Don’t Miss GSU’s: Fishin' Buddies! Walk-A-Thon! The ART of Nature

Get ready to have some fun while helping to raise money for a good cause.  In partnership with Fishin’ Buddies, the School of Extended Learning, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, the Fishin’ Buddies Walk-a-Thon is a fund-raiser for the S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Programs for Chicagoland at-risk youth.  In addition there are more than 100 local organizations, schools, businesses and clubs who are supporting the hikers, volunteers and sponsors.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 6^th, 2015 from 10am to 3pm with an onsite check-in at 9am.  Held at the beautiful Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park located on GSU’s main campus, participants will register as individuals or as a team.  Once you register, you can set up your own FB Walk-a-Thon Page where you can post information about your fundraising goal and personalize with pictures, videos and messages.  Then all you have to do is to share your page via Facebook, email or text and ask your support group to help you meet your fundraising goal. 

Not only does the event provide the opportunity to walk for a cause but also gives you a chance to experience the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park.  To help fully appreciate the park, there will be a FB Outdoor Assistant mobile app available to use to further explore the trails and learn more about GSU’s natural areas and student research projects. 

You will also have the opportunity to take a look at the Solo Exhibition Series: Don’t Tread on Me by Chakaia Booker.  The exhibit consists of three outdoor pieces, Serendipity (1998), Meeting Ends (2005) and What’s Not (2009).  Booker is renowned for her work with discarded automobile tires that are cut up into various shapes and sizes and then fastened onto wooden or metal armatures. 

Please see the School of Extended Learning’s website for more details and our online registration form.  Registration fees and donations can be made via debit card, credit card and/or check.

At GSU you will discover a highly diverse student body made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds and courses that are taught by gifted professors.  At the School of Extended Learning we are dedicated to providing support and resources to all students, faculty, and the community to enhance individual growth and global understanding.

  

GSU’s Office of Continuing Education

The School of Extended Learning’s Office of Continuing Education is responsible for planning and scheduling professional development and continuing education opportunities for individuals interested in advancing professionally and personally.  Many of these programs are a collaborative effort between the College of Business and Public Administration (CBPA) and the Office of Continuing Education and utilize the resources of the CBPA.

Our programs offer the opportunity to acquire advance training and certification with courses such as the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate or the American Home Inspectors Training.  Also our Supply Chain Optimization Leadership Overview course demonstrates the benefits and the approach of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Supply Chain Optimization program that helps reduce risk, increase visibility and builds stronger manufacturers. 

Another exciting, upcoming program is the GSU Faculty Development in International Business (FDIB) Workshops, which will take place on June 10-11th.  Led by the CBPA faculty who are content experts on the relevant topics, this program is sponsored by a US Department of Education grant and is offered at minimum cost to participants. 

Furthermore, in order to provide an even greater selection of programs, Governors State has partnered with OnCourse Learning.  They are an exceptional provider of quality, state approved, customized training solutions, textbooks, and occupational tools for both pre-licensing and continuing education.  Courses include the real estate, appraisal, mortgage, home inspection, IT, engineering, insurance, and bank and credit union industries. 

The university also offers professional development through the Illinois Small Business Development Center at GSU and the International Trade Center.  Both of these organizations offer existing businesses or start-ups an opportunity to receive consulting and training expertise.  Please see the School of Extended Learning’s website for information on all of these continuing educational opportunities.    

In every college we have outstanding programs and world-class professors; all focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

GRE Test Preparation Workshops

According to an article from U.S. News and World Report, more than 700,000 people take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admission to graduate or business school each year.  In fact, Educational Testing Services reports that now over 800 MBA programs worldwide accept the revised GRE as an alternative to the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).  The GRE includes questions that incorporate verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.

The GRE is similar to the SAT, but there are some significant differences that you will want to know if you plan to take the test.  First, the GRE is a computer-adaptive test and is not done with paper and pencil.  The U.S. News and World Report article explains that, “the difficulty of the questions is based on the accuracy of your answers to previous questions. The better you perform on the first sets of 20 verbal and quantitative reasoning questions, the harder the next sets of 20 questions will be.” 

At GSU’s School of Extended Learning, we offer a GRE Test Preparation course.  During the course, you will acquire strategies in math, reading comprehension, writing, and verbal and quantitative skills to improve GRE scores using acclaimed Cambridge test preparation materials.  Textbook, practice tests, and all course materials are included in the fee. 

By taking the workshop, you will more fully understand the requirements, scoring, and logistics of the GRE.   In addition you will recognize specific question types on the GRE and become familiar with the skill sets that the GRE seeks to test. 

We also offer an online course in partnership with The Princeton Review.  To enroll in the GRE LiveOnline course, you need to go to the Princeton Review website, and during checkout, type in the promo code: GSUGRE.  Please refer to GSU’s School of Extended Learning’s website for more information on our GRE Test Preparation Workshops. 

Source:

usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2012/04/30/test-prep-6-tips-for-gre-success?int=96ef08,ets.org/gre

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.

 

GSU’s Summer Young Adult Program

The Intensive ESL Program at GSU is designed to serve the needs of international and domestic students that want to improve their English language skills in order to further their academic success.  Taught by an experienced faculty, this exceptional program prepares students academically, socially, and culturally at the university level.  Students have the opportunity to become immersed in the English language and the program is available for beginner to advanced learners.  Courses start in the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters. 

In addition to our excellent Intensive ESL Program, we also offer our Summer Young Adult Program that is intended for international young adults between the ages of 15-25.  Through this comprehensive program, students will receive English language instruction, participate in workshops on American culture as well as take part in a number of cultural excursions.   Our proximity to Chicago offers students the opportunity to explore some of the area’s best music, sports, theatre, art, nature and shopping as well as the culture and community of the region.

As an all-inclusive program, we provide students with housing, most meals, ESL classes; cultural excursions, insurance, and airport pick up and drop off services.  If addition for those students who are interested, we offer on site TOEFL® testing.

We encourage you to learn more about the American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) at GSU and the extensive services we provide to both international and U.S. students.  The Institute’s primary focus is to ensure the academic success of students whose first language is other than English.  Our services include tutoring, workshops and courses aimed at improving a student’s speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar skills as well as test-taking skills and TOEFL test preparation. 

At GSU you will discover a highly diverse student body made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds and courses that are taught by gifted professors.  At the School of Extended Learning we are dedicated to providing support and resources to all students, faculty, and the community to enhance individual growth and global understanding.

Exceptional Opportunities for Adult Learners

One of the big ideas that GSU has been pursuing since it was founded more than 40 years ago is to make education accessible, and one of the ways we do that is through our School of Extended Learning.  Recognizing that daytime classes do not work for everyone’s schedules due to work, family or active military service, we offer courses and workshops that meet the needs of those individuals.   

Our offerings cover a wide range of interests such as the American Home Inspectors Training course that provides comprehensive home inspection training.  It is a partnership between GSU and the American Home Inspectors Training Institute.   Another example is Do You Have an IRS Issue?  This three-hour discussion allows time for a Q & A period.  Participants may bring their issues and IRS notices to discuss or to meet one-on-one afterwards.   Information covered includes earned income credits, mistakes on tax returns, cancellation of debts, foreclosures or short sales and more.

Furthermore, we offer Graduate Record Exam Test Preparation.  Here, students acquire strategies in math, reading comprehension, writing, and verbal and quantitative skills to improve GRE scores using acclaimed Cambridge test preparation materials.   In addition we offer a LSAT Prep course designed to give students strategies in verbal skills, logic, critical reasoning and analytical writing to improve test scores.  The LSAT course also uses Cambridge test preparation materials.  The Miller Analogies Test Prep course familiarizes students with the knowledge they need to improve MAT test scores.

This is just a sampling of the courses and workshops we offer.  Other examples include: Database Applications using Microsoft Access 2013; Growing Profits: Levers and Techniques; Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate Course, Online Professional Non-Credit Courses and much more.   Please visit our website to view the full selection of exceptional courses and to find out dates and schedules. 

In every college we have outstanding programs and world-class professors; all focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

GSU’s American Language and Culture Institute

The School of Extended Learning’s American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) serves the needs of both international and U.S. students who wish to improve their English language skills.  ALCI’s primary focus is to ensure the academic success of students whose first language is other than English.  The Institute provides English Language Learners a range of services designed to improve speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar skills as well as test-taking skills and TOEFL test preparation.  

The ALCI offers an ELS Summer Youth Program which provides international young adults an opportunity to be immersed in the English language. Participants will receive English language instruction, workshops on American culture and history as well as cultural excursions. The program is open to international students between the ages of 15-25 and includes housing; most meals, ESL classes, cultural excursions, and even airport pick up and drop off services.  We offer TOEFL® testing on site if desired.

The ALCI exceptional programs also include the Cultural and Professional Development Experience, which is a 10-week summer program held at GSU.  The program provides participants with an American cultural experience that includes evening and weekend excursions to museums, restaurants and historical sites in the Chicago area.  

Furthermore, while participating in the program, you will have the opportunity to meet and coordinate with members of the GSU faculty to discuss pedagogy and research practices.  Participants will also receive instruction in speaking and listening, reading and writing and multimodal literacy.  For those who have an interest, TOEFL® test preparation and onsite TOEFL testing is available.  The program includes housing, two meals a day, local transportation, textbooks, all course instruction, evening and weekend trips and insurance. In addition participants will sign up for a free online orientation course that is provided three weeks prior to the beginning of the summer program.

To discover out more about ACLI’s broad range of services, workshops, private tutoring, community outreach programs and socialization opportunities, please see our website or contact one of the staff.

At GSU you will discover a highly diverse student body made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds and courses that are taught by gifted professors.  At the School of Extended Learning, we are dedicated to providing support and resources to all students, faculty, and the community to enhance individual growth and global understanding.

Learn More About: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Would you like to learn the proper techniques for achieving resolution of a problem?  Or are you a college or graduate student looking for a competitive edge in the hiring process or currently unemployed and need to enhance your credentials for future employment?  The solution can be found at the GSU School of Extended Learning’s unique course offering called Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.

The course is designed for anyone who would like to get a thorough understanding of Six Sigma Methodology.   During the training, you are prepared to become Green Belt certified and to apply the techniques at an organization.  As part of the instruction, the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification offers assistance with project planning and a variety of statistical tools.  Students are instructed in methods to integrate theories of business, statistics, and the elimination of waste with a goal of achieving real, tangible results.     

The School of Extended Learning’s course also lays the foundational framework for Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.  An interesting statistic from the 8th Annual iSixSigma Global Salary Survey indicates that professionals with Black Belt Certification in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $122,627.  Additionally their statistics show that U.S. professionals who complete any Six Sigma training earn $12,642 more than those without it (2011QP Salary Survey). 

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate course is offered at the main GSU campus and the Naperville Education Center. In addition Governors State University’s Corporate Education and Training offers the option of bringing the training to your organization or corporation.

At GSU we believe that investing in lifelong learning leads employees toward more satisfying, productive working lives. Lean Six Sigma is ideal for executives, managers, front-line supervisors, business owners, engineers and practitioners of continuous improvement.  Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.  

ESL Students – Improve Your Skills

If you are a student in the Chicago area and want to improve your English language skills, Governors State University offers a program you may be interested in through our School of Extended Learning.  The American Language and Culture Institute’s (ALCI) program is designed and taught by a professional faculty to prepare students academically, socially, and culturally for success as university students.

Our Intensive ESL Program is for both international and U.S. students and is available year-round.  It is taught by an ESL faculty that is experienced in assisting students who consider themselves English Language Learners, and the program utilizes cutting-edge teaching methods, curriculum design, and up-to-date research.    

Students are provided with specialized course work that includes Listening and Speaking, Reading and Writing, Integrated Studies, Multimodal Composing, Pronunciation and Cross Cultural Contexts.  Our program is also intended to help student with TOEFL test preparation. 

Regardless of whether you are a beginning learner or a student with more advanced English skills, our program can help to prepare you to do better academically at the university level.   Please keep in mind that students applying to the Intensive ESL Program are not automatically guaranteed admittance to Governor State’s undergraduate or graduate programs.  Students are still required to meet the university standards for admission, and the application process requires a transcript evaluation as well as TOEFL® or IELTS scores.

To apply to our Intensive ESL Program, we offer a convenient online application.  The program accepts students 18 years or older, and for students 17 years of age, they need to submit their school transcripts.  For your convenience, we offer an easy online application.   Please see our website for more information.

Along with our extensive ESL programs, GSU’s Office of International Services is available to assist all international students, international faculty, staff and scholars, study abroad students and their families.  We are proud to be home to a diverse population with representation from countries around the globe. We encourage you to learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.