Courses

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

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 

Credit through testing & advance placement, contact

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

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

Course Fee: $175

Dates: 
3 Evening Sessions: September 23, 25, and 30 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Or 1-Day Conference: October 15, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Course Description:
The most cost-effective way to preserve residential properties is through proper management and preventive maintenance techniques.
This program helps building owners and managers be more effective at their jobs. Additionally, it will help foster ethical and legal practices in residential property management.

GovState Reconnect 

Course Description: Welcome to GovState Reconnect 


This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

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.

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

Course Fee: $125

Dates: To be determined

Time: 8:30a.m. to 10:30a.m.

Course Description: In today's fast paced world, staying focused, resilient, and productive is key to success. Our Mindful Business Class is designed to help entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals harness the power of mindfulness to improve decision-making, reduce stress, enhance workplace culture, and act with purpose.


This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

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
Learn how to write your own story using the principles of literary journalism and memoir writing. Also learn the fundamentals of blogging and publishing.


October 4-25, 2025

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.