Regents appoint Richard Muma as Wichita State interim president
Dr. Richard Muma
The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) voted Wednesday to appoint Wichita State University (WSU) Provost Richard Muma as interim president of WSU. Dr. Muma has been serving as acting president since September 25 and will begin serving as interim president immediately.
“Dr. Muma possesses a wealth of experience and a deep knowledge of Wichita State,” said KBOR Chair Bill Feuerborn. “His leadership as acting president on two separate occasions has been invaluable to the university. The Regents are grateful he is willing to continue to serve as interim president.”
Discover how spring classes will be taught
The newest course schedule is now available for students to start picking their spring classes. Courses will be offered similarly to fall classes, with some fully online and others as hybrid classes. For more information about the different types of classes, see www.wichita.edu/codes.
Instructors have been asked to submit information about how they plan to teach their courses. You can see their details for instruction, testing, and what to do on the first day of class. See www.wichita.edu/spring2021. If you have additional questions, faculty contact information is provided or you can reach out to an advisor at www.wichita.edu/advising.
Attention fall 2020 graduates! It is time to RSVP to participate in a Fall Commencement Ceremony
Fall 2020 Commencement has been moved to Sunday, Nov. 22 at Charles Koch Arena. If you filed your Application for Degree for fall 2020, it is now time to RSVP, if you plan to participate in the commencement ceremonies.
Commencement reservations must be made online by logging into your myWSU, going to the myClasses tab, and then find the Graduation Links box on the right hand side of the page. Click on the “Commencement Registration” link for the ceremony you want to attend and RSVP. This must be done no later than 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
If you have any questions about the ceremonies, go to www.wichita.edu/commencement or contact the Commencement Office at commencement@wichita.edu.
Kansas Governor to speak at opening of Wichita State’s Molecular Diagnostics Lab
Wichita State University will celebrate the opening of its Molecular Diagnostics Lab (MDL) at 10:45 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the John Bardo Center on WSU’s Innovation Campus.
At full capacity, the MDL can process as many as 4,500 COVID-19 tests per day. It is the only high-volume testing center in Wichita and the region.
The event is by invitation only, but will be streamed virtually.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is expected to attend the event, and she will be giving brief remarks. After the event, the governor will take questions from the media.
Town Hall features Convergence Science Initiative awarded proposals
Teams from the awarded Convergence Sciences Initiative proposals will give 10-minute presentations featuring their projects at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.
The presentations, which will be held via Zoom, will allow each team to further explain the intended outcomes of the projects, including plans for external funding.
“All four projects have the potential to be gamechangers in the direction and intensity of research at Wichita State, and in social and economic impact in the region,” said Andrew Hippisley, dean, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “The projects showcase the power of partnerships, the value of combining expertise, and the courage to take risks in pursuing ambitious problems that can only be solved by converging disciplines.”
The four awarded proposals include:
Sustainability Theme
The Smart Fusion Material Research Institute will be developing novel computational, material and digital manufacturing approaches to unlock the complex interactions among material, microstructure, processing and mechanical properties involved in additive manufacturing.
Digital Transformations Theme
The Disaster Resilience Analytics Center will leverage the university’s expertise in artificial intelligence, deep learning and multiple modes of big data to better predict natural and human-made disasters and improve preparedness by creating a new generation of digital platforms and support services.
Health Disparities Theme
The Institute for Health Disparities will generate new methods to reduce obesity among vulnerable populations and improve health literacy as a mechanism among health care providers for behavior change.
Wildcard Theme
The Center for Educational Technologies to Assist Refugee Learners will focus on designing innovative solutions to meet the educational needs to the children of the more than 70 million forcibly displaced refugees worldwide. As a result, it will also create innovative pathways and software for educational access to those in our state and nation.
Faculty involved with each center or institute will also work to develop new academic programs. The projects pay close attention to our educational mission, carefully assigning roles for undergraduate and graduate students as collaborators and beneficiaries of educational opportunities. Applied research and applied learning are built into the plans and the deliverables.
To register for the event and to receive Zoom meeting information, go to Convergence Town Hall.
See something, say something - academic integrity
As members of the Wichita State community, it is everyone’s responsibility to bring attention to anything that may be concerning. This could be about yourself or others that you feel is connected to the Wichita State University experience.
This form is to be used by any individual wishing to report a violation of the WSU Policies and Procedures Manual Section 2.17 / Student Academic Integrity.
For more details please refer to Wichita.edu/reportit.
Activating the University Strategic Plan
Is your unit/department helping to move the university’s mission and resulting strategic plan forward? Has your team engaged in work that drives education, culture, or economic outcomes? If so, report your activity to the Strategic Planning Committee through TeamDynamix. The newly revised form is easier to complete and takes less time. This information is compiled for the annual reporting on the strategic plan and university priorities.
F1RST GEN SHOCKERS: Over 40% of the student population at Wichita State University is first-gen. Who is a first-gen student? By definition, they are the FIRST in their immediate family to attend a four-year college or university. Wichita State also acknowledges the group of first-gen professionals both current and retired administration, faculty and staff. See more about them at www.wichita.edu/firstgen.
F1RST-GEN WEEK
Go to www.wichita.edu/firstgen for events being held Nov. 2 through Nov. 8 in celebration of National F1rst-Gen Week.
F1RST-GEN STUDENT ORGANIZATION
A virtual student meeting is being held from 1-2 p.m. today (Friday, Oct. 16). Go to meetings for more information.
F1RST-GEN AFFINITY GROUP
This is a group designed to stress a common experience among those navigating as a first-generation professional. The First-Generation Affinity Group seeks to foster community among its members by way of networking, professional development, and social events. To register for a virtual event being held on Nov. 10, click here.
F1RST-GEN COORDINATING COUNCIL
The council is interested in YOUR HELP. If you are interested in supporting the first-gen initiatives at Wichita State University, the council is now seeking sub-committee members for the follow committees: Marketing, Faculty & Staff Engagement, Data Assessment, and the Graduate School. Interested parties can email FGShockers@wichita.edu for more information.
National Student Exchange is perfect for students who want to study and live in a new city!
Ever wonder what it would be like to hit the books in the morning and hit the beach in the afternoon? Thanks to National Student Exchange (NSE), you can. NSE allows undergraduate, domestic students the opportunity to study at one of nearly 200 universities across the United States and Canada – while paying regular WSU tuition and earning credit toward your degree.
The application materials for exchange during fall 2020 and spring 2021 are available at wichita.edu/nse and are due Feb. 1, 2021. If you have questions, please contact Trish Gandu at trish.gandu@wichita.edu.
Learn 2 Row with Shocker Rowing
Join Shocker Rowing Learn 2 Row between 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Boats and Bikes at River Vista. Safely learn the basics of rowing and get on the river with the athletes. For more information, go to wichita.edu/shockerrowing.
Celebrating Careers in Student Affairs Month: From #SAgrad to #SApro
Are you interested in a career in Student Affairs? Join Wichita State University Student Affairs, Wichita State University College of Applied Studies - Higher Education/Student Affairs program, and NASPA GAP as we celebrate Careers in Student Affairs Month!
In this virtual event, you will have the opportunity to learn from a diverse panel of current Student Affairs professionals about their experiences. There will also be a breakout workshop to support graduates in their job search process, as well as a workshop for those interested in pursuing a degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs.
The free event will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.
If you have any questions, contact NASPA GAP member Trang Bui at tnbui1@shockers.wichita.edu.
Come celebrate Wu at Wu's Birthday Bash!
Wu is turning 72! Help him celebrate at Wu's Birthday Bash from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, on the RSC east courtyard! There will be photos with Wu, cupcakes, music and chalking the sidewalk. On your way out, pick up a custom party favor bag and let the celebration continue.
For more information on this event and others, visit wichita.edu/homecoming.
Virtual panel series tackles social inequality research in relation to the pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed several types of social inequality already present in American and global societies. In this panel, social scientists will join with subject librarians in a discussion of approaches and research methods used to explore social inequality in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Find full event information from 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, and a direct link to the virtual Zoom panel, click here.
Student Veteran Center receives award sponsored by KPTS-TV 8
Every year the Veteran Coming Home program, that is sponsored by KPTS, selects an organization to recognize for their outstanding contribution to veterans in the Greater Wichita community. This year the Student Veteran Center at WSU was nominated, and we were selected as winner in this category.
There was an official presentation of the award yesterday (Thursday, Oct. 15) at KPTS-TV 8. Larry Burks Sr. received the award on behalf of the center.
School of Nursing hosting information session today
Thinking about becoming a nurse? Join us for a virtual information session at 4 p.m. today (Friday, Oct. 16). This is a great opportunity to speak with faculty members and learn more about our programs and admission requirements. The session will be held via Zoom and advance registration is required.
Shockers Abroad Series
Shockers Abroad Video series presents testimonials from our study abroad alumni. Check out their videos to learn more about their experiences.
Join the Graduate School on Wednesday to discuss working in groups remotely
As COVID-19 has changed the way nearly all workplaces operate, collaborating remotely has become increasingly important. Join the Graduate School with presenter, Carolyn Speer, manager of Instructional Design and Technology, at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, on Zoom for tips on how to effectively work in a group remotely. Request the link.
Professional Development and Research Events
First-Generation Student Organization and TRIO / disability student support services
meeting today
Today via Zoom, First-Generation Student Organization with be co-hosting a meeting with faculty from TRIO / disabilities student support services from 1-2 p.m. today (Friday, Oct. 16). This meeting is open to anyone, even non first-gen students, as TRIO / disability serves the overall populations of eligible students at WSU.
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android.
Password: 01012020
First-Gen Student Organization
Participate in the Homecoming Bowling Tournament!
Assemble your team of four and sign-up to take on the Homecoming Bowling Tournament challenge. Each team will bowl a total of two games, your point total will be based on the scores of all bowlers and the two games combined. Teams must sign-up at wichita.edu/homecoming by 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20.
The top two scoring teams will be announced at the All-Stars Flag Football Game at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Cessna Stadium.
Friday's ISME Colloquium presentation features Jamie Wollenberg, senior engineer for research and development at The Bradbury Co.
Jamie Wollenberg
Industrial, Systems, and Manufacturing Engineering is hosting an ISME Colloquium presentation from 11 a.m.-noon today (Friday, Oct. 16). Mr. Jamie Wollenberg, senior engineering for research and development at The Bradbury Co. His talk will be “Accelerating Technological Innovation in Custom Manufacturing.”
By utilizing modern transformative digital technologies, including dynamic FEA, augmented reality, and modular bench tested programming, complex manufacturing production systems can be produced with less time and risk than ever before. During the production of a recent unique production line, these improvements reduced rework by over 50%, cut test time by 40%, and engaged the customer to drive on-time delivery.
The resulting productivity of the system has since benefited the customer in many ways: reduced labor costs by 99%, increased maximum production volume by orders of magnitude, and operator turnover was virtually eliminated. These improved operational efficiencies have enabled a tenfold sales increase over 2 years. This presentation explains how these technologies are becoming integral pieces of the modern manufacturing workflow.
Speaker Biography
Mr. Jamie Wollenberg is the Senior Engineer managing Research and Development projects for The Bradbury Company. Bradbury is an Original Equipment Manufacturer, producing custom roll forming and coil processing equipment for customers around the world. Based in Moundridge, KS, Bradbury has ten manufacturing facilities on three continents.
Jamie earned his bachelor’s from Bethany College in 2011, studying Mathematics and Physics. In 2013 he completed his master’s in Mechanical Engineering from WSU.
Mr. Wollenberg has served Bradbury for over 10 years in a variety of roles including production services, mechanical design, project management, and R&D. These responsibilities include projects for every entity in the Bradbury group of companies, requiring constant integration of teams from many different countries and cultures, and frequent international trips for onsite oversight at critical project junctions.
Many industries are impacted by the development work Bradbury does: metal building construction, residential housing products such as siding and garage doors, agriculture, off-road equipment, automotive, railcar, electrical and transportation infrastructure, and more. Though every project and industry have unique needs, the acceleration of automation in modern manufacturing is driving technological adoption in ways that enable many fundamental developments to be utilized in a diverse range of applications.
Game Night: JackBox games
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!
This month we will be playing JackBox games! Join us for games including Trivia Murder Party, Bidiots, or even Quiplash.
Register to reserve your spot at wichita.edu/SAC. For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.
Event listing: part two
This month is full of fun for everyone! Be sure to check out our event listing for all our upcoming programs during this spooky season.
Student Involvement event listing
Homecoming DIY: Sequin pillows
You’ll always remember Homecoming’s return to the fall semester with your commemorative DIY sequin pillow!
Registrants will receive a make-at-home kit complete with your choice of sequin pillow cover, stuffing, and some SAC swag. You can choose to pick up your kit in the Rhatigan Student Center or have it mailed to your home address. Kit pick-up will occur all day on Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the RSC. All registrants who choose to pick up their kit will be contacted via email to select a pick-up time.
Once you have your kit, stuff your pillow and show off your Homecoming swag on your social media pages. Be sure to tag SAC when you post. One kit per person with WSU ID while supplies last.
Register at wichita.edu/SAC.
Shocker Volleyball hosts final Black & Yellow Scrimmage this fall: Free and open to the public
You’re invited to the third and final Black & Yellow Scrimmage at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, in Charles Koch Arena, featuring the Shocker Volleyball team. Admission is free for all fans, and capacity is limited to 2,000.
Additional safety guidelines are being enforced, such as maintaining social distancing and requiring of a face covering to ensure a safe viewing experience for fans. Don't miss your last chance to see the Shocker Volleyball team in action until the season begins in January!
Volleyball Black & Yellow Scrimmage
Public invited to Fall World Series game on Oct. 17
Hey Shocker fans, Wichita State Baseball is back in action this fall with the Fall World Series. Game 5 will be open to the public and have free admission at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Masks will be required to be worn at all times.
For more information, visit the link in the newsletter. We look forward to seeing you back at Eck Stadium!
Shocker Softball to host Black & Yellow Scrimmage free and open to the public
Head to Wilkins Stadium at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, for the second Black & Yellow Scrimmage featuring the Shocker Softball team. Admission is free for all fans, and capacity is limited to 250.
Additional safety guidelines are being enforced, such as maintaining social distancing and requiring of a face covering to ensure a safe viewing experience for fans. Don't miss your last chance to see the Shocker Softball team in action until the season begins in spring!
Softball Black & Yellow Scrimmage
Digital Drag Brunch with Alyssa Edwards
In partnership with Tallgrass Film Association, join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for the upcoming Digital Drag Brunch with Alyssa Edwards. RuPaul's Drag Race's Alyssa Edwards, along with local Wichita Queens, will host a live drag brunch at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, during the #Tallgrass2020 Virtual Film Festival!
General Admission is included with the TALLPass. Click here for more information and to get your tickets and/or passes today.
The event is accessible everywhere. For more information, contact the Tallgrass Film Association at 316-303-9292.
Register now for Ulrich Virtual conversation with Wichita photographer Larry Schwarm on Tuesday
The Ulrich Museum of Art invites you to join it for a virtual conversation with Wichita artist Larry Schwarm at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. It is free and open to all, but you have to register first to get the Zoom link.
Schwarm will talk about his past and current projects, including his photographs of controlled agricultural burning in the Flint Hills. The Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard with Schwarm’s work is currently on view at 4355 S. K-15 in Wichita.
Woolsey Hall, new home for the W. Frank Barton School of Business - construction camera
A construction camera has been installed for Woolsey Hall – it will give a live view of construction progress throughout the project.
We are anticipating construction fencing to be installed early next week.
‘Let's Talk About It’ is a new podcast from The Fuse hosted by WSU faculty Bobby Berry and Jessica Newman
“Let’s Talk About It” is a new podcast from The Fuse hosted by Bobby Berry and Jessica Newman. “Let’s Talk About It” strives to create a safe, comfortable and casual environment that will foster connection with diverse people in an effort to create meaning, ask questions and start honest conversations. By becoming a “Let’s Talk About It” listener you’ll get an in-depth, honest and straightforward view of the topics that matter most to college students today.
Episode one is out now and focuses on the first-generation college experience at Wichita State. This episode opens with a discussion with Kaye Monk-Morgan, Interim Vice President for Regional Engagement and Economic Development. Then, we sit down with two current WSU students, Taylin Fox, a senior in Sport Management, and Tony Ibarra, a senior in Mechanical Engineering.
Subscribe on Youtube, Spotify, or Anchor.FM to catch new episodes.
“Let’s Talk About It” upcoming episodes
- Friday, Oct. 23 – Wellness at Wichita State: a multi-faceted approach
- Friday, Nov. 27 – Financial Literacy: during college and beyond
- Friday, Dec. 18 – Imposter Syndrome: navigating life as a person of color on a predominantly white campus
Don't get spooked by your finances
Join the Office for Student Money Management in Student Success at our "Don't Get Spooked By Your Finances" webinar from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. We will be going over basic financial literacy, tips and tricks, and how to make better money habits. We will also play a round of Kahoot to test your spooky finance knowledge.
The winner will receive an OSMM giveaway, which includes a lunchbag, OSMM shirt, fanny pack, pen / pencil / chapstick, and a drawstring bag! The winner will pick up the prize at our office in 115 Neff Hall between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Free to Register: http://bit.ly/osmmspook
If you have any questions, contact osmm@wichita.edu.
Relax and decompress with Self Care Sunday: Decompression Yoga
Self-Care Sundays offer students the opportunity to unwind and reset at the end of each month, leaving them refreshed for the month ahead. In partnership with Campus Recreation, Student Affairs and Shocker Strong will offer a yoga session for relaxation and decompression at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. Yoga mats will be provided, and beginners are welcome! Learn more and RSVP at wichita.edu/SelfCareSunday.
Trivia Night: Homecoming Edition
Think you know everything about WSU? What about Wichita? Come prepared to test your knowledge of the history of our institution and the surrounding area in this Homecoming Edition of Trivia Tuesday.
Play for awesome e-gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, and even Visa gift cards! $100 and $50 prizes will be given out each game to first- and second-place finishers, respectively. The highest point scorer across all four games, Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Nov. 3, and Nov. 10, will receive a $200 Amazon gift card.
For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.
Free tutoring and academic mentoring for diverse Shockers!
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is offering free tutoring and academic mentoring!
Our tutors help students develop a deeper understanding of class material and gain successful skills that can improve their overall GPA.
Our academic mentors offer biweekly meetings to help you with academic success skills, such as time management, effective studying and note-taking, test preparation and more!
You can drop in any of the listed times or schedule an appointment. See when we are open, what classes are offered, and how to request appointments at wichita.edu/pass!
$1.50 bowling games on Fridays for rewards members
Members of the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes Eat.Drink.Play. Rewards Program can enjoy $1.50 bowling games every Friday during the month of October. Not a rewards member? Joining is free and easy, simply visit today and ask!