Springfest 2020 is tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 28)
Want to broaden your horizons? Check out the largest variety of involvement and fitness opportunities that campus has to offer! Bring your WSU ID to the second-floor gym of the Heskett Center from 5-7 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 28).
Early deadlines are approaching quickly!
If you need to make changes to your class schedule (some deadlines are today), or plan to get a refund or make special payment arrangements, your time is quickly running out!
Visit the academic calendar to find a handy schedule for the semester. If you are planning to apply for scholarships to cover costs of attendance next year, visit Financial Aid’s scholarship page to access opportunities for current students. Some scholarship deadlines may have already passed, so you need to submit your applications now.
KDHE shares information about 2019 Novel Coronavirus
You might have heard about the outbreak of coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China. A small number of cases have now been reported in the U.S. In an effort to keep you safe, Student Health Services has been closely monitoring the situation with information provided by federal, state, and local authorities. To learn how to protect yourself and to get the latest news about the coronavirus outbreak, visit Student Health's Travel and Health Advisory webpage.
Information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is available here.
The Engagement and Economic Prosperity Taskforce needs your help!
Is your unit engaged with the local or regional community in an effort to solve pressing problems? Are you working with industry or community partners on projects that advance the public good or drive education, economic or health outcomes? Are you working to create or sustain jobs for south central Kansas?
If your answer to any of those questions is, “YES,” please enter your activity / event / service or administrative action into the Strategic Planning Initiative Database on the Strategic Planning website in order to be included in the campuswide landscape analysis.
Questions can be forwarded to Kaye Monk-Morgan, taskforce co-chair, kaye.monk@wichita.edu.
You are invited to CCHT's 6th Annual Anti-Trafficking Conference featuring Gretchen Carlson
You are invited to the WSU Center for Combating Human Trafficking’s (CCHT) 6th Annual Anti-Trafficking Conference on Friday, Jan. 31, in Hughes Metropolitan Complex.
This year’s theme is “Context Matters: Confronting a Culture of Exploitation,” broadening the focus to take an in depth look at the various “-isms” and cultural contributions that create opportunity for abuse, exploitation to occur.
The headlining speaker will be Gretchen Carlson, who made international news in 2016 when she sued Roger Ailes, CEO of Fox News. Since that time, she has continued to shed light on the epidemic of sexual harassment and to provide education and resources for victims and survivors. Individual tickets to hear Gretchen are available at www.wichita.edu/bethebombshell.
The afternoon keynote will be Rafael Bautista. He serves as an expert consultant for the Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center and the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center.
We are thrilled to welcome Gretchen Carlson and Rafael Bautista to Wichita. Gretchen offers a personal perspective of navigating and challenging systems of abuse and silence in a moderated Q&A. Rafael will broaden the conversation more and challenge us to think about the ways in which culture can create vulnerabilities to trafficking.
Offering General Session talks are Marisa Kwiatkowski, investigative reporter with USA Today, and Daniel Dye, Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General from Pennsylvania. Marisa and Daniel have investigated major cases of sex crimes, sex abuse, and cover-ups. They will share their journeys of investigation and what they learned from these cases that garnered national attention.
For more information about speakers, to register for the full day, or the Gretchen Q&A only, go to www.wichita.edu/bethebombshell.
Register now for Wu's Big Event XII
Join us from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Feb. 8 to make a huge impact in the Wichita community. Individuals, groups, organizations, faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends and family are all encouraged to participate in Wu's Big Event, Wichita State's largest volunteer event. Registration is free and includes a light breakfast, lunch, a T-shirt, and transportation to and from service sites. For questions, email CSB@wichita.edu or call 978-3022.
Applied learning plus ITS equals success
WSU’s Information Technology Services (ITS) practices what the university is preaching – applied learning is good for students and employers. As proof, in recent years, Wichita State’s ITS has hired three of its student assistants – two as programmers and one as a network administrator.
ITS currently has 23 student assistants and 70 full-time, permanent employees.
“It was a fantastic experience being able to give these students some hands-on, real-world, on-the-job training in advance of their full time, permanent employment here,” said Chief Information Officer Toney Flack. “It has been an invaluable experience for us and for them, and we’ve ended up with three employees who were immediately productive on day one, and we already knew that they were a good cultural fit from the onset. It has been a perfect example of applied learning here at WSU.”
Pictured above from l to r are Kip Landwehr, Caitlin Allan, Alexandra Andino.
Kip Landwehr, Caitlin Allan and Alexandra Andino are unanimous in acknowledging the value of their student assistant experiences at Wichita State.
Kip Landwehr
“Working as an intern while pursuing my degree provided me the opportunity to see how the theory I was learning in the classroom applies in a real world environment. It supplemented the knowledge I was obtaining in the classroom by allowing me to learn and use skills that my degree did not teach me directly, such as general troubleshooting and systems administration. It also allowed me to explore different professions within my field of study and decide what I really wanted to do after graduating.”
Caitlin Allan
“I began working as a student intern for Information Technology Services the summer before I graduated from college. Going into the internship, I felt very unsure of what I wanted to do after graduation, and I was not confident in my skill set.
During my internship, I worked on various projects using different technologies. My coworkers helped teach me new skills that they use every day in their jobs. This really helped me gain experience and confidence in my field and helped me figure out what I wanted to do after college.
Working with my coworkers as an intern helped me get to know everyone, and made me feel comfortable in the work environment. I was very happy to finish up my last semester of college knowing that I would be starting a job I knew I would enjoy.”
Alexandra Andino
“Working as a student in ITS helped me gain understanding in the field and learn the culture of the office. I was better prepared when I was hired full-time because of the time spent as a student in ITS.
The work I was entrusted to do as a student gave me the confidence I needed to work on larger projects as a full-time employee. Thanks to my experience working as a student, I more easily adapted to my full-time job.”
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Flack learned a lot while helping to coordinate and attend a Young Professionals session at the Mark Arts Center in Wichita. The IT leaders (CIO’s) of WSU, Spirit, Koch, Textron and the city of Wichita hosted student assistants / interns, and those fresh out of undergraduate school on the cusp of starting a career in technology for an afternoon to hear what that generation is seeking when actively looking for permanent employment.
“Many of the issues of interest are things that WSU is already doing to attract new talent in this area of specialization and this area of the globe,” said Flack. “It was very productive and gave real-time, real-world feedback for those organizations in attendance.”
MGC Informational tonight (Monday, Jan. 27)
The Multicultural Greek Council will be hosting their Spring 2020 Informational from 5-6 p.m. today (Monday, Jan. 27) in the RSC Shirley Beggs Ballroom. Come out and meet our 14 chapters within the Multicultural Greek Council and learn about how you can become a part of our family. See you there!
Students, faculty and staff are welcome to participate in new logo competition
WSU students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the competition for a new logo for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s popular (and now renamed) Walk-In Fishing Access program or WIFA. This program provides fishing access to private lands on thousands of acres of Kansas waters. The logo competition runs from now until Sunday, March 1.
The designer who wins will receive $2,500. Entries must be submitted at KSoutdoors.com/WIFA_Logo. Only original artwork will be considered, copyrighted images may not be used. Only Electronic submissions will be accepted.
Entries must be submitted in black and white. A color version of the logo may be submitted in addition to the black and white logo.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age by March 1, to participate. To learn more about this program and contest rules, go to KSoutdoors.com/WIFA_Logo.
You are invited to the Syllabus Party!
Office of Student Success, First-Year Programs invites you to come to the Syllabus Party from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 28), in the Harvest Room 142 RSC, to pick up free planner goodies and organize class projects, papers and exams. Peer Success Coaches will be available to give time management strategies and organizational tips. Students can bring their own planners or phone calendars if that is what they prefer to use. Light refreshments and snacks will also be provided. For more information, call 316-978-5420 or email first.year@wichita.edu.
Celebrate the Year of the Rat
Celebrate the Year of the Rat from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 28) on the first floor, RSC.
2020 marks the Lunar New Year of the Rat. Experience the traditions, activities and performance to celebrate the New Year. St. Anthony Lion and Dragon Dance Team will perform at 12:15 p.m. The event is hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and various WSU Asian and Pacific Islander cultural groups. For more information, go to or contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 978-3034.
First Job Hunting Lab of the semester - Jan. 29
The Career Development Center is hosting their first Job Hunting Lab of the semester from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, in 258 RSC.
Students are invited to join us in learning how employers hire, and how to use that information to build a resume that passes a 10-second scan. Get tips on how to exhibit professionalism and why it matters during the interview.
HCEA Cybersecurity Speaker Series presents Brig. Gen. David Weishaar
Join the Hub for Cybersecurity Education and Awareness from 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, in 264 John Bardo Center to hear from Brig. Gen. David Weishaar from the Kansas National Guard and learn more about Creating a Cybersecurity Workforce and Cyber Threat Responsibilities for the Kansas National Guard. Find out more and register at wichita.edu/cyberhub.
SAC presents DIY Planners
We’re back from break and it’s time to start being productive again. We know the process is hard, so we are supplying you with all the tools you’ll need to make your own customized planner.
Come by between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, in the RSC, and kick-start your productivity, by designing a unique planner to organize your busy schedules.
For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/sac or contact us at sac@wichita.edu.
Sponsored by Student Activities Council
Graduate Student Town Hall with President Jay Golden on Thursday
Graduate Students, the Graduate School invites you to join President Jay Golden for a Town Hall meeting from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, in 266 RSC, to discuss what is important to you regarding your education as WSU moves forward. President Golden will be in attendance to engage in conversation and get feedback from you.
Transfer student social
Transfer students are invited to join Student Involvement for a social event to meet with other students and learn about campus resources from 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, in the RSC third floor Shirley Beggs Ballroom. There will be a scavenger hunt, free hot chocolate, free cookies, board games, and featuring the Boot Scootin’ Shockers for some line dancing. This is a great way for transfer students to transition into WSU.
Join us for LinkedIn: Craft a stellar profile and build a valuable network
For many, LinkedIn is the social media equivalent of an awkward networking event. However, 98% of recruiters and 85% of hiring managers use LinkedIn to find candidates.
Join the Graduate School and Career Development Center with presenter Christina Unrein from the Possibility Lab from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, in 209 Hubbard Hall, to learn how to craft a stellar profile, build a valuable network and leverage both to your advantage. RSVP at Handshake and make sure to bring your laptop.
College of Applied Studies shares 2019 Annual Report
The College of Applied Studies is excited to share their 2019 Annual Report. You can view the full publication here.
Highlights include:
- another record year for enrollment
- Clash of the Colleges champions!
- 4 new degrees, certificates and minors
- 6 new faculty
- $479K awarded in scholarships
College of Applied Studies 2019 Annual Report
Join CAPS this semester for Keep Calm & Breathe On
Join Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) again this semester for Keep Calm & Breathe On!
Drop in to build structured relaxation time into your life and learn techniques to do relaxation on your own. You will be led in meditation, mindfulness and relaxation practices. The meetings are every Wednesday from 12:15-12:45 p.m. in 257 RSC.
Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol
The Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol event is an opportunity for students to present their research experiences to state lawmakers in Topeka on Wednesday, March 4. Up to 40 students participate each year, representing each of the state’s eight public four-year institutions. Students should follow the link here for more information and to apply. Applications are due by Friday, Jan. 31.
LaunchPrep applications now open!
LaunchPrep provides your early stage startup with access to a select group of Wichita’s most successful entrepreneurs. These mentors, along with round table topics brought to you by industry leaders, creates a winning combination for all participants.
Go to wichita.edu/launchprep for more information.
Football at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes
Need a place to watch the big game on Sunday, Feb. 2? The Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes is the perfect place! Enjoy food and drink specials and catch the game on one of their many TVs.
Registration is open for the inaugural Wichita State University Analytics Showcase
The WSU Analytics Showcase will be held from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, April 17, in the Hughes Metropolitan Complex. Registration is free for students and faculty, but space is limited.
Contact the Analytics Showcase organizers
Learn more and register for the Showcase
Student Activities Council to host Roaring '20s Party
Applesauce! SAC is throwing a Hop! Join SAC from 8-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, in the RSC Beggs Ballroom for a swanky Roaring ‘20’s Party to celebrate the new decade! Go full Gatsby and wear your finest ‘20s attire. Free to WSU students with Shocker ID; $3 faculty/staff; $5 general admission and $1 for kids 12 and under. No advance ticket sales. Cash or check only accepted at the door.
Cops and chips
The Wichita State University Police Department is starting a new Community Policing effort at the beginning of the spring 2020 semester.
Officers will carry WSUPD “poker chips” with our badge on the front and the WSU logo and a website address on the back. The website will direct you to locations on campus that you will be able to exchange the poker chip for a reward. Those rewards vary by location, but could include free drinks with meals, tacos, merchandise discounts, and more. Chips are redeemable at on-campus locations only.
In order to receive a chip, engage an officer on campus, introduce yourself, and get to know the officer. You might be rewarded with a poker chip. If you choose to keep the poker chip you may, but you must turn it in for the reward.
Be looking for our officers after the beginning of the spring 2020 semester. Check the website for the locations of rewards. You might find something you like! Officers will have limited quantities, and may run out at anytime.
Visit www.wichita.edu/police, Click on the In This Section button and select Rewards.
Don’t be a victim; lock your cars
WSUPD welcomes all students, faculty and staff back to campus for the spring semester 2020.
Remember to put valuables in the trunk. If you have to leave valuables in the car, place the items out of sight or under the seat.
Please pay attention to your surroundings. Call 978-3450 if you see what you believe to be suspicious activity anywhere on campus. Help be the eyes and ears of Shocker Nation!
Volunteers are needed for a research study
Research Topic / Purpose of the study: We are recruiting research participants to help us better understand childhood experiences (including parenting, the makeup of one’s household, unwanted experiences, etc.), religion and spirituality, and current or past relationships (including sexual experiences, conflict management, etc.) for the purpose of completing a second-year project for the Community Psychology Ph.D. program at Wichita State University.
Procedures: This study will be an online survey through Qualtrics. You will receive 3 SONA credits for completing this survey.
Time: Participation is expected to last about 45 minutes. Inclusion / Exclusion Criteria: Participants must be at least 18 years old.
Location: Wichita State University online
Contact: If you are interested in participating in this study, contact Andrea Jamiel at anjamiel@shockers.wichita.edu or Dr. Jennifer Demers at Jennifer.demers@wichita.edu.
Submit your applications for Senior Honor awards
Applications are being sought for Wichita State’s 2020 Senior Honor awards. This is considered one of the most prestigious honors a student can receive at WSU. Up to 10 students are chosen for this honor each year. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. To review the eligibility requirements and application process, go to www.wichita.edu/seniorhonor.
Help end the blood shortage! Donate blood at WSU blood drive Jan. 29-30
The American Red Cross has a critical need for blood and platelet donors to give now to help ensure lifesaving medical treatments and emergency care are not delayed or canceled this winter. Your help is needed ASAP!
Donate blood at the WSU blood drive from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 or Thursday, Jan. 30, in the Heskett Center lobby. Donors will receive a free T-shirt as a thank you for donating.
To make your appointment visit www.redcrossblood.org; Sponsor Code: Wichita State or call 1-800-Red-Cross. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Take advantage of free HIV testing
Confidential free HIV testing with results in five minutes will be available from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, in 258 RSC. The testing is sponsored by Positive Directions Inc., WSU Student Health Services, and the WSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Take part in WSU Takeover Night with the Wichita Thunder
Join the WSU Alumni Association on Jan. 31 for Shocker Takeover Night at the Thunder game. This special evening will be focused directly on WSU and its students, alumni and faculty. WuShock and the spirit squad will be in attendance for the event as well as many Shocker alumni, students, faculty and student organizations. The game will consist of pregame activities, intermission contests and a post-game picture on the ice.
Use the link below to purchase your tickets for this great night!
Tickets for WSU Takeover Night are:
$5 for Goal Zone
$10 for Premium
$15 for VIP
Speed mingling on Feb. 7
Finding friends can be a challenge, especially if you are new to WSU. Luckily SAC has your back with speed mingling at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, in 233 RSC. We’ll have different stations set up that will allow you to find new friends with similar interests to help you get through your time as a Shocker. This is a great way to explore, step out of your comfort zone, and meet a ton of new people.
Shocker Innovation Corps applications are due Feb. 12
The Shocker Innovation Corps nurtures and supports Wichita State entrepreneurial teams interested in accelerating their STEM ideas, research and product commercialization. Ideas / projects can originate from student or faculty work, research and institutional / industrial projects.
Applications for the Shocker I-Corps program for the spring 2020 cohort are due on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Applicants who are accepted will receive up to $2,150 in seed funding, as well as mentoring from local experts, access to entrepreneurial resources, networking with the local innovation ecosystem, and customer validation training.
Register for two-day management development class
Build your managing skills with the Center for Management Development from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 13-14. This Project Management Essentials class is designed for business professionals faced with getting projects done on-time, within budget and to the customer’s satisfaction. It provides interactive training that will benefit both first-time and experienced project leaders and team members. Participants will develop skills through hands-on exercises that allow them to practice the processes to organize, define, plan, track, and manage any project successfully.
Cost for the class is $899 with 40% discount for WSU faculty, staff and students. Some restrictions apply.
For more information, go to cmd.wichita.edu or register at 316-978-3118.
Special buy on a Sherpa jacket from the Shocker Store
Still needing something to keep you warm this winter? Visit the Shocker Store in the RSC to score a great deal on their new Sherpa jacket, just $28.99, sizes small-2XL in RSC location only while supplies last. Not valid with other discounts or promotions.
New Soup of the Week at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes
Soup is back at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes just in time for the cooler weather! A different soup will be featured each week, Monday-Friday. Grab a cup for $2.99 or a bowl for $3.99. For this week (Jan. 27-31), the Soup of the Week is Tomato Soup.
Join us in your home away from home
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion invites students, staff, faculty and community members to its Spring Open House from 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, in 208 RSC, and to make the office your home away from home.
Stop by to learn more about available resources and programs. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, go to Wichita.edu/odi or contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 978-3034.
Come learn about Condom Sense with SAC
Just in time for V-Day, stop by to learn about safe sex with the Student Activities Council and Student Health Services! We’ll be in the RSC from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, with free condoms, activities and information about safe sex and consent. For more information about SAC sponsored events, please visit wichita.edu/sac or contact us at sac@wichita.edu.
This event is sponsored by Student Activities Council.
Spread the love
Have a Hippo Valentine’s Day with SAC, CSB, and SGA from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, on the first floor, RSC.
Come and make flowers to take to your Valentine and make a Valentine’s Day card that we’ll take to the children at the Wichita Children’s Home and Wesley Pediatric Unit. Play some romantic games with Huxley and visit with SGA to let them know how they can show you the love by giving them feedback for what you would like to see on campus.
For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/sac or contact us at sac@wichita.edu.
Sale on cold weather gear
Visit the Shocker Store this week to save on cold weather gear! All coats, jackets and cold weather accessories are 20% off, RSC location only.