Professional Development Courses

The School of Extended Learning provides a variety of professional development offerings designed to improve your skills, knowledge, and effectiveness. Through noncredit courses, certificates, and industry specific programs, learners will be equipped to improve their performance and add value to their organizations.

  • Business Process Improvement

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    Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate Program 

    This program will prepare the student to lead a selected project while continuously training team members along with leading a change event.  Students will complete a Lean Six Sigma project from inception to completion.The student will possess a thorough understanding of all aspects of DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control).  All statistical tools will be reviewed including graphs and illustrations of real-life discussions, benchmarks and events. 

    This program will encompass the methodologies learned in both the Yellow and Green Belt certification.  In addition, it will include new processes that will be required for project success. Statistical software will be utilized that will assist the student in establishing objectives for decision making.  This intensive program will encompass a real-life project with clear objectives and details outlined in the project charter.  Milestones and "project check-in's" will be conducted with one-on-one meetings throughout the class with the instructor.  

    Students can expect, upon completion of their project, to demonstrate a significant improvement in their selected process.  Also, as a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, the student will be prepared to lead future events using the tools and methodologies obtained in the program.  Lean Six Sigma Black Belt can be utilized in any industry or marketplace.  

    Prerequisite: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.  Certification from outside firms must be reviewed in detail to ensure they meet the prerequisite for Governors State University's Black Belt Certification.

    Registration Details:

    The Black Belt Certificate Program is designed to allow the instructor to work one-on-one with each student. Each student’s start date is based on a schedule determined by the student and the instructor. If you are interested in registering for the Black Belt Certificate program, please call (708) 534-3044 for further details.

    Fee: $3,000 plus textbooks and software

    Instructor: Tricia Kerns, EdD 


     

     

  • Communications

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    An Introduction To Voiceovers... (Getting Started In Voice Acting)  

    One-time, in-class session:  

    Location: Governors State University

    Date: Monday, December 11, 2018

    Time: 6-8pm / Room B2202

     Explore the fun, rewarding possibilities of the voiceover industry!  Discover current trends in the industry and how they make it easy and affordable for just about anyone to get involved.

    In this one-time, 2 hour, introductory class, you’ll also learn about the different types of voiceovers and the tools you’ll need to find success.  Your instructor, a professional, working voice actor, will take notes as you read a real script, and offer some coaching to improve your delivery. You’ll receive a professional voiceover evaluation later. 18 and over.

    The voice coaches are known for their fun and informative presenting methods.  The coaches have many years'  experience in the Voiceover Industry, and are masters at teaching all of the information pertinent to making it in Voice Acting.  Whether it be speaking, presenting, writing, producing, or announcing, they have it covered. With hundreds of regional & national commercials, PSAs and audiobooks under their belts, our instructors not only deliver the highest quality education and coaching to their students, but their unique enthusiasm and expertise bring an element of fun and excitement to the classroom as well.

    Class Outline

    Part 1 (Background on the voiceover industry)

    ✓   Why now is a great time to get into the industry

    ✓   The many types of voiceovers - Commercial, Narration, Audiobooks and more...

    ✓   How big the voiceover industry is and why

    ✓   Current trends in the industry that make it easy to get started

    ✓   Why you don't need to live near a major city to be successful

    Part 2

    ✓      Everyone receives personal coaching while reading a real script - A class favorite

    ✓      Students are recorded to receive a professional voice evaluation later

    Part 3

    ✓   Frequently Asked Questions - Answered!

    ✓   Do I have to be famous or have a special voice?

    ✓   Do I need an agent?

    ✓   Do I need to join a union?

    ✓   Do I have to live in a major market?

    ✓   How much do voiceovers earn?

    ✓   What continuing education and tools are needed to pursue this career

    Fee: $49     Course Code: CE-CT01-04
       Registration Home Page

     

    An Introduction To Voiceovers... (Getting Started In Voice Acting)

    Personalized One-on-One Video Conference Class

    Date determined by you and your voice coach 

    Call Suzanne Patterson at 708.534.4393 to arrange your date. 

    “Wow, you have a great voice!” Have you heard that more times than you can count? Or maybe you listen to your favorite audiobooks, commercials, or cartoon characters and think, “I could do that!” If so, then you could have what it takes to begin working as a professional Voiceover Artist. Explore the voiceover industry with your instructor, a professional, working voice actor, in a one-on-one, personalized, video chat setting.

    Discover the current trends in the industry and how they make it easy and affordable for just about anyone to get involved. In this one-time, 90-minute, introductory class, you’ll also learn about the different types of voiceovers and the tools you’ll need to find success. Your instructor will record you as you read a real script, then offer you some coaching so you can improve your delivery, taking notes on your performance so you can receive a professional voiceover evaluation later. 

    18 and over. You owe it to yourself to finally explore the possibilities of this fun and rewarding job!

    Requirements: Students must have Internet Access and Video Chatting capabilities using a method such as: Skype (for PC/Mac users) or iChat/FaceTime (for Mac Users) or we can offer this class via telephone if webcam is not available.   

    The voice coaches are known for their fun and informative presenting methods. The coaches have many years'  experience in the Voiceover Industry, and are masters at teaching all of the information pertinent to making it in Voice Acting. Whether it be speaking, presenting, writing, producing, or announcing, they haveit covered. With hundreds of regional & national commercials, PSAs and audiobooks under their belts, our instructors not only deliver the highest quality education and coaching to their students, but their unique enthusiasm and expertise bring an element of fun and excitement to the classroom as well.

    Class Outline  

    Part 1     Background on the Voiceover Industry:  

    ✓     Why now is a great time to get into the industry

    ✓     The many types of voiceovers - Commercial, Narration, 

             Audiobooks and more...

    ✓     How big the voiceover industry is and why

    ✓     Current trends in the industry that make it easy to get started

    ✓     Why you don't need to live near a major city to be successful

    Part 2     Script Reading, Direction and Recording:  

    ✓     The student receives personal coaching while reading real a script - A class favorite

    ✓     The instructor will take notes on the student's performance so they may receive a professional voice evaluation later

    Part 3     FAQs - Answered!  

    ✓     Do I have to be famous or have a special voice?

    ✓     Do I need an agent?

    ✓     Do I need to join a union?

    ✓     Do I have to live in a major market?

    ✓     How much do voiceovers earn?

    ✓     What continuing education and tools are needed to pursue this career

    Fee: $49     Course Code:CE-CT01-05

      Registration Home Page

  • Health & Human Services

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    Heartsaver® Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider

    Location: Governors State University

    Date: Friday, November  17, 2017

    Time: 12 noon— 4:30 p.m.

    Room: B1241

    Fee:  $70 (Includes book, CPR card) Course Number: CE-PPEH13-01

    Instructor: Geoffrey Denison  

    The Heartsaver® Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider course will cover the following:

    • CPR for adults, children, and infants
    • Use of an AED and providing ventilations using a barrier device
    • Relief of a foreign body airway obstructions
    • Detailed look at the steps of the chain of survival

    After successful completion, with a passing written exam grade, students will be AHA certified in CPR and AED, as required for many professional healthcare licenses and receive a CPR card.

     

  • Industry Training

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    American Home Inspectors Training Institute (AHIT)

    Location: Governors State University, University Park, Illinois

    2018 Classroom and Home Site Training Session Dates:
    Mon-Fri / January 8 -12 

    Mon-Fri / August 20 - 24   

    Fee: $1,995 - includes all class materials 

    Are you looking for an exciting new career or a new part-time challenge where you can be your own boss, set your own schedule, supplement your existing income and receive outstanding support during your training and while in the field?   If so, the American Home Inspectors Training Institute is designed to help you achieve just that!

    Governors State University has partnered with OnCourse Learning, a provider of high-quality, state approved, customized training solutions, textbooks, and occupational tools for both pre-licensing and continuing education in the home inspection industry.  This comprehensive home inspection course is taught by AHIT instructors with over 100 years combined experience and is recognized by ASHI, NAHI, NACHI, CREIA, TREC and other professional organizations.

    American Home Inspectors Training Institute (AHIT) is approved by The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Click http://www.govst.edu/WIA/ for more details.

     

    For more program information and to be connected with a member of the Home Inspection training team, please contact Suzanne Patterson at spatterson3@govst.edu or 708.534.4393.

  • MBA Professional Development Classes

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    Professional Development I

    Location: Governors State University

    Room: Engbretson Hall

     Date: Thursdays, August 28 - December 10, 2017

    Time: 7:30  - 10:20 p.m.

    Fee: $300  Course Number: CE-MBA-7101

    Instructor: Olumide Ijose, PhD 

    Description: Introduces professional skills for MBA students. Acquisition of these skills through active participation in the course will enhance students' marketability and success. Effective professional skills are required for leveraging the career opportunities presented by an MBA degree. This course is designed to help students understand the relationship between soft skills, professional development, and continuous learning on one hand and work effectiveness.

      Registration Home Page

  • OHRP Educational Event

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    Mail and Online Registrations are closed.

    Change is Coming: Meeting Potential Challenges

    Wednesday, November 15, 2017

    8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    Location:

    Governors State University

    Center for Performing Arts 

    1 University Parkway

    University Park, Illinois  

    This is a one day educational outreach initiative focusing on the HHS regulations and policies on human subject research protections and their applicability. This event will focus on the Revised Common Rule. There will also be a panel discussion about the Single IRB Review process. In addition, OHRP will lead an interactive session where the audience will participate in a simulated protocol review. 

    Click here for program details.



     

    Sponsor Logos
       

     

     

  • Test, Certificate and Certification Preparation

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    Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate Program 

    This program will prepare the student to lead a selected project while continuously training team members along with leading a change event.  Students will complete a Lean Six Sigma project from inception to completion.The student will possess a thorough understanding of all aspects of DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control).  All statistical tools will be reviewed including graphs and illustrations of real-life discussions, benchmarks and events. 

    This program will encompass the methodologies learned in both the Yellow and Green Belt certification.  In addition, it will include new processes that will be required for project success. Statistical software will be utilized that will assist the student in establishing objectives for decision making.  This intensive program will encompass a real-life project with clear objectives and details outlined in the project charter.  Milestones and "project check-in's" will be conducted with one-on-one meetings throughout the class with the instructor.  

    Students can expect, upon completion of their project, to demonstrate a significant improvement in their selected process.  Also, as a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, the student will be prepared to lead future events using the tools and methodologies obtained in the program.  Lean Six Sigma Black Belt can be utilized in any industry or marketplace.  

    Prerequisite: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.  Certification from outside firms must be reviewed in detail to ensure they meet the prerequisite for Governors State University's Black Belt Certification.

    Registration Details:

    The Black Belt Certificate Program is designed to allow the instructor to work one-on-one with each student. Each student’s start date is based on a schedule determined by the student and the instructor. If you are interested in registering for the Black Belt Certificate program, please call (708) 534-3044 for further details.

    Fee: $3,000 plus textbooks and software

    Instructor: Tricia Kerns, EdD 

     

     

  • Testimonials

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    testimonial

     "Our front line supervision has always had a significant amount of expertise in the hands-on construction of Mobile Medical trailers. The next step in their development was a real need for formal classroom training in order to assist in the successful execution of a Daily Build Plan. Governor’s State University was able to tailor my description of those needs into 4 distinct and very effective training modules held on site at our facility in the month of June.   

    Each instructor engaged our group in specific training topics, which included Managing Daily Workflows, Data Visualization and Problem Solving, Effective Business Communication and Email Management and Navigation.  It was a very fulfilling experience for our supervisors and more importantly gave them new skill sets that have had an immediate impact on their performance.  

    The coordination of this training program by Felicia Townsend at the School of Extended Learning was well done and the outcome has exceeded my expectations.  I strongly recommend this process to those organizations that find themselves with a similar need."  

    Mike Mestousis, Director of Operations  

    Advanced Mobility, University Park, IL 

    "Governors State University School of Extended Learning provided the most relevant First Aid/CPR safety training program I've ever attended. Geoff’s extensive knowledge and highly engaging style makes him a very effective trainer that my team thoroughly enjoyed.  He was able to accommodate varying levels of knowledge on the subject and ensured everyone was capturing the pertinent information. I now have ten people trained across our two shift operation and I feel confident we would swiftly and appropriately handle any unfortunate event if it was to happen at our facility. Many thanks!"

    Summit Pahlas, Manager Plant Operations

    Kloeckner Metals Corporation, University Park, IL

     “I was totally captivated by the communication model presented by the instructor. It was interesting to learn how many ways there are to communicate. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone who works in a supervisory position or is a team leader. Although the information is basic and easy to understand, the workshop is presented in an interesting and dynamic way. I am a firm believer that when you stop learning you stop living… I love and enjoy investing in myself! No one can take your knowledge or experience away.” M. Estrada

    Workshop: Communication for Nonprofit Managers

    "This course was very informative and opened my eyes to other views of communication as well as determining what obstacles I may face and how to resolve them. This class can be used in corporate, nonprofit, and the private sector and can be implemented in your daily routine.” D. Huerta

    Workshop: Communication for Nonprofit Managers

    "The workshop was amazing! I learned new ways of communication."   K. Mahone

     Workshop: Exceptional Customer Service Starts with You

    "The Exceptional Customer Service Starts With You workshop hosted by GSU's Office of Extended Learning was a valuable lesson not only in customer service, but in a wide array of communication skills. As a public gathering place for the community, Center for Performing Arts welcomes customers from all over Chicago and the southland. We want to make sure that our Box Office provides accessible and welcoming service that engages our audiences in a positive experience. This workshop will help us equip our staff and student workers with the tools necessary to exceed expectations." S. Morrissey

    Workshop: Exceptional Customer Service Starts with You