News and Events

The Office of the Provost, the School of Extended Learning, and the University Library are sponsoring a First Friday Social Hour on October 3, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., on the University Library balcony. Join your friends and colleagues for delicious food, great conversation, and a good time.

As a result of declining use, ten pay telephones will be removed from campus on September 30. Four pay phones will be maintained in strategic locations. There will be no disruption in the service provided by the remaining phones.

For more information, contact Eileen Kelly, x 3996.

As part of National Depression Screening Week, the Academic Resource Center’s Counseling Center will host informal seminars, provide information, and offer free, confidential depression.

Free depression screening is available from October 6 through 9, in the Academic Resource Center, B1215. The screening involves completing a brief questionnaire and a conversation with a mental health professional. The questionnaire results are anonymous and confidential. The mental health professional will offer next step suggestions if they are warranted.

In addition, information about depression will be available on October 6 through 8, from noon to 4:30, in the Hall of Governors. Seminars on mental health conditions will be also be offered in room B1215. On October 6, from 6 to 7 p.m., the discussion will be on Bipolar Disorder. On October 7, from 6 to 7 p.m., the topic will be Generalized Anxiety Disorder. And on October 8, from 5 to 6 p.m., the seminar will be on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The Academic Resource Center provides ongoing counseling services to GSU students. The Counseling Lab at Governors State University provides free, confidential counseling services to families and adults. For more information, contact Tamekia Scott at x 2228.

As part of the College of Arts and Science’s Distinguished Lecture Series, Kathleen Bankhead, Chief, Juvenile Justice Bureau for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, will discuss the need for restorative justice practices and peer mediation in resolving conflicts and related concerns in the courts, schools, homes, and communities on Wednesday, October 15, at 6 p.m. in Engbretson Hall. This event is free and open to the public. 

Bankhead has long been dedicated to issues surrounding justice for children and families. In her current position, she is responsible for 85 lawyers, as well as the children, families, and citizens served in the Child Protection and Juvenile Justice (Delinquency) Divisions. She has worked in the State’s Attorney’s Office since 1990. Her work has included prosecution of both child protection and juvenile justice cases, prosecution of hundreds of felony trials, supervision of courts and staff handling allegations of child abuse, neglect, and delinquency. She is also actively involved in division-wide training.

Prepare for the holidays quickly and conveniently at the Civil Service Senate Holiday Shopping Fair on November 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

All proceeds from this event are used for the Civil Service Senate Educational Assistance Fund. The selling of any and all goods that may be suspected of copyright restriction violations are strictly prohibited.

While many vendors are already slated to display their unique gifts and merchandise, vendor tables are still available. For more information, contact Blondia Jasper at x 4360. 

Secretary of State Jesse White will be on campus with the Jesse White Tumblers and the Secretary of State’s mobile service unit on September 30, in the Hall of Governors.

Secretary White will speak at 6:30 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex, about the services provided by his office and upcoming projects that will affect the citizens of Illinois. He will also answer questions and introduce the Jesse White Tumblers who will perform at 7 p.m. in the Hall of Governors.

The Jesse White Tumbling Team has thrilled audiences since 1959 when White began the team to provide recreational, athletic, educational, and cultural enrichment for the team members. Since the team's inception, over 10,000 young men and women have benefited from the program. They have performed at major venues, during half time shows, on television, and in 10 different countries.

The Secretary of State’s mobile service unit will be open from 4 to 7:30 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. Students, faculty, staff, and area residents will be able to renew driver’s licenses or state ID cards, purchase annual vehicle license plate sticker, or register to be an organ and tissue donor. Customers may also purchase passenger vehicle license plates, motorcycle license plates, and B-Truck plates. Other services available include vehicle title registration and parking placards for persons with disabilities. No driving tests will be given.

The services provided by the mobile unit are available to all qualified Illinois residents. Acceptable forms of payment include personal checks, cash, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards.

The Commencement Student Speaker Committee is currently accepting nominations for the student speaker for the Commencement ceremony to be held on Saturday, January 31, 2009. Both nomination forms must be competed and submitted to Sara Appel, Director of Student Involvement and Leadership, no later than Friday, October 31.

Nomination forms are available on the web or at the Welcome Center, D1429. To be eligible, the nominated student must be graduating at the ceremony. Please note that the student is also required to meet for an interview on Monday, November 10, 2008, between 12 and 5 p.m.    

The Center for Performing Arts opens the 2008/2009 season with the only Chicago appearance of NBC hit show, “Last Comic Standing,” on October 11, at 8 p.m. The five finalist including first place winner, Iliza Shlesinger, will present a hilarious evening of comedy!
 

Watch a two-minute recap of Iliza Shlesinger perform and contact The Center box office at 708-235-2222 for tickets.

The GSU community is invited to continue the celebration of Latino Heritage month. An Ancestral Heritage Poster Exhibition will be held on September 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. On October 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the video, The Latino Student Experience, will be shown in the Hall of Governors. Everyone is welcome to enjoy Sabor Latino, a taste of Latino food, on October 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. On October 14, from 4 to 8 p.m., a Community Public Square discussion and performance by Fusion Salcedo will be held in Sherman Music Hall. And there are still two more films to see in the Latino Film Festival. Check out the details in the View events calendar.

The Office of Career Services is sponsoring a Criminal Justice and Public Safety career fair on Thursday, October 9, from 3 to 6:30 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

Prospective employers from the fields of law enforcement, public administration, and security services will meet with job candidates. The career fair is open to current students, GSU alumni, and members of the community seeking employment in these fields. There is no charge for job seekers. Participants are advised to dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes.
 

For more information or to register, call 708.235.3974 or email career@govst.edu.

The College of Business and Public Administration is hosting a graduate programs open house on Saturday, October 11, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the Cafeteria Annex.

Faculty, advisors, administrators, and current students will be on hand to discuss master’s degree programs in accounting, business administration (MBA), management information systems, and public administration. Breakfast will be served.

The free event is open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, call 708.534.4391 or e-mail.

The library is continuing the tradition of offering free computer workshops for faculty, staff, and the community. Some new workshop topics include blogs and micro blogs, Microsoft Office Publisher, bookmarking, Mobile Web, Firefox, Photoshop, genealogy and genealogy websites, selling books on Amazon, and advanced blogging.
 

Additional subjects covered include Excel, PowerPoint, the scholarly publishing process, grant writing for GSU grant writers, APA Style citations, and formatting papers in APA Style.

The workshop schedule is updated frequently. All workshops are free and everyone is welcome. 

The Civil Service Senate Scholarship/Educational Assistance Funds Committee and the entire senate recently announced the recipients of the Fall 2008 Awards. Donald Ziems, son of ITS employee Emma Ziems and Daniel Gould, GSU student and husband of DPS employee Jennifer Gould, will each receive $500 to use toward their education costs. 
 

The Civil Service scholarships are open to employees with two years of service, their spouses, and dependent children. Up to two $ 500 scholarships are awarded each term to augment the cost of continuing education. Applications for the winter term are due by January 5, 2009. For more information, contact Diane Jones.

Here is some more news about money. The United States is honoring our nation’s presidents by issuing $1 circulating coins featuring their images in the order that they served. The United States Mint will issue four presidential $1 coins per year. Presidents Monroe, Adams, Jackson, and Van Buren will be in pockets, at the bottom of purses, and behind couch cushions in 2008.
 

The GSU community is reminded that it costs nothing to vote and could cost a lot if you don’t. The last day to register is October 7 and Election Day is November 4. It costs nothing to vote and could cost a lot if you don’t.

One of the most important credentials of any university is accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. GSU is currently preparing for the reaffirmation of university accreditation, which will be based on the HLC review team’s assessment of how well GSU meets five core standards. The HLC team comprises administrators and faculty from other colleges and universities who have been trained to interpret the HLC criteria and judge compliance. The HLC team will visit the university on November 16 through 18, 2009.
 

In preparation for the visit, GSU is currently working with an HLC representative and consultant, Dr. Robert Appleson, on the creation of a comprehensive self-study to be submitted a month prior to the HLC team visit. The study addresses how GSU currently meets the five core standards.
 

Those standards are:

1. Mission and integrity

2. Preparing for the future

3. Student learning and effective teaching

4. Acquisition, discovery, and application of knowledge

5. Engagement and service
 

Dr. Appleson will be on campus on September 25, meeting with administrators, and working with the GSU steering committee and various sub-committee co-chairs.
 

For more information about the HLC review process and GSU’s extensive preparation, visit www.govst.edu/hlc. 

Listen to the music, follow the beat, and learn the right moves – all at GSU! In celebration of Latino Heritage Month, the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) and the Office of Student Life is sponsoring free Latin dance lessons. GSU’s very own Maribel Velasquez will teach all the hottest, latest Latin dances on Tuesday, September 23, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex. Dance partners are not needed. For more information contact Jose Reyes at x 4494.

The Dr. Joyce Mohberg Transition Award recognizes Dr. Mohberg’s commitment to her students  with an award of encouragement and support to GSU alumni who have been admitted to and plan to attend advanced, professional degree programs in health or science, (e.g. medical, dental, veterinary, or pharmacy school), or Ph.D. program in chemistry or related fields. Successful applicants will receive $1000 to defray educational expenses.

This recurring award needs your support. Please honor the memory and commitment of Dr. Mohberg with a donation to the GSU Foundation/Mohberg Award. For more information, call 708.534.7494.

Unused, outdated cell phones need not gather dust in the back of a drawer or bottom of the closet. The GSU Computer Science program will take them off your hands and use them to teach cell phone technology. The CS program needs cell phones with chargers and cables. All private information stored on the phones will be destroyed prior to student use. Those donated that cannot be used in class and the pieces of those used as educational tools will be recycled.

Please put the phone, charger, and cable in an internal mail envelope and send to Science Division, room F 2630.

The Friends of the GSU Library begin their second year with a new slate of officers and a renewed commitment to continuing their successful work of the previous year. Becky and Jim Nugent will serve as co-presidents of the Friends. Kelley Nichols is vice president. The secretary is Dianne Kronika and Jean Malloy will serve as treasurer.

Special activities sponsored by the Friends include a bake sale, on October 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Hall of Governors. The focus of the sale is chocolate. A silent auction on October 15, from noon to 7 p.m., in the Hall of Governors, will put up for bid a variety of items from restaurant gift certificates to sports memorabilia, to certificates for wine tastings. And a used book sale will be held on October 16, from noon to 7 p.m., also in the Hall of Governors. Friends of the GSU Library, with membership cards, may preview the sale items from 11a.m. to noon. The book sale is open to everyone from noon to 7 p.m.  

Friends’ membership forms are available at 10 a.m. in the library or on the web. For more information, call x 4116. 

Governors State University will undergo a planned power outage on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5. The outage will last from 5 a.m. on Saturday to midnight on Sunday.

As a result, many buildings will not be accessible and most university services will be unavailable. Complete details, including classroom reassignments, employee procedures, and the reason for the outage are contained in the Power Outage FAQ.

Facilities and the Department of Public Safety reminds the campus community that the stop sign near the Family Development Center (FDC) has been temporarily moved. The new corresponding crosswalk and stop sign location will allow for easier access to the FDC from parking lot A, during parking lot B construction.

A memorial service for Dr. Joyce Mohberg of the college of Arts and Sciences, will be held on September 19, from 3 to 5 p.m., in Sherman Hall. Members of the university community are encouraged to honor Dr. Mohberg’s life and service to the community at the service.

Each year, outstanding seniors in Illinois are honored as Student Laureates of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Student Laureates are recognized for their overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.

Nominations for the GSU Student Laureate for 2009 are currently being accepted. Nominees must be graduating seniors in a baccalaureate degree program. Honorees receive the Student Laureate Medallion and a certificate of achievement. Award recipients will participate in a processional of state, civic, and academic leaders at the award ceremony held in Springfield on Saturday, October 18, in the Hall of Representatives, Old State Capitol, at 11 a.m. A luncheon is held to honor the recipients following the ceremony in the Executive Mansion hosted by Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Nomination forms are available online and should be submitted to Sara Appel by Tuesday, September 23.

The walls of Sherman Hall bulged from the capacity crowd gathered to hear President Maimon’s State of the University address during Convocation last Thursday.

Prior to the President’s remarks, students, faculty, and staff we’re greeted with comments from Provost Hudak; Paul Blobaum, President of the Faculty Senate; Kathy Miller, President of the Civil Service Senate; and Adam Taylor, President of the Student Senate.
 

In her address, Dr. Maimon recognized the positive momentum on campus. She discussed past and ongoing projects that are helping to improve the university’s teaching and learning environment including the parking lot repaving, classroom remodeling, and expanded shuttle service. She addressed enrollment increases, Springfield’s languishing capital budget, and the possibility of changing the academic calendar to coincide with other state universities and our partner community colleges.
 

Many hard working individuals and committees were recognized during Convocation. Martha Hellman of the College of Education and Associate Provost Peggy Woodard were honored as co-winners of the 2008 Baysore Award, GSU’s top employee recognition. Both individuals have dedicated themselves tirelessly to the university.
 

Diane Nadler of the University Library won the Winter 2008 and Academic Year 2007-2008 award for best “Why Not?” submission. She suggested the implementation of a university-wide online calendar. Jean Malloy of Institutional Advancement was recognized for the best Spring/Summer 2008 suggestion – flexible work schedules to assist with the current parking situation.

Related to Diane Nadler’s “Why Not?” submission, Dr. Maimon presented some of the R25 implementation team members with certificates, noting their quick work in completing implementation of the calendar system.
 

President Maimon closed by asking the audience to honor the university’s tradition of innovation, social justice, and service.

Personal creativity and living a creative life are explored in a special presentation led by Jeff Stevenson of the art faculty and Geoffrey Bates, director of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. The presentation is on Wednesday, September 24, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Engbretson Hall.
 

Stevenson and Bates will explore the benefits of creative thinking and its application in real life situations. Creativity is not just for artists. It is a learned behavior that can be applied to any life, to any profession, or in any circumstance.
 

The presentation includes insights through individual and group exercises, information from various sources and studies, and examples from creatively lived lives. It is designed to help individuals, from any walk of life, create a more rewarding and richer life experience.
 

The event is free and open to the public and sponsored by ArtForum, Student Life Unit, and the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information contact Jeff Stevenson at 773.398.5756. 

As part of GSU’s observance of Constitution Day, there will be a community forum on The Constitution, Citizenship, and Voting Rights on Wednesday September 17, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., in the Sherman Recital Hall. 

Colleen Connell, ACLU Executive Director, will be the guest speaker. Dr. Larry Levinson of CAS will moderate the discussion. There will also be voter registrars present. The last day to register for the November 4 election is fast approaching.

GSU’s CenterPoint for Entrepreneurs will provide students with a special opportunity to meet with representatives from Peddinghaus Corporation in Bradley, Illinois. With annual sales of over $150 million dollars, it is one of the largest and most successful manufacturing companies in the Bradley/Bourbonnais area.

CenterPoint recently assisted Peddinghaus in identifying global suppliers of key component for its newest fabrication machine. The machine will be unveiled to an international audience at the company’s annual Oktoberfest open house event.

Peddinghaus and CenterPoint have worked together to provide GSU students with an opportunity to explore career opportunities with the manufacturer during the event on Thursday, September 25.

Interested students should contact Dashan Cui at the CenterPoint Global Trade Center by Wednesday, September 17.

Join us for the next CUG Jenzabar CX 8.1 workshop where we’ll offer a demo of the CX 8.1 user interface and we’ll play “Stump-da-Chump”. Your chump for the day will be Nick Battaglia of CE, so bring your best chump-stumping questions. We’ll on Friday, September 19, from 11a.m. until noon, in the ACS Lab, room D2430. Space is limited, so make sure to pre-register at gsunet/cug. See you there!

On Wednesday and Thursday, September 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Hall of Governors, the Civil Service Senate will again sponsor an annual Arts and Crafts Fair.

Vendor spaces are still available and there is a discount for GSU employees who participate as vendors. Vendor set up time is 9 a.m. each morning.

This is a great opportunity for vendors to showcase their products and for shoppers to fill their holiday gift list.

For more information contact Blondia Jasper at x4360.

All faculty and staff are invited to attend the First Friday Social Hour of the Fall Trimester on Friday, October 3, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., on the University Library balcony. This event is sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the School of Extended Learning, and the University Library.

President Maimon will present her annual State of the University address during Convocation 2008. The event will be held on Thursday, September 11, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., in Sherman Hall, and is open to the entire GSU community. In addition to the President’s address, the winner of the Baysore Award will also be announced. Refreshments will be served.

The Chicago cast of The Jersey Boys will perform at The Center for Performing Arts in an intimate setting on September 21, 2008, with a reception from 5 to 6:45 p.m. The show begins at 7 p.m. and consists of a Q & A on stage, with stories about the show, what it’s like to be a Jersey Boy, the process of cast selection, and what Frankie is like. The cast will then perform six to eight songs from the era in that famous four-part harmony.
 

This is a once in a lifetime chance to meet and mingle with the cast that has dazzled Chicago audiences since opening at La Salle Bank Theatre in 2007. If you loved the show you will love the chance to see them up close and personal at The Center at GSU.
 

Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts will also be served to complete a perfect evening with the cast.
 

Tickets are $125 per person. Reservations are available by calling The Center Box Office at 708.235.2222. 

Mark your calendars. Check out the official Governors State University Holiday Schedule for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Student Life is again sponsoring the best way to spend a Saturday. GSU Family Day begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 13 and ends at 11 p.m. Activities for the entire family include crafts from 3 to 6 p.m., and carnival games from 3 to 7 p.m. Make some great jewelry, get your face painted, play Laser Invader, mini-golf, or Guitar Hero, even go for a Moonwalk. In the evening, enjoy a drive-in movie, Kung Fu Panda, on the big screen in the parking lot. Refreshments are served all day, from delicious snacks in the afternoon, to a hot dog dinner, and popcorn and candy during the movie.
 

This event is free for GSU students, faculty, staff, and families. For more information, call 708.534.4550.  

On the Fly Quilters will meet Thursday, September 11, from noon to 1 p.m., in the Library Administrative Conference Room. Whether you are an experienced quilter or a complete newbie, your interest is the only qualification needed to attend. Join our informal quilting group. There is no chairperson, nothing mandatory, no stuffiness - just the joy of quilting and sharing with friends. Participants are encouraged to bring their ideas, projects, even their quilting conundrums.

For more information, contact Dianne Kronika at x3979. 

The Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education (MILE) at Governors State University is offering a free workshop for people interested in serving on their local school boards on Saturday, October 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in room D1496.
 

The workshop presents an overview of the roles and responsibilities of school board members, including ethics and school law, fundamentals of school finance, and working effectively with the school superintendent, as well as how effective school leaders can enhance student achievement, support financial stability, and contribute to the quality of life in a community.
 

Presenters include experienced and successful school board members. Attendees will receive a packet of the necessary forms required to run for school board office.
 

For more information, or to register, call 708.534.4024. 

Latino Heritage Month celebrations begin at GSU with great fun and great music. Jesus Capetillo and his Mariachi Band will perform on Tuesday, September 16, at 5 p.m. in the Hall of Governors. The performance is free and open to everyone. Light refreshments will be provided. 

Voter registrars are available at Convocation today.

Show Me the Money

Lincoln, Jefferson, Roosevelt, Washington, Kennedy, and Sacagewea are portrayed on U.S. coins.

Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Hamilton, Jackson, Grant, and Franklin are portrayed on U.S. paper currency.

Student Life is again sponsoring the best way to spend a Saturday. GSU Family Day begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 13 and ends at 11 p.m. Activities for the entire family include crafts from 3 to 6 p.m., and carnival games from 3 to 7 p.m. Make some great jewelry, get your face painted, play Laser Invader, mini-golf, or Guitar Hero, even go for a Moonwalk. In the evening, enjoy a drive-in movie, Kung Fu Panda, on the big screen in the parking lot. Refreshments are served all day, from delicious snacks in the afternoon, to a hot dog dinner, and popcorn and candy during the movie.

This event is free for GSU students, faculty, staff, and families. For more information, call 708.534.4550. 

GSU’s CenterPoint for Entrepreneurs was honored with two awards at the Illinois Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth Association's annual meeting held last week in Chicago. CenterPoint’s' Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp held at GSU in May was recognized for “outstanding, innovative, and best practices in the programs and services offered by member Illinois centers and the impact the program has had on the community, region, and state.” 

The CenterPoint for Entrepreneurs was also honored by the State of Illinois Small Business Development Center's Guidance for Growth Award for Outstanding Results for Counseling Hours.

CenterPoint director Hilary Burkinshaw accepted both awards on behalf of the center’s staff and acknowledged the "dedication of the CenterPoint staff, volunteer presenters, and sponsors for making the Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp and counseling services successful well beyond our expectations."

The Civil Service Senate is sponsoring a Fall Bake Sale on Wednesday, September 10. Bring your appetite, sweet tooth, and just a wee bit of cash to enjoy some good baking and support the programs sponsored by the Civil Service Senate. The goodies will be on sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Hall of Governors.

Workers to sell and bakers to bake are needed. To volunteer, contact Renee Rainey at ext. 7525.

Hey there, hi there, ho there, you’re as welcome as can be! Civil Service Day is fast approaching and performers for the gala event are needed. Auditions are on September 12 and 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in Sherman Hall, for the show on Friday, December 5. No age, job classification, or level of talent are required. Put on your dancing shoes, oil those pipes, put the bunny back in the hat, and join the fun.
 

This year’s show involves a top secret story presented in video and live action. Participants will be required to attend at least two evening videotaping sessions. For more information, call Mark Kundla at ext 3999.

President Maimon will present her annual State of the University address during Convocation 2008. The event will be held on Thursday, September 11, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., in Sherman Hall, and is open to the entire GSU community. In addition to the President’s address, the winner of the Baysore Award will also be announced.

The art professors and educators of the region will have the opportunity to show off their creative endeavors at the 2008 Regional College and University Art Faculty Exhibition, at the GSU Visual Arts Gallery, from September 15 through October 10.
 

The invitational exhibition includes painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, digital imagery, ceramics, and mixed media works. Full and part time educators exhibiting at the show represent Prairie State College, Olivet Nazarene University, Kankakee Community College, Lewis University, South Suburban College, Joliet Junior College, Olive-Harvey College, and Governors State University, among others.

A reception to celebrate the show and the artists will be held Friday, October 10, from 6 to 9 p.m., in E-Lounge, next to the Visual Arts Gallery.

The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 708.534.4017.

The College of Education will host an information session on the Master of Arts in Educational Administration on campus cohort beginning Winter 2009 on Wednesday, September 10, from 4 to 5 p.m., in Engbretson Hall.

This cohort program requires only two years to complete, is open to certified teachers with two years experience, and is limited to 25 participants. Classes will be held on Saturdays. The application deadline is Wednesday, October 15. Classes begin in the winter trimester.

For more information, call Dor Fitzgerald at ext 4536.

The Spotlight Theater presents Angel Street, written by Patrick Hamilton, and directed by Tony Shannon on Friday, September 12, Saturdays, September 13 and 20, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, September 21^, at 3 p.m., in Sherman Recital Hall at Governors State University. Tickets are $14 for adults or $12 for students with ID and seniors 62 or older. Tickets may be purchased at the door, at www.Spotlight-Theater.com (online purchase fees apply), or reserve them on the 24-hour ticket hotline at (708) 798-1188.

President Maimon will present her annual State of the University address during Convocation 2008. The event will be held on Thursday, September 11, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., in Sherman Hall, and is open to the entire GSU community. In addition to the President’s address, the winner of the Baysore Award will also be announced.

All faculty members are encouraged to join President Maimon, Provost Hudak, and Executive Vice President Ejigu for an informative discussion on the proposed changes to the academic calendar and other issues of importance to the faculty.

Two separate forums will be held to accommodate varying schedules.

Tuesday, September 9
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
E-Lounge
Lunch provided

Wednesday, September 10
2 to 3:30 p.m.
E-Lounge
Refreshments provided

Contact Sandy Paszczyk,  by September 5 if you plan to attend.

Out of respect for the memory of colleague and distinguished faculty member, Dr. Joyce Mohberg, the School of Extended Learning has cancelled the First Friday event on September 19. Members of the university community are encouraged to honor Dr. Mohberg’s life and service to the community at a memorial service, from 3 to 5 p.m., in Sherman Hall.

Fall 2008 students are invited to submit original artwork for consideration to be featured on the cover of GSU's 2008 holiday cards. Artwork in all mediums will be accepted. Entries must comply with official rules and be accompanied by an official entry form, which can be viewed and downloaded online.

Submission deadline for all artwork is Thursday, October 16. Please contact Penny Perdue, at 4130, with questions.

As scheduled, new copiers have arrived and are being installed around campus. Training for key operators will be scheduled. Old machines will be moved from all areas, codes will be updated, and machines will be further customized, as needed, for the specific needs of each department. Anyone has immediate questions or concerns in encouraged to contact Jerad Garrison at x7445. In the meantime, Auxiliary Services appreciates your patience during this transition.

As part of the university’s continued focus on improving services for students, faculty and staff, the FREE shuttle bus service to/from the University Park Metra Station has been upgraded to include additional times and stops at selected University Park apartments. The GSU Shuttle stops in front of the university’s main entrance (D-wing).

The convenient shuttle operates Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m., at regularly scheduled times. A limited schedule is also available on Saturday. Both schedules are available online.

A State Universities Retirement System (SURS) counselor is scheduled to be on campus on Wednesday, October 15. If you are interested in meeting with the counselor, call SURS at 800.275.7877 to request a Retirement Estimate form. Complete the estimate and fax (217.378.9800) it to SURS then call again to schedule an appointment.

You should be within four years of retirement eligibility. Retirement qualifications include

age 62, with at least five (5) years of service; or age 55*, with at least eight (8) years of service; any age with at least thirty (30) years of service; and or you have not received a prior estimate during the last twelve (12) months.

Student Services & Academic Support (SAAS) will be open for extended office hours during the first two weeks of class for Fall 2008. The offices will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. the weeks of September 2 and September 8.

The Latino Center for Excellence invites students to visit the Center in room A2134. The Center provides tutoring, peer and faculty mentoring, educational seminars, and access to computers equipped with APA StyleEase, Maple, and Endnote.

For more information, contact Carlos Cantu at 708.534.4553.

The Friends of the GSU Library are pleased to welcome students and seniors interested in joining this active and effective organization. Students and seniors (60+) can join for a donation of only $5. For more information, contact Lydia Morrow-Ruetten or visit the Friends website.