News and Events

The university will be closed for the holiday break from 5 p.m. on December 23 through January 1. During this time, ongoing maintenance and upgrading of electrical, water, and IT systems will be performed. Access to campus will be limited.

Personnel needing access to campus for any reason must sign in at the Department of Public Safety, C-1375, and should not expect heat, electricity, or water during the holiday closure.

Most desktop computers on campus will be affected by the outage. Computers left on may experience file and data corruption. As a precaution, on campus computers should be powered down.

With the exception of a short IT maintenance period, the power outage will not affect off campus access to online GSU computer systems including WebCT, Blackboard, GSU email, student iMail, the library’s online catalog and databases, and the GSU website.

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

Today’s issue of the View is a slim one – hopefully mirroring our New Year's waistlines. It’s also the last issue until January 5. Alas, we’ll be accepting story ideas and information over the holiday break. Simply send an e-mail to Eric Matanyi or Lindsay Gladstone. Happy holidays!

As the winter holidays approach, I want to thank you for all that you do to make GSU a wonderful place. The New Year marks the university’s 40^th anniversary, and throughout 2009, we will be celebrating our history and our future.

GSU was founded as an experimenting university—one that embraced change and the power of transformational thinking. That tradition continues, as GSU affirms core values and develops strategies to achieve them. In October, the Board of Trustees approved “Strategy 2015,” GSU’s new strategic plan, setting forth our blueprint for the next six years. Special thanks to the Strategic Planning Task Force, chaired by Vice Provost John Stoll and Professor Karen D’Arcy, for leading the highly inclusive process that produced this guiding document.

“Strategy 2015” affirms our mission to serve a diverse group of first-generation college students with the highest quality education. In addition to our special focus on working adults, we are strengthening our outreach to community college transfer students, particularly those residing in the south suburbs and in the City of Chicago. In 2008, we have expanded our policies of dual admission and established our first baccalaureate completion center at Kankakee Community College. We have re-deployed free shuttle service to and from the University Park Metra Station, thereby fulfilling the dreams of our founders by providing to inner-city Chicago students an accessible, excellent university option in a tranquil suburban setting.

The waning year has brought severe economic challenges to the global community, the nation, the State of Illinois, and, inevitably, to our university. Many thanks to the Planning and Budget Advisory Committee (PBAC) for the transformative budget processes we implemented in 2008, and for the sound advice on budgeting, which we have adopted. As 2009 begins, our bywords continue to be “prudence” and “strategic thinking.” Many thanks to the Strategic Enrollment Management Committee that is examining ways for us to fulfill our mission of reaching new populations of students, while at the same time helping us to be masters of our financial fate. GSU’s enrollment for Winter 2009 is tracking positively, with increases over Winter 2008, but it will take everyone’s best efforts to fulfill the goals of “Strategy 2015” in the recruitment and retention of students.

We became a safer campus in 2008, thanks to the excellent work of the Campus Safety Committee and the Emergency Response Team. On Monday, December 8, we were tested under “game conditions,” when a fire broke out in the boiler room. Our systems worked smoothly. Of course, in matters of safety as with everything else at GSU, we are committed to continuous improvement.

In 2008, Dr. Sandra Mayfield took over responsibility for our major mechanism for continuous improvement, “Why Not?”  We will be awarding the Fall 2008 prize early in 2009. We are dedicated to the openness that has always distinguished university life. Thanks for your participation in faculty roundtables, student forums, charettes, panels, and campus activities.

Many thanks for your generous response to the Campus Community Campaign and special kudos to Vice President Joan Vaughan and her staff for building a professional philanthropic infrastructure for broad-based external funding in these difficult economic times. The GSU Promise has never been more important than during this time period when “debt” is perceived as the worst of all four-letter words. The very students we were founded to serve need the promise of a debt-free baccalaureate.

In July 2008, the College of Business and Public Administration (CBPA) welcomed a new dean, Dr. Ellen Foster Curtis. As 2008 closes, Dr. Deb Bordelon takes the reins as Dean of the College of Education. They have joined a faculty, staff, and administration that works hard (PBAC, Calendar Implementation Committee, Emergency Response Team), but also has fun. The Civil Service Day Show gets better every year.

As the calendar year closes, let us take a moment to appreciate our opportunities to do meaningful work toward creating a New Year of unity and hope. Happy holidays to all.

As winter weather leads to slick roadways and frequent plowing, GSU will no longer allow street parking along the inner ring road or the carillon drive. Street parking was made available this fall during re-construction of the B and C lots. Lot B has reopened and Lot C is slated to partially reopen before the holiday break.

The new, permanent parking restriction will begin on Friday, December 19. Any cars found parked along a roadway will receive warning tickets through the end of the month.

Please contact the Department of Public Safety at ext. 4900 with questions.

ITS reminds all employees to shutdown all on campus computers before leaving for the holiday break. Most desktop computers on campus will be affected by the power outage work being done December 26 through 31. A loss of power to a computer left on may result in file and data corruption.

Please contact the GSU Helpdesk at ext. 4357 with questions or concerns.

Mail services will pick-up all outgoing mail early on Tuesday, December 23. Critical mailing that needs to go out during the holidays should be left in department/office outgoing trays by the end of the day on Monday, December 22.

Mail service will resume on January 2, though mail may not be delivered until the afternoon.

Also, please note, the last day to place orders from Office Max, the Print Shop, or Sodexo catering is December 19. All orders placed after that date will be held until the university reopens on January 2 and, therefore, may not be ready for the week of January 5.

For questions, call Jerad Garrison at ext. 7445.

Volunteers are essential to the success of many GSU events, especially Commencement. As the Winter 2009 Commencement quickly approaches, the Commencement committee needs your help.

The 2009 Winter Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for, Saturday, January 31, at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

Volunteers will assist with pre-ceremony setup, faculty and marshal robing, student check-in and check-out, ushering, and many other duties. Your assistance will ensure the overall success of the event and enable the campus community to honor its graduates and recognize their achievements in an exemplary manner.

To confirm your participation as a volunteer for the 2009 Winter Commencement, please respond to Karen Caesar-Smith at ext. 6360.

Faculty can log into the WebCT-Blackboard system and set up online course sections with a few easy clicks of the mouse. Whether they are only posting a syllabus and key readings or building an extensive learning environment, an online classroom can be created quickly and easily.

Build an online classroom quickly and easily with GSU's WebCT-Blackboard system. Just login at www.govst.edu/elearning and follow the attached set-up guide. Students will gain access to the online classrooms beginning January 5.

WebCT support is available via e-mail or by calling ext. 4106.

The university will be closed for the holiday break from 5 p.m. on December 23 through January 1. During this time, ongoing maintenance and upgrading of electrical, water, and IT systems will be performed. Access to campus will be limited.

Personnel needing access to campus for any reason must sign in at the Department of Public Safety, C-1375, and should not expect heat, electricity, or water during the holiday closure.

Faculty and staff are asked to clean-out refrigerators by Friday, December 19 so that there is time to empty trashcans. As a precaution, on campus computers should be also powered down.

With the exception of a yet unscheduled IT maintenance period, the power outage will not affect off campus access to online GSU computer systems including WebCT, Blackboard, GSU email, student iMail, the library’s online catalog and databases, and the GSU website.

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

Due to the severe cold weather and the recent freezing rain, the Faculty Office Center’s south steel stairway and ramp (adjacent to D lot) and north steel entry ramp are temporarily closed until further notice. The concrete stairs on the north/back side of the building will remain open.

On Saturday, January 10, by the light of the full moon, visitors will be able to tour many of the sculptures in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. Curator and Director Geoffrey Bates will lead the tour, providing insight on the works and the artists who created them. The fee for the Full Moon Nighttime Tour is $5 and advanced registration is required.

The tour begins at Art Ark by Terry Karpowicz, in the Hall of Governors at 6:30 p.m. Participants will also visit the giant Paul by Tony Tasset, the mysterious Flying Saucer by Jene Highstein, and many other favorite works in the park. The tour ends at 8 p.m., at Bruce Nauman’s House Divided, with a cup of hot chocolate and cookies.

Adventurers should bring a flashlight, dress warmly, and wear comfortable, waterproof shoes since some of the paths are uneven.

For more information or to register for the Full Moon Nighttime Tour, email the park or call ext. 4486.

The Secretary of State’s Mobile Service Unit will be at GSU on January 6, from 2 to 7 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. Services available at the mobile service unit include driver’s license renewal, replacement, and corrections; State I.D. card renewal, replacement, and corrections; vehicle sticker sales; passenger and b-truck license plates; vehicle title and registration; parking placards for persons with disabilities; and organ/tissue donor information. In addition, vision tests and the written driver’s license exam can be taken. No driving tests will be given.

The services provided are available to all qualified Illinois residents. State law allows driver’s license renewal up to one year in advance. Proper identification is required for new and duplicate driver’s licenses and state ID cards.

For information, visit the Cyberdrive website.

Imagine seeing the whole family greeting the New Year in GSU sweatshirts. Follett Bookstore has the apparel students, faculty, and staff need to make this holiday season very special for everyone on your list.

While supplies last, selected apparel is discounted by 25 percent – or more. This offer is valid in-store and online on select items only and may not be combined with any other offer.

For more information, call ext 4558, or just drop by and shop.

Welcome Days at GSU provides new and returning students, faculty, and staff access to important services and information. Information tables will be set up in the Hall of Governors on January 5 and 6, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Representatives of the American Cancer Society will also be on campus providing information and enlisting volunteers. Information about university facilities and programs, including the Recreation and Fitness Center, will also be available.

For more information, call ext. 4550.

It is time to celebrate the season, each other, and the start of the yearlong 40^th anniversary GSU observance. The GSU Holiday Reception, hosted by Dr. Elaine P. Maimon and the Board of Trustees, is on Friday, December 12, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

The university’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) thanks the entire university for their cooperation and understanding during Monday’s power outage and campus evacuation.

A major electrical cable in the A-wing power plant faulted, causing smoke discharge and a power failure. Our mutual aid emergency partners from surrounding communities arrived within 10 minutes of the fire alarm. An electrical contractor immediately began working on remediation of the faulty cable and completed the work around 1:30 a.m. the following morning. An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the electrical fault.

The ERT welcomes feedback from the university community regarding the event. All input will be considered, as emergency procedures are refined to help ensure that GSU remains well prepared in emergency situations. Please e-mail comments to the Emergency Response Team.

You may not know the moves, but you know the music and the wonderful feeling it brings during the holiday season. The Salt Creek Ballet with Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra presents “The Nutcracker” at The Center for Performing Arts with performances at 1 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.

Buy one, get one free tickets are available for the 5 p.m. performance, platinum seating only. The special offer begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 12, and ends at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 13. Regular price tickets are available for the 1 p.m. performance.

Visit the box office or call x 2222 for tickets.

The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park’s last Two for Tuesday of 2008 looks to be a great one. Don’t miss the opportunity to discuss two of the park’s most interesting angular sculptures – Charles Ginnever’s Icarus and John Payne’s Mock II – V Form.

The lively, half-hour media presentations will take place at 12:30 and 3:45 p.m., on Tuesday, December 16, in room D1497 (just past the bookstore).

As part of an international exchange, GSU and the College of Business and Public Administration hosted a delegation of 24 university presidents, vice presidents, and other top administrators from China. The Beijing-based group is visiting several Chicago area universities and businesses in the month of December. GSU provided their first exposure to a public university.

The delegation met with Provost Jane Rhoades Hudak, CBPA Dean Ellen Foster-Curtis, and CBPA professor David Curtis on Tuesday, December 9. As the group partook of a truly American breakfast of donuts, coffee, and orange juice, they eagerly listened to Dr. Hudak tell the GSU story. After presenting a brief overview of the university, she opened the session to questions.

The truly engaged group asked a litany of questions on topics ranging from the budget to accreditation and from student life to the tenure system. There is no doubt that both the GSU and Chinese representatives learned much from one another. The meeting ended with the exchange of gifts and a group photo commemorating the event. As a model university for the 21^st Century, GSU was proud to be part of the visit and share our unique educational model.

Civil Service employees are reminded that applications are still being accepted for the Winter 2009 Civil Service Scholarship/Educational Assistance Fund Award. Winter applications will be accepted through Monday, January 5.

Scholarship applications for the Spring/Summer trimester will be accepted from January 6 through May 4.

GSU Civil Service Employees, with at least two years of service as well as their spouses and dependent children may apply for the award. The Civil Service Senate provides two scholarship/educational assistance fund awards per term to promote career advancement, continuing education, tuition, books, and other educational costs. Each scholarship is awarded in the amount of $500.

Contact Diane Jones at ext. 7470 with questions.

Kevin B. Brookins has been working his way up the ladder at ComEd since 1983. Kevin began his career as a corporate planning analyst and was promoted recently to Vice President of Distribution System Operations for ComEd. He is responsible for operating one of the largest electrical distribution systems in the nation. Earlier this year, Kevin was selected by U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine as one of its “100 Most Important Blacks in Technology.” Kevin earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from the College of Business and Public Administration.

With anticipation having built up during the past several weeks, Civil Service employees lined up more than half an hour early for last Friday’s event hoping to score the best seats. The 25th Anniversary of Civil Service Day was not to be missed.

The standing room only crowd was addressed by Civil Service President Kathy Miller, Board of Trustees Secretary Kristi DeLaurentiis, and President Maimon.

As always, the day’s awards were much anticipated. Rosemary Hulett received the Stuart I. Fagan Friend of the Civil Service Senate Award.

In honor of one of GSU’s finest past employees, Miller announced that the Service Recognition Award would now be called The Leroy Morrison Service Recognition Award. His family, present in the audience, cried tears of joy and remembrance. Morrison’s granddaughters brought many audience members to tears as well as they thanked the university on behalf of the family. The Morrison award was given to three individuals - Mary Rothenberg, Viola Gray, and Jim Howley.

Mark Kundla was awarded a GSU Oscar for his dedication to directing the video and live portion of the Civil Service Day show for the past three years.

Finally, Kathy Gustafson of the COE’s Alternative Certification program was named Civil Service Employee of the Year. Struck speechless, Kathy could only beam with joy and humility.

After several years as director of the Civil Service entertainment extravaganza, Mark Kundla topped himself this year. Whereas previous shows featured lip-syncing, the 2008 Civil Silver Service Anniversary Travelling Show featured the real-life talent of singers Keith Briggs, Vanyette Exton, Veronica Hunt, Colleen Rock, and Diedre Webb. Briggs also joined Susan Rakstang for a rousing ragtime piano duet, complete with fake mustaches and smoking cigarettes. Lynne Clayton reprised her role as “Elaine from Alaska” as she belted Judy Garland’s The Trolley Song to the giddy crowd. This year’s show also featured the first student performance as Criminal Justice major Laritha Johnson danced her way into everyone’s hearts. The show was hosted by Scott Smith and Eric Matanyi, who clowned as a modern version of the Smothers Brothers.

As always, the stage show was shrouded in mystery. As advertised, Carla Johnson was set to perform as The Diva until she was suspiciously “murdered” by a secret villain. As it turned out, the villain was the evil doppelganger of stage director Shawn Smith. As always, the show provided tons of laughs and shocking surprises.

The group adjourned to the Hall of Governors for a delicious lunch, graciously served by the university’s top administrators. The day ended as friends and colleagues shared holiday plans while a door prize raffle and a split the pot drawing took place.

Will bellies aching from hours of laughter, not to mention the delicious anniversary cupcakes, the university’s Civil Servants returned to their offices primed for a successful year ahead.

The Annual State Employees Combined Appeal SECA will run through December 19, 2008. Please note that the SECA campaign is separate from the internal Campus Community Campaign.

Information and pledge forms are being distributed through interoffice mail. Last year, GSU employees contributed $6,998 during the SECA 2007 - Annual State and University Employees Combined Appeal. Through SECA, employees are invited on an annual basis to contribute to their choice of over 2000 charities.

Employees may either make one-time contributions or elect to have payroll deductions throughout the following calendar year. Current SECA contributors (using payroll deduction) may renew their donations for calendar year 2009 (January 1 through December 31) by contacting Loretta Jones.

Since 1983, the SECA campaign has accepted over $56 million contributions from State and University employees.  Each charity has satisfied a rigid and ongoing audit process. Through volunteerism the annual statewide campaign minimizes overhead thus maximizing individual contributions. These contributions have helped to provide services focused on environmental, health and human needs to both local and world-wide communities. The SECA campaign is administered through GSU’s Department of Human Resources.

Governors State University is considering the revision of its Academic Calendar from trimesters to semesters beginning Fall 2010. Input from current GSU students will allow smooth implementation of future changes.

Learn how the changes will affect the campus community and provide ideas and feedback on this important issue.

Join fellow students and university administrators on Wednesday, December 10 for this important discussion. Sessions will be offered at 3:30 and 6 p.m., in the cafeteria annex. Refreshments will be served. For information, contact Eric Matanyi at ext. 4044.

The staff and supervisors of the Recreation and Fitness Center extend their appreciation to Erik Glenna for the extraordinary effort exhibited in his new poolside artwork. Glenna is a former GSU student and employee of the Recreation & Fitness Center. His contribution to the poolside ambiance will be admired for years to come.

Other contributors to this project included Dr. Art Bourgeois and Dr. Javier Chavira, who provided their professional recommendations. Facilities Development and Management was recognized for the speed with which they installed Glenna’s mural and the Office of Procurement was commended for expediting the purchase process. “For their vision and support of this project we thank our senior administrators and all others who may not have been recognized,” added the Fitness Center Staff.

When Debra Boyd was named Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety of the Governors State University Police Department, she made history. As the first woman to fill the post at GSU, Boyd was honored recently at the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives annual meeting for “breaking the glass ceiling.”

Chief Boyd was pleased with the recognition in the category of police executives who excel in law enforcement. She began working for the GSU Department of Public Safety in 1979. She has served as a telecommunicator, patrol officer, investigator, juvenile officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and now Chief of Police.

“I work with a great department of dedicated professionals. The committed attention to service provided by the officers and staff of DPS make this a campus that we are all proud to be a part of. We are continually meeting new challenges as the campus environment continues to evolve. We are proud of our success in providing a safe environment for the entire GSU campus.”

During November, over 200 attendees participated in CenterPoint for Entrepreneurs sponsored events at GSU. During Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 17-21), CenterPoint hosted an Artrepreneurs Panel discussion designed to provide artist-entrepreneurs with tips on making a living by marketing and selling their art. A panel, comprised of artists from various disciplines, shared personal experiences, success stories, and lessons learned while pursuing their own entrepreneurial ventures.

Meet the Entrepreneur featured a lively discussion with Rich Cruz, CenterPoint client and owner of Behold Signs and Graphics of Midlothian. Cruz shared his entrepreneurial journey and encouraged others to follow his lead. CenterPoint's business analysts spoke "entrepreneurship” to two classes in the College of Health and Human Services and one class in the College of Business. The center point of Global Entrepreneurship Week was the Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp, which attracted attendees from as far away as Elgin, Glenview, and Champaign, Illinois. The all day event was designed by veterans, for veterans in business and those considering starting a business. Seminar topics ranged from veterans financing opportunities to doing business with the government.

On November 4, more than 100 attendees participated in a day-long E-Interaction seminar co-sponsored by the IRS and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic opportunity. Attendees learned the newest rules and regulations regarding electronic filings and security.

A CenterPoint representative noted that the autumn events would not have been possible without the generosity of their sponsors, including Behold Signs and Graphics, Great Lakes Bank, The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the IRS, Phoenix Business Solutions, and the Village of University Park.

It’s time to renew your Friends of the GSU Library membership. This donation will count in the Campus Community Campaign and is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. This year, the Friends purchased three large maps for the library and reinstated a popular reading collection. Donations to the Friends make a difference.

To sign up or renew, pick up a brochure in the library or visit the Friends website.

The Family Development Center (FDC) is bringing the Scholastic Book Fair to the GSU campus from December 8 to 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the GSU main entry atrium. Buy a book for the favorite child (or grandchild) in your life and support the FDC.

The GSU library is hosting a half price book sale through December 19, at the GSU Library. Paperbacks books are now 25 cents and hardcover books are 50 cents.

New hires for the month of November are as follows:

Valleria Forney-Williams
Coordinator
DCFS

Edward A. Fudacz
Library Specialist
University Library

Myeisha T. Grady
Staff Clerk
Office of the Registrar

Carol Morrison
Executive Director
Family Development Center

Monica S. Teixeira
Clerical Assistant
Student Life

In a recent memo, Dr. Maimon communicated a directive from the Governor’s office requesting each public university in Illinois to “reserve” 2.5 percent of its original FY09 appropriation. The memo further explains the measures GSU will take to meet this request. The GSU community is asked to read the memo carefully so that we can, as Dr. Maimon says, “meet these challenges and emerge even stronger.”

As part of the ongoing elevator repair and replacement project, two additional elevators are scheduled for modernization.

Contractors are busy preparing elevators in the A and E wings for reconstruction. Beginning Friday, December 5, these elevators will be out of service for approximately four months.

In addition, elevators in B, F and G wings and The Center for Performing Arts will be closed intermittently over the next few months. These four elevators require only minor upgrades.

The D-wing service elevator, adjacent to the kitchen dock, will undergo modernization in the spring after all other elevator repairs and upgrades are complete.

Facilities Development and Management regrets any inconvenience this work may cause. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Facilities at ext. 4515.

Given the current economic environment, President Maimon has requested that “Why Not?” submissions during winter trimester focus on ways for GSU to operate more efficiently. Suggestions should include ways to save university resources or money.

Since the “Why Not?” program’s inception nearly a year and a half ago, the GSU community has provided excellent suggestions involving every aspect of the university. With so many good ideas floating around, undoubtedly, students, staff, and faculty will provide practical suggestions for enhancing GSU’s use of resources and funds. 

To submit suggestions for saving resources and funds visit the “Why Not?” website.

The Center for Performing Arts kicks off the holiday season, on Saturday, December 6, with Aaron Neville’s Christmas Show, featuring the Neville Quintet and Charles Neville. Enjoy Aaron’s unmistakable voice as he performs holiday favorites.

GSU buy-one-get-one free tickets will be available for price one seats only (regular price $57). Discounted tickets may be purchased by phone or at The Center Box Office, starting at 10 a.m. on Friday. The offer ends at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

There’s still time to purchase seats for other great holiday performances as well. Direct for New York City, Theatre Works USA brings A Christmas Carol to the Center. This musical adaptation of the classic tale will be on Sunday, December 7, at 4 p.m.

On Saturday, December 13, the Salt Creek Ballet and the Chicago Youth Symphony present The Nutcracker at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets for a very special Sugar Plum Party at 3 p.m. are also still available.

For tickets or information, contact the Center for Performing Arts at 708.235.2222 or visit their website.  

Have you made your donation to the Campus Community Campaign yet? Help create opportunities for and ensure the success of GSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff by contributing today.

Visit the Campus Community Campaign website www.govst.edu/foundation/ccc and learn why your GSU colleagues and friends have already made contributions. Read student testimonials describing the importance of Foundation-supported scholarships.

And remember it’s your participation that counts, not the amount of your donation. The university’s goal is 100 percent participation from the GSU faculty and staff community.

Make your donation online today!

It’s show time and this year everyone is invited.

Don’t miss The Civil Silver Service Anniversary Traveling Show on Friday, December 5, in Sherman Hall. Mark Kundla is directing the show with amazing performances by GSU employees and students.

“Every year I’m amazed by the hard work these people put in,” said Kundla. “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. She explained, “We have had a lot of requests from non civil service employees to see the show. We’ve decided to open the show up to everyone this year; especially after Mark had me hear The Diva perform.”

Civil Service Day begins at 10 a.m., in Sherman Hall, with the awarding of Employee of the Year and other end of year presentations. The entertainment will start immediately thereafter.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for Civil Service Employees and invited VIPs. All others will be seated at 9:50 a.m.

Lunch for Civil Service employees who responded in the affirmative will be served in the Hall of Governors immediately following the show. Luncheon tickets are required.

The spirit of the holiday season is in the air. Celebrate with friends and colleagues at the GSU annual holiday party on Friday, December 12, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. It is time to revel in our past successes, the holidays, and the New Year, and begin the 40^th Anniversary celebration.

Commencement 2009 is almost here. The ceremony that celebrates the culmination of our students’ hard work and faculty dedication will be held on January 31 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, in Tinley Park.

An integral part of the ceremony is the participation of faculty in the academic procession. All faculty members are encouraged to volunteer to represent their colleges and honor our graduates by participating in the event. In order to facilitate involvement, the university will be responsible for renting faculty regalia, which will be available for pick up at the Tinley Park Convention Center on the day of Commencement.

In addition to faculty participation in the procession, faculty are also asked to volunteer as marshals at the ceremony.

Because of the large number of people involved, both participating in the ceremony and watching from the audience, volunteers from the GSU faculty and staff are also needed to help with audience and graduate seating, crowd control, and robing.

To confirm your attendance at commencement, to volunteer as a faculty marshal or program assistant, and to order your academic regalia, please complete both Commencement Participation and Regalia Order Forms and submit via email or inter-office mail to Chayla Wilson, Office of Student Life, at ext. 7653, by  Wednesday, December 10. Late regalia orders are subject to availability.

For more information, contact Karen Caesar-Smith at ext. 6360.

GSU’s Wellness Club is getting into the spirit of giving by sponsoring a Holiday Food Drive through December 17. Food will be distributed to area families in need of food and will help provide well-balanced holiday meals.

Non-perishable canned and dry goods are preferred. Drop boxes are available in the main entry atrium, the first floor of the E-wing, the first and second floors of the Faculty Office Center (G-wing), the Welcome Center, and the Recreation and Fitness Center.

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

The Title V Cooperative Grant - Latino Center for Excellence is looking for graduate students to mentor undergraduate Latino students.

Mentor requirements include current enrollment in a graduate program; a GPA of 3.0 or higher; an excellent academic attitude; enthusiasm to share your experiences; and the willingness to commit your time and effort to assist others. Students selected as mentors will receive support from the Latino Center for Excellence.

Make a difference in someone’s life today. For information, contact Carlos Cantu at ext. 4553 or Monica Teixeira at ext. 7609.

Governors State University is considering the revision of its Academic Calendar from trimesters to semesters beginning Fall 2010. Input from current GSU students will allow smooth implementation of future changes.

Learn how the changes will affect the campus community and provide ideas and feedback on this important issue.

Join fellow students and university administrators on Wednesday, December 10 for this important discussion. Sessions will be offered at 3:30 and 6 p.m., in the cafeteria annex. Refreshments will be served. For information, contact Eric Matanyi at ext. 4044.

For a mere $10, you can have 365 days of good authors, good books, and good reading with the book Lover’s Calendar available from the Friends of the Library. Drop by the Library and buy one for everyone on your gift list. And don’t forget one for yourself.

The Center for Performing Arts recently announced the opening of the new Upstairs Art Gallery, located in the second floor lobby. The work of GSU graduate and artist Bridget Scales will be the first exhibit, which will host the work of local and regional artists in the future. The exhibit opens with a reception on Friday, December 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.

The CPA thanks Jeff Stevenson, Bill Kelly, Mary Rothenberg, Susan Rakstang, and Tim Kosiek for their work and dedication to creating the gallery.

John Szostek, founder and Artistic Director of the Piccolo Theatre, was presented with the 2007 Mayor’s Award for the Arts by the mayor of Evanston. John graduated from GSU in 1981 with an M.A in Communications. He is also Executive Director of Evanston Festival Theater and, for the past 29 years, has spearheaded the Custer’s Last Stand Festival for the Arts. John’s efforts have helped establish the Piccolo Theatre and the Evanston Arts Depot as integral pieces of the Evanston arts community.

Deirdre L. Richie, graduate student in Multicategorical Special Education, will see her creativity coming and going. Richie submitted the winning entry in the recent contest to name the GSU shuttle bus service. Her entry, GSU Express, will adorn the free shuttles that carry students, faculty, and staff to and from the Metra station, selected University Park locations, and the university. Richie receives a $100 gift card for her winning entry.

The entire campus community is invited to attend The Civil Silver Service Anniversary Traveling Show scheduled for Friday, December 5. Mark Kundla is directing the show, with performances by GSU employees and students. The program begins at 10 a.m., in Sherman Recital Hall, with the awarding of Employee of the Year and other end of year presentations. The entertainment starts immediately thereafter.

It’s Lunchtime

Lunch for Civil Service employees who responded in the affirmative will be served in the Hall of Governors immediately following the show. Luncheon tickets are required.

With so much to celebrate, it is time to have a party. The GSU annual holiday party will be held on Friday, December 12, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. It is time to revel in our past successes, the holidays, and the New Year, and begin the GSU 40^th Anniversary celebration.

Representatives from Maxim will be on campus to administer the annual free flu shots on Tuesday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Center for Performing Arts lobby. Shots are available for employees and retirees of GSU and the State of Illinois (or its agencies) who are enrolled in either a managed care plan (HMO) or the State’s Quality Care Health Plan (commonly called the PPO Plan), which is administered by CIGNA. Employees are required to show their GSU ID card (state/agency card) as verification of employment and insurance (CIGNA or HMO) card as evidence of coverage. 

Retirees are required to show their insurance (CIGNA or HMO) card and another form of identification (driver’s license, voter’s registration, or other form of ID) as evidence of eligibility for the flu shot. Retirees with Medicare, Part B (Medical) coverage as primary insurance coverage must bring a copy of their Medicare card and a photo ID to receive this flu shot.

Dependents, spouses, students, and contractual workers (employed by an outside contractor) are not eligible for these flu shots.

Inside/Out: Sculpture by Chakaia Booker and Bob Emser

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park director, Geoff Bates will lead a tour of the exhibit, Inside/Out: Sculpture by Chakaia Booker and Bob Emser, at the Elmhurst Art Museum on Saturday, December 6, at 10 a.m. The exhibit features the first major Midwest opportunity to view work by Chakaia Booker, a New York-based African American sculptor, whose approach to materials and form challenges ideas about sculpture. The exhibition also presents a chance to view internationally recognized Illinois artist Bob Emser’s aeronautically-inspired work in a new context.

After the tour, a museum docent will lead the group through the McCormick House, one of only three homes in the U.S. designed and built by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Museum admission is $4. Guests provide their own transportation. For more information or directions, visit the NMSP website or call ext. 4486.   

The Office of Career Services is sponsoring a health professions career fair on Wednesday, December 10, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the Center for Performing Arts lobby.

Prospective employers from the fields of healthcare, social work, and mental health will meet with job candidates. The career fair is open to current students, GSU alumni, and members of the community seeking employment in these fields. There is no charge for job seekers. Participants are advised to dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes.

For more information, email or call ext. 3974.

Jose Reyes of the Office of Admission will address the graduates of Olive-Harvey College in Chicago at the Winter Commencement on December 12. Reyes is a graduate of OHC as well as a GSU alumnus.

The graduate program in Reading is sponsoring The Literacy Zone, a reading tutorial program for students in grades six through twelve. This one-to-one program brings students experiencing reading problems together with teachers who have the skills to help them.

Enrollment is limited and based on the number of tutors. Students will be accepted in the order in which the completed application and registration fee are received. There is a $100 registration fee. However, $30 is refunded to the parents/guardians of those students who complete the program with good attendance and return all Literacy Zone materials.

Students meet on campus with certified, experienced teachers enrolled in the Master of Arts Reading Program at GSU. Sessions are on Tuesdays, from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. from January 20 through April 7. Transportation is not provided.

For more information, contact Mary Hession at ext. 4129.

Online

The Center for Online Teaching will offer a live, online workshop on Organizing Your Course in Blackboard (WebCT) on Tuesday, December 2, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. This workshop will discuss how to plan online components, how to select the best format for online materials, and how to create and upload files to WebCT for Winter 2009 classes. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences. 

Participants must have Internet access. Participation in the online conversation is possible via a computer microphone, typing comments in the onscreen text box onscreen, or by connecting via a telephone.

Access the live workshop via the Internet. Click on “Participant Login,” enter name in the box provided for “Participant Login,” and then click “Enter.” Click the button for ‘Run Wizard’ and complete the very brief set-up process. This Wizard ensures computer readiness to work properly with Wimba.

For more information, call Barbara Mandel at ext. 4940.  

On Campus 

The Center for Online Teaching and Learning will also offer two opportunities for on campus workshops to help prepare courses for the Winter 2009 Trimester.

A workshop introducing Discussion, Email, and Calendar in Blackboard CE6 will be conducted on Thursday, December 4, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., in D2438 (ACS). Contact Jan Engle to register.

The workshop, Organizing Your Course, will be held on Friday, December 5, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, in D-2438 (ACS). The session includes instruction on how to plan online course components, how to create and upload files to CE6, and how to build a Learning Module. Contact Barbara Mandel to register. 

Seats are limited in each workshop.

Building upon the success of GSU’s celebration of Global Entrepreneurship week, The CenterPoint for Entrepreneurs announced the winners of its Logo Recognition and Entrepreneurial Film contests.

Education student Kevin Kuzanek correctly identified all 49 corporate logos in the recognition contest and Acting Associate Registrar Michelle Smith-Williams knows her movies. She correctly identified each of the entrepreneurial themed movies in the film quiz. Both winners received $25 gift cards. The CenterPoint staff thanks and commends everyone who participated in the contest and all of the week’s events. 

The South Suburban Writing Consortium, of which GSU is a member institution, is hosting a series of winter workshops for high school teachers and curriculum personnel, English and developmental education instructors, College of Education students and faculty, and Writing Center staff.

The first workshop, Moving from the Illinois Learning Standards to Compass Placement Testing, will be held on Friday, December 12, from 1 to 3 p.m., at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois. Discussion will center on Illinois Learning Standards for writing in relation to Compass placement tests. Speakers include Jan Look, Illinois Learning Standards expert, and Deb Fitzgerald from ACT, Inc. 

For information, contact Nancy Mauer at 708.235.3972. Online registration is also available.

To avoid freezen, ruptured pipes in the heating/cooling units, employees are reminded to close windows and adjust the unit to low-heat at the end of the work day.