Academics Resources

Academic Computing Center

The academic computing facilities are comprised of two open computer laboratories, located in Douglas Hall room 122 and the Cordell Reed Student Union Building, room 150. Both of these laboratories are open to all current CSU students, faculty, alumni and staff for research and instructional use. These laboratories are equipped with IBM compatible microcomputers running the windows/xp operating system and the following software: Microsoft Office (includes Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Visio and Publisher), Statistical Packages (SPSS and SAS) as well as access to the internet. Remote access to the library databases is also available with a CSU email username and password.

Additional laboratories are operated by the academic departments throughout the campus buildings and are for use by the respective student majors.

Athletics

There are three levels of athletics activity at Chicago State University: intercollegiate athletics, intramural athletics and campus recreation, all under the Director of Athletics.

The mission of the department of intercollegiate athletics at Chicago State University is committed to providing opportunities for student-athletes to achieve excellence in academic endeavors and maximum potential in their sport. Excellence is achieved through the constant pursuit of equity, student welfare and sportsmanship. The athletics environment serves as an educational laboratory for life long learning in self-discipline, honest effort, and cooperation which contributes to the growth of the student-athlete as a productive member of the university and the global community.

The university is a member of the Mid-Continent Conference and the National Collegiate Athletics Association at the Division I level. Intercollegiate sports for men are basketball, baseball, cross country, golf, indoor and outdoor track and field, and tennis. Intercollegiate sports for women include basketball, cross country, golf, indoor and outdoor track and field, tennis and volleyball. Both full and partial scholarships are available to qualifying student-athletes. Questions on eligibility should be referred to the coach of the sport in which a student is interested. The Athletics Department offers an extensive study and tutorial assistance program for all athletes.

A comprehensive program in intramural athletics and recreation is available for both traditional and nontraditional students. Information regarding intramurals and recreation can be obtained by contacting the Athletics Department.

Breakey Theater

The Breakey Theater is housed in the Douglas Hall, room 104. With a seating capacity of 350, the theater provides a space that can be utilized for recreational, entertainment or ceremonial purposes. It is available to any organization on campus. The Breakey Theater is the home for displaying such talents as the CSU Danceworks, the Music Department and the Theater Department.

Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry seeks to support, encourage, and develop the faith/spiritual life of the university community, students, administrators, faculty, and students. Campus Ministry offers opportunities for bible study, worship, counseling, retreats, community service, and peace and justice awareness.

Although the campus ministers are sponsored at present by the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago and the Chicago Metropolitan Baptist Association, their ministry is extended to all members of the university regardless of denomination. Members of the university are encouraged to utilize the Parker Meditation Room (DH 304) which is provided for quiet reflection, prayer, and worship.

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center assists students and alumni in investigating career and professional development opportunities. Workshops and individual consultations assist students in identifying career goals, and scheduling on-campus interviews by recruiters from corporations, businesses, and graduate and professional schools. Services include resume writing and interviewing skills development, researching jobs and companies, professional image development, computerized career guidance systems such as careercruising.com, a career resource library, and career awareness days. The Career Development Center is located in Cordell Reed Student Union Building 180, telephone 773/995-2327.

Child Care Center

The Child Care Center is equipped to provide quality care for preschool and school-age children two and one-half through ten years of age. The basic goal of CSU’s Child Care Center is to provide an environment in which social, physical, intellectual and emotional growth is encouraged by a professional staff and a well-planned curriculum. Services are available full time, five days per week, from 7:00am to 5:30pm Evening child care is available from 4:30-5:30pm Head Start and subsidized child care programs for low income families are available. Families with handicapped children are encouraged to apply. Although CSU students have first priority, services are open to all members of the academic community. For further information contact the Child Care Center in RUC 101 or telephone 773/995-2556.

Counseling Center

All college students must balance personal and career aspirations with the demands posed by school, work and home. These demands may result in high levels of personal stress or in social/emotional obstacles that prevent students from attaining the skills needed for achievement, social participation, and self-fulfillment. The university’s Counseling Center offers all Chicago State University students opportunities to address these problems in a confidential setting with approachable, qualified mental health counselors on an individual basis or in group programs.

Special programs in the areas of study skills and academic self-development are offered throughout the year. Workshops and presentations on a variety of topics such as interpersonal relationships and skill building, depression and other emotional difficulties, and sexual responsibility are also offered each year. Psychological assessments are also available to assist students in career exploration, choosing a major or learning more about their specific learning difficulties. In addition, the Counseling Center provides consultative services to other campus offices, faculty and staff and assists the university community in understanding our student body through involvement in educational planning and decision-making.

Services are free and available to all students. Professional confidentiality is maintained. The Counseling Center is located in the Cordell Reed Student Union Building, room 190, telephone (773/995-2383).

Disabled Student Services (Abilities Office)

Chicago State University is committed to providing students with a disability an equal opportunity to access the benefits, rights and privileges of University services, programs and activities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II), as amended.

Qualified students with disabilities who seek reasonable accommodations and support services, including use of auxiliary aids or programmatic modifications or adjustments, must register with the Abilities Office of Disabled Student Services. The registration process will require documentation of the disability. Contact the Abilities Office Coordinator for additional guidelines. The Abilities Office for Disability Services is located in the Counseling Center in the Cordell Reed Student Union Building, Room 198, telephone (Voice) 773/995-4401, (TTY) 773/995-3761.

Note: Petitions filed by students based on circumstances that could constitute a request for an academic adjustment or modification on the basis of a disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 will be referred to and processed by the Abilities Office for Disability Services.

Equal Opportunity Employment Office

Chicago State University supports the principles of equal opportunity in employment and education. The University seeks to insure that no person will encounter discrimination in employment or education on the basis of age, color, disability, sex, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status. This policy is applicable to both the employment practices and administration of programs and activities within the University. It is the policy of the University that no person shall be excluded from the participation, be denied the benefits of, or in any way be subject to discrimination in any program or activity in the University. The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office handles complaints of discrimination. Any employee or student may at any time contact the EEO Office for purposes of advice, discussion of an alleged discrimination complaint and/or assistance in undertaking a formal or informal resolution of a complaint. The Office is located in the Cook Administration Building, Room 317A, 773/995-2380

Evening and Commuter Student Services Office

The Office of Evening and Commuter Student Services assists students who attend evening classes. Students who attend evening classes are provided services that would otherwise be available only during normal business hours. Students receive assistance in processing academic paperwork, purchasing books, obtaining parking information, and/or accommodations, and other necessary services to ensure academic success. The office is located in Cordell Reed Student Union Building 262N.

Extension Services

The Extension Services Program is designed to meet the needs of continuing professional education of adults in off-campus locations throughout the city and state. The University works cooperatively in this program with other educational institutions, organizations and agencies. A variety of courses, including courses required for programs leading to a master’s degree, in-service training programs, continuing education units (CEU’s) and institutes are offered. Extension opportunities can be scheduled at locations convenient to places of employment or residence by request from the Dean of Continuing Education and Non-Traditional Degree Programs or the Dean of the Graduate School.

Requests for an extension class schedule should be made to the Extension Services Department at 773/995-2214 or access the schedule on the web at www.csu.edu/ContED/
extensionservices.htm

Field Placement office

The Office of Field Placement, located in ED 322, is responsible for the selection and monitoring of field experience sites for the College of Education teacher preparation programs. The sites are carefully selected to provide experiences in multicultural, special education, public, private, urban, and suburban settings. The office also coordinates the placement of students for all field-based experiences: observing, teacher-aiding, tutoring, and student teaching. A record of each student’s field-based experiences is maintained in the Office of Field Placement as required by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Graduate Extension Service

Requests for an extension class schedule should be made to the Extension Services Department at 773/995-2214 or access the schedule on the web at www.csu.edu/ContED/
extensionservices.htm

Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing

The Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing, founded in 1990, is a literary and cultural center invested in researching, teaching, and disseminating information about acclaimed Black writers, especially the life and works of Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000), former poet laureate of Illinois and distinguished professor of English at CSU. The goal of the Brooks Center is to strengthen the humanities in general and promote the study of Black writers to a local, national, and international community of students, faculty, and the general public. The Center’s broad selection of culturally insightful and academically stimulating programs includes the annual Gwendolyn Brooks Writers’ Conference, Black History Month Video and Film Festival, Women’s History Month Lecture and Workshop Series, and Poetry and Writing Festival. The Center publishes a biannual literary journal, WarpLand: A Journal of Black Literature and Ideas, featuring the works of renowned, emerging, and new writers.

Housing & Residence Hall

The Residence Hall is a three-story quadrangle, coeducational facility housing approximately 340 students. There are 157 double rooms with adjoining bathrooms, and 24 deluxe single rooms with private baths. Each room comes furnished with beds, dressers, desk, chairs, closet space, cable T.V., personal computer, printer, phone and internet access, and a Micro/Fridge unit. All rooms are equipped with smoke detectors, water sprinklers, and units for controlling air and heat.

In the center of the Residence Hall is a courtyard, which is landscaped with trees, flowers, and other greenery. The building also has several lounges for studying, socializing or watching T.V., a laundry facility, several vending machines, and an elevator. The Residence Hall is staffed 24 hours a day. The main entrance to the building has a front desk, which is staffed and maintains video surveillance throughout the building.

Students have an option to live on-campus for nine (9) or twelve (12) months during the year. Meals are standard for students on the nine-month agreement. Community Living Standards in the Residence Hall are published in the Student Calendar Handbook.

Information concerning on-campus housing can be obtained by contacting the Office of Housing & Residence Life at 773/995-3676.

Residence Life

Residence Life Programming and Student Conduct at Chicago State University addresses the needs and interests of the campus community by providing ongoing, effective services to those seeking help relative to student conduct. Residence Life Programming and Student Conduct is responsible for the investigation and disposition of all student disciplinary matters, selection and training of hearing board members, peer review panel in Residence Hall and the appeals board. In addition, Residence Life Programming and Student Conduct is responsible for coordinating programs and policies that support the mission and philosophy of The Office of Residence Life through the development of academic, cultural, social and community service programs within the Residence Hall.

Office of International Programs

The purpose of International Programs is to expose students and faculty to international cultures, subjects, issues, and concerns in an effort to prepare students to be global citizens and to promote faculty development. The Office of International Programs (OIP) challenges students and faculty to reach beyond the realm of familiarity and to extend their purview through travel, research, and study abroad.

OIP offers a range of academic and student-oriented services. Various international travel programs may be available throughout the year for study and research abroad. The programs may be offered by Chicago State University, through collaboration with other universities, or through state/federal agencies. Some of the activities of OIP are specifically tailored for newly admitted international students.

The Office of International Program’s mission is to serve the entire campus by fostering collaborative and stimulating interdisciplinary relationships between students, faculty, and staff. Our goal is to internationalize the campus through opportunities for global research, study, internships, and language and cultural enrichment.

Admission

For admission to most study abroad programs, the student must be currently enrolled at Chicago State University. Admission to the many available programs vary in terms of requirements for G.P.A., language proficiency, other special skills, academic discipline, academic level, full- or part-time status, and other criteria. Most programs are open to U.S. citizens and residents alike, although a few are open only to U.S. citizens.

Course Offerings

Students who engage in classes at educational institutions and programs outside of the United States will enroll at Chicago State University in one of the four study abroad courses listed below.

SAB 3960/396 Study Abroad –
College of Health Sciences

SAB 4980/398/G Study Abroad –
College of Education

SAB 4990/399/G Study Abroad–
College of Arts and Sciences

ICPT 5500/450 Practical Training for International Students

Latino Resource Center

Dedicated to Latino students and communities, the Latino Resource Center is a comprehensive service unit, providing assistance with pre-college activities, admissions, retention, and advisement. The office also provides liaison with community groups, businesses, and service agencies in the Latino communities.

Library and Information Services (LIS)

The mission of the Library and Information Services (LIS ²) is to provide comprehensive information and instructional resources, support and sustain informed learning at the University, assist faculty in quality teaching and research, support curricula, and to help students succeed in gaining a higher education. The Library, is a 142,000 square-foot facility at the head of the campus and comprises the university library, archives, media center, and an all-campus computer library.

The University’s new state-of-the-art, high technology library and media center opens fall term 2006. Reengineered in every sense, this new facility combines traditional library with media services, archives and records programs. The new building will also include an Automatic Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) served by robotic delivery to patrons and a projected Materials Handling System (MHS), and half of its intellectual resources are now digital and available on-line. The library works in conjunction with the nearby Cordell Reed Student Union Building and university conference center as a cultural complex capable of hosting major conference events in the library up to 600 people.

LIS²is comprised of four departments. LIS Administrative Services (LISAS) coordinates overall management. LIS Information Technology and Systems (LISTS) addresses acquisitions, automation, and bibliographic control. Information, Instruction and Public Services (LISPS) is responsible for reference, access, instructional and media services.

Archives and Records Management Services (LIS ARMS) organizes the University’s archives in the library proper and leads the University Records Advisory Council (URAC) in addressing the University’s responsibilities as a public agency in managing its records that document the community’s teaching, learning and service.

The Library seeks to be the library of choice for the CSU academic community and a model teaching library. It is open 84 hrs/week, and electronically 24/7. It provides a broad information literacy program for tutorial and class instruction in library use, an information skill set, bibliographic knowledge, and exposure to countless resources. It has 176 open seats for study (carrels and tables) and 60 cafe΄ seating.Its (state-of-the-art) Information Mall with 36 user multi-media workstations, and a 30 workstation Bibliographic Instruction Studio and Laboratory. The library’s physical collections number nearly 500,000 volumes and are augmented by electronic journals and 3000 e-books, microforms, and audio-visuals, amounting to a total bibliographic unit equivalency of over a million volumes. Access is provided through I-Share, our statewide online resource sharing network containing 22 million volumes available at 65 colleges and universities throughout the state. In addition to the use of the extensive Chicago Public Library system and its nearby Woodson Regional Library, LIS’ networking provides direct access to most Chicago academic libraries through infopasses distributed by LISPS Reference; indirect access to Center for Research Libraries (CRL’s) 3.5 million volumes; and through interlibrary loan to OCLC’s 8000 libraries worldwide and their 48 million titles.

Archives and Special Collections This department is responsible for the University’s official records, its archives, and historical collections, which are maintained in the library. Management is responsible for records management campus-wide, in fulfillment of the University’s responsibilities as an Illinois agency. Special Collections contains some depository archives and small book collections that speak to the University’s important history as a normal school and teachers college, as well as books of special value to the contemporary University community at large. Foci of Special Collections include Leadership Archives with the paper of Senator Emil Jones, other political leaders, and Regional Studies with a core document of the Calumet Environmental Research Center (CERC) The Department offers meeting and seminar space for events related to its functions, and a secure reading room for the use of special collections.

Education Resource Center (ERC): Located on the library’s third floor, the ERC is part of LISPS. It contains a specialized collection of 48,000 volumes to support teacher preparation programs and works closely with the College of Education. It houses children’s and young adult literatures, textbooks, and other curriculum materials including electronic resources and other media for pre-K through 12 ^th-grade education.

Government Documents: LISPS includes a selective US federal documents repository, which focuses on government information relating to the teaching and research interests of the university. It houses over 15,000 documents and many more in electronic form.

Media Center: This first floor facility operates like an audio-visual materials library for patron viewing, listening, and use of interactive multi-media software. It has 60 multimedia workstations, and a variety of recorders, viewers, and projectors, on which to use a growing collection of instructional software over and 2000 videos, and more than 3000 CDs. It provides a studio for faculty and course development and an adjacent Instructional Lab (30 workstations total). There is an adjacent lounge area in the lobby and 20 study seats.

Arts Center: Music and Performing Arts, and the Visual Arts work with the ERC and Special Collections to form a third floor cultural and education center. Reference collections of work of art, documentary art, and instructional materials are available with music scores and parts with multi-media workstations, audio rooms, and study area. Audio-visual media from the general collections can be accessed through Circulation and Audio-Visual services in the Media Center on floor one.

Media Production: This is a production studio for media, mostly videos of commercial quality, which are filmed, scripted, edited, and produced as customized services. Productions include satellite down-linked media presentations in the public domain which are recorded for later use; customized videos; Power Point and other computer-generated presentations; and video-recorded public events, which also contribute to the development of a visual archives for the university.

Office of Teacher Certification and Teacher Preparation Programs

The Office of Teacher Certification and Teacher Preparation Programs is responsible for monitoring the certification process for students completing a teacher preparation program. Initial certification requires the successful completion of a state approved teacher preparation program and State of Illinois certification examinations in basic skills and area of certification. No one may be recommended for certification to teach or supervise in the public schools of Illinois who is not of good character, good health, at least nineteen years of age, and a citizen of the United States or legally present and eligible for employment.

The Office of Teacher Certification and Teacher Preparation Programs is also responsible for administering admissions to the College of Education. Admission to the College of Education is required for registration in advanced professional education courses leading to initial certification. Admission to the College of Education for students seeking initial certification requires passing the Illinois Certification Test of Basic Skills. For further information about teacher certification or admission to the College of Education, contact the Office of Teacher Certification and Teacher Preparation Programs in ED 208 or call 773 / 995-2519.

Ombuds Office

The Ombud’s office exists to enhance the university’s ability to assist students with the solving of problems while maintaining independence, confidentiality, and neutrality. The Ombuds Office is not an advocate for the student, or for the university, but an advocate for CSU student success. After a student has exhausted all other avenues to resolve a problem or complaint and is still unsatisfied, he/she may bring the issue to the Ombudsperson. Complaints lodged with the President of CSU may also be referred to the Ombuds Office. The office is located in the Student Union, Room 188, 773/995-2496.

Robinson University Center

The Robinson University Center provides essential services to students and sponsors coordinated activities that supplement the students’ educational experiences. Services provided at the University Center include bookstore, child care, meeting space, recreational activities and special events such as dances, dinners, and luncheons.

Office of Student Affairs

The Office of Student Affairs is responsible for the formulation of policy governing student activities on campus. It serves as liaison and resource and referral center for any student concern, and as coordinator of matters relating to student life. The Office of Student Affairs provides leadership for, and maintains close liaison with students, student publications, student organizations, and other administrative units of the university. The office is staffed by persons with experience and training in student development and other areas of student personnel service. The staff is available to assist students in a variety of ways including the interpretation of student life policies and the resolution of personal, social, and academic concerns.

Office of Student Activities

The Office of Student Activities provides academic, cultural, social, intellectual, and civic programming designed to enhance the academic experience of Chicago State University students. The office works, in conjunction with the Student Government Association, to provide guidance and supervision to a diverse group of student programs sponsored by the Office of Student Activities. These activities include Welcome Week, Hispanic Heritage Month, Homecoming, African American History Month, Cinco de Mayo, Women’s Awareness Month, and other activities. The office is located in the Student Union, Room 260, telephone 773/995-2300.

Student Government Association

Located in Room 268 of the Student Union, the Student Government Association (SGA) is the representative body for students and serves as an umbrella organization for all campus student organizations. All students who have paid their student fees are automatically members of the SGA and as such are entitled to vote, chair and serve on committees, hold office, and take advantage of all SGA-sponsored activities and services.

Technology and Learning Resources

The Division of Technology and Learning Resources brings together in a synergistic fashion technology and learning. Summer 2005 reorganization pulled together, Distance Learning and On-line Education, Instructional Technologies, Media Services, Media Production and Audio/Visual Services, and Academic Computing to provide an improved coordination of service for faculty, students and staff at Chicago State University. Information about Technology and Learning Resources can be found on the web at www.csu.edu/tlr/.

Student Computing Services and Media Services

Student Computing Service facilities are comprised of three open computer laboratories. Two Labs are located in Douglas Hall Rooms 120 (the Media Center) and 122. A third Lab is located in the Cordell Reed Student Union Building, room 150. These laboratories are open to all current CSU students, faculty, alumni and staff for research and instructional use. In addition, the Media Center Lab (Douglas Hall 120) provides an audio-visual materials library for patron viewing, listening, and use of interactive multimedia software. It is equipped with over 30 multimedia workstations and a variety of recorders, viewers, projectors and other technologies and is available for individual or class use upon request. The Labs' located in the Library share hours of operation with the Library hours of operation.

All Student Computing Service Labs are equipped with microcomputers running Windows/XP operating systems and the following software: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Visio and Publisher), Statistical Packages (SPSS and SAS) as well as access to the Web. Library databases are also available with a CSU e-mail and password.

Additional computer laboratories are operated by various academic departments throughout the campus buildings and are for use by the respective student majors. For more information call (773) 995-2211 or visit our website at www.csu.edu/tlr/labinfo.htm

Office of Distance Learning and Instructional Technology

The Office of Distance Learning (ODL) was developed to service mature, self-motivated and busy adults in need of a flexible educational schedule. This program is especially designed for students needing a program free of time and space limitations and requiring no or minimal campus classroom attendance. Chicago State University’s highly recognized full time faculty and adjunct lectures teach distance learning courses from the College of Arts and Science, Business, Education and Health Sciences.

Competent Instructional Technologists and Student Technical Training providers provide instructional Technology development and training needs through the ODL. Media software and hardware classes including Blackboard course management and Smart Classroom technologies are delivered in the university’s academic buildings. Portable equipment can be reserved online by faculty at www.csu.edu/tlr/avequipmentreq.htm and delivered to requested classrooms.

Presently ODL offers three distance learning methods of delivery: CSU Online, interactive and audio/video, and satellite networks. As with traditional campus-based enrollment, students must apply to the university and be accepted as a degree seeking or non-degree seeking student in order to earn college credit.

Chicago state University’s CSU Online System is designed for technologically literate students. However, other interested students may obtain hands-on training from ODL in order to prepare for distance learning courses. Various computer-training student and faculty workshops are offered each year. Online tutorials are available at www.csu.edu/DistLearn/. In addition, student tutors are available to assist students in the Labs.

Online courses require students to have immediate access to the Internet and a CSU electronic mail account. The Video Conference Center provides live 2-way audio and video connections to either single or multiple sites utilizing digital compressed video technologies as well as video broadcasting (or extension course) using satellite downlink technology.

The in-state or out-of-state tuition for distance learning students is the same as for other full-time CSU students with the addition of a $50.00 distance-learning fee per course covering telecommunication and technology costs. For more information call (773) 995-2960 or visit our website at www.csu.edu/Distlearn.

Media Productions and Audio/Visual Services

Videos of commercial quality, which are scripted, filmed, edited, and produced as customized products are created in the production studio. Productions include satellite down-linked media presentations in the public domain which are recorded for later use; customized videos; PowerPoint and other computer-generated presentations; and video-recorded public events, which also contribute to the development of a visual archives for the university. Equipment can be reserved online by faculty at www.csu.edu/tlr/avequipmentreq.htm and delivered to requested classrooms. Its technicians also do set-ups with facility management for public events and special programs on campus. It houses an array of equipment, and operates the smart classrooms, large lecture halls and auditoria that rely on media and computerized presentations through rear-view projection and modern sound systems. Its services are available to all official campus organizations, but its primary goals are to integrate instructional technology into teaching and learning.

For more information call (773) 995-2220 or visit our website at www.csu.edu/tlr/mediaproduction.htm.

Television Services

Television Services supports the undergraduate program in radio-television broadcasting as well as to other areas of the university. The color television studio can be used for microteaching and for the production of instructional programs for local viewing or cablecasting. Also, Television Services undertakes field production as requested. A professional level audio facility is available for radio and other audio productions.

University Research Compliance Committees

Research is necessary for the creation of new knowledge in many areas of inquiry. The university has three committees/units of a regulatory nature, ensuring that policies, procedures and practices comply with state and federal guidelines and laws, as applicable. These committees are the Institutional Review Board (IRB); the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC); and the Radiation Safety Office. Research that involves live vertebrate animal and recombinant DNA or biohazards are handled by a committee of faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The Institutional Review Board is the Chicago State University peer review committee for research involving human subjects. All research either conducted by students, faculty or staff at CSU or research conducted by non-CSU personnel on the CSU campus or in CSU sponsored events must be approved as meeting the ethical principles as outlined in the Belmont Report. Any research using human participants conducted by a graduate student, even if they are students in a class that the graduate student teaches, must be reviewed and approved by the IRB.

The IRB has the additional mission of education about research and research ethics. Under new NIH guidelines, all personnel involved in working with human subjects in any kind of research project must have taken a course in the guidelines for research with human participants. NIH will no longer fund projects without assurance of such training as well as assurance of IRB peer review of the proposal.

Forms and other information about the IRB process are available at the website: www.csu.edu/.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees the university’s animal program, facilities, and procedures. University faculty, staff and students using animals in research, teaching and/or display must have IACUC approval to do so. Members of the IACUC at CSU are appointed by the university president and include scientists, non-scientists, and unaffiliated residents of the community. IACUC reviews research and other activities involving animals to ensure that they are justified by their benefits and minimize any animal pain or suffering. Forms and other information are available in the Department of Biological Sciences; located in the Williams Science Center.

Radiation Safety Office

The use of radioactive materials and radiation producing machines is governed by federal and state regulations. The Radiation Safety Office (RSO) at CSU oversees the use of ionizing radiation on campus and ensures compliance with these regulations, to protect university employees, students, the public, and the environment. The department negotiates and holds the various licenses and registrations, which authorize the use of radiation sources at the various locations under its jurisdiction, and acts as an interface with the associated agencies. It implements a Radiation Safety Program, under the oversight of local Radiation Safety Committees for the various locations, and provides many support services. Forms and other information are available from the Department of Biological Sciences; located in the Williams Science Center.

University Research and Research Development Centers

Research centers, institutes, and laboratories serve the university’s mission in research. At any time, numerous staff and faculty bodies are gathering to discuss best practices and design new models of excellence. While this list is not exhaustive, the following research-focused centers are among those currently in operation at the university.

The Center for Urban Mental Urban Health Research (CUMHR)

The Center for Urban Mental Health Research functions to assist and promote research in mental health issues. In addition to providing assistance with design and analysis of research, the Center also assists with other aspects of on-going research. The Center received a grant to support research projects as well as to support the activities of the Center. The grant (M-RISP program from the Office of Special Populations, NIMH) also supports faculty research development activities. CUMHR is located in the Douglas Hall, room 311.

The Center for Urban Research in Education (CURE)

The Center for Urban Research and Education (CURE) was founded in 1997. The mission is to serve Chicago State University and the surrounding urban, suburban and rural communities. In support of this mission, CURE will demonstrate leadership through continuous efforts to: a) define those factors that enhance opportunities for youths in the community; b. accommodate and serve pre-service and in-service educators; c. develop those elements and attributes that enhance the professional attainment level of educators; and d. actively promote the improvement of the learning environment. The programming framework focuses on seven (7) programs, including Grant Research in Operation (GRIO), Pre-Student Teaching Seminars, Community Development and Technology, Professional Development Colloquia, Technology and Education, Urban Visions Journal, and an Annual Conference. In addition to the seven core programs, CURE publishes a biannual newsletter and hosts an annual open house.

The Center for Urban Policy and Leadership (CUPL)

A unit of the Graduate School, the mission of the Center for Urban Policy and Leadership is to help shape public policy through independent research, policy analysis and development, public education, and advocacy via four distinct strategies: 1) providing assistance with public policy analysis and policy development; 2) developing ethical and competent leaders; 3) developing awareness and capacity among constituencies for changes on policy issues; and 4) developing public advocacy strategies.

The Center examines and contributes to the debate and development of urban public policy and leadership development in five broad areas: Education; Health Disparities and Resistance; Community Development; Social and Legal Justice; and Political Leadership.

HIV/AIDS Policy and Research Institute

The Chicago State University (CSU) HIV/AIDS Policy and Research Institute was established with funding from the Illinois Department of Public Health in May of 2004 to address the disproportionate incidence and complex burdens of HIV/AIDS in minority populations through policy and research. With supplemental state appropriated funding, the Institute's charge to develop and implement activities and programs which support reducing the disproportionate incidence and the complex burdens inflicted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic on minority populations who reside on the South Side of Chicago and its surrounding areas was enlarged to include minority populations throughout Illinois.

The mission of the HIV/AIDS Policy and Research Institute is to address the disproportionate incidence and complex burdens of HIV/AIDS in minority populations in Illinois.

The Fredrick Blum Neighborhood Assistance Center

The Fredrick Blum Neighborhood Assistance Center (NAC) provides technical and research assistance to neighborhood-based, community, and economic development organizations. While housed in the Department of Geography, Sociology, Economics, and Anthropology and drawing heavily on the resources and skills of the department, the NAC endeavors to involve faculty and students from across the university. Thus the NAC not only applies discipline-specific skills to the solution of neighborhood problems, it also acts to increase the level of service to the community by the university. Graduate students can become involved in NAC projects through funded research assistantships.

The main goal of the NAC is the fostering of self-reliant community development. This is accomplished by:

Assisting in the development of neighborhood planning projects in ways that enable neighborhood residents to develop their own strategies for neighborhood maintenance and revitalization.
Performing land use and housing quality surveys, feasibility studies, market analyses, location analyses, grant writing assistance, and data base construction.
Mapping assistance and spatial analyses using the department’s Geographic Information System (GIS) laboratory.
Maintaining documents and data pertaining to land use, housing, economic development, and community planning.

The Calumet Environmental Resource Center (CERC)

The Calumet Environmental Resource Center (CERC) is a unit of the Fredrick Blum Neighborhood Assistance Center and is a repository for environmental information relating to the Lake Calumet region of southeast Chicago. Through participation in the Lake Calumet Ecosystem Partnership, CERC helps to coordinate environments initiatives in the region. CERC resources are available to students, faculty, and members of the community.

CERC was established in 1991 through a joint effort of the Neighborhood Assistance Center at Chicago State University, the Center for Neighborhood Technology and the Chicago Legal Clinic and is maintained by the Neighborhood Assistance Center. CERC's resource collection continues to grow daily and now contains over 3,000 assorted reports, documents, maps, books, photographs and other resources that specifically focus on the Calumet region of southeastern Chicago, Cook County, and northwestern Indiana.

Research Development Office (RDO)

The Research Development Office (RDO) was established by a three-year renewable grant from the National Institute of Health to facilitate and increase grantsmanship and research activity among CSU faculty. The goal of the office is to increase the number of research proposals submitted to and funded by government and private sources. The primary focus of RDO is to promote research in the sciences, math, engineering and technology (especially biomedical, behavioral, and health-related disciplines). However, collaboration across all disciplines is strongly encouraged.

The Research Development Office (RDO) provides funds for

Pilot studies
Re-assigned time for proposal development
Travel related to proposal development
Identifies and disseminates information on funding opportunities.
Provides assistance on research and proposal development.
Supports a web page that provides information on funding.
Institutional and community information for proposal development
Maintains a resource office in HWH – 335 with published and computerized information on funding opportunities.
Works to identify and remove barriers to faculty research.