Eric Martin Greetings! I want to begin this newsletter with a heartfelt thank you directed to the faculty and staff of CAS for their hard work thus far this academic year, particularly during my time as “double dean.” My work as Acting Dean in the College of Education has now concluded, and while I was proud to serve GSU during the search for a new COE dean, I am even prouder of our college for quietly continuing its excellent work for the past nine months.

The faculty and staff of CAS have continued to serve our students with excellence; they have continued to enhance our programs and services; and they have continued to support our vision of “changing the world.” Their efforts remain nothing short of heroic.

Although there are many recent activities which I could cite to our wider readership as examples of excellence (if not heroism), I’d like to reference several in particular.

First, I was very proud of the letter writing campaign that took place last October when President Maimon invited members of the GSU community to appeal directly to the Governor’s Office for the release of the funds to renovate the E/F Wing—funds which have already been reappropriated multiple times by both the House and the Senate and are merely awaiting the Governor’s signature.

I was proud not only of the number of people who wrote, but also of the collaboration between Liberal Arts and Science divisions which culminated in an album of professional photos documenting the shortcomings of our labs for Governor Blagojevich’s personal review. Even though we have not yet received these monies, we are now organized and proactive in making our voices heard. Our efforts were augmented recently by Eric Zorn of the Chicago Tribune who also told our story. I remain optimistic that we will soon be successful.

CAS also performed splendidly during President Maimon’s installation in November. We were active participants during Installation Week including the birthday reception for Dr. Margaret Burroughs, whose work was also displayed in the CAS Art Gallery; a co-sponsorship of a public forum to explore an interdisciplinary doctorate in Leadership; and a Distinguished Lecture on writing by Dr. Douglas Hesse from the University of Denver who was joined by President Maimon and several of our colleagues from partner community colleges. All of these events were well-attended, and I thank all who assisted in the planning and implementation of these events, as well as those who marched in the installation ceremony itself.

Finally, I want to recognize the spirit of service which continues to flourish within the college, as well as recognize the ongoing and superior work of CAS students and alumni who demonstrate daily the many and varied ways our college can and does change the world. Evidence of this fine work appears throughout this newsletter, and as I previewed this document several days ago, I was reminded again why I am proud to serve as the CAS dean.

New Math!

We are very excited to announce that approval has been received from the Illinois Board of Higher Education to offer a mathematics teacher certification program in addition to the mathematics bachelor's degree program. Dr. Dianna Galante, the new Coordinator of the Mathematics Program, was instrumental in the certification process. GSU will prepare students to become teachers of mathematics at the high school and middle school levels. Read more about the mathematics program.

Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice program developed a course on the Death Penalty, which discusses the death penalty in Illinois and the history of the U.S. death penalty. Special Topics under the umbrella of the Distinguished Lecture Series was developed to include decision makers and leaders in the field for classroom instruction. Some of the special guests were Thomas P. Sullivan, LLP, The Honorable John Cullerton, Illinois Senate Majority Whip, Richard Schwind, Office of Appellate Prosecutor. You can imagine the riveting discussion! Visit our website at www.govst.edu/cas to see the entire listing of Distinguished Lectures.

Explosive Science

The Science faculty has received grants to continue their outstanding curriculum, they have garnered a 24 percent increase in enrollment.

Grants

Tim Gsell NSF CCLI: Undergraduate Coursework and Research Enhancement Using Molecular Techniques and Instrumentation $126,898. Projects improve upper division biology courses with new biotechnology instrumentation. Project partners with Prairie State University.
Clare Tang BPC-DP: Collaborative and Integrative Environment for Computer Science Programs, $250,628 with $12,000 research addition. Project goal is to improve student success and retention in introductory programming courses C++ with virtual, online and in-person tutoring, collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory to improve access of women students to summer research experiences. Supported 4 undergraduate research students in Fall 2007.
Joe Addison: National Science Foundation Louis Stokes Access Minority Participation (NSF-LS AMP) support under-represented students in science and math (Chicago State University)
Karen D’Arcy, Clare Tang, Soon Park NSF CPATH CB: Context and Context: Building Collaborative Partnerships in Higher Education and Industry $150,000. A partnership with Argonne National Laboratory and Joliet Junior College. The project will bring together education and industry leaders to further develop models and perspective on computer information science and engineering education in the Chicago metropolitan region. The first event was a stakeholders summit November 2, 2007, at Argonne National Laboratory. http://www.dep.anl.gov/cisesummit/

MFA on the Move

The fall of 2007 marked the launch of GSU's first-ever terminal degree in the applied arts. The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Independent Film and Digital Imaging is an interdisciplinary program that forges a relationship between our current sequences in digital filmmaking (communications) and digital photography (art).

MFA students on the Independent Film track will conceive, produce, direct, edit, and deliver digital documentaries and dramatic projects. Students on the Digital Imaging track will undertake the development of gallery-worthy art. All graduates will hold terminal degrees in the applied arts, giving them the opportunity to compete for work in higher education.

The program's internships ensure our students have the opportunity to gain work experience through relationships with the Chicago production and educational communities, including Towers Productions (producers of "American Justice" and others) and Harrington College. To learn more about the MFA, visit www.govst.edu/mfa.

CLETC Breaks Ground

CLETC Ribbon Cutting The Center for Law Enforcement Technology and Collaboration (CLETC) represents a new collaboration between several programs at GSU (Computer Science, Management Information Systems, and Criminal Justice), the South Suburban Chiefs of Police Association and the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association.

Dr. Chip Coldren, Co-director of CLETC; Dr. Elaine Maimon, GSU President; Kristi DeLaurentiis, Board of Trustees Secretary; Lorine Samuels, Board of Trustees Chairperson; and Dr. Steve Shih, Co-director of CLETC cut the ribbon for the center on October 23, 2007. CLETC provides basic and advanced technology training and technical assistance. Read more about CLETC below.

Center for Law Enforcement Technology Collaboration (CLETC)

CLETC offers post-baccalaureate certificates and other education/training opportunities in cross disciplinary areas emphasizing information security and intrusion detection, digital forensics, forensic science, and services science.

The Center creates a framework for GSU to work collaboratively with law enforcement experts and with faculty from Governors State University (GSU) who have expertise in computer science, management information science, biology and biotechnology, chemistry and criminal justice. CLETC delivers up-to-date curricula and creates a research environment for highly motivated students and professionals eager to move beyond baccalaureate training to new technical skills that will enhance public safety, promote careers in law enforcement, and pave the way to graduate school.

The Center provides an opportunity for south suburban students and regional law enforcement professionals to build upon their current expertise and develop timely and valued technological skills that prepare them for new career directions in science, law enforcement, business, and technology fields.

Curriculum Development at CLETC covers the following areas:

Digital Forensics (preservation and analysis of evidence related to computer and cyber crime);
Information Security and Intrusion Detection (cost effective approaches to minimizing risk and assuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information);
Forensic Science (examination of physical evidence for criminal investigations and prosecutions); and
Services Science (cross-disciplinary initiatives to develop and implement innovative applications of technology to help business, government, and other organizations improve what they do and tap into completely new areas of opportunity).

The Information Security Certificate curriculum and several courses will be offered at the new Center location on campus (OTS building).

CLETC is also working on a regional needs assessment regarding technology and technology training in law enforcement, and is actively involved with the South Suburban Chiefs of Police Association on several technology-related projects, including upgrading approximately 20 Video Analyst computer systems used for analyzing crime scene and surveillance video tapes.

CLETC hosted the federal Department of Homeland Security Training in its new training facility in fall 2007, and plans to host other forensic and security training sessions in the future. CLETC staff are actively applying for technology research funds.

Visit the new CLETC web site. Interested individuals can take the on-line needs assessment survey.

A multi-disciplinary Advisory Board has been established, with representatives from local and county law enforcement agencies, local and state government, GSU, and the private sector.

Revolutionary Instruction...

Rosemary Johnsen, Assistant Professor of English, created her English course to focus on Penguin Books. The history of Penguin is revolutionary within itself; a paperback publisher publishing quality books at affordable prices.

Through the years, Penguin Books has seen its share of controversy- from the 60's on trial for obscenity to the publication of "Spycatcher" by Peter Wright and Paul Greengrass and Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses."

Professor Johnsen's students study the history of Penguin and the literary landscape of the mid to late 20th Century, which includes their publishings by Agatha Christie, George Orwell, George Bernard Shaw, John Buchan and Lawrence. The course worked so well she is planning to offer it again.

Events

Zhejiang Butterfly Performing Troup

The Zhejiang Butterfly Performing Troup performed at GSU's Center for Performing Arts on February 15, to a sold out audience. In our effort to offer a broad perspective of the arts, Dr. Shensheng Zhao was instrumental in collaborating with Valparaiso University to bring the group to GSU.

The troupe is made up of principle performers of the Zhejiang Provincial Singing and Dancing Theater, including 11 musicians, seven dancers, two acrobats, and one Kun Opera actress. Read more about the Zhejiang Butterfly Peforming Troup.

ArtsFest

The College of Arts and Sciences programs in Art, Digital Imaging, English, along with Manilow Sculpture Park, held its first university wide ArtsFest in October. The ArtsFest featured interactive programs in art, poetry, photography and digital imaging.

The mural from the event, which signifies a collaborative effort by faculty, staff and students hangs in the foyer at the main entrance. Stay tuned for the 2nd Annual ArtsFest in October 2008—we will announce the date shortly.

Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition

This was the first year that CAS has sponsored the Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition, and the second year that our gallery has hosted the exhibition.

Students from Joliet Junior College, Kankakee Community College, Harold Washington College, Illinois Central College, South Suburban College, Prairie State College, and Triton College were all participants. Our juror this year was accomplished Chicago artist Harry Sudman. He selected the work for the exhibit and awarded 10 students awards based on artistic merit.

Upcoming Gallery Exhibitions

2008 GSU Art Student Exhibition

March 18-31, 2008

The exhibition is open to all GSU students who have taken art classes. The juror, DeKalb artist Kimberly Mullarkey, MFA, will select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards as well as honorable mentions.

Graduate Project Exhibition in Mixed Media

Jennifer Jackson, Photography
April 2–9, 2008
Public Reception: Friday, April 4, 6-8 p.m.
Visual Arts Gallery

Visiting Photography Exhibition

Lee Bauchsbaum
April 11–May 9, 2008
Public Reception: Wednesday, April 16, 6-8 p.m.
Visual Arts Gallery

Distinguished Lecture Series - Special Topics and the Criminal Justice Student Society

Fundamentals of Grantwriting

Ted Whitmer
April 2, 2008
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Hall of Honors

New! CAS Certificate Programs

CAS has established new certificate programs in the following disciplines:

Biology Education - A post-baccalaureate certificate to prepare graduates of Biology programs for teacher certification in Biology at the secondary education level.

Chemistry Education - A post-baccalaureate certificate to prepare graduates of Chemistry programs for teacher certification in Chemistry at the secondary education level.

English Education - A post-baccalaureate certificate to prepare graduates of English programs for teacher certification in English Language Arts at the secondary education level.

Information Security - The Information Security Certificate is offered to students who wish to obtain theoretical and practical knowledge in information security. The Center for Technology Collaboration, which incorporates the programs of Computer Science, Criminal Justice, and Management Information Systems at GSU, is also involved in offering this certificate.

In the Spotlight

New Battle Poster Seth McClellan has won two student film festival awards and PBS has aired his film, "The New Battle: Martin Luther King in Chicago."

The documentary looks at the Chicago Freedom Movement and King's time in the city, with emphasis not just on history but on how much farther we need to go to achieve true equality in Chicago and in the nation. McClellan was producer-director, Liz Fruth, editor and Rhonda Jackson, production coordinator (all GSU students). A preview of the documentary can be seen at www.thorncreekproductions.com.

His new feature documentary, "King in Chicago" screened at the Lake County Film Festival in Libertyville and Waukegan on March 1 and 2. It will debut in Michigan at the East Lansing Film Festival on March 16. Watch for the red carpet screening here at GSU.

TQE—Improving Preparation of Pre-Service Teachers in Real-World Contexts

GSU partners with Bloom Township District 206, Rich Township District and Crete-Monee creating a regional model of a successful partnership between the teacher-preparation program of a small university and its surrounding local school districts.

GSU has received Teacher Quality Enhancement Partnership Grant for $1,024,193 for five years (2004-2009) and the Teacher Quality Enhancement Recruitment Grant $1,004,599 for three years (2007-2010) Drs. Connie Mietlicki and Pam Guimond are certified district trainers for CRISS.

Project CRISS provides a research-based national support system to educators throughout the curriculum that increases student-centered teaching, independent learning, and student achievement.

The Freshman Academy Conference was held during the fall trimester and received overwhelming attendance. Project CRISS Level I training workshops will be held at GSU May 13, 14 and 28, 2008.

Art Takes Its Place

The university has begun to showcase the achievement of the Art program. The art students' and faculty work is featured throughout the university, starting with Dr. Maimon's foyer, the President's conference room, the main entrance and foyer, the corridor outside of Sherman Recital Hall, and the main entrance adjacent to the elevator.

The College of Arts and Sciences art faculty has formed a committee that selects students' work to be showcased throughout the university. Keep watching--the library is the next location!