News and Events

During the 2007 fall trimester, President Maimon held a series of roundtable discussions with GSU faculty. While new to GSU, these informative and lively exchanges were a tradition for her.  Free of agendas or pre-conceived topics, these discussions serve as a way for Dr. Maimon to hear the views of faculty members, learn what they are working on in their areas of study, and what issues are important to them.

These discussions will continue in the Winter 2008 trimester. Invitations have been sent. Every effort is made to accommodate the often hectic schedules of faculty members. If you have received an invitation for date or time that is inconvenient for you, please RSVP and alternative dates will be proposed.

Contact Penny Perdue at 708.534.4130 or p-perdue@govst.edu.

The 2008 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition is free and open to the public at the GSU Visual Arts Gallery from February 27 through March 14. A public reception & awards presentation will be held on Friday, March 14, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The exhibition showcases the artwork of students from Joliet Junior College, Kankakee Community College, Triton College, Harold Washington College, Prairie State College, and Illinois Central College.

Gallery hours are Monday, from 2 to 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday. From 4 to 9 p.m.; and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Office of the Provost and the Intellectual Life Committee is sponsoring a First Friday social Hour on March 7, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., in the University Library. Join your friends and colleagues for delicious food, great conversation, and a good time.

The Center for Performing Arts is hosting two special events this weekend.

Children and their families can enjoy “Max and Ruby” on Saturday, March 1, at 11 a.m. Big sisters and little brothers share delightful adventures and sibling rivalry in an enjoyable new musical from TheatreworksUSA based on the classic Rosemary Wells’ characters.

That evening, don’t miss the Tony award-winning musical, “Ain’t Misbehavin,” on Saturday, March 1, at 8 p.m. This extraordinary, fast-paced musical romp will take you from honky-tonk dives to the Cotton Club and from Tin Pan Alley to the Waldorf.

GSU two for One tickets will not be available for “Max and Ruby.” GSU two-for-one tickets will be available for “Ain’t Misbehavin.” The two for one offer begins on Friday, February 29, at 10 a.m. and ends Saturday, March 1,  at 7 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in person at The Center Box Office.

Call 708-235-2222 for further information.

GSU Procurement staff will host “Purchasing Q & A Training Session” on Wednesday, March 12, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., in room D34050. Anyone involved in the requisition/buying process should attend to learn about the new initiatives, procedures, and forms designed to stream-line and improve operations. For more information call 708.534.4056.

The position of GSU representative to the State Universities’ Civil Service Advisory Committee is currently open. In accordance with the bylaws of the Employee Advisory Committee, a special election will be held on April 22, 2008. Employees with civil service status interested in serving in this position should complete a Petition and Statement of Candidacy Form, which will be available in the Human Resources Department beginning on March 24.

Candidates must meet the following criteria for nomination and/or election:
Must have full-time, certified status in the civil service system;
Must have at least three current consecutive years of employment in an institution currently served by the system; and
Each nomination must be made via an approved petition form signed by at least twenty-five certified Civil Service employees of the System.

Signed petitions for candidacy must be filed with Pulchratia Kinney-Smith in the Department of Human Resources on or before the close of business (5 p.m.) on Friday, March 28. The latest date a candidate can withdraw from the election ballot is April 2.

If you have any questions, contact Pulchratia Kinney-Smith, 708.235.7466 or p-kinney-smith@govst.edu.

Information Technology Services (ITS) invites you to attend a training session in Microsoft Outlook 2007, the e-mail program used by GSU faculty and staff.

February 27

9 a.m. Room D2430 - ACS Lab

11 a.m. Room D2430 - ACS Lab

1 p.m. Room D2435 - ACS Lab

3 p.m. Room D2435 - ACS Lab

February 28                

9 a.m. Room D2433 - ACS Lab

11 a.m. Room D2433 - ACS Lab

1 p.m. Room D2433 - ACS Lab

3 p.m. Room D2433 - ACS Lab

Training will include: customizing menus and toolbars; managing your mailbox by archiving, restoring, and creating rules and personal folders; creating contacts, distribution lists, and categories for contacts; and using rules, filters, and public folders.

All GSU employees are welcome to attend these free, hands-on workshops. Seating is limited, so please R.S.V.P. to Judy Ferneau, 708.534.4133.

The Academic Resource Center is sponsoring an informative and supportive discussion, Relationship Issues: Is he or she into me? on February 28, at 6 p.m., in room A2150. Bring a brown bag lunch or snack and take part in the conversation.

For more information, call 708.235.7334.

Follett’s GSU bookstore is holding a special Leap Year Sale on Friday, February 29 only. Discounts include 25 percent off clothing, general books, gifts, accessories, and supplies. Medical/law reference books and computer supplies will be 10 percent off.

This offer is good on in store purchases only. Don’t leap over this sale. It won’t come around for another four years.

Two new sculptures in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park are the subjects of a free, informal discussion with Geoff Bates, park director and curator. A lively half-hour presentation will compare and contrast “Art Ark” by Terry Karpowicz and “Sisyphus’ Aviary” by Dan Yarbrough on Tuesday, March 4, at 12:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., in room D-1497. Bring lunch or a snack, enjoy the conversation, and learn what influenced the artists.

The Latino Center for Excellence will exhibit posters highlighting influential and prominent Latina women on March 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex. Lunch will also be served. The exhibit and lunch are free and open to the public.

Poster topics include: Women in NASA, Frida Kahlo, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, and Dolores Huerta, among others. Each individual’s contributions and influences were illustrated and interpreted by GSU students.

For more information, call (708) 534-4554.

In honor of Women’s History Month in March, CAS is sponsoring a series of three workshops and presentations by noted artist Lenore Thomas. Each event highlights a different aspect of art and the business of art and is free and open to the public.

Thomas is an assistant professor of printmaking at the University of Pittsburgh. Her artwork is exhibited nationally and internationally. Her experience ranges from her work as a creative artist, to her membership in an artist collective, to management of a gallery.

On March 5, at 7 p.m., in Sherman Music Hall, Thomas will discuss her life as an artist and the challenges artists face. On March 6, at 6 p.m., Thomas will demonstrate digital printmaking in room E1527. On March 7, at 7 p.m., in Sherman Recital Hall, she will discuss gallery relations with artists, patrons, customers, and the community.

For more information, call (708) 235-3956.

The Recreation and Fitness Center will close the fitness room (A1103), from March 3 through March 10, to complete structural adjustments. Some fitness equipment may be moved to an alternate location, however, that location has not yet been determined. For additional information, please contact the Recreation and Fitness Center supervisor at 708.534.4556.

The intricacies and benefits of substitute teaching will be discussed at a free information session on Thursday, March 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Hall of Honors. People interested in learning what they need to do and know to be a substitute teacher will also learn about the free training workshops offered at the university and the Illinois State substitute certification process. For more information, call 708.534.4024.

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, the Civil Service Senate is sponsoring a Limerick Contest. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to participate in this one-of-kind event.

Finalists will be asked to read their entries in the Hall of Governors, on Monday, March 17, from Noon to 1 p.m. The top three winners will be chosen by the audience.

Rules: Individuals can submit no more than three separate entries. Submissions will be pre-screened by a panel of impartial judges. All limericks must reference GSU and/or the GSU community and environs. Most importantly, all limericks must be clean and suitable for all audiences.

Send submissions to Lynne Clayton, in Room, G256 by 5 p.m., Monday, March 10.

Information Technology Services (ITS) invites you to attend a training session in Microsoft Outlook 2007, the e-mail program used by GSU faculty and staff.

February 27

9 a.m. Room D2430 - ACS Lab

11 a.m. Room D2430 - ACS Lab

1 p.m. Room D2435 - ACS Lab

3 p.m. Room D2435 - ACS Lab

February 28                

9 a.m. Room D2433 - ACS Lab

11 a.m. Room D2433 - ACS Lab

1 p.m. Room D2433 - ACS Lab

3 p.m. Room D2433 - ACS Lab

Training will include: customizing menus and toolbars; managing your mailbox by archiving, restoring, and creating rules and personal folders; creating contacts, distribution lists, and categories for contacts; and using rules, filters, and public folders.

The GSU community has a limited time to participate in e-CHUG, an online alcohol intervention and personalized feedback tool developed by counselors and psychologists at San Diego State University.

There is no charge for this completely confidential basic intervention program. It takes less than 30 minutes to complete and asks no questions that personally identify participants. The survey is designed to motivate individuals to reduce alcohol consumption and understand their own drinking and risk factors.

e-CHUG can be accessed at http://interwork.sdsu.edu/echug/aware/?id=GOVST.

The IT department reminds faculty and staff that the university’s primary data software, formerly known as CARS, is now called Jenzebar. Referring to the software by its proper new name will help expedite helpdesk requests.

Returning to civilian life after serving in Iraq has proven to be a difficult transition. Vets for Vets began in 2005 to address this need. Dr. Cyrus Ellis, Associate Professor of Counseling, has organized free facilitator training by Vets for Vets on February 27, from 6 to 9 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex, for volunteers wishing to help returning vets.

Vets 4 Vets facilitator training is designed for veterans and professionals and students in counseling, psychology, social work, addictions counseling, and nursing to enable them to organize and facilitate small discussion groups comprised of veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. Guided by the trained facilitator, veterans of these conflicts are then able to help each other, share experiences, and find understanding and solace.

For more information, call 708.534.4907.

Distinguished R & B performer and GSU graduate Jerry Butler will bring his decades of knowledge and experience to GSU on Wednesday, February 27, at 5 p.m., in Sherman Recital Hall, for a lecture and discussion on “Blacks’ Contribution to the World of Music.”

Butler’s performance career began in the late 1950s and continues today. It includes many top ten Billboard hits. In 1991, Butler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the other original members of the Impressions: Curtis Mayfield, Sam Gooden, Fred Cash, and Arthur and Richard Brooks.  In addition to his performance career, Butler has served as a Cook County Commissioner since the 1980s. He has hosted several PBS TV music specials and served as Chairman of the Board of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
 

The lecture is sponsored by CAS Distinguished Lecture series in honor of Black History Month. For more information, call 708.235.3956.

The Visual Arts Gallery will host the 2008 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition for the second consecutive year, from February 27 through March 14.
 

The exhibition showcases the selected creative works of art students currently enrolled in Illinois community colleges. All students are allowed up to three entries. The juror selects work for this exhibition based on its artistic merit. Harry Sudman, an accomplished Chicago artist, is this year’s exhibition juror.

A reception to celebrate the show and the artists and present merit awards is on Friday, March 14, from 1 to 3 p.m., in E-Lounge, next to the Visual Arts Gallery.
 

The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday, from 2 to 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, from 4 to 9 p.m.; and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 708.534.4071.

In this election year, questions of who makes the better leader and why are asked and answered by politicians, pundits, and the public. Those questions will also be asked and answered at a free workshop exploring Abraham Lincoln’s leadership style on March 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Honors.
 

The workshop is facilitated by Dr. Paul Craig, Senior Fellow at the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs, and sponsored by the Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education (MILE).
 

Participants are responsible for reading the book, “Lincoln on Leadership,” by Donald Phillips, prior to the workshop. Lunch is provided and four Continuing Education Units are available for educators. This event is open to the public.
 

For more information call 708.534.4024.

The GSU Naperville Education Center is offering a two-day workshop designed to provide health care professionals with Spanish language skills to help them do their jobs more effectively, on Friday and Saturday, February 29 and March 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The GSU Naperville Education Center is located at 2244 W. 95th Street, Naperville, Illinois, in the Fry Properties building.
 

The workshop is designed for nurses, admissions personnel, hospital aides, paramedics, and medical technicians. It provides basic and specialized vocabulary, expressions, phrases, and terminology in Spanish to aid professionals in conducting personal and family histories, medical exams, and laboratory tests.
 

The workshop is available as a non-credit course for $125, which includes a textbook, or for credit at GSU tuition per credit hour. For more information, call 800.GSU.8GSU, extension 3983 or visit www.govst.edu/nec.

As a sister state university, last week’s tragic events at NIU hit close to home. In addition, many members of the GSU community are NIU alums, or have friends or family attending the university.
 

In a gesture of solidarity last Friday, GSU posted the following message on the front page of the website: “The Governors State University community mourns the tragedy at Northern Illinois University. We offer our deepest sympathies to the students, faculty, administration, and trustees of NIU, and our deepest condolences to the victims of the violence and their families.”
 

In addition, Dr. Maimon penned a personal note to NIU’s president, John G. Peters, expressing concern and camaraderie on behalf of the GSU community.
 

At Saturday’s commencement ceremony, just prior to the academic procession, the master of ceremonies asked that a moment of silence be observed in remembrance of all those affected by the NIU events.
 

A note from President Maimon:
Dear Participants in GSU’s Commencement:

A special note of thanks to all who worked so hard to make Saturday’s Commencement a joyous event for our graduates and their families. I am particularly proud of the sizeable faculty attendance and hope that we will have even greater participation in June.

Special thanks to Trustee Chair Lorine Samuels and to all the Trustees who attended. I’m especially grateful to all who served as faculty marshals. Tony Labriola was a polished and professional master of ceremonies. Our PR department did a great job on the script. GSU Department of Public Safety personnel and facilities staff did a wonderful job. Vanessa Newby and the Commencement Committee worked long and hard on a multitude of details.

Many thanks to all for the teamwork that makes our Commencement the highlight of the academic year.

Best wishes, 
Elaine 
Elaine P. Maimon, Ph.D.
President

Learn about two of the unique sculptures in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at a free, informal discussion with Geoff Bates, park director and curator. A lively half-hour presentation comparing and contrasting Working on the Failed Utopia by Christine Tarkowski and Oscar’s Inclination by Michael Dunbar will be held on Tuesday, February 19, at 12:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., in room D-1497. Bring lunch or a snack, enjoy the conversation, and learn what influenced the artists.

CenterPoint has expanded its hours to include Thursday nights and alternating Saturday mornings by appointment only. Thursday night appointments will be scheduled through 7:30 p.m. and Saturday appointments are scheduled at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday night appointments are still available through SCORE.

Daphne Thornton is the winner of the contest to brand the GSU online learning system. Her entry, GSUWebED, was chosen as the best for an online learning system of all those names submitted. PBAC-IT will decide whether to actually use the winning name for the university’s online learning system. Daphne wins a $100 Borders gift card. Thanks to everyone who entered!

The Division of Psychology & Counseling recently announced its first post master’s certificate. The certificate is designed for those who already possess a master’s degree in Counseling or Psychology and who wish to pursue certification in School Counseling (Type 73). Students can earn their school counseling qualifications and certificate in as little as four trimesters. Visit the Counseling webpage www.govst.edu/counseling or call Bonnie Gregg at 708.534.4973 for more information.

The celebration of academic success culminates for more than 600 graduates on Saturday, February 16, at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The commencement ceremony begins promptly at 11 a.m. Graduates are reminded to arrive early to ensure they are robed and in line in time. Guests are asked to arrive early so they are seated before the processional begins. No guests will be admitted without a ticket or if late arrivals. For additional information, visit the Commencement webpage.

The University Library is offering a free, computer workshops to members of the community, students, staff, and faculty. Workshop topics include APA style citations, formatting APA style papers, plagiarism detection, and online teaching and web conferencing.

The workshops are held in February and March and are free and open to the public. Advance registration is recommended, but not required. Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois. For more information and a complete schedule of workshops, visit the Library's website or call 708.235.7514.

Distinguished R & B performer and GSU graduate Jerry Butler will bring his decades of knowledge and experience to GSU on Wednesday, February 27, at 5 p.m., in Sherman Recital Hall, for a lecture and discussion on Blacks’ Contribution to the World of Music.

Butler’s performance career began in the late 1950s and continues today. It includes many top ten Billboard hits. In 1991, Butler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the other original members of the Impressions: Curtis Mayfield, Sam Gooden, Fred Cash and Arthur and Richard Brooks. In addition to his performance career, Butler has served as a Cook County Commissioner since the 1980s. He has hosted several PBS TV music specials and served as Chairman of the Board of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

The lecture is sponsored by CAS Distinguished Lecture series in honor of Black History Month. For more information, call 708.235.3956.

The Master of Public Administration Club welcomes Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to campus on Tuesday, February 19. The event, which runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., is free and open to the public. After his lecture, White will field questions from the audience. Refreshments will be served.

E-mails containing certain romantic or Valentine’s Day greetings provide links that direct users to malicious websites that attempt to exploit a variety of vulnerabilities and install malware (software designed to damage a computer's system).

Some of the subject lines may be "You… In my Dreams, A Toast to my Love, Sending You My Love, Falling in Love with You, Special Romance, You’re in My Thoughts, Sent with Love, Our Love Will Last, Our Love is Strong, Your Love Has Opened, You're the One, Heavenly Love," etc.

Be aware of suspicious e-mails that you receive, even if they come from a friend, co-worker, or spouse. If you have questions, please contact the ITS Help Desk at extension 4357 (H-E-L-P).

This weekend The Center for Performing Arts will offer GSU two for one tickets for both the Neil Sedaka performance on Saturday, February 16, and the opera Tosca on Sunday, February 17. The two for one tickets will be in the mezzanine area of The Center. The offer for both shows will begin on Friday, February 15, at 10 a.m., and end one hour before the scheduled starting time for each show. Two for one tickets must be purchased in person at The Center box office. Advance tickets at a 10 percent discount can be ordered by calling the box office at 708.235.2222.

Show your university pride by donning a GSU hoodie sweatshirt - the clothing item that never goes out of style. Hoodies are available for a limited time in the Follett’s bookstore for $19.95. Sweatshirts (small through XXL) come in blue, orange, and pink while supplies last.

Only the Strong Survive by Chicago soul legend Jerry Butler is now available. The memoir recounts Butler’s life as an R&B performer, public figure, and politician.

The University Library wishes to honor all faculty who have authored published works during the past year such as journal articles, books, chapters in books, and published conference proceedings. The Library will host the Faculty Authors Reception on Wednesday, April 9, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on the Library Balcony. The faculty is invited to display their published works at this celebratory event.

If you are one of GSU’s recent authors, please submit your work to Helen Benos or Linda Ayala of the University Library by March 21. Please do not submit work that has been showcased previously at this event. For more information, call 708.235.7514.

Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr., honorary degree recipient at Winter Commencement, will be recognized for his important contributions at a special dinner on Thursday, February 14, at GSU.

Dr. Andrade will be honored for his lifelong dedication to education, the successful voter registration drives he organized, his creation and leadership of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, and his dedication to the nation’s Latino community. Members of the Institute’s Board of Directors will be present to help honor Dr. Andrade.

The commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, February 16, at 11 a.m., at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

The GSU community is reminded that the university will be closed in observance of Lincoln’s Birthday on Tuesday, February 12. No classes will be held that day and regular campus services will be unavailable.

Don’t miss the Civil Service Senate a carnation sale on Valentine’s Day, February 14, from 8 to 9 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. Carnation prices are one for $1, six for $5, and a dozen for $10.

Carnation supply is limited. Pre-orders are recommended, and accepted via email only to Rhonda Jackson. All proceeds support the civil Service Scholarship/Educational Assistance Fund.

CAS is sponsoring a free, special performance by China’s Zhejiang Butterfly Performing Troupe on Friday, February 15, at 8 p.m., at The Center for Performing Arts.

The troupe, which hails from China’s Zhejiang province located to the south of Shanghai, is made up of the principle performers of the Zhejiang Provincial Singing and Dancing Theater, including 11 musicians, seven dancers, two acrobats, and one Kun Opera actress. The group will present programs featuring traditional Chinese instrumental and vocal music, folk dance, acrobatics, and excerpts from the classic Chinese opera The Peony Pavilion.

Seating for the event is general admission. Free tickets are available at www.centertickets.net or by calling The Center box office at 708.235.2222.

Who needs the next American Idol when Governors State University students and friends are dancing, singing, and performing their way through an evening of great talent and lots of fun? The Talent Show is on February 16, from 5 to 9 p.m., in Sherman Music Recital Hall.

A great GSU tradition continues with the annual Black Heritage Challenge on February 20 and 21, in the Hall of Governors, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Teams of students, faculty, and staff compete, answering questions related to African American culture.

Each team may consist of four members and two alternates. Each team must have a team leader who would be responsible for providing a list of all participants on his/her team (including alternates) and their contact information. Please note that in the event your team does not include all four members during a round, your team may play with only the team members who are present.
 

All teams will participate in a 20-minute round of questions on the first day, Wednesday, February 20, 2008. The teams with the most points in a round advance to a 20-minute semi-final round on the second day, Thursday, February 21, 2008. The semi-final round winning teams advance to the 30-minute final round that same day. The team with the most points wins.
 

Teams and team members must be registered with Crystal Richards by Wednesday, February 13. A formal schedule will be distributed to all participants on Monday, February 18, 2008.

Questions? Call 708.534.4551.

Learn about two of the unique sculptures in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at a free, informal discussion with Geoff Bates, park director and curator. A lively half-hour presentation comparing and contrasting “Working on the Failed Utopia” by Christine Tarkowski and “Oscar’s Inclination” by Michael Dunbar will be held on Tuesday, February 19, at 12:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., in room D-1497. Bring lunch or a snack, enjoy the conversation, and learn what influenced the artists.

Governors State University’s Office of Career Services “Education Career Fair” will be held on Wednesday, March 12, from 2 to 6 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. The fair is open to graduate and undergraduate students in education and College of Education alumni.

Faculty and marshals participating in Commencement are reminded to pick up their regalia today, February 7, in the Visitor's Center, Room D-1408, from 1 to 7 p.m.

Commencement will take place on Saturday, February 16, at 11 a.m., at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

Students, faculty, and staff are reminded that should Governors State University need to close for any reason, including inclement weather, information will be available through several mediums:

• GSU Website - Closing information will be posted on GSU’s homepage. Additionally, full closing procedures are available on the Emergency webpage.
• GSU 24-Hour Information Hotline - Timely status information is available by calling 708.534.4909.
• Chicagoland Emergency Closing Center - Visit the Center’s website at www.emergencyclosings.com or call 847.238.1234 and enter GSU’s main phone number (708.534.5000) to check the university’s status. Information available through this source is also reported to many local TV and radio stations.

Members of the GSU community are encouraged to check the university’s status using one of the three methods above, as they will have the most up-to-date and accurate information. Please refrain from calling other campus offices for this information.

An overview of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park and an interview with Curator and Director Geoffrey Bates was featured on Chicago Public Radio’s “Hello Beautiful” on Friday, February 1. Host of the show, Matt Cunningham, joined Bates on a winter tour of the park. The segment can be heard online.

GSU employees contributed $6,998 during the SECA 2007 - Annual State and University Employees Combined Appeal Campaign.

Through SECA, employees are invited on an annual basis to contribute to their choice of over 2000 charities. Each charity has satisfied a rigid and ongoing audit process. Through volunteerism, the annual statewide campaign minimizes overhead thus maximizing individual contributions.

Since 1983, the SECA campaign has accepted over $50 million in statewide contributions from State and university employees. These contributions have helped to provide services focused on environmental, health, and human needs to both local and world-wide communities.

Employees may either make one time contributions or elect to have payroll deductions throughout the following calendar year. Interested individuals should contact the Office of Human Resources at 708.534.4100.

The GSU community is reminded that the university will be closed in observance of Lincoln’s Birthday on Tuesday, February 12. No classes will be held that day and regular campus services will be unavailable.

GSU recognizes that it’s not easy balancing academic goals with personal, social, and vocational activities that require time and energy. Students often experience increased levels of stress brought on by pressures from academic courses, difficulties in relationships with children or significant others, health concerns, and other life situations.

We’ve got a resource to help. Free, confidential counseling services available through GSU’s Academic Resource Center, can help students strike the perfect balance.

The counselors facilitate academic progress and help students to achieve their personal and career goals. A counseling relationship allows students to confidentially discuss their personal thoughts and feelings in order to improve problematic life situations and enhance personal potential.

Contact Dr. Katharine Helm, by email or at 708.235.7334 for additional information.

The digital institutional repository is no longer nameless thanks to Daphne Thornton, a GSU student. As the naming contest winner, Daphne earns a $100 Borders gift card and bragging rights.

The online place to capture, store, index, preserve, and distribute documents for professional and scholarly use only is now called…(drum roll, please)…GSUvault.

It is a special night when B.B. King performs. Don't miss this timeless legend with his famous guitar, "Lucille," on stage for a night of rich, soulful music at the Center for Performing Arts, on Friday, February 8, at 8 p.m. Special guests are LD and Cole Miller, as seen on television’s “America’s Got Talent.”

Take part in a special raffle for an electric guitar signed by B.B. King and a harmonica signed by LD Miller. Tickets are $5 each or six for $25.

Show tickets may be purchased at The Center Box Office, (708.235.2222) or at www.centertickets.net.

Based on E. B. White's best-selling children's paperback of all time, Charlotte, Wilbur, and all their friends come to life on stage as they share in the timeless story of friendship and salvation on a farm.
 

GSU two for one tickets will be available for “Charlotte’s Web” at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., on Saturday, February 9. This offer is available from Friday, February 8, from 10 a.m. It ends at 10 a.m. for the show at 11 a.m. show and at  noon for the 1 p.m. show on February 9. Regular price of these tickets is $10.50. Two for one tickets must be purchased in person at The Center Box Office. Advanced tickets at a 10 percent discount can be ordered by calling 708.235.2222.

Debra Boyd has been appointed Director of the GSU Department of Public Safety. As a 28 year veteran of the department, Lt. Boyd has served the university exceptionally well and has earned the community’s trust and confidence to serve in this expanded role.

She will be assisted by Lieutenant James McGee, who will report directly to Director Boyd in his new position as Assistant Director of Public Safety. Lt. McGee’s 16-years of experience in the law enforcement field, over eight years of which are at GSU, will serve him well as he oversees policing operations.

Gail Bradshaw, who has been serving as the Department’s Interim Director since last August, will now focus on her primary duties as GSU’s Director of Human Resources Services Department, but will assist with the leadership transition.

The State of Illinois offers substitute teacher certification to those with a bachelor’s degree in any subject. While no special skills are required to get a sub certificate, many school districts encourage their subs, whether certified teachers or not, to take special substitute teacher workshops to familiarize themselves with the process and pitfalls of subbing.

Governors State University is sponsoring a one-day, free Substitute Teacher Academy to educate new subs what to expect, what to do in an emergency, how to maintain classroom control, and how to follow the teacher’s lesson plans. The Substitute Teacher Academy is on March 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in GSU’s Hall of Honors.

Prior to the academy, the intricacies and benefits of substitute teaching will be discussed at an information session. Those unsure if subbing is the job for them should attend the information session first. The substitute information session is on Thursday, March 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Hall of Honors.

There are no fees for either session. Participants may register for their substitute teaching certificate at the academy with a $50 check or money order and an official transcript noting acquisition of a bachelor’s degree. For more information, call 708.534.4024.

All members of the GSU community are encouraged to excercise their right to vote in the February 5 Primary Election. In celebration, GSU's Civil Service Senate and Office of Student Affairs are holding a grand prize raffle. All GSU students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to visit the Welcome Center in the Hall of Governors to fill out a prize entry. Entry forms will be available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5 only. The official prize drawing will take place on February 6, at noon, in the Hall of Governors. Winners need not be present.

Not rain, nor sleet, nor snow in hoards could keep the “Why Not?” winners from receiving their awards. On Friday, February 1, President Maimon and incoming Provost Jane Hudak presented the awards to the three who submitted the best “Why Not?” suggestions during the Fall 2007 trimester.

The winners, each of whom received a $100 Visa gift card, were:

• Jane Siefker of the Business Office - Suggested addition of a coffee bar to the university cafeteria
• Priscilla Southern, CHHS student - Suggested a monetary increase for the student book advance
• Erica Morris, COE student - Also suggested book advance increase

Left to right: Priscilla Southern, President Maimon, Erica Morris, and Jane Siefker

The Fine Arts Department at Governors State University and the student organization, Art Forum, are hosting a fine art silent auction to benefit Faye’s Light, on February 8, from 6 to 9 p.m., in the GSU Visual Arts Gallery.

Faye’s Light is a non-profit organization that provides free spa services and other holistic therapies to people in treatment for cancer. These services include message, Reiki, facials, manicures, pedicures, therapeutic art, aromatherapy, guided meditation, and other energy work.

The fundraising event includes a gala reception, refreshments, a live jazz band, and extraordinary art. There is a suggested donation at the door of $20, ($15 for students with ID). All artwork has been donated and the proceeds benefit Faye’s Light. The silent auction will include paintings, photographic works, sculpture, textiles, and ceramics.

The Visual Arts Gallery is located in E-Wing. For more information, call 708.534.4017 or email Javier Chavira.