text:
Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, 2016-17 Annual Report
Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Pictured with President Elaine P. Maimon and Provost Deborah Bordelon, 34 students attended the first campus wide Para-Professional Training Day. Participating student leaders serve as Residential Assistants, Admission Ambassadors, ROAR Orientation Leaders, Peer Mentors, Dual Degree Program Transition Assistants, and Peer Success Coaches from the Center for Junior Year. The training included workshops covering current topics such as: diversity and inclusion, student success, case studies, campus resources, Title IX training, public speaking, and conflict resolution.
Annual Report 2016–17
Welcome to our 2016–17 annual report. 2016–17 was a year defined by many accomplishments despite challenges resulting from an ongoing state-wide budget impasse. In our third year as a comprehensive institution, GSU enrolled 5,818 students, a slight decrease of 2% from 2015–16. We welcomed 218 students to our third freshmen class, retained 124 sophomores (53.2%) and maintained full capacity in Prairie Place – 278 students – for the second consecutive year. Indeed, the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management has made significant progress towards its mission and vision in 2016–17. Among our points of pride, we: authored the institution's first Strategic Enrollment Plan; implemented a new document imaging platform to expedite admissions workflow; launched an online early alert platform and a new financial aid self-service module; and opened new facilities, including the Meditation and Interfaith Room, Student Health and Counseling Center, and the Student Success Commons.
Aurélio Manuel Valente, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Campus Location: C1310 Email: deanofstudents@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/studentaffairs /GSUDean
@GSUDean
Programmatically, Student Life has expanded services through the Male Success Initiative with support from our second Kresge Grant; 200 students have participated in our portfolio of structured leadership initiatives, up 22.5% from 2015–16; and Athletics showcased its first student-athlete to qualify for a national championship, competing in the NAIA Women's Cross Country National Championships. Beyond these highlights, this report marks progress on year two of our five-year strategic plan, entitled Reaching Vision 2020, and provides information about the breadth of programs and services sponsored by our team of dedicated and talented student affairs educators and enrollment management professionals. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or comments about this report, or if you are interested in partnering with Student Affairs in creating or expanding programs and services for the Governors State University community. Sincerely,
Dr. Aurélio Manuel Valente Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
MISSION, VISION, AND LEARNING OUTCOMES Student Affairs and Enrollment Management | Mission Statement The mission of the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management is to provide a seamless and supportive pathway from prospective student to alumni focused on personal and academic success and ensure that students are career ready and positioned to be leaders and active citizens in the community.
Student Affairs and Enrollment Management | Vision Statement At a transformative time for Governors State University, the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management will be recognized as a vital contributor in creating an inclusive, supportive, and engaged campus community focused on student success.
Student Affairs and Enrollment Management | Learning Outcomes The Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management aspires to deliver an innovative, comprehensive and integrated student life curriculum that promotes self-efficacy and determination, personal and professional success, multicultural competence, leadership development, and civic engagement. Students who actively participate in Student Affairs programs and services will achieve: • Self-Efficacy and Determination by constructing an understanding of self and a commitment to personal responsibility, integrity, and wellness that guides their decisions and actions. • Personal and Professional Success by learning and applying knowledge and transferable skills to achieve personal aspirations and professional and career growth. • Multicultural Competence by thriving within diverse perspectives, experiences, and environments, and building their capacity for being an advocate for equity and social justice. • Leadership and Civic Engagement by deploying their knowledge and talents to improve their communities, both as individuals and by mobilizing others towards positive sustainable change.
Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Annual Report 2016–17
Mission, Vision and Learning Outcomes Reaching Vision 2020 Academic Resource Center Admissions and Recruiting Athletics and Recreation Auxiliary Services and University Housing Career Services Counseling Center Diversity Education and Leadership Development Dual Degree Program Financial Aid and Registrar New Student Programs Student Involvement and Civic Engagement Student Affairs and Enrollment Mgmt Directory
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
REACHING VISION
Contributing to the GSU Strategic Plan Dual Degree and Transfer Student Programs: Over 90% of the DDP students who have completed their Associate Degree and enrolled at GSU have graduated, transferred, or are still enrolled and pursuing their degrees.
Our Reaching Vision 2020 plan demonstrates how the division contributes directly to GSU's Strategic Plan while also articulating the unique strategic opportunities within the division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Articulating that contribution through our Reaching Vision 2020 strategic planning process, particularly in the midst of such challenging times in higher education, is critical to ensuring we serve our students and our community by fulfilling our mission.
First and Second Year Programs: Through focused efforts of both Cohort Advisors and the Student Success Teams, first-year students who were admitted to both Smart Start Math and English achieved good academic standing in both fall and spring semesters. Moreover, the fall GPA of at-risk first-year students rose 18.6% from the 2015–16 academic year.
2016–17 marks year two of our five-year strategic plan. While this annual report highlights some notable accomplishments, a full dashboard of progress towards focus area goals can be reviewed at: www.govst.edu/ reachingvision2020/.
Student Success: We fully implemented Starfish, an online communication and early alert system that connects students with faculty, advisors, and resources by scheduling appointments and raising flags to address their needs. In its initial year, 2,180 flags were raised in the system in addition to 1,532 midterm alert flags. Of the 218 first-year students in the system, 199 (92%) received some form of contact through Starfish (including flags, kudos, to-do lists, appointments, or referrals), or "raised their hand" for assistance.
Selected highlights towards our Strategic Planning objectives Athletics and Recreational Activities: GSU studentathletes finished the 2016–17 school year with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.01. A total of 36 student-athletes qualified for the GSU Athletics Honor Roll during the 2016 Fall Term, compiling GPAs above 3.00. For the 2017 Spring Term, 34 student-athletes were honored. GSU student-athletes also accumulated 17 terms of perfect 4.0 work. Career Development and Graduate Student Programming: Career Services launched a career preparation and liberal education program, supported by a $100,000 grant from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. This program has allowed us to increase our number of on-campus student employment experiences by ten, including a summer internship program for students in the arts, humanities, and social science areas. Additionally, we have added a series of workshops for all student employees that focus on strength development, identifying and maximizing transitional skills, and overall professional development.
ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER The Academic Resource Center (ARC) strives to promote the personal growth of students and to enrich their academic experience. The ARC provides support for students in academic recovery, GSU STAR assistance for Starfish users, Access Services for Students with Disabilities, tutoring, and Writing Center services. The ARC continues to grow with the implementation of new programs and early alert initiatives aligned with the Reaching Vision 2020 Goals. These new initiatives have sparked growth in services and student utilization in the Writing Center and ARC tutoring services.
Tutoring is available in the Academic Resource Center, where student success is their number one priority!
Contact Information: Campus Location: B1215 Phone: 708.534.4090 Fax: 708.235.3961 Email: arc@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/arc
• The Writing Center recorded 2,385 student contacts with 989 face-to-face appointments, 756 Growl contacts, 120 Library Contacts. Writing consultants served 142 students through workshops and 18 walkin requests. The Writing Center provided sophomore tutors in the Library, Prairie Place writing assistance with weeknight and weekend hours, and seminars.
Department Highlights: • The ARC continues to see success in submission of midterm grades. In Fall 2016, 2400 students received midterm grades with a total of 4,351 grades submitted, a 28.9% increase in grade submission compared to Fall 2015. In Spring 2017, 2,240 received midterm grades with a total of 3,702 grades submitted, resulting in a 15% increase in grade submission compared to Spring 2016. Intervention efforts following midterm grades proved equally successful with 42% of students earning a "D" or "F" midterm grade received a final grade of "C" or better.
• A total of 187 students participated in ARC tutoring with a total of 841 contacts in math, science, statistics, and business. As part of ARC's Vision 2020 Goals, Supplemental Instruction (SI) extended services to support both lower and upper division students. The ARC provided SI assistance in ten Math, Science, and Statistic courses. During the 2016-2017 academic year, the ARC supported 573 SI visits. • On September 19, 2016 the Starfish Implementation Team launched GSU STAR, an online communication and early alert system. GSU STAR allows students to connect with faculty, advisors, and resources by scheduling appointments and raising flags to address their needs. Faculty and staff utilized the system to monitor students' progress and address student concerns. During AY 16-17, 2,180 flags were raised in the system and 1,028 flags were cleared. 1,532 midterm alert flags were raised and 745 of those flags were cleared. In addition, 322 kudos were sent to students to give recognition for their achievements and good work.
• Two programs, Lower Division Academic Recovery Program (LDARP) and the Back on Track Program (BOT) continue to assist students in academic recovery. On average the BOT program has an 89% completion rate for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017. During Fall 2016, 5/16 (31%) and in Spring 2017, 27/52 (52%) of lower division students placed on academic probation participated in the Lower Division Academic Recovery Program. As a result, 11/52 (21%) of LDARP students returned to "Good Standing" and 27/52 (52%) of LDARP students persisted to "Academic Probation Extended" with the majority of students increasing their cumulative GPA. 5 5
ADMISSIONS AND RECRUITING The Office of Admissions offers assistance to prospective students and applicants during the selection and admission process. The office provides admission counseling appointments, campus tours, group presentations, and a number of recruitment events to showcase our university to students and their families. Our team works with various departments throughout the university to provide the best experience possible to future Jaguars.
Participants at the Signing Day and Scholars Recognition for the White House Reach Higher campaign.
In addition to outreach and recruiting, a team of admission representatives work hard to provide timely admission decisions to applicants and an admission processing team manages the intake of all application materials, document scanning, and evaluation of admission applications. During the 2016-17 academic year, the Admission Processing Team entered 6,444 new applications into the Colleague system, and issued 2,548 admission decisions (both admitted and denied), representing a 40% admission application completion rate.
• Along with the Lexmark implementation, we were also able to create a workflow that automates the Colleague process to move completed files from applied to complete without manual intervention, and move files to review sooner. • Admissions hosted our 2nd Signing Day and Scholars Recognition event on May 1. Nearly 90 new students and their family members celebrated their decision to attend GSU in the Fall 2017 Semester. Presidential Scholarship recipients were recognized as well.
Contact Information: Campus Location: D1400 Phone: 708.534.4490 Fax: 708.235.7455 Email: admissions@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/admissions
• Transfer Thursdays continue to be successful GSU admission program. This year we had 347 students register to attend a Transfer Thursday event. Of the 347, 192 attended and 152 students (43% yield) were approved for admission (a 5% increase from 2015-16).
Department Highlights: • We are excited to have implemented our new document imaging system this year! As a result of our external review in January 2016, which suggested that we streamline our admissions process and integrate our software systems, Lexmark was installed to replace our Singularity system. Lexmark integrates with both CRM Recruit and the Colleague ERP system, and allows the admissions team to digitize files sooner in the application process. The Lexmark system also provides a more automated process for the entry of transfer credit for undergraduate students. The Lexmark system reduces the time needed to process an admission application and render an admission decision to our students.
• Campus visits and tours continued to leave a positive impression on our prospective students and their families; 43 high school and college group visits (a decrease of 1.4% from 2015-16) for a total of 1382 prospective students visiting our campus and touring the university with the Office of Admissions (a 9% increase from 2015-16). • The Recruiting and Outreach team continues to grow our prospects by representing GSU in the High Schools and Community Colleges of Illinois and Indiana. This year we generated 6,344 prospects through all of our outreach efforts, from which 3,422 submitted an application (54%).
ATHLETICS AND RECREATION The Department of Athletics and Recreation encompasses seven varsity athletic programs (men's and women's basketball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's cross country, and women's volleyball) as well as clubs for bowling, cricket, table tennis, and softball. The Athletic and Recreation Center is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members, and its facilities include an Olympic style pool, racquetball court, fitness room, and gymnasium, offering the tools necessary to reach total body wellness goals. In addition, the atrium game room includes an X-Box station, billiards table, table tennis, and foosball table in addition to plenty of lounge space to relax. The Center's support team is committed to improving the quality of life and fitness for all participants.
Women's golf finished with the highest GPA among GSU's seven sport teams.
Championships. She also became the school's first All-CCAC selection.
In addition to students visits, 542 alumni and community members also utilized our facilities, for a total of 42,498 visits to the Athletics and Recreation Center during the 2016–17 academic year.
• Freshman Amber Brooks led the country in offensive rebounding, recording 13 double-doubles.
Contact Information: Campus Location: A1106 Phone: 708.534.4556 Fax: 708.534.8955 Email: athletics@govst.edu Web: www.GSUJaguars.com
• Men's basketball defeated fifth-ranked St. Francis by 18 points, and recorded a 139-132 victory over Asbury in the highest scoring game in the NAIA. • Men's golf registered their first victory in program history. • Women's volleyball recorded the most regular season wins (12) of any GSU athletic team.
Departmental Highlights: • Of the 42,498 visits to the Athletics and Recreation Center, 24,025 (45%) were to the fitness room, 17,716 (33%) were to the swimming pool, 10,127 (19%) were to the gymnasium, , and 2,054 (3%) were to the racquetball court. Additionally, the game lounge logged 1,034 visits, and 454 students participated in fitness classes.
• Women's golf was recognized with an Academic National Championship by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA). • The men's and women's cross country teams scored in all six regular season meets. • Six student-athletes earned NAIA-Daktronics Scholar-Athlete honors.
• $65,400 of revenue was generate during the 2016–17 academic year from membership fees and rentals of the Athletics and Recreation Center facilities. $2,690 of revenue was generated during the 2016–17 academic year from athletic events.
• GSU student-athletes finished the 2016–17 school year with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.01. A total of 36 student-athletes qualified for the GSU Athletics Honor Roll during the 2016 Fall Term, compiling GPAs above 3.00. For the 2017 Spring Term, 34 student-athletes were honored. GSU student-athletes also accumulated 17 terms of perfect 4.0 work.
Athletics Year-in-Review: • Stephanie Clarkson became the first GSU studentathlete to qualify for a national championship, taking part in the NAIA Women's Cross Country National 7 7
AUXILIARY SERVICES & UNIVERSITY HOUSING Auxiliary Services & University Housing (ASUH) provides support and high quality services to the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests of the Governors State University community. Our primary goal is to support the educational mission of the university and enhance the quality of the student experience. We strive to provide superior services for the best interests of students and the broader university community. ASUH is responsible for the programs and services associated with University Housing, the GSU Bookstore, Campus Dining, Catering & Vending, and myONECARD.
Prairie Place Hall Council Executive Board members.
as conference coordinators, to business meetings, retreats, and the annual conference. Auxiliary Services:
Contact Information: Campus Location: C1330 Phone: 708.235.7110 Email: housing@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/housing www.govst.edu/dining www.govst.edu/bookstore www.govst.edu/myONECARD
• Arena Food Services, Inc. implemented an action plan in 2016–17 that was based on feedback received from a satisfaction survey sent to faculty, staff, and students in the spring 2016 semester. The action plan resulted in an increase in customer satisfaction on 22 of 23 satisfaction points in the café and on all 11 satisfaction points in the c-store. • The Make the $0.25 Difference Campaign implemented in the café in July 2016 generated $689.50 for the GSU Food Pantry through April 30, 2017. Arena Food Services is also providing the GSU Food Pantry with fresh fruits and vegetables at wholesale cost from their vendor for the Operation Healthy program whereby fresh fruit and vegetables are distributed to persons in need on a monthly basis.
Departmental Highlights: University Housing: • A Quality of Life survey was administered to the students living in Prairie Place in the 2017 spring semester. Fifty-six students (21.62%) responded to the survey. This survey provided us with an opportunity to evaluate satisfaction data trends comparing 2015–16 to 2016–17. On the 48 specific questions, thirty showed an increase in aggregate satisfaction; 15 showed a slight decrease in satisfaction and 3 were at a satisfaction level consistent with 2015–16 survey results. The survey data will be used to inform the development of Strategic Goals & Objectives for 2017–18.
• FA Link participation continued to grow in 2016–17. Over $720,524 of financial aid monies was used in the GSU Bookstore in 2016–17. This is an increase of $99,409.74 (16%) over the same time period in 2015–16. A significant portion of the increase can be attributed to the university's decision to permit students to use their financial aid monies to purchase computers in the Bookstore. Eightysix computers with an average transaction cost of $504.24 were purchased by students in 2016–17.
• Seven Prairie Place Hall Council Executive Board members and advisors attended the Illinois Residence Hall Association (IRHA) conference at Eastern Illinois University in February. IRHA is the statewide organization composed of different Residence Hall Associations (RHA) and National Residence Hall Honorary Chapters (NRHH) from Illinois. Throughout the year, each university affiliated with IRHA sends representatives, known
• In the 2016–17 academic year, 2,233 myONECARDs were issued. Revenue that passed through the myONECARD program totaled $143,059.99. In addition, more than $244,000 in meal plan monies was loaded onto student's myONECARDs in 2016–17. 8 8
CAREER SERVICES The Office of Career Services provides a wide range of services available to both currently enrolled students and alumni. Services include individual career counseling sessions, assistance with resume and cover letter preparation, job and internship search strategies, interviewing skills, career exploration, and much more. In addition, Career Services coordinates job search skills workshops, customized workshops, and career and internship fairs. In total, Career Services served 1,276 individual client visits, which included individual counseling sessions, open hour visits, and walk-ins. Career Services also sponsored and/or participated in 107 programs and events at which 2,315 students, faculty, staff, corporate partners, and community members attended. Contact Information: Campus Location: Student Success Commons B1215 Phone: 708.235.3974 Fax: 708.534.1173 Email: career@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/careerservices
"I was very lucky to be able to apply at the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness through the Career Preparation Grant. I was even luckier to receive a job offer. Accepting this job offer has been one of the best decisions I have made in my academic career. My responsibilities differ dayto-day depending on what sort of project my office is doing at the moment, but being able to help contribute valuable data to the university is very exciting. One of my projects has been developing social media and infographics for my office to help increase student engagement in important projects like surveys of focus groups that is helping me learn skills for my future career in advertising. I am also learning very important skills such as networking, communication, and teamwork, and since I started working on campus, I have noticed an increase in my GPA and time management ability. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity and am looking forward to returning to the program next year."
Departmental Highlights: • Individual counseling sessions constitute a significant portion of the personal outreach by the career counseling staff. In total, 669 individual clients were served in private counseling sessions. Of the 669 clients; 579 (87%) were students, 49 (7%) were alumni members, 27 (4%) were members of the community, and 14 (2%) were employers.
– Isabella Hollingsworth: Career Preparation Grant Student Employee
• New in 2016, Career Services launched the integrating career preparation and liberal education grant. This program has allowed us to increase of number of on-campus student employment experiences by ten, including a summer internship program for students in the arts, humanities, and social science areas. Additionally, we have added a series of workshops for all student employees that focused on strength development, identifying and maximizing transitional skills, and overall professional development.
• Career, Internship, and Networking Fairs are the most visible programmatic efforts sponsored by Career Services. They served 758 job seekers and hosted 102 employers during the 2016–17 academic year. In total, three fairs were sponsored; the Student Employment Fair, the Health and Human Services Career and Internship Fair, and the Spring Career and Internship Fair.
COUNSELING CENTER The Counseling Center provides individual, group, and couples counseling services for GSU students. The mental health needs of the GSU community are also met through outreach programming for students, faculty, and staff on a variety of mental health issues. Contact Information: Campus Location: A1120 Phone: 708.235.7334 Fax: 708.235.3961 Email: studentcounseling@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/counselingcenter Departmental Highlights: • The Student Counseling Center relocated to a redesigned space (A1120) at the end of January 2017 in order to collaborate with the university's anticipated first health services operation.
Title IX Update: The Advocating for Sexual Assault Prevention (ASAP) Team met throughout the 2016–17 year, planning and sponsoring various outreach events and working with the YWCA to train students on prevention work. In August 2016, more than 45 student leaders (Student Senators, Peer Mentors, Resident Assistants, Graduate Assistants, and Tutoring Assistants) were trained by the YWCA on the appropriate course of action if a student self-disclosed regarding sexual violence. The outreach ranged from displaying various prevention logos, survivor t-shirts, posters, etc. in the B-wing glass display case (twice) to three educational events in Prairie Place, two during the Fall 2016 semester and one in the Spring. The Fifth Annual Clothesline Project occurred on April 27, 2017 in the Hall of Governors. Over 100 survivor t-shirts were on display and YWCA staff were present to help GSU students create a t-shirt. It is estimated that more than 500 students and staff were exposed to some type of sexual violence prevention material over the course of the 2016–17 academic year. For more information, visit www.govst.edu/asap.
• The GSU Student Counseling Center provides individual, group, and couples counseling for all GSU students. The mental health educational needs of the GSU community are also met through outreach event programs that may be requested by students, faculty, and/or staff on a variety of mental health issues. • During the 2016–17 year, there were 1,990 student appointments. Twenty-three outreach events were also held, with approximately 520 students in attendance. The annual National Depression Screening day held in October yielded 85 in-person screenings; the total number of online screenings for 2016–17 were 332. Student Disability Services: For 2016–17, Access Services for Students with Disabilities had a total of 1,612 visits, 962 student contacts, 326 for testing accommodations, and 460 faculty collaborations and consultations.
DIVERSITY EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Diversity Education and Leadership Development includes Intercultural Student Affairs (ISA), which plays a critical role in helping to create an inclusive and welcoming campus community for all. Intercultural Student Affairs goals include: 1) develop campus-wide diversity awareness programs and social justice education efforts; 2) aid in the retention of underserved student populations; and 3) serve as a resource to culturally diverse student organizations. We offer learning opportunities that promote an environment that supports understanding and respect to aid in the holistic development of students. ISA is currently laying the foundation for programmatic thrusts to strengthen and expand intercultural learning and student enrichment efforts.
On April 27, at the Student Leadership Awards, MSI Coordinator Sean Smith recognized almost 30 males of color who were actively engaged in the MSI during the spring 2017 term. Many of the student participants were first-year students, and four had completed the Emerging Leaders Program earlier in the term.
• Hosted inaugural Brotherhood Retreat that yielded 20 participants. MSI served as a co-sponsor of the Bees for Jays Spelling Bee to increase literacy and reading comprehension for middle school male students of color. Hosted 12 workshops and 27 MSI participants.
Contact Information: Campus Location: A2128 Phone: 708.534.4551 Fax: 708.534.8955 Email: diversity@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/diversity
• Launched Be the Change as part of the Social Justice Educators Program, producing 17 student leaders.
Department Highlights: • Co-sponsored over 37 cultural awareness programs with student organizations and campus departments that yielded over 5,210 participants in total.
• Recognized with Preceptor Award from College of Health and Human Services for Internship Program developed for Community Health students in Student Life.
• Hosted the Inclusive Leadership Conference, SHERO Women's Leadership Symposium, and Men's Leadership Summit that yielded over 100 participants.
• As part of Campus Inclusion Team, developed Listening Wall. • Hosted three Safe Zone trainings in collaboration with Gender and Sexuality Studies Department that resulted in more than 65 faculty and staff being certified.
• Hosted MLK Celebration and Day of Service in collaboration with University Park Library and Southland Ministerial Alliance that yielded 217 participants. • Expanded interfaith programming efforts by hosting Campus Interfaith Prayer and opening of new Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Room. • Coordinated Respond to Violence and Resource Fair in collaboration with Digital Learning and Media Design which yielded 85 participants.
DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM The Dual Degree Program (DDP) is a unique partnership between GSU and 17 Chicagoland community colleges that provides full-time students who have earned between 12-45 college-level credit hours with an excellent pathway to earn quality, accessible, and affordable associate and bachelor's degrees. In addition, DDP provides transition services and programs to DDP students who choose to attend GSU. Community college students have nothing to lose and everything to gain by enrolling in this free program. In total, 380 students were newly enrolled in DDP this year. To date, 522 students have transferred to GSU through DDP. During 2016–17, a record number 88 DDP transfer students graduated from GSU. Contact Information Campus Location: A2128 Phone: 708.534.4494 Fax: 708.235.7455 Email: dualdegree@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/ddp
DDP Fall 2016 Induction Ceremony
• In collaboration with GSU's Department of Digital Learning and Media Design and Marketing & Communications, the DDP staff and Student Transition Assistants filmed three transfer vignettes, a "Welcome to DDP" montage, and seven individual student interviews for use on the DDP website and Online Induction module. The vignettes highlight three important steps in a student's transfer journey, the montage lists important reminders for maintaining eligibility in DDP, and the individual student interviews focus on the STA's experiences and successes while participating in the program.
Department Highlights: • More than 90% of the DDP students who have completed their associate degree and enrolled at GSU have graduated, transferred, or are still enrolled and pursuing their degrees. • The Fall 2016 semester welcomed a total of 85 new GSU transfers – DDP's largest GSU transfer cohort thus far!
• In February, the DDP staff presented on "Strategies for a Successful 2 to 4 Year Transition Program" at the 2017 Great Lakes Regional Student Success Conference in Detroit, MI. The presentation was a great success with approximately 25 attendees, garnering several inquiries from attendees for additional information and insight about the program.
• DDP students enrolled at GSU have an average GPA of 3.4. GSU Promise Scholarship recipients have an average GPA of 3.5. DDP Honors Scholarship recipients continue to have an average GPA of 3.9. • Between August 2016 and June 2017, the DDP Student Transition Assistants coordinated eight monthly community service projects. A total of 124 DDP student volunteers worked over 475 hours. Service projects ranged from packaging and distributing holiday food baskets to assisting with a 5K fundraising event benefiting Down Syndrome awareness.
• In partnership with Prairie State College (PSC) and the Male Success Initiative (MSI) committee, DDP awarded its first recipient with the PSC DDP-MSI scholarship!
FINANCIAL AID AND REGISTRAR The Office of Financial Aid is tasked with processing and awarding federal, state, and institutional aid to students based on eligibility. Further, it exists to assist students, faculty, staff, and prospective stakeholders in the understanding and management of financial aid awards and processes. In the 2016–17 academic year, the Office of Financial Aid processed nearly 6,000 student files and transmitted more than $52 million in funds from federal, state, institutional, and external sources. Below are the total amounts (fall and spring) for a few of the types of aid received by students to assist with college expenses. The mission of the Office of the Registrar is to provide exceptional student-centered service, delivered with integrity and care, to make life easier for the GSU community.
Federal SEOG
Federal Direct & PLUS Loans
State of IL MAP Grant
Ch33, MIA/POW, IVG, & ING
Institutional & Foundation Aid
External Scholarships/Sponsorships
Alternative Loans
Contact Information: Campus Location: C1300 Phone: 708.534.4500 Fax: 708.534.1640 Email: regoffice@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/registrar Department Highlights: • Supported Document Imaging (Lexmark) Implementation and worked with consultants in the design and creation of workflows and processes. The new system launched in April 2017.
Contact Information: Campus Location: D1415 Phone: 708.534.4480 Fax: 708.534.1172 Email: faid@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/finaid
• In December 2016, we worked with Information Technology Services to release the Self-Service graduation application. Some of the benefits realized include:  A more intuitive interface for students
Department Highlights:
 Students could indicate if they were going to walk at the May Commencement ceremony
• Implemented new financial aid self-service module located in the GSU portal. This allows students to see where they are in the financial aid process and what they need to do in order to receive financial aid.
 Students could update the diploma mailing address
• Continue to provide students with fast, reliable information so they can make important financial decisions about attending GSU.
• Built degree audits for graduate programs and certificates and began the initial review of the audits with key stakeholders in several programs.
NEW STUDENT PROGRAMS The Office of New Student Programs and Cohort Advising (NSP) provides academic preparation and support for lower division students from the point of enrollment until they transition to their chosen majors. Services provided to lower division students include academic advising, leadership development, major selection and academic pathway development. Campus-wide orientations for all incoming students (first-year, transfer, and graduate) are also coordinated by New Student Programs.
program/major informational and networking sessions according to their academic college. • After a national search, two NODA (Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education) interns were selected to enhance the orientation programs for summer 2017. Their main projects included revamping the ROAR Leader training as well as creating an extended orientation series that will be implemented fall 2017. • The third annual Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) immersed 13 lower division students in various activities that illustrated the different styles of leadership. Over the six-week program in spring 2017, these students strived to answer the question, "What type of leader do I want to be?" and created a leadership development plan for their years at GSU. Seventy-one percent of ELP evaluation respondents indicated that they would be more involved in leadership opportunities on campus after this experience.
Contact Information: Campus Location: A2120 Phone: 708.235.6819 Fax: 708.534.8955 Email: fye@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/fye Department Highlights: • With the support of their Cohort Advisors and the work of the Student Success Teams, first-year students who were admitted to both Smart Start Math and English achieved an overall average GPA of over 2.0 in both fall and spring semesters. Moreover, the fall to spring persistence of first-year students rose 6% from the 2015–16 academic year.
• In an effort to improve the new student experience for both first-year and transfer students, the sixth iteration of the "Six Week Survey" was distributed. This survey was sent to all first-year and transfer students who were admitted in fall 2016. Highlights of the results included:
• In collaboration with the entire GSU community, NSP coordinated six ROAR New Student Orientations for incoming first-year students and their families between July 2016 and June 2017. This included the first ever spring ROAR in January 2017. During these orientations, a total of 210 first-year students and 102 guests were welcomed to Jaguar Nation. Newly added orientation offerings included private meetings with financial aid advisors and staff, break-out financial aid/student accounts sessions in computer labs specifically for students then for families, and the ALEKS math placement assessment.

100% of first-year student respondents indicated that their Cohort Advisor was helpful, 79% indicated that GSU was "the right choice" for them, and 89% were satisfied with their class schedule.
96% of transfer student respondents indicated that they are satisfied with the level of instruction at GSU and 99% indicated that they would refer GSU to family/friends.
• The second annual Jaguar Jump program was expanded to a week-long series of programming for sophomores as they transitioned ("jumped") from General Studies to selecting majors in their chosen academic colleges. Program topics ranged from exploring their passions to the benefits of selecting a minor. Jaguar Jump attracted 166 students throughout the week. The week culminated with a program/major fair and an exclusive dinner for sophomores.
• In collaboration with the entire GSU community, NSP coordinated four orientations for incoming transfer and graduate students between July 2016 and June 2017. During these orientations, a total of 350 transfer students and 166 graduate students learned about campus resources and tips for success. Newly added targeted sessions were offered, including a Transfer Student Panel and Writing for Graduate Research Papers. Also, orientation attendees were invited to 14 14
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT The Office of Student Life Center develops initiatives to engage GSU students in meaningful co-curricular opportunities to promote retention and persistence toward graduation. This is achieved through intentional collaboration with academic affairs to create experiential learning opportunities that provides applied practical experience to enhance academic learning. Student Life is dedicated to preparing students to become responsible advocates and engaged citizens. 257 students were inducted into Tau Sigma National Honor Society – GSU is the largest chapter of the national honor society. Student Life sponsored 157 programs and events with a total attendance of 17,021 students, faculty, staff and community members. Student Life provided service to 27,293 students, faculty, staff, and community members. 79 active clubs and organizations and 8 new clubs were added to the roster this academic year. Clubs and organizations sponsored 194 campus events with attendance of 5,881 students, faculty, staff, and community members. 115 student leaders were nominated for awards presented at the annual Student Leadership Awards Ceremony. Student Senate registered 243 new voters in the GSU Rocks the Vote Campaign. The Phoenix Student Newspaper increased publication by 50%. 94% of students who participated in Alternative Spring Break indicated that they are more likely to participate in future service projects.
Student Presidents representing Black Student Union, Community Service Council, ICO, Prairie Place Hall Council, Tau Sigma Honor Society, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and Generating Hope share a few moments together as nominees for the Elaine P. Maimon Award at the Student Leadership Award Ceremony.
• The CEO Leadership Program enrolled 86% of the clubs and organizations' executive board members. In addition, Student Life offers pathways for students to connect and develop their leadership skills through participation in the program council, community service council, student senate, and internships. • Notable student leader accomplishments in FY17: Ameenah Rashid received the Dr. Elaine P. Maimon award for outstanding "President of an Organization"; Generating Hope was honored as the club of the year; the Student Affiliates of the School of Psychology received new club honors; and Briana Albert was awarded the "Civic Engagement Fellow". In addition, Samantha Allen was awarded the Lincoln Academy Lincoln Laureate award for 2017.
Contact Information: Campus Location: A2100 Phone: 708.235.7362 Fax: 708.534.8955 Email: slco@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/studentlife: Twitter: @GSUStudentLife Facebook: gsu4studentlife
• The Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service (CECSC) serves as a clearinghouse for students, faculty, and staff to create awareness and understanding of global issues and civic responsibility and creates a pathway for students' participation in community service. CECSC manages and maintains the GSU Food Pantry and assists GSU students with food insecurities through programs such as "Operation Healthy." Operation Healthy serviced more than 340 students. CECSC also collaborated with Chicago Survivors to certify students in Mental Health First Aid Training. GSU students facilitated 5,246 hours of community service, valued at $126,638.
Departmental Highlights: • The implementation of Jaguar Connection has enhanced engagement with clubs and organizations and departmental groups across the University. Subsequently, 96% of club and organizations users reported satisfaction in being able to easily access club information.
DEPARTMENT DIRECTORY AND CONTACT INFORMATION Student Affairs
Academic Resource Center Amy Comparon, Director of Academic Resource Center Location: B1215, Phone: 708.235.2864 Email: acomparon@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/ARC
Admissions Yakeea Daniels, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management and Director of Admission Location: D1409, Phone: 708.534.4510 Email: ydaniels@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/admissions
Athletics & Recreation Tony Bates, Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach Location: A1109, Phone: 708.235.7431 Dean Jennings, Program Director of Recreation and Fitness Location: A1108C, Phone: 708-534.4945 Email: athletics@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/athletics
Dual Degree Program Tiesha Walker, Director of Dual Degree Program Location: D2128, Phone: 708.235.7539 Email: twalker9@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/ddp Enrollment Management Dr. Randi Schneider, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Location: C1315, Phone: 708.235.6810 Email: rschneider@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/admissions
Auxiliary Services & University Housing Betsy Joseph, Director of Auxiliary Services & University Housing Location: C1330, Phone: 708.235.7110 Email: housing@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/housing
Financial Aid Dr. John Perry, Director of Financial Aid Location: D1418, Phone: 708.534.4483 Email: jperry@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/finaid
Career Services Darcie Campos, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Director of Career Services Location: B1207, Phone: 708.235.2198 Email: dcampos@govst.edu Web: http://www.govst.edu/careerservices
New Student Programs and Leadership Development Roshaunda Ross, Director of New Student Programs and Leadership Development Location: A2125, Phone: 708.235.6815 Email: rross3@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/NSP
Counseling Center Kelly McCarthy, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Director of the Counseling Center Location: A1120E, Phone: 708.235.3966 Email: kmcarthy@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/counselingcenter
Recruitment & Outreach Kristy Goodwin, Director of Recruitment & Outreach Location: D1412, Phone: 708.534.4493 Email: kgoodwin@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/admissions
Office of the Dean of Students Dr. AurĂŠlio Manuel Valente, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Location: C1310, Phone: 708.235.7595 Email: avalente@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/studentaffairs
Registrar Christopher Huang, Registrar Location: C1304, Phone: 708.534.4503 Email: chuang@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/registrar
Student Life Dr. Sheree Sanderson, Assistant Dean of Students Location: A2104, Phone: 708.534.4552 Email: ssanderson@govst.edu Web: www.govst.edu/studentlife
Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, 2016-17 Annual Report
Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Governors State University


text:
Q: How to use tesseract to detect multiple orientation text in same image?
In the above image, I am able to detect only the horizontal text. I am using command line tesseract. What parameter options can I use in the Command Line to detect both horizontal and vertical and maybe even 180 or 270 degree text. All in a single image? Is it possible to detect multiple oriented text in the same image automatically
It only detects Hello WORLD but detects some garbage letters for HI WORLD.90 degree  oriented text fails.

A: You have 2 different texts in your original image. I think you can solve the problem in successive steps:

*

*step 1: text detection
You have to select the 2 areas (rectangles) containing texts. This article shows how to do it with openCV: https://www.pyimagesearch.com/2018/08/20/opencv-text-detection-east-text-detector/

*step 2: text alignement/rotation
using openCV again, you can rotate the vertical text to become "HI WORLD"

*step 3: text detection
Submit the 2 resulting images to tesseract
See also:
https://www.pyimagesearch.com/2018/09/17/opencv-ocr-and-text-recognition-with-tesseract/

A: For two different text orientation. If your image is fixed ( all images contains very few words with combination of horizontal and vertical text). try to apply following steps:

*

*Pass this images to tesseract with psm 11/6 mode you will get horizontal image. pick only those word which has higher confidance.( if something is detected on vertical threshold it's confidance is very low.)

*Rotate the image by 90 degree and again pass to tesseract with same psm, you will get vertical text with higher accuracy.

*You can use height /width of boxes for further validation.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


In September 2017, Simone Dailey became Ironman 70.3 Age Group World Champion. The following weekend, she got married to Ollie. To top it all off, the next weekend she came to give a strength training demo at our VeloVixen Women's Cycling Hub.
Watch her performance for some fantastic routines to 'build a base, build a champion'. She's a machine, but a lovely machine whose career as a personal trainer ensures she's great at explaining and pushing you towards a physique and a performance like hers. And she was persuasive enough to get several members of the audience writhing around on the floor being put to the test!
This is just the start. We'll be featuring more videos of Simone in the months to come, to help you on your way to better strength and fitness for cycling - and so much more. For her latest glute training video, click here.


Festivals in Carolina Beach, NC. Music Festivals, Food Festivals.
A Festival organized by Island Arts and Culture Alliance.
This North Carolina Festival will have Fine Art and Crafts exhibitors, and no food booths. There will be 1 stage with Regional and Local talent and the hours will be Sat 10am-4pm.
A Music Festival organized by Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce.
This North Carolina Music Festival will have no exhibit booths and no food booths. There will be 1 stage with Regional talent and the hours will be Sat 10am-6pm. Admission tickets are $20 - $25.
A Food Festival organized by AKA Entertainment & Media, Llc..
This North Carolina Food Festival will have fine art, fine craft, crafts, flea market, commercial/retail, homegrown products, corp./information and antique/collectibles exhibitors, and 21 food booths. There will be 2 stages with National, Regional and Local talent and the hours will be Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 12pm-7pm. Admission tickets are $3 - $7. This event will also include kid's activities.


text:
Democrats say Trump administration used misinformation to attack U.S. diplomat
Jonathan Landay ,
By Jonathan Landay and Mark Hosenball
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats accused the Trump administration on Wednesday of using "propaganda and disinformation" to attack the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and demanded that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explain how the material circulated at top levels of his department.
The Democrats, who are pursuing an impeachment probe of President Donald Trump, leveled the charge after State Department Inspector General Steve Linick delivered a package of documents to a hastily called hour-long briefing with staff for eight congressional committees.
"We are now in possession of this packet of propaganda and disinformation," said Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin, the only lawmaker who joined committee staff members at the meeting. "The real question is where did it come from and how did it end up in our lap?"
Photographs of some of the documents, seen by Reuters, promoted unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about Marie Yovanovitch, the former U.S. envoy to Ukraine, who was removed from her post in May, months before she was due to leave, after Trump allies accused her of disloyalty.
Multiple meeting participants, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the materials arrived at the State Department this spring and that Linick passed them on to the FBI.
The materials were inside an envelope marked "White House" that contained folders labeled "Trump Hotel," said a statement issued by the Democratic chairmen of the House of Representatives intelligence, oversight and foreign relations committees.
The documents "reinforce concern that the president and his allies sought to use the machinery of the State Department to further the president's personal political interests," they said.
The meeting with Linick came as the Democratic-led U.S. House looks at whether Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate a Democratic political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, and his son, Hunter, who was a director of a Ukrainian energy firm.
Following a whistleblower complaint released last week, Democrats launched the impeachment inquiry focusing on a July 25 call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate Biden, a Trump rival in the president's race for re-election in 2020, and his son.
Pompeo said on Wednesday during a visit to Rome that he had listened in on Trump's call with Zelenskiy.
Photographs of documents delivered by Linick to Congress included what appeared to be a cover sheet addressed to Pompeo on White House stationery.
One document, whose source was not disclosed, described a discredited theory promoted by Trump allies that Yovanovitch was installed in her post by billionaire George Soros, a Democratic donor frequently attacked by far-right activists.
"Until she is removed Soros has as much, or more, power over Yovanovitch as the President and the Secretary of State," said the document.
Also in the packet was an email from John Solomon, a pro-Trump columnist for The Hill newspaper, to pro-Trump lawyers Victoria Toensing and Joe DiGenova, and Lev Parnas, a Soviet-born businessman who has been aiding Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.
The email contained a report by Solomon that the U.S. Embassy in Kiev pressed Ukrainian authorities to end an investigation into an anti-corruption group supported by Soros during the 2016 U.S. election.
The report also quoted a former Ukrainian prosecutor as saying Yovanovitch had given him a list of people, including Soros allies, who should not be prosecuted. The State Department has vehemently denied such a list existed.
Giuliani, who has called Parnas one of his clients, has been a leading promoter of the unsubstantiated allegation that Biden, while vice president, pressured Ukraine to fire a prosecutor investigating the company in which his son was a director.
The prosecutor has said the probe pre-dated Hunter Biden's role in the company.
Giuliani told CNN he was the source of some of the information that the inspector general turned over to Congress, the network reported. Giuliani said he sent the documents to Pompeo, who told Giuliani he would refer it for investigation, according to CNN.
Giuliani, the White House, State Department, Solomon, Toensing and DiGenova did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the materials provided by Linick appeared "to contain long-debunked theories and false statements about the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and one of President Trump's political opponents."
He demanded an explanation of Pompeo's role.
Before the meeting, congressional sources had told Reuters the session with Linick would focus on potential political retaliation against career State Department diplomats by the department's leadership.
(Reporting By Jonathan Landay, Patricia Zengerle and Mark Hosenball; additional reporting by Lisa Lambert; Editing by Bill Berkrot, David Gregorio, Tom Brown and Cynthia Osterman)
More: Reuters

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Browse & Shop our large selection of Rocky Balboa Accessories from most popular online stores as seen on April 20, 2019.
Rocky Balboa Accessories - The Best Selection Of Halloween Costumes, Accessories & Animatronics.
A review of the Jakks Pacific Rocky figures from Series 1 and some from the Best of Series 1. My figures are mint in box, so some accessories I couldn't show, but I will cover them anyway.
Don't satisfied with Rocky Balboa Accessories searching results or looking for more similar searches? Try to exlore these related searches: Halloween Ghost Projector, Caution Keep Out Tape, Asking Groomsmen Ideas.


text:
J.D. Martinez stays: Boston Red Sox DH opts in for final year of contract, will earn $19.35M in 2022
Published: Nov. 07, 2021, 12:41 p.m.
Red Sox's J.D. Martinez watches his three-run home run in the fifth inning against the Rays in Game 2 of the ALDS. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)AP
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
J.D. Martinez is staying with the Red Sox.
The designated hitter opted in to the final year of his contract instead of electing free agency. He will earn $19.35 million in 2022, then become eligible for free agency next offseason.
MLB Network's Jon Heyman was the first to report it.
He also had opt-outs after the 2019 and '20 seasons. But he decided to stay both years as well.
Martinez, who turned 34 on Aug. 21, batted .286 with a .349 on-base percentage, .518 slugging percentage, .867 OPS, 28 homers, 42 doubles, three triples, 92 runs and 99 RBIs in 148 games (634 plate appearances). His 42 doubles were tied for the major league lead.
In four seasons with Boston, Martinez has hit .297 with a .369 on-base percentage, .548 slugging percentage, .917 OPS, 114 home runs, 128 doubles, seven triples, 361 RBIs and 323 runs in 498 games (2,177 plate appearances).
He was an All-Star in 2018, 2019 and 2021. He helped Boston to a World Series title in 2018.
Former Boston Red Sox Joe Kelly becomes MLB free agent as Dodgers decline $12M option
Boston Red Sox claim outfielder Tim Locastro from Yankees
Kyle Schwarber declines Boston Red Sox $11.5M mutual option, becomes MLB free agent
Boston Red Sox contracts: Rafael Devers projected for $6.525M raise, Hunter Renfroe $4.5M raise in 2022
Boston Red Sox to promote Peter Fatse, Hampden native and Minnechaug High graduate, to hitting coach


text:
← Grub Street Strikes Out: A Look at THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
Reading XENA: The Dark Horse Series (#1-7) →
The Ten Best FRASIER Episodes of Season Four
Posted on January 23, 2018 by upperco
Welcome to a new Sitcom Tuesday and the continuation of our coverage on the best of Frasier (1994-2004, NBC), a Peacock Network staple during their '90s Renaissance and one of my favorite multi-cam classics! The entire series is available on DVD and streaming services.
Psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane lives with his father, an injured retired cop, while dispensing mental health advice on a Seattle radio show. Frasier stars KELSEY GRAMMER as Dr. Frasier Crane, DAVID HYDE PIERCE as Dr. Niles Crane, JOHN MAHONEY as Martin Crane, JANE LEEVES as Daphne Moon, and PERI GILPIN as Roz Doyle.
I am of two minds regarding Frasier's fourth season and how it stands in relation to its predecessor. But I can state with certainty that I find this year the more immediately gratifying — which is a fancy way of saying that I think Season Four is funnier than Three. In fact, I'd go so far as to announce that I generally enjoy this year more than last week's… however, I do so while also not entirely believing that it's an objectively better collection of episodes — especially on behalf of these characters. For starters — and on a generic note — it's simply easy to argue that the show's decline is consistent as we move further out from the Golden Age of Season Two, for each ensuing year represents an inevitable drift away from what the series was and how it operated during its height. That is, although some years after Two may seem more enjoyable than others (like, spoiler alert, Eleven vs. Ten), Frasier actually less resembles its peak-era identity the more it goes along — for many reasons: changes in character, era, staff, etc.… Speaking of staff, gone this year are second (and third) season staples Linda Morris & Vic Rauseo, along with Steven Levitan — who left to ready Just Shoot Me!. So, if the goal for any season is to be like Two (and that's obviously a too-simplistic metric, but you understand the rhetorical point), then there's no doubt that Three is more like Two than Four is… More specifically, though, I think the most unfavorable difference (and really, the only unfavorable difference) between Three and Four is a subtle downtick here in the (previously discussed) character-rooted tone. Now don't get me wrong; the show is still very driven by its regulars, and they're all well-defined, informing both the comedy and the stories with regularity. (And this is nothing as alarming as what we'll find, frankly, in, say, Ten, so keep it in perspective.) But, now we're starting to see more freedom in the show's comedic timbre — a loosening of its grip on the characters.
This makes sense; as any show progresses, the number of potential stories shrinks. The solution then is two-fold: evolve the regulars, to expand the narratives they can motivate (the preferable plan — we saw Frasier try this last year, albeit with only moderate success), and loosen their depictions, so there are fewer restrictions on the narratives they can motivate (the riskier strategy — we'll see more of it later). So, when we start to observe Frasier being freer in how it uses character for its definition, remember that this is common and only in response to the inevitabilities of series television… Nevertheless, you may be wondering: how does this slow tonal dilution, sparked by the loosening of character, manifest itself in Season Four? Well, as with most long-running series, the spectrum for what constitutes logical, relatable, and believable character-based happenings grows wider alongside the mounting demand for new plots. And for a series like Frasier, which was built in the logical, relatable, and believable character-based MTM tradition, sometimes it's hard to reconcile the stranger stories (ex: Niles getting a bird stuck on his head) with the "realism" that the show itself has already established. Here, we as viewers determine our own thresholds of permissibility. Personally, while (like Three) there's another slight increase in comedic beats that make me cringe, I'm not yet at a place where I think the series' broadening, the push towards extremes, is troublesome. In Four, the characters are still grounded, they're still well-defined, and they're still evolving believably — driving most of the ideas and informing the laughs. Also, the side effects of the show's general narrative and comedic ante-upping remain few. Therefore, I'm able to enjoy the laugh-filled superiority of Four without any legitimate concerns as to how it's getting there. And, as such, no "red line" is to be drawn after Three — that reckoning, for me, is still to come…
Meanwhile, I also personally enjoy Four because the former doesn't have to answer to the same mandated, tenuously motivated, and only partially successful crusade for story-based character growth that we saw last week. If you'll recall, I found some of the prior year's half-hearted "arcs" (like Frasier's romance with Kate) to be more plot-driven than they nobly intended to be, and thus, not so laudable in light of our ever-present preference for character-led comedy. Four, fortunately, is much less ambitious on this front, and I think may actually succeed in growing the players more because of it (all the while securing those bigger laughs, too). I've always maintained that although characters need story for exploration, less is more — and it's better to be a narrative minimalist than a maximist (that's not a word, but you get the idea), for it's easier to connect with a character's humanity when he or she — and not a story — is a show's driving force. (Frasier is generally pretty astute with its characters, primarily because of the tonal qualities discussed in our opening post — each script is practically drenched in its protagonist's voice — but some periods are better than others.) Yet, that's also not to say this season undervalues its stories. On the contrary; I'd argue that even as the players may evolve as much (or more) in Four than Three, the year supplants its growth objective with a comedic one, and while there are many great character moments here, a lot of memorable laughs are fueled from inherent Victories in Premise (ideas too good to pass up) — especially now that the series is embracing more of its farcical leanings (evident in classics like "The Two Mrs. Cranes" and "Ham Radio"). Now, farce may seem plot-dependent and unrooted in character on the surface, but I think this style of comedy — silly and frothy, but with a simultaneous sexual sophistication — is borne from the series' tone and implanted, again, from the established depiction of Frasier. This, then, is indeed character-driven — and worthy, when done this well, of celebration.
But Season Four doesn't shy away from romantic arcs and relationship-driven developments either. Even though Frasier himself doesn't get any semi-serialized love, the show continues to move slowly through the dissolution of Niles' marriage to Maris (and his accompanying feelings for Daphne, which I think hit their dramatic zenith in an entry discussed below), and also gives Martin a recurring — and hilarious — love interest in the form of Sherry (Marsha Mason), a rambunctious barmaid whose personality irks the stuffy Crane brothers. Sherry is a great addition to every script that can make legitimate use of her presence, for she connects directly to the show's original thesis: the unresolved tension between a father and son (now sons). You see, giving Martin a regular paramour — by itself — isn't a character-ripe notion. But giving him a regular love interest that allows the show to exploit humor and pathos from his relationships with the other members of the ensemble is wonderfully character-ripe, and Sherry symbolizes a victory for this year's team of talented scribes, which, incidentally, is bolstered by several one-year wonders, including Michael B. Kaplan (Herman's Head, Roseanne, Girlfriends), William Lucas Walker (Roseanne, Cybill, Will & Grace), and F.J. Pratt & Dan Cohen (Ellen, Less Than Perfect, Sullivan & Son). Alongside established gems like Lloyd, Keenan, Flett-Giordano & Ranberg, Martin, Greenberg, and contributing legend David Lloyd, this crew turns out many of the series' funniest moments. In fact, Four earned the company its fourth consecutive win as Outstanding Comedy. Based on the list below, I think this honor is well-deserved, for even with its own unique challenges — like Kelsey Grammer's battle with substance abuse, which held up production early in the year and forced Frasier out of an episode that had to be rewritten (not entirely successfully) for Niles — Frasier persevered without skipping more than that one beat… So, as usual, I have picked ten episodes that I think exemplify this season's strongest.
Here are my picks for the ten best episodes of Season Four. (They are in AIRING ORDER.)
01) Episode 73: "The Two Mrs. Cranes" (Aired: 09/17/96)
Daphne calls on Niles to play her husband when an old beau visits.
Written by Joe Keenan | Directed by David Lee
Another season, another classic farce credited to Joe Keenan (who, based on the scripts on which he has his name, seems to be adept at helming these types of grand and comedically premised outings). Boasting more laughs than almost any other episode here, this offering's comedy — predicated on ye olde "let's pretend to be married" shtick, which erupts into further chaos from there — is such that this was a very competitive MVE contender: one of the finest entries in Frasier's farcical genre and a terrific start to this more humorously poised season. What works so well? Well, aside from the high laugh quotient, every member of the ensemble is allowed to participate in-character within the action, while Niles' feelings for Daphne are effortlessly reinforced via the narrative without being overbearing or extraneous. It's a great reminder of what Frasier is and of what it's comedically capable. Among the series' funniest.
02) Episode 78: "Mixed Doubles" (Aired: 11/19/96)
Niles prepares to tell Daphne of his feelings for her.
Written by Christopher Lloyd | Directed by Jeff Melman
Above I mentioned that this season contains the dramatic zenith of Niles' long-simmering unrequited feelings for Daphne (note: his for her), and I say this in advance of the show's explicit attempt to revive the arc in Season Seven (the groundwork of which is laid in Six) to comment on the fact that the show put itself into a box by not having Niles act upon his feelings for her once Maris was no longer a major obstacle. Because, by this point in the run — especially after this excursion — when nothing materializes from this development, it's much harder to make the audience care about entries that engage with these themes, for they all seem nothing more than manipulative retreads of a beat that no longer has a narrative reason to be prolonged. I think this installment isn't hilarious — the story itself, with the doppelgänger, is a touch contrived and unoriginal — but it is emotionally potent for Niles, and it's the last time his Daphne drama can elevate a comedic middler (until the perspective shifts and she drives).
03) Episode 81: "Dad Loves Sherry, The Boys Just Whine" (Aired: 01/07/97)
The Crane brothers hate their father's new girlfriend.
Written by Joe Keenan | Directed by James Burrows
Marsha Mason makes her debut in this boisterously funny outing that quickly clears out the residue of last season's never-utilized romance for Martin (with Jane Kaczmarek) in order to give him a partner that's not only more comedic, but also a better launching pad for story that can capitalize upon his relationships with other members of the ensemble — particularly his sons. Now, I spent half a paragraph already extolling the virtues of this Sherry arc and what it does for the year, so to keep from being redundant, I simply want to point out that the episodes in which she gets to participate are well-written (comedically brilliant, focused on the main characters and their interactions). However, this isn't just a well-executed story decision on the page — it's a well-executed story decision on the stage, too, and this intelligent offering, which is unsurprisingly credited to Keenan and is positively dripping in the Frasier/Niles voice (thus ratcheting up the dramatic consequences of Sherry as the outsider), is another MVE almost.
04) Episode 84: "Death And The Dog" (Aired: 02/11/97)
Martin is worried when Eddie seems depressed.
Written by Suzanne Martin | Directed by James Burrows
This sneakily strong ensemble outing rarely makes anyone's list of the series' best. That's because there's so much competition, as Frasier is loaded with classics. (One of the reasons that I long ago decided to pick ten highlightable entries from seasons that only produced 22 or 24 is so that I could provide a "buffet" of enjoyment — something for everyone — including great excursions that often get overlooked. I put this installment in that latter category.) But this tightly plotted low-concept story, centered around a "main character" (Eddie), is what truly allows the episode to showcase the series' unusual proficiency with regard to character comedy, and with a design that allows all members of the ensemble to interact and be introspective together, this one has almost everything we want from Frasier. It's not an all-time classic, but it's a strong example of why this show was so good for so long: it routinely provided simple showcases for character. (Also, Zeljko Ivanek has a memorable turn here as Eddie's shrink.)
05) Episode 86: "To Kill A Talking Bird" (Aired: 02/25/97)
Niles throws a dinner party that's ruined by his new pet cockatoo.
Written by Jeffrey Richman | Directed by David Lee
On every list, there's always one contender that had to battle it out with some Honorable Mentions to secure the "coveted" tenth spot, and this week, it's this entry (credited to future staffer, Wings' Jeffrey Richman), which likely wants to reside on Frasier's esteemed roster of indelible farces, but goes a little too broad and isn't quite as character-rooted — and thus, keeps its figurative soufflé from rising as highly as it should. However, if it's not top-drawer in comparison to other gems, the script still manages to work in the appropriate number of laughs and with a premise that, while broader than perhaps Frasier's reputation would warrant, doesn't contort the players beyond the initial leap that the audience must make to accept some of its story-based charms. In this way, the outing is a symbol of changing times for Four at large: more laughs than Three, but some required liberties within the storytelling. Note, also, that Patricia Wettig and Rosemary Murphy guest, and David Lee won an Emmy for his direction.
06) Episode 89: "Roz's Turn" (Aired: 04/15/97)
Frasier inadvertently has Bebe kill Roz's chance for a promotion.
Written by Joe Keenan | Directed by Joyce Gittlin
Harriet Sansom Harris is back as Bebe Glazer, Frasier's wicked agent, in this funny episode that's (as expected) credited to the same scribe who drafted both of her prior appearances. Now, I can't claim that this go-round is as comedically charged or as narratively fresh as the Bebe installments that preceded this one, but I can point you towards a very amusing comedic centerpiece — broad and wacky, but still in-keeping with what we know of Bebe (and within the show's own theatrical comedic timbre: implanted by Frasier's characterization, of course). As is usually the case with teleplays credited to this particular scribe (Keenan), there's an abundance of laughs, and since we're willing to make certain story leaps because of the aggrandized nature of Bebe, we have no reason not to go along for the fun. Plus, Roz is well-used — which is no small feat (even at this point) and represents a triumph. Oh, and Kathryn Joosten appears!
07) Episode 90: "Ham Radio" (Aired: 04/22/97)
Frasier enlists his friends to help him put on a classic radio murder mystery.
Written by David Lloyd | Directed by David Lee
Am I going to be boring and cite the offering you all expect me to cite as being the year's best — my pick for Season Four's MVE? Oh, I'm afraid so. Sure, I could have selected the hilarious premiere or the incredibly smart introduction of Sherry, but truthfully, there's no installment more memorable or as shamelessly big, bold, and raucous as "Ham Radio," an entry credited to legendary MTM vet David Lloyd (whose contributions usually are big, bold, and raucous). Utilizing a subject matter very near and dear to my heart — old-time-radio — this joke-filled outing builds to a beautiful climax: one that's incredibly satisfying, but not altogether surprising based on these characters, and how the plot has heretofore used their developed personas to motivate its laughs (which might otherwise seem to stem from the premise; the fact that the results are so character-driven is why it's miraculous, and my favorite here). Kelsey Grammer gets to shine the brightest, as Frasier's egotistical bossiness gives both the actor a chance to play manic, which he does well, and the character a chance to be obnoxious, which (because we know him so well) is actually endearing — and obviously, very funny. Just sublime!
08) Episode 91: "Three Dates And A Break-Up (I)" (Aired: 04/29/97)
Frasier's recent luck with the ladies is threatened by Martin's strained relationship with Sherry.
Written by Rob Greenberg | Directed by Jeff Melman
Let me tell you a little Sitcom Tuesday secret: by choosing to feature one half of a two-parter, especially an entry that originally was broadcast in a single hour-long block, I really get to highlight both of them for the "price" of one. With competition on these Frasier lists being steep — and the Honorable Mentions category potentially crowded — this is a great way to pick the funnier part of a double-length outing (which, I admit, I often don't like; I think supersized entries tend to be overblown) and label the other half a "de facto" Honorable Mention. That's what I'm doing here with this well-liked two-parter, which benefits from its usage of Sherry, while once again deriving conflict from her presence in this world — particularly Frasier's, whose romantic faux pas (sparked through actions motivated by Sherry's personality) form the source of the story's comedy. I think Part I has the edge over II because once the comedic beats are established, we get the gist of where it's going. But, see both!
09) Episode 93: "Daphne Hates Sherry" (Aired: 05/06/97)
Daphne clashes with Martin's girlfriend Sherry.
Written by Chuck Ranberg & Anne-Flett Giordano | Directed by Kelsey Grammer
Another Sherry show, this companion piece to her debut (which is probably superior — because of both the strength of that teleplay and the simple fact that the humorous ideas with which she's forever associated were newer and therefore more exciting) once again finds big laughs and big conflict from what she inspires in the ensemble members off of whom she's contrasted. This time, however, it's not the Crane boys with whom the story deals, but Daphne, as the show's leading lady actually gets to participate meaningfully in a plot that is more about her character than anyone else's (not even Sherry's, the well-employed amusing catalyst). I think one could argue that all of these comedic notions have already been explored, and the narrative itself doesn't really offer anything of great surprise or import, but the telling of it — and the way it prizes Daphne — is what makes it a standout in this generally fine year. Classic Season Four.
10) Episode 94: "Are You Being Served?" (Aired: 05/13/97)
Niles regrets signing the divorce papers he received from Maris.
Written by William Lucas Walker | Directed by Gordon Hunt
Launching the year's final trilogy of more dramatic, emotionally resonant outings, this installment is another great exploration of the Niles character, as he frets over having signed the divorce papers sent to him by Maris. As with the following entry, "Ask Me No Questions," the teleplay makes a lot of room for the show's cultivated meat and potatoes: the brother dynamic. And the success of this episode, which I think is slightly funnier than the two following — due in part to an amusing Martin subplot that ends in a terrific sight gag (the "Hot 'n' Foamy" explosion) — I think can be directly correlated to what it has to offer on behalf of the Frasier/Niles relationship (the show's richest). In this season of superior laughs (on this series of superior laughs), this is another offering that won't ever be placed on Frasier's top shelf, but it certainly deserves to be singled out as a strong, under-praised showing of this great comedy.
Other episodes that merit mention here include many, but I'm going to stick with my recent pattern and only mention the ones that were actively in consideration: "Four For The Seesaw," a funny showcase for the brothers that guest stars Megan Mullally and Lisa Darr and also boasts an amusing subplot for Martin and Daphne, and "Ask Me No Questions," a criminally underrated installment that's so simply premised that there's nothing for the entry to hang its figurative hat upon but character — which is as it should be. Of more "Honorable Mention" quality is "The Impossible Dream," which features a low-concept Victory in Premise and a script that earned Rob Greenberg a WGA nomination. (Also, in case you're wondering, I'm not enamored of the popular "A Lilith Thanksgiving," because I don't think the teleplay does a good job of motivating the extremes in Frasier's and Lilith's depictions.)
*** The MVE Award for the Best Episode from Season Four of Frasier goes to…..
Come back next Tuesday for the best from Season Five! And stay tuned tomorrow for Wildcard Wednesday!
Posted in Sitcoms	| Tagged 1996, 1997, angell-casey-lee, best, best episodes, cheers, comedy, david hyde pierce, frasier, jane leeves, john mahoney, kelsey grammer, marsha mason, nbc, peri gilpin, season four, television
22 thoughts on "The Ten Best FRASIER Episodes of Season Four"
BB Smith
im glad u included "to kill a talking bird" ys its over the top but it is funny and like most of the other farcers . good season btw . do u have a least fav this time?
Hi, BB! Thanks for reading and commenting.
As you know, my least favorite episodes tend to be the ones that are the most forgettable, and I'd count "Three Days Of The Condo" as the year's most forgettable.
Yeah I think there's some really funny stuff here but I also a notice a somewhat decline in how the characters, as you say, define the tone of the show. It's less unique and more general, like we'd see in any really terrific comedy.
And I thought I was the only one who liked "Ask Me No Questions." So happy to see it get some love!!
Indeed — "Ask Me No Questions" is low-concept and, as a result, gets to benefit from an enhanced emphasis on character.
I think this year is better than Three because it's not only funnier, but as you noted, all the characters grow a little bit while story takes a backseat. Sherry is great because she's defined but is used to explore the regulars. Everyone benefits from her being there. And then the episodes just prove how strong the year is in general.
And FWIW I agree with you about Niles/Daphne kind of running out of steam when the Maris obstacle was pulled back. and I totally agree with you about "A Lilith Thanksgiving." Way too unbelievable to fully enjoy. Great commentary as usual!
Hi, Nat! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Yes, Sherry's a winner. Stay tuned for my thoughts on Season Five — next week!
I love this season & Sherry . "Ham Radio" is the best.
Hi, Death Star! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Yes, "Ham Radio" is a FRASIER classic. Stay tuned for my thoughts on Season Five — next week!
Charlie Fern
What are your thoughts on Roz's Krantz and Gouldenstein Are Dead? I feel that it's story driven, but the humor makes it worthwhile and it makes good use of Roz for this season.
Hi, Charlie! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I think "Roz's Krantz And Gouldenstein Are Dead" is situational in both narrative and humor, and doesn't offer enough of what I want in terms of character comedy.
Death and the dog is one of my all time favorite episodes of Frasier for the reason you mentioned. It's such a 70's style episode of centering it around a dog and using it to explore the darker nuances of life. I just love the snooty jokes Frasier and Niles make the animal psychiatrists expense. I love the lines Roz and Niles have as they talk about their deaths. That's why I love Frasier is the genuine character moments. It might slide in quality but it never totally forgets its characters.
Sorry for the nigh incoherence of my previous reply. I was on my phone.
Yes, "Death And The Dog" is another low-concept episode that's forced to prioritize its characters above all else, so although the narrative itself might not be what we'd typically consider character-driven (in the MTM way), it fundamentally treasures — and secures a fair amount of its humor from — the use of its regulars.
My red line comes after season 5. The Frasier out of work arc simply yields nothing of interest except 6's debut episode. It doesnt change the character or impact his life in anyway. He just goes back to KACL as if nothing happened. Even the other characters laid off Also, Roz's pregnancy was a big mistake. Both Peri Gilpin and the show runners agreed it did nothing for the character. I hate Roz and the Schnoz for how bewilderingly broad and farfetched it is(something it never would have done seasons prior);which to me in season 5 is a dark harbinger that Frasier's best days lay behind it.
* Even the other characters laid off just wind back at KACL.
Stay tuned for my thoughts on Seasons Five and Six — coming soon!
I love Death and the Dog too and I was really pleased to see that it made your top ten. There are great moments for every member of the main ensemble and I always enjoy Zeljko Ivanek's performance.
I was also glad to see To Kill A Talking Bird highlighted. I wasn't sure you'd include that one because as you point out, it is very broad, but it's another one that I love a lot; if i'm ever feeling a bit low, seeing Niles with the Cockatoo on his head never fails to cheer me up!
What a piece of work Ham Radio is and you're right, Kelsey Grammer is incredible in it; Frasier in manic mode is a joy to watch. I think Edward Hibbert is excellent too. Would you agree that this is his best episode or are there other worthy contenders for that spot?
What do you think of Odd Man Out? I remembered it as quite a downbeat season ender but I rewatched it today and really enjoyed it. The earlier scenes were funnier than I remembered and I thought the airport scene was nicely written and played.
Thanks again for another great piece.
BundyAnna
"Hello, I'm the ice cream man."
Hi, BundyAnna! Thanks for reading and commenting.
A great moment from a great episode. Stay tuned for my thoughts on Season Five — next week!
Hi, Andrew! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Yes, I'd agree that Gil Chesterton is never better featured than in "Ham Radio."
I think "Odd Man Out" is adequate. I don't find it funny enough to excuse the cliffhanger-driven nature of Frasier's unmotivated arc — which comes from nowhere and leads him nowhere.
I agree with you that season 4 is one of the funniest seasons. In fact, it is probably my second favorite season after season two. "Ham Radio" is hysterical. A few episodes from this season that I love that you didn't include among your favorites are "A Cranes' Critique", "Head Games" (which I'm guessing is the episode that you mentioned was originally intended for Frasier but re-written for Niles), and "The Unnatural".
I think those are fine offerings ("A Cranes' Critique" is the most thesis-related, and therefore, the one I enjoy most of that trio) — but they're not above the year's baseline (or, if you will, its average).


Golaghat one of the largest subdivisions of Assam later elevated to the position of a full-fledged district headquarter on 15 August 1987, is a city, and a municipality, and the seat of administrative operations of Golaghat district, besides being a sister city to Jorhat which is about 55 km away. It is one of the most seasoned urban territories in Assam that as of late advanced toward the Smart Cities designations' rundown, alongside Guwahati and four other noticeable urban regions of the state, despite the fact that missing out to Guwahati at the last stage. The Dhansiri, one of the tributaries of the Brahmaputra goes through Golaghat and is the essential water hotspot for its residents.
One of the most punctual tea urban focuses in Assam that has been the home office of the most seasoned subdivision for more than 180– 181 years since 1839, Golaghat was raised to the level of a District in the year 1987. The nearby government body, Golaghat Municipal Board GMB, was built up in 1920, and is one of the most punctual metro groups of the territory of Assam framed before Indian Independence of 1947 that has been in charge of the city foundation and organization of the city of Golaghat.
You are reading about Golaghat. Find more popular activities to do in India. Plan your holidays to India or browse tour packages of India.


On September 28, 1991, jazz trumpet legend Miles Davis dies in a California hospital at the age of 65.
Miles Dewey Davis III was given his first trumpet on the day he turned 13, and by the time he was 15, he was a card-carrying member of the local musicians' union in Saint Louis, Missouri. He left St. Louis for New York City in 1944 to pursue a degree in music at Juilliard, though he immersed himself in the world of professional jazz while still receiving his classical training. In the clubs on 52nd Street in postwar Manhattan, a new sound was being born, and Miles Davis had a hand in its creation. As a member of Charlie Parker's quintet in 1945, Davis played on some of the earliest recordings made in the hugely popular style that became known as be-bop. But by 1948, he was leading his own quintet on the first of his many departures from the jazz mainstream.
First came "cool jazz," a highly cerebral and highly unpopular style that nevertheless sparked a whole new movement. Then came "hard bop," a style he developed in the mid-1950s after several years lost in the early part of the decade to heroin addiction. The decade that followed was the period of Davis's greatest popularity—a period during which he not only continued to break new musical ground on albums like Miles Ahead (1957), Kind of Blue (1959) and Sketches of Spain (1960), but also managed to introduce the world to many other jazz greats he employed as sidemen: John Coltrane, Red Garland, Cannonball Adderley, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. From the mid-1960s onward, the rate of Davis's evolution only increased as he went through periods of experimentation with rock and funk, among other new sounds. In a career that spanned parts of six decades, it seems the one direction Miles Davis refused to look for inspiration was backward.


What about impression earlier mentioned? is that wonderful? if you think maybe so, I'l t explain to you a number of graphic yet again down below.
Graphics click save icon to save these pictures for your personal pc. They're all set for down load, if you like and want to take it, simply click save logo in the article, and it will be instantly saved to your laptop.


text:
Korean Actor Reveals That His Manager Hit Him With A Beer Bottle and Locked Him Up For 9 Months
A Korean musical actor revealed a revolting story about frequent assaults and incarceration committed by a former manager.
Min Woo Hyuk revealed on MBC Every1's Video Star that his former manager used physical violence on him on many occasions.
In fact, he suffered from concussions so many times that he was hospitalized 7 times over the years.
"At the time, I did not know how to fight back. I thought it was like that for everybody. "
— Min Woo Hyuk
He continued the confession as he was once hit in the head with a beer bottle because he was late for half an hour to an event.
The reason he could not expose the abuser at the time was that Min Woo Hyuk was the eldest son in the house, and he did not want to be a burden to his parents with extreme concerns.
The entire audience was infuriated when he revealed that he was locked up for 9 months.
"He knew that I could not go home with bruises and cuts on my face because my parents did not know about the assault.
He used that against me and beat me up consistently so I would always have bruises and cuts on my face."
According to Min Woo Hyuk, thankfully, the manager is no longer working in the industry, and to this date, he does not know why the manager had to be so abusive.
Everyone who heard his shocking story was enraged as well, demanding the justice to take place for the accused.
" Oh no"
" The manager was determined to kill this guy. He should be put away for a life sentence."
"He must go to jail!"


18" Foil Age 6 Bright Balloon.
18" Foil Aged Birthday Balloon In Bright Design.
18" Foil Age 2 Blue Balloon.
18" Foil Age 2 Pink Balloon.
18" Foil Age 3 Blue Balloon.
18" Foil Age 3 Pink Balloon.
18" Foil Age 4 Blue Balloon.


Web content management software is a good option to keep the organization connected to its customers, while reducing costs and offering the customer innovative experiences. Because if you are not present on the internet, it is very likely to be ignored by your target and dominated by competitors.
A web content management system – WCMS - allows the members of the company to easily and efficiently manage the content of the web pages of the organization. This, in turn, means that network users can find information about the company, or what it does or offers.
Web content means any type of digital information; of course text but also, audio, video, 3D graphics, etc. Otherwise the concept of management has also evolved. Management in this context means set static content in web pages but too support dynamic publishing contents. Therefore, each time more users look for ways to maintain their web project; feed the social networks of the organization, at the same time that they need to detect the most popular content and improve the marketing strategy at all times.
A web content management system is also a set of easy-to-use tools which offers the features to manage your web content ,so that users can design, create and maintain content, without knowledge about languages or web programming.
Web content management software is a good option to keep the organization connected to its customers, while reducing costs and offering the customer innovative experiences. WCM solutions must cover all types of content; facilitate their management in multiplatform environments, throughout their life cycle. Because if you are not present on the internet, it is very likely to be ignored by your target audience and dominated by competitors, in an environment so focused on the Internet and social media.
The best option in this scenario is to opt for a web content management system. Having a website is just the beginning. Managing content and updating it is equally important, if not more. From the technical point of view, a web content management is software with a clear objective: to offer a platform for non-technical personnel, which allows them to manage all the information they need; to provide compelling experiences to the target of the company. At the operational level, a web content management system is an essential online tool, to offer a digital experience through multiplatform devices; while managing the customer experience.
For all these reasons, when choosing enterprise content management of this type, it is very important to consider what are the features of a good content management software.
What does a good web content management system have to have?
Nowadays to be competitive in the digital age, companies need to produce and distribute their enterprise information to the target in a compelling way, and at the same time efficiently through a multitude of channels. Web content management systems give companies - of any size - the possibility of improving their position in the sector; leaving technical staff to focus on web development, (rather than supporting the user of the system) and digital marketing specialists, develop the strategy in content marketing.
Library services. The content management system must address the entire information management process: design, create, revise, modify (editing - avoiding overwriting -), publish, maintain, organize, store, archive and distribute content.
Business process management. To provide all these services, the web content management software can offer a workflow engine; for instance to organize sequentially the editorial review, control the content authoring or the approval process.
Security. Users will access the web cms through their username and password and can access the contents (folder, files, images, audios, videos, etc.) if they are authorized to see them; and manipulate them if they have permissions. In turn, they may participate in a workflow, individually or by role assigment. On the other hand, security will allow the content creator to exercise a complete analysis and traceability on what has happened to the content, throughout its life cycle.
Descriptive metadata. The enterprise content management softwarre must include features that allow the identification and description of the contents. It can be through the keywords assignment, which users choose from a list of terms. In this sense they can use a thesaurus - controlled vocabulary dictionary -. Or assign categories, relations -to link documents based on the relationship that binds them- or metadata groups (set of descriptive elements that help us define a content: author, date, title, status ...) that can also be used to search and find the content, through the search engine.
Ability to assembly content from various sources. In addition to sustaining content regardless the format, the wcm systems must be able to gather content from external sources, whether they are news RSS services, social media or third-party applications. Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and other social networks maintain their own environments and have different ways of entering the contents of the web content manager. Therefore, the content management systems must offer integration facilities to include this new tool in the ecosystem that organization use.
Responsive web design. The web content management platform must be able to adapt to new ways of consuming enterprise information and displaying content in new formats, mobile or tablet; that can be even the most used by the target.
Multilingual facilities. The management software must offer support to website builders so they can work with the languages used in the company and to support the translations of the content in different languages. Therefore, it must take into account the diversity of characters depending on the language, the alphabet used, among other considerations.
Selecting a web content management platform for your company can be a challenging task. Here we highlight some of the strengths of free code, when it comes to offering solutions in WCMS.
Open source technology provides flexibility. And in such a changing and evolving environment as new technologies offer new formats day by day; with the need imposed by the market to adapt to new trends in the use and consumption of content by online communities, this advantage can mean a strategic difference.
Free software is an efficient investment. This does not mean that the proprietary technology option is not effective. But often, an organization can get more out of an investment made in a free content management system. Mainly because the company can rely on the community of users and developers who are constantly working on the evolution of the tool. Providing regular updates that improve performance and experience.
Open source and the issue of security. It is by far the most frequently asked question in relation to open source programs. If anyone can access the code, that means that developers with dishonest intentions can identify and exploit system vulnerabilities. It is a legitimate and reasonable doubt that arises naturally. But it is really possible to create a web content management system with high security levels . To get started users will need login and password to access the web application. Then the assignment of profiles and roles can be used to determine which environments, functionalities and privileges are accessible to them. In addition, security management at granular level allows the board of directors to define which contents are accessible or not; and in which terms (edition, revision, approval ...) In addition, the a web developer will make sure that the system is updated. The updates help the web content management software to be a secure environment. And on the other hand, the developer can apply more options or add plugins that improve the security of the system.
Regardless of the web content management system, you can choose the wcm platform that best suits your needs. Remember that one of the strengths of web content management solutions is that they create an environment that is easy to use. If it is easy to use, the web experience manager will be able to show how it is used so the end user will be comfortable.