News and Events

Lorine Samuels will remain the Chair of GSU’s Board of Trustees for another year. She was named Chair at the April 18 Board meeting. In addition, Jack Beaupre will remain as Vice Chair and Kristi DeLaurentiis will act as Secretary.

Preceded by morning meetings of the Board’s Human Resources and Academic Affairs committees, the full Board dealt with several important issues during their regular meeting. Dr. Ejigu, GSU’s Executive Vice President, presented information on the university’s emergency preparedness. He noted that GSU’s Emergency Response Team has taken many integral steps to continue that GSU campus remains safe and are pursuing ongoing initiatives.

PBAC co-chairs, Dean John Stoll and Dr. Karen D’Arcy, gave a strategic planning update. Their presentation included information on the updated university mission and the development of strategic planning goals. The plan will be tested in a series of charrettes on May 9, 12, 13, and 14.

In addition to the election of the Board officers, the trustees also approved several resolutions, many of which deal with ongoing infrastructure maintenance.

The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for June 13, 2008.

Thursday’s View incorrectly listed the fiscal year-end submission date for invoices and travel reimbursement. All invoices and travel reimbursements must be submitted by July 14 for travel completed by June 30.

GSU will be beginning its annual equipment inventory in the next couple weeks. To prepare, departments are encouraged to remove any surplus equipment this week so that unit inventory lists can be updated. Departments storing unused equipment should contact Barb Lane at x7426 to make arrangements for removal.

The Summer Institute on June 2 and 3 offers two days of free workshops, presentations, and discussions designed to build knowledge and interest in new techniques and tools. The Summer Institute provides an opportunity to share ideas and learn about the integration of instructional technologies in teaching and learning in both online and blended learning environments.

Breakfast and lunch are provided each day for registered participants. Presenters will receive a small token of appreciation and there will be a drawing for attendees for many great and wonderful prizes (and a few really small ones).

Register at www.govst.edu/elearning/.

The Civil Service Senate is sponsoring a spring bake sale on May 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. Everyone is welcome to buy goodies and support the good work of the Civil Service Senate.

Workers and bakers are also invited to contribute by manning the sales table or creating the delectable delicacies in the kitchen. Call or email Renee Rainey (ext. 7525).

Enjoy learning about two of the largest sculptures in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park collection. Geoffrey Bates, curator and director of park, will discuss Mary Miss’ Field Rotation and Mark Puryear’s Bodark Arc, on Tuesday May 6, at 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 how great art can fill a large space.

CBPA will be hosting a celebration of spring at a First Friday Social on May 2, at 3:30 p.m., in the Faculty Office Center atrium. Bring your conversation and appetite. However, there will be no dancing around the May pole.

It is that time of year again. No, not tax time. That date has already been and gone.

The Departments of Financial Services and Procurement would like to remind everyone to submit appropriate paperwork to their offices before the following deadlines:

• Invoices and travel reimbursements must be submitted by July 14.
• Requisitions and purchase orders must be submitted by June 2 for services completed by June 30 and products received by July 15.
• Office supplies must be ordered by June 13.
• Grants must follow the above dates for application to FY ‘08 budgets.

And because you don’t have enough work, you may also submit for processing FY ’09 contracts, purchases, and blankets for a July 1 start date.

On Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Maimon, along with GSU’s faculty and staff, formally welcomed Provost Hudak to campus at an ice cream social. Sundaes were created and welcoming remarks were shared. Dr. Hudak spoke of her pleasure in coming to GSU and helping the university serve as a central education resource. Dr. Peggy Woodard was recognized for her hard work as Interim Provost. The group also celebrated the end of another successful trimester over scoops of their favorite flavors (with cherries on top).

Student-centered teaching, independent learning, and student achievement are the subjects of Project Criss a three-day workshop sponsored by CAS and the Secondary Education program. The program is on May 13, 14, and 28, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Engbretson Hall.

Project Criss is presented by Drs. Connie Mietlicki and Pan Guimond, and sponsored by the TQE Grant. It provides a research-based support system for educators throughout the curriculum.

The program is free to secondary education students, COE students, student teachers, and practicing teachers in TQE Grant partner districts and $55 for practicing teachers from non-partner districts.

For more information and to register, contact Dr. Juanita Butler at 708.534.4374.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra brings its wonderful big band sound to The Center for Performing Arts on Sunday, April 27, at 4 p.m. Enjoy the swinging sounds of another era with two for one tickets on sale at The Center box office from Friday, April 25, at 10 a.m. to Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m. Purchases by phone receive a 10 percent discount. For more information, call 708.235.2222.

The Monthly Movie Reviewers Roundtable that was scheduled for today has been rescheduled for May 1, at noon, on the Library Balcony. They will be reviewing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Everyone is welcome.

President Maimon and Dr. Mort Maimon hosted a Diversity Dinner for ten “new” friends last Thursday at GSU. The dinner was part of a program sponsored by several south suburban communities and organizations designed to bring people together for conversations that lead to greater understanding of each other and our problems, and dialogues that lead to friendships and solutions.

“The dinner provided an opportunity and a relaxed atmosphere for diverse community members to discuss real issues,” said Dr. Maimon. “Here was an instance of GSU actively serving as a Southland unifying institution.”

Air handling units are part of our mechanical system that circulates conditioned air throughout campus for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC). As part of GSU’s Deferred Maintenance Initiative, first phase work to upgrade 10 of the 50 air handling units will begin Monday, April 21, 2008. This work will require shutting down air handling units in portions of wings A, B, C, and D for approximately two weeks. E and F wings, Center for Performing Arts, FDC, and FOC will not be affected.

Facilities Development and Management (FDM) regrets any inconvenience this may cause.

Please feel free to contact FDM at ext. 4515 with any questions or concerns.

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to a spring ice cream social on Tuesday, April 22, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the new Provost, Dr. Jane Hudak and engage in a question and answer session with administrators.

The Friends of the GSU Library enjoyed celebrating National Library Week with the GSU community. The funds raised through sales, contributions, and donations will be used to enhance the library services and collections. For more information on Friends activities, visit www.govst.edu/library/friends.

Activist, educator, and author Jonathan Kozol will speak about raising and education our children in a fair and effective society on April 22, at 6:30 p.m., at The Center for Performing Arts. The event is free and open to the public. Kozol is the author of numerous best-selling books including the “The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America,” and most recently “Letters to a Young Teacher.”

Kozol’s lecture is an integral part of the programs sponsored by GSU’s Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education (MILE), and local education leaders to provide educational opportunities to the community, investigate current problems in education, and develop solutions. A book sale and signing will follow the lecture. For more information, call 708.534.4024. 

The annual GSU Fly In soared to new heights last week as competitors folded intricate flying machines that zoomed, floated, whirled, dove, and crashed to award-winning records.

The Civil Service Senate sponsored the competition and many students, faculty, and staff participated. Bob & Cindy Woodard, the Office of Public Affairs, and the College of Arts & Sciences donated the prizes and many volunteers served as GSU Fly-In crew members.

The winners in the solo flight category for distance are: first - Delia Creekmur of  OSPR, second - Matt Covic of CE, and third - Matt Spreadbury of CAS. In the loft category, the winners are: first –

John De Young of the University Library, second - Vamsi Kshatri of CAS, and third - Delia Creekmur of OSPR. The team winner is Academic Resource Center, which will now display the GSU Flyer in room B1215.

The students, faculty, and staff of GSU did a wonderful job during the 2008 Phone-A-Thon, according to Christine Radtke, Director of Development at GSU. Two weeks of telephoning and many willing volunteers generated great support for the university, its academic programs, and student scholarships.

This year, student scholarship recipients collected $9,400. The College of Health Professions again earned the rights to house the large pink pig for a year with donations of $7,472. Second place went to CAS with $4,950 and COE earned third place with $3,345. For their team efforts, CHHS was awarded $1,500, CAS received $1,000, and COE earned $500.

The top individual Phone-A-Thon callers garnered support for the university and prizes in recognition of their successful efforts. They were Kyusuk Chung from chhs with $2,365, Viola Gray from ACESSS with $1,620, student Star Vestal with $1,315, Pat Martin from chhs with $1,255, and student Mary Taffe with $1,130.

Meet the newly elected Student Senators and thank the outgoing members for their service to GSU and the student body. The Student Senate Appreciation Program is on Monday, April 21, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex. In addition to refreshments and music, prizes and awards will be presented.

Join the Student Senate in welcoming the new Senators and thanking the outgoing ones while celebrating the end of the trimester.

For more information contact Sheryl Yarbough.

The Procurement Office is hosting higher education purchasing law training next Tuesday, April 22, in the Hall of Honors.

Support staff training is from 1 until 2:30 p.m. and the administration training session is from 3 to 4 p.m. Presenters include staff of the Illinois Public Higher Education Consortium (IPHEC).

Training will focus on the legal requirements of purchases, not GSU specific, internal processes.

At the request of the Chief Procurement Officer for Higher Education and the State of Illinois Public Procurement Policy Board, this training will discuss the laws applicable to Higher Education for the following topics: RFPs, construction, grant related contracts, etc.

If you have questions regarding which session is applicable for your college or department, please contract Tracy Sullivan.

The Commencement Student Speaker Committee is currently accepting nominations for the student speaker for the graduation ceremony to be held on Saturday, June 7.

Nomination forms are available on the web or at the Welcome Center (D1429). Forms should be submitted to Sara Appel, Director of Student Involvement and Leadership, no later than Monday, April 21. The student speaker must be graduating at the June ceremony.

Nominee interviews will be conducted on Wednesday, May 7, between 12 and 5 p.m.

The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University is hosting Explore ArtChicago on Saturday, April 26. The informal excursion, led by park director and curator Geoff Bates, will allow participants to experience one of the most important art fairs in the world.

Admission includes entry to five separate contemporary art fairs: Art Chicago; The Artist Project; Next (cutting-edge); Intuit Show (folk and outsider art); and the Merchandise Mart International Antiques Show. ArtChicago alone features 180 of the world’s emerging and established galleries, representing 56 international cities and showcasing the work of over 2,000 renowned artists.

Discounted tickets are available through the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. The price of $15 includes admission to the shows only. Advance registration is required and payment must be received no later than Friday, April 18. Participants are responsible for their own food and drink and transportation costs. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at 708.534.4486.

The Annual GSU Fly-In gives you the opportunity to fly a plane and not lose your luggage. For only 25 cents, you can fold your master aircraft and send it soaring from the main stairway in the Hall of Governors. Individual prizes are awarded for the farthest distance and longest hang times. Team entries for $1 vie for the honor of displaying the GSU Flyer for one year. Flying machines must meet contest specifications.

The Fly-In is on April 17, from 2 to 3 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. Funds raised support the Civil Service Senate Scholarship/Educational Assistance Fund. For more information, call 708.534.4561.

The Delta Sigma Delta Sorority and the Regional CARE Associate are sponsoring free, anonymous HIV/AIDS testing and counseling on Thursday, April 17. The private testing will be held in rooms E1581 and E1582 (adjacent to the E-Lounge) from 3 to 9 p.m.

Participants will receive a $25 gas gift card and will be eligible for raffle prizes. Additional activities designed to educate attendees are also offered.

For more information, visit www.regionalcare.org.

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 three to four 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.

Activist, educator, and author Jonathan Kozol will speak about raising and education our children in a fair and effective society on April 22, at 6:30 p.m., at The Center for Performing Arts. The event is free and open to the public. Kozol is the author of numerous best-selling books including the “The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America,” and most recently “Letters to a Young Teacher.”

Kozol’s lecture is an integral part of the programs sponsored by GSU’s Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education (MILE), and local education leaders to provide educational opportunities to the community, investigate current problems in education, and develop solutions.  A book sale and signing will follow the lecture. For more information, call 708.534.4024.

Join Geoff Bates, curator and director of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, for the next Two for Tuesday discussion, on Tuesday, April 15, at 12:30 and 3:45 p.m., in room D-1497.

Explore the ins and outs of Bruce Nauman’s post minimalist sculpture “House Divided” and find out what inspired Etienne Martin as he created “Lanleff-Demeure No. 4”.

Can’t make this event? Contact the Sculpture Park at sculpture@govst.edu for information on future discussions.

Please save the date for the 2008 GSU Faculty Summer Institute on June 2 and 3. During the next few weeks, faculty will be asked to submit presentation and workshop proposals. The Institute will feature faculty efforts and ideas, intriguing speakers, information on powerful new tools and techniques, food, and prizes.

The Faculty Summer Institute is a place for faculty to share their ideas, inspirations, and passion for improving teaching and learning and integrating technology into courses.

For additional information, contact Eric Wignall at 708.534.4106.

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.

Conference registration and abstract submission forms are available on the conference website. The registration deadline is May 9 and registration is free. All students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend the conference, enjoy lunch, and learn about the research projects of GSU students.

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to a spring ice cream social on Tuesday, April 22, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the new Provost, Dr. Jane Hudak and engage in a question and answer session with administrators.

On April 2, GSU hosted its first university-wide meeting to discuss the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Self-Study Process. The meeting was the first in a series of meetings leading up to the HLC visit in November 2009.

President Maimon spoke about the new Executive Director at HLC as well as the overall importance of this accreditation in that it supersedes all others. Provost Hudak emphasized the need for high-quality academic programs and evidence of excellence. The need for broad-based, campus-wide participation was also emphasized.

iPods were given away during the meeting. Paul Blobaum won an iPod Nano and Mona Douglas and Bill Yacullo were the recipients of iPod Shuffles.

For those unable to attend the meeting, the audio in an MP3 format will be available soon on the GSU HLC website.

If you would like to volunteer for a subcommittee, please complete the volunteer form on the website.

Further questions regarding the HLC Self-Study process may be directed to the co-chairs, Ann Vendrely and Eric Martin.

Classrooms have already been assigned to all courses offered in Spring/Summer 2008.

Please check the Spring/Summer 2008 online schedule to find out where your courses will be held. Room assignments for Spring/Summer 2008 courses will not be posted on the bulletin board across from the Welcome Center this term or any other term moving forward. That is why it is important that you access this information before your classes begin.

If you are unable to access this information off campus, you can view your schedule, check your room assignments and/or print out your schedule from the computers outside of the Registrar’s Office at any time. Don’t wait until the first day of class to find your way. Check now and be better prepared for Spring/Summer 2008.

Join Geoff Bates, curator and director of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, for the next Two for Tuesday discussion, on Tuesday, April 15, at 12:30 and 3:45 p.m., in room D-1497.

Explore the ins and outs of Bruce Nauman’s post minimalist sculpture “House Divided” and find out what inspired Etienne Martin as he created “Lanleff-Demeure No. 4”.

Can’t make this event? Contact the Sculpture Park at sculpture@govst.edu for information on future discussions.

GSU’s Follett’s Bookstore will hold student book buyback week from April 14 through April 18.

Book buyback will be available at the following times:
Monday & Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) recently voted to reaccredit the College of Health Professions’ master’s program in speech-language pathology for a period of eight years, through October 31, 2015. The re-accreditation was based on a thorough review of all accreditation materials for the program including the application, site visit report, and the program's correspondence throughout the review period.

According to Department Chair, William Yacullo, the site visit team recognized the program’s outstanding practicum system. “The review of the program’s clinical education placements revealed an extensive and varied number of clinical settings, populations, age groups, culturally-linguistic diverse populations, and breadth of the scope of practice,” he noted.

The CDIS program is known for its unique practicum system. It was the first, and is one of only a few, accredited speech-language pathology programs in the nation that requires students to obtain all clinical experience in an external work environment.

Yacullo credited Jay Lubinsky, Sandra Mayfield, and all CDIS faculty and staff for the successful accreditation visit.

GSU’s Recreation and Fitness Center (RFC) is seeking a talented artist to create a permanent mural alongside the university’s newly renovated pool.

Interested artists are asked to submit a draft of their proposed artwork to GSU’s Recreation and Fitness Center no later than Wednesday, April 30. Draft submissions should be completed in colored pencil and should have a beach and/or nautical theme (e.g. volleyball, sandcastles, sailboats, swimmers). Entrants must be at least 18 years of age.

The winning artist, chosen by the RFC Artwork Committee, will be asked to complete the mural on a canvas of five concurrent Plexiglas panels, each measuring 60 inches by 15 inches. The winner will also receive a one year membership to the fitness center (or the equivalent cash value).

For more information, contact Victor Griffin in the RFC at 708.534.4556.

The Commencement Student Speaker Committee is currently accepting nominations for the student speaker for the graduation ceremony to be held on Saturday, June 7.

Nomination forms are available on the web or at the Welcome Center (D1429). Forms should be submitted to Sara Appel, Director of Student Involvement and Leadership, no later than Monday, April 21. The student speaker must be graduating at the June ceremony.

Please note that the student speaker will be required to meet for an interview on Wednesday, May 7, between 12 and 5 p.m.

The College of Arts and Sciences Secondary Education Program’s TQE partnership presents “Having Hard Conversations” with Jennifer Abrams. The event will take place on Friday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the E-Lounge.

Abrams will discuss the creation of action plans and scripting tools with administrators, mentors, and teachers, in preparation for difficult conversations with parents and students. An English teacher for nine years, Abrams trains and coaches teachers and administrators on successful teaching practices, new teacher support, supervision and evaluation, and collaboration skills.

The event is free to partnership districts and only $10 for members of non-partner districts. Contact Dr. Juanita Butler at 708.534.4374 to reserve your space by April 1.

The following individuals joined GSU as full-time employees between the months of January and March 2008. Please welcome them to the university.

Donald Adams

Trainer

Contract & Training Services (DCFS)

Blythe A. Black

Staff Clerk

Procurement & Auxiliary Services

Donald E. Brozek

Business Admin Associate

The CenterPoint for Entrepreneurs

Darcie Renae Campos

Director of Career Services

Career Services, SAS

Kevin G. Graves

Electrician

Facilities Development & Management

Gray, Adrienne

Staff Secretary

Department of Public Safety

Jane Rhoades Hudak

Provost/VP Academic Affairs

Office of the Provost

Nandita R. Khanna

Research Assistant

CHHS, Health Administration

Timothy Kosiek

Project Specialist

Facilities Development & Management

Sharon A. O'Connor

Trainer

Contract & Training Services (DCFS)

Tracell N. Parker

Coodinator

Contract & Training Services (DCFS)

Leslie A. Powless

Specialist

Contract & Training Services (DCFS)

Christine Radtke

Director

Institutional Advancement

Robert L. Rakstang

Assistant Director

The CenterPoint for Entrepreneurs

Joan T. Vaughan

VP/Advancement, CEO/Foundation

Institutional Advancement

On Friday, April 4, from 8 a.m. to approximately noon, Facility Operations will test all of its emergency generators. A through G wings, OTS, and FDC buildings may be affected with two anticipated "blips" of power interruption as general commercial power switches to the generator.

The test will only affect circuits that are on emergency power (specific light fixtures and certain outlets). Since most wall outlets are on our standard power panel, computer work should not be affected, however, please save your work often as a precaution.

Any questions, please contact Facility Operations at extension 4515.

The Center for Performing Arts is offering two for one, mezzanine section tickets for the African Children’s Choir performance on April 5, at 5 p.m.

The African Children’s Choir was recently showcased on “American Idol.” The choir of 7 to 11 year old children brings an exhilarating selection of African tunes accompanied by traditional instruments to The Center as part of their ongoing mission to raise awareness of the destitute and orphaned children's needs in Africa.

With the assistance of Mantanya’s Hope, a nonprofit organization that educates children in Kenya, an additional group of Kenyan students will conduct a special pre-show performance in the Hall of Governors.

Tickets can be purchased at The Center Box office starting at 10 a.m. on April 4. This offer ends on April 5, at 4 p.m. For more information, call 708.235.2222.

The GSU Visual Arts Gallery will host “at the seam,” an exhibition of new work by photographer and mixed media artist Jennifer Jackson, from April 2 through 9. An opening reception celebrating the art and the artist will be on April 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. The reception and exhibition 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 708.534.4017.

The Social Work Student Organization, in collaboration with the Latino Social Workers Organization, is sponsoring a showing of the film “Trade” and a discussion of the international problem of human trafficking on April 15, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., in Sherman Recital Hall.

The film focuses on the issue and provides needed information and perspective. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to join the discussion.

The discontinuation of services by ATA Airlines may affect any travel plans. The Office of Procurement is advising travelers to be aware that some Southwest Airline flights operate with ATA planes and flight numbers and those flights may not be operating. If you have booked airfare with Southwest Airlines, check your itineraries immediately.

The preferred travel agent for GSU is Suzi Davis Travel. For more information, call Suzi Davis Travel/AX, at 309.663.6556 ext. 3710, or call the Office of Procurement at 708.534.4056.