Student thoughts: Finals are the pits
Let's talk about finals. We all hate them, we all endure them and eventually, we all survive them. As told by The Office and Parks and Recreation, I bring you "final thoughts." Just remember, fake it until you make it.
See complete story on finals are the pits.
More than 1,100 students eligible to graduate in WSU’s fall commencement
More than 1,100 students are eligible to participate in Wichita State University’s 122nd fall commencement ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, in Charles Koch Arena.
All graduates will walk across the stage and be individually recognized. Doctoral candidates will be hooded at this ceremony. The ceremony will be available via webcast. To view the ceremony, go to www.wichita.edu/commencement and click on "Live Commencement Streaming." The site will go live at about 2:25 p.m. on Dec. 15.
Former Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson will receive the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. An honorary degree is an exceptional honor bestowed upon a person without fulfillment of the usual requirements. It is conferred only upon persons of notable intellectual. scholarly, professional, creative achievement or service to humanity consistent with the endeavors of WSU.
Parkinson is the CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based American Health Care Association,
a trade group of about 11,000 nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Parkinson
earned summa cum laude honors with his bachelor’s degree in political science from
WSU in 1980. He later graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law.
Security procedures will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone attending commencement.
The following security procedures are being implemented:
Everyone attending, assisting or participating in commencement will be required to
be screened and pass through metal detectors as they enter the arena. Koch Arena will
open at 1 p.m. We recommend you arrive early to allow sufficient time to get through
security.
Please note the following items are prohibited:
- Outside food and drink
- Weapons not allowed by law
- Noisemakers
- Pocket and box knives
- Alcohol and drugs
Wichita State staff reserves the right to prohibit any items deemed inappropriate.
Video: What makes a great Shocker?
What makes a great Shocker? Is it studying? Is it going to class? Is it just surviving college? Find out from some fellow Shockers what they think the answer is.
Fine forgiveness and reduced fine prices coming to University Libraries
Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, the University Libraries will no longer charge overdue fees on books* and is reducing overdue charges on many other items, including movies, periodicals, and equipment. Replacement fees will remain in place for lost items.
These changes are a reflection of the University Libraries’ efforts to remove barriers to access and reduce student debt.
Leading up to this policy change, we will offer a one-time only Amnesty Day on Tuesday, Dec. 10. All overdue items returned in good condition to the staff at the Circulation Desk of Ablah Library on this day will have fines forgiven.
For more information, contact Ginger Williams, associate dean for Academic Engagement and Public Services, University Libraries at 978-5070 or ginger.williams@wichita.edu
* Books from Ablah Library with four-week checkout and two renewals. Excludes textbooks and leisure reading.
University Libraries Circulation Fines
Be aware of increase in bike thefts on campus
Police Chief Rodney Clark says there has recently been an increase of bicycle thefts around campus, particularly near the dormitory bicycle racks. Many of the bicycles were not properly locked or secured to the rack at the time they were taken. The Wichita State University Police Department encourages students to practice safekeeping of all personal property.
The Police Department wants to remind students to ensure their property is secured when unattended. They recommend obtaining a heavy-duty "U" lock, which requires a key to unlock and locking the mechanism around the frame of the bike, instead of the wheel. Students who have a bike may register it with the Housing and Residence Life office to keep it on file in case it is lost or stolen.
While the Wichita State University Police Department is continuing to investigate these thefts, we remain committed to proactively serving our campus community and making safety our priority. If you see suspicious behavior, please contact the Wichita State University Police Department at 316-978-3450.
Call for Fiscal Year 2021 Educational Opportunity and Student Fee Funding Requests
It’s again time to begin the process for submission of funding requests through Student Government for the Educational Opportunity Fund and Student Services Fee for FY ‘21. Student Fees provide funding for programs / activities delivered directly to students, and the Educational Opportunity Fund provides funding for financial assistance to students.
If you’ve submitted requests in the past, the Budget / Review Officer should have received an email from the Budget Office to kick-off the submission process. If you have not submitted requests in the past, but are considering submitting a new request, please contact Lauren Smith, Jason Post, or David Miller in the Budget Office at 978-3030 for additional information.
Requests are due no later than Friday, Jan, 24.
Offices of Purchasing and Financial Operations and Business Technology will close early on Tuesday, Dec. 10
The Offices of Purchasing and Financial Operations and Business Technology (Accounts Payable, Travel, Accounts Receivable / Student Accounts, Payroll, Fixed Assets, Accounting, Business Technology) will close at noon Tuesday, Dec. 10, for staff development. The offices will reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11.
WSU student relives history through King Kung Fu documentary
Nathan Light, a senior studying video production created a documentary over the slapstick comedy King Kung Fu as part of his practicum. The original film was set entirely in Wichita and finally released in 1987. It premiered at the Crest Theater and had a VHS release in Japan, Poland and Taiwan.
While creating the documentary, Nathan learned the ins and outs of video production and how to craft his story from start to finish. His time at Shocker Studios has given him hands-on experiences.
Apply now for the 2020 John A. See Innovation Award
Applications for the 2020 John A. See Innovation Award will be accepted now to Friday, Jan. 31. The award was established in December 2013 by John A. See to support prototype development, which may include development of products in engineering and science, development of life-enhancing therapeutic products, creation of application of new knowledge and artistic ventures.
Faculty and students are eligible to apply for the proof of concept award. For more information and access to the online application options go to www.wichita.edu/innovationaward.
Textbook Buyback and Rental Return Dates
Textbook Buyback starts this week at the Shocker Store! Bring in your gently used textbooks during normal operating hours Dec. 9-14 in the RSC location to receive cash for your books. Rental books are due back by Monday, Dec. 16, with a late fee charged after that date. A valid Shocker ID is required for all buyback transactions.
Are you interested in joining a Fraternity or Sorority next semester?
The fraternity and sorority community at Wichita State is full of tradition, brotherhood, sisterhood and pride. Our members represent at WSU athletic events, hold leadership positions in numerous student organizations and carry out some of the top fundraising events at WSU.
If you are interested in joining our community next semester, please fill out the Fraternity and Sorority Life member interest form as soon as possible. Contact greeklife@wichita.edu for questions!
2020 Homecoming queen and king candidates have been announced
Ten Wichita State seniors have been nominated as 2020 Homecoming queen and king candidates. The queen candidates are Aryawna Friesen, Jane Lickteig, Ashtyn Rottinghaus, Mariah Snow and Brooke Talbott. King candidates are Matt Burdick, Brandon Eckerman, Brayden Hosman, Zubair Khan and Carson Reimer.
The candidates will make multiple appearances at on-campus events throughout the week of Feb. 10-16. The winners will be crowned at halftime of the Shockers’ game against the Tulane Green Wave on Feb. 16 at Koch Arena. The theme for this year’s homecoming is “Shocker Sight: Wichita State Homecoming 2020.”
Find out more about WSU homecoming events
WSU Police Department invites campus to participate in Sergeant’s assessment
The WSU Police Department invites faculty, staff and students to participate in a Sergeant’s assessment tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec. 10) with community presentations at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. in 319 RSC.
The officers taking the assessment are required to give a 10-minute presentation on community policing and what it looks like on the WSU campus. This presentation includes a Q&A session, and we are asking all who participate to do an evaluation form provided.
KMUW covers stress and self-care at Decembers Engage ICT
The holidays are a wonderful time, but with them also come health risks due to stress and seasonal depression. Find out about warning signs, risks, and ways to mitigate stress at Engage ICT tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec. 10). The conversation gets underway at 5:30 p.m. at Roxy's Downtown. Engage ICT events are free and open to the public. Appetizers are provided by Roxy’s Downtown and drinks are available to purchase.
Panelists include: Mary Jones from Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas, Telecia Lyons of Emerge Skin & Body spa, counselor and spiritual leader Annie Montgomery and Constance Porazka of Retreat to Joy.
Volunteers needed for SHOCKERTHON, an applied learning opportunity
SHOCKERTHON is looking for two more student leaders to join the executive team. SHOCKERTHON is a WSU RSO committed to create a community that is aware and supportive of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to better the lives of children and families in need.
In the first four years alone, we’ve raised over $179,000. This money helps to pay expenses not covered by insurance – such as medicines, therapy, hearing aids and more. The money raised also allows hospitals and other health care facilities purchase necessary equipment to help care for the children in need.
Contact Alex Powers adpowers@shockers.wichita.edu for more info.
Prescription refill notice from Student Health Services
If you need a prescription refilled before the winter break, please submit refill prescriptions by 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, for pick up by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13.
Student Health Services will close on Monday, Dec. 16, and reopen Monday, Jan. 6, in the new Student Wellness Center.
Office for Student Money Management presents: Homemade for the Holidays
Join the Office for Student Money Management from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 on the first floor of the RSC, to learn new tips on saving money during the holiday season. Attendees will be able to make homemade cards and spin the wheel for prizes.
Volunteers needed for Fall Commencement
The 2019 Fall Commencement ceremony will be held Sunday, Dec. 15. The Commencement Office is looking for individuals who are available to work from approximately noon to 5:30 p.m. that day. If you are interested in assisting, please visit the commencement website and sign up. If you have questions about assisting with commencement please contact the commencement office at commencement@wichita.edu.
New Student Wellness Center opening in January
Student Health Services and CAPS are moving to the Steve Clark YMCA building. Both departments will be closed Dec. 16-Jan. 6, to pack and relocate. The departments plan to reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, in the new Student Wellness Center.
12 Days of Christmas sale continues today (Monday, Dec. 9)
Looking to find your favorite Shocker a holiday gift? Stop by the Shocker Store’s Rhatigan Student Center location for its annual 12 Days of Christmas Sale from now to Saturday, Dec. 14. Or shop the sale online at shockerstore.com.
New sale items are added daily and will stay on sale the remainder of the promotion, or while supplies last. Visit the Shocker Store Facebook page each day to find out the new sale item(s). The sale items for today (Monday, Dec. 9) are $5 utility gloves, and 20% off kids' merchandise.
Come watch Christmas on Ice!
The Wichita Ice Center is hosting their 2019 Annual Christmas Recital at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Come enjoy the show and see fellow Shockers Gus Pachta, Laura Gibbs and Nick Coates perform!
Join WSUSSLHA's annual Barnes and Noble fundraiser
Wichita State’s Student Speech and Language Hearing Association is having their annual Barnes and Noble fundraiser on Dec. 14. This will take place at the Barnes and Noble located at 1920 N. Rock Road, and will last from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Join WSUSSLHA for shopping, book readings and crafts! WSUSSLHA will also be providing gift wrapping for your Barnes and Noble purchase. Donations are welcome and we hope to see you there.
SGA Scholarship applications are open
SGA Scholarship application are open for the 2020-21 school year. Applications close on Feb. 3, so apply today. Applications can be turned into the SGA Office, 219 RSC.
Enroll for a service learning course in psychology
The INSPYRE research lab is currently recruiting undergraduate mentors for a 3-hour service-learning course in psychology for the Spring 2020 semester. Prior to enrolling in PSY 416, mentors are required to pass an interview, background check, have reliable transportation, lunch availability from noon-2 p.m. twice a week and class from 3:30-6 p.m. on Mondays.
Mentors will receive training at the beginning of the course and a grade at the end based on attendance and completion of assignments. For more information, contact the INSPYRE research lab at inspyre@wichita.edu
Donate to the Toys for Tots program
There are only a few days left to donate toys to help children in need here in Wichita. Please consider donating a toy to the Toys for Tots program by stopping by our lobby during normal business hours.
Graduation cords for student veterans now available
Student veterans graduation on Dec. 15 are entitled to receive a graduation cord to add to their graduation regalia. Graduation cords will be available for pick up at the Military and Veteran Center this week (Dec. 9). Please bring proof of military service.
Shocker Store offering sale on diploma frames
Now through Saturday, Dec. 14, take 20% off diploma frames at the Shocker Store. Sale is in RSC store and online at shockerstore.com.
Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes offering members only happy hour appetizers
Members of the EAT.DRINK.PLAY Rewards Program in the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes can enjoy exclusive happy hour specials in December. Show your rewards card from 2-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and take 25% off any starter menu item. If you are not already a member, joining is free and easy. Simply stop in and ask to sign up!
Apply for the International Leadership Program in Peru for Summer 2020
Study abroad during the summer of 2020 in Peru with the International Leadership Program. The application deadline is Wednesday, Jan 15. and can be found at Wichita.edu/peru. For more information contact Ann Burger at ann.burger@wichita.edu.
International Leadership Program
Chicken Noodle soup now available at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes
The soup of the week at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes is Chicken Noodle. Grab a cup for $2.99 or a bowl for $3.99.