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Welcome to the Fall 2026 semester, Jaguars!

University Park, IL,

August

2026

| 14:14 PM America/Chicago

Greetings, Jaguars!

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Governors State University and the start of the 2026–27 academic year. Whether you are …

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The Prairie Party at theNate celebrates art, nature and community

September

2026

| 15:52 PM America/Chicago

The annual Prairie Party at theNate (formerly the Sculpture Wine and Dine) at Governors State University’s (GovState) Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park (theNate) highlighted everything …

Convocation 2026: This is your university, Jaguars

September

2026

| 12:06 PM America/Chicago

Offering some reassuring words as she welcomed new and returning students to campus, Governors State University (GovState) President Joyce C. Ester officially kicked off the 2026-27 academic year at Convocation 2026.

Something for everyone: The Center for Performing Arts launches 2026–27 season right on campus

September

2026

| 15:27 PM America/Chicago

Governors State University (GovState) students, faculty, staff, and alumni do not have to travel far to experience live music, theatre, dance, family programming, and more this year.

Newsroom Governors State University

Welcome to the Fall 2026 semester, Jaguars!

Latest News

The Prairie Party at theNate celebrates art, nature and community

Convocation 2026: This is your university, Jaguars

Something for everyone: The Center for Performing Arts launches 2026–27 season right on campus

Press Releases

Grammy-Winning hip-hop pioneers Arrested Development come to Governors State University November 7

Level Up Your Teaching: GovState Brings Game-Changing Online Teaching Certificate to the University Center of Lake County!

GovState reports an increase in new students, driven by graduate and transfer enrollment

GovState Receives 2026 Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Award

The Visual Arts Gallery presents: Robert Burnier: Blind Histories

GovState faculty recognized with awards ahead of fall 2026 semester

Jaguar 5K brings music, movement and community to Governors State University

Governors State University updates Master of Public Administration Program

Annual Fall Vendor and Craft Fair returns to GovState

Governors State University Foundation Board welcomes directors with finance and technology expertise

Streamlined, High-Impact, and More Flexible: Governors State University Unveils the New Master of Arts in Communication

GovState Expands Greer Scholars with New Nursing Cohort for Fall 2026

Tenure granted to eight Governors State University faculty for 2026

Jaguars Jump and run: GovState students earn medals in Special Olympics

Save the date for The Prairie Party at theNate

Governors State to showcase new soccer complex April 24

Annual Chicago Southland International Film Festival Set for April 9 to 11

Governors State to host documentary for service learning in Ghana

Governors State launches app for university media distribution

Governors State President Joyce C. Ester featured on Phoenix Historical Wall

Southern Illinois University awards former GovState President Cheryl Green posthumously for distinguished service

Learning Without Limits: GovState releases 2025 Annual Report

Governors State University President Ester to be Installed Nov. 14

GovState announces the Earthrise Scholarship

Governors State University celebrates freshman enrollment increases, retention

GovState, Southland Care Coordination Partners announce Jennifer Artis Scholarship

Wellness Week 2025: Habits to support overall wellness

Master of Public Administration orientation promotes career development and networking

Governors State University named Best in Chicago's Southland

GovState's theNate celebrates landmark conservation of Field Rotation

GovState to host events to build community among veterans

NBA Legend Tim Hardaway to be inducted in Illinois Black Hall of Fame June 7

GovState’s free outdoor summer concert series, Groovin’ at GovState, launches June 26

Dr. Joyce Ester named Governors State's seventh president

Illinois Black Hall of Fame Gala set for June 7 at Governors State

Chicago Defender legacy to graduate from Governors State University

Governors State partners with Joliet Junior College for clean energy job program

Chicago Southland International Film Festival at Park Forest Public Library featuring new short films.

Feb. 7 retirement celebration for Dr. Cheryl F. Green

GovState's Vickii Coffey examines health care among incarcerated Americans

GovState's Craig Schmidt elected to national board

Justice Corner Series continues with Prof Jack Norton

Governors State University and Illinois State Police Create Educational Partnership

Justice Corner series launches with Vince Jones

GovState’s Fifth Annual Jaguar 5K!

Essentials of Estate Planning Workshop planned for August 31

Essentials of Estate Planning Workshop planned for July 20 at Governors State University

Bartolomucci Behavioral Health Clinic opens at Governors State June 27

Online Teaching & Learning Certificate virtual information session set for July 13

Banded tuition plan offers 15 credits for price of 12 at Governors State

College of Arts and Sciences

Networking and professional development with the Master of Public Administration semi-annual event

Bringing pride to the Windy City Thunderbolts baseball game fundraiser

Like a moth to a flame: Studying reproduction at a molecular level

College of Business

Accounting professor Chevonne Alston appointed to Illinois Board of Examiners

Teaching the 'language of business': Chevonne Alston

Jaylon Garner: Making connections that motivate

College of Education and Human Development

Psychology bachelor’s degree program adds new sport, exercise & performance concentration

Marlon Cummings appointed to educator preparation program board

Rebecca Fassbender: Finding her way to help others

College of Health and Human Services

Making wellness a part of everyday life: Health and Wellness Fair and Expo

Occupational therapy department recognized with You Make a Difference Award

Karen Muhammad: Finding fulfillment helping others

School of Extended Learning

Community Health Worker Apprenticeship Program developing next generation of healthcare professionals

Elevating careers in tech with Earthrise Energy Jaguar STARS Drone Training Program

Lifelong learning for retirees with The Knowledge Exchange program

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