Drop / refund date extended for full-term courses
Wichita State continues to make every effort to promote student success in these unprecedented times. In recognition of the unique challenges this fall semester brings for our students and faculty, an adjustment is being made to the drop / refund date for full-term courses.
Students will have through Friday, Sept. 4, to drop a class without it appearing on their transcript and with a 100% refund.
If you are a federal aid recipient, you should contact the Office of Financial Aid (316-978-3430) before dropping to see how it could impact your financial aid.
To verify if a refund can be given for a book, contact the Shocker Store (316-978-3490). All terms and conditions for financial aid will remain the same for fall 2020.
Join virtual Academic Convocation
Academic Convocation is an exciting event that blends our Common Read program with other student learning and engagement opportunities. Winners of the 2020 University Faculty Awards will be recognized, and the event will feature presentations from SGA President Rija Khan and a special keynote address.
This year's guest speaker is Mark E. McCormick, author of Some Were Paupers, Some Were Kings.
Please join us virtually as we celebrate Wichita State’s 125-year history at Academic Convocation at 9:30 a.m. Thursday Sept. 10!
You can find out more and watch the event live on the link at www.wichita.edu/convocation.
Join the Student Government Association for the Fall 2020 State of the Student Body Address
Join the Student Government Association for the Fall 2020 State of the Student Body Address at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, featuring Student Body President Rija Khan and Legislative Response issued by Speaker of the Senate Olivia Babin. President Khan and Speaker Babin will lay out the Association's agenda for the 63rd Session.
We will livestream on the SGA YouTube and will be shared to the SGA Facebook.
Jump into the school year by discovering the programs, resources and opportunities waiting for you at Wichita State across our amazing campus departments.
Every day, we will feature various campus departments, how to connect with them, and what they can do to help you be a successful Shocker. Students interact with our Facebook and Instagram posts by dropping a 🌾 (wheat emoji) in the comments to be entered into a raffle to win a prize!
For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.
Wichita State staffer breathes power into social justice
Dr. Kevin Harrison
Dr. Kevin Harrison is using his breath to give a voice to social justice.
Harrison, the coordinator of community engagement for the Division of Military Veterans and First Responders at Wichita State University, recently started the Breathe project, which he says “is an attempt to use art as means of addressing social injustice and racial stereotypes.”
On social media and the Breathe Project website, Breathe amplifies the lives and profiles of black men throughout Wichita and the nation. Harrison launched the project shortly after George Floyd died while in police custody in Minnesota. Harrison noticed hashtags and T-shirts that quoted Floyd’s last words: “I can’t breathe.”
Pictured above: Dozens of black men in Wichita gathered outside the historic Dunbar Theater to film the video for "Breathe," a song written by Wichita State's Dr. Kevin Harrison.
Critical resources are available for your success!
Struggling with settling into a new semester, dealing with financial stress, or challenged by the amount of remote learning so far? You are not alone. If you need help with anxiety or stress, connect with Counseling and Prevention Services. If you are concerned about yourself or another member of the Shocker community, submit a concern with the Care Team. The Shocker Support Locker is available for anyone who is having trouble meeting their own personal needs. These and other services are available to you throughout the semester both remotely and in-person.
Professor investigates what makes a good law enforcement officer through lab research
- Dr. Joel Suss is an assistant professor in psychology and the director of ACE at Wichita State University.
- ACE investigates human performance and cognition in complex, dynamic, and often stressful operational settings.
- For the past five years, the ACE lab has focused its study on law enforcement.
- He hopes that his lab research will provide scientific evidence that can inform police training practices.
Pictured above: Dr. Joel Suss teaches cognitive skills training for improving police decision-making.
Perspectives on the Pandemic talk explores rethinking community
Chase Billingham
The next talk in Wichita State’s Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences “Perspectives on the Pandemics: Part II” series will feature Chase Billingham.
As an associate professor of sociology, Billingham researches issues examines gentrification, economic development, education, and stratification in US metropolitan areas. His presentation, “Rethinking the city and the community for a post-pandemic world,” will explore how the pandemic has affected cites and communities.
Billingham’s lecture will be delivered via Zoom at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 2. For more information about the “Perspectives on the Pandemics: Part II” series and how to join by Zoom, go to https://www.wichita.edu/Pan2.
Your vote makes all the difference in the world! Be sure you are registered to vote. Get started today by visiting wichita.turbovote.org to register here in Kansas or back in your hometown.
Sign up today to receive election reminders, get registered to vote, and apply for your absentee ballot. Let's show them that #shockersvote.
Questions? Contact gabriel.fonseca@wichita.edu for more information.
It’s Food For Fines time!
It’s Food For Fines time! Food For Fines is an initiative to support the Shocker Support Locker, while providing a cheaper opportunity for students to pay parking citations. All of the information about this initiative as well as the necessary form and parking quiz can be found at Food For Fines.
Study Abroad webinars
Want to learn more about study abroad programs? Attend one of our Study Abroad webinars this fall! Hear from students about their experiences and learn about summer and semester programs. Be entered for a chance to win a $500 scholarship by attending a webinar or double your chances by attending two.
Register for webinars at wichita.edu/studyabroadwebinars.
Are you interested in joining Shockappella?
Have you thought about joining an A Cappella group, but did not have enough time in your schedule to make it a class? Join Shockappella! We are holding auditions now until September 3 and would love to add more talented singers and vocal percussionists to our group. Auditions and practices will be held virtually throughout the school year and any performances will be virtual as well.
This is the only student-led A Cappella group on campus and we love to see it grow each and every year. We sing songs YOU want to sing and we perform competitively each year at the ICCA (International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella) competition.
If you are interested, fill out our audition form and if you have any questions, email us at shockappellachoir@gmail.com. Hope to see you all virtually very soon!
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences students are invited to complete this questionnaire!
The answers to this questionnaire will be used throughout the Fairmount College's social media accounts to help other students succeed, while adapting to changes on campus.
Questionnaire for liberal arts and sciences students
Pee for Pizza is CANCELED
Student Health Services has announced that the Pee for Pizza event scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 2, has been canceled because of COVID-19.
Student Involvement event listing
No matter if it's in-person or virtual, Student Involvement has many fun events planned. Our event guide will be produced three times this semester and features events, activities, and programs open to students, faculty, staff, and campus community.
Pickup your copy of the Student Involvement Event Guide in Student Involvement, 216 Rhatigan Student Center or download it from our website. Visit wichita.edu/involvement for more details.
Check out the Fall 2020 Welcomefest events!
Welcomefest takes place during the beginning of each semester and features dozens of activities. Hosted by various student groups and campus departments, most events are free and give all students a chance to get acquainted with each other, learn campus and find ways to connect with the community. Visit wichita.edu/welcomefest for a complete list of events!
‘Don’t Weight’ a photography exhibit by Devin Carter in Cadman Art Gallery
Devin Carter, a WSU student majoring in photo media, takes you deep into the suffering behind mental health disorders with his larger-than-life underwater scenes.
His photographs will be on view in the Cadman Art Gallery, Rhatigan Student Center first floor, Monday, Aug. 31 through Friday, Sept. 11. Join Devin for his opening reception at the Cadman at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.
For more information on this exhibit, go to Wichita.edu/cadmangallery and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Join Clash of the Colleges Virtual Games
It's on! This event is a competition between academic colleges to determine who rules the school. This year we are also hosting Virtual Games! Minute-to-win-it home games, talent showcase, e-gaming, scavenger hunts, virtual escape rooms and more.
Want to earn points for your college? Participate in these games from now to Monday, Sept. 14 in the comfort of your own home and make your college proud! Visit https://wichita.edu/clash for more information and to register.
If you have any questions, email tahrima.musa@wichita.edu.
Virtual Clash of the Colleges Games
BMES Bowling Social
Join BMES for a night of fun with its annual bowling social from 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2. The cost is free!
Bowl a game or two, mingle with students and staff, maybe grab a bite to eat! This night will be a blast and we can't wait to see you there.
Wichita State University Opera Theater to present free outdoor concert
The Wichita State University Opera Theater will present "A Cosi Concert" on the grounds of the WSU amphitheater (behind Duerksen Fine Arts Center on the WSU campus) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. Admission is free. The concert, open to the community, invites attendees to bring lawn chairs or blankets and be comfortably socially distanced on a beautiful Kansas evening.
The concert will feature highlights from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's masterpiece, "Cosi fan Tutte," as well as other great opera arias.
WSU Opera Theater is under the direction of College of Fine Arts Professor Alan Held. The pianist for the evening will be WSU alumna and accompanist Bridget Hille.
Grounding in family helps Somers guide new Wichita State sorority
- Rani Somers of Wichita State Student Involvement is the first outside the Lambda Pi Upsilon sorority to win the organization's leadership award.
- Somers helped the sorority grow to chapter recognition in July.
- Lambda Pi Upsilon is one of 26 Greek-letter organizations at Wichita State.
Pictured above: Rani Somers, coordinator for fraternity and sorority life at Wichita State University, oversees the Interfraternity Council and Multicultural Greek Council.
Shocker Store at Braeburn Square reopens today
The Shocker Store location at Braeburn Square is back open starting today (Monday, Aug. 31). Hours of operation are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Stop by for the largest selection of Shocker gear in town!
Your vote makes all the difference in the world! Be sure you are registered to vote. Get started today by visiting wichita.turbovote.org to register here in Kansas or back in your hometown.
Sign up today to receive election reminders, get registered to vote, and apply for your absentee ballot. Let's show them that #shockersvote.
Questions? Contact gabriel.fonseca@wichita.edu for more information.
Struggling adapting to online learning? Join SHS and CAPS for this week's Tuesday Talks
Have you been struggling transitioning to an online format for classes? Join Nurse Heather, Dr. Leonard from CAPS, and WSU students on Student Health's YouTube Channel at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, for tips and tricks to manage your time for virtual learning. You can subscribe to Student Health Services to get a notification for when the video drops!
Have questions about social distancing? Visit Student Health's YouTube channel!
Have questions about proper social distancing practices? SHS Director Camille Childers explains how to socially distance in different situations that you might encounter on campus or in the community.
Subscribe to Student Health's YouTube channel to be the first to know when we post a new video!
First-Generation Student Organization - Struggles and prevention
Come join the First-Generation Student Organization as we discuss challenges when it comes to education and ways to prevent them.
We will also have the pleasure of Mrs. Soutdaly Sysavath MSW from the Wichita Children's Home (WCH) here to share resources that many students can access with the Wichita community. She will have some valuable information to share, so do not miss out.
Students are welcome to join either in person in 262 RSC, or via ZOOM at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. Please wear your masks if you plan to be on campus.
First-Generation Student Organization
Interested in joining the Criminal Justice Student Association? Sign up today!
The Criminal Justice Student Association will have an information meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, via Zoom. At this meeting we will discuss plans for the organization this year and get input from members about what they want out of the organization. Anyone can join! Please follow the link to fill out Google Sheets form if you are interested.
For more information, contact Madison Davis at madavis7@shockers.wichita.edu.
Are you looking to join a community and Bible study?
We are Cru, a community passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ. We are meeting together weekly this semester for community and study, and you are welcome to join us!
The Monday night group will be meeting in person with social distancing, and the Engineering Community group will be meeting on Wednesdays through Zoom.
If you are interested or have any questions, please reach out to either of the contacts above, or use the QR code to take our survey so that we can get in touch with you!
You can also reach us on Instagram (@cruatwichitastateuniversity) and Facebook (facebook.com/WichitaStateCru/).
Apply now to get involved in research as part of the First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) in STEM
The Cohen Honors College is excited to accept applications to participate in the First Year Research Experience (FYRE) in STEM program. The mission of the FYRE program is to introduce research to first-year undergraduates in a practical and accessible way.
Students selected for the FYRE program will be required to enroll in an introductory research seminar course that exposes them to research methods and are matched with research positions in WSU labs actively involved in scholarly STEM research. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 1, 2020.
Learn more about the First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) in STEM program at a virtual information session led by Moriah Beck at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. RSVP by sending an email to moriah.beck@wichita.edu. Zoom link will be provided upon RSVP.
First-Year Research Experience
Volunteers needed for a research study
Research Topic/Purpose of the study: We want to understand the impact of kitchen and cooking-based, nutritional education for healthcare students and providers focused on concepts of a healthy diet and cooking.
Procedures: Participants in this study will complete a two hour, six-session cooking class focused on how to help patients cook and eat a healthy diet. Before and after learning, participants will be asked about nutritional and cooking knowledge related to a healthy diet. For participating, you will receive groceries, grocery cards, and recipes from the course!
Time: Participation is expected to last about six weeks.
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:
- Participants must be age 18-65
- Must be a healthcare (dental, medical, nursing, communications, public health, athletic training, physical therapy, medical laboratory, psychology, etc) practitioner or student
Location: Wichita State University
Contact: If you are interested in participating in this study, contact Nicole Delimont at Nicole.delimont@wichita.edu or call 785-249-5533.
Free virtual workshops are available to enhance Shocker research skills
It's not too early to register for the library's upcoming virtual workshops! Free and open to Shocker students, faculty, and staff - Savvy Scholar is great for all research needs. Scan the QR code for the full fall schedule!
2020 Shockers Vote! Turbo Vote Competition
The Shockers Vote! Coalition invites your organization to participate in the 2020 Shockers Vote! Turbo Vote Competition. Registration for the competition is open now on ShockerSync.
The competition will run from Sept. 7-21. Each group will be given a unique URL to track how many students you are able to enroll in Turbo Vote as they register to vote. The group with the most voter registrations will be given a cash prize of $500. The application for your organization to compete is 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6.
Questions? Contact Maggi Hole at student.orgs@wichita.edu.
Join Campus Recreation's Free Lifting Clinic!
Join Andy Sykes at the Heskett Center for an educational Lifting Clinic. The free event will teach proper form and technique for common lifts such as deadlift, squat, and bench press. Knowing how to lift properly gets you maximum gains and keeps you safe from injury.
Financial Wellness & Money Management Blackboard Course
Here at the Office for Student Money Management in Student Success, we believe that all students should graduate with financial confidence! Through this course, students at Wichita State University will develop personal finance goals and learn the basics of financial literacy which will support their decisions during and after their time at the institution.
The course is FREE and may be completed in two hours if done in one session. Students will also receive a certificate of achievement. To self-enroll into the Blackboard Organization, scan the QR Code or go to Financial Wellness.
If you have questions, contact us at osmm@wichita.edu or call 316-978-3254.
Pumpkin spice is back
School's back and so is pumpkin spice! Visit Starbucks in the RSC to grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Available for a limited time only.
Wanted: Volunteers to help with 2020 bicycle and pedestrian count event
Volunteers are needed to help manually count bicycle and pedestrian activity across 35 sites in the Wichita Metro area.
The annual event, sponsored by the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization will be held Sept. 24 and 26.
This important event relies heavily on the commitment of community volunteers to gather data about how our network of paths and lanes are being used.
According to Tricia Thomas, WAMPO Communication’s Manager:
“One of the greatest challenges facing the bicycle and pedestrian field is the lack of documentation on usage and demand. Without accurate and consistent demand and usage figures, it is difficult to measure the positive benefits of bicycle and pedestrian investments, especially when compared to the other transportation modes such as the private automobile.”
As such, this event is the only source for regional-scale bicycle and pedestrian data. The results of this data are then used to guide investments throughout the regional transportation system.
So please consider volunteering! This annual event is a real opportunity for local residents to become involved in a piece of the regional transportation planning process. As we know, bicycle and pedestrian investments stimulate the economy, public health, and the overall quality of life in a variety of ways. Communities that invest in these facilities inherently attract people and businesses so it’s good for everyone! Register to volunteer here!
volunteerICT
Have you ever thought about volunteering? volunteerICT provides Wichita State students, staff and faculty with volunteer opportunities throughout Wichita both virtually and in-person. Log in today to Wichita.edu/VolunteerICT to find out more!
For questions email volunteerICT@wichita.edu.