WSU Foundation focuses on helping students with pandemic-related financial stress
With a swiftly launched campaign called Shockers UP, the WSU Foundation and its donors have raised more than $80,000 so far to help Wichita State students facing financial struggles related to the pandemic.
The campaign began in mid-March, within days of the WSU Foundation hearing reports of students unable to pay for basic necessities such as food and rent. Many students lost their jobs because of the stay-at-home orders and others had unexpected expenses related to the transition to online learning.
So far, about 123 students have received grants of $500 each from the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Students. A total of 247 applications had been received as of April 21, with more anticipated in the coming weeks. The Office of Financial Aid, which is analyzing applications and distributing the money, hopes to award $500 grants to students in need.
“We’re so grateful to alumni and friends who have stepped up to help our students,” said Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO. “The funds raised so far are nearly exhausted, so we encourage more donations to address what clearly is an urgent situation for students wondering how they will be able to remain in school.”
Like most colleges and universities, Wichita State will receive about $4.4 million in federal stabilization aid for students under the CARES Act, but it is uncertain what conditions will be applied, especially for international students who may not be eligible.
Felipe Lima de Oliveira, an engineering major from Brazil, is one of those students. After losing his job, he applied for help, noting that as an international student he is not eligible for unemployment benefits. He used his $500 grant to make his final tuition payment for the spring semester.
Jenna Barber, a physical education major, used her grant to buy groceries and sock away $100 for a summer class. Her husband received a medical discharge from the Air Force and is unemployed.
Gladys Heitzman, who lost her job and has been unable to find another, had this to say after receiving her check: “I’m so proud of WSU and extremely grateful for the aid during this time. It’s incredible what WSU is doing for their students and it’s comforting to know that I go to a university that cares about their students.”
To donate to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Students, go to foundation.wichita.edu/shockersup.
COVID-19 series features panel of local public health practice and policy experts
Making sense of the issues surrounding the coronavirus can be challenging. Faculty experts in the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Wichita State University are helping clear the confusion.
Please join us at 3 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, April 29) for “Covid-19 and the impact on local public health practice and policy,” by Melissa Walker, associate professor of public administration.
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android.
Password: 965376
COVID-19 Publish Health Practice and Policy
Help shape Wichita State by taking brand survey
Help us better serve you by letting us know what you think through our new Wichita State University brand survey.
Your thoughts are important in this time of change. Help us make the right decisions to ensure everyone finds value in Wichita State and feels welcome in the Shocker community.
Your next few minutes will make an important difference! Share your thoughts on our survey at https://wsu.news/survey. A Spanish-language version of the survey is available at https://wsu.news/surveyspanish.
University Faculty Awards will be announced May 8
University Faculty Awards Preview
The University Faculty Awards will be announced on Friday, May 8. Follow WSU Today and Wichita State social media to acknowledge and congratulate the honorees.
Excellence in Teaching
Leadership in the Advancement of Teaching
Young Faculty Scholar
Academy for Effective Teaching
Excellence in Research
Excellence Award for Community Research
Faculty Risk Taker
Young Faculty Risk Taker
Excellence in Accessibility Award
Excellence in Online
Concussion research highlights necessity for a return-to-learn plan
The repercussions of a student-athlete’s concussion extend far beyond the playing field. Many students’ symptoms cause difficulty in the classroom, and teachers and schools find themselves unprepared to handle the athlete’s symptoms
Enter Dr. Richard Bomgardner.
Bomgardner, an associate professor in human performance studies at Wichita State University, has spent much of the past few years helping schools and teachers find the resources they need to help a student return to the classroom after suffering a head injury.
WSU Government Relations update
The pandemic means there are many unknowns for Wichita State University and higher education. We expect that the legislature will want more information on COVID and the economy prior to making determinations on budget.
To learn more about how the legislature is considering the financial implications of COVID-19, go to the WSU Government Relations blog.
Research proves that authenticity boosts businesses
Lynn Matthews
Authenticity is intangible. We know it when we see it, but it’s difficult to define.
Dr. A. Lynn Matthews, assistant professor of marketing at Wichita State University, set out to quantify that her research article “When and how frontline service employee authenticity influences purchase intentions,” published in the Journal of Business Research.
Matthews and her co-authors made quantitative measurements of the impact of having a service provider be authentic on purchase intentions from that service provider.
WSU philosopher featured on Oxford University Press Blog
James Schwartz, an assistant teaching professor from the Department of Philosophy, was recently featured on the Oxford University Press Blog. His article discusses President Trump's recent Executive Order on Encouraging International Support for the Recovery and Use of Space Resources in the context of Dr. Schwartz's new book, “The Value of Science in Space Exploration” (Oxford University Press, 2020).
Student's NIAR job leads to Lockheed Martin
The education of Ruben Reyes, Wichita State aerospace engineering major, began at the side of his parents when he was a boy growing up in Dodge City, Kansas.
Ruben’s parents settled in the western Kansas town because it was a place that welcomed Mexican immigrants like them. His father has worked as a mechanic in the city’s meat-packing plants. His mother works in a gun stock manufacturing plant. Outside of his regular job, Ruben’s father would work handyman and construction jobs and bring Ruben along.
“As a kid, I was looking on how I could help Dad do what he was doing,” he said. When she came home from her job, Ruben’s mother would urge him to finish his homework quickly, so they could work on other experiments and projects. “Seeing both of my parents work hard yet making time for me to be successful has been a significant influence in my work ethic,” Ruben said.
Work ethic and a gift for working alongside mechanics got Ruben noticed. Dr. Melinda Laubach-Hock, a research director at Wichita State’s National Institute for Aviation Research noticed him when he came to work as an engineering student in 2017 for NIAR’s Aircraft Structural Test and Evaluation Center (ASTEC).
Take a break with KMUW's list of virtual events and activities
You can rely on KMUW and NPR for news and information around the clock, but when you're ready for a break, KMUW has a list of online events and activities that allow you to connect with others in our community without leaving the house, or provide a much-needed distraction. This list is updated regularly with local virtual events like cinema conversations, yoga classes, art projects and more.
Ulrich Museum of Art unveils new approach to keep art accessible during these challenging times
In response to changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the Ulrich Museum of Art on the Wichita State University campus is taking a proactive approach to planning its programs and exhibitions for the next eight months. Embracing a changing future with no guarantees for public gatherings, the museum is shifting its focus to programing that takes place outside in the community and accessible to everyone. In this approach the Ulrich hopes to transcend the changing restrictions and limitations caused by COVID-19, while continuing to serve our communities in direct, effective, and compelling ways.
We are happy to announce that our first community-based art effort will be the Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard Project. The project will feature 20 works of art from the Ulrich’s permanent collection, highlighting pieces by artists in the community. The billboards will be installed over the course of five months all around the city. We are selecting works that embrace what it means to be human at a time when it matters most.
Image caption: A mock-up of a potential billboard featuring art works from the Ulrich Museum’s permanent collection. Pictured here are two photographs of boxer Muhammad Ali taken by Kansas-born artist Gordon Parks.
Volunteers needed for a research study
Test-Retest of the SWAY Mobile Application: Telemedicine Approach
Purpose of the study: To assess the accuracy of the balance, reaction time and cognitive assessment modules of the SWAY mobile application through a telemedicine approach using virtual Zoom meetings and a SMART device.
Procedures: Participants balance, reaction time, and cognitive function will be tested using the SWAY application using a SMART device and receiving instruction through a virtual zoom session.
Time: Participation will include three separate sessions placed one week apart. Each weekly session is expected to last about 30 minutes.
Inclusion / Exclusion Criteria:
- Participants must be age 18 or older
- No known muscular disorders
- No known neurological disorders
- No known orthopedic disorder
- No uncorrected vision
Location: Telemedicine approach: virtual Zoom appointments using computer technology and a SMART device.
Contact: If you are interested in participating in this study please contact Dr. Heidi Bell at: heidi.bell@wichita.edu or 316.393.3339
Millicent Setzkorn at mrsetzkorn@shockers.wichita.edu or 620-393-5320
Should you have any questions or concerns, email Dr. Heidi Bell at heidi.bell@wichita.edu or call 316-978-5150.
Spring Shocker Sale extended
Sale extended! Looking to find some great deals on Shocker gear without leaving your house? The Shocker Store is having a Spring Shocker Sale online at shockerstore.com, now extended through Saturday, May 2. The sale features select products at awesome prices! Plus, free shipping on orders over $25 through May 2. May not be combined with other discounts or promotions. See product images and pricing on the Facebook event page here.
Save on Under Armour Shooter Shirt from the Shocker Store
Now through Wednesday, April 29, you can get the official Under Armour team shooter shirt for just $25 online at shockerstore.com. Plus, free shipping! Available in sizes small-3XL. Not valid with other discounts.