Governors State University Freshman Viewbook

FRESHMAN 2015 APPLY BY EARLY ACTION DEADLINE NOVEMBER 15, 2014

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Welcome to Governors State University, where Big Ideas flourish and grow.

Our biggest Big Idea is that you deserve to study in small classes with full-time professors, experts in their field, who enjoy teaching first-year students. You will take at least three courses with the same group of students, resulting in lively conversations in class and on campus, with new friendships developing every day. Whether you decide to commute or to live on campus, you will participate in the excitement of a university with positive momentum.

Our entire campus is looking forward to your arrival.

Sincerely,

Elaine P. Maimon, Ph.D. President, Governors State University

NOW IS YOUR TIME AT GSU The freshman experience at GSU is like no other. This is where your first year of college is designed to give you exactly what you need to succeed. In college. In your career. In life.

Join an innovative academic program that stresses learning communities, connections and support. In your first two years of study, you fulfill general education requirements in full-time, day-time classes, exploring majors and themed general education programs: Sustainability, Civic Engagement or Global Citizenship. Each theme incorporates value-based education, supports career exploration and provides a universal perspective. Each class is taught by great, full-time professors with no more than 30 students. No teaching assistants. No packed auditorium-as-classroom.

You’ll only find this great freshman learning environment at Governors State University.

STARTING YOUR COLLEGE EDUCATION AT A COMMUNITY COLLEGE?

IT’S ALL ABOUT IT’S ALL ABOUT IT’S ALL ABOUT The Dual Degree Program

We have the Dual Degree Program waiting for you right now.

GSU has a partnership with 17 community college campuses in the region that is designed to help you on your way to two degrees – an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree. When you are accepted as a DDP student and choose GSU to complete your bachelor’s degree, you are guaranteed access to success.

The DDP program provides: • Guaranteed admission to GSU • Locked-in GSU tuition rate for two years after starting at GSU • Eligibility to compete for full tuition scholarships • Individualized four-year academic plan • Trained peer mentors to guide you

THERE’S A MAJOR THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

GSU offers 30 bachelor’s degrees. Everything from high tech to high touch.

ACCOUNTING ANTHROPOLOGY & SOCIOLOGY Anthropology Sociology

ART BIOLOGY

Teacher Education

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Entrepreneurship Finance Human Resources Management Management Management Information Systems Marketing

Operations and Supply Chain

Management

BUSINESS & APPLIED SCIENCE CHEMISTRY

Teacher Education

COMMUNICATION DISORDERS COMMUNICATION

Advertising and Public Relations

Film-Making and Multimedia

Human Communication Journalism

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Gerontology—Healthy Aging Gerontology—Long-Term Care Health Promotion Education in the Community Setting Pre-Occupational Therapy

COMPUTER SCIENCE CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Corrections and Punishment Law Enforcement and Security Restorative and Community Justice

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ECONOMICS ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE

SCHOOL EDUCATION ENGLISH

Teacher Certification

ENTREPRENEURSHIP HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

HISTORY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES MATHEMATICS

Teacher Certification

Media Industry and Production Networking and Participatory Culture Global Media and Information Flow

MEDIA STUDIES

POLITICAL SCIENCE PSYCHOLOGY

Forensic Industrial/Organizational

Mindfulness Studies Pre-Clinical

SOCIAL SCIENCES SOCIAL WORK THEATRE & PERFORMANCE STUDIES CAPS = Majors Italics = Concentrations

GSU has a fully accredited and online RN to BSN completion program. Students considering a career as a nurse are advised to complete an associate degree or diploma in nursing and attain an active RN license in order to be considered for the RN to BSN program.

WHAT ELSE IS WAITING FOR YOU AT GSU RIGHT NOW? There’s a truly diverse community waiting for you at GSU. We look a lot like the world. And if it’s a global perspective you want to add to your college experience, we offer that, too. GSU has agreements with 15 universities in Africa, Asia and South America so you can explore studying abroad or meet students and professors from those universities whom we host on campus.

NEW SCIENCE AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS WING

Our new Science, Health Sciences & Technology Wing is open and waiting to give you a state-of-the-art experience. This 80,000 square foot, $25 million renovation is full of cutting-edge classrooms and labs. When you graduate from GSU, you’ll have worked on the same technology-leading equipment you’ll find in industry, healthcare or research.

YOUR HOME AT GSU

Our new on-campus student residence, Prairie Place, is designed as a true living/learning community. This is no ordinary college dorm.

It’s a state-of-the-art residence that offers a living option that’s right for you: • Semi-Suites/double occupancy bedrooms • Two-bedroom/double occupancy bedrooms • Two-bedroom/single occupancy bedrooms • Four-bedroom suites/single occupancy bedrooms There is a convenience store in the residence, as well as community kitchens on each floor, vending machines and a laundry room. Wireless access, cable and all utilities are included. Trained resident assistants and full time faculty members live in Prairie Place providing you with support and assistance, and enhancing your intellectual life.

JAGUAR NATION IS WAITING FOR YOU NOW

With our new competitive sports program, we have a new mascot – the Jaguar.

New teams include: • Men’s Basketball • Women’s Basketball • Women’s Volleyball • Men’s and Women’s Golf • Men’s and Women’s Cross Country • Table Tennis

GSU also offers more than 70 clubs and organizations that will get you involved in the campus and community, introduce you to new people and expand your mind all while having fun with friends.

Plus there are intramural sports, a 167,000 gallon Olympic-style lap pool, strength and conditioning equipment – to keep you fit.

GSU AT A GLANCE Founded: 1969 Enrollment: 5,776 (Fall 2014) First Freshman Class: 250 students Alumni: 45,541 Students of Color: 53 percent Women Students: 71 percent Small Class Size: 15 to 30 students

Fully Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools 4 Colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Administration, Education and Health and Human Services • 30 bachelor’s degree programs • 28 master’s degree programs • 5 doctoral degree programs • 1 specialist degree program • 24 certificate programs Freshmen Receiving Financial Aid: 82 percent

Popular Programs Accounting Criminal Justice Health Administration Psychology New Programs Gender and Sexuality Studies Media Studies Theatre and Performance Studies For a complete listing of academic programs offered at GSU,

visit www.govst.edu/degree.

FIRST, THE REQUIREMENTS • •

•

•

Official high school transcript showing a minimum 2.75 unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale Minimum ACT score of 18 composite or SAT equivalent (minimum SAT score range of 860-890 when combining Critical Reading plus Math) Academic Personal Statement - Providing a statement may benefit students who are near to or below one or both of the listed admission requirements.

Applicants must show successful completion of the following:

Minimum Required Coursework

Recommended Coursework

English Math Social Sciences Lab Sciences One Foreign Language or Fine Arts Elective Academic Units

English Math Social Sciences Lab Sciences One Foreign Language or Fine Arts Elective Academic Units

4 years 3 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years

4 years 4 years 3 years 3 years 3-4 years 2-3 years 2 years

Students are encouraged to take the ACT writing component if they plan to major in an education program.

Important Points • Special consideration will be applied when considering applications from veterans, international students, home schooled students and GED earners.

• Dual Credit Courses, Advanced Placement, CLEP, and International Baccalaureate credits may be accepted.

SMART START Your path to college success begins with Smart Start.

This is the GSU program designed to ignite your love of learning and to ensure that you find yourself surrounded by all the tools you need to thrive. Smart Start students have a two-week opportunity prior to the start of the Fall semester to strengthen academic skills, develop a peer support network and get to know GSU and all our resources. As a Smart Start student, you participate in an English and/or a mathematics program, as well as the first-year student seminar, “Mastering College.”

The English and mathematics programs are designed to provide essential academic preparation in support of coursework that begins in your first year at GSU. As a Smart Start student, you work with an academic advisor who is your permanent guide during your first year at GSU, giving you direction on course selection, academic success and progress toward college goals. In addition to excellent academic preparation, social opportunities such as an optional Improv class (no experience required!), road trips and informal gatherings are all part of the Smart Start experience.

MOST AFFORDABLE UNDERGRADUATE TUITION IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS 2014-2015 Undergraduate Tuition Illinois/Indiana Resident

Per Credit Hour Tuition and Fees

Non-Illinois Resident/International Student

$255

$510

$9,386

$17,036

Indiana Resident Undergraduate Tuition: Indiana undergrads pay Illinois tuition rates.

Guaranteed Tuition Plan: New, undergraduate Illinois resident students who register for the first time at GSU during the Academic Year 2014-2015 will be assessed the 2014-2015 tuition rate for that term and the following 11 terms.

Submit your FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov.

Use GSU Code 009145.

(Tuition and fees are subject to change.)

Visit www.govst.edu/tuition for the tuition estimator.

2014-2015 Costs and Financial Aid DIRECT COSTS Tuition (based on 15 hr/semester) $7,650 Mandatory Fees $1,736 On-Campus Housing $5,238 Total Estimated Direct Cost $14,624 OTHER ESTIMATED COSTS Books and Supplies Personal Expenses/Food Costs Transportation* Computer or Laptop**

$900 $4,000 $3,000 $0

* Estimated for commuter students ** All Freshman students receive a new ASUS Tablet

POSSIBLE FINANCIAL AID SOURCES Federal Pell Grant Up to $5,730 Supplemental Grant $700 State of IL MAP Grant Up to $3,998 Federal Student Loans $5,500 Federal Perkins Loans $2,000 Federal Work Study $3,000

THERE COULD BE A GSU SCHOLARSHIP WAITING FOR YOU RIGHT NOW GSU is the most affordable public university in Illinois. And with all the financial aid and scholarships available, you can’t afford not to apply.

We always work hard to keep a college education affordable at GSU. It’s one of our Big Ideas. We have scholarships to make GSU even more affordable – or even tuition free!

Presidential Scholarships

Full-tuition scholarships To be eligible you must have: • 3.75 GPA unweighted on a 4.0 scale • Completed admissions application by Early Action Deadline (Nov. 15) • Completed Presidential Scholarship application (Jan. 12) • Completed FAFSA (Feb. 15)

Merit-Based Scholarships

$1000 per year renewable for up to four years or eight semesters, ($500 per semester) To be eligible you must have: • At least a 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale and minimum 20 composite on ACT • Complete your FAFSA (Feb. 15) • Completed Merit-Based Scholarship Application (March 1)

Need-Based Scholarships

$1000 per year, renewable for up to four years or eight semesters, ($500 per semester) To be eligible you must have: • At least 2.75 unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale and no specific ACT requirement • Complete your FAFSA (Feb. 15) and be Pell/MAP eligible

Latino Scholarship

$1500 To be eligible you must have: • At least one parent must be of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central American, South American or of other Latin ancestry regardless of race.

• At least a 2.75 GPA unweighted on a 4.0 scale.

• Must be an undergraduate student.

• Must be enrolled fulltime per semester.

• Must be admitted to a degree-seeking program at GSU.

For additional information about financial aid and scholarships, visit www.govst.edu/financialaid/

APPLY NOW Meet with a GSU recruiter at your high school or college fair, or on campus with an admissions counselor.

Learn what GSU has to offer and get important materials to share with your family.

Get the information you need!

Tour the GSU campus. Talk with an admissions counselor and current students. 708.534.4490

Complete an Application

Submit all required documents and application fee of $25. Your application will be reviewed by Admissions.

It’s fast. It’s easy. www.govst.edu/apply

Congratulations!

When you receive your letter of acceptance, mark your calendar with important dates – new student orientation, registration, first day of classes.

Apply For On Campus Housing

If you intend to live on campus, submit your online housing application starting Feb. 2 at www.govst.edu/housing. For assistance, email housing@govst.edu or call 708.235.7110.

Apply For Financial Aid – FAFSA

Complete and submit your FAFSA form by Feb. 15 to ensure your eligibility. For assistance, call the Office of Financial Aid: 708.534.4480.

Confirm Acceptance

Meet with your academic advisor, create your study plan, register for classes and begin life as a GSU student!

Important Dates Early Application Deadline November 15, 2014

Application Deadline April 1, 2015

Enrollment Deposit Due May 1, 2015

Early Admission Decision Date December 15, 2014

Admission Decision Date April 30, 2015

Admission after May 1 Case-by-case or waitlist

Undergraduate Open House Dates Wednesday, September 24, 2014; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Monday, October 13, 2014; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Monday, February 16, 2015; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 21, 2015; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Visit www.govst.edu to register for an open house at GSU For more information, to talk to an advisor or schedule a visit, call 708.534.4490 Governors State University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Photography courtesy of: Hedrich Blessing and Leathem Photography.

1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484