February, 2021
In This Issue: - Directors Corner Pg. 2 - Student Spotlight Pg. 3 - Important Updates Pg. 4-6 - Campus Connection Pg. 7 - Event Highlights Pg. 8-9 - Save the Dates Pg. 10 - Thank you! Pg. 11
NEWSLETTER
Dear DDP Students and Supports, As you know, the Dual Degree Program provides an accessible and affordable pathway for students to complete their bachelor’s degree. To aid in the affordability, DDP students can compete for scholarships that can cover their full tuition and fees if they choose to attend GSU! These awards are only available to DDP students, so there is less competition than most other scholarships. The selection committee reads through every application thoroughly and takes many factors into consideration. Even if you have never received a scholarship, have never held a leadership position, don’t let that stop you! Contact your DDP Transfer Specialist and/or a DDP Student Transition Assistant for help applying. The scholarship application deadline for those transferring in fall 2021 is February 26, 2021. See page four of this newsletter for descriptions of available DDP scholarships, or for more information visit the DDP Scholarship website. Please know that I am available by phone (708.534.4494) or email if you have any questions as well. Thank you, and I wish everyone a safe and successful spring semester! Best, Jessica Specht, M.A. Director of DDP
director's corner
Name: Jose Torres School: Morton College Major: Law Enforcement In what ways has the Dual Degree Program influenced your success? The Dual Degree program has given me the opportunity to move forward with my education and meeting new people along the way. Also, it will give me the opportunity to apply for the GSU Promise Scholarship and the Dual Degree Program Honors Scholarship. What are your future plans at GSU? My future plans at Governors state University is to continue my studies in law enforcement. I plan to graduate from GSU so I can then apply to a police department whether it be Cicero or Chicago police. What are you most excited about in regards to transferring to GSU? I am excited about the new classes that GSU will offer so I can further my knowledge on law enforcement. I am also excited about going to a different school and meeting the GSU community. What tips would you offer students for success? The few tips that I can offer students for success is to attend classes regularly, this helps the students ask their Professors questions in case they do not understand a topic. Also keeping track of important dates is useful because it helps you to prepare for your exams and papers.
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(Scroll Down) student spotlight
important updates
(SCROLL DOWN) The GSU Promise Scholarship is a competitive scholarship for DDP students who receive the Federal Pell Grant and have at least a 2.75 GPA. It covers full tuition and fees and a book stipend for up to four semesters at GSU (excluding summers). Illinois Dreamers and DACA students are also encouraged to apply for the GSU Promise Scholarship for the chance to earn a $600 book stipend for up to four semesters at GSU! The DDP Honors Scholarship is a competitive scholarship for DDP students who are current members of their community college Honors Program or chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and have at least a 3.5 GPA. It covers full tuition and fees at GSU for up to four semesters (excluding summers). Illinois Dreamers and DACA students are eligible for the full award for up to four semesters at GSU! DDP students at the City Colleges of Chicago may also be eligible for the DDP Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarship. It is open to DDP students who are enrolled in the Chicago STAR Scholars program, are active members of CCC’s Honors Program or chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and have a 3.25 GPA or above.There are two (2) scholarship categories; see the DDP Chicago STAR Scholar app for more details! Illinois Dreamers and DACA students are eligible for the full award for up to four semesters at GSU! Applications and recommendation forms can be found on the DDP Scholarships website. Again, application materials are due on Friday, Feb 26, 2021!
Fall 2021 Scholarship applications due: Friday, February 26th Would you like to attend GSU for FREE? If you are transferring to GSU in fall 2021, make sure to apply for the GSU Promise Scholarship, DDP Honors Scholarship, and/or the DDP Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarships. These scholarships are only available to DDP students. Students who qualify for multiple awards are encouraged to apply for several, although students may only be awarded one out of those eligible.
SPRING 2021 COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRADUATION PETITION DEADLINES Graduating from the community college in the spring? Don't forget to petition by the deadlines below! City Colleges of Chicago: See Advisor Kankakee CC: May 1 South Suburban College: March College of DuPage: March 15 Morton College: April 7 Triton College: February 15 Harper College: One week after midterms Moraine Valley CC: February 1 Waubonsee CC: February 15 Joliet Junior College: March 31 Prairie State College: March 1 Kudos and congratulations!! spring 2021 gsu transfers Congrats to all of our DDP students who graduated in fall 2020 and transferred to GSU this spring semester! Jannah Ahmed (MVCC) Ariss Burton (SSC) Brittany Galbreth (PSC) Ashley Kohlman (SSC) Maya Sheriff (CCC-KK) Essence Arrington (PSC) Mallory Bush (JJC) Thomas Golden (JJC) Rebecca Murphy (PSC) Yakhori Smith (PSC) Alondra Barajas (KCC) Tamaa Davis-El (PSC) Faith Keller (KCC) Samantha Patti (PSC) Candace Smith (PSC)
New way to check in with your transfer specialist Still at the community college? Don't forget to check in with your Transfer Specialist! This semester we are using a new method for you to schedule and check in. Keep in mind that one requirement of the program is that you check in at-least once per semester! Ready to schedule? Click the link below, click on a date that works for you, and find the availability of your designated DDP Transfer Specialist. Schedule your DDP Transfer Specialist check-in now! Student Transition Assistants & Graduate Assistant DDP Student Transition Assistants are DDP students and graduates of the program who have been trained and are familiar with the various offices and services at GSU. During the Spring 2021 semester, the STAs will be holding on-campus as well as open Zoom office hours. Please be sure to maintain a safe social distance when engaging with STAs and staff on campus, and wear a recommended face covering while inside all GSU building(s). For more info or to schedule an appointment, please email dualdegree@govst.edu, or leave us a voicemail at (708) 235-7173. By Appointment (Room A2122): Zoom Office Hours Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Manuel Reza) Mondays from 3:00-4:30 p.m (Morgan Langer) Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 p.m (Rudy Garcia)
(Scroll Down) Campus Connection
Here we feature one of our fabulous DDP Liaisons from one of our 17 partnering community colleges, so that you know who is a master at DDP when we are not around! It is also a way for DDP students to see the many different paths that can lead to a rewarding career in higher education. Ellen Goldberg, Transfer Center Director Harold Washington, City Colleges of Chicago What colleges and/or universities did you attend as a student, and for what degrees? I went to Indiana University Bloomington for my undergraduate studies. My major was Secondary Education-Spanish. I also have two Master's Degrees. One is from the University of Northern Iowa in Spanish Literature and from Loyola University Chicago in Higher Education. What is your most memorable moment of college? One of my most memorable moments from college was having a "Study Party" with my friends in my Spanish classes where we would eat Sub Sandwiches and study for our Spanish final exams! It a super fun way to study! What was something you couldn't live without in college? My roommates! I lived in a residence hall and loved every minute of the time I spent there! I had so many roommates over the years, and I keep in touch with all of them! If you could do anything all over avain, what would you do differently? Absolutely nothing! I loved every single minute from my five years at Indiana! I did everything I wanted to do including studying abroad in Madrid, Spain for my junior year in college! My undergraduate experience made up the best five years of my life! Your most valuable "words of wisdom" for transfer students. Take advantage of every single moment of your undergraduate years! If you can, study abroad, do internships, and meet the people who are going to be your friends for life!
Event highlights
RSVP for the 2021 virtual career symposium! You're invited to the 8th annual DDP Career Symposium - Now Virtual! Registration is required. We will send out Zoom invites to all sessions each morning throughout the week starting Monday, February 22nd. Daily emails will also include helpful tips and resources for navigating the career/job search process! (SCROLL DOWN) Topics for the week include: Monday (Feb 22): "To Grad School, or Not to Grad School" - Is it a Question? (1-2PM) Starting to think about graduate school, or maybe in the process of applying? This session will highlight factors that may inform your decision on whether to–and when to–pursue a graduate degree. Students will be welcome to share their thoughts on the “grad school experience” and other related issues, in order to gain others’ perspectives on the process. Discussion led by DDP Graduate Assistant, Manuel Reza. Tuesday (Feb 23): What Can I Do with My Degree? (1-2PM) Students are invited to explore a list of career titles and consider what peaks your initial interest and curiosity. Together we can discuss various career roles related to each major and career paths that other students have pursued with the same major(s) you are studying. Facilitated by the GSU enter for the Junior Year. Wednesday (Feb 24): Resume and Cover Letters (11AM-12PM) Highlighting your skills and experience to an employer's needs is the key to developing effective resumes and cover letters. Join us virtually to learn strategies to market your unique skill set and apply your learning by working on improving components of your own resume and cover letter. Presented by the GSU Office of Career Services. Overview of Career Services at GSU (2-3PM) The wondrous world of careers, passions, and personal quests awaits! The Governors State University Office of Career Services is available to help you navigate every path that leads to Destination Success! Thursday (Feb 25): Imposter Syndrome (2-3PM) Understand how the psychological pattern that can affect your level of confidence and competency. While it may be something that lots of people experience it remains relatively unknown by most. Learn the basics of imposter syndrome and how to overcome it. Presented by the GSU Office of Career Services. Know the Code: The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) (4:30-6PM) This interactive workshop will help you explore and understand your likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, possible career preferences, and compatibility with other people. Once you know your MBTI code, you can navigate communication and relationships with more confidence and be better responsive to others. Facilitated by DDP Director, Jessica Specht.Participants will be required to complete an online MBTI assessment in advance of the event date; further details will be emailed to the address provided when registering. Friday (Feb 26): Interview Preparation, Best Practices, and Mock Interviews (1-2PM) Professional interviews are extremely important components of getting into graduate programs, residency programs, and employment opportunities In this workshop, students will learn more about how to successfully prepare for future interviews, as well as what to expect the interview process to be like. Students will also participate in brief virtual mock interviews. Facilitated by the DDP Transfer Specialists. Sessions are open to ALL Dual Degree Program students Please RSVP by Friday, February 19th by Clicking Here
event highlights
welcome back social On Wednesday, January 27th, DDP hosted the annual Spring Welcome Back Social. Eleven current DDP students popped in, plus three DDP student staff members and the Director. Students introduced themselves, chatted about remote learning and stress-relieving activities during COVID-19, played trivia, and won DDP swag.
Be sure to check your email for further details on the events mentioned here!
Save The Dates
(SCROLL DOWN) DDP Career Symposium February 22-26, 2021 Preparing for your graduation after spring? Looking for internships? Well join us virtually for a week of different topics providing lots of tools to ensure your career path is well planned and executed. Don't forget to RSVP! DDP Fall 2021 Scholarship Deadline Friday, February 26, 2021 For those transferring to GSU in the Fall of 2021 See the next page of the Newsletter, or visit the DDP Scholarships website for more details about the: GSU Promise Scholarship, DDP Honors Scholarship, and DDP Chicago STAR Scholarship DDP Virtual Induction Thursday, April 8, 2021, 4 - 6 p.m. DDP students are required to attend a DDP Induction before transferring to GSU. Stay tuned for more details via email in March 2021. DDP Cording Ceremony Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 6-7 p.m (note time change) DDP students graduating from GSU will be honored in a virtual cording ceremony, to acknowledge the completion of their DUAL degrees. Formal invitations will be mailed in early April 2021.
Spring 2021
Thank you!
Don’t forget to follow DDP’s Facebook page to view photo albums and be notified of future events!
Here's to a great spring semester!