Don’t miss Black History Month keynote speaker Anthony Ray Hinton tomorrow
The Diversity Lecture Series presents Anthony Hinton – Black History Month Keynote Speaker – at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 13) in the CAC Theater.
Have you seen the movie “Just Mercy” or read the book? Check it out before our WSU Diversity Lecture Series Black History Month Keynote Speaker Anthony Hinton comes to campus. The event is cosponsored by ODI, Burns & McDonnell, WSU Alumni Association, Wichita Branch of the NAACP, AAFSA, WSU Black Student Union, and the Black Academic Honor Society.
Anthony Ray Hinton was released in April 2015 after spending 30 years on Alabama’s death row for a crime he did not commit. He was released with the help of the Equal Justice Initiative, of which he is now an employee. He now serves as EJI’s Community Educator, and travels both nationally and internationally to speak about his experience.
More information and ticket details will be available at Wichita.edu/odishop. This event is free and open to the public; a free ticket will serve as an entry. Learn more about Hinton at https://eji.org/issues/death-penalty/.
Severe weather preparedness drill scheduled for Tuesday, March 3
This year, as we have done in the past, WSU will participate in the annual statewide severe weather preparedness drill.
The annual drill this year is Tuesday, March 3. If the weather is clear that day, all of the severe weather sirens in Sedgwick County will go off at 10 a.m. When the severe weather sirens sound, proceed to your designated severe weather shelter area.
Emergency Building Coordinators in each building will ensure that all building occupants safely make their way to the designated severe weather shelter area.
Departments should use this opportunity to ensure that all faculty, staff and students know where to go to protect themselves in a severe weather event.
Interdisciplinary Program Award presentations this week
Join us to hear presentations from the interdisciplinary program award competition semi-finalists from 3-4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb 14, in 256 RSC.
The semi-finalists are:
Roy Myose, Jeff Pulaski, Jeff Jarman - Minor in Science, Technology and Society
Mythili Menon, Rachel Showstack, Doug Parham, Jeff Hershfield - BA in Applied Linguistics
Raina Rutti, Gary Brooking, Gery Markova, Kara McCluskey - Minor in Sustainability Management
Bill Hendry and Kiley Hicks - BS in Pre-Genetic Counseling
Interdisciplinary Program Competition
Third Annual Constructed Language Undergraduate Student Panel
Are you interested in knowing more about how to create a language like Game of Thrones 'Dothraki', or 'Klingon from Star Trek? Attend the 'Third Annual Constructed Language Undergraduate Student Panel' at 3 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 13) in 211 Hubbard Hall. The panel will feature four constructed languages created by undergraduate students.
The presenters will talk about world building, creating a phonetic inventory, using morphology to create words, and sentences. You will have the opportunity to ask the presenters any questions you may have about constructed languages and creating one. This event is free and open to the public.
Vote now for the WSU Homecoming 2020 King and Queen
Don't forget to stop by the RSC from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. now through Friday to vote for your Homecoming King and Queen. To vote, you must have a Shocker ID and only one vote allowed per day. Student who come and vote will get a freebie as a thank you.
Additionally, students can vote online once per day through myWSU. To vote online, log in to www.mywsu.wichita.edu, on the Home page scroll down to the Student Tools box. At the bottom of the list, find and click on the “Homecoming King and Queen” link for the online ballot.
Learn more about Homecoming events and activities
Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum is April 10
The annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) will be held Friday, April 10, in the Rhatigan Student Center. The forum provides an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students at Wichita State to present their scholarly and creative activity to a faculty, student and community audience, while competing for cash awards. Abstract submissions are due by Friday, March 27.
Spread the love
Have a Hippo Valentine’s Day with SAC, CSB, and SGA from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. tomorrow (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.
Students needed for Voter Education Project
The Department of Political Science needs current WSU students for a nonpartisan voter education project about Ranked Choice Voting (which will be used in the May 2 Kansas Democratic Presidential Primary). Work will be paid, occur in March and April, and involve presentations to student and community groups. This project is supported by a grant from FairVote, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that advocates for voting reform.
All interested students should contact Neal Allen, chair of Political Science, at neal.allen@wichita.edu or 978-7133 as soon as possible.
Honors is seeking peer mentors for the summer
Summer Research Institute (SRI) in First Year Research Experience (FYRE) is hosted on the WSU main campus June 7-11. SRI peer mentors assist with campus preparation during the months of April and May. The SRI peer mentors will serve as a mentor, lead team building activities, help in incoming fellow Shocker transition into college life, participate in research alongside the campers and assist the SRI team with other activities.
If you have interest in research, helping students explore their interests in research and looking for a short term paid position, please apply. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 14.
Congratulations to our Japanese language students
The Modern and Classical Languages and Literature department congratulates our Japanese language students who took the Japanese Language Proficiency test this December. All of our students who took the exam passed their respective levels.
Russel Greenall-Sharp and Maica Parga both passed the JLPT N4 exam, Blane Steckline passed the JLPT N3, and Jacob Christensen passed the JLPT N2. Achieving N2 proficiency is required to work in most Japanese companies.
Students were prepared last semester by our visiting scholar from Japan, Naoko Tadokoro. This semester, three students are studying to take the exam next December.
Great job - you have made WSU proud!
Valentine’s Day Sweets and Treats on Friday
The Shocker Learning Center will host an open house from 1-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, in 107 Lindquist Hall. Stop by and learn to love learning!
The Shocker Learning Center (SLC) is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. It is the home of Student Success’ Academic Success Programs.
Supplemental Instruction (SI): Free, weekly group study sessions led by a certified SI Leader who has previously succeeded in the course. Meet with your SI Leader individually during their office hours.
Tutoring: Free one-on-one and small group educational support with a trained tutor.
Peer Coaches: Peers helping peers with time management, study skills, goal setting, organizing assignments, note taking and referrals to other resources on campus.
In addition to the services it offers, the SLC is also a study room equipped with computers and free beverages such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and filtered water.
A talk on the Cuban revolution
A talk on the Cuban revolution—as a historical process and an idea—from Gabriel Vignoli (new School for Social Research), who did long term ethnographic research in Cuba and runs an annual field school in La Havana will be presented from 10-11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, in 262 RSC.
The talk focuses on crucial historic moments, the narrative of the state, and the enactment of the revolution, along with political instability, economic change, and violence that demonstrates the emergence of new political categories.
Create change for language learners
We are interested in learning whether one’s first language and cultural background affects how he or she understands education. This is important information for those who teach English to nonnative speakers as well as nonnative speakers who want to learn English. If you are 18 years old, are from another country, and speak a first language other than English, your contribution to this data could be essential!
Click here to access the survey.
For any questions about the research, contact undergraduate student Sierra Bauman at srbauman@shockers.wichita.edu or English professor Dr. Mythili Menon at mythili.menon@wichita.edu.
Join Counseling and Prevention Services and Disability Services for the Autism Spectrum Support Group
For students who self-identify with the autism community or who may be questioning if they fall on the spectrum, join Counseling and Prevention Services and Disability Services for the Autism Spectrum Support Group. In this group you can connect with other students on the spectrum, build a social group, make friends and learn skills to support your social and academic success.
Call 978-4SWC (4792) for more information.
Counseling and Prevention Services
Shockers After Dark - It's Shockertine's Day!
Student Affairs invites students, faculty and staff to a new event, Shockers After Dark. Come by the Rhatigan Student Center (RSC) for two hours of fabulous free fun from 8-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, on the first floor of the RSC.
Activities include wax hands, cookie decorating, gaming, caricature artist, blackjack tournament and karaoke. There will also be free food, giveaways and prizes.
For more information, contact Student Affairs at 978-3021 or go to wichita.edu/studentaffairs.
Buy Black ICT Expo coming Feb. 15
Wichita State's Black Student Union is hosting its first Buy Black ICT Expo and one of our many events for Black History Month. This event is open to the community. Don’t miss the Buy Black ICT Expo from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, on the first floor, RSC.
Our goal is to highlight Black-owned businesses within the Wichita area. The purpose is to showcase black entrepreneurs in the Wichita community. Many students do not know where to Buy Black, and this expo gives them a chance to find these businesses. Anyone is welcome to come.
There will also be free pizza and a drawing.
Invent for the Planet 2020 call for participants
It's time for the 3rd Annual Invent for the Planet (IFTP). Join the global movement to solve the world's most pressing problems in 48 hours. This public event is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members of all disciplines. How do you make the world a better place?
The competition will be held at the John Bardo Center lobby (JBC) Feb. 14-16. Breakfast, dinner, and refreshments will be provided to participants. Specific details on the schedule and competition will be communicated to participants near the start of the event.
Go to wichita.edu/IFTP for registration information.
IFTP will challenge you to put your theory into practice by solving real-world problems. You will focus on developing products to make the world a better place for the inventors of tomorrow. IFTP aims to motivate student innovators, entrepreneurs and creative thinkers to come together, apply design thinking, and find solutions for difficult and wide-ranging problems.
You will form teams of three-to-five participants and work to design and prototype a solution for a wide range of global concerns. At the same time, students from across the globe will tackle the same issues, allowing you to collaborate and learn from peers all over the world. Mentors will be available, and teams will present their solutions to judges for a chance to win more than $500 worth in prizes.
A generous donation by Airbus allows for this event to be free of charge.
Free Lil' Shocker growth charts available
Have a lil' Shocker or adding one to your family? Request a free Lil' Shocker Growth Chart to track their height as they grow, compliments of the Office of Admissions. Growth charts will be delivered to faculty and staff member campus box numbers and available for student pick-up in the Marcus Welcome Center. Requests can be submitted at www.wichita.edu/growthchart.
Dinner presentation on Japanese business and culture at the World Trade Council of Wichita on Feb. 20
As director of the Center for International Business Advancement (CIBA) and chair of the World Trade Council of Wichita (WTCouncil), Usha Haley invites you and your students to the monthly dinner presentation at the WTCouncil. On Thursday, Feb. 20, JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) will speak on "The Dynamic Production Growth of Japanese Production Investment in Kansas and the MidWest: What the Council Members Need to Know."
Speakers at the event are Ralph Inforzato, Chief Executive Director, JETRO Chicago, and Kyohei Yabu, researcher and Visiting Fellow Japan Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington D.C.). The Chief Executive of JETRO NY is expected to join the discussion as well at this time.
JETRO is the highly influential trade and investment arm of the Japanese government; Japan is a major trading partner of Kansas and the United States. Prior to the dinner that begins at 7 p.m., and the presentation that begins at 8 p.m., JETRO will sponsor a Japanese-style networking event. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture and business.
The cost for a WTCouncil member is $40, non-members - $60
The cost for a WSU student is $10, and for a non-WSU student, $15.
A copy of the flyer is available here. Make your reservations online at www.wichita.edu/wtcouncil or call the office at 978-3176. For more information, contact Sherryl Hubble at sherryl.hubble@wichita.edu and Emily Orwaru at emorwaru@shockers.wichita.edu
The World Trade Council of Wichita is part of a strategic, public-private partnership with The Center for International Business Advancement at the Barton School of Business, Wichita State University.
Volunteer as a conversation leader at the Intensive English Center
If you enjoy learning about other cultures and meeting people from around the world, volunteer as a conversation leader at the Intensive English Language Center.
Conversation outings are Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m.
Spring 2020 conversation dates are Feb. 12, 19, 26, March 4, April 8, 15, 22, 29, and May 6.
For more information, contact volunteer coordinator Aimee Leisy at aimee.leisy@wichita.edu, leave a message at the Intensive English Language Center front desk at 978-6040, or stop by the Intensive English Center at 1741 N. Hillside.
Tilford Symposium welcomes Robert Babcock from OneGas as one of its keynote speakers
The Tilford Symposium is excited to have Robert Babcock from OneGas as one of its keynote speakers. Babcock is scheduled for a presentation from 12:45-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb 27, in the Shirley Beggs Ballroom, RSC.
Babcock has a passion for inclusion. “Everyone has a place at life’s table,” and he works hard to make sure each person’s contribution is valued, respected and purposeful.
“In this diverse world of ours, it is important to recognize and value our differences and maintain balance. Then we can create a world of synergy which fuels our greatest potential through inclusion,” he said.
Babcock is Director of Community Relations for ONE Gas, a natural gas distribution company headquartered in Tulsa. ONE Gas is the parent company of Kansas Gas Service, which has been in operation since 1906 serving families and businesses.
Before assuming this role, he was in the Human Resources Department at ONE Gas and was responsible for leading Inclusion and Diversity initiatives. Prior to that he created and implemented the “Live Smart” health and wellness initiative at ONEOK.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas with a BA. in Geography, he spends time training for marathons.
Babcock is scheduled for a presentation from 12:45-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb 27 in the Shirley Beggs Ballroom, RSC, and Delia Garcia will give a presentation from 2-2:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, in the Shirley Beggs Ballroom.
Register for the wichita.edu/tilfordsymposium.
Fitness in 45 minutes with Campus Recreation
Did you know your Campus Recreation membership includes unlimited F45 classes? A value of $169/month in a private studio.
F45 is the fastest growing company in the fitness industry with over 1750 location worldwide. WSU houses the only studio in Kansas with the next closest being over 100 miles away. Faculty & staff membership is as little as $6.57/paycheck with payroll deduction. Take advantage!
Our students host 21 classes a week, so come support them and get a great workout. See you in the studio,
Campus Recreation Shocker Fit Schedule
Register for this year's POWER Conference
You are invited to the 17th annual POWER Conference at Wichita State University! We are excited to invite people from all disciplines to attend this event. This year’s theme centers on the 12 Grand Challenges of Social Work – a national initiative that serves as a call to action for social workers and other helping professionals to harness our science and knowledge base, collaborate with people from all fields and disciplines and to work together to tackle some of our toughest social problems. Our world faces serious, interrelated and large-scale challenges, and it takes all of us working together to craft solutions.
The Grand Challenges include these areas of focus:
1. Ensure healthy development for all youth
2. Close the health gap
3. Stop family violence
4. Advance long and productive lives
5. Eradicate social isolation
6. End homelessness
7. Create social responses to a changing environment
8. Harness technology for social good
9. Promote smart decarceration
10. Reduce extreme economic inequality
11. Build financial capability for all
12. Achieve equal opportunity and justice
Attendees have the opportunity to engage in up to six hours of pre-conference sessions focused on safety, eating disorders/diagnosis and ethics, as well as the full main conference day. POWER gives us the opportunity to connect together, grow together and change the world together. This conference can help us be inspired by the innovation of others, rejuvenated as practitioners, invigorated by new knowledge and challenged with fresh perspectives.
Call for presentations for Gender & Sexuality in Kansas Conference
Save the date and help spread the news that the call for presentations for the 7th Annual Gender & Sexuality in Kansas Conference on Friday, March 13. Find more information and the CFP link at https://www.wichita.edu/genderconference.
We invite submissions of original research and scholarship from any discipline.
Submit a 200-300-word summary of your proposed presentation including topic and/or research questions, methodology and a summary of findings or main themes to be addressed in the presentation.
Presentation formats include traditional presentations are oral with a length of 15-20 minutes, and include a visual aid of some sort (power point, video, poster). Workshops may be longer and usually include an interactive component. Presenters may be individuals or groups.
The deadline for submissions is Sunday, Feb. 16.
This year’s keynote will be Sarah Deer, citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma, professor at KU in the School of Public Affairs and Administration and 2019 National Women’s Hall of Fame inductee.
We hope that you will consider submitting a proposal and share information about the conference with your fellow students, colleagues and others across campus or the Wichita community who may be interested.
Contact Shocker Sociology at 978-3280 or email Jodie Hertzog at jodie.hertzog@wichita.edu with any questions.
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.
Join WASAC and Counseling and Prevention Services for the Healing from Trauma Support Group
Join the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center and CAPS this semester for the Healing from Trauma Support Group. No appointment needed.
Counseling and Prevention Services
Participants wanted for a study on dialectical thinking and creative problem solving
We hope to learn whether different age ranges (18-24) and (50+) experience different levels of correlation between different perspective thinking and the ability to creatively problem-solve.
If you decide to participate, we will provide you with an online link, where you can complete a questionnaire called the Social Paradigm Beliefs Inventory (SPBI) related to some of your thinking skills. At the end of the questionnaire, you will have the option to continue the survey and respond to four scenarios. The questionnaire will take between 25 and 30 minutes to complete.
To be eligible to participate:
- You must be between the ages of 18-24 or 50+
- Must have a fluent understanding of English
- Must be an undergraduate at WSU
If you are interested in participating in this study, contact Mercedes Lubbers at mercedes.lubbers@wichita.edu or click the Qualtrics link here.
Latest Ulrich Museum ‘Solving for X’ exhibition shines a spotlight on WSU scholar’s anti-gerrymandering work
As the recent controversy surrounding the Iowa Caucus vote count indicates, we can expect closer scrutiny of our electoral process as this presidential election cycle heats up. Fortunately, a Wichita State University researcher is already looking at ways to address one of our most controversial electoral practices: redrawing political districts.
Every 10 years, districts across the nation are redrawn to reflect changes in the U.S. Census. Of course, with that redrawing comes the temptation to “gerrymander,” the term given to redrawing districts in order to benefit the people drawing the maps.
Brian Amos, assistant professor of Political Science at WSU, dedicates his work to improving the algorithms available to researchers and activists seeking to prevent gerrymandering. He does this by identifying bias in existing approaches that may skew measurements in how gerrymandered a map is, and by incorporating Voting Rights Act protections for racial and ethnic minority groups into algorithms created for other countries without those protections.
Thanks to Amos' participation in the Ulrich Museum of Art's “Solving for X” exhibition series, you can now see large, wall-size visualizations of his research and take in media coverage — both humorous and serious — examining the issue. Amos’ exhibition, “Solving for X=Representation: Slaying the Gerrymander,” will be on display at the Ulrich until June 28.
“Solving for X” is a series of exhibitions organized by the Ulrich in collaboration with university scholars across campus. The intent of the museum is to work with WSU scholars in all disciplines to create visualizations of their research. The objective is to explore the potential for the museum to make accessible to the public the fascinating and important research taking place on campus.
Ulrich Museum Director Leslie Brothers said the museum is always on the lookout for innovative research to showcase. If you are interested in being considered for a future exhibition, contact Brothers at leslie.brothers@wichita.edu
The Ulrich Museum of Art on the Wichita State University campus is free and open to the public. Museum hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Mondays and University and Major holidays.
Register for E-Launch Spring 2020 now
E-Launch fosters entrepreneurial activity, leading to the commercialization of ideas. Through an interactive process, participants will learn to clearly conceptualize how the product or service can provide real value to customers. Participants will be shown how to validate their value proposition with customers and other stakeholders
Be the voice of the students and run for a position in SGA
It was 108 years ago when the concept of student governance was born at Wichita State University. Now, more than ever, we need YOU to step up to carry that legacy forward. The time is coming for you to be the voice of students and run for your seat at the table during the 63rd session of the Student Government Association. Stay tuned for the formal announcement of the 2020 General Election in January. Questions? Email sga.elections@wichita.edu
SGA announces 2020 general election season
The time is finally here. It is YOUR time to lead the way to make a difference. The Association Election Commission is excited to formally announce the kick-off of the 2020 General Election season.
Are you interested in joining the Student Government and looking for a leadership position on campus? It is now finally time to take action and declare yourself a candidate in the 2020 Elections. This is a great opportunity to give back to campus and allow your leadership skills to shine.
To declare yourself as a candidate, please visit www.wichita.edu/sgaelections. Questions? Contact us at sga.elections@wichita.edu.
Julie Bees to present Faculty Piano Recital on Feb. 16
Wichita State’s Julie Bees will present a Faculty Piano Recital at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, in Wiedemann Hall. Admission is free.
The recital features three piano sonatas that Beethoven wrote in 1820, 1821 and 1822; Opus 109, 110 and 111.
If Beethoven were still alive, we would celebrate his 250th birthday in December.
Pee for Pizza coming Feb. 19
Pee for Pizza is a free sexually transmitted disease-testing event for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Walk in and submit a urine specimen, then walk-out with free pizza and peace of mind from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, in the Student Wellness Center.
Apply to speak at the next Wichitalks event on March 21
KMUW is hosting Wichitalks on March 21 at the Crown Uptown, and we’re taking applications for speakers. Speakers will give a five-minute presentation (20 slides, auto-advancing every 15 seconds) about something they’re passionate about. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 21. More information about Wichitalks (and tickets to the event) can be found on our website.
Join the Boot Scootin' Shockers
Interested in learning how to boot, scoot, and boogie? Come join the Boot Scootin’ Shockers club. Join us for club from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday nights in 141 Heskett Center. We teach two-stepping, swing dancing, line dances, and more. No former dance experience is needed.
The Boot Scootin’ Shockers is at student organization dedicated to creating an environment to develop social relationships through dancing.
Contact Alex at alex_keller5@icloud.com for more information.
Official Pink Tee for Breast Cancer Awareness basketball game
The Shocker Store is home to the official pink tee for the Breast Cancer Awareness game for the men’s basketball team on Thursday, Feb. 20, against USF. The shirt is just $12, and is available in the RSC, Braeburn Square and Koch Arena Shocker Store locations, and online at shockerstore.com. Grab your tee and wear pink for the cause!
Come to the Glow Circus on Feb. 17
Come on, come all to our Glow Circus at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, in the CAC Theater. Bring your little one to a family-friendly glow in the dark circus full neon juggling and hola hoop tossing.
Free to WSU Students with Shocker ID, $3 faculty/staff; $5 general admission and $1 for kids 12 and under. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. No advance ticket sales. Cash or check only accepted at the door. For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/sac or at sac@wichita.edu.
Summer study abroad scholarships available
Are you planning to study abroad this summer? Don't forget to apply for study abroad scholarships. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 1. Please see website for application form and requirements.
Volunteer opportunities available at the Boys and Girls Club
Join the Community Service Board for Mentoring Mondays from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24 at the Boys and Girls Club.