From one student to another: parking at WSU
I’ve had a lot of time to learn how Wichita State works in the last three and a half years. In that time, the biggest issue I’ve regularly heard about is parking.
Over my course of studies at WSU, I’ve received two parking citations. One of those I thoroughly deserved, and the other I think I could have argued against, if I knew how to do that at the time.
Like me, you could pay the fine, but I want you to know that you have options before you have to do that. Here are some tips to help you avoid citations, and some options for you if you do happen to receive one.
Read more information on parking.
Campus traffic flow changes temporarily as signage work is completed
To facilitate better traffic flow around campus, and in keeping uniform with the rest of Perimeter Drive, two stop signs were removed on Perimeter Drive and relocated onto Memorial Drive. Commuters turning east onto Memorial off of Hillside and those heading west on Memorial toward Perimeter will need to stop at the intersection of Memorial and Perimeter.
Vehicles traveling north or south on Perimeter will no longer be required to stop. Signs were posted at the intersection cautioning motorists about the upcoming changes.
ODI Welcome Back Jam tonight (Friday, Aug. 16)
Issa party! Celebrate the start of a new school year with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, featuring DJ Domo, from 9:30 p.m.-midnight tonight (Friday, Aug. 16) in the Shocker Hall Plaza.
Important participation guidelines for Clash of the Colleges
Decorations of all types shall be either non-combustible or adequately treated to
render them fire resistant.
Streamers, garlands, lights and other decorations shall not run along or across halls,
obstruct or restrict aisles, passageways, or corridors; be hung from smoke detectors
or sprinkler heads or obstruct exits signs, fire extinguishers or other fire equipment.
Light strands shall be designated as approved with a nationally recognized testing
laboratory mark and not be excessive.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following list:
• Latex balloons, silly-string, bubbles, glitter, confetti, rice, birdseed.
• Decorative materials may not be placed on fire doors, smoke doors, light fixtures,
electrical equipment, electrical outlets, circuit breaker panels, etc.
• No hay, straw, loose or baled or corn stalks
• Light strings connected together are limited to no more than three.
Every electric light set used must bear the UL or FM label and be identified for indoor
use.
No extension cords shall be used to light strings of lights, only a circuit breaker
protected power strip shall be used.
If you have questions about your decorations, contact EHS Fire Safety at 978-5531
or 978-5803.
Extended hours and free gift from the Shocker Store
The Shocker Store is open extended hours of 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, so students can make sure to get their textbooks before classes start on Monday!
To encourage you to beat the rush, we are giving away a free dorm supply or school supply kit to students who pick up their web orders that day, or who come in and purchase $200 worth of textbooks or Shocker gear (subtotal amount), while supplies last. So make sure to stop in tomorrow (Saturday, Aug. 17) to get your freebie!
University update
The following university update was provided at Thursday’s Weekly Briefing. Information was provided about the presidential search; business and graduate deans; facilities; traffic, parking and shuttle changes; housing; and research.
Presidential search
To start today’s briefing, we have a quick update on the presidential search process.
According to the Kansas Board of Regents, the search committee met by telephone on Wednesday. It will soon begin reviewing applications, and the final Regents’ selection is expected by mid-November.
We’ll let you know more when additional information becomes available from KBOR.
Business and graduate deans
As you may have heard, the university recently hired two new college deans—Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business and Coleen Pugh, dean of the Graduate School and associate vice president for Research and Technology Transfer.
We’re happy to announce that both deans are now officially on campus and are actively engaging with stakeholders from across the university.
We welcome them to Shocker Nation and wish them the best of luck.
This week, the university also welcomed 45 new employees into the Shocker family—including many new faculty members. We also want to wish them all the best for a successful, productive school year, and we and look forward to their positive contributions toward WSU’s vision and mission.
Facilities update
Summer has been a busy time on campus with several construction projects underway.
The university-owned NIAR Advanced Virtual Engineering and Technology Lab is scheduled for completion in late October. The facility will house the NIAR Crash Dynamics Lab and Virtual Engineering Lab.
The shell of developer-owned partnership building three, known as P3, is also scheduled for completion in October, and the interior will be finished out as tenants come on board.
In addition, the Steve Clark YMCA and WSU Student Wellness Center, housing Student Health Services and Counseling Services, will open this January.
And construction on the 36,000-square-foot Student-Athlete Success Center has started with an expected completion date of July 2020.
We’re excited for these additions and for the benefits they’ll provide for our students, our growing number of partners—and the community.
While it’s easy to simply talk about current and future buildings, we want to stress that all of this effort isn’t just about construction. It’s about creating spaces for people to learn and collaborate. Elements like art, landscaping, lighting, outdoor seating and signage work together to create an environment that can enhance the campus experience, be welcoming to the community, and attract and retain students, faculty and staff.
Traffic, parking and shuttle changes
In addition to new construction, we’d also like to make you aware of recent traffic, parking and shuttle changes.
First, and most important, please be aware of the two new stop signs located at the intersection near the Memorial ‘70 monument—and be prepared to stop when approaching Perimeter Road from Hillside or Memorial Drive.
On-campus parking has expanded with the opening of The Suites at WSU parking lot, which is available for students, faculty and staff with a valid permit.
We want to remind students that they can ride Wichita Transit for free with their Shocker IDs.
Also, there is a new shuttle stop opposite of the Food Truck Plaza. And the Grace Wilkie shuttle stop has been moved to Mid Campus Drive near Wilkins Stadium.
To keep up to date with the latest traffic, parking and shuttle-related news, visit wichita.edu/parking.
Housing update
One of the best things about the start of the school year is the increasingly large number of students who choose to call campus their home away from home.
Today we’re happy to announce that our occupancy, as of last Friday, between Shocker Hall, The Flats, and our brand-new facility, The Suites, was at 1,463—putting us at full capacity.
We anticipated the possibility of higher requests for housing again this year, so we created expandable spaces to accommodate an increase in numbers. These rooms were identified prior to the room selection/assignment process, and students have been notified over the summer if their space was ultimately expanded.
This higher demand is also reflected in our increase in application numbers, particularly with students who have previously lived on campus and wish to move back to campus this fall. As of Aug. 12, we have 460 of these returning students, compared to 355 the previous year.
We’re pleased to see continued success in our strategy to create a campus environment where more students want to be—before, during and after class.
Research
And, finally, WSU continues making great strides through its strong commitment to applied learning and research.
The university has set a new record for research and development awards, with a total of $136 million in fiscal year 2019, which ended June 30, topping last year’s record-breaking total of $104 million.
This significant increase comes from a steep rise in contracts and awards from the U.S. Department of Defense, which increased by more than $40 million from fiscal year 2018 to fiscal year 2019.
Recent DoD awards include:
- $33 million from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Command Aviation & Missile Center for emerging materials for high-speed missile applications.
- $23.5 million from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory for advanced materials and automated manufacturing.
- And $7 million from the Office of Naval Research for multiple projects involving advanced materials, digital modeling and advanced manufacturing.
According to John Tomblin, WSU vice president for research and technology transfer, this relationship with the Department of Defense “has opened up connections that will benefit Wichita State students, faculty and staff, in addition to the state of Kansas, manufacturing industry, various DoD agencies and the nation as a whole.”
We’re also proud of our faculty research—particularly for its innovation and the recognition it brings WSU. A prime example is assistant professor of chemistry Dr. Alexandre Shvartsburg, who recently received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. This is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on STEM professionals. Dr. Shvartsburg is the first-ever recipient from Wichita State and only the third from Kansas. We congratulate him on this great accomplishment.
School of Music is holding auditions for the following ensembles
- Shocker Sound Basketball Pep Band and Shocker Sound Machine Marching Band (Tuesday, Aug. 20)
- Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band (Friday, Aug. 16 and Monday, Aug. 19)
- Three of our four choirs: Concert Chorale, A Cappella Choir, and Madrigal Singers (Friday, Aug. 16 and Monday, Aug. 19)
- Our fourth choir, Women’s Glee Club, does not require an audition
- Our many Jazz Bands (Friday, Aug. 16)
- Our Symphony Orchestra (Wind / Brass on Friday, Aug. 16 and Strings on Monday, Aug. 19)
- Opera Theatre (Tuesday, Aug, 20 and Wednesday, Aug. 21)
For more information about audition requirements and to sign up for a time, go to wichita.edu/audition.
Introducing a new format to submit information for internal newsletters
Strategic Communications appreciates all of the information we receive from faculty, staff and students for our internal newsletters – WSU Today, Shocker Blast and Campus Connection. We couldn’t do what we do without your help.
Moving forward, we are asking you to use the WSU newsletter submission form. The submission form link will also be available on the newsletter pages. Effective Monday, Sept. 16, only submissions sent through the form will be considered for inclusion.
The purpose is to streamline the process for submitting news and information for internal communications. The form should also result in more consistency in compiling the newsletters.
PDFs will no longer be accepted because their content isn’t easily transferred to calendars, and because of accessibility issues.
If you have questions, contact Joe Kleinsasser, co-director of news and media relations, at joe.kleinsasser@wichita.edu or call 978-3013.
First-Gen, first day, wear your First-Gen Shockers T-shirt
The First-Gen Coordinating Council invites all first-gen students to wear their First
Gen Shockers T-shirt on Monday, Aug. 19.
The Office of Student Success First-Year Programs will host a photo booth on the
first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center. Show your First-Gen Shocker pride, and
stop by between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, and get a first day photo taken
in a First-Gen shirt! Join fellow students, and first-gen faculty and staff. #FGShockers
#firstgen
For more information, contact FGShockers@wichita.edu.
Click here for more information about First-Gen activities and events.
There’s still time to sign up for an Honors course
It's not too late to sign up for an Honors course! Enroll in HNRS 305U The Power of Storytelling or HNRS 405F Walling the Self: Dwelling and Identity in Early Lit.
The Power of Storytelling will allow you to understand the structure and impact of narratives on individuals and society while creating a narrative of your own. Whenever a story is told, a narrative is being built. Simple things can impact how you perceive everything from characters to news stories, learn how to analyze these stories.
Walling the Self will explore some of the greatest early literature, The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Odyssey, Beowulf, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Look into the cultures, how they express their identity, and how they separate themselves from others. A unique anthropological approach to literature to discover what was important and was dishonorable within these cultures.
Contact the Honors advisor if you have any questions about how either of these courses may fulfill general education requirements by emailing honors@wichita.edu.
Non-Honors students may request permission to enroll at www.wichita.edu/seminarpermission.
Leadership opportunities in Student Involvement
We have many leadership programs happening in Student Involvement. Applications for Emerging Leaders, Engaging Leaders, Leadership Book Club, WSU Student of the Year[BROKEN LINK], and LeaderShape are now open! Please visit our website to apply.
- Emerging Leaders: Attention First-Year students -- This program is a unique opportunity for first year freshman & first year transfer students to get on the fast-track to student leadership, campus, and community involvement. Deadline: Sunday, Sept. 8, at Emerging Leaders.
- Engaging Leaders: Offers students an opportunity to explore, discuss, and analyze various professional fields directed by executive officials from different companies, corporations and industries throughout the Wichita area. Deadline: Sunday, Sept. 8 at Engaging Leaders.
- LeaderShape: Six-day experience that challenges participants to lead with integrity. Deadline: Wednesday, Oct. 30, at LeaderShape.
- Leadership Book Club: This fall, we will read “Dare to Lead,” by Brené There will be an in-person discussion from 10-11 a.m. Thursdays. Register by Sunday, Sept. 8, at Leadership Book Club.
For more information on these programs, visit our website or contact lead@wichita.edu, 978-3022, or visit Student Involvement!
Youth mentoring opportunity
The INSPYRE research lab directed by Samantha Gregus is currently recruiting undergraduate mentors for a three-hour course in the fall 2019 semester. Mentors eat lunch with an elementary school student twice each week. In return, mentors receive three hours of course credit and many great experiences.
Mentors are required to: undergo background checks, have reliable transportation to and from the elementary school, and should have availability from noon-2 p.m. at least twice a week.
We do not meet regularly like a traditional class (time mentoring takes the place of class time). We do, however, have a course syllabus, class readings, and paper assignments. Mentors will receive training at the beginning of the course and a grade at the end based on attendance and completion of assignments. We are interested in recruiting mentors from any college and major.
For more information, please contact the INSPYRE research lab at inspyre@wichita.edu ASAP.
Paid internship positions available for Elliott School students at KMUW radio
A couple of paid internship positions are available at KMUW for students in WSU’s Elliott School of Communication. Information regarding the open internships is available here.
Involvement Fair is coming Aug. 28
The Involvement Fair is an opportunity for Wichita State students to learn about WSU Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). The Involvement Fair is also an opportunity for RSOs to meet new students, and to collaborate with other organizations.
The Involvement Fair happens at the beginning of the fall semester on the RSC North Patio and surrounding outdoor areas. It is one of the best opportunities to get involved in campus life at Wichita State. Student organizations set up displays and have members on site talk to visitors one on one about what their organization does on campus.
Involvement in co-curricular experiences is one of the most important parts of having a successful college career! You will make friends, learn all about Wichita State, and develop invaluable skills you will use in life beyond Wichita State. There are more than 300 student organizations to choose from. Wondering where to start? Start at the Involvement Fair!
Shocker students create art, memories with children in Peru
Fine arts students Haley Ensz, Lily Guillen, Bishop Rice and Celine Sengvilay recently returned from a trip to Peru with Wichita State professor Lori Santos. They spent several days working with children at the Institución Educativa José María Arguedas, an elementary school in Lima.
Read full story
Suicide prevention: We all can help out
You can help prevent suicide. Join a training session provided by Counseling and Prevention Services and learn more about how to prevent suicide in our community. This month's session is 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23. This training is part of the #WSUWeSupportU campaign and covers signs that someone may need additional support, how to start conversations with people who may need help, and the resources that are available both at WSU and in the community.
Counseling and Prevention to offer Healing From Trauma
Join Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center and Counseling and Prevention Services this semester for support for healing from traumatic experiences this semester. Group members will explore the healing process, coping mechanisms, and learn how to identify and manage triggers. No appointment needed.
The group will meet from 4-5 p.m. Thursdays from Aug. 22 to Dec. 5. Please double check the Counseling and Prevention Services website for the location in the RSC, since the room will change during the semester.
Sale on T-shirts and more
Now through Saturday, Aug. 17, take 20% off T-shirts (priced $11 and up), and 20% off lanyards and ID holders at the Shocker Store. Both discounts are valid at the RSC location and the T-shirt discount is also valid at the Braeburn Square location.
Fall semester hours in the RSC
The Rhatigan Student Center and its departments have started full fall semester hours. For fall semester hours of operation, go to www.wichita.edu/rschours.
Campus Credit Union welcomes back Shocker Nation
The Campus Credit Union has proudly met the banking needs of Shocker Nation since 1952. It is located on campus next to the WSU police station across the road from the WSU YMCA construction; a short walk from The Flats or Suites.
We offer free checking and a no fee ATM. We also partner with ALLPOINT to offer surcharge free ATMs all across Wichita and the U.S. (70 local ATMS). We have online and mobile banking, including bill pay, and partner with Sallie Mae to offer private student loans.
In addition, we offer highly competitive auto loan, CD, and home loan rates. You can find out more online at www.campuscu.org or on Facebook and Twitter. Stop in and become a member today!
Applications are open for Harvester Arts Community Fellows Program
Harvester Arts is accepting applications for the second round of the Community Fellows Program through Tuesday, Sept. 3. Supported with a $70,500 grant award from the Knight Foundation Fund at the Wichita Community Foundation, the program offers tangible support and career development for three members of the local creative community. Wichita State University students are eligible to apply.
The Community Fellows Program recruits and trains creative thinkers who seek to make an impact on the community through their work. Harvester Arts provides mentorship, financial and practical support, as well as training for creative entrepreneurs in the Wichita community.
“Our goal is to empower creatives to become culture producers, and create opportunities for each other,” said Kate Van Steenhuyse, Harvester Arts, Co-Founder and Executive Director. “Individuals trained in placemaking and socially-engaged art will be key to transforming the core of our city.”
The Community Fellows will produce cultural events with administrative and financial support from Harvester Arts, including the Riverfest Artist-in-Residence program for 2020 and large-scale public projects of their own design. Chosen fellows will receive individual stipends of $2,500 per year for two years and up to $8,000 in seed funding for their projects.
Finalists will be interviewed in mid-September and the three selected fellows will be announced by the end of the month. Creatives, organizers, visionaries and anyone interested in the program will find more information and application instructions at harvesterarts.com. Applicants must be over 18 years of age. Current students are eligible to apply at Harvester Arts
Harvester Arts will facilitate mandatory training workshops for accepted Community Fellows and the general public on event production and planning. These sessions will focus on four central topics:
- Oct. 1, 6 p.m. Strategic Planning: Best Practices in Creative Placemaking & Socially-Engaged Art
- Oct. 15, 6 p.m. Action Planning: Budgets & Logistics
- Oct. 29, 6 p.m. Telling The Story: Marketing, Outreach, and Messaging
- Nov. 12, 6 p.m. Measuring Success: Outcomes, Documentation & Evaluations
Workshops are open to the public for a $20 fee, and limited to 25 participants - scholarships are available. Workshops will be hosted at Harvester Arts at 215 N. Washington between 1st and 2nd Streets in Old Town.