News and Events

Longtime Board of Trustees member, Kathleen Field Orr informed her fellow trustees last Wednesday that she will resign from the Board on June 1. Lorine Samuels, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and President Maimon prepared statements expressing their appreciation for the exemplary service that Trustee Orr provided to the Board and the university during the past seven years.

Trustee Orr has been an exceptional advocate and enthusiastic supporter of GSU’s growth and development. She has established a standard of incisive inquiry, by asking tough questions and encouraging the Board to seek out the difficult answers. Her work for GSU has and set an example of commitment for all members of the university community.

“The university has benefited greatly from Kathi’s seven years of service,” noted President Maimon. “This year, in particular, her expertise has been invaluable as we moved forward to obtain our first-ever bond rating and to address critical needs in deferred maintenance. We will all miss Kathi’s special talent of posing questions that get to the heart of the matter.”

Although she will no longer be serving GSU as a Board member, she will continue to remain supportive of and engaged with the university.

Best of luck to Trustee Orr as she pursues increased professional responsibilities and new endeavors. We look forward to her future involvement with, and contributions to GSU.

Dr. Maimon will travel to Washington, D.C. in June to participate in a roundtable discussion with other university presidents, chancellors, and board members. This group, hand selected by three national educational associations, begin a process that ultimately will produce a set of best practices for institutions to utilize as they pursue effective university systems.

Declining state support, conflict over tuition hikes, increased calls for accountability and transparency, and the normal push and pull from various constituencies can all take a toll on an institution’s relationships – with outside groups and within the institution itself. Now more than ever, university personnel at all levels need to work together to deal with the issues facing higher education today. 

This roundtable discussion will be the starting point in determining how effective institutions remain so in the face of many obstacles. Many universities, such as GSU, have found a way to work together, stay focused, and remain a vibrant, community-inclusive institution. Dr. Maimon will both be sharing the stories of our success and learning from other leaders.

Learn about the health benefits of eating raw foods and discover quick, new recipes today in the Hall of Governors, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Wellness Club is sponsoring a healthy food fair with samples provided by the South Suburban Food Co-op. Chef Carol Roberts, graduate of the Living Life Culinary School and Governors State University will demonstrate two delicious creations using raw foods.

Join Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park docents, Nick Battaglia and Bernadette Maune, on a free and informative tour of the north side of the sculpture park on Sunday, June 1, at 2 p.m. Meet your guides on the patio behind the Hall of Governors for the one and a half hour tour, which will be cancelled in the event of thunderstorms.

The Procurement Office wishes to remind the GSU community that Monday, June 2, 2008 is the last day to submit complete requisitions for purchases funded with FY 2008 dollars. A complete requisition must be approved with appropriate signatures, and be received in the Procurement Office before the close of business on June 2, 2008.

Look up in the sky! It’s a bird! A plane! No, it’s “Falling Meteor” by Jerry Peart and “Flying Saucer” by Jene Highstein! Join Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park director and curator Geoffrey Bates for a discussion of two of the park’s most celestial sculptures on June 3, 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 the skies.

GSU has done its work so well; more than 450 graduates will be crossing the stage on June 7, at 11 a.m., at the Tinley Park Convention Center. To help celebrate their success and make their graduation day joyful, volunteers are needed. Their contributions are both greatly needed and highly appreciated. Volunteers are asked to please contact Karen Caesar-Smith at 708.534.6360.

The terrific response to the “Why Not?” program generated many great suggestions and resulted in many positive changes. One recent improvement is the implementation of an automated response system to “Why Not?” suggestions. This innovation streamlines the “Why Not?” response system, enabling responders to reply to suggestions promptly and easily.

“Why Not?” responders recently received instructions on how to use the new system. They are encouraged to contact Bruce Crooks at x2183 or Catherine Cox at x2212, if there are any questions concerning the new response system. Questions on the “Why Not?” process should be directed to Starr Gill at x3990.

For another year and with great pride, the Department of Public Safety is hosting the Illinois Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the university campus. All funds raised from the event go directly to special needs children in nearby communities to help defray the cost of attending summer camp.

All members of the GSU community are welcome to take part in the run and celebration. Children and families are also welcome. To participate in the run, please contact Officer Crystal Richards at 708.534.4900, to register.

Joggers, walkers, cyclists, and spectators are asked to meet at the east entrance (Crawford Avenue) of the campus at noon on the day of the event.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with the post-run festivities, located in and outside of the cafeteria annex. Activities include a barbeque and games. Ice cones and popcorn will be available for the children.
   
Those who have purchased a 2008 Special Olympics t-shirt are encouraged to show their support by wearing it that day. Attendees wearing their shirts will receive a free lunch, compliments of the Department of Public Safety.

Attendees without a Special Olympics t-shirt can make a $5 donation, which entitles them to lunch (hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, juice, water, and snacks) and a Special Olympics pin.

For additional information, please contact Officer Crystal Richards at 708.534.4900.

The Summer Institute, on June 2 and 3, offers 17 free workshops and presentations designed to build knowledge and interest in new techniques and tools. The 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.

Featured presentations this year include “Here they come!: Kids, students, and new social media,” presented by local educational technologist Jeff Hunt on Monday. On Tuesday, “Media Machups,” presented by Dr. Jason Rhode, from Northern Illinois University, explains the new online media editing tools that make it possible for numerous individuals to collaborate in creating media presentations.

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/.

To help prepare for the GSU Presidential trivia contest this fall and the upcoming election, the GSU Votes Committee has submitted tidbits of election and presidential information. Enjoy a summer of learning as we wend our way to Election Day.

Big winners and not so big winners
The candidates who carried the most states were Nixon (1972) and Reagan (1984) with 49.
The candidate who became President but lost both the Electoral College and the popular vote was John Quincy Adams (1824). He was elected by the House of Representatives.

Tall winners and not so tall winners
The smallest President was our fourth president, James Madison, who stood five feet, four inches tall and weighed less than 100 pounds. The tallest president was our sixteenth, Abraham Lincoln. He was six feet, four inches tall.

On June 7, Carol Milhous of Chicago Heights and more than 630 other graduates will earn their degrees at the GSU Spring 2008 commencement ceremony at the Tinley Park Convention Center. As student commencement speaker, Milhous will have the opportunity to congratulate her fellow graduates, share their joy, and look to the future.

The journey that brought Milhous to this point is typical of many GSU graduates.

“I would see the sign on the highway that said come to GSU to finish what you started. After I was downsized for the third time, I decided it was time I finished what I had started,” explained Milhous who graduates with Master of Arts in Communication Studies and a 4.0 grade point average.

On Tuesday afternoon, President Maimon held the second of her Spring Town Hall forums – this one specifically for the A&P Staff. Dr. Maimon was joined by Provost Joan Hudak and Executive Vice President Gebe Ejigu.

As was the case during the Civil Service chat a week earlier, important questions were asked and answered. The administration addressed everything from the budget to marketing and from advising to student housing.

Dr. Maimon assured the group that the Town Hall forums would be ongoing as part of the administration’s dedication to a transparent planning and decision-making process.

Training sessions for all volunteers will be from 10 a.m. to noon. The sessions include a presentation followed by a question and answer period. 

Training sessions will be held on:
Tuesday, May 27, for Criterion 1 and 2, in the Hall of Honors
Tuesday, June 3, for Criterion 3, in B2200
Tuesday, June 17, for Criterion 4 and 5, in the Hall of Honors

Volunteers must attend only one of the training sessions. If you cannot attend one of the training sessions, contact Lisa Hendrickson 708.534.3085 for other options.

GSU’s Department of Public Safety has joined Click It or Ticket, a national seat belt enforcement program, from May 19 through June 1. The goal is to increase seat belt usage and reduce fatalities and injuries. During the two-week enforcement period, local law enforcement agencies, including the GSU Police Department, will focus on seat belt compliance. An increased number of officers will be stationed on the roads to specifically look for unbelted vehicle occupants.

The Department of Public Safety encourages all members of the GSU community to always buckle up.

The University Research Grant (URG) committee recently reviewed applications and awarded grants. According to committee chair Dr. Margaret Neumann, “The quality and quantity (of applications) was wonderful. Unfortunately we only had $27,500 to fund the over $58,000 requested, so many of those submitting applications will see a reduction in the award amount from what was requested.”

True to its name, June’s First Friday will be held on the first Friday of the month. Mark your calendars for an afternoon of fun and camaraderie, sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the College of Education.

The fun starts at 3:30 p.m., on Friday, June 6, in the FOC Lobby.

With the presidential election only five months and 13 days away, GSU is gearing up for a huge voter turnout. Among the informative and enjoyable events designed to ready voters to cast their ballots is the GSU Votes Trivia Challenge. The challenge will take place in early September. Everyone is invited to participate and prizes will be awarded.

To help prepare for the contest, the GSU Votes Committee has provided tidbits of election and presidential trivia – so pay close attention. Enjoy a summer of learning as we wend our way to Election Day.

Win the Popular Vote/Lose the Election
The 2000 election was one of four times in our nation’s history when the winning presidential candidate did not win the popular vote.
1. In 1824, Andrew Jackson won the popular vote but got less than 50 percent of the electoral votes. The House of Representatives then voted for John Quincy Adams.
2. In 1876, Samuel Tilden won the popular vote but lost the election when Rutherford B. Hayes got 185 electoral votes to Tilden's 184.
3. In 1888, Grover Cleveland won the popular vote but lost the election when Benjamin Harrison got 233 electoral votes to Cleveland's 168.
4. In 2000, Al Gore won the popular vote but lost the election to George Bush. The U.S. Supreme Court halted the Florida recount of ballots, which gave Bush the state's 25 electoral votes for a total of 271 to Gore's 255.

Say What?
The residents of Washington, D.C. were not allowed to vote in presidential elections until the 23rd Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1961. They still do not elect voting representatives to either the U.S. House of Representatives or Senate. The motto on many D.C. license plates reads “Taxation without representation.”

The university community is encouraged to help The Mystery Book Club unravel the secrets behind Ngaio Marsh’s "Artists in Crime" (1938). The discussion will take place on Tuesday, June 24, at noon, in the Cafeteria Annex.

The Mystery Book Club will be on hiatus during July and August. "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons," both by Dan Brown, will be deciphered on September 16, at noon, in the Cafeteria Annex.

The GSU Emergency Response Team hosted more than 30 representatives of area police and fire departments last week. The purpose of the meeting was to familiarize first responders with the emergency response plans and facilities of the university in case their departments were asked to assist with a situation on campus or if area communities ever needed to use GSU facilities and resources. A tour of the campus was also conducted and plans for more in depth analysis were made.

The meeting was part of the university’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safely on campus. The GSU Emergency Response Team was very pleased with the participation of so many area police and fire departments.

On Saturday, May 17, President Maimon addressed the graduates of Prairie State College at their commencement ceremony. The graduates represented the college’s 50th Anniversary class.

In her address, Dr. Maimon discussed the importance of education beyond completion of an associate’s degree. She encouraged the graduates to be passionate about their life and work and to support the success of their friends and colleagues.

Dr. Maimon was awarded on honorary degree at the ceremony, acknowledging her accomplishments at GSU as well as during her entire career in education. The degree is only the 17th of its kind given by the community college.

The degree citation read: “Dr. Maimon, in recognition of your many contributions to the field of education; your dedication to helping students, especially first-generation, college-bound students, empower themselves through education; and your commitment to making university education accessible to all; we present you today, with an Honorary Degree.”

The GSU swimming pool infrastructure and shower rooms are currently under renovation and a crane is required to lift mechanical equipment to the roof over the pool at A wing. On Tuesday, May 20, a crane will be stationed in the parking lot adjacent to Human Resources Offices. The parking lot will be closed from 6 a.m. through early afternoon. The doors at A and B wings will also be closed to general traffic, and will be accessible for emergency exit only. The nearby entry doors at C wing and A North (on the north side of the building) may be used in the interim.

Facilities Development and Management regrets any inconvenience. For more information, call x 4515.

Dr. Maimon is hosting a town hall meeting with A & P staff on May 20, from 1 to 3 p.m., in Sherman Hall. The exchange of ideas and questions is an important tool in understanding and addressing issues important to the university community.

R.S.V.P. by May 16 to Penny Perdue at extension 4130.

Geoffrey Bates, curator and director of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, will discuss two of its most popular sculptures, Edvins Strautmanis’ “Phoenix” and Mark diSuvero’s “Yes! for Lady Day,” on May 20, at 12:30 p.m. and again at 3:45 p.m., in room D-1497.

The 14th Annual Student Research Conference will be held on Wednesday, May 21, in Sherman Hall. This daylong event exhibits the many accomplishments of GSU students from a wide variety of subject areas and specialties. Dr. Theodore L. Steck, M.D., founder and chair of the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Chicago and a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the U. of C., is the keynote speaker.

All students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend the conference, enjoy lunch, and learn about the research projects of GSU students.

The Friends of the Library meeting originally scheduled for May 21 has been rescheduled for June 4, at noon, on the library balcony.

Pam Woodward, Certified Financial Planner, Vice President, and Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley will present information on retirement and savings plans on May 22, from 1 to 3 p.m., in the Hall of Honors. The GSU State University Annuitants Association sponsors the program. Seating is limited. R.S.V.P. to Lynne Hostetter at 708.534.8043.

GSU’s Recreation and Fitness Center (RFC) is seeking a talented artist to create a permanent mural alongside the university’s newly renovated pool. The RFC has extended the artwork submission deadline to Friday, May 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.

Since 1977 it has been the tradition at GSU to recognize employee service anniversaries at five-year increments, from five through 35 years. On May 15, approximately 60 GSU employees were recognized at a breakfast program. They were honored and congratulated by Dr. Elaine Maimon, board member Kristi DeLaurentiis, Dr. Gebeyehu Ejigu, Dr. Jane Hudak, and Dave Drechsel from Human Resources.

Gallagher Benefit Services and Prudential Life Insurance held a raffle during the benefits fair on May 13. Helen Benos of the University Library won an IPod Shuffle.

The GSU annual equipment inventory will begin 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. Contact Barb Lane at x7426 to request replacement inventory tags, make arrangements to remove surplus equipment, or to discuss other needs related to the property control.

Governors State University’s Department of Public Safety is joining with thousands of local, State, and national law enforcement agencies to launch an aggressive national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement program, from May 19 through June 1. The large-scale mobilization aims to increase seat belt usage and reduce highway fatalities and injuries. This year’s program places additional emphasis on convincing more motorists to buckle up during the daytime and in the evening.

During the two-week enforcement period, local law enforcement agencies in Illinois, including the GSU Police Department will focus their efforts on seat belt compliance by stationing an increased number of officers on the roads to specifically look for unbelted vehicle occupants.

The Department of Public Safety encourages all members of the GSU community to always buckle up.

Dr. Maimon is hosting a town hall meeting with A & P staff on May 20, from 1 to 3 p.m., in Sherman Hall. The exchange of ideas and questions is an important tool in understanding and addressing issues important to the university community.

At a similar meeting earlier this the week, President Maimon and Provost Hudak fielded questions from civil service staff, discussing everything from campus safety to the university rumor mill.

RSVP by May 16 to Penny Perdue at extension 4130.

Geoffrey Bates, curator and director of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, will discuss two of its most popular sculptures, Edvins Strautmanis’ “Phoenix” and Mark diSuvero’s “Yes! for Lady Day,” on May 20, 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 more about these exceptional sculptures.

The GSU State University Annuitants Association is sponsoring a presentation by Pam Woodward, Certified Financial Planner, Vice President, and Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley on May 22, from 1 to 3 p.m., in the Hall of Honors. The program offers solid information on retirement and savings plans.

Seating is limited. R.S.V.P. to Lynne Hostetter at 708.534.8043.

The 14th Annual Student Research Conference will be held on Wednesday, May 21, in Sherman Hall. This daylong event gives students the opportunity to present their research before an audience of their peers, professors, and the community. The event showcases the many accomplishments of GSU students from a wide variety of subject areas and specialties.

Dr. Theodore L. Steck, M.D. is the conference keynote speaker. Dr. Steck is the founder and chair of the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Chicago and a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the U. of C. The title of his keynote address is “Saving the Environment.”

All students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend the conference, to enjoy lunch, and learn about the research projects of GSU students.

Brother 2 Brother, a student organization dedicated to providing support to its members as they work toward earning a degree, will be selling gourmet popcorn from Popper-Razzi on Wednesday and Thursday, May 21 and 22, from 1:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

Funds raised will be used for workshops and programs that further the mission of Brother 2 Brother.

President Maimon made an important announcement on Friday, May 9 regarding a change in the internal structure of several GSU departments. The changes were made in response to a strategic imperative that GSU fully and effectively infuse technology into everything it does – in its teaching and learning processes, as well as its business and administrative systems.

Dr. Maimon noted that while GSU’s employees are currently engaged in providing technology-related services and have been working hard and valiantly to make the best use of technology, the integration of technology into the university’s enterprise systems and instructional processes has not been fully realized. Additionally, the proliferated structure of the university’s technological resources hasn’t allowed for full integration into all facets of GSU’s operation.

“Governors State University must take advantage of the opportunities that today’s technology offers and successfully meet the challenges associated with it,” said Maimon. “These changes continue our momentum toward becoming a model university for the twenty-first century.”

The new plan brings together all technology-related services, academic and administrative, under the Office of the Provost. Changes include:

1. The appointment of John Stoll as Vice Provost for Academic Affairs overseeing: Information Technology Services; Academic Computing; all staff presently providing technology support in the College of Business, the Library, and the College of Education; Digital Learning and Media Design; the Center for Online Teaching and Learning; and the School of Extended Learning, including the Kankakee and Naperville Education Centers.

2. Pending approval by the Board of Trustees in June, University College and the School of Interdisciplinary Learning will become a part of the College of Arts and Sciences. The School of Interdisciplinary Learning with its current Director, Dr. Michele McMaster, will be maintained as a separate unit in CAS.

3. All other academic advisers and associated staff now housed under the School of Interdisciplinary Learning will move to a central advising center, reporting to Sherilyn Poole, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. They will also work collaboratively with Admission staff to advise and recruit community college students.

Dr. Maimon’s full message to the GSU community is available for download.

Last Friday afternoon, President Maimon kicked off the Strategic Plan review process by submitting the first comment via post-it note. The university’s proposed strategic plan is currently under review via a series of charettes, or informal, open events that allow participants to stop by, review the plan, and provide comments using post-it notes.

Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to make their opinions count on May 12, 13, and 14, from noon to 8 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex.

Those not able to make it to campus during the allotted times, may view the plan and submit comments via the web at www.govst.edu/strategicplanfeedback.

Children between the ages of 10 and 13 will have the opportunity to create art and discover the wonders of science at Camp Wol-I-Nam, sponsored by the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park from June 16 through June 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Camp Wol-I-Nam, (which is Manilow spelled backwards), is a one-week camp that combines art and science with traditional summer camp activities to create an uniquely memorable experience.

Participants will spend mornings in the studio gaining experience with 2-D and 3-D art and design. They will enjoy an afternoon of prairie science education and experimentation, more individualized art instruction, and time to enjoy and learn about the 26 sculptures in the park.

An optional overnight campout includes outdoor games, a flashlight tour of the park, campfire songs, and s’mores. Breakfast is provided in the morning. Campers must provide their own tent and sleeping gear.

Tuition is $250 and includes all art supplies, camp T-shirt, afternoon snacks, and pizza party. Day campers must provide their own lunch. Participants receive a pass to the GSU Center for Performing Arts production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, on Friday, June 27. The campout is an additional $30 per person.

Com-Ed, an Exelon Company, is providing partial support for the program. For more information or to register, contact the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at 708.534.4486.

Contributors to the university’s endowed scholarships had the opportunity to meet the recipients of their generosity on Friday, May 9, at a luncheon honoring scholarship winners. Students Terrence Simmons, Priscilla Southern, and Curcueturnia Henry spoke of their gratitude and how the scholarships have helped make earning their degrees possible. Gerry McIlvain, president of the Alumni Association, spoke of the opportunity scholarships provided when he was a GSU student. President Maimon expressed the university’s gratitude and encouraged the continued “investment in the future.”

This week the auditing firm of Clifton Gunderson LLP returned to campus to begin the GSU, Foundation, and Alumni Association FY 2008 audits. The audit team will be working in room D1430 until the end of the calendar year.

The audit team is lead by Paul Pelletier. He will be assisted by Bob Sikma, manager; Linda Jones, senior associate; Robb Knisley, senior associate; and Kristin Mitchell, associate.

The GSU community is asked to assist the auditors should they request information or ask questions as it will help them complete the audits in a timely fashion.

For more information, contact Karen Kissel, university audit liaison, at x4054.

The Office of International Services is sponsoring a multimedia presentation, Incredible India, on May 14, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., in Sherman Hall. Everyone is welcome to take a break from the mundane and visit a truly beautiful and wondrous place – if only for an hour.

Jane Hindsley of Homewood and a member of the Homewood Rotary Club presents a film featuring the cities, temples, and countryside of India, highlighting various regions, the diverse cultures, and the history and people of the country.

An Employee Benefits Fair will be held on Tuesday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the hall of Governors. GSU employees can gain information on various benefit options available from vendors and representatives.

State University Retirement System representative Jennifer Bartels, will discuss retirement benefits after the fair, on May 13, from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m., in the Hall of Honors. She will answer questions on the different retirement options, eligibility, and insurance.

Contact the Dave Drechsel for additional information at 708.235.7467.

As the nation’s population continues to age and grow, there is an increasing need for qualified healthcare personnel, especially nurses. Experts predict that there will be a projected shortfall of one million nurses by 2020. This growing shortage is due primarily to the dearth of educators qualified and available to teach the next generation.

Luckily, Illinois is fighting the battle locally and in Washington D.C.

In December, the Illinois Board of Higher Education approved GSU’s new Doctor of Nursing Practice Program.

Distinguished as a professional doctorate, the DNP is different from traditional Ph.D. programs that prepare students to become researchers. Professional doctorates teach future practitioners how to understand and use evidence-based practice.

“The professional doctorate offers what the Ph.D. doesn’t,” said Linda Samson, Dean of the College of Health Professions. “It provides advanced knowledge and skills professionals need for actual practice in the discipline."

The DNP has also been developed to address a critical shortage of nursing faculty. One of the major barriers to increasing the capacity to educate new nurses is the lack of qualified faculty. DNP prepared practitioner/educators will be able to bring their practice expertise to the classroom and the clinical settings in many nursing programs.

On the national front, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin is fighting a similar battle. According to Durbin’s office, nursing schools turned away 35,000 qualified applicants last year, including 1,900 in Illinois, due to the lack of nursing faculty.

Durbin is leading bi-partisan support of the innovative Troops to Nurse Teachers program. The program will help schools of nursing expand their capacity in order to meet the growing demand for nursing services. The Senator’s proposal offers incentives to nurses leaving the military to become nurse teachers. Eligible service members will receive career placement assistance, transitional stipends, and educational training from accredited schools of nursing to expedite their transition.

“Nurses who have spent time in the military can help fill a critical gap that hurts both military and civilian health care facilities. Their service to our country will go beyond their work in military hospitals and include our classrooms and lecture halls,” Senator Durbin said.

As National Nursing week nears an end, Governors State University is proud to be on the forefront of addressing important issues like the nursing shortage, and stands behind Senator Durbin and his ongoing support of the Troops to Nurse Teachers program.

Excitement is in the air as Spring Commencement approaches. Nearly 600 GSU students will become proud alumni during the ceremony.

Cap and gown pick-up for graduates will take place on May 28 and 29, from 3 to 7 p.m., in the E-Lounge. Students will also receive their graduation tickets at this time.

Faculty may also pick-up their regalia at the same time. Faculty pick-up will take place in Room E 1582, adjacent to the E-Lounge.

The commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 7, beginning at 11 a.m., at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

Dr. Maimon is hosting a town hall meeting with civil service staff on May 12, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., in Sherman Hall. The exchange of ideas and questions is an important tool in understanding and addressing issues important to the university community.

RSVP by May 7 to Penny Perdue at extension 4130.

State University Retirement System representative Jennifer Bartels, will be on campus to discuss retirement benefits on Tuesday, May 13, from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m., in the Hall of Honors.

Topics to be addressed include:

Which plan (traditional, portable, self-managed) is right for me?

When will I first be eligible to retire?

How is my retirement annuity (pension) calculated?

Can I count other service with another public employer?

Can I continue my health and dental insurance in retirement?

Contact the Dave Drechsel for additional information at 708.235.7467.

The Office of International Services is sponsoring a multimedia presentation, Incredible India, on May 14, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., in Sherman Hall. Everyone is welcome to take a break from the mundane and visit a truly beautiful and wondrous place – if only for an hour.

Jane Hindsley of Homewood and a member of the Homewood Rotary Club presents a film featuring the cities, temples, and countryside of India, highlighting various regions, the diverse cultures, and the history and people of the country.

There is very little that can’t be helped by a home baked cookie. Enjoy some tasty treats at the Civil Service Senate Spring Bake Sale on Thursday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. Workers and bakers are needed and you don’t have to be a senator to volunteer. Contact Renee Rainey at x7525.

The following individuals joined GSU as full time employees during the month of April. Please welcome them to the university.

Lynn DiMaggio
Senior Library Specialist

University Library

Yakeea L. Daniels

Admissions & Records Officer

Admission and Student Recruitment

Marileen M. Flowers

Clerk

Student Life

Albert T. Haskins

Director

Project HOPE

Georgeen M. Ibarra

Business/Administrative Associate

Purchasing

Diane D. Jones
Assistant to Associate V.P.
Human Resources

Jane Radliff

Trainer

Contract & Training Services (DCFS)

Terence Nathaniel Simms
Research Coordinator
College of Health Professions

As part of the administration’s ongoing effort to address issues important to the university community, Dr. Maimon is hosting two separate town hall meetings in May.

Civil Service Staff are invited to attend a town hall meeting on May 12, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., in Sherman Hall. RSVP by May 7 to Penny Perdue at extension 4130.

A & P Staff are invited to attend a town hall meeting on May 20, from 1 to 3 p.m., in Sherman Hall. RSVP by May 15 to Penny Perdue at extension 4130.

The university’s Planning, Budget, and Advisory Council (PBAC) has been working hard to develop GSU’s new mission, values, and vision as part of the strategic planning process.

A draft plan is now ready for review. Input from the entire university community is integral to guiding the university’s future.

Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to review the draft and provide comments during several charettes. These informal, open events allow participants to stop by, review the plan, and provide comments using post-it notes.

Make your opinion count on May 9, from 2 to 6 p.m. or on May 12, 13, and 14, from noon to 8 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex.

Enjoy the music, dance, food, and displays of GSU’s Cinco de Mayo celebration sponsored by the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS). The celebration begins on May 5, at 11:30, in the Cafeteria Annex with delicious foods for sale and a Cinco de Mayo poster display. At noon Grupo Fusion Salcedo will perform, followed from 1 to 2 p.m. with a performance by Chuy Capetillo.

A vendor fair will take place on Tuesday, May 6, in the Cafeteria Annex, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Wednesday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

The food stand opens on May 8, at 11:30 a.m., and remains open as long as the food lasts. Maribel Velasquez will conduct Latin dance lessons from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 5:30 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

For more information, call 708.439.5716.

Just in time for Mothers Day, the Friends of the GSU Library are offering 4 inch terra cotta flower pots imprinted with the Friends’ logo. A pot (or two), planted with spring flowers, are the perfect way to show mom how much you care.

The plants will be available in the Hall of Governors, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6. A suggested donation of $5 is appreciated.

Beginning in July 2008, The Literacy Zone is offering tutorials for students in grades second through fifth at GSU. The graduate program in reading sponsors The Literacy Zone, a reading tutorial program for students with reading problems.

The tutors who work in The Literacy Zone are certified, experienced teachers who are completing the M.A. in Reading. Faculty of the program supervise the tutoring sessions.

Enrollment is limited. The registration fee is $100, however, $30 is refunded to the parents/guardians of children who complete the program with good attendance and return all Literacy Zone materials.

Tutoring sessions are on Mondays through Thursdays, from July 8 through July 28. Sessions are either from 9 to 11 a.m. or from 1 to 3 p.m. Neither school districts nor GSU provide transportation.

The Literacy Zone is located in Room D34015. For more information, contact Mary Hession at 708.534.4129.

The recycling efforts of GSU students, faculty, and staff are already a great success but increased involvement means a cleaner world. The Department of Facilities Development and Management reminds to recycle only those items listed below in the designated receptacles.

GSU recycles newspaper and newspaper inserts, empty and flattened cardboard boxes, magazines, catalogs, computer paper, phone books, chipboard, and junk mail. We also recycle plastic bottles designated #1 or #2 on the bottom, and tin and aluminum cans. Please rinse out to avoid odor problem.

GSU does not recycle soiled paper, wax coated boxes, foil coated materials, packing material, hard cover book, Styrofoam, plastic cafeteria containers, plastic bags, or glass. In addition, we do not recycle any aerosol cans, paint cans, unwashed cans, or clothes hangers.

With funds donated by the Friends of the GSU Library, books from the New York Times Bestseller listings are now available in the GSU Library. With more than 86 titles to choose from this new, popular reading collection is off to a great start. Visit the library and check out the new collection.

Enjoy great art, great fun, and great friends at the Saturday, May 3 day of activities for at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park.

The day begins with refreshments and a brief ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m., on the patio behind the Hall of Governors.

“Kids, Kolors, and Kites,” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., combines artistry with the joy of creating and flying kites. Children 8 years old and older accompanied by an adult learn about kites, create their own kites, and then fly them over the trees and sculptures of the park. Members of the Kite Enthusiasts of Chicago will be on hand to help with the activity. No advance registration is required. There is a $10 fee (cash or check) per kite for materials.

Tours of both the northern portion of the park, (from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.), and the southern portion, (from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.), are led by enthusiastic docents who provide new insight into the remarkable vision of the artists. Tours are free and no advance registration is required. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes for the walk around the sculpture park. Tours begin on the patio behind in the Hall of Governors.

A bicycle tour of the park offers a completely different view of the sculptures. It begins outside, behind D-Wing, at 2 p.m. All participants must wear bicycle helmets and there will be some riding on public roads. This tour is free and no pre-registration is required.

For more information, call 708.534.4486 or e-mail the park director.

President Maimon was quoted in the Summer 2008 edition of the MLA Newsletter. The publication is the primary news vehicle for the Modern Language Association. Dr. Maimon commented on the pairing of basic­writing and general education courses.

Read the full article, Bringing Writing in from the Cold, which appears on page three of the newsletter.

This evening, May 1, the university will be closed to faculty, students, staff, and visitors between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. GSU is upgrading the infrastructure of the swimming pool, which requires coring through the roof slab. Prior to coring, the roof slab will need to be x-rayed in order to locate reinforcement bars and other cables. To safely accomplish this work, all non-essential personnel must vacate the University. The Department of Public Safety will help ensure that the building has been evacuated prior to the commencement of this work. 

Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns please call the Facilities Office at ext. 4515.

Increased printing costs have forced the Civil Service Senate to discontinue their printed newsletter. Have no fear, as the Senate is still dedicated to providing the latest news to the GSU community. In fact, accessing the latest news is now available at the click of the mouse on the CS Review blog - http://csreview2008.blogspot.com/.

Supervisors are encouraged to print the blog out each time it is updated for staff without access to a printer. All civil service employees are encouraged to participate by submitting articles and information to John De Young.

The Spring/Summer Welcome Days are on Monday and Tuesday, May 5 and 6, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. When students validate their GSU ID they will receive a $5 gift card to Follett’s Bookstore. Students, faculty, staff, and community members may register to vote thanks to the Women’s League of Voters from Homewood and the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. There will be food, drinks, and, of course, hot fresh popcorn! 

GSU departments including the Academic Resource Center, DPS, and the Library will be on hand to answer questions. For more information, call 708.534.4550.

The Black Student Union is sponsoring a Mother’s Day Appreciation Reception on Wednesday, May 7, from 2 to 4 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. Stop by for tasty cookies and punch. Students must present a valid GSU ID to claim a special gift! For more information contact Larry Bledsoe.

Are you interested in quilting, thinking about beginning, or are a long-time quilter? Join the new, informal quilting group on campus - no chair, no mandatory stuff, no stuffiness - just enjoyment of quilting and sharing with friends.

The first meeting is on May 8, from noon to 1 p.m., on the Library balcony. Future meetings are tentatively scheduled for the second Thursday of each month, at the same time and location.

As a new group, there are plenty of opportunities for development. Participants are encouraged to bring their ideas and hopes for the group to this first meeting, where discussion will focus on the future of the group. Potential future meeting topics may include information sessions about quilting techniques, show & tell, handwork, and problem-solving for those who have run into difficulties with a project.

For more information, contact Dianne Kronika at x3979.

Currently, the State of Illinois is negotiating with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union. Because negotiations are expected to be ongoing for the near future, the State is planning two Benefit Choice Periods this year. 

Benefits Choice Period Number 1 is from May 1 to May 31, 2008, which allows changes in your benefits that will take effect July 1, 2008. The Department of Central Management Services (CMS) will mail booklets to all currently enrolled members describing this change period, including the change form necessary to make any changes. If you do not make any changes during Benefit Choice Periods 1 or 2, the benefits you currently have will continue as is for Fiscal Year 2009.

If, however, you have a Flexible Spending Account and are currently contributing to the Medical Care and/or Dependent Care Assistance Plans (MCAP/DCAP), your contributions will terminate June 30, 2008. If you wish to participate in Fiscal Year 2009 (7/1/08 through 6/30/09), you must re-enroll. Re-enrollment forms will be mailed to current participants. New enrollment forms for those who wish to participate, beginning July 1, 2008, can be obtained through the H.R. website, then click “Employee Benefits” and then “Quicklinks to Employee Benefits.” Forms are also available in the Human Resource Office.

Please note, you must enroll or re-enroll during Benefits Choice Period Number 1 to participate in MCAP and/or DCAP in Fiscal Year 2009.

Benefit Choice Period Number 2 will be scheduled after negotiations have been finalized with AFSCME. Plans are to continue with the current health and dental contribution rates, effective July 1, 2008, until negotiations are completed and new information is known. 

We have been advised that the same vendors will continue in Fiscal Year 2009. Optional Life Insurance rates will continue with Minnesota Life at their same level as well as the rates for the Accidental Death and Dismemberment program. Spouse Life and Dependent Child(ren)’s Life remains at a flat $10,000 of coverage, but the monthly premium rate has been reduced to $6.94 per month for your spouse’s life insurance and $.52 per month for your child(ren)’s life insurance.

From May 1, 2008, the State of Illinois’ Benefit Choice website will be available to all members.

 The booklet mailed for the first Benefits Choice Period will have limited information as little is known at this time. The State is contemplating a second mailing for the second Benefits Choice Period with a more comprehensive book for the new Fiscal Year (2009).