GSU hosts campus crawl

Governors State University kicked off the spring semester with a Campus Crawl during the first week.  The event welcomed both new and returning students with an event that provided gifts, a raffle for an I-Pod, and plenty of information about services and departments across campus.

The purpose of the Campus Crawl, which was sponsored by Student Life, was to introduce students to the various departments and services offered at GSU.  Much like a treasure hunt, students traveled around the school to find out more about the diverse services and amenities offered by the distinct sections that cater to the students. 

There were 10 stops in total. Students who had the determination and endurance to visit at least seven of the stops would receive a free GSU workout backpack.  Students were greeted by a member of the faculty at each check-in point, who would explain their particular department's purpose and mission, thereby allowing the student to learn what that specific division was about.

Christopher Cook, an assistant with Student Life who was busy checking in participants at the start of the Campus Crawl, was enthusiastic about the event.

"I want to bridge the gaps between faculty, staff, and students," he said, adding that the Campus Crawl was, "A great way to engage everyone in what's happening at the university, while building morale and getting a little exercise."

At the Writing Center, one of the many stops along the Campus Crawl, students received tips on common writing mistakes.  They were also able sign up for one-on-one sessions to work on their writing skills.  Students who stopped by the Writing Center were greeted by gracious tutor Gina Kelly, who said, "We try to help students become better writers themselves."

More information about the Writing Center's services, as well as tips for improving writing, are available online at www.govst.edu/writingcenter.

At the GSU Library, another Campus Crawl stop, Interim University Library Dean Lydia Morrow-Ruetten gave out free ear buds and GSU coasters to about 50 students who listened to her explain about the library's many services.

Finally, at the GSU Center for Performing Arts, schedules for events were given out to students, along with info on how to purchase discounted tickets. More information about the spring semester's schedule of events at the Center for Performing Arts is available at www.centertickets.net.