Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

General Information


 


History

Governors State University was chartered by the Illinois General Assembly in 1969. It serves undergraduate students and those seeking master’s and doctoral degrees. In fall 2014 the university underwent a major transformation through the admission of its first freshmen class.

The university’s main campus is located in University Park, 35 miles south of Chicago and is easily accessible by car or commuter train. The campus is located on 760 acres of wooded landscape with several lakes and nature trails. It includes the internationally renowned Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park.

The curricula of the university are offered through four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Health and Human Services.

Mission

GSU is committed to offering an exceptional and accessible education that prepares students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in a global society.

Accreditation

Governors State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university is also a member of the Illinois Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs. Each program is accredited by a professional accrediting agency in each case where there is a national accreditation body.

The Higher Learning Commission

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411;
Phone: 312.263.0456; 800.621.7440
FAX: 312.263.7462;
E-mail: hlc@hlcommission.org

Governance of the University

A seven-member board appointed by the governor of Illinois governs this university. One student serves as a member of the Board of Trustees. The president of the university is responsible to the Board of Trustees for the operation and general welfare of the university. The provost/academic vice president has general responsibility in the areas of academic personnel and programs. Governors State University’s four colleges are directly administered by their respective deans.

Faculty, civil service staff, and students participate in university affairs through membership on the Faculty Senate, Civil Service Senate, Student Senate, and academic and administrative committees. These groups consider and recommend policies and procedures to the president.

Academic Year

The Governors State University academic calendar offers 15- week Fall and Spring semesters and a 12-week Summer session. The Fall 2023 semester begins August 28, 2023 and ends December 10, 2023. The Spring 2024 semester begins January 16, 2024 and ends May 6, 2024. The Spring semester includes a one-week Spring Break during which classes will not be in session, though the University will be open for other business.

The Summer 2024 session begins May 13, 2024 and ends August 11, 2024.

For more detailed information about the calendar, visit www.govst.edu/academiccalendar.

Alumni Association

Alumni Programs and Activities

A wide range of programs and activities are offered to alumni throughout the year. Educational workshops and seminars are conducted. Alumni and their families are also invited to attend several social, cultural, and recreational activities, such as cruise outings, tickets to sporting events, and plays. The Alumni Association’s various clubs sponsor programs and events designed to help alumni connect and network with fellow alumni with similar majors and/or similar professions. An alumni e-newsletter is emailed monthly. A print newsletter highlighting alumni accomplishments is published once a year. Upcoming alumni events, club activities, as well as university news-related updates are announced in the monthly e-newsletter, the printed newsletter, and on the alumni website at www.govst.edu/alumni.

Alumni Membership

All GSU alumni receive a free basic membership upon graduation or completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours at GSU. You do need to complete the membership request form or call the Alumni Office to request your basic membership card: 708.534.4128

Benefits include:

  • Monthly Alumni e-connections newsletter
  • Membership in alumni clubs of your choice
  • Free workshops on campus. Workshops are announced periodically via email blast. 
  • Access to University Library (computer use requires guest log-in from the Reference Desk)
  • Access to Career Services
  • Find-a-Friend services
  • Invitations to alumni events
  • Use of the on campus cyber café (requires guest log-in from Library Reference Desk)

Additional discounts and benefits are included with Premium and Life Memberships. Details are included in the alumni webpages.