Courses
Business Chinese
Title: Business Chinese
Fees: Free
Teaching Modality: Online Synchronous
Dates: Monday, 8/25/25 - Sunday, 12/7/25
TBA
Time: TBA
Description:
This course introduces students to Mandarin Chinese with a focus on business communication and cultural understanding. Designed for students pursuing careers in international business, the course covers essential language skills and business-specific vocabulary while providing insights into Chinese business practices and culture. Students will engage in task-based learning and develop professional communication skills. Upon completion, students will have the opportunity to earn official proficiency credentials through the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI).
August 25, 2025 to December 1, 2025, ONLINE
Credit by Prior Learning Workshop
Credit by Prior Learning
Fee: Free
Dates: August 27th, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Event Description: Join us to learn more about how to earn credit by prior learning: https://www.govst.edu/PLA/
Please take a look at the CPL quiz: https://www.govst.edu/PLA-Assessment/
Please answer these questions and a member of our team will be in touch to review your experience with you. After you take our CPL quiz, please take a few minutes to review our YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU9nhrN9XhE
And here are some links to familiarize yourself with, please use them to help locate any official record of test results, certifications, and accolades you have received. (You may need to contact the original organization that issued the exam or certification):
Military Students
- Dantes: https://www.dantes.mil/dsst/
- JST Transcript: https://jst.doded.mil/jst/
Credit through testing & advance placement, contact
- CLEP: https://clep.collegeboard.org/
- AP Exam Credit: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/
- GSU Testing Center: https://www.govst.edu/testing-center/
Non-Credit Credentials
An internal process of awarding academic credit for non-credit workshops/trainings offered through the School of Extended Learning.
Credit through Portfolio
Please connect with your academic advisor advising@govst.edu and Credit for Prior Learning Office, cpl@govst.edu to request eligibility to submit a portfolio for credit through our CPL class, IDSS 3300.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Domestic Violence Symposium
Domestive Violence Symposium
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Agenda:
11:30 am - Check In & Resource Fair
12:00 pm - Presentations
3:00pm - Resource Fair
3:30 pm - Testimonials
4:00 pm - Conclusion of Program
Event Description:
The Alumni Association at Governors State University hosts an annual symposium to raise awareness and combat domestic violence, bringing together alumni, community partners, and advocates to promote education, healing, and connection.
Thanks to Dr. Toya Garnes (’08), Co-Chair of the Alumni Association Advisory Board, the symposium was founded in partnership with Stephanie Cooper and has welcomed members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Xi Mu Zeta Graduate Chapter (Markham, IL) as honored guests. Last year, the program was co-hosted by GovState alumna Dr. Denise King (’13), former Domestic Violence Chair for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., with support from Stephanie Cooper. Together, they addressed the realities faced by victims and families while equipping attendees with strategies for advocacy, survivor support, and access to critical resources, including Anew, GovState’s Self-Help Legal Clinic, and the Southland Juvenile Justice Council of Park Forest, IL.
Building on this history of collaboration, this year’s symposium partners with Bonneville Event Solutions, led by Stephanie Cooper, whose parents, Roberta and Larry Bonner, were both GovState alumni and employees.
The Domestic Violence Symposium highlights holistic support, accountability, and collective action, demonstrating the power of alumni leadership and partnerships to create lasting change. We invite you to join us in continuing this tradition.
Saturday, March 28, 2026, Governors State University - Sherman Hall
Essentials of Property Management
GovState Reconnect
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
GSU Employee Info Session: Securing Excellence Through Employee Development & Support - S.E.E.D.S.
GSU Employee SEEDS Info Session
Fee: Free
Dates: To be determined
Times: 1:00pm, Live Session via Zoom
Course Description: Are you thinking of enhancing your skills?
Or perhaps you are seeking new learning opportunities. We want to help you grow!
S.E.E.D.S. (Securing Excellence through Employee Development and Support)
A Professional Development Opportunity for Faculty and Staff
Learn more via You Tube: https://youtu.be/HgwEymmxFQ4
The S.E.E.D.S. Professional Development Program exemplifies principles that support employees in their path of career and professional development. The program recognizes the importance of employee learning and training as well as the benefits of providing access to resources.
Governors State University (GSU) acknowledges that training and development is essential to employee growth and excellence.
GSU Employees can now take up to two courses per year through the School of Extended Learning (SXL) to support their professional growth.
Funding is available through the S.E.E.D.S. Program (Approved application required*)
Don't Wait! Take advantage of this opportunity and get started today!
*Applications and additional information are available on the GSU portal under:
HR / Employee Forms / Professional Development at the following link: https://mygsu.govst.edu
Applications should be sent to HR@govst.edu
For questions please contact:
S.E.E.D.S. Program
Kristina Houston
Assoc. Dir of Talent Management & Training at khouston3@govst.edu
SXL Course Enrollment
Michelle Sebasco
Dir. of Ext. Learning & Academic Partnership at msebasco@govst.edu
Take a look at our Career Training Catalog here: https://careertraining.ed2go.com/gsutrainings/
And here are some others; most of these are taught by GSU faculty: https://www.enrole.com/govst/jsp/index.jsp
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
Introduction to Mandarin Chinese
Title: Introduction to Mandarin Chinese
Fees: Free
Teaching Modality: Online Synchronous
Dates: Tuesday, 01/20/26 - Monday, 05/11/26
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Description:
This introductory course provides a foundation in Mandarin Chinese, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while fostering cultural understanding. Designed for students with no prior experience, the course covers essential vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills needed for everyday communication. Through interactive lessons and real-world applications, students will develop confidence in using Mandarin in practical settings.
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
Mindfulness and Values Class
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.
Sign Language Workshop
Sign Language Workshop
Fee: $299
Dates:
Introductory Workshop - September 30
Workshop Series - Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 28, November 4, 11
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Event Description:
Learning sign language is more than just learning a new form of communication – it is an act of inclusion. By learning even a few basic signs, we can create a more welcoming environment where every member of our community feels seen, valued, and able to connect. Sign language not only helps break down communication barriers, but also fosters empathy, cultural awareness, and belonging.
The introductory workshop is open to all members of the GovState community – students, employees, and our extended community partners. Whether you are curious to learn a few signs, interested in exploring a new language, or simply seeking ways to be a stronger advocate for accessibility, this is a wonderful opportunity to get started.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Governors State University - Room Room D34005
October 7, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Social Justice Corner Series: Community Writers' Workshop with John Fountain
October 4-25, 2025
Understanding Individualized Education Programs: Training in Language and Practice
Title: Understanding Individualized Education Programs: Training in Language and Practice
Course Fee: 50.00
Dates: 6 weeks, once per semester (approx. 3 hours of mental effort per week)
Days: online, asynchronous
Time: self-paced
Description: This six-week, self-paced online course is designed to make the special education process more accessible, transparent, and empowering. Participants will build essential knowledge about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including their legal foundations, key components, and the roles and responsibilities of IEP team members. The course is designed to help parents, paraprofessionals, and general education teachers participate more confidently in IEP development and decision-making through clear explanations, real-world examples, and user-friendly resources. Emphasis is placed on demystifying language used in IEPs.
This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.