News and Events

As part of the ongoing electrical system upgrade, GSU will undergo a planned power outage during the Thanksgiving holiday. The university will shutdown from Thursday, November 27 through Sunday, November 30. There will be no access to on campus facilities and university services, including food service, bookstore operations, the fitness center, library, and ACS lab.

Faculty and staff are asked to empty refrigerators on Tuesday so that there is time to empty trashcans. As a precaution, on campus computers should be powered down.

The power outage will not affect off campus access to all online GSU computer systems including WebCT, Blackboard, GSU email, student email, the library’s online catalog and databases, and the GSU website.

For additional information, contact the Department of Public Safety at ext. 4900.

The Campus Community Campaign began with a lively performance by Samba artists, Bossa Tres, and Chicago’s Samba King and GSU’s very own Marlin Exton. The kick off drew a large crowd and everyone enjoyed the music, dancing, and refreshments.

Vice President of Advancement Joan Vaughan explained that 100 percent participation from faculty and staff in the annual fund raising effort would be proof of confidence in the university and commitment to its mission. President Maimon and Dr. Mort Maimon began the campaign with a boost, donating $10,000 to the GSU Promise.

While the campaign continues through February, why wait? Make your donation today. Visit the campaign website today or call Ext. 4105.

Eight undergraduate students are winners of $25 VISA gift cards in the recent drawing based on submission of the Adult Learner Inventory. These students completed a short online survey to help GSU learn what it is doing right and what it can do better.

The survey is available through December 1. All undergraduate students registered in the Fall trimester are eligible to take the survey. They will be entered automatically in the drawing for both the weekly $25 gift cards and the four grand prizes of $100 VISA gift cards.

Faculty and staff are asked to encourage undergraduates to take the survey, help GSU do its job better, and have a chance to win a gift card.

Join winners Nidaa Abdelhalim, Bill Biderman, Annette White, Liz Gorsline, Daphne Thornton, Anna Villanueva, Tiffany Abercrombie, and Dawn Wolf. Visit http://survey.noellevitz.com/ to take the survey. For more information, contact Sherilyn Poole, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, at ext. 7595.

There have been several recent occurrences of office-to-office soliciting by off campus vendors who have been either selling products or offering to purchase items from employees. Please remember that approved GSU vendors do not conduct business in this manner. Registered vendors are required to follow strict protocols.

In addition, the Procurement Office has received reports of toner vendors attempting to solicit printer and copier toner sales from individual departments. It is important to refuse these calls and/or decline any offer. Our current copier management vendor, Danka, supplies all toner to the university.

All suspicious individuals on campus should be immediately reported to the Department of Public Safety at ext. 4900. Please report all other solicitations to the Procurement Office at ext. 7445.

Eat early and often on Wednesday. Sodexho will turn off the ovens, lock the pantry, and unplug the coffee pot at 3:30 p.m., on Wednesday, November 26. The café will re-open as usual on Monday, December 1.

The Academic Resource Center is sponsoring 3T Workshops on December 2, from 6 to 7 p.m., and December 3, from 4 to 5 p.m. The workshops will discuss the three Ts important to all students: Time Management, Test Taking Tips, and Test Anxiety. Both workshops are free and will be held in the Academic Resource Center, B-1215.

For more information, contact Tamekia Scott at ext. 2228. 

Many families need a little help during the holidays. The Wellness Club at GSU is sponsoring a holiday food drive from November 24 through December 17. Non-perishable holiday food items, including canned vegetables, instant potatoes, stuffing mix, canned ham, and dessert and cornbread mixes, will be collected at various drop off points around campus. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.

For more information, contact Vanessa Newby at ext. 4551.

Remember to bring your dancing shoes and your checkbook to this afternoon’s Campus Community Campaign Kickoff. Join friends and co-workers on from 3:30 to 5 p.m., in The Center for Performing Arts lobby, for an exciting celebration of past success and future opportunities. Samba artists Bossa Tres and Chicago’s Samba King Marlin Exton will entertain the crowd. Dr. Maimon will briefly discuss the need and importance of internal philanthropy. Refreshments will be available.

With your help, the GSU Foundation is planning on 100 percent employee participation, regardless of the size of your donation. Over the past four years, GSU employees have contributed nearly $115,000 to previous campaigns. Donation amounts have steadily increased and so have levels of participation. Two years ago, 48 percent of GSU employees contributed and last year, that number rose to 60 percent.

Don’t want to wait until the campaign officially starts to do your part? Visit the campaign website today or call Ext. 4105.

President Maimon recently participated in the Society for College and University Planning’s (SCUP) 2008 Southern Regional Conference. Attended by presidents from across the country, the conference theme was Regeneration: Planning Beyond Sustainability. It was aptly held in New Orleans - a city that certainly knows about regeneration and renewal. 

Dr. Maimon was invited to attend after conference organizers read her article, The University as Public Square. She participated in a plenary session entitled Executive Panel: Higher Education’s Role in the Social and Economic Sustainability of Communities, where she shared GSU’s story as a model university for the 21st Century.

The discussion focused on creating sustainable communities where sustainability was applied in the very broadest sense – social, cultural, environmental, and in economics. During the session, Dr. Maimon noted GSU’s proactive role in community sustainability and regeneration.

“I was proud to share GSU’s story,” said Dr. Maimon. “My fellow presenters discussed emergency situations, how their universities reacted to Katrina, for example. I was then able to talk more comprehensively about the university as a public square, going beyond sustainability to regeneration. I presented our planning and budgeting process, our newly approved strategic plan, and our aspiration to become a model university for the twentieth century.”

The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), established in 1965, is a collegial community dedicated to sharing, learning, and teaching best practices in planning for colleges and universities.

In a unique twist in scheduling and menu selection, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Provost Office are inviting faculty and staff to a First Friday Breakfast Café. Enjoy the company of colleagues on November 21, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., in the recently re-carpeted F-wing atrium.

Enter the world of imagination this weekend at the Center for Performing Arts. Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House: The Musical will transport the entire family into a world of vivid imagery and joyful music.

Show times are Saturday, November 22, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sunday, November 23, at 2 p.m. There are no discounts for this special event.

For more information and to reserve tickets, contact the Center box office at 708.235.2222. 

Students can win big prizes by participating in any or all of The CenterPoint for Entrepreneurs’ pop-culture related contests. Staff and faculty are also welcomed to play along, but are ineligible for prizes.

Tomorrow is the deadline for answer submissions for three brain-boggling contests.

- Corporate Logo Recognition – What’s Nike without the swoosh?

- Entrepreneurial Film Quiz – How do you spell trouble in River City?

- Nouns, Verbs, Eponyms? – Is Kleenex a product type or a brand name?
 

Visit the CenterPoint website for full details. Winners will be announced on Monday, November 24.

The Governors State University Board of Trustees committee meetings scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2008 and the full Board of Trustees Meeting scheduled for Friday, December 12, 2008, have been canceled.

The next full Board of Trustees Meeting will be held on Friday, February 20, 2009.

The 2009 full Board of Trustees Meeting schedule is as follows:

Friday, February 20

Friday, April 3

Friday, June 12

August 23-25 (Retreat)

Friday, October 9

Friday, December 11

No one likes to arrive at a holiday event empty-handed. Make the right impression by bringing a delicious fruit pie from the GSU Café. Gift dessert boxes to go, featuring a variety of ready to eat fruit pies, are available through the holidays. Stop by and take one home today!

Sodexho also reminds the campus community to submit all January catering orders before December 19.

On Tuesday morning, the university’s HLC Steering Committee held an open meeting, providing an update on the current reaccreditation self-study. Provost Jane Hudak and Assistant Provost Sandra Mayfield welcomed the participants and audience members. Committee co-chairs Dr. Eric Martin and Dr. Ann Vendrely recapped the importance of the self study and reaccreditation. Martin noted, “The goal of this meeting is to bring the committee chairs together to present their findings and discuss their progress with one another.” 

As part of the self-study, a comprehensive group of faculty and staff has been divided into five sub-committees, each investigating and reporting on a specific criterion – Mission and Integrity; Preparing for the Future; Student Learning and Effective Teaching; Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge; and Engagement and Service. Dr. Linda Samson, co-chair of the Student Learning team noted that the self study provides a snapshot of the university in time, but that the committee must also show how GSU will implement future plans.

The committee as a whole must have the self study completed by June 2009 in preparation for the November 11, 2009 reaccreditation site visit. Draft versions of the subcommittee reports will be available on the HLC website beginning December 1.

Alum Mack Dion McGhee has a gift of speaking and has mesmerized audiences as one of the nation’s most prolific speakers. Mack recently organized seven powerful, motivational speakers for A Night of Inspiration, an event that delivered a message of hope, peace, and encouragement.

As a victim of a violent crime, McGhee has a personal stake in keeping the community safe and youth motivated. Today, he works for the State of Illinois in a position where he helps empower, encourage, and motivate youth to succeed. Mack has a BA in Criminal Justice and an MA in Political and Justice Studies from GSU and is another example of the power of a Governors State education.

International Education Week, November 17 to 20, offers an opportunity to celebrate and promote international education and exchange. The Office of International Services at GSU is pleased to celebrate the occasion with a variety of events to welcome the world to GSU and introduce the world to our community. Students, faculty, staff, and the community are welcome to join the celebration and the conversation. Learning more about the world makes it seem much smaller and our differences fewer.

International Education Week activities include conversations with international students, exhibits, games, Mehendi, dance, and music, as well as information on study and internship opportunities abroad, a Fulbright Scholar information session, and a presentation on short-term study abroad opportunities for faculty. There will be opportunities to sample delicious foods from other countries and share a cup of coffee and conversation with people from around the world.

The celebration of International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, contact Vreni Mendoza at extension 3087.

The Chicago College of Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra and the Conservatory Chorus from Roosevelt University will perform at the Center For Performing Arts, on Monday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m.

Stephen Squires, Orchestral Conductor and Cheryl Frazes Hill, Choral Conductor, will lead performance of works by Debussy, Bruckner, Wagner, and Ravel.

This concert is free and open to the public.

The Civil Service Senate Holiday Shopping Fair is this Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20. Find great gifts at great prices and save on gasoline.

Follett’s bookstore is hosting its annual faculty & staff appreciation event on Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature refreshments and faculty and staff will be able to take advantage of a special 20 percent discount on select merchandise.

Stress, confusion, depression, and relationship issues can all impact individual happiness and academic success. The counselors in the Academic Resource Center are ready to help students understand, cope with, and ease issues and concerns.

The Academic Resource Center has expanded its hours and services to meet the needs of GSU students. Personal, confidential, and professional counseling is provided free of charge, during the day or in the evening, for students in need.

Contact Katherine M. Helm, Ph.D., at 708.235.7334.

The Center for Online Teaching and Learning will hold two hands on workshops this week.

Jan Engle will present how to use Discussion, E-mail, and Calendar in Blackboard CE6 on Wednesday, November 19, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, in D-2438 (ACS). Contact Jan Engle to register. 

Barbara Mandel will present Organizing Your Course, which includes instruction on how to conceptualize your online course components, how to create and upload files to CE6, and how to build a Learning Module, on Thursday, November 20, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., in D-2435. Contact Barbara Mandel to register. 

Seats are limited in each workshop, so register early.

The Office of Economic Education at GSU was recently recognized at the 3M Economic Educator Award Luncheon in Chicago. Representatives from the Illinois Council on Economic Education and 3M presented Sheryl Szot Gallaher, Director of the Office of Economic Education at GSU, with a plaque honoring the 30^th anniversary of the center.

 “I am very proud of the work we accomplish,” said Gallaher. “Our job is to help further economic education in our schools and help teachers learn methods and develop the tools they need to teach their students. Recent events in our nation’s economy have illustrated how a sound understanding of economics is needed by every student.”

The Anita M. Stone JCC, with the cooperation of GSU, will offer T.A.L.E. (The Adult Learning Exchange) enrichment classes for adults on campus this winter. The eight-week sessions run from January 16 to March 6. Morning sessions are from 10 a.m. to noon and afternoon sessions are from 1 to 3 p.m.

Course titles include Hyperlink Cinema, The American Idea, Bush, Barack and the Curse on the House of Lancaster, Great Decisions, and Socrates Café. GSU Professors will be guest presenters at some sessions.

For more information, 708.799.7650. 

The following individuals joined GSU as full time employees in Fall 2008

Karen M. Peterson

Special Projects Coordinator

Education

Eileen D. Lally

Coordinator

Education

Donisha L. Santiago-Anderson 

Financial Aid Advisor

Office of Financial Aid

Gail M. Bradshaw             

Associate VP For Human Resources

Office of Human Resources

Percy M. Cornelious

Maintenance Laborer

Facilities Development & Management

Ellyn M. Robinson

Office Manager

Administration

Joyce A. Giroux

Purchasing Officer

Purchasing

Lee D. Taylor

Police Officer                                  

Department of Public Safety

Nirmala D. Connor

Records Management Officer      

Office of Registrar

In what has become a regular feature of the current administration, President Maimon and other top administrators held an open forum with the university community on Tuesday evening. The informal chat sessions allow students, faculty, and staff to get answers to their important questions and discuss university-related issues.

In a testament to the ongoing improvements at GSU, several students opened the event by praising the academic quality, updated facilities, and upgraded facilities. Question topics ranged from internship opportunities to rehabbing the science labs, and from academic quality to fundraising. As always, the group was also treated to pizza, popcorn, and soda. Additional chats will take place as the academic year progresses.

It’s no secret that one of the university’s greatest strengths lies in its employees. Each faculty and staff member plays an important role in ensuring the success of our students.

Join friends and co-workers on Thursday, November 20, in The Center for Performing Arts lobby for an exciting celebration of past success and future opportunities at the kickoff for this year’s Campus Community Campaign. Samba artists Bossa Tres and Chicago’s Samba King (and GSU’s own) Marlin Exton will entertain the crowd. Dr. Maimon will briefly discuss the need and importance of internal philanthropy and refreshments will be available.

With your help, the GSU Foundation is planning on 100 percent employee participation, regardless of the size of your donation. Over the past four years, GSU employees have contributed nearly $115,000. Donation amounts have steadily increased and so have levels of participation. Two years ago, 48 percent of GSU employees contributed and last year, that number rose to 60 percent.

Don’t want to wait until the campaign officially starts to do your part? Visit the Foundation donation webpage today or call Ext. 4105.

Two-for-one seats will be available for Smokey Joe’s Café at the CPA on Saturday, November 15, at 8 p.m. Enjoy pop standards like Elvis's Jailhouse Rock and Hound Dog, Peggy Lee's Is That All There Is?, the Drifters' One Broadway, the Clovers' Love Potion #9, and the Coasters' Yakety-Yak in the longest-running musical revue in Broadway history.

Regular Price of these tickets is $39. The two-for-one offer begins at 10 a.m. on Friday and ends at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Call 708-235-2222 or visit the CPA box office to buy tickets.

The CenterPoint for Entrepreneurs encourages the entire university community to participate in the Global Entrepreneurship Week activities planned for next week.

Students can win big prizes by participating in any or all pop-culture related contests. Staff and faculty are also welcomed to play along, but are ineligible for prizes. Winners will be announced on Monday, November 21. Contact CenterPoint at 708.534.4929 with questions.

Nouns, Verbs, Eponyms?

Achoo – Please hand me a Kleenex. Little did you know that “Kleenex” is actually a brand name that has fallen into general use to refer to all similar products – also known as an eponym. Make a list of as many product eponyms as you can and win big. Submit your list to CenterPoint via e-mail by Friday, November 21.

Corporate Logo Recognition Contest

We’ll give you the “golden arches,” but how many other corporate logos can you identify? Log on to the CenterPoint website, download the logo sheet, and try your hand at identifying 49 other business icons. Completed answer forms can be returned to the CenterPoint office, Room C3300 by Friday, November 21. E-mail entries are also permitted.
 

Entrepreneurial Film Quiz
At 17, he was handed the keys to his father's tool company after the old man died. But it's where he followed his dreams later that made him a legend and ultimate serial entrepreneur. He put the tool company in the charge of Noah Dietrich while he pursued Hollywood dreams, becoming a director, producer, and eventual head of RKO Pictures in the late '40s. At the same time, his interest in aviation took flight. What film depicted his story?

Check out the other brain-boggling film descriptions on the CenterPoint website. Completed entries must be e-mailed to CenterPoint by Friday, November 21.

Proving the positive effects of philanthropy, GSU’s Center for Performing Arts benefitted greatly from the generous spirit of others this week.

An anonymous group of donors contributed funds that will assist a Homewood Girl Scout troop to attend a performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Center.

Mary Pope Osborne, author of “Magic Tree House,” also donated funds to pay for 118 tickets for students from Taft Primary School in Kankakee. The schoolchildren will attend Friday’s performance of hugely popular show, with the author and her husband Will in attendance.

The sculptures in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park can be viewed with commentary from the comfort of your easy chair through the end of the month. A recent filming of GSU’s large treasures by Comcast has made it to the little screen.

To view the segment:
- Go to On Demand section of viewing menu and hit enter.
- Select Get Local
- Select CN100 Comcast Network
- Select Community Connection 
 

The sculpture park is the third feature in the 30-minute show hosted by Cindy Bravos. For more information on the sculpture park, visit their website.

GSU's Higher Learning Commission Steering Committee will meet in Sherman Music Recital Hall on Tuesday, November 18, from 10 a.m. to noon. Each of the five criterion subcommittees will provide an update on their work. The group will also discuss areas of concern and answer questions. The meeting is open to the GSU campus community with participation and feedback are welcome and encouraged.

Just over a week ago, the GSU community turned out in record numbers to vote in the Presidential Election. But it’s already time to vote again – for the GSU Employee of the Year.

Download the ballot, vote for your candidate, and return it to Diane Jones in Human Resources by Friday, November 21. You may also contact Diane at Ext. 7470 with questions.

Although the Chicago way is to vote early and often, we have to follow the rules:

- Only vote for one candidate

- Both pages of the ballot must be submitted

- All information must be completed accurately

- Ballots will not be accepted via e-mail

- Voters must sign their ballots and print their names

In a unique twist in scheduling and menu selection, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Provost Office are inviting faculty and staff to a First Friday Breakfast Café. Enjoy the company of colleagues on November 21, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., in the recently re-carpeted F-wing atrium.

Chi Sigma Iota, ICA, and the Psychology and Counseling departments invite the GSU community to a presentation on counseling men entitled Engaging Men in Counseling: Learning from Research How to Improve Practice.

The presentation will take place on Wednesday, November 19, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex. Presenter Matt Englar-Carlson, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Counseling at California State University, Fullerton. He has published in the area of men and masculinity, child counseling, and social justice/multicultural counseling. Englar-Carlson is co-editor of In the Room with Men: A Casebook of Therapeutic Change and Counseling Troubled Boys. He is also the son of renowned psychologist and GSU professor Dr. Jon Carlson.

And this year all are invited.

The entire campus community is invited to attend The Civil Silver Service Anniversary Traveling Show or Who's 25?scheduled for Friday, December 5, in Sherman Recital Hall. Mark Kundla is directing the show, with the amazing performances by GSU employees and students. “Every year I’m amazed by the hard work these people put in,” Kundla explained, “but this year we have something really special. She is known as 'The Diva' and her melodic, nightingale tones will just astound you.”

Kathleen Miller, president of the Civil Service Senate, is also excited about the show. “We have had a lot of requests from non civil service employees to see the show. We decided that this year the show is for all to see; especially after Mark had me hear ‘The Diva’ perform.”

The day starts at 10 a.m., in Sherman Recital Hall, with the awarding of Employee of the Year and other end of year presentations. The entertainment will start immediately thereafter.

The International Journal of Arts and Sciences has accepted an article by Dr. George Garrett (COE), entitled The Birth and Death of Jim Crow, for publication. Dr. Garrett will also present the paper at the International Conference, Social Sciences and Humanities track at the University of Central Florida in February.

Mary Maryland, R.N., Ph.D., has been elected the new president of the Illinois Division of the American Cancer Society. In this position, which is the highest medical and scientific volunteer office in Illinois, Dr. Maryland will provide leadership on the Society’s core mission strategies of research, education, advocacy, and patient services. She also will serve as its chief spokesperson on all medical and scientific matters.

Dr. Maryland, who received her MSN from GSU in 1983, is currently a board certified adult nurse practitioner for NP Care of Illinois and is a staff nurse for Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. In her free time, she is a member of the Illinois Nurses Association and serves on the board of directors of the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the ANA Political Action Committee.

Ask questions, share ideas, and discuss GSU’s future at the next Chat with the President. Join President Maimon and other university administrators on Tuesday, November 11, at 6 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex. As an added incentive, pizza will be available to all who attend. See you there.

The CenterPoint for Entrepreneurs at GSU is joining the international celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week from November 17 through 21. The entire university community is encouraged to join in the weeklong series of free events.

Trivia Competitions: Pop-Culture Meets Entrepreneurship - Test your knowledge and win big prizes with a series of quizzes on entrepreneurial films, corporate logo recognition, and product names that are used as nouns. Open to GSU students only.

November 17-21 

Free Business Clinic - Meet with an expert business consultant to discuss starting a new business or growing your current one. Consultations are confidential and one-on-one.

November 17-21

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The CenterPoint for Entrepreneurs (Room C-3300)

Artrepreneur Panel - You’ve unlocked your creative potential, but how do you unlock your business potential? A panel of successful artists will discuss being an artist and making money.

November 17

7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Cafeteria Annex

Meet the Entrepreneur - Avoid pitfalls and build on the success of those who have gone before you. Learn business secrets from Rich Crews, longtime entrepreneur and owner of Behold Signs in Midlothian.

November 18

5 to 6 p.m.

The CenterPoint for Entrepreneurs (Room C-3300)

Visit the CenterPoint website or call 708.534.4929 for full event details.

Chicago College of Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra and the Conservatory Chorus from Roosevelt University will perform at the Center For Performing Arts, on Monday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m.

Stephen Squires, Orchestral Conductor and Cheryl Frazes Hill, Choral Conductor, will lead the orchestra and chorus in the performance of works by Debussy, Bruckner, Wagner, and Ravel.

This concert is free and open to the public.

On October 10, Eric Wignall, of GSU’s Center for Online Teaching and Learning, made a presentation at the 2008 SLATE (Supporting Learning & Technology in Education) conference in Chicago. The Presentation was entitled Digital, virtual, and more: Designing low-cost online media for learning. This week, he travels to Cordoba, Spain to present Managing evidence sources using Web 2.0 technologies at the 12th International Nursing Research Conference (the 6th Biennial Joanna Briggs Colloquium).

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 GSU is Sheryl Yarbough of Chicago Heights. Yarbough exemplifies the characteristics of Lincoln Laureates who are chosen for their commitment to the principles of democracy and humanity as embodied by Abraham Lincoln. She was also honored for her excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.

Yarbough returned to college after an absence of more than 20 years. She earned her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Learning, with High Honors, from Governors State University in August. Her extracurricular activities include Student Senator, Chair of the Student and Academic Affairs Committee, and Secretary for the Student Senate. She is a student mentor and a GSU University Honors Scholar.

Currently, Yarbough is working on her self-developed internship, which involves raising money to help fund the GSU Promise. She is also studying for her M.A. in Communication and Training.

Learn how to earn elementary teacher certification while receiving a salary and securing a teaching position through GSU’s Alternative Certification Program. Information sessions will be held on November 19, December 1, and December 10, at 7 p.m., in E-Lounge.

This program is open to college graduates with five years work experience after receiving a bachelor’s degree. The application deadline for the Alternative Certification program, beginning Spring 2009, is December 15.

For more information on Alternative Certification, call ext. 4987.  

Enjoy holiday music, delicious refreshments, good company, and good cheer at the BSU Holiday Stress Reliever. This break from the mundane is on December 10, from noon to 4 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. A live band will entertain. Dancing or singing along is encouraged. Relaxing, socializing, and a few laughs are required. Join the fun.

Whether you voted for Obama or McCain, it was impossible to ignore the anxious and excited vibe that swept Governors State University on Election Day 2008.

The university’s hugely successful, yearlong voter registration drive culminated in a celebration in the D-wing atrium on Tuesday. Complete with sweet snacks, balloons, and political conversation, the university community celebrated what is arguably the country’s most important election.

President Maimon, Provost Hudak, Executive V.P. Ejigu got into the swing of things as they ate popcorn, swapped voting stories, and the discussed the issues with others. Many students, already late for class, couldn’t tear themselves away from the televised coverage as the night progressed.

While most of the GSU community watched from the comfort of their own homes, others attended parties cheering on their favorite candidate, and a few braved the Grant Park crowds to be part of history in the making.

Master of Fine Arts student Keisha Dyson, who attended the rally, awoke to find her photo on the front page of the Washington Post’s web edition. And rumor has it that a certain editor of the GSU View was seen teary eyed among the crowd of more than 75,000 at Hutchinson Field. Must’ve been allergies.

Governors State University will undergo a planned mini-power outage from 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, November 8 to 8 a.m. on Sunday, November 9. Because the outage will occur overnight, university services should not be affected. The outage is part of ongoing work to upgrade the university’s aging electrical system.

The power outage will not affect off campus access to all online GSU computer systems including WebCT, Blackboard, GSU email, student email, the library’s online catalog and databases, and the GSU website.

The Office of Procurement reminds faculty and staff to be aware of a new wave of telemarketers offering discounts on toner cartridges.

It is important to refuse these calls and/or decline any offer. Our current copier management vendor, Danka, supplies all toner to the university. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Please contact Jerad Garrison at ext. 7445 with any further questions or concerns.

Follett’s bookstore is hosting its annual faculty & staff appreciation event on Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature refreshments and faculty and staff will be able to take advantage of a special 20 percent discount on select merchandise.

On the Fly Quilters will meet Thursday, November 13, from noon to 1 p.m., in the Library Administrative Conference Room. Whether you are an experienced quilter or a complete newbie, your interest is the only qualification needed to attend. Join this informal quilting group. There is no chairperson, nothing mandatory, no stuffiness - just the joy of quilting and sharing with friends. Participants are encouraged to bring their ideas, projects, and questions.

For more information, contact Dianne Kronika at est. 3979. 

The Center for Online Teaching and Learning will hold the next Lunch ‘N Learn session on Friday, November 14, from noon to 1:30 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex. Creating a Learner-Centered Course: Strategies for Success discussion topics include how to:

Get a course off to a good start
Make sure that course requirements are clear to students
Minimize the time spent on classroom administration
Maximize the time spent on teaching
Create an engaging community of learners

Lunches and seats are limited. Register now by emailing Jan Engle.

International Education Week, November 17 to 20, offers an opportunity to celebrate and promote international education and exchange. The Office of International Services at GSU is pleased to celebrate the occasion with a variety of events to welcome the world to GSU and introduce the world to our community. Students, faculty, staff, and the community are welcome to join the celebration and the conversation. Learning more about the world makes it seem much smaller and our differences fewer.

International Education Week activities include conversations with international students, exhibits, games, mehendi, dance, and music, as well as information on study and internship opportunities abroad, a Fulbright Scholar information session, and a presentation on short-term study abroad opportunities for faculty. There will be opportunities to sample delicious foods from other countries and share a cup of coffee and conversation with people from around the world.

The celebration of International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, contact Vreni Mendoza x 3087.

Work continues on the Friends of the GSU Library 34” by 64” bookshelf quilt, which will hang prominently in the GSU library. There is still space on the quilt shelf for a book that you design and the Friends of the Library create. Remember a special occasion or honor someone special by making a donation of $50 and having a book quilted onto the shelf. You can even provide a favorite piece of fabric to be used, (3" by 12" minimum, please). Please note, however, that if the fabric is “busy” it will be more difficult to read the title.

For more information, call Susan Bell at 708.235.7500 or visit the Friends website. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Chemical Commentary
Dr. Shelly Kumar, professor of organic chemistry, is presenting a research paper titled "Synthesis of An Azulene Ring System by Singlet Oxygen ‘Ene’ Reaction, Hock's Cleavage, and Aldol Condensation; and Reaction Mechanism Confirmation by Molecular Modeling" at the American Chemical Society 60th Southeastern Regional Meeting, in Nashville, Tennessee, in November. The paper is coauthored by Sumalatha Veeramachenini and Qun Gu, who graduated from GSU with master’s degree in analytical chemistry.

Professor Appointed IADDA Vice Chair
Peter Palanca, a professor of Addiction Studies at Governors State University, has been elected to serve as vice chair of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA). IADDA represents substance abuse prevention and treatment providers across the state, and advocates for sound public policy to create healthier families and safer communities. Mr. Palanca is vice president of TASC, Inc. (Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities), a statewide drug policy and service organization and a member agency of IADDA.

Linda Egnatz, Spanish teacher at Lincoln Way Community High School in Frankfort and participant in Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) professional development at GSU, was recently featured in the Library of Congress TPS newsletter for her successful inclusion of primary sources in her classes.

In her comments, Egnatz praised the program for giving her the opportunity to investigate the resources of the Library of Congress, share her discoveries with her students, and help them discover their own treasures by learning from primary sources. She also offered, “My profound thanks to both Luci Sweder and Sandi Estep, of Governors State University’s TPS program, who have been very generous with their knowledge and time in helping me to complete my Library of Congress projects.”

No matter which candidate or party you support, the GSU Election Day party is a band wagon we can all jump aboard. The GSU Election Day celebration includes refreshments, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the front entrance atrium, outside D-1410. Continuous television coverage of the election will also be available both in the atrium and the Hall of Governors. This celebration is sponsored by the Student Senate.

Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies
The Provost Office recently announced that Dr. Linda Samson, Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, will serve as interim Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies. This new position replaces OSPR and will better serve the research and grant seeking needs of the university.

Dr. Samson will continue to serve as Dean of CHHS and will be provided with additional support to fill both roles. She brings a wealth of expertise to this position and is willing to take on the challenge of developing GSU’s infrastructure for the research, sponsored programs, and graduate education functions.

The Provost also acknowledged the excellent efforts of Dr. Becky Nugent, who faithfully served as the Interim Director of OSPR during the last year. She was responsible for developing a systematic external grant procedure that faculty are now following.

FDC Director Named

Carol Morrison recently joined the GSU community as the new Executive Director of the Family Development Center. She brings thirteen years of experience working with children including Senior Director, Child Development and Early Intervention at Bethel New Life, Inc., and Vice President of Children’s Resources at Bona Vista Rehabilitation Programs, Inc.

She was responsible for two Head Start programs, a home based Early Childhood Family Education Support program, managed and supervised the Child Care Resource and Referral Program and planned and implemented a Full Day Preschool program, as well as many other responsibilities.
 

COE Division Chair Announced
Dr. Colleen Sexton was recently named Division Chair in the Division of Education. She will be active in the NCATE accreditation process, achieving enrollment growth, accessing new resources for the division, and the possible establishment of new degree programs. Dr. Sexton comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience that will serve the Division of Education and the college, as well.

The Provost also acknowledged the efforts for Dr. George Garrett for his exemplar services to the division as interim chair.

GSU is fast approaching its 40-year anniversary and with this important milestone comes a host of good questions about the university’s plans for the next 40 years. Join the conversation about the state of the university today and in the future.

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to meet with President Maimon on Tuesday, November 11, at 6 p.m. in the Cafeteria Annex. Questions will be answered, ideas will be shared, and pizza will be enjoyed.

Every course at Governors State University has an eLearning (Blackboard CE) shell, which supports class communication and allows faculty to place course materials online. Course shells are now available for the next trimester.

The Center for Online Teaching and Learning is offering a hands-on workshop on the use of  Winter 2009 course shells, on Thursday, November 6, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Customizing Your Homepage will show what CE-6 tools are available, how to edit the homepage, and how to upload a syllabus. The session will be held in D2438 (ACS lab). 

Participants are asked to bring a digital copy of their Winter 2009 syllabus to the workshop.

Seats are limited and enrollment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To register or for more information, contact Barbara Mandel at ext. 4940.  

Beginning this academic year, students and faculty at Governors State University will have access to one of the business world’s most advanced and popular enterprise resource planning software packages. Participation in the SAP University Alliance will enable GSU to offer advanced training to both graduate and undergraduate students in real world enterprise resource planning software.

“Acceptance in this alliance gives our students access to software used by most national and international corporations,” explains Dr. David Green, Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems. “They will gain hands-on familiarity and experience with this advanced software, which they will need in the workplace. It gives our graduates a competitive advantage.” 

Membership in the SAP University Alliance is gained after application review and compliance with usage standards is assured.

Children’s Authors Wannabes and Novel Writer's Knock-Outs have combined to create GSU Writers Ink. If you are interested in writing, this group is for you. Members encourage and serve as a sounding board for one another. The next meeting is Thursday, November 6, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Library Administrative Conference Room. Bring lunch, writing you’d like to share, and ideas to bounce off a larger group.

Students and alumni are invited to attend the Addictions Studies Club meeting on Wednesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m., in the Hall of Honors. For more information, call Dr. James Golding at ext. 7397.  

While there are many universally understood expressions, a genuine smile is perhaps the friendliest and most welcoming. The Office of International Services wants to showcase the smiles of GSU during International Education Week. The photos will be displayed on November 17 as part of the celebration of International Education with the belief that we all smile in the same language.

Please submit photographs of you, your family, and friends no later than November 7 to the Office of International Services (C3370). All photos will be returned. Please specify your name and return information on the back of the photograph.