Intercultural Student Affairs

At Governors State University there’s a good chance you’ll meet classmates who look a lot like you – or completely different. The diversity of our learning community is one of the things that makes us stand out – everybody fits in here. Our diversity is just one of the reasons GSU changes lives. We have programs that honor our diversity – and they’re just waiting for you to get involved in - special events, workshops, meetings and organizations. No matter which you choose, each recognizes the ethnic and cultural diversity of the campus as a community strength.

Celebrating Diversity & Social Justice

Let's celebrate diversity with our observance of history and heritage months. Throughout each designated month, Governors State University features a variety of programs and events highlighting the culture, traditions and contributions to society which these groups have made. During these months we host a variety of special events - you are bound to find one (or more) that you won't want to miss.

The Office of Intercultural Student Affairs stands in solidarity with those impacted by the recent events in Charlottesville, VA. Hate, bigotry as well as acts of terrorism and violence should not be welcome in any community. We will continue to take a stance that ensures our community is one of love and inclusion and reflects the voices and experiences of all. Let us remember the students, faculty and staff of UVA as they prepare to open for the academic year in the midst of this tragedy.

 

  • Male Success Initiative

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    Male Success Initiative Retreat

    Thursday, August 24th - Friday, August 25th

    Camp Manitoqua

     

     On Your Mark, Ready, Set….GROW!!!  These are the words that speak to the awesome experiences you will embark upon as a student at Governors State University.  College is a time of exploring, defining who you are and figuring out what it takes to be successful in college and beyond.  Well there's great news... 

    YOU ARE INVITED to become a part of the Male Success Initiative (MSI).   The Male Success Initiative is an intergenerational enrichment program designed to increase the retention, engagement and graduation rates of male students, particularly men of color at Governors State University.  The Male Success Initiative will focus on the following four tenets to enhance the educational experiences of program participants.

     

    Civic engagement

    Participants will engage in efforts that will enable them to serve others and gain experiences on how to be better leaders. 

    Cultural exploration

    Participants will engage in a wide range of opportunities to explore their creative, social and intellectual ambitions through immersion in cultural activities.   

    Curricular enhancement

    Participants will engage in seminars focused on study habits, time management and learning styles tutoring through peer to peer tutoring and study groups that will encourage scholastic achievement.

    Character enrichment

    Participants will engage in activities that will increase their consciousness about their own identity through social justice education to enhance personal and professional development

     

    Male Success Initiative Kick-off Retreat

     At this overnight off-campus excursion, dozens of new and returning male students come together to talk about transitioning to the GSU campus, team-building, sharing successes and overcoming setbacks, personal and collective visioning, and fellowship. The retreat is free and includes transportation there and back, meals, and snacks. For more information contact Sean Smith at ssmith5@govst.edu or x7619 or in A2133. Register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSIAPP2017. 

  • Latino Heritage Month, Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2017

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    Latino Heritage Month

    Latino Heritage Month celebrates the history, culture and contributions of Latinos in our global society past, present and future.  The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.  The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively.

     

    EXHIBITS & DISPLAYS

    LATINO HISTORY LITERARY WORKS & RESOURCES 

    Governors State University Library

    GSU Library has a collection of books, DVDs, and eBooks dedicated to Latino Heritage. Visit www.govst.edu/library or contact us at library@govst.edu for more information.

    September 18–29

    LATINO HERITAGE MONTH DISPLAY

    B Wing Display Case 

    PROGRAMS & EVENTS

    Friday, September 15

    EL GRITO CELEBRATION

    2–7 p.m., Lakeside Lounge

    Come learn about the independence of Latin American countries and the importance of Latino Heritage Month through cultural expressions and cuisine.

    Tuesday, September 19

    INDIGENOUS CONQUISTADORES: INDIGENOUS ALLIES TO THE SPANISH EMPIRE

    featuring Dr. Matthews, Marquette University

    5 p.m. Location TBD

    Laura Matthews is a historian of southern Mesoamerica during the Spanish colonial era. Her first two books focused on Indigenous allies of Spanish empire and demonstrates how Mesoamerican methods of warfare–and many thousands of Mesoamericans themselves–shaped conquests that would ultimately be labeled Spanish.

    Funded by the Intellectual Life Grant.

    Thursday, September 21

    IDEAS LAB: DACA STUDENTS

    3:30 p.m., E-Lounge

    Intercultural Development for Equity and Success Labs (IDEAS Lab) is an innovative program designed for faculty, staff and students to engage in a think tank acknowledging campus inequities that may limit student success.

    Thursday, September 21

    BROTHER 2 BROTHER

    5 p.m., Hall of Honors

    This program highlights the importance of Black and Latino males building brotherhood to address injustices towards these communities.

    Monday, September 25

    PINATA WORKSHOP

    1–4 p.m., Lakeside Lounge

    Come learn about the significance of piñatas in Latino culture and make one to take home.

    Wednesday, September 27

    UNLEARN, RELEARN, LEARN

    5 p.m., Engbretson Hall

    Explore current cultural issues as well as challenge the GSU community to realize the benefits of living in a

    multicultural world.

    Wednesday, October 4

    TAMALE SALE

    11 a.m.– until Tamales are soldout, Hall of Governors

    Come out and purchase some delectable tamales. Please email alas@govst.edu to place your order.


    Wednesday, October 11

    MOVIE & DISCUSSION: “UNDER THE SAME MOON”

    7:30 p.m., F 1622

    Under the Same Moon tells the story of Rosario, an undocumented Mexican immigrant working in the United States with the hope of giving her son, Carlitos, a better life, while leaving him under the care of his grandmother.

    Thursday, October 12

    POWER, PEOPLE AND PLACE IN LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN

    A Conversation with GSU Faculty

    2–3:30 p.m., Location TBD

    Join us for an interdisciplinary conversation on research experiences and fieldwork in Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Chile, Dominica Republic and others.

     

     

  • I.D.E.A.S. Lab

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    Intercultural Development for Equity and Success Labs (IDEAS Lab) is an innovative program designed for faculty, staff and students to engage in a think tank acknowledging campus inequities that may limit student success.  This provides an opportunity for our community to develop resolutions regarding these matters in a holistic inclusive manner.  IDEAS Labs will be facilitated by community members with expertise in addressing the respective topics.  The IDEAS Labs serve as professional development for faculty/staff and leadership development for students. 

    IDEAS Lab will take place on the following dates from 3pm – 4:30pm.  Location to be determined.

     

    Thursday, September 21st 
    Thursday, October 19th
    Thursday, February 22nd
    Thursday, April 19th

     

    At this time we invite students, faculty and staff to facilitate an IDEAS Lab.  Please submit your proposed workshop at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IDEASLAB17 by Friday, September 1st. 

    For more information email diversity@govst.edu or call x4551.

     

     

     

      

  • 2017 Men's Leadership Summit - Friday, November 17th

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    The Men’s Leadership Summit explores the variety, as well as the essential elements of what it means to be a man in a leadership role.  The intersection of male gender and leadership will allow us to explore topics essential to create a cohort and community of male leaders who will begin the work of developing self-awareness and trust among peers to be positive contributors and influencers in their communities. 

    This year’s theme is “From Reasonable Doubt to 4:44: The Evolution of Maleness, Masculinity and Manhood.”  Using the musical career of Jay-Z as a backdrop, the conference theme speaks to men discovering the influence of maleness, masculinity and manhood on their journey to be leaders. 

    MALENESS is biological (i.e. anatomy and physiology), psychological and dictated by appetite (i.e. feelings, instincts, and urges), emotional (i.e. passion and pleasure), and dependent (unable to be self-sufficient).

    MASCULINITY is a socially constructed reality developed by way of practices within structures (i.e. school, sports and popular culture) intersected by other identities (i.e. race/ethnicity, social class, age, sexual orientation) as men grow and mature

    MANHOOD is disciplined (control of maleness), consciousness (accurate awareness), responsible (ownership of choices and consequences), and altruistic (selfless concern for the well being of others).

    We are currently seeking nominations for the 2017 Men’s Leadership Summit.  Submit your workshop proposal by October 6, 2017 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MLS17.  For more information email diversity@govst.edu or call x4551.  


     

  • Unlearn, Relearn, Learn: Cultural Conversations 2017-2018

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    UNLEARN the myths
    RELEARN the truth
     LEARN to bridge cultural divides

     

    Wednesdays at 7pm
    Location TBD

    September 27th 
    October 25th
    November 29th
    February 28th
    March 28th


     This program series will provide an opportunity for the GSU community to unlearn myths, stereotypes and fallacies about various subject matters, relearn the truth and learn ways to shape their understanding that will aid in bridging cultural divides in the campus community.   Participants will be exposed to current cultural issues as well as challenge the GSU community to realize the benefits of living in a multicultural world.  

     

    For more information email diversity@govst.edu or call x4551. 

  • LGBT History Month 2017

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    2017 LGBT HISTORY MONTH

     

    Governors State University proudly celebrates LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH with month-long calendar of programs and events!

    LGBTQ LITERARY WORKS & RESOURCES GSU Library

    Seeking to be more aware of the LGBT community? GSU Library has a collection of books, DVDs and eBooks dedicated to the LGBT experience. Visit www.govst.edu/library or contact us at library@govst.edu.

    October 2 – 16

    LGBTQ HISTORY DISPLAY

    B Wing Display Case

    PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

    Thursday, October 5

    UNLEARN, RELEARN LEARN: WHEN SEXUALITY

    MEETS FAITH

    3:30 p.m., A1115 – Interfaith Prayer & Meditation Room

    Featuring Quincy James Rineheart, Scholar in Residence for the Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference, Inc and PhD Student in African American Religious History and Cultural Studies, Chicago Theological Seminary. This program will provide insight on the intersection of sexuality and faith.

    Wednesday, October 11

    NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

    12pm - 1pm, Hall of Governors

    Pick up a ribbon to wear in solidarity with members of the LGBTQ community as we celebrate their coming out experience

    Monday, October 16

    GENDER REVOLUTION SCREENING

    4:30 – 7:30 p.m., Engbretson Hall

    Katie Couric explores the rapidly evolving complexities of gender identity. Post-screening discussion led by Dr. Jason Zingsheim

    Thursday, October 19

    BROTHERS SPEAK OUT ABOUT SEXUALITY

    5pm, Hall of Honors

    Come share your thoughts and learn more about the intersection of maleness, manhood, masculinity and sexuality.

    Thursday, October 19

    IDEAS LAB: THE TRANS PHENOMENON

    Presented by Vanessa Sheridan, Director of Trans Relations at

    Center on Halsted

    3:30 p.m., Engbretson Hall

    Intercultural Development for Equity and Success Labs (IDEAS Lab) is an innovative program designed for faculty, staff and students to engage in a think tank acknowledging campus inequities that may limit student success.

    Saturday, October 21

    STARTING OVER

    8 p.m., Center for Performing Arts

    Tickets: $28 ($10 for Students with I.D) Discount not available

    online. Contact 708.235.2222 for tickets or visit

    www.centertickets.net

    Post-show talkback with playwright and cast.

    Written by Shepsu Aakhu, this story of love, tolerance, and race

    explores acceptance of transgender relationships in a journey

    from a small town to the city. ADULT CONTENT AND NUDITY.

    Tuesday, October 24

    SAFE ZONE TRAINING

    noon, B2203

    SafeZone is a training program open to faculty and staff ONLY at this time. The goal of this program is to raise awareness about the dynamics of gender and sexual orientation while exploring different ways to embody inclusive allyship for people of all orientations, genders, sexualities, identities, and levels of being out. Participants must RSVP by October 17 at

    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FALL2017SZ.

    SPACE IS LIMITED

    Thursday, October 26

    ASEXUAL DOCUMENTARY SCREENING

    5:30-8 p.m., Location TBA

    Facing a sex obsessed culture, a mountain of stereotypes and misconceptions, and a lack of social or scientific research, asexuals–people who experience no sexual attraction–struggle to claim their identity. Post-show Discussion led by Dr. Lara Stache.

    For updates and/or more information visit www.govst.edu/diversity or email diversity@govst.edu

     

  • Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration, November 30, 2017

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    The Pre Kwanzaa Celebration will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2017.  This celebration will reflect a key element of Kwanzaa, according to Maulana Karenga, PhD, founder—to bring the community together so that it can collectively reflect on “the rich resource(s) and meaning of a people’s culture” and to individually and collectively affirm how they will contribute to enhancing the culture.  There will be vendors, performances and communal address.  This event is free and open to the public.  More details to come.

  • MLK Commemoration Program and Day of Service

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    Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
    Commemoration Program & Day of Service
    Monday, January 15, 2018

     The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Program and Day of Service is an opportunity for members of the Governors State community and surrounding area to join thousands of Americans in honoring the work and legacy of Dr. King through community service. As Dr. King once said, “Everybody can be great, because everyone can serve.”
     

     

     

     

  • Black History Month, February 2018

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    2018 BLACK HISTORY MONTH

     

    FEBRUARY 1 – 28

    BLACK HISTORY LITERARY WORKS & RESOURCES

    GSU Library

    Are you seeking historical information regarding Black History makers? GSU Library has a collection of books, DVDs, and eBooks dedicated to Black History. Visit www.govst.edu/library and select the Library Catalog located under Library Resources. Type in Black History Month for your keyword and you will find a listing of items that are currently available in the GSU Library. Visit the library or contact us at library@govst.edu.

     

    BLACK HISTORY DISPLAY

    B Wing Display Case

     

    TUESDAY, JANUARY 30

    BLACK HISTORY TAUGHT THROUGH THE BIBLE: COLOR

    6:30 – 7:30 p.m., E Lounge

    This five part series will provide history lessons about the African American presence in the Bible.

     

    WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31

    SIRCLE OF SISTERS INFORMATIONAL MEETING

    3:30pm, Jaguar Den

    Sircle of Sisters (SoS) provides information, mentoring, support and motivation on the topics above and then some for junior African American female students. This opportunity is a part of the AACU Equity Grants. Email SWadhwa@govst. edu to RSVP and more information.

     

    WHITE SUPREMACY AS A POLITICAL SYSTEM

    presented by Dr. Benjamin Almassi, Assistant Professor, Humanities & Social Sciences 4:30 – 6 p.m. in C3322

    This “open classroom” event invites students, faculty, and staff to participate in POLS 4600 Political Theory to discuss two important texts: Frederick Douglass’s speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” and Charles Mills’s book The Racial Contract.

     

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1

    INTERFAITH CONVERSATIONS

    3 – 4:30 p.m., A1115

    Join us in the Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Room to learn about how faith is threaded through culture.

     

    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2

    COMEDY SHOW & PARTY

    featuring Comedian T Murph

    Free/GSU students w/ID

    $10/non-GSU students

    7pm - 11pm, E Lounge

    Tickets can be purchased in Student Life - A2100. Contact ksledge@govst.edu for more information.

     

    MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5

    MAN UP MONDAY: WE ARE KINGS

    3:30 p.m., A2150

    Come celebrate and learn more about the contributions of men of color throughout history as well as how you create history and build legacy.

     

    TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6

    BLACK HISTORY TAUGHT THROUGH THE BIBLE: SLAVERY

    6:30 – 7:30 p.m., E Lounge

    This five part series will provide history lessons about the African American presence in the Bible.

     

    WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7

    BLACK INVENTIONS IN MODERN DAY SOCIETY

    Noon – 5 p.m., Hall of Governors

    This exhibition highlights inventions made by African Americans who have used their ingenuity to transform civilization.

     

    TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13

    BLACK HISTORY TAUGHT THROUGH THE BIBLE: SPIRITUAL DEATH & RESURRECTION

    6:30 – 7:30 p.m., E Lounge

     

    WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

    VALENTINE CRUSH FUNDRAISER

    Noon – 3 p.m., Hall of Governors

    Purchase your Valentine a Crush soda or cake pop in honor of Mr. Herbert Smitherman, Sr. joined Procter & Gamble in 1966 as its first Black hire with a doctorate in physical organic chemistry who created Crush soda.

     

    TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

    CULTURAL APPROPRIATION VS CULTURAL APPRECIATION

    3:30pm, B2203

    Come discuss the history and difference of cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation in the 21st century.

     

    BLACK HISTORY TAUGHT THROUGH THE BIBLE: THE PRIESTS OF GOD

    6:30 – 7:30 p.m., E Lounge

     

    WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

    OPERATION HEALTHY

    3 – 4:30 p.m., Hall of Governors

    Fresh fruits and vegetables are available to the campus community for FREE as we address the food desert challenges in University Park.

     

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22

    HEART HEALTH AWARENESS FAIR

    11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Hall of Governors

    Come learn about health education and screening questions to assess disease risk. There will also be blood pressure checks, benefit enrollment, flu vaccines, chair massages, medication education, give-aways, and a raffle. Co-sponsored by the Omicron Alpha Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

     

    OPEN MIC NIGHT: TRIBUTE TO BLACK HISTORY

    6 p.m., Lakeside Lounge

    Come join us as we celebrate Black History Month through live performances.

     

    SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

    BLACK EXCELLENCE GALA

    6 p.m., Center for Performing Arts

    $35/person

    Celebrate the accomplishments of GSU students, faculty/staff, administrators and community members. Please email bsu@govst. edu for tickets and more information.

     

    MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26

    AFRICAN AMERICAN READ IN

    6 – 8:30 p.m., Hall of Honors

    Join over a million readers from all backgrounds in collaboration with the International Reading Association as we read a poem, excerpt from a book, or other literary work written by an African American author. We are looking for readers to participate in this event endorsed by the International Reading Association. Please contact rmuhammad@govst.edu or 708-534- 6974 to sign up as a reader.

     

    TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27

    BLACK HISTORY TAUGHT THROUGH THE BIBLE: THE ADOPTION

    6:30 – 7:30 p.m., E Lounge

     

    WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

    REVELANCY OF BLACK FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE 21st CENTURY

    7:30 p.m., Sherman Hall

    Come learn about the rich history and legacy of these organizations through presentations and informational tables as well as participate in a discussion about the history and relevancy of these organizations in the 21st century.


     

     

  • SHERO: Women's Leadership Conference, March 30, 2018

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    Governors State University annually coordinates the S.H.E.R.O. Women’s Leadership Symposium (Sharing Her story of Empowerment Resilience & Opportunity) to facilitate students’ professional leadership development.  This year, the program will be hosted on Friday, March 30, 2018.  

    The S.H.E.R.O. (Sharing Her story of Empowerment, Resilience, and Opportunity) Women’s Leadership Symposium inspires women to seek their highest level of personal and professional development through a greater understanding of leadership and the acquisition of new ideas to optimize and sustain personal potential.

    The 2018 S.H.E.R.O. Women’s Leadership Symposium will be held Friday, March 30 at Governors State University. We are currently looking for workshops that pertain to the conference theme “Reclaiming My Time”—a theme that encourages women to use their voices to be heard, celebrate how valuable they really are, and take ownership of their destiny without permission. It is a time of reclamation to celebrate the beauty of their multiple identities that makes them powerful leaders beyond measure.  

    Please submit your proposal by Friday, February 16.  Contact diversity@govst.edu with questions.

     

  • Women's History Month 2018

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    Women’s History Month can trace its roots back to March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions. International Women’s Day was first observed in 1909, but it wasn’t until 1981 that Congress established National Women’s History Week to be commemorated the second week of March. In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a month. 

     Plans are underway for the 2018 Women's History Month Calendar.  Join us in celebrating the contributions of women by submitting a program for Women’s History Month. Click  here by Friday, February 2, to submit your program. This opportunity is open to university departments, student organizations, and GSU community affiliates.

    Below are events from last year

     

    2017 WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH 

     EXHIBITS & DISPLAYS

     WOMENS HISTORY LITERARY WORKS & RESOURCES

    GSU Library

     Are you seeking historical information regarding great women throughout history?  GSU Library has a collection of books, DVD’s and eBooks dedicated to women’s history.   Visit  www.govst.edu/library and select the Library Catalog located under Library Resources.  Type in Womens History Month for your keyword and you will find a listing of items that are currently available in the GSU Library. Visit the library or contact us at  library@govst.edu. 

     

     March 7th

     SAFE ZONE TRAINING

     2 p.m., D34150

    SafeZone is a training program open to faculty and staff ONLY at this time.  The goal of this program is to raise awareness about the dynamics of gender and sexual orientation while exploring different ways to embody inclusive allyship for people of all orientations, genders, sexualities, identities, and levels of being out.  Participants must RSVP at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWTNGDT by March 3rd. Space is Limited.

     

    March 8th

     INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY TABLE

     11am, Hall of Governors

    Come celebrate women of all cultures and diverse backgrounds as well as learn about how women have played a major role in the world. There will be information shared about women and their experiences.  For more information call 708-235-7611.

     

     March 22nd

     SHE SPEAKS

     12:30pm, Lakeside Lounge 

     Inspired by TED Talks, come hear messages of hope and success delivered by GSU women to empower, encourage and enlighten all that attend as they share stories of being a woman in various arenas. For more information call 708-534-4551.

      

     March 30th

     OPEN MIC

     6pm, Cafeteria Annex 

    Come join us as we celebrate women through spoken word, song and other performing arts.  For more information call 708-235-7362.

     

    March 31st

    SHERO WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM

    9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sherman Hall

    The Shero Women’s Leadership Symposium allows women to share stories and experiences that will empower them, increase resilience, and promote opportunities in their personal and professional development.  Register by Friday, March 24th at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZPXS5VW. For more information call 708.534.4551 or email diversity@govst.edu