Dual Degree Program Newsetter Fall 2014

September, 2014 Edition

Welcome from the new DDP Director

GSU Headlines

Dear DDP,

Dr. Andrea E. Evans has been named Dean of the College of Education.

I am excited to introduce myself as the new Director of the Dual Degree Program. I previously served as the DDP Coordinator of Peer Mentoring since April, 2012. Prior to coming to GSU, I served as the Director of Multicultural Student Affairs at Illinois Wesleyan University.

It has been exciting to see DDP thrive and expand to 17 community college partnerships. My goals are to continue our program’s growth and to ensure that DDP students and liaisons have the information and support they need.

Please feel free to contact me at 708.534.4494 or dualdegree@govst.edu. I look forward to meeting you all!

Dr. Evans has spent the last two years as an associate professor of educational policy studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she served as the Ph. D. Program coordinator in the department of educational policy studies. Prior to UIC, Dr. Evans served as department chair of educational administration and higher education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She also taught as an assistant professor of educational administration at Northern Illinois University. In 2007, she was appointed program coordinator of educational administration at NIU and oversaw master's and doctoral degree programs.

Best wishes, Roshaunda “Ro” Ross, M.A.

Need help with scholarship searches?

DDP’s Shining Star Name: Andrae Hughes, DDP Peer Mentor Nickname: Dre Community College: Prairie State College

Below are popular online scholarship search services.

Find Scholarships at What's Next Illinois Scholarships.com Student Scholarship Search Scholarship Experts Fastaid.com

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Major: Computer Science Favorite Cartoon: Dragon Ball Z

Scholarships for Transfer Students

Favorite Color: Grey because it goes with everything.

Explore ways transfer students can get money for college with these resources. And make sure to attend ‘Get Money!’ on September 12!

In what way did the Dual Degree Program influence your success?

The DDP influences my success by keeping me focus on my studies so I can transfer to GSU to obtain my bachelor’s degree.

Surprising Facts @ GSU

What tips would you offer students for success?

Some tips for success I would offer other student are try to stay ahead of your studies, make good use of school resources and communicate with your professor if you are having trouble with class material. The one big tip for academic success is to go see a tutor when you need help. And follow the instructions when you are ready to transfer.

Did you know in 1984, GSU became “Wright State University” when CBS filmed the movie “First Steps” starring Judd Hirsch on campus?

Table of Contents

What are your future plans at GSU? My plans for the future is to be actively involved in DDP, earn my bachelor’s from GSU and help my fellow colleagues in their academic careers.

Who are the people who influenced your success?

The people who influence my success at Prairie State College are my English, Mathematics and Computer Science professors.

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Important Dates and Events

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Linda’s Corner

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DDP Photo Review

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Important Dates and Events Save the date for the next DDP Orientation on Friday, November 7, 2014 at GSU. Spring, 2015 Application Deadlines for Selective Programs Make an appointment with your transfer specialist to discuss the application fee waiver and transfer process.

Community Health Health Administration Nursing Social Work

November 15 October 15 October 15 December 5

Social Work Letter of Recommendation Form

Fall, 2014 Graduation Petition Deadlines CCC JJC KCC Morton MVCC PSC SSC Triton

Contact your Registrar Office for Information.* October 31 December 12** October 24 September 15 (NO fee for petitioning for graduation!)

October 1 October 1 September 15 ($12 fee)

*Graduation petition deadlines were not listed at the time of editing. **FA14 graduation application not available online at the time of editing.

Transferring to GSU in Spring, 2015 & need a scholarship?

DDP Honors Scholarship & GSU Promise Scholarship are due on October 1, 2014.  Contact your DDP Transfer Specialist for additional information.

GSU Latino Scholarship is due on October 1, 2014.  Contact Kristy Goodwin, GSU Director of Recruitment & Outreach, for additional information.

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GET MONEY! : 2 Annual DDP Scholarship Symposium- September 12 Learn how to fund your education through non-repayment options!

When: Friday, September 12, 2014 Time: 1 – 7 p.m.

Where: Governors State University 1 University Parkway University Park, IL 60484 Exact rooms are TBA Who: ALL DDP students are invited to attend! If you attended last year, attend again! We have new, advanced sessions for you.

What: Free Workshops & Dinner!  FREE workshops to give you the knowledge you need to be successful in securing scholarships, grants, tuition waivers, work-study, good credit, investments, etc. Check your email for more details.  FREE dinner and plenty of giveaways for all attendees.  Each DDP student who plans to attend must RSVP here by Monday, September 8.

Other Details:  RSVP here before Monday, September 8.

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Parking at GSU is free.

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Although each workshop will focus on funding your education, the skills you will learn are transferable to other aspects of your life including job searches.

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Workshops will be presented by GSU faculty/staff from Financial Aid, Career Services, English Department, and DDP.

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Workshops are divided into two levels.

Level-1 workshops are for first-time attendees. Topics include: finding FREE funding, completing applications, creating resumes, requesting recommendations, writing scholarship essays, scholarship interviews, etc.

Other scholarships on the GSU FA webpage GSU’s Inaugural Family & Friends Weekend scheduled for October 9-12, 2014 Parents, families and alumni are invited back to campus to join students, faculty and staff in an exciting three-day event celebrating our shared community and this transformative moment in our history.

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Level-2 workshops are for students who attended ‘GET MONEY’ last year. Topics include: budgeting, building good credit, and saving/investing money.

Questions?  Email dualdegree@govst.edu or call 708.534.4494 2

DDP Community Service ProjectSeptember 13 In the Chicagoland south suburbs, the need for food pantry services has increased over 50% in the last 5 years. If you want to help fight poverty and food insecurity, DDP has the perfect opportunity for you!

When: Saturday, September 13 Time: 7:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Where: Bicentennial Park of Olympia Fields 3401 203rd Street Olympia Fields, IL 60461 Who: ALL DDP students are invited to volunteer!!! And you can bring guests!

Coordinated by two of your DDP Peer Mentors: Amy and Monique.

What: DDP volunteers are needed to help setup, maintain water stations, register/direct runners, etc. Respond Now is a United Way agency and a partner of the Greater Chicago Food Depository located in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Read more about Respond Now and the event here.

Why: The south suburbs contain significant concentrated areas of poverty and the highest rates of food insecurity in Chicagoland, making the food pantries one of our most vital services. Respond Now distributes food to approximately 700 individuals and families a month. There are also many professional, health, and social benefits for volunteers.

Read this » Other details: To volunteer for this event, email Monique at mmobley@student.govst.edu before September 8, 2014. Include your t-shirt size when you RSVP.  Each participant must provide their own transportation. Parking is free.

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Snacks and event t-shirts provided for volunteers. Bring a water bottle and sunglasses!

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Eat breakfast before you come!

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This is not a mandatory DDP activity, but it would be great to have as many DDP students there as possible!

Questions?  Email Monique at mmobley@student.govst.edu

DDP Photo Review GSU Convocation on August 22, 2014 GSU DDP students received their associate degree cord representing their community college and led the processional for the GSU freshmen class of 2018!

GO White Sox!

End-of-the-Summer celebration at the U.S. Cellular Field on August 18, 2014

GSU DDP Class of 2014

Linda’s Corner Like DDP to see more photos and hear about DDP/GSU activities!

Refer a student to DDP at dualdegree@govst.edu or to your transfer specialist!

Greetings to all our DDP’ers! I spent most of my career as a history professor, Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs at three of our partner community colleges: SSC, PSC, and JJC. When I was at the community colleges, I was always frustrated that our students struggled to get good information that would help them transfer smoothly, without losing credits. That’s why I advocated for Transfer Specialists from GSU who would go to the community college campuses and help students develop plans to complete a bachelor’s degree in 4 years. Take advantage of your Transfer Specialists—they can save you two things you never have enough of—time and money!

Dr. Linda Uzureau GSU Assistant to the President for Community College Partnerships

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