News

Veterans Magazine Names GSU "Best of the Best"

GSU has been named to U.S. Veterans Magazine's Best of the Best list for 2015, as one of the publication's Top Veteran-Friendly Schools. The magazine's annual review is an evaluation of the nation's employers, initiatives, government agencies, and educational institutions.

This national recognition underscores the efforts the Veterans Resource Center has made to make veteran students feel at home at GSU. "Only two Illinois Schools were honored with Best of the Best - Western Illinois University and Governors State University. I believe GSU Veterans are on the map," said VRC Coordinator Kevin Smith.

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September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

The GSU community is invited to attend the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance on Friday beginning at 9 a.m. Sponsored by the Veterans Resource Center and the Office of Civic Engagement, the day will begin with a 30-minute Remembrance Ceremony outside the main entrance in the half circle drive in front of the flags.

Following the ceremony, everyone is encouraged to participate in a service project, called "Paracord Bracelets for the Troops" in the Hall of Governors from 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Paracord bracelets can be used in emergency situations as a tourniquet, a splint, or even to start a fire. The bracelets made by GSU volunteers will be donated to members of the U.S. military.

Campus Safety Awareness Month

September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month. Throughout the month, we will be publishing safety tips on the GSU Facebook and Twitter page letting you know what to do in case of a campus emergency.

Whether you are a student, or faculty or staff member, please visit and bookmark the GSU Emergency Response Team website. You will find links to updating your emergency contact information; emergency numbers, and links to traffic, weather, and Illinois state agencies. For your reference, the website also includes resources such as the GSU Safety Booklet.

Campbell is GSU Golf League Champ

Hollie Campbell, Assistant to Vice President for Enrollment Management

Congratulations to Hollie Campbell, Assistant to Vice President for Enrollment Management, for winning the 2015 GSU Golf League championship! The league, which is open to all GSU faculty and staff, plays every Tuesday at the University Golf Club throughout the summer. If you are interested in playing next year, you can contact Hollie, but don't expect to beat her!

Students Awarded for Community Service

Students who volunteered at the Greater Chicago Food Depository are an example of GSU's "demonstrated student leadership."

GSU has been awarded with a "Green Level Student Actions Award" for the Spring 2015 semester by Purposeful Networks, the leading provider of digital platforms and programs to support significant positive impact around the world. The organization commended GSU's "demonstrated student leadership, momentum and engagement in activities that positively impact communities and our planet."

GSU is one of 125 schools nationwide given the award for student leadership and real-world actions in the areas of community service, sustainability, and wellness. The organization also praised GSU students for motivating their peers to get involved through events, fundraisers, local and national competitions, class activities, and concerts.

BUZZ

Student Events Mark Constitution Day

Constitution Day in the U.S. commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. On Tuesday, September 15, Student Life and the College of Arts and Sciences are sponsoring two student-led events in the cafeteria annex.

From 12:30–1:45 p.m., Community Service Council Leaders and U.S. History I students will present "1818 IL Constitution Delegates in Characters." Students will perform a reenactment of the original Constitutional delegation, dressed as the original participants. From 7:30-8:45 p.m., GSU Community Service Council leaders and Economic History students will present a discussion on Voter ID Requirement Laws.

Both events are free and open to the public. Door prizes will be awarded and refreshments will be served. All in attendance will receive a free copy of the U.S. Constitution in booklet form. For more information, contact Dr. Elizabeth Johnson.

Check out the New Marketing and Communications Webpage

The Office of Marketing and Communications has debuted a brand new web presence designed to help you with all your communications needs. The site includes a full listing of the department's services—from ad creation and media relations, to photography and video production services. You will also find contact information for the marketing and communications staff, a link to the GSU Visual Style Guide and downloadable images, and a section on Marketing Consultation and Strategic Planning. Also featured on the site is a directory of all the GSU social media pages and apps. The directory lists all social media accounts related to GSU departments, organizations, clubs and colleges in one online site.

Have you Downloaded the MyGSU App?

The MyGSU app, available through iTunes and Google Play is your one-stop mobile app for all things GSU. The app includes sections on grades, courses, an event calendar, and important phone numbers. It also has links to admissions, the GSU library, bookstore, campus maps, and GSU athletics. GSU social media on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are represented, along with a news section for on-the-go reading of the GSU View and viewing of This Week at GSU.

Relaxation through Meditation

Meditation sessions will be offered once a week for all students, faculty, staff, and other members of the GSU community beginning Thursday, September 10.

The free sessions will be offered every Thursday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Room D34060.

Leading the sessions will be Dr. Maristela Zell of the College of Health and Human Services and Dr. Timothy Pedigo of the College of Education.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Dr. Zell.

Zumba Fitness Classes at Athletics and Recreation Center

Are you ready to dance away those unwanted pounds? Register today for Zumba fitness! Zumba involves dance and aerobic elements, and is at the leading edge of the fitness industry. Getting fit has never been this fun!

Classes are held Tuesdays & Thursdays at the Athletics and Recreation Center, beginning September 8 and running through November 26. The cost is $10 for GSU students; $40 for Rec & Fit Members, and $100 for Non-Members. Register in the Athletic and Recreation sales office (A1106) or call 708.534.4556.

Student Leadership Workshops

Workshops for the Certified Executive Leadership (CEO) Program will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from September 23-October 30. The 2nd annual program, sponsored by Student Life, is designed to provide effective leadership skills to club and organizations administrators. Students will have the opportunity to develop and enhance a personal philosophy of leadership that includes comprehension of leadership theory and application.

The CEO program helps develop leadership potential and self-efficacy in preparing today's students to lead. The program is specifically structured to create a learning environment with an emphasis on student development.

The program is specifically structured to create a learning environment with an emphasis on student development. 

Registration is open until September 14. Contact Sheree Sanderson for more information.

Study Abroad Opportunities

If you are a student or faculty member interested in study abroad opportunities, you are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming information sessions.

Study Abroad 101 (for students): Thursday, Sept. 10, 1-2 p.m. in E Lounge.

Faculty-Led Program Workshop (for faculty): Thursday, Sept. 10, 2-3 p.m. in E Lounge.

GSU offers three different ways for students to participate in the Study Abroad program: through one of GSU's international partner schools; independently through a program provider where eligible students can choose any program in the world that fits with their academic and financial needs, and through Faculty-Led Programs in which GSU faculty take their course to another country for 2-3 weeks.

Contact Amy Schoenberg for more information or to set up an appointment.

Women's Leadership Symposium Seeks Presenters

Coordinators of the S.H.E.R.O. Women's Leadership Symposium (Sharing Her story of Empowerment Resilience & Opportunity) are looking for people who are interested in facilitating a small program during the event on Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. 

The goal of this year's S.H.E.R.O. Women's Leadership Symposium, which has the theme "E3: Empower, Enrich, Engage," will be to empower, enrich, and engage women to seek their highest level of personal and professional development.  The program will provide perspectives in the areas of: workforce dynamics, social justice and civic engagement, health and sexuality, identity formation and professional branding, mentorship, relationship building, and negotiation.  The conference format will include a featured keynote and breakout discussions, and is inclusive to all genders looking to support women in leadership.

If you or someone you know is interested in presenting a program, please email the following to Kyrie-Eleison Kirkland or Jessica Specht: program title & abstract (~100-150 words); names of presenter(s); length of program (up to one hour); requests for equipment or special accommodations (A/V and a computer will be available in all presentation rooms). Proposals are due by September 30 for full consideration.

Model U.N. Looking for a Few Good Students

An American Model United Nations Conference will be held in November in Chicago, and the GSU Model United Nations Team is looking for students who would like to join. The team will hold its first meeting Thursday, Sept. 17 from 7:30-8:30 in the College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Conference Room E2579.

The Model U.N. Team provides a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and countries, and also learn efficient research techniques, coalition building and networking, the art of compromise, and public speaking. It's also a great opportunity to spend time with students from GSU and other universities.

Interested students should be registered for at least one credit hour and in good standing for Fall 2015. Contact Luke Helm for more information.

EVENTS

Meet the Artist: Rhonda Wheatley

Join us for a Meet the Artist event Wednesday, September 9 with artist Rhonda Wheatley, whose work is featured in "Somewhere There's Music: an exhibition honoring Richard Howard Hunt." An informal discussion will start in the Visual Arts Gallery. At 6 p.m., a slide show of the artist’s work will be held in E Lounge. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. Contact Jeff Stevenson for more information.

Stroke Support Group

Survivors of stroke and their family members are invited to attend the next scheduled meeting of the GSU Stroke Support Group, Friday, September 11, from 4-6 p.m. in room F1405.

The group is designed to provide social support, interdisciplinary educational programming, wellness programming and other resources. Heart-healthy snacks will be available. For more information, contact Dr. Jessica Bonner at 708.534.4591 or 708.534.4590.

DPT Information Session/Open House

The Department of Physical Therapy will host an Information Session/Open House for its entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 4-7 p.m. in Room F 2505. GSU offers an on-campus entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree for those interested in starting a career in Physical Therapy. Information about admission criteria and course curricula will be available.

Join us to get your questions answered, meet faculty and students, and tour our newly-renovated classroom/laboratory spaces. Advisors will be available for individual consultation. Light refreshments will be provided. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Mary Tracy at 708.534.7290 or mtracy@govst.edu.

Let's Talk about Race Conversation

The Academic Resource Center is sponsoring a conversation, "Let's Talk about Race—how does race shape your identity," Tuesday, September 15, from 11 a.m.-noon in Room D 3400, and from 6-7 p.m. in Room D 34005. Contact Emily Petkus for more information.

Stepshow Announcement

The 2015 Step Show will be held Friday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Performing Arts.  This inaugural event is one of the many highlights of our annual Family & Friends Weekend.  We are currently seeking step teams from Greek lettered organizations to perform.  There is a $1000 prize for the best fraternity and best sorority.  The registration fee for teams is $100 and the deadline is September 18.  Please visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/GSUStepshow to register.

We are also looking for Greek lettered organizations to host an informational table that will be featured in the lobby of the Center of Performing Arts during the step show.   If you know of vendors that sell Greek products or an agency who would like to be a sponsor we welcome their participation as well.

For more information, please call 708-235-4362 or email slco@govst.edu.

Click here for the event flyer

 

SAVE THE DATE

Men's Leadership Summit

A leadership summit especially designed for men, "Redefining Manhood: Finding Your Story" will be held Saturday, September 26 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. in Engbretson Hall. The Keynote Speaker will be Tremayne Robertson, M.S., M.Ed., the Violence Prevention Health Educator at Virginia Commonwealth University's Wellness Resource Center and an industry leader in bringing males into the circle of discussion, prevention, and solutions for violence on campus.

The summit is free, but you must register by September 18 at www.surveymonkey.com/s/MensSummit to attend. A Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Click here for more information in their flyer.

Suicide Prevention Symposium

The Counseling Center is co-hosting a symposium on suicide prevention. "The Unconscious Veil of Suicide: Recognizing the Signs and Characteristics of the Potential for Suicide" will be held Wednesday, September 23 at 6 p.m. in the Cafeteria Annex. A reception will follow. For more information, contact Suzette Shepherd.

Family & Friends Weekend

Online registration is now open for Family and Friends Weekend October 8–10. For many students, this special event provides the first opportunity to visit with family and friends since the beginning of the semester. This exciting October weekend presents an important opportunity for families and friends to share firsthand in their student's GSU experience. 

There are lots of exciting events are planned, including the Jaguar Jamboree on Friday, and a Step Show featuring Power 92 "The Hot Boys," a Student Variety Show hosted by Comedian "Just Nesh," and Jazz Brunch with the President on Saturday,

Also, this year the colleges have joined together to create the "Generation Meet and Greet: All College Alumni Social" on Friday night. Be sure to contact all your classmates and tell them to meet you there!  Share this information with family, friends, constituents, retirees and alumni, and visit www.govst.edu/weekend for a complete schedule of events.

Registration is free for parents, family members, alumni, and friends of GSU. Participants will also be able to register on site. Space is limited for some events, and there is a minimal cost for some activities.

Sports

Jaguars Kick Off NAIA Competition

. The GSU Athletic program began NAIA competition with women's cross country and women's volleyball.

The GSU Athletic program began NAIA competition with women's volleyball and cross country, and men's cross country and golf. First out of the gate, the women's volleyball Jaguars had matches beginning August 21. The team currently stands at 0-10 and is looking for its first victory against Roosevelt University in Chicago on September 8. The women's cross country team ran its first-ever 5K race in the Purdue-Calumet Invitational August 29. That was followed by a 5K at the USF Twilight Invite in Joliet, where sophomore Kendra Riley finished in 37:32.3, which was a full minute faster than her previous race.

On the men's side, the Jaguars cross country team finished 31st and 38th in their first-ever competition at the Purdue-Calumet Invitational. At the USF Twilight Invite in Joliet, junior Willie Lipsey III and freshman Terrell Littles finished the 5K meet in 19:36.8 and 21:56.6, respectively. The men's golf team's first NAIA tournament was on September 4 in the two-day Olivet Nazarene Tigers Men Fall Invite. Junior Kevin Holtz and senior Anthony Roop were the Jaguar competitors, with Anthony posting the fourth-lowest score of the round out of fifty-plus golfers.

There is a scoreboard and schedule for each team at the GSU Athletics website. Come out and root on your Jaguars!

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