Unauthorized attempts to access university server detected
Statement about unauthorized attempts to access university server, from Toney Flack, Chief Information Officer, which was announced via broadcast email on Friday, Dec. 6.
Thursday (Dec. 5), two incidents of attempted unauthorized access to a university server were detected. University server and security teams investigated the server and continue to monitor the situation.
This server stores student and employee data, including WSU IDs, encrypted passwords, and security questions and answers. This server DOES NOT contain health or financial information (e.g., social security numbers, bank account information, or credit card numbers).
Although we have no evidence at this time that an unauthorized individual has retrieved and is using your personal data, we are bringing this incident to your attention so that you can be alert to signs of any possible misuse of your personal identity.
Out of an abundance of caution, Information Technology Services recommends that you do the following if you are a myWSU user:
- Change your myWSU password
- Change your myWSU security questions and answers
- Change your myWSU OneStop question and answer (if you have one)
To make these changes, log in to myWSU, go to the Home tab, and click on Manage Your Password.
WSU is continuing to investigate these incidents. We will update you with additional information as it becomes known.
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.
Student tickets still available for Intrust Bank Arena game
Student tickets are still available for Saturday's game at Intrust Bank Arena! Swing by the ticket office at Charles Koch Arena and pick up yours today. There are only a limited amount left, so get yours ASAP.
Bring your Shocker ID for student verification.
Campus traffic update
Some lanes may be blocked intermittently along Mid-Campus Drive just west of the YMCA today (Wednesday, Dec. 11) and Thursday, Dec. 12. The general contractor will use a lift in the roadway for construction activities on the exterior of the building. Traffic will be directed during any roadway blockages.
Office for Student Money Management presents: Homemade for the Holidays
Join the Office for Student Money Management from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today (Wednesday, Dec. 11), on the first floor, 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.
Testing Services will close for expansion
Testing Services will close for Winter Break, with renovations starting Monday, Dec. 16. Testing Services will reopen in the same location on Monday, Jan. 6.
12 Days of Christmas sale continues today (Wednesday, Dec. 11)
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 (Wednesday, Dec. 11) are $6 pint and coaster sets.
Join Meritrust Credit Union for its anniversary celebration at Braeburn Square today (Wednesday, Dec. 11)
Meritrust Credit Union invites you to stop by for refreshments for our way to say, “Thanks for the opportunity to serve you,” from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. today (Wednesday, Dec. 11), at the Braeburn Square branch.
Alumnus Brenton D. Myers makes $1.25 million gift to College of Engineering
A $1.25 million gift from the estate of Wichita State University alumnus Brenton D. Myers will support the WSU College of Engineering, where Myers earned the degree that helped him build a lifelong career in engineering and airport planning.
Mr. Myers was a staunch champion of the College of Engineering, endowing the Brenton D. Myers Engineering Scholarship in 2011 and the Brenton D. Myers Innovation in Engineering Education Award in 2015. The award is used to help faculty develop innovative ways to teach students to be better engineers.
Mr. Myers’ estate gift will be divided among three areas: supplementing his scholarship to produce larger awards; increasing the faculty award to make a greater impact; and providing discretionary funds to the dean to strengthen the College of Engineering.
Read complete story on $1.25 million gift.
WSU students create app to increase campus involvement
Have you ever wondered what was happening on campus during the day but not sure where to look? Or missed out on free food at the RSC because you weren't aware?
Well, there's an app for that. Master of Innovation Design students Kristyn Smith and Max Hinman designed MEBO with students in mind. The app, MEBO, keeps you in the know of campus events, study groups and yes, even free food on campus. Download it today in the app store.
Wichita State University holiday shutdown hours
Wichita State University’s holiday shutdown will begin Monday, Dec. 23, and go through Wednesday, Jan. 1. Some hours will vary by department.
WSU Weekly Briefing to feature Interim President Andy Tompkins
The WSU Weekly Briefing will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. Please note this week’s briefing will be held in 233 Rhatigan Student Center. The featured speaker will be Interim President Andy Tompkins, who will be overseeing his final event this weekend, WSU’s Fall Commencement on Sunday, Dec. 15. Tompkins will be succeeded by incoming President Jay Golden on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Andy McFayden, executive director, Strategic Communications, WSU Tech, will give the overall university update.
The briefing will be livestreamed and available later that day at WSU Weekly Briefing. There will be time for questions following the briefing.
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.
Enhance degree and career options with an undergraduate certificate
Enhance your degree and career options with an undergraduate certificate from WSU! Certificates are a group of courses that address a special topic, equipping you with additional knowledge and skills that complement your major. Learn more at Certificate Programs.
Check out these badge classes for degree-bound students
WSU now offers a select number of badge classes for degree-bound students. These courses introduce you to workplace skills that are in demand by employers across the nation. Learn more about badges here.
Invitation to the Governor’s budget listening session
Gov. Laura Kelly is hosting the Governor’s Kansan to Kansan Budget Listening Session from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex. The public is invited to attend.
Listening session information on Facebook.
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
Stay healthy at home and abroad from Student Health
Stay healthy at home and abroad. Student Health has information on travel health advisories, can administer travel vaccinations and prescriptions, and keep you healthy before your departure and after you return.
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
Volunteer opportunities available during winter break
VolunteerICT has hundreds of volunteer opportunities from local nonprofits looking for volunteers. All students, faculty and staff have an account through myWSU. Set-up is simple and easy by visiting our website at Wichita.edu/volunteerICT.
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.
SAC invites you to a Roaring '20s Party
Join Student Activities Council for a swanky Roaring 20’s party from 8-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, to celebrate the new decade! The event is free to anybody with a WSU ID, and all are encouraged to have fun and dress up.
For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/sac.
Participants wanted for online study investigating adjectival meaning
Are you interested in participating in an online study? You have the potential to earn up to $10 after completing the study. We will provide you with an online link, where you can complete the study at your convenience. The study will approximately take an hour.
To be eligible to participate:
- You must be 18 to 40 years old.
- Affiliated with WSU.
- A native speaker of Malayalam who can read the Malayalam script.
- Have normal to corrected vision.
- Have no language or reading disorders.
If you are interested in participating, email Andrew Wing at apwing@shockers.wichita.edu.
Audiology doctoral students need participants for their research projects
WSU graduate students in the Doctor of Audiology program need participants for their research projects. They are studying clinical techniques in audiology for evaluating function of the ear.
Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, have normal hearing, have not had an ear infection in the past three months, nor had symptoms of cold, flu, or nasal allergy in the past two weeks.
Participants will receive a free comprehensive hearing evaluation and ear examination prior to testing. The testing will take about one hour. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Brigid Derby at brderby@shockers.wichita.edu or 816-405-4969, or Professor Xiao-Ming Sun at Xiao-Ming.Sun@wichita.edu.
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 now to Saturday, Dec. 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!
Shop the Shocker Store for doorbuster tumblers and more on Saturday
Visit the Shocker Store’s Braeburn Square location this weekend as you shop for the Shocker fans in your life. On Saturday, Dec. 14, they will have a $10 tumbler doorbuster item that will be available while supplies last. Also, on both Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15, take 20% off blankets and enjoy buy one, get one half off apparel.
Sales are in Braeburn Square location only. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 12-6 p.m. Sunday.
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.
Application due for the alternative spring break in 2020
The deadline for the alternative spring break has been extended to Friday, Dec. 20. Spring break takes place from March 22-27. This year, Alternative Spring Break is located in Washington D.C. and will focus on hunger and homelessness.
Applications are due by noon Friday, Dec. 20, in 216 RSC. Applications are available at Wichita.edu/springbreak.
Questions? Call Student Involvement at 978-3022.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
Submit info by noon Thursday, Dec. 12, for the last Shocker Blast edition of the semester
The final edition of Shocker Blast of the semester is Friday, Dec. 13. The submission deadline is noon Thursday, Dec. 12.
Shocker Blast will resume on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020.