Kansas Governor to speak at opening of Wichita State’s Molecular Diagnostics Lab today
Wichita State University will celebrate the opening of its Molecular Diagnostics Lab (MDL) at 10:45 a.m. today (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.
Deciding on a major that you enjoy and thrive in is often hard to do; it's common to switch majors at least three times.
If you are unhappy with your major, don’t know why you chose it, or if you are undecided, it’s time to do some exploration!
Reach out to faculty who can talk with you about research or career opportunities or talk to the experts in the Career Development Center about how to go about narrowing your choices. Finding the right major can have academic and financial advantages!
Global Village Assembly at WSU
![placeholder Global Village Assembly](/about/wsunews/wsu_today/2020/10-oct/_images/GlobalVillageAssembly102320.png)
Global Village Assembly: Open Mic zoom event will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. It will be an intersectional sharing of idea using words, poems, music and other media of your choice. The topic will be “Vision for Leadership” personal, groups, community etc.)
The event is organized by Women’s Studies & Ethnic Studies, and sponsored by the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Office of Diversity & Inclusion.
Zoom information
Join here from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android.
Password: 129377, or iPhone one-tap
Want to do a test call? Go to https://wichitastate.zoom.us/test.
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.
See something, say something - bias incident
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 are connected to the Wichita State University experience.
Wichita State University strives to create a community where all individuals can participate in the offerings of the university in a space free from bias.
For more details please refer to Wichita.edu/reportit.
Student Support Services is accepting applicants for the Martinez Inspire Scholarship
Calling all first-generation students, limited-income students and students of disability status: we are looking for you who want to be served by a program who recognizes and empowers first-generation and limited-income students and students of disability status to achieve their higher-education aspirations. TRIO Student Support Services offers academic advising, individualized tutoring, scholarships exclusively for SSS participants and much more.
Please share this scholarship opportunity with students who may qualify.
As a new participant, we are excited to offer the Student Support Services Martinez Inspire Scholarship. For the fall 2020 semester, we are offering $150 to students committed to joining our program and being an active participant.
In order to be eligible for this opportunity, we want you to apply to be a Student Support Services participant and let us help guide your academic life at WSU. This can be done by completing the SSS Application Form available in the SSS office or online. The first 15 students to complete the application form, get accepted and attend their first advising appointment (in-person or virtual), will be eligible for the $150 SSS Martinez Inspire Scholarship.
Game-based learning platform will make education accessible to refugees
The Center for Educational Technologies to Assist Refugee Learners is working to improve the lives of more than 70 million forcibly displaced refugees worldwide by making education more accessible.
The project, titled Education for All, is one of four awardees of Wichita State University’s Convergence Sciences Initiative, an effort to bring together the intellectual curiosity and strengths of faculty and students from a range of disciplines and give them the support to develop research programs that drive the diversity and growth of the Kansas economy while addressing global challenges.
It’s time to cast your vote! The Shockers Vote! Coalition and the Intercollegiate Athletic Association are excited to team up to host early voting right here on campus.
If you are registered to vote anywhere in Sedgwick County, stop by Koch Arena from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, to vote!
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.
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. today (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.
Town Hall features Convergence Sciences Initiative awardees
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 Dr. Andrew Hippisley, dean of 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.”
To register for the event and to receive Zoom meeting information, click here.
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
Students and faculty - get up to $20,000 from the John A. See Innovation Award
The John A. See Innovation Award is to be applied directly to advancing the technology. Ideally, this will support additional investment by others. Examples of supported costs are prototype development, product testing, and marketing analysis. The award cannot be used for faculty salaries but may be used to pay for external consulting fees. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $20,000.
Leadership opportunity: Catalyst on Nov. 14
CatalystTM is a one-day program designed for anyone who is interested in starting something extraordinary. Participating in Catalyst is a first step in the life-long process of learning, exploration, and action.
We will be limiting spaces due to social distancing restrictions. This event will be held in person and participants are expected to follow all guidelines pertaining to in-person events (masks, social distancing, etc.)
When: Wednesday, Nov 14
Deadline to register: Sunday, Nov. 8
For more information, go to www.wichita.edu/catalyst.
The Cohen Honors College will improve your college experience -- apply by Nov. 1
Honors applications are reviewed monthly November through August. 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.
This week Shocker Strong is focusing on increasing flow
This week's Shocker Strong topic is increasing flow. "Flow" involves feelings of intense absorption in whatever activity in which you are engaged. You feel engaged and excited, and your skills are just enough to meet the challenge.
Eligible students who complete eight weeks' worth of Shocker Strong material will be entered to win the Shocker Strong Prize Drawing to receive one of five prizes, including two book scholarships worth up to $500.
Join the program at wichita.edu/SSjoin or learn more about the drawing at wichita.edu/SSdrawing.
Shocker Strong Resilience Program
Vote now for Homecoming Royalty!
![placeholder Royalty voting](/about/wsunews/shocker_blast/2020/10-oct/_images/Royaltyvoting.png)
Voting is live to determine which two Shocker seniors will be the 2020 Homecoming King and Queen! WSU students may vote once per day via myWSU from Monday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 23 (voting closes at 5 p.m. Friday). Meet the Homecoming Candidates here. (link site on here)
The Homecoming Royalty will be crowned between the Flag Football all-star games on Friday, Oct. 23 at Cessna Stadium.
How to vote: 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 Royalty Voting” link to be taken to the online ballot.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get to know GSC!
Join us at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, for a virtual meet-and-greet with fellow graduate students and your Graduate Student Council (GSC) representatives!
The Graduate Student Council meets biweekly to discuss issues and solutions to problems faced by graduate students. However, many graduate students are not aware of GSC. We invite you to hang out virtually and network with the great community of graduate students at WSU. We also want to hear the concerns and challenges facing you this semester – many other graduate students are facing the same problems, and we can work together to get through these tough times.
Bring any questions or ideas you may have for the GSC. We look forward to meeting you!
If you have any questions, contact DV Suresh Koppisetty at gsc.eventcoordinator@wichita.edu.
Internship opportunity to promote mental health on campus
Interested in an internship that promotes mental and physical wellness and gives back to your community? Check out the Prevention Service Advisory Board’s Prevention Ambassador Program. Prevention Ambassadors receive training and mentorship in providing prevention and outreach services to assist the Prevention Services Advisory Board in our #WSUWeSupportU mission of Preventing Suicide, Sexual Violence, and Substance Abuse in addition to Promoting Wellness in the WSU community.
For more information or to complete an application, go to wichita.edu/PrevAm. Applications are due Friday, Oct. 23.
Wichita SAMPE October meeting
The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) Wichita Chapter will be having the next professional event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, in the John Bardo Center lobby. The speaker will be Joseph Daniels, aerospace/military sales director for GelSight.
Please RSVP to this event by clicking here. For any questions or more information regarding the event, contact wichitasampechapter@gmail.com.
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
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.
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.
History Department fall lecture will address the global impact of the 19th Amendment
The Department of History's fall lecturer will be Dr. Mona L. Siegel, professor of history at California State University, Sacramento. Her talk, "The Global History of the 19th Amendment," will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, via Zoom.
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android at Zoom presentation. Password: 146780
For more information, email robin.henry@wichita.edu.
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.
UMKC School of Law Zoom meeting
We have been invited to UMKC School of Law’s Zoom meeting on Thursday, Oct. 29. The meeting will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Dr. Slava Turyshev, NASA, to give Physics Seminar talk via Zoom on Oct. 21
Join us for the next Physics Seminar at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, via Zoom. This week’s seminar will feature Dr. Slava Turyshev, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, Pasadena, California. The title of this talk will be “Multipixel Imaging of Exoplanets with the Solar Gravitational Lens.” The flier is available here, which includes the Zoom details.
Economics Bites on the Go: Dr. Jason Aimone talks about Neuroeconomics and behavioral economics
What is neuroeconomics? How could behavioral economics make us healthier, richer and happier? What does economics inform us about the criminal justice system?
"Economics Bites on the Go" invites fun economists Dr. Jason Aimone and Dr. Siyu Wang to have a conversation with Wichita State faculty and students to discuss these questions from noon-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
Join here from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android.
Password: 200 ZOOM MEETING ID: 379 883 4810
Applied learning highlight of the week!
Congrats to Wichita State University accounting major Dylan Jensen, on your internship as a Small Business Advisor with South Central Kansas Economic Development District - SCKEDD! Way to take charge in your professional development.
We as a Shocker Career Accelerator would like to wish Dylan a good luck in his future endeavors!
Retweet, share, and check out his post on social media.
Save with regalia packages from the Shocker Store
Are you graduating in November? Now through Nov. 6, you can bundle your regalia items and save! The Shocker Store offers Greenweaver regalia bundles for bachelors, masters, specialist and doctorate degrees.
Visit us in store (RSC location only) or on our “graduation” tab at shockerstore.com for specific pricing and details. For more information, email shockerstore@wichita.edu or call 316-978-7021.
Now being offered online - $12 long sleeve tees
Now being offered in RSC store and online at shockerstore.com! Starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, the Shocker Store will have two styles of long sleeve tees for $12 each, while supplies last. Sale is in store at RSC location and online at shockerstore.com.
If you order online, you can pick up in store for free! Offer not valid with other discounts or promotions and all sales are final.
Keep up to date on the Facebook event page.
Join us for this week’s Virtual Wellness Programs
Check out this week’s Virtual Wellness Programs.
Campus Recreation leads the week with nutrition discussions (worth a HealthQuest point). Follow up with Tuesday Talks discussing PrEP medication for preventative HIV discussion with SHS Cindy Walker, DNP and WSU student Storm Dial. Continue to Keep Calm and Breathe with CAPS on Wednesday. Thursday have a chat with Campus Rec about stretching and plyometric training. Don't forget the Grad Student Support that meets on that day, too.
Come join us for a Halloween Dog Walk for local rescues!
A group of Wichita State students are putting on a Halloween Walk for your dog from 2-4 p.m. Saturday Oct. 24, at Harrison Park. All proceeds from this event will be donated to three local rescues, Beauties and Beasts, Hope in the Valley, and Save the Kitties.
Bring your dog in costume for a chance to win great prizes. There’s a cover charge to enter. There will be homemade dog treats available for purchase. All proceeds from the dog treats will be donated.
Come join as for a fun afternoon with your dog!
SAC Virtual Murder Mystery
Grab your detective badges as you join SAC and a group of fellow students to solve a high-profile murder investigation at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. Interact through a live chat with fellow players and our live moderator while you pour over the QR clues that are regularly pushed to your mobile device. Just remember, trust no one in this game, and whatever you do, don’t answer the door!
Work to solve the crime, keep your answers to yourself, and there will only be one winner! Register at wichita.edu/sac.
Veteran and Military Art Expo hosted by Veterans Upward Bound is seeking art entries now to Oct. 30
Veterans Upward Bound, part of TRIO, is seeking art submissions for our first Virtual Art Expo.
We are seeking all types of art from veterans, military (Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard), veteran spouses, military spouses, veteran children, military children and community service providers whose work touches the military and/or veteran community.
With your art, please include a short narrative or recording about what it means to you and how you were inspired to create it.
WSU students and staff who meet the entry criteria are strongly encouraged to submit an entry!
This is a non-competitive show, just an expo for you to display your creative side! The expo will be held on VUB’s YouTube channel from Nov. 2-20.
Veterans Upward Bound is an educational and skills program designed to meet the needs of today's veterans. VUB's goal is to prepare veterans for post-secondary education, regardless of desired institution. All services are free to veterans who meet the eligibility criteria.
By submitting a piece of art, you will help drive awareness of our beneficial service throughout the community.
Please join in! Submit a picture, sound byte or video by email to Veterans.upwardbound@wichita.edu.
The Shock Block is back
Sports are back! The official student section of the Wichita State Shockers is your source for all things game-day activities, giveaways, and athletics student experience. As we head back to our arenas and stadiums, WSU Athletics prioritizes your health and safety for all game-time experiences.
Go to Twitter to follow The Shock Block and stay up to date on all things Shocker Athletics.
Community Service Board (CSB) membership meetings
Have you ever thought about volunteering? Join the Community Service Board for our virtual meetings every Thursday from 3:30-5 p.m. During meetings you will have a chance to learn about CSB's service events and about ways you can become involved. All meetings will be held virtually; sign-up at Wichita.edu/CSB.
Still have questions? Email CSB@Wichita.edu.
Business students are collecting canned food and personal hygiene products for those in need
Business students in Management 463 are operating a Remote Food and Necessities Drive now through Thanksgiving to aid those affected by Covid-19. Non-perishable canned food, and hygiene items like soap, lotion, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products are in great need.
We can arrange porch pickup of food and supplies via our Facebook Page to encourage social distancing, or we have local drop-off locations at area businesses and the south entrance of the Rhatigan Student Center (by the parking lot). We also accept monetary donations to the Kansas Food Bank via our Facebook Page.
Volunteer opportunity with Meals on Wheels
Join the Community Service Board delivering meals with Meals on Wheels. For more information, go to Wichita.edu/CSB.
Fire alarm testing to occur throughout fall
WSU Fire Safety along with Sandifer Engineering will conduct required annual fire alarm testing in all campus buildings. These tests are important to ensure the fire alarm systems are operating properly.
There is no specific day or time any one building will be tested. These tests could last through the end of November.
On the Innovation Campus, tests will be conducted at the Crash Lab, Law Enforcement Training Center, John Bardo Center, The Flats and The Suites only.
Every effort will be made to minimize disruption to daily business and classes. If the fire alarm does go off, evacuate the building unless directed otherwise.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we test these critical life safety systems.