General Information
The University
Chicago State University is a fully accredited, public, urban, commuter and residential institution. Originally founded in 1867 as an experimental teacher training school, the institution has evolved into a multipurpose university committed to meeting the needs of the urban community.
The primary purpose of Chicago State University is instruction. Degrees are conferred at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. The university offers undergraduate programs in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Health Sciences, and through the Division of Continuing Education and Non-Traditional Programs. The university offers graduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, and the College of Health Sciences. In addition to degree programs, the university offers many courses, certificates and programs of study for in-service education through late afternoon, evening, and Saturday classes, summer sessions and extension courses.
Faculty and students of Chicago State University engage in scholarly and creative activities that complement and supplement the instructional programs of the university. Faculty and students also provide services to the public. These services integrate the university’s research and instructional purposes and demonstrate their application to practical matters of importance to governments, businesses, schools, social agencies and community groups. Public services are adjunct to the university’s primary instructional purpose.
Chicago State University is sensitive to the diverse needs and characteristics of its student population. The university’s multiracial student body reflects the demographics of the Chicago metropolitan area, particularly the southern and western areas of the city and adjacent suburbs. In addition, the student body includes: more females than males; many part-time students who hold full-time employment; a substantial population of students from low income backgrounds; and many students who are older than the traditional college age.
A dedicated faculty provides quality instruction in a caring, intellectually stimulating environment that addresses societal and technological changes as they impact on students’ needs. Students’ academic and personal growth are also facilitated through extensive support services and living-learning-serving experiences.
Chicago State University admits applicants to graduate programs who meet the admission criteria for its programs. The university is affirmatively committed to providing opportunities for enrollment to all students regardless of racial or ethnic background, sex, religion, and social or economic circumstance.
Location
The university is located in a residential community on the South Side of Chicago, approximately 12 miles from downtown. The 161-acre campus has contemporary buildings attractively placed in a carefully preserved woodland setting. The university is conveniently served by the Dan Ryan Rapid Expressway, the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and several bus routes. Ample parking is also available. The mailing address is 9501 S. King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60628-1598. The phone number is 773/995-2000 and the website address is: www.csu.edu.
Organization
The university is classified as a comprehensive urban university with a mission that incorporates instruction, research and public service. Chicago State University is governed by a Board of Trustees.
The president has full power and responsibility within the framework of the general policies determined by the Board of Trustees in the organization, management, direction and supervision of the university and is held accountable to the board for the successful functioning of the institution in all its departments, divisions and services. The general administration of the university is handled by the president.
The university is organized into four major divisions, each administered by a vice president: Academic and Student Affairs, Administrative and External Affairs, Labor and Legal Affairs, and Planning, Research and Sponsored Programs. Faculty, student and staff participation in university governance is accomplished through the Faculty Senate, Student Government, the Civil Service Council and membership on standing and ad hoc committees. These bodies and their committees consider and recommend policies, curricula and procedures to the president.
Mission
Chicago State University, a public, comprehensive, urban institution of higher learning located on the south side of Chicago, strives for excellence in teaching, research, creative expression and community service. The mission of the university is to: 1) provide access to higher education for residents of the region, the state and beyond, with an emphasis on meeting the educational needs, undergraduate through doctoral levels, of promising graduates from outstanding secondary schools as well as educating students where academic and personal growth and promise may have been inhibited by lack of economic, social, or educational opportunity; and, 2) produce graduates who are responsible, discerning, and informed global citizens with a commitment to lifelong learning and service.
To accomplish its mission the university is committed to:
- recruiting, retaining and graduating a culturally and economically diverse student body, including undergraduate, masters, and doctoral level students;
- employing a dedicated, caring, and culturally diverse faculty whose teaching is informed by research and embodies engaging learning experiences that enable students to flourish academically and personally;
- offering curricula that address major dimensions of the arts, humanities, sciences and technology and encourage development of communication skills and critical thinking as well as cultural and social awareness;
- providing students in liberal arts and professional programs with broad knowledge, university-level competencies and specialized courses that are intellectually challenging and academically rigorous;
- fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating community that promotes academic freedom, mutual respect and integrity for its graduate and undergraduate students, faculty and staff; and,
- working in partnership with local organizations and agencies active in the region and assisting in the development of socially and economically viable and sustainable communities.
The Seal
The Chicago State University Seal is based on the design of the original Seal of the Normal School, probably the earliest symbol of Chicago State University. It appropriately reiterates the University’s heritage and proud past.
The pine evergreen design is the symbol of vitality, life and continued growth; it is always green and growing, persistent and long living. Each stage of the evergreen’s growth broadens its base and increases its stature.
The motto “Responsibility” that encircles the evergreen characterizes the university’s educational stance; its commitment to students and the urban community that it serves. The seal appears on page 3, “Message from the President.”
Accreditation
Chicago State University Accreditation
Chicago State University holds accreditations from:
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA),
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago IL 60602, 312/263-0456, www.higherlearningcommission.org.
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division I, 700 W. Washington Street, P.O. Box 6222,
Indianapolis IN 46206-6222, 317/917-6222, www.ncaa.org.
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) 11520 W. 119 St., Overland Pk.,
KS 66213, (913) 330-6226, http://www.acbsp.org/p/st/ld/sid=s1_001
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP),
5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304, 703/ 823-9800 ext. 301, www.counseling.org/cacrep.
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM),
233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st floor, Chicago, IL 60601-5800, www.cahiim.org.
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), 1725 Duke Street, Suite 500, Alexandria,
VA 22314-3457, 703/683-8080, www.cswe.org.
- National Middle School Association (NMSA), 4151 Executive Parkway, Suite 300 Westerville,OH 43081,
- National Recreation and Park Association/ American Association for Leisure and Recreation (NRPA/AALR)
Council on Accreditation, 1900 Association Drive, Reston VA 20191-1598, 1-800-213-7193, ext. 472,
- Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc., 1305 Wabash Avenue,
Suite L,Springfield, IL 62704-4938
- Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy
Association, 4720 Montgomery Lane, PO Box 31220, Bethesda MD 20824-1220, 301/652-2682,
- Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, 599 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria,
VA 22304
- Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) housed by the National Policy Board for Educational
Administration, 1307 New York Ave. Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005, (202) 293-2450
- (Candidate Status) Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), 20 N Clark St., Chicago IL 60602,
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Ave., suite 500,
Washington DC 20036, 202/466-7496, www.ncate.org.
Programs that meet NCATE-approved guidelines for specialization:
- Bilingual Education - Association for Childhood Education International
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC)
- Early Childhood Education - National Association for Education of Young Children
- Elementary Education - Association for Childhood Education International
- General Administration - Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC)
- Library Information and Media Studies- American Association of School Librarians
- Physical Education - American Alliance for Health, Physical Education Recreation and Dance
- Reading - International Reading Association
- School Administration - Educational Leadership Constituent Council
- Special Education - The Council for Exceptional Children
- Technology Education - International Technology Education Association/ Council on Technology Education
In addition to the accreditations listed above, Chicago State University’s teacher education programs are recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education.
The university is a member in good standing of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. It is also affiliated with the American Council on Education.
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.
Graduate Education
Graduate education continues academic study beyond the baccalaureate level. Work at the graduate level expands and deepens knowledge and understanding of individual disciplines, emphasizes the connections among distinct fields, and sharpens students’ critical and analytical skills. Students develop experience in conducting research while developing their skills in collecting, synthesizing, and analyzing data and presenting conclusions in writing. Within particular disciplines, graduate study enhances professional knowledge and skills in a context that stresses the enduring character and essential value of liberal learning.
Graduate education at the University is administered by the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies in collaboration with the Graduate and Professional Council. The Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, and Health Sciences offer programs leading to post-baccalaureate certificates and the master’s degree. The College of Education offers the Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership. The College of Pharmacy offers the Doctorate of Pharmacy. Graduate courses are offered in the late afternoon, evening, and on Saturday to accommodate students who are employed full-time. In addition to on-campus course offerings, graduate-level courses are offered off-campus at extension sites throughout the Chicago area and its adjoining suburbs.
History of Graduate Education at Chicago State University
A graduate curriculum in the field of elementary education that led to a master’s degree was inaugurated in 1938. Chicago State University was the first college in the state of Illinois devoted exclusively to teacher training that offered a graduate degree program. The program enabled college graduates with little or no previous work in education to obtain the professional preparation needed to teach in the elementary schools. A second graduate curriculum for teachers in service who needed specialized or advanced training in industrial education was introduced in 1941. World War II created conditions that prevented classes in this program to continue, and they were discontinued in 1943. In 1950, the college again enrolled a group of graduate students with little or no background in education or teaching experience. These students pursued an intensive program designed to prepare them as kindergarten teachers. Those completing the prescribed course of study and satisfying the requirements of passing a comprehensive examination and writing a thesis received a master’s degree.
Graduate programs were reestablished in areas where there was a need in the school system, particularly in specialized fields, such as industrial education, library science, and biological sciences. In 1962, the Master of Arts in Teaching degree was established in English, geography, history and mathematics. By 1965, these evolved to the Master of Arts degrees. Other master's degree programs have been added over the years.
In 2005 and 2008, the university enrolled the first students in the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership Doctoral, and Ph..D. in Pharmacy, respectively. Today, graduate education at Chicago State University brings together a community of scholars with a common interest in creative expression, research and advanced study.
Organization and Administration of the Graduate School
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies at CSU is the vehicle for organizing, facilitating, and coordinating all graduate education throughout the university. The affairs of the Graduate School are administered by a graduate dean, with the advice and consultation of a Graduate Council.
The Dean of the Graduate School reports directly to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. The dean also meets with the graduate council and is responsible for administration of both graduate instruction and research in ways that allow for the continual improvement of graduate education, including encouraging faculty research and assisting them in seeking support for research. Again in consultation with the graduate council, the dean provides oversight of academic programs that includes admission of graduate students, matriculation, financial aid, and academic progress until graduation, in consultation with the graduate faculty of departments and programs. The dean has final responsibility for approving admission for such matters as variations to candidacy, questions of supervision, academic progress and submission and examination of theses. The graduate faculty and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies office staff are always accessible to students and are available in person and through technological channels.
Mission of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies supports the university’s mission by maintaining an environment that promotes learning and research opportunities for faculty and post baccalaureate students.
The Graduate Faculty
There is an expectation that faculty and student scholarship at the graduate level should be relevant to the world of professional practice, and that applied research is the natural outcome of such efforts. Faculty engaged in graduate education are productive and creative teachers who serve as role models and mentors for students. They direct graduate research and encourage graduate students to become involved in research that culminates in publication in professional journals. Additionally, graduate faculties develop and evaluate comprehensive and qualifying examinations and serve on graduate student committees (thesis, program and/or dissertations) as members and chairpersons.
The graduate faculty at Chicago State University is those members of the teaching and research faculty who have been so designated by the Graduate and Professional Studies Council, on recommendation of the academic departments, acting on appropriate nominations. Graduate faculties are encouraged to show evidence of scholarly activity and undergo periodic review of their graduate faculty appointments.
The Graduate and Professional Studies Council
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies achieves its mission of providing quality graduate and professional studies programs within a system of shared governance through the Graduate Council. The Dean of the Graduate School chairs the Graduate and Professional Studies Council. The Council is composed of a representative from each graduate and professional program plus seven ex-officio members (the Dean of Education, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dean of Health Sciences, Division of Continuing Education, Dean of Pharmacy, and a representative from the provost’s office and the registrar’s office). The Graduate Council provides oversight authority of graduate and professional programs by recommending and reviewing academic policies, programs, and services of the Graduate and Professional School. The Graduate Council is also responsible for standards of admission, retention and graduation, curriculum issues in graduate and professional programs, interdisciplinary program development, approval of new graduate courses and programs, and matters of educational policy related to graduate education. Standing committees include: Policy and Standards, Graduate and Professional Studies Faculty Credentials, Recruitment and Admissions, Student Appeals and Petitions, Graduate and Professional Colloquia Committee, and the Thesis/Dissertation Completion Fellowship Committee.
Graduate and Professional students may petition the council for exceptions to the policies. The council has the authority for granting exceptions. The Graduate and Professional Studies Council Appeal Forms can be obtained within the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Normally, appeals are first handled at the departmental and/or college level. Further appeal may be made to the dean of the respective academic college, the Graduate and Professional Studies Council, and ultimately the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Mission of the Graduate School
The school of Graduate and Professional Studies supports the university’s mission through providing high quality teaching and by maintaining an environment that promotes learning and research opportunities for faculty and post baccalaureate students.
In practice this means:
- Advancing the development of the school with regard to students’ interests and needed experiences;
- Serving as a focal point for the development of new initiatives that benefit the university’s short and long term goals for graduate level programs and services;
- Providing the administrative process for maintaining appropriate standards and compliance with established policies for graduate programs;
- Promoting a research-based learning environment that provides experiences and knowledge for developing critical analysis skills needed for graduate students; and
- Ensuring that graduate students have a voice in the governance of graduate education at the university. Note: Establishment of graduate students “Think Tank” and a graduate student council (that function in an advisory capacity to the Graduate Council).
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