KBOR chair sends letter to Legislature on higher education funding
Acting WSU President Richard Muma and Chief of Staff Andy Schlapp have recently testified before legislative committees in support of the Regents funding request described below. Click on presentation.
Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) Chair Dennis Mullin sent the following letter to all state legislators outlining the need for a restoration of funding to higher education in Kansas.
Comedian Matt Bellassai to present show at WSU
Writer, comedian, Internet personality, and 2016 People’s Choice Award Winner Matt Bellassai will present a comedy show at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, in Hughes Metropolitan Complex, presented by Student Activities Council.
Bellassai writes frequently about pop culture, humor, and the struggles of daily life as a twenty-something man-child. He is the former writer, producer, and star of BuzzFeed’s “Whine About It,” a comedic web series that drew a weekly audience of more than 5 million viewers on Facebook. He can currently be found on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram and Facebook in his new video series “To Be Honest,” where he shares his hilarious commentary on the struggles of life as a single gay man living a childish life in New York.
Tickets can be purchased for $5 to students with WSU ID (limit one per person), $8 to WSU faculty and staff with WSU ID (limit one per person), and $12 to the general public. All ticket options can be purchased in the Student Involvement Office, Suite 216, Rhatigan Student Center with cash or check only. General admission tickets can also be purchased online, via credit card, at WSUMatt.eventbrite.com*.
Tickets are on sale through 3 p.m. Thursday, March 7. Ticket sales will reopen when doors open at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7. All on-site ticket sales will be sold at the general public ticket rate, and can be purchased with cash, check or credit card. Contact Student Involvement at 978-3022 for all event and ticket questions. *Taxes and fees not included in online general public ticket price.
For more information about SAC sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/sac or contact us at sac@wichita.edu.
Grad School Town Hall today (Friday, Feb. 15)
Provost Rick Muma and Kerry Wilks, interim dean of the Graduate School, will host a Grad School Town Hall meeting to answer questions and spark discussion on the Shock the Future Referendum, a student-led campaign that identifies a list of academic and student success infrastructure needs.
You’re invited to attend the Town Hall at 3 p.m. today (Friday, Feb. 15) in 266 Rhatigan Student Center.
This is your opportunity to share your thoughts with your dean, and to be a part of Wichita State’s growth.
Fine Arts Town Hall today (Friday, Feb. 15)
Rodney Miller, dean of the College of Fine Arts, will host a College of Fine Arts Town Hall meeting to answer questions and spark discussion on the Shock the Future Referendum, a student-led campaign that identifies a list of academic and student success infrastructure needs.
You’re invited to attend the Town Hall at 3:30 p.m. today (Friday, Feb. 15) in Henrion Hall.
This is your opportunity to share your thoughts with your dean, and to be a part of Wichita State’s growth.
A statement regarding the resignation of SGA President Kenon Brinkley
Fellow Shockers,
As of 9:50 a.m. on Feb. 13, 2019, Kenon Brinkley resigned his position as President of the Wichita State University Student Government Association. Below is Brinkley’s written resignation:
“To whom it may concern:
Please allow this letter to serve as my formal resignation from the position as President of The Wichita State University Student Government Association. I care about this university dearly, and have been honored to serve, but with a heavy heart I feel it is best for everyone involved for Student Government and I to part ways.
I wish luck and healing to all.”
Per the succession clause of the SGA Journal, current Vice President Shelby Rowell was sworn into the role of 61st Session President. Current Chief of Operations Matthew Madden was sworn into the role of Interim 61st Session Vice President. The position of Chief of Operations will remain vacant throughout the rest of the session.
Rowell and Madden were sworn in at the twenty-first meeting of the Student Government Association Senate at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Rhatigan Student Center.
Future Senate meetings of the 61st Session will begin at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in 233 RSC due to a conflict with Acting Vice President Madden’s class schedule.
The Student Advocate will host open discussions about campus resources for sexual assault from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19, in 203 RSC, and from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in 264 RSC. All are welcome to attend.
We appreciate your patience throughout this process.
University update recap at Weekly Briefing
A number of topics were addressed during the university update portion of the WSU Weekly Briefing, including SGA, expanded research, the WSU Foundation and eSports convention recap.
SGA
We’d like to start today’s briefing by recognizing the recent change in SGA leadership. Acting president Muma and the executive team is supportive of SGA, and the university administration expects to work closely with the new SGA president, Shelby Rowell, moving forward.
Expanded research
In research news, WSU’s research funding from federal and industry sources continues to increase steadily, and the university is on track to top last year's record total of $104 million. Recently, the National Institute for Aviation Research received a $16 million contract from the Department of Defense for sustainment and readiness of the legacy fleet. Other grants of significance in this fiscal year include $1.6 million from the National Institutes of Health; $3.5 million from the U.S. Department of Education; and $2.4 million from the Department of Defense.
WSU Foundation
As you may know, the WSU Foundation raised a record $66.6 million during the last fiscal year. We’re thankful for the continued generosity of our amazing donors and their strong commitment to the university’s vision and mission.
One recent example is Jane McDonald, a donor who passed away last October. Ms. McDonald honored her father, Frank A. Boettger, with a $5 million commitment to the construction of the new business school. In recognition of the gift, a 300-seat auditorium on the new building’s main level will be named for her father, who was an avid fan of Shocker athletics and who believed that the university was an important community asset.
We encourage everyone to visit wichita.edu/horizon to read the latest about the Foundation, its donors, and how they are investing in the success of current and future Shockers.
eSports convention recap
We want to acknowledge the success of the Midwest eSports Convention that was hosted in the Experiential Engineering Building on Feb. 1-3. According to the Sunflower, the event saw more than 1,000 attendees and more than $20,000 in prize money was awarded to tournament winners.
We’re excited about the rising popularity of eSports among our students and are working to create opportunities for them to pursue their eSports goals by:
- Offering a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Media Arts with a game design emphasis
- Hiring a full-time eSports coordinator
- Creating a three-credit-hour undergraduate course called the “Overview of Esports” within the sport management department
- And sanctioning and supporting WSU varsity eSports
Students wanting to participate in the eSports program can visit wichita.edu/esports to find out more.
Run in the upcoming SGA general election
The time is now. The SGA Elections Commission encourages and welcomes you to submit your paperwork to run in the upcoming general election to seek a position on SGA.
The Declaration for Candidacy for the SGA Senate continues to be open. Senators on the voting legislative body of SGA, are required to complete two office hours per week, they are able to work on specified initiatives, and attend weekly committee and senate meetings on Wednesdays.
The Student Government Association represents the entire student body, while advocating for anything that could affect students and student life and the university, local, state and national level. Without adequate student representation, the student body is voiceless and powerless.
Please consider running yourself and encourage your peers to consider running as well. For more information, go to wichita.edu/sgaelections to learn more.
Shocker New Venture Competition applications are being accepted
Applications including a three-minute pitch video are now being accepted for the 2019 Shocker New Venture Competition. All ideas for new ventures are welcome and encouraged to apply. Spark an idea… Launch a new venture!
Find out more and apply at Wichita.edu/SNVC.
WSU Tech President Sheree Utash chosen as member of American Workforce Policy Advisory Board
Sheree Utash
WSU Tech President Sheree Utash has been appointed to a prestigious national American Workforce Policy Advisory Board. Other members on the 25-member board include the CEOs of Apple, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Walmart, Home Depot and IBM, among other prominent appointees.
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump announced the members of the board, which will work directly with the National Council for the American Worker, leveraging the knowledge of its members to develop and implement a strategy to revamp the American workforce to better meet the challenges of the 21st century.
In addition to her responsibilities as president at WSU Tech, Utash is WSU’s Vice President of Workforce Development and serves on the President’s Executive Team.
“I feel privileged to be part of the newly formed American Workforce Policy Advisory Board.”, said Utash “This is a chance to reframe and redesign education and training for skilled jobs in our country. It offers the opportunity to align career technical education to meet business and industry needs and 21st century skills that require a higher level of learning than past generations. These colleagues from the private sector, employers and educational institutions are subject-matter experts primed for this role. While challenging, advising the federal government on how we can improve education, training and re-training for American workers is an opportunity I welcome. This is difficult work, but it is critical as we build the future workforce to fuel the economy of the United States.”
The Advisory Board, co-chaired by Secretary Ross and Ivanka Trump, brings together members from diverse backgrounds including the private sector, educational institutions, and state and local governments. The members will provide varied perspectives on workforce issues facing communities and businesses across the country, while raising awareness of multiple pathways for American workers to obtain family-sustaining careers. The members’ terms last until July 2020.
The members of the Board include:
- Jay Box, President, Kentucky Community and Technical College System
- Walter Bumphus, President & CEO, American Association of Community Colleges
- Jim Clark, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- Tim Cook, CEO, Apple
- Tom Donohue, CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Juanita Duggan, President & CEO, National Federation for Independent Business
- Elizabeth Goettl, President & CEO, Cristo Rey Network
- Marillyn Hewson, Chairman, President, & CEO, Lockheed Martin
- Eric Holcomb, Governor, Indiana
- Barbara Humpton, CEO, Siemens USA
- Al Kelly, CEO, Visa
- Vi Lyles, Mayor, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Bill McDermott, CEO, SAP America
- Sean McGarvey, President, North America’s Building and Trades Unions
- Doug McMillon, President & CEO, Walmart
- Craig Menear, Chairman, President, & CEO, Home Depot
- Michael Piwowar, Executive Director, Milken Institute
- Scott Pulsipher, President, Western Governors University
- Kim Reynolds, Governor, Iowa
- Ginni Rometty, Chairman, President, & CEO, IBM
- Scott Sanders, Executive Director, National Association of State Workforce Agencies
- Johnny Taylor, President & CEO, Society for Human Resource Management
- Jay Timmons, President & CEO, National Association of Manufacturers
- Sheree Utash, President, WSU Tech
- Marianne Wanamaker, Professor, University of Tennessee
WSU Formula SAE team to hold informational meeting
The WSU Formula SAE team at Wichita State is having an informational meeting at 6 p.m. today (Friday, Feb 15) in 204 Experiential Engineering Building.
We are a student organization that designs, manufactures, markets and races a formula style race car. Every year we compete against other collegiate formula teams. Anyone is welcome to join! No prior skill is necessary.
Family Fun Day tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 16) at the Ulrich Museum of Art
You’re invited to Family Fun Day at the Ulrich Museum of Art from 1-3 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 16). It’s free and open to the public.
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of gallery exploration, games, and hands-on art-making activities inspired by the artist’s ideas and materials featured in our spring exhibitions. Snacks and refreshments provided.
For more information contact Jana Durfee at Jana.Durfee@wichita.edu.
Participate in the WSU/McBEE Campus Safety Survey open now
Help WSU & the national McBEE campus consortium strengthen data driven practices in regards to campus safety by completing the WSU / McBEE Campus Safety Survey accessible through a direct link you received in an email from WSU on Feb. 11, or you can access the survey via the “my surveys” link in the myWSU portal (scroll to second box on left hand side of the home page).
The short 10-minute survey was available starting Feb. 11. Students participating in the research will be entered into one of two drawings for $250 scholarships and second place $50 Amazon Gift Cards. The first drawing will occur on Feb. 22. Four scholarships and 14 gift cards are being provided by the Title IX office.
All current WSU students age 18 and older are eligible to complete the survey. For more information, check out the “McBEE in 60 Seconds” video in the myWSU portal for more information.
Questions about the research, and/or WSU’s participation in the National Multi‐Campus Bystander Efficacy Evaluation (McBEE), should be emailed to Jodie Hertzog, Department of Sociology at Jodie.Hertzog@wichita.edu.
GRASP student abstracts are due by Feb. 18
Graduate Research & Scholarly Projects (GRASP) student abstracts are due by Monday, Feb. 18. View GRASP deadlines and instructions. Graduate student research is showcased at a university-wide annual poster symposium on Friday, April 26. Prizes are awarded.
In search of University Innovation Fellows
Attention all WSU students - undergraduate, graduate or doctoral - are you interested in making an active change on WSU’s campus? What about being part of a world-wide network of like-minded people to promote change and innovation? If so, University Innovation Fellows is looking for Fellows for the Fall 2019 semester now.
Applications open today (Friday, Feb. 1) and close Wednesday, Feb. 20. Apply now to join an amazing interdisciplinary group of WSU students who want to promote positive change within their community! Forms can be found here.
World Trade Council of Wichita invites you to a dinner talk
The World Trade Council of Wichita invites you to a dinner talk on Thursday, Feb. 21 on "Negotiating with China and Why Subsidies are a Non-Starter" by Usha Haley, W. Frank Barton Distinguished Chair in International Business & Professor of Management. The evening will start with a reception at 6 p.m. at the Wichita Marriott Hotel on Corporate Hills Drive.
The World Trade Council is part of the Center for International Business Advancement (CIBA) at the Barton School of Business. There is a reduced attendance price of $10 for students.
For more information on the dinner and to make reservations, contact Sherryl Hubble at sherryl.hubble@wichita.edu or call 978-3176. See agenda and other details.
Steve Feilmeier to speak at rescheduled SGu event
Because of last week’s inclement weather, the Startup Grind U had to be rescheduled. Join us for the SGu event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, in Marcus Welcome Center.
We will partner with Startup Grind Wichita to bring Steve Feilmeier to campus to speak
about his experiences in an entrepreneurial and innovative position. As a graduate
from Wichita State, Feilmeier has great insight to share with students about how he
became one of the highest ranking individuals at Koch Industries, and the directions
he sees both the company and local students going in the future.
Students, faculty, and WSU staff will receive free admission with a valid myWSUID
number. Space may be limited, so register for your seat now!
More information
Wednesday, Feb. 20 – Marcus Welcome Center
5:30-6:30 Networking (with appetizers)
6:30-7:30 Fireside Chat
7:30-8:30 Networking
StartupGrindU, in partnership with Google for Startups, brings together the community
and entrepreneurs, with a key focus on university students. We hope to build a bridge
between the entrepreneurial mindset of students on WSU's campus and the greater community
of Wichita to create an opportunity for collaborations and further development of
our city as a whole.
Volunteers needed for research study
Research Topic / Purpose of the study: The purpose of this research study is to explore the higher educational experience of Returning Adult Students and Traditional Students; looking at whether they prefer online learning or traditional classroom experiences.
Procedures: Participants will respond to an online survey that should only take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The survey is completely anonymous (no personal or identifying information is collected.)
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:
- Participants must be over the age of 18 and have participated or be currently participating in an online course.
To participate, click on the link and complete the survey.
Contact: If you have any questions regarding this survey, contact Amy Belden at amy.belden@wichita.edu or Jaehwan Byun at jaehwan.byun@wichita.edu.
Your participation in this research study is appreciated.
Graduate student seeking participants for buying habits and product packaging study
Are you the primary grocery shopper in your household? A graduate student in the Elliott School of Communication is looking for focus group participants to discuss buying habits and product packaging. The purpose of this research is to show marketers how to better advertise products through packaging.
The focus groups will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25 (ages 35-50), Tuesday, Feb. 26 (ages 50+), Monday, March 4 (ages 25-34) and Tuesday, March 5 (ages 18-24).
For more information or to RSVP, email Katie Miller at kjmiller4@shockers.wichita.edu.
Invitation to attend a Python Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 21
The IEEE HKN Epsilon Xi Chapter and WuLUG are organizing a workshop on programming using Python from 5-6 p.m. every Thursday starting Feb. 21, in 103 Lindquist Hall.
Sign up for ISU’s Badminton Championship
Want to play Badminton? Participate in International Student Union’s Badminton Championship from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, in the Heskett Center Gym Court B. Click here for details.
Registration deadline for Outdoor Adventures Spring Break Ski Trip has been moved to Feb. 22
Make Spring Break 2019 one to never forget! Take a trip with Campus Recreation's Outdoor Adventures group to beautiful Winter Park, Colorado, to hit the snow!
We will take a bus to Winter Park and to the Beaver Village Condo's where we will be staying. We will have three full days on the slopes. All basic ski equipment is included in the total cost.
We will take a bus to Winter Park and to the Beaver Village Condo's where we will be staying. We will have three full days on the slopes. All basic ski equipment is included in the total cost.
The condos are all two-bedroom, two-bathroom units that will sleep up to six people. The condos feature a pool, hot tub, sauna, full kitchen, and free shuttles to the resort and to downtown, where there are many restaurant options.
To sign up go to Outdoor Adventures.
For more information go to wichita.edu/outdooradventures or email kaycee.miller@wichita.edu.
Call for Presentations / Save the Date: 6th Annual Gender & Sexuality in Kansas Conference
We are currently seeking submissions of original research, training / workshops, and other scholarship from any discipline from students, scholars, staff, and interested others associated with a college or university in Kansas.
The deadline for submissions is Monday, Feb. 25. We hope that you will consider submitting a proposal consisting of a 200-300 word summary of your proposed presentation, and/or encourage your students and colleagues to submit proposals.
The conference will take place on Friday, March 29 in the Rhatigan Student Center.
Our keynote speaker for this year’s conference is Monique Morris, award-winning author of the book “Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools.” Her talk will be titled “Education is Freedom Work (And Other Critical Reflections about Responses to School Pushout for Black Girls).”
Find more information about the conference, keynote speaker, and the Call for Presentations submission link.
If you’d like to stay up to date on conference announcements, go to our Facebook event page.
Study Abroad opportunity in Paris, France for all majors
Are you looking for a summer study abroad program? Students of all majors are eligible for the French language and culture program at our partner university, ESCE in Paris, France.
This low-cost study abroad program is a great way to learn more about language and culture of France by earning elective credits. There are also options for business courses.
Contact Ann Burger for details on costs as they will be different from the school’s website and how to apply at Ann.burger@wichita.edu. Questions: email studyabroad@wichita.edu