, and satisfy the soul will be served.

The International Student Organization brings the world to GSU with an evening of music, performances, games, a DJ, dinner, and lots of fun. Everyone is welcome to attend “Ecstasy ’07,” on Friday, November 16, from 6 to 9 p.m., in the Center for Performing Arts.
 

Celebrate a world of friendship with the international students here at GSU. This event is funded by Student Life, free, and open to students, faculty, staff, and the community.

The Commencement Student Speaker Committee is currently accepting nominations for the student speaker for the Winter Commencement ceremony, Saturday, February 16, 2008. Please complete both nomination forms and send them to Sara Appel, Director of Student Involvement and Leadership, no later than Thursday, November 22, 2007. Forms are available at the Welcome Center, D1429. The nominated student must be graduating at the Winter Commencement Ceremony. Please note that the student is required to meet for an interview on Friday, December 7, 2007, between 12 and 5 p.m.

Governors State University is celebrating International Education Week, November 12 to 16, in a big way. With more than 300 students enrolled in GSU programs from other countries and GSU students studying and interning abroad, it is important to celebrate this wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding.

Information about International Education Week activities can be found on the web or contact the Office of International Services, 708.534.3087.

The College of Arts and Sciences and the Teacher Quality Enhancement Partnership Grant is hosting a Freshman Academy Evening for high school educators and administrators on November 13, from 5 - 7:30 p.m. in E-Lounge. Freshman Academies supply effective and ongoing support for new students making the transition to high school. Both schools with existing Freshman Academies and schools interested in learning about these important programs are encouraged to attend this conference. Advance registration is requested. For more information, call 708.534.4374.

The GSU community is thrilled to welcome back Jenny Andretich as manager of our cafeteria service. The full service cafeteria will again be offering quality meals and an extensive catering menu for the meetings, receptions, and the upcoming holiday festivities. For more information, call Jenny at 708.534.4496 or email j-andretich@govst.edu.

Informal conversations often net the greatest results. The GSU Counseling Center is hosting two informal Brown Bag Talks on “Test Anxiety and Stress Management.” On Tuesday, November 13, from 3 to 4 p.m., in room B1241 and Thursday, November 15, from 6 to 7 p.m., in room A2150. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, call 708.235.7334.

The GSU Bookstore is celebrating its partnership with faculty and staff on November 12, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and a 20 percent discount will be offered on select merchandise. Both are available in-store only. Enjoy the good company, good food, and good sale!

For more information, call 708.534.4558. 

Please join the School of Interdisciplinary Learning in welcoming Rhonda Hudson as their newest academic advisor. She comes to GSU from Michigan State University where she earned an M.A. in Higher Educational Administration and gained several years of experience working in an undergraduate advising office. Rhonda will be handling students with last names beginning with R to Z. She can be reached at 708.534-7276 or r-hudson@govst.edu.

Nearly 900 people attended and participated in the Installation of Dr. Elaine P. Maimon as fifth president of GSU on Saturday, November 3. The formal ceremony culminated a week of educational, cultural, and social events celebrating the university's traditions as well as it future.

Saturday’s event included an academic procession of 300 GSU faculty, staff, and students and 55 delegates from other universities. Warner Saunders, evening news anchor for NBC-5, acted as emcee.

During her Installation address, Dr. Maimon reflected on past the accomplishments and imagined the future of GSU as “a Public Square - a place inspiring engagement with the aspirational values of our diverse cultures; a place where the city and nature meet; a place where education is a life-long process in a publicly shared environment.”

She also spoke of seven imperatives that will guide GSU toward becoming a model university for the twenty-first century. Among those imperatives was the formal announcement of the GSU Promise, a progressive program to help provide will provide a debt-free baccalaureate education for local community college transfer students at the poverty level. Dr. Maimon noted that the university has already raised over $100,000 in funds and commitments to the program.

Other speakers included Debbie Halvorson, Illinois Senate Majority Leader; Al McCowan, Mayor of University Park; Dr. Carol Geary Schnieder, President AAC&U; Diane Kaplan, President of the Rasmuson Foundation; Paul Blobaum, GSU Faculty Senate President; Kathy Miller, GSU Civil Service Senate President; and Rosa Moran, GSU Student Senate President.

A full copy of Dr. Maimon's address, photos, and video of the event will be available on the web later this week.

Three final candidates have been chosen as a result of the formal search for the university’s next Provost. The search committee will bring each of the candidates to campus over the next two weeks. The visits will enable the GSU community to learn more about the candidates and will allow the candidates to become better acquainted with the university and its constituents.

The names of the candidates and their CVs will be made available to the public three days before each visit. The locations of the meetings will also be available at that time. The visit schedule is as follows:

Candidate 1: Thursday and Friday, November 8 and 9
Session with Faculty: November 8 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Community-wide/public meeting: November 8 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Candidate 2: Monday and Tuesday, November 12 and 13
Session with Faculty: November 12 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Community-wide/public meeting: November 12 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Candidate 3: Wednesday and Thursday, November 14 and 15
Session with Faculty: November 14 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Community-wide/public meeting: November 14 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The State of Illinois will offer free flu immunizations to all eligible employees and retires on Thursday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Honors.

To be eligible, employees or retirees must be enrolled in either the State’s Quality Care Health Plan or a state sponsored managed care plan (all HMO plans offered by the State). Employees  are required to show their insurance and GSU ID cards. Retirees should present their insurance cards and one other form of identification.

Contact Dave Drechsel in Human Resources, at 708.235.7467, with questions.

Looking for a comfortable place to study, have a cup of coffee, or just catch up with friends or co-workers? Look no further than the main entrance atrium. Last week, contractors completed work on a new lounge area in front of the Admission office. Complete with comfy couches, coffee tables, and artwork, there’s no doubt that this is THE new spot to hang out on campus. Wireless Internet access will also be available in the coming weeks.

The remodeling was the result of several “Why Not?” submissions suggesting the need for this type of space - proving, once again, that the campaign is having a positive impact on GSU.

Submit your suggestions today through the “Why Not?” website.

Like many other institutions, Governors State University is aware of an increase in skin and soft tissue infections in the community caused by the bacteria Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an infection that is resistant to certain antibiotics. We were recently notified of one unconfirmed case of MRSA.

The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Will County Public Health Department have been notified. The Illinois Department of Public Health advises these measures for infection prevention:

• Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

If you have specific medical concerns, please contact your doctor or health care provider. More information on MRSA is available from the Illinois Department of Public Health at www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbmrsa.htm or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html.

Join us this Saturday, November 3, as we celebrate the Installation of Dr. Elaine P. Maimon as the fifth president of Governors State University. The exciting program features representatives from colleges and universities from around the nation, GSU faculty, staff, and students, as well as members of the community.

The event is open to the public and will begin at 11 a.m. in the Center for Performing Arts. Note: Please arrive early and prepare to be seated in the theatre by 10:45 a.m. as latecomers will not be seated until after the processional.

For more information, visit the Installation website at www.govst.edu/installation.

Join America’s favorite orphan as she brings her story to the Center for Performing Arts on Sunday, November 4.

GSU two-for-one tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 2 and must be purchased in person. Discounted balcony seats only are available for the 1 p.m. show. Main floor tickets are available for the 6 p.m. show.

This special offer ends on Sunday, November 4 at noon for the 1 p.m. show, and at 5 p.m. for the 6 p.m. show. Call 708.235.2222 for details.

Join the six-week meditation class and learn how to refocus, regroup, and relax. The class, taught by Nona Frazier, is open to students, faculty, and staff. It meets in room A1110 (by the gym), on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11-11:45 a.m. Register at Student Life for only $15. Make time for yourself.

For more information, call Student Life at 708.534.4550.

Friends of Mysteries will meet November 13 at noon in the Cafeteria Annex to discuss Sara Paretsky’s Indemnity Only, which is set in Chicago.

Here is the schedule for the remainder of this academic year.

• December 11: The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom 
• January 15: In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming
• February 19: Gallows View by Peter Robinson
• March 18: She Walks These Hills by Sharyn McCrumb
• April 15: No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
• May 20: Strong Poison by Dorothy Sayers

All discussions begin at noon in the Cafeteria Annex. Friends of Mysteries is sponsored by the Friends of the GSU Library. For more information, contact Diane Dates Casey at 708.534.4110 or Becky Nugent at 708.534.4508.

The Civil Service Senate is sponsoring the At-Home Demo at Work on Wednesday, November 14 and Thursday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Hall of Governors and the Main Entrance Atrium.

Vendor space is still available! Shoppers are more than welcome. All proceeds support the Civil Service scholarship program.

For Information, call 708.235.4360 or email b-jasper@govst.edu.

The College of Arts and Sciences and the Provost Office invite you to enjoy a sweet First Friday with friends and colleagues on November 16, from 3 to 5 p.m., in E-Lounge. Special desserts designed to delight the palette, scintillate the senses, and satisfy the soul will be served.