Shocker Blast: Sept. 18, 2020

 

 

FEATURED STORIES

Convergence Sciences researchers focus on solving complex societal problems

  • Four Wichita State University research teams were awarded $300,000 each as part of the Convergence Science Initiatives. 
  • The Convergence Science Research Initiative brings together a range of academic disciplines to solve complex problems focused on society needs. 
  • Each of the funded projects will engage undergraduates, graduate students and the community in research. 

Read complete story.


Cohen Honors College

The Cohen Honors College application is LIVE!

All current students are eligible to apply. Smaller class sizes, free printing, and scholarship opportunities are just a few of the many benefits that Honors students receive.

Starting this year, there are NO minimum ACT/SAT or GPA requirements. Applicants are evaluated on their preparation for challenging academic and professional work as well as creative approach to solving problems; urge to make a positive impact on the community and in the world; and open-minded embrace of diversity in backgrounds, values and perspectives.

Click here to learn more and start your application!


Deja Young

2020 Paralympic hopefuls reflect on games postponement

Casey Ratzlaff

Casey Ratzlaff

Casey Ratzlaff is a first-time Paralympic hopeful in wheelchair tennis and current student at Wichita State University.

Deja Young (pictured above) is a two-time Paralympic champion in track and a Wichita State alumna.

Nick Taylor is director of operations for WSU Tennis and a multiple-time Paralympic champion and competitor who is planning a return to the Paralympics.

All three have one thing in common besides Wichita State: their Paralympic dreams have been put on hold for the foreseeable future.

Read complete story.


TRIO DSS is accepting student applications for the 2020-21 academic school year

WSU's TRIO Disability Support Services (DSS) Program is excited to enroll students with disabilities for this academic school year. They offer numerous free services such as academic advising, career development, study skills assistance, financial literacy assistance, tutoring, and more. Many DSS graduates cite DSS as a critical program on campus that provided the support, university connections, and resources necessary for their success.

Quotes from DSS graduates and more information

I will apply what I have learned through TRIO DSS to the next chapter of my life - completing a Master's Degree! I am really thankful for the relationships that I have formed through TRIO DSS and look forward to what new challenges there are to conquer in my near future.

-Tiffany H.

My Advisor believed in me when everyone wrote me off. That kind of belief and caring is so strong, it turned a college dropout into a student with a WSU GPA of 3.8 who is going to graduate in a month. I was able to get my first all “A” semester last fall because of their encouragement. Without my advisor’s support, I do not think I would be graduating at all.

-Ben L.

For more information, or to apply, go to www.wichita.edu/dss or call 978-5949. TRIO DSS is located in 158 Grace Wilkie Annex.


Holiday air travel tips 2020

10 holiday air travel tips during COVID-19

With holiday travel season on the horizon, a just-released annual forecast from Dean Headley, co-author of the Airline Quality Rating and associate professor emeritus at Wichita State University, offers new insights into making travel plans in these extraordinary times.

Read complete story.


Free Dental Screening 10220

Free Dental Screenings offered on 1st Friday of every month at the Student Wellness Center

The AEGD program will host Free Dental Screenings on the 1st Friday of every month (Oct. 2) from 1-3 p.m. at Student Health. Appointments are required, so call 316-978-4792 to reserve your spot!

NEWS

Grad School and COVID 92320

Join the Graduate School to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting the 21st century workplace

COVID-19 has upended the way we shop, attend classes, socialize, and do business. Join the Graduate School with presenter Dr. Carolyn Speer, Manager of Instructional Design and Technology, as we examine the ways that COVID has impacted the modern workplace and shifted the way we think about remote work from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, on Zoom.

For more information, go to visit the Graduate School's professional development schedule or request the meeting link here.


Shocker Strong book scholarship

Participate in Shocker Strong Resiliency Program for a chance to win a book scholarship

Do you have a class called "Shocker Strong Resiliency Program" in your Blackboard? If yes, then you're in luck! Program participants who complete eight or more weeks of this 11-week program will be entered into a drawing to win one of five prizes, including two chances to win a book scholarship worth up to $500!

Learn more at wichita.edu/SSdrawing and find the program by logging in to blackboard.wichita.edu.


Election and voting

Discover in-depth election and voting info online with University Libraries

University Libraries' political science subject specialist has put together a one-stop online location for all election and voting info! Discover academic articles, sample ballots, in-depth analysis resources, and more before November at Election 2020


First-Gen Art Showcase

First-Generation Shocker Art Exhibition -- All media artist call

The First-Generation Coordinating Council (FGCC) and the First-Generation Students Organization (FGSO) invites all Wichita State University first-generation college students to apply and participate in its first All Media Art Exhibition. This art exhibition will showcase WSU's creative and talented first-generation students through the display of unique artwork.

Theme: "Identity" is the way we perceive and express ourselves. Factors and conditions that we are born with. One's identity may change over time depending on our unique circumstances and life experiences. Current WSU first-generation students are encouraged to create unique artwork based on the theme "Identity."

Entry Process: Each entrant can submit up to three original pieces. Please make sure that all images submitted are professional quality; images submitted should be clear, will lit, and the artwork should be straight on the image. Multiple side images of three-dimensional work can be submitted. Free to enter.

Email Marco Hernandez for any questions at marco.hernandezguillen@wichita.edu.


International Day of Peace 92120

Celebrate International Day of Peace

Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for International Day of Peace and an event from noon-1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21. Hear from Shana Stephens and Naquela Pack on wellness, being mindful, and harnessing peace.

International Day of Peace is an international event that is observed each year by nations all across the world. Register at wichita.edu/odievents.

The event is commemorated on the 21st of September each year. It is a day that was set aside by the General Assembly of the United Nations for everyone around the world to devote to keeping the peace, despite any differences they may have, as well as play a part in building a peace culture that will last for generations to come.

Take part in promoting the day with your home away from home. Learn more about International Day of Peace at internationaldayofpeace.org.

For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034, diversity@wichita.edu, or go to wichita.edu/odievents.


Scavenger Hunt

Student Activities Council Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Join SAC for a live virtual scavenger hunt on Monday, Sept. 28! Teams will join over Zoom and participants will scour the internet to find items based on clues given. The first team to collect all items will win the grand prize.

Register to reserve your spot at this event at wichita.edu/SAC. Registration closes at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25.

STUDENT NEWS

Study Abroad experiences 91820

Study Abroad Webinar: Semester Exchange Programs

Want to learn more about study abroad programs? Join us for our second webinar to hear about our semester exchange programs. We will provide an overview of our exchange partner universities and how students can apply for a semester or yearlong study abroad program. During the webinar, we will highlight a few exchange programs and also discuss how to apply for scholarships. 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


First Gen Check-In

First-Gen students are invited to check in with Student Services Coordinators

Calling all First-Gen students! Join us for the opportunity to chat with student service coordinators about any questions or concerns that might have come up this semester.

Academic, personal or interpersonal, we’re here to make sure you have the tools you need for success! Learn more and RSVP at https://wichita.edu/FirstGenCheckIn

Event information -- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, in 266 Rhatigan Student Center; virtual link to be sent out

Participants will receive a free planner.

First-Gen Check-in


What is consent?

What is consent?

Join Counseling and Prevention Services and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to continue the discussion on what consent really is! This digital panel is at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.

Please register prior to the event at wichita.edu/odievents.

Our panelists will discuss the resources available to students at Wichita State University. This is an opportunity to ask anonymous questions around consent and learning about the importance of consent. We have a great lineup of panelists who will be part of this virtual panel. Hear from the following panelists:

Meredith Osborne, Campus Advocate, Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center (WASAC),

Ashlyn Riley, Student Services Coordinator, and

Sara Zafar, Title IX Coordinator.

This panel will be moderated by Dr. Selena Jackson.

For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034, diversity@wichita.edu, or go to wichita.edu/odi


E-Launch

E-Launch registration now open!

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. Avoid spectacular failures in execution by learning before you launch, not after.

E-Launch


Bisexual Visibility Day 92320

Be visible and proud on Bisexual Visibility Day

Bisexual Visibility Day will be observed Wednesday, Sept. 23. Visible identities and representation are important to your home away from home. Share your stories and photos with pride using the #BisexualandProud and #WSUDiversity on any social media platform you like. Tune into the Bisexuality and Beyond TEDxUCLA talk by Tania Israel at wichita.edu/odievents. Access the page by clicking on the event Bisexual Visibility Day.

More resources for the LGBTQ+ community can be found at wichita.edu/lgbtq. For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034, diversity@wichita.edu, or go to wichita.edu/odievents.

Bisexual Visibility Day

EVENTS

Shocker Paint Night

Register by today for Shocker Paint Night

Whether you are the next Picasso or if you have never touched a paint brush in your life, anyone can paint a masterpiece. (Van) Gogh have a wonderful time creating Shocker-themed pieces of art with the Student Activities Council during this virtual, step-by-step tutorial.

Register online by 5 p.m. today (Friday, Sept. 18), to receive a supply kit for the class; $10 for WSU students with Shocker ID and $20 for families and the general public.

For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.

Sponsored by the Student Activities Council.


Escape Room 91820

Game Night: Escape Room

Love to play games and want to get to know other Shockers on campus? Join SAC on the third Friday of every month for a virtual game night! Cards Against Humanity, Pictionary, Scattegories, and more: we’ll pick a new game every month!

At 6 p.m. today (Friday, Sept. 18), we will feature a Virtual Escape Room: You’ll live chat with your fellow group, scour a virtual world, and examine the internet for clues, while racing against the clock. This is a high-stakes, all-or-nothing maximum speed adventure to save your partner and make the bad guys pay. Can you put the clues of this escape room together and finish before the time runs out? Buckle up, it’s going to be a fast ride! Space is limited, register early at wichita.edu/sac.

For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.


Ulrich event with Terry Evans 92220

Register for free Ulrich Virtual program on Tuesday featuring Midwest-based photographer Terry Evans

The Ulrich Museum of Art is excited to offer a free virtual program with Chicago-based artist and Kansas native Terry Evans at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. Like all Ulrich Virtual programs, it is free and open to the public, but registration is required to get the Zoom link. Register here. 

Evans is known for her photographs of the people and landscapes of rural America and the Great Plains, particularly her native Kansas. Her billboard in the Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard Project is currently on display at 1101 N. West Street in Wichita. 


Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, by celebrating the histories, culture, and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, and South America. In addition, the heritage month honors five of our Central American neighbors who celebrate their independence in September.

Learn more about this cultural month at http://wichita.edu/odievents.

National Hispanic Heritage Month


Bloomfield Organ Series 92220

Bloomfield Distinguished Guest Artist, Damin Spritzer, performs in Wiedemann Hall

The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series welcomes distinguished guest artist Damin Spritzer in concert at the great Marcussen organ at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Wiedemann Hall. Contact the WSU Fine Arts Box Office for a ticket - 77 seats are available - or watch in our live stream on the WSU School of Music Facebook page.

Tickets for WSU students are free if seats are available. 

Don't miss the "Conversation with the Artist" following intermission! The artist is interviewed onstage by Lynne Davis and gives details about her professional career and her program. Works by Bach, Grigny, Tournemire, and Howells.

Rie Bloomfield Organ Series

RESEARCH

Savvy Scholar Workshops Sept. 23 and 25

Savvy Scholar Workshops strengthen Shocker research

Savvy Scholar Workshops continue with more ways to strengthen Shocker research! Register for free and/or discover the full schedule at Savvy Scholar.


Learn how to prepare a successful NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program application

Are you a senior entering Graduate School or a first-year domestic Graduate student pursuing a research-based STEM-related master’s or doctoral degree? If so, join Graduate School Dean and AVP of Research Dr. Coleen Pugh, and a small panel of previous successful applicants from WSU to discuss how to prepare a successful application for the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF-GRFP) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, on Zoom.

For more information about the fellowship program, awards, and eligibility visit the NSF-GRFP website or request the link to the Zoom session here

Professional Development and Research

UNIVERSITY LIFE

Homecoming court nominations 92120

Know an outstanding Shocker senior? Nominate them today!

WSU Homecoming Court nominations are open! Nominees must be a current undergraduate student with senior status and good academic standing as of spring 2020 and must not have previously been a Homecoming candidate. Individuals are welcome to self-nominate, or may be nominated by a WSU student, faculty or staff member.

Homecoming Court nominations will close Monday, Sept. 21.

Wichita State Homecoming will be held Oct. 19-26.

Click here to make a nomination. 


Strategic Plan Town Hall Sept. 2020

Participate in the Strategic Plan Town Hall

The Strategic Plan Town Hall will be held via livestream from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. 

This university-wide event will be dedicated to updating the Shocker faculty, students, staff, alumni, university partners and the Shocker community on the plan for 2020-21. Join the town hall moderator, WSU Faculty Senate President & School of Music Director Dr. Aleks Sternfeld Dunn as he welcomes President Jay Golden and Executive Vice President and Provost Rick Muma for remarks.  Kaye Monk-Morgan, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, will present the refreshed university strategic plan. 

For a download of related documents, click on the links provided:

For more information, contact the Strategic Planning Committee at strategicplanning@wichita.edu

_____________________________________

This year’s Town Hall will be virtual.  Click Here  to attend.  

Please note that this event requires access to a computer/laptop/tablet with access a web browser and sound.


Philosophy professor publishes on Perry Mason and Della Street

Perry Mason

 

Noell Birondo published "What about Della Street?" in the new book, “Perry Mason and Philosophy: The Case of the Awesome Attorney.”

The book is the newest in the Popular Culture and Philosophy series and follows on the heels of the just-completed HBO Perry Mason mini-series starring Matthew Rhys and John Lithgow. In the 1950s the Perry Mason TV show had a phenomenal success, and the original novels by Erle Stanley Gardner continue to sell thousands of copies each week.

Perry Mason and Philosophy


Tuesday Talks 92220

Looking for Dental Care? Sept. 22 Tuesday Talks will discuss resources available to students

Our Tuesday Talks: Mini Wellness Fair Version continues at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, on Facebook Live. Join Student Health, representatives from the AEGD program and the WSU Dental Hygiene Clinic for a conversation about the dental care resources available to WSU students.

Don't forget to subscribe to Student Health's YouTube channel! When we reach 100 subscribers, we'll enter you to win a prize.


TurboVote

Are you ready to vote?

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.

Shockers Vote

SPECIAL OFFERS

Tent Sale

Shocker Store Tent Sale tomorrow

To celebrate the reopening of the Shocker Store’s Braeburn Square location, we’re having a Tent Sale so you can get some steals and deals on Shocker gear!

Join us in the parking lot outside our Braeburn Square location (4521 E. 21st St. N.) from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. See you there, Shockers!

Stay up-to-date on our Facebook event page.


No-cost webinar 92420

How should small business owners market during COVID-19?

Is your target audience listening to your business instead of the competition? This webinar will discuss best practices for small business online marketing and provide information on consumer behavior during COVID-19.

Register for this no-cost webinar from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at www.wichita.edu/ksbdcworkshops


No-cost webinar 92320

Start your business in 10 steps webinar

Are you interested in starting a business, but have no idea how to get started? This webinar will cover the 10 steps to start your business. Learn about licenses and permits, federal and state tax IDs, business structure, funding, marketing and other essentials.

Register for this no-cost webinar from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at www.wichita.edu/ksbdcworkshops.


Journey East Asia Grill

Feeling hungry? Join us at Journey East Asian Grill!

Be one of the first two customers at Journey East Asian Grill located in Braeburn Square and receive a FREE Bowl. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. every day. Limit one free bowl per the first two customers per day.

Journey East Asian Grill

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

volunteerICT

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. 

SAFETY

WSU Police Car

Lock your car doors and protect your belongings

Wichita State police report that multiple cars have had things taken where students park late at night. All of those cars had been left unlocked.

Please lock your car doors, hide your belongings, put them in the trunk, or take your belongings with you.

Don’t give a thief an opportunity to make you a victim. The WSU PD takes great pride in keeping the campus safe, but we need your help to accomplish that.

Please, if you see something, say something!