News and Events

Knowledge as we know it is changing. The hardcover encyclopedia has given way to Wikipedia, which can be edited by anyone with access to a computer. These changes have a definite impact on universities and colleges. Who owns knowledge and how is it validated.

Dr. Elaine P. Maimon has received a special invitation to participate in a presidential roundtable discussion sponsored by the American Council on Education (ACE).

The discussion, to be held next week in Washington, D.C., will focus on the topic of “The Future of Knowledge of Creation, Validation, and Ownership: The Impact of Google, Wikipedia, and Open Source CourseWare on Colleges and Universities”.

This is one of three scheduled roundtables that ACE will be holding over the next 18 months to discuss the future of higher education. Groups are small to facilitate conversation and each roundtable will result in an essay for broad distribution to other university and college presidents.

This particular discussion will address such questions as: “How is knowledge created and disseminated? Who verifies knowledge? What do virtual communities – Second Life, Facebook – mean for the academic community?”

Your input is needed. In preparation for the re-accreditation visit from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, GSU must conduct a self-study, involving all departments and aspects of the university.

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend a university-wide information session on Wednesday, April 2, from 2 to 4 p.m., in Sherman Hall.

Learn

• What accreditation is and why it is so important
• How the accreditation process works
• The university-wide implications of the HLC site-visit and re-accreditation
• About your important role in the process

Darcie Campos has been appointed to the position of Director of Career Services for Governors State University.

Darcie comes to GSU with an excellent background in higher education. Most recently, she served as Director of Career Services at Concordia University Chicago. Prior to that, she was employed at Monmouth College and Eastern Illinois University.

As Director of Career Services, Darcie will work with colleges to identify internship opportunities, develop and plan specialized career fairs, career related activities, and oversee career counseling services.

It could be considered a meeting of young and old, or the clothed and unclothed, or the listless and the vibrant. Or it could be described as a revelation of everything you don’t know about our very own Paul by Tony Tasset and how our giant compares (artistically and physique-ally) to Michelangelo’s monumental David (currently on display in Florence, Italy). Geoffrey Bates, curator and director of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, will lead the half-hour presentation on Tuesday, April 1, 12:30 p.m. and again at 3:45 p.m., in room D-1497. Bring lunch or a snack, enjoy the conversation, and learn more about the old giant of GSU and the teen with a slingshot.

The fine art of dressing for success will be on display at the Dress for Success Fashion Seminar sponsored by the Office of Career Services. The seminar includes a fashion show, information on how to dress professionally from hair, nail, and makeup vendors, tips for job seekers, and a drawing for prizes and fashion merchandise.

The seminar is on Tuesday, April 1, from 4 to 6 p.m., in The Center for Performing Arts at GSU. This event is free and open to students, alumni, and members of the community wishing to learn how to dress for success. For more information, call 708.235.3974.

Effective April 1, sales tax for University Park will increase from 7.5 percent to 8 percent. The GSU community will see tax increases on items purchased in the bookstore and cafeteria for personal use only. This increase will not affect departmental spending because GSU is tax exempt. Please contact Procurement with questions.

To celebrate the first pitch of the baseball season, Student Affairs and Academic Services and the Provost Office is sponsoring April’s First Friday. Join the festivities on Friday, April 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Student Commons (second floor, A-Wing).

Sometimes legislators need to see – and hear from their constituents to realize how important an issue really is. On April 9, the Higher Education Legislative Coalition is sponsoring a Rally Day in Springfield. People are asked to join the rally to show the General Assembly how their budget cuts effect higher education at GSU and the communities we serve.

The rally begins at 10:15 a.m., on Wednesday, at 100 Edwards Street, Springfield. The University Professionals of Illinois is providing a bus to Springfield, which will leave from GSU in the morning and return after the rally. Contact Marsha Katz, 708.534.4952, for details, to register to hop on board, and let your voice be heard.

The Friends of Mysteries’ monthly meeting has been delayed until April 22, at noon, in the Cafeteria Annex. This gives everyone an extra week to finish April’s book, Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. For more information, contact Diane Dates Casey or Becky Nugent.

Since 1977, it has been the tradition of the University to recognize employee service anniversaries at five-year increments, from five through thirty-five years. This year, employees attaining these important anniversary milestones will be honored on May 15, in the E-Lounge. The event will begin with a continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m., followed by a recognition ceremony, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Employees who will be recognized began employment in 2002, 1997, 1992, 1987, 1982, 1977, and 1972. This year there are approximately 60 honorees.

The Jenzabar CX system will be unavailable due to upgrades and maintenance from 5:30 p.m., Friday, March 28 through Sunday, March 30. This includes all online services including Impromptu reporting, course registration, student and faculty view, and online admission.

ITS apologizes for any inconvenience. Contact the GSU Help Desk, 708.534.4357, with questions.

Effective March 17, 2008, Dr. Peggy Woodard has been appointed as the Interim Dean of the College of Education. Dr. Woodard will remain in this interim position until the search process is completed and a permanent COE Dean is hired. In addition, Dr. Woodard will retain her title as Associate Provost/Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and will continue responsibility for some of her ongoing assignments as Associate Provost.

The search for the permanent COE Dean is proceeding. There is a strong pool of applicants. In the near future, the COE Dean search committee will conduct telephone interviews to determine which candidates will be invited to campus.

Dr. Jane Hudak, Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs would like to thank Dr. Woodard for assuming responsibility for the COE Dean position and would specifically like to thank Dr. Eric Martin, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, for his perseverance and successful effort in serving as Dean of two colleges for a large part of this academic year.

Following an internal search process and after careful consideration, Dr. William Wilkinson has been appointed to serve as the Interim Dean of the College of Business and Public Administration effective March 17, 2008.

Dr. Wilkinson brings to this position years of experience in CBPA, a strong academic background and a good understanding of the College of Business and Public Administration, its faculty and staff, and especially its students. Dr. Wilkinson has served as the current Interim Associate Dean since Dean Nowlin accepted an appointment as Interim Vice President of Advancement last fall.

Since assuming this position, Dr. Wilkinson has had primary responsibility for the daily operations of the college. In addition to his excellent qualifications, knowledge, and skills, Dr. Wilkinson will provide leadership continuity until a permanent CBPA Dean is hired.

The search for the permanent CBPA Dean is moving forward in a positive manner. In the near future, the College search committee will conduct screening interviews to determine which candidates will be invited to campus.

We ask you to join us in congratulating Dr. Wilkinson on his appointment as Interim CBPA Dean and that you work with him during this transitional period.

The Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University will present 9 Variations, a group exhibit of artwork by GSU graduate students in art, from April 4 through April 18. An opening evening reception will be held on April 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

The exhibit includes a variety of medium, including digital photography, painting, and sculpture that give viewers a glimpse into real and abstract worlds. Contributing artists include Alonso Balderas, Joe Baltz, Wes Gonzalez, Janice Pratt, Jody Reno, Tim Ryan, Jessica Van Swol, Ben Ward, and Patricia Watkins.

For more information, call 708.534.4071.

The 14^th Annual Student Research Conference will be held on Wednesday, May 21. Students will have the opportunity to present their research work before an audience of their peers. The event showcases the many accomplishments of GSU students from a wide variety of subject areas and specialties.

Faculty members are asked to encourage their students to participate. Conference registration and abstract submission deadline May 9. Registration is free. All students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend the conference, to enjoy lunch, and learn about the research projects of GSU students.

Email Dr. Shelly Kumar for information and registration forms.

Your input is needed. In preparation for the re-accreditation visit from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, GSU must conduct a self-study, involving all departments and aspects of the university.

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend a university-wide information session on Wednesday, April 2, from 2 to 4 p.m., in Sherman Hall.

Learn

• What accreditation is and why it is so important
• How the accreditation process works
• The university-wide implications of the HLC site-visit and re-accreditation
• About your important role in the process

Is it “a m,” “AM,” or “a.m.”? Where can I get a clean copy of the GSU logo and what’s the correct way to use it? These and many other questions are addressed on the new Public Affairs website.

The site is designed to provide the university community with the tools needed to help them access Public Affairs services, catch-up on university news, and help create a consistent look and voice for all university publications and materials.

Printed materials production procedures

1. Logo and font standards/downloads
2. Editorial style guide
3. Photography information
4. Current/archived press releases
5. GSU desktop backgrounds and PowerPoint templates
6. A list of Public Affairs services 

For more information on Public Affairs services, contact Eric Matanyi at extension 4044 or Lindsay Gladstone at extension 7090.

It could be considered a meeting of young and old, or the clothed and unclothed, or the listless and the vibrant. Or it could be described as a revelation of everything you don’t know about our very own Paul by Tony Tasset and how our giant compares (artistically and physique-ally) to Michelangelo’s monumental David (currently on display in Florence, Italy).

Geoffrey Bates, curator and director of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, will lead the half-hour presentation on Tuesday, April 1, 12:30 p.m. and again at 3:45 p.m., in room D-1497. Bring lunch or a snack, enjoy the conversation, and learn more about the old giant of GSU and the teen with a slingshot.

The Friends of the GSU Library are celebrating National Library Week (April 14-18) with activities designed to bring out the bookworm in all of us. Unwanted books will be collected for resale and re-read. Baked goods will be sold to raise funds and an information table about the Friends will raise awareness. (See events calendar for times and dates.)

The afternoon of April 16 begins with a competition at noon in the Hall of Governors. “It was a dark and stormy night” competition asks contestants to identify books and authors by the first line. Teams of 3 to 4 people are invited to join the fun. A university-wide reception will follow, from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Library Balcony.

The week culminates with popcorn in the Hall of Governors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate National Library Worker’s Day.

The Registrar’s Office reminds students that priority registration is underway this week. Open registration begins on Monday, March 24. All students are encouraged to register early to get the classes they need.

Registration is available online.

GSU’s MIS Club invites students, faculty, and staff to attend A Rude Awakening: Violence on College Campuses, on Thursday, March 20, from 6 to 7 p.m., in the Student Commons (second floor, A wing).

The event features a presentation by Lt. McGee from the university’s Department of Public Safety (DPS). He will discuss the recent NIU tragedy, DPS procedures for ensuring safety on campus, safety tips, and emergency evacuation procedures.

For more information, contact Chayla Wilson.

There is still time to volunteer for the GSU Foundation’s 2008 Phone-a-Thon. This year’s event will take place from March 31 through April 3 and April 6 through April 10.

Volunteers are an important part of the success of this fund-raising venture. Calls help raise donations to support GSU’s scholarship programs, professional development for faculty and civil service professionals, the GSU Promise, and more. The Phone-a-Thon also helps encourage connections between alumni, faculty, students, and GSU.

Food, fun, and door prizes will be available to all who participate. For more information or to sign-up, contact the GSU Foundation at 708.235.7494.

St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated with the announcement of the winners of GSU’s first limerick contest, sponsored by the Civil Service Senate. The contest inspired a unique show of creativity from the GSU community.

Some finalists chose to present their own limericks to the crowd gathered in the Hall of Governors. Others asked colleagues to read their works or made donations to have Irish Storyteller Lynne Clayton present the poems. All donations went to the Civil Service Senate.

“The Civil Service Senate would like to thank all who participated and especially those whose generous donations helped to make this event a success,” said Kathy Miller, president of the Civil Service Senate.

Winners:

1^st Place - Eric Nicholson, University Library

Though at Governors State University

We all celebrate our diversity

An exception is seen

When we all, donning green

Perpetrate this poetic perversity.

2^nd Place Tie - Charles Klaas, Digital Learning & Media Design

There once was a guy from gov state

Who complained about all that he ate.

Now that Aramark’s gone

Sodexho’s a charm

And now he returns from lunch late.

2^nd Place Tie - Deirdre Webb, Registrar’s Office

Each winter morning on campus I see

The tower that plays melody.

I try not to freeze

With the snow to my knees

As it “Welcome’s Sweet Springtime” for me. 

The United States Air Force Academy Band will perform a free concert at Governors State University, on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m., in The Center for Performing Arts.

The group hails from Colorado Springs, Colorado and is comprised of service members of the United States Air Force. The group performs nearly 600 times per year. The Band will perform concert band classics and patriotic favorites. They will also present highlights from the musical "Oklahoma!," complete with vocalists and costumes.

Seating for the event is general admission. Free tickets are available at www.centertickets.net or by calling The Center box office (708) 235-2222. Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois.

Once again the Anita M. Stone JCC, with the co-operation of GSU, will offer T.A.L.E. (The Adult Learning Exchange), enrichment classes for adults, on campus. The 8-week sessions run from April 18 to June 6. Course topics include short stories in film, American essays, Tibet, beginning improvisation, and understanding humans through myths and fables.

For more information, call 708.799.7650.

President Elaine Maimon and new Provost Jane Hudak will meet with students, answer questions, and respond to concerns on March 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex. Bring your questions, concerns, and appetites. Refreshments will be served.

The special election to fill the post of GSU representative to the State Universities’ Civil Service Advisory Committee will be held on April 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Employees with civil service status may vote at either the Department of Human Resources, Room C1316, or the Hall of Governors, near the CPA Lobby, but not at both locations. Only the names of candidates who filed a proper petition for candidacy will appear on the ballot. Write-in candidates will not be counted.

For more information, contact Pulchratia Kinney-Smith at 708.235.7466.

Understanding the sculptures in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is made easy with the Two for Tuesdays discussions. Richard Rezac’s Frame and Mike Baur’s Sextant Yoke are the subjects of this week’s free, informal discussion with Geoff Bates, park director and curator. The lively half-hour presentation is on Tuesday, March 18, 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 GSU Library is sponsoring a special presentation and discussion with Dr. Barbara Jones-Jackson, author of Throw-Away Kids, A Case Study of the Unique Educational Needs of Foster Children, on Thursday, March 27. The program will run twice, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and from 8 to 9 p.m. in the Hall of Honors. A book signing will be held from 7:30 to 8 p.m.

Dr. Jones-Jackson has years of experience as an teacher, administrator, and associate professor. She is the creator of The Potter’s House Learning Center for behaviorally and emotionally challenged foster children. Jones-Jackson earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from GSU and her doctorate in education from Loyola University.

For more information, call 708.534.4116.

To assist the Friends of the Library, you can participate in Jewel/Osco’s innovative Shop & Share fundraising program. Just shop at any area Jewel/Osco on March 17, 18, or 19 and present the special Shop & Share certificate at checkout. Your cashier completes the certificate and 5 percent of your total purchase is forwarded to the Office of Institutional Advancement in support of the Friends of the Library. Download the certificates below and share with your friends and family. It’s easy, and it’s for a good cause.

Downloadable Shop & Share Certificate

Retiree email accounts which have been inactive for more than 12 months are scheduled for deactivation on March 31. To keep an account active, login by 5 p.m., on March 25, delete all junk mail, and any mail that is older than 90 days.

Use owa.govst.edu to access GSU email accounts. For technical assistance please contact the GSU Help Line at 708.534.4357.

GSU will host a university-wide open house on Saturday, March 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. General information about the university, as well as information sessions on transfer requirements, financial aid, and specific undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs will be available. Prospective students and parents will also be able to meet with Governors State faculty, academic advisors, and financial aid counselors.

For more information, contact the Office of Admission at 708.534.4490.

The recipient of the Civil Service Senate Winter 2008 Scholarship is Annie Ware, senior library specialist. She will receive an award in the amount of $500.

Annie had this to say upon receiving the news, “You don’t know how much receiving the scholarship means. During the academic part of a professional degree, it is very difficult to find

scholarships or grants unless you are in a profession that is in great demand. It is difficult in behavioral sciences. I will be signing up for dissertation hopefully in June. Thank all of you who felt I was worthy enough to receive this honor.”

GSU two-for-one tickets will be available for The Trinity II Irish Dance Company performance on Sunday, March 16, at 3 p.m. Regular ticket price is $35. This special offer is only available from 10 a.m. on March 14 through 2 p.m. on March 16. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Center box office. Call 708.235.2222 for advance reservations at a 10% discount.

The Center is also offering tickets for a special Irish brunch buffet. The buffet is available before the show on March 16, at 1 p.m., at Vic’s on Main, in Crete. It features corned beef and cabbage, bangers and beans, parsley potatoes, salads, Irish soda bread, Irish desserts, and more. The cost for adults is $15 and children under sixteen are only $7.50. Call the Center box office for details and to reserve your spot.

This year, the GSU Foundation distributed more than $27,000 to faculty members enabling them to present at conferences, further their research, and access continuing education opportunities.

The Foundation funded 23 faculty projects.

Research projects ranged from designing cell phone learning modules to researching tree species in upland forests. Paper presentations included disparities in access to hospitals with high technology services, social work education, and elementary reading skills. Additional faculty training was received for technology in the classroom and in developing effective science programs.

For more information about the GSU Foundation, call (708) 534-4105, or visit www.govst.edu/foundation.

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, Room G256, by 5 p.m., Monday, March 10.

President Elaine Maimon and incoming Provost Jane Hudak will meet with students, answer questions, and respond to concerns on March 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex. Bring your questions, concerns, and appetites. Refreshments will be served.

Sodexho is committed to offering GSU's favorite snacks and beverages in well-maintained, reliable vending machines. It is important that the GSU community properly report all vending machine issues so Sodexho can address the problem, and track service calls to identify and address ongoing service issues.

Report all vending concerns to  Sodexho directly at 866.796.8363 or contact Jerad Garrison at x7445. (Note: you will need the machine number, located in the top, right-hand side of each unit). Lost monies can be refunded by visiting the cashier in the cafeteria.

The Office of Career Services is sponsoring a career fair for teachers. Current students, alumni, and community members interested in finding employment are invited to attend. Potential employers will be on hand from both public and private institutions and representing all grade levels.

The Education Career Fair is on Wednesday, March 12, from 2 to 6 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. For more information, call 708.235.3974.

The GSU Kankakee Education Center is hosting an open house on Tuesday, March 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. Representatives from University College and the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Administration, Health Professions, and Education will be on hand to discuss the degree and certificate opportunities offered by the university at its main campus and at the KEC.

The GSU KEC is located at 187 South Schuyler Avenue, in the Clock Tower Centre. For more information, call 815.935.2766 or visit www.govst.edu/kec.

The Friends of the Library is participating in Jewel/Osco’s innovative Shop & Share fundraising program - and you can help. Just shop at any area Jewel/Osco on March 17, 18, or 19 and present the special Shop & Share certificate at checkout. Your cashier will complete the certificate and 5 percent of your total purchase will go toward supporting the Friends of the Library. Download the certificates below and share with your friends and family. It’s easy, and it’s for a good cause.

Downloadable Shop & Share Certificate

The Office of the Provost and the Intellectual Life Committee are sponsoring a First Friday Social Hour tomorrow, 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 Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education is sponsoring a one-day, free Substitute Teacher Academy to teach 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 the Hall of Honors.

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

Be sure to get to bed early on Saturday night. This weekend, we set our clocks ahead by one hour, forcing us to lose an hour’s worth of sleep but providing us with that much needed extra hour of daylight.

The APICS (Association for Operations Management) held a student case competition in Chicago in February. Student teams from over 20 universities took part. GSU was represented by the members of its APICS club - Elizabeth Hulford, Kelly Legner, and Katherine Schippits, all students of the College of Business and Public Administration. CBPA professor John Simon acted as faculty advisor to the team, which was financially supported by the Chicago chapter of APICS.

Competing students were given a real life case concerning the operations of a warehouse. They were required to analyze the situation overnight and submit a written report, as well as present the recommendations in front of an audience consisting of professional members of APICS and other students. The GSU team won an award of $500 for their presentation.

The GSU Foundation is looking for volunteers for the 2008 Phone-a-Thon. This year’s event will take place from March 31 through April 3 and April 6 through April 10.

Volunteers are an important part of the success of this fund-raising venture. Calls help raise donations to support GSU’s scholarship programs, professional development for faculty and civil service professionals, the GSU Promise, and more. The Phone-a-Thon also helps encourage connections between alumni, faculty, students, and GSU.

Food, fun, and door prizes will be available to all who participate. For more information or to sign-up, contact the GSU Foundation at 708.235.7494.

The College of Education will host an information session for certified teachers interested in earning a Master of Arts in Educational Administration in a cohort program beginning at GSU in Fall 2008, on March 13, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., in the Hall of Honors.

Participant in the cohort program earn their Master of Arts in Education in only two years. Completion leads to Type 75 certificate eligibility. The cohort program is open to certified teachers with two years experience, and is limited to 25 participants. Classes will meet on Thursday evenings at GSU.

For more information, contact Dor Fitzgerald at 708.534.4536.

GSU will hold a university-wide open house on Saturday, March 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. General information about the university, as well as information sessions on transfer requirements, financial aid, and specific undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs will be available. Prospective students and parents will also be able to meet with Governors State faculty, academic advisors, and financial aid counselors.

For more information, contact the Office of Admission at 708.534.4490.

Governors State University’s Office of Career Services will sponsor an Education Career Fair 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. Teachers seeking positions should bring plenty of resumes and be prepared to meet with potential employers. For more information, call 708.235.3974.

Two 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.