Need help on your final assignments?
As you are working on your final assignments for the semester, check out the free remote resources available to help you submit the best work you can!
Resources like the Online Writing Center (available in Blackboard) can help you with brainstorming ideas, developing a topic or revising your papers.
The Math Lab (available in Blackboard) can help with Math 011 through 243 and Stat 370 assignments, and the Center for Excellence in Oral Communication is a great resource to practice an individual or group presentation before you have to give it online.
Of course, contacting your instructor regarding remaining class content or details on finals, meeting remotely with a study group and cleaning and organizing your dedicated study spaces for the final few weeks are also great ideas to help you finish successfully. If you need more help or don’t know where to begin, visit the Shocker Learning Center to receive assistance.
Center for Excellence in Oral Communication
Campus update for students, faculty and staff
Today we are continuing our communication series aimed at updating the campus community on plans for the future of Wichita State and our students, faculty and staff. You can view the video above with the information as well.
Planning a safe reopening, beginning May 26
Even as we're still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important to look ahead and start planning for when we can begin our return to campus. We must move forward as an institution and learn how to co-exist with this virus.
To initiate that preparation process, seven working groups have been created to develop reintegration plans, with the tentative goal of reopening campus in phases on Tuesday, May 26, following the Memorial Day holiday.
This date, which is subject to change, was chosen based on Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s most recent announcement that the state stay-home order would end at midnight Sunday, May 3. If that date holds, we wanted to provide the campus with two-week’s notice and allow everyone to get through the Memorial Day holiday before we begin a phased and safe return to campus. The reopening of campus does not affect classes, which will remain online / remote.
The seven working groups, which will be a collaboration between students, faculty and staff, start meeting this week to cover the following topics to assure a safe and orderly reintegration to campus. The names listed are the group leads.
- Health and safety – Linnea GlenMaye
- Classroom / activity space physical distancing – Gina Crabtree and David Wright
- Faculty curricular design – Carolyn Shaw
- Student finances – Kaye Monk-Morgan
- Research – Coleen Pugh
- Innovation partners – Tonya Witherspoon
- Communication – Shelly Coleman-Martins
Questions or suggestions can be sent to president@wichita.edu. We will continue to update the campus throughout this planning process.
Update on CARES Act funding
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has allocated nearly $8.8 million to Wichita State through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Half of the funds – nearly $4.4 million – will be allocated as emergency financial aid grants to students.
We are working through potential options on how best to serve our neediest students. We are still waiting on additional guidance/clarification from the Department of Education to finalize our plan. At this point, those who are experiencing hardships as a result of COVID-19 can continue to submit their request through the application found at www.wichita.edu/finaidcovid19.
Yesterday (April 21), the DOE released the documents for the second phase of the CARES
Act funding – the money that will go to the university. We are working expeditiously
to review this documentation and corresponding requirements.
Faculty and staff virtual town hall set for Friday
These and other topics will be discussed during our next virtual town hall, this one aimed at staff and faculty. It is set for 4-5 p.m. Friday, April 24.
This is a chance to hear from us – your president and provost – as well as presidents of the UP, USS and Faculty Senates, who will be moderating the town hall. And if you have a question you’d like us to answer, you can write it in during the YouTube livestream. Watch the town hall live or recorded after at https://youtu.be/2TWLunPDbAM.
Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility during this unique time in our lives. It’s important to us that we continue to provide the campus with as much information as possible and that you have the opportunity to be engaged throughout the entire process.
Stay safe, stay positive, and thank you for all that you’re doing.
Sincerely,
President Jay Golden and Provost Rick Muma
WSU Foundation focuses on helping students with pandemic-related financial stress
With a swiftly launched campaign called Shockers UP, the WSU Foundation and its donors have raised more than $80,000 so far to help Wichita State students facing financial struggles related to the pandemic.
The campaign began in mid-March, within days of the WSU Foundation hearing reports of students unable to pay for basic necessities such as food and rent. Many students lost their jobs because of the stay-at-home orders and others had unexpected expenses related to the transition to online learning.
So far, about 123 students have received grants of $500 each from the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Students. A total of 247 applications had been received as of April 21, with more anticipated in the coming weeks. The Office of Financial Aid, which is analyzing applications and distributing the money, hopes to award $500 grants to students in need.
“We’re so grateful to alumni and friends who have stepped up to help our students,” said Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO. “The funds raised so far are nearly exhausted, so we encourage more donations to address what clearly is an urgent situation for students wondering how they will be able to remain in school.”
Like most colleges and universities, Wichita State will receive about $4.4 million in federal stabilization aid for students under the CARES Act, but it is uncertain what conditions will be applied, especially for international students who may not be eligible.
Felipe Lima de Oliveira, an engineering major from Brazil, is one of those students. After losing his job, he applied for help, noting that as an international student he is not eligible for unemployment benefits. He used his $500 grant to make his final tuition payment for the spring semester.
Jenna Barber, a physical education major, used her grant to buy groceries and sock away $100 for a summer class. Her husband received a medical discharge from the Air Force and is unemployed.
Gladys Heitzman, who lost her job and has been unable to find another, had this to say after receiving her check: “I’m so proud of WSU and extremely grateful for the aid during this time. It’s incredible what WSU is doing for their students and it’s comforting to know that I go to a university that cares about their students.”
To donate to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Students, go to foundation.wichita.edu/shockersup.
Summer 2020 calendar is updated
To see the revised 2020 Summer Calendar, go to www.wichita.edu/schedule.
Student Ambassador Society to award scholarship to current Wichita State student
The Student Ambassador Society will award the Amie Montgomery Scholarship of $500 to one current Wichita State student. Amie had a tremendous impact on the lives of other students who knew her during her time as a student at Wichita State University and as a student ambassador.
To find additional requirements and apply for the scholarship, go to www.Wichita.edu/SASscholarship.
The deadline for the 2020-21 school year is 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 13.
First-Generation Student Organization virtual Zoom meeting today
The First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) seeks to raise awareness within Wichita State University’s student and professional community through activities and programs designed to foster the education of first-generation students.
We will be having our virtual meeting at 11 a.m. today (Friday, April 24) via Zoom.
Plus, we are very happy to host Anita Barrett the Director of ITS Project Management. She will share about her journey through college as a first-generation student and information about the ITS Department. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation with her as well.
We are looking forward to making long-standing connections and doing great things with and for the first-generation college students here at Wichita State University, while having fun in the process.
Watch ‘Despicable Me’ with the Graduate Student Council today!
Join the Graduate Student Council for a Netflix Watch Party at 3 p.m. today (Friday, April 24). Connect with other graduate students and laugh as we watch “Despicable Me.”
A Netflix subscription and Netflix Party Chrome Browser extension is required prior to joining the event. Chatroom link, and directions will be shared 20 minutes before the start time through email to registered participants.
About Despicable Me: A man who delights in all things wicked, supervillain Gru hatches a plan to steal the moon. Surrounded by an army of little yellow minions and his impenetrable arsenal of weapons and war machines, Gru makes ready to vanquish all who stand in his way. But nothing in his calculations and groundwork has prepared him for his greatest challenge: three adorable orphan girls who want to make him their dad.
For more information, email gsc.eventcoordinator@wichita.edu.
Students, faculty, and staff, please take the CAPS Marketing Survey!
We invite you to take this survey regarding an awareness campaign from Counseling and Prevention Services. We want to make sure our messages are being heard by the whole WSU community!
Please follow this anonymous link to take the survey.
Thank you!
Help shape Wichita State by taking brand survey
Help us better serve you by letting us know what you think through our new Wichita State University brand survey.
Your thoughts are important in this time of change. Help us make the right decisions to ensure everyone finds value in Wichita State and feels welcome in the Shocker community.
Your next few minutes will make an important difference! Share your thoughts on our survey at https://wsu.news/survey. A Spanish-language version of the survey is available at https://wsu.news/surveyspanish.
Connect with the Office of Adult Learning Spring Newsletter
Even though the global pandemic is causing us to reschedule some events, the Office of Adult Learning still has plenty of exciting news to share. This March marked our office's 5th anniversary, and we continue to support adult learners at Wichita State University.
In our Spring Newsletter we highlight Shocker Pathway student Chelsea Morales, as well as events like the CALEM conference and the Shocker Pathway Transfer Fair. To read the newsletter visit the Office of Adult Learning page on the Wichita State website.
To subscribe to our bi-semester newsletter and keep in contact with us, click here.
WSU student teachers use video, music to help other teachers during pandemic
- Wichita State University students are creating lesson plans for history and government classes for grades 6-12 that are designed for remote learning.
- Topics include the Cold War, the Dust Bowl, impeachment process and emojis.
- The goal of the 13 students is to help teachers adjust to pandemic conditions and help students who may lack strong internet or ample computer time.
Shocker athletics tells its story about staying connected during pandemic
Wichita State coaches and student-athletes are at home during the pandemic and working to stay healthy, stay on top of their academics and prepare for future competitions.
The Roundhouse podcast takes Shocker fans into their lives as they deal with this disruption.
In the most recent podcast softball coach Kristi Bredbenner talks about outfitting the addition to her family in Shocker colors, keeping the team connected through check-ins and regular questions.
She has three talented seniors who will return next spring and she details what that
means for her roster. Track and field's Steve Rainbolt misses the rhythm of accomplishment and team competition he usually experiences during
the spring. He is a newcomer to Netflix and offers a few movie recommendations, led
by "Bull Durham."
Join us for Lavender Graduation on May 7
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies are excited to host this year's Lavender Graduation at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7.
Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony conducted on many campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) students, and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to their institutions. Due to ongoing concerns of COVID-19, we will adjust the format of this program to be a virtual celebration at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7 via Zoom. To rsvp and learn more, go to Wichita.edu/lavender.
JoVE Science Library streaming free for WSU students and faculty
Find innovative instructional streaming collections at JoVE Science Library! Through University Libraries, WSU faculty and students have free access to JoVE through June 15. This online resource has videos on a variety of STEM subjects. More information is available at libraries.wichita.edu/electronicresources/current_trials.
WSU School of Education alumni honored in Spring 2020 Teacher of Promise Recognition
Carly Espinosa
Every year, the faculty and staff of WSU’s Middle / Secondary Education Programs select a group of teacher candidates to honor with the Kansas Teacher of Promise Award, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education.
The highly competitive selection process involves consideration of several factors:
- positive and professional attitudes,
- evidence of exemplary teaching, and
- demonstrated potential to make a sustainable contribution inside and outside of the classroom for the improvement of schools, student performance, and the teaching profession.
WSU Middle / Secondary faculty are proud to recognize the following teacher candidates this year.
Teacher of Promise Winners
The Fall 2019 Teacher of Promise is Carly Espinosa, Secondary English Education.
Carly is a leader among her peers, both in her English pedagogy course work and in her teaching practicums and internships. Her curriculum design, teaching, and assessment of student learning consistently demonstrate her understanding of best practice in English language arts pedagogy—as well as her innovative spins on that practice.
She is a diligent, creative, and knowledgeable curriculum designer, and her lessons maximize student engagement and deep understanding of content. She also excels at building positive relationships with students and interacting with them throughout the class in order to enhance those relationships and informally assess understanding.
Carly has also demonstrated professional leadership by serving the College of Applied Studies as an Ambassador and by presenting her scholarship at the 2019 Kansas Association of Teachers of English Conference. Carly will be teaching English at Valley Center High School next year.
The Spring 2020 Teacher of Promise is Will Mercer, Secondary History / Government Education. Will is one of those quietly capable teachers; incredibly bright, self-effacing, and extremely effective in getting students to think more deeply about their perception of the past and the world we live in. Mr. Mercer’s mentor teacher commented that he already operated like a veteran in the classroom. For context, she said this in December of 2019, before Will’s full student teaching began.
Will’s lessons are both witty and deep, and watching him translate lesson plans into classroom instruction is a joy -- Will pays attention to his students and has a knack for adjusting his teaching methodology according to his students’ needs.
In light of school closings due to COVID-19, Will has been part of the team creating lessons and materials for social studies teachers to teach online or over distance with.
Will consistently creates funny, thoughtful, engaging lessons and videos, making some reasonably difficult concepts attainable. Mr. Mercer will be teaching Speech and Debate at De Soto High School next year.
Honorable Mention
TJ Blount is finishing his teacher licensure in the undergraduate Earth & Space Science (6-12) program, and is currently in his final teaching internship at Haysville Middle School. TJ is a nontraditional student with a family, who also works part-time as a youth pastor, and his teaching is top-notch with amazing work with his middle school kids at Haysville. He personally collected rock and fossil samples to share with his students and shows a passion for geology and his students’ learning.
TJ has also co-presented a session on science demonstrations at the Kansas Association of Teaching Science (KATS) annual conference in April 2019. He will be teaching 7th grade Earth Science and Chemistry at Valley Center Middle School next year.
Blake Overman is a secondary English Education major currently completing his teaching internship at Wichita Northwest High School. One of Blake’s greatest strengths is his ability to create a safe and productive learning environment for his students. He is an informed and confident advocate for all students, and he creates a classroom culture where all identities are celebrated, and where deep understanding of content and one another are the primary focus.
In addition, Blake has demonstrated leadership in the field by presenting his research at WSU’s 2019 Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum, the 2019 Kansas Association of Teachers of English Conference, and at WSU’s 2020 Gender and Sexuality in Kansas Conference. His creative and scholarly work will also appear in the 2020 issue of Kansas English.
Blake will be teaching First-Year Composition as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in WSU’s Department of English next year.
Elizabeth Vest is a secondary English Education major currently completing her internship at Wichita East High School. One of Elizabeth’s many strengths is her ability to design research-based instruction that meets students where they are. She confidently builds relationships with each of her students through her skillful curriculum design, and has written about her practice for publication in English Journal, the premier practitioner journal of the National Council of Teachers of English.
Elizabeth’s scholarly and creative work has also appeared in Kansas English, as well as in presentations at WSU’s 2019 Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum and the 2019 Kansas Association of Teachers of English Conference. She will be teaching First-Year Composition as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in WSU’s Department of English next year, while continuing her work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas.
The 2020 Core IV History / Government Cohort (Bryan Becker, Peyton Cole, Melanie Deters, Baine Dikeman, Benjamin Lansford, Regan Matteson, Will Mercer, Tyler Morgan, Jennifer Morris, Kristi Neas, McKenna Paintin, Austin Sherman, Conner Thompson)
When Governor Kelly ordered schools closed on March 17, this group of teaching interns faced immediate loss of access to students, mentor teachers and administrators who did not know how to proceed, and their own concerns over graduation and certification. In the face of these challenges, the team began building a repository of lesson plans, short videos on historical topics, and instructional materials that would be shared with teachers.
These candidates spent the first weeks of social distancing creating more than 150 lessons and materials, with more coming. Word spread of the resources being provided, and Social Studies teachers from the Wichita metropolitan area, to Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, even to India, are taking the materials and using them to teach their own students in the midst of a pandemic. Even more, now the team is making lessons in response to teacher requests. When they could be obsessing over their own problems, these happy few, this band of teachers, made it a priority to help others.
Take a break with KMUW's list of virtual events and activities
You can rely on KMUW and NPR for news and information around the clock, but when you're ready for a break, KMUW has a list of online events and activities that allow you to connect with others in our community without leaving the house, or provide a much-needed distraction. This list is updated regularly with local virtual events like cinema conversations, yoga classes, art projects and more.
WSU philosopher featured on Oxford University Press Blog
James Schwartz, an assistant teaching professor from the Department of Philosophy, was recently featured on the Oxford University Press Blog. His article discusses President Trump's recent Executive Order on Encouraging International Support for the Recovery and Use of Space Resources in the context of Dr. Schwartz's new book, “The Value of Science in Space Exploration” (Oxford University Press, 2020).
Tuesday Talks with Cindy and Student Health Services
Join us on Facebook Live with Cindy Walker, DNP, APRN, for a Q&A about how to manage your seasonal allergies. Ask your questions about medicines, methods, and more to get on top of your allergies this spring at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 28.
Ulrich Museum of Art unveils new approach to keep art accessible during these challenging times
In response to changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the Ulrich Museum of Art on the Wichita State University campus is taking a proactive approach to planning its programs and exhibitions for the next eight months. Embracing a changing future with no guarantees for public gatherings, the museum is shifting its focus to programing that takes place outside in the community and accessible to everyone. In this approach the Ulrich hopes to transcend the changing restrictions and limitations caused by COVID-19, while continuing to serve our communities in direct, effective, and compelling ways.
We are happy to announce that our first community-based art effort will be the Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard Project. The project will feature 20 works of art from the Ulrich’s permanent collection, highlighting pieces by artists in the community. The billboards will be installed over the course of five months all around the city. We are selecting works that embrace what it means to be human at a time when it matters most.
Image caption: A mock-up of a potential billboard featuring art works from the Ulrich Museum’s permanent collection. Pictured here are two photographs of boxer Muhammad Ali taken by Kansas-born artist Gordon Parks.
Direct questions for returning library materials to library staff
University Library items may be returned through the book drop on the east side of Ablah Library or once the libraries have open hours. There are no fines for late library materials. Please e-mail librarystaff@wichita.edu for questions.