Shocker Blast: Nov. 16, 2020

Options available for students experiencing academic difficulties

Hello, Shockers.

Given the challenges of 2020, including a shift to online and hybrid learning, and the uncertainty of this pandemic, it’s understandable that some students are experiencing academic difficulties. Therefore, Wichita State University would like to remind students of three options to students who might be struggling during the fall 2020 semester:

• Contact your instructors: Your instructors want you to be successful, so reaching out to faculty should be your first course of action. Some faculty members might offer extensions or assistance under certain circumstances.
• Late withdrawals: Any class that had a withdrawal deadline of Oct. 27 or later, the withdrawal deadline is being extended to Dec. 3. For more information on how to withdraw from a class, click here.
• Scholarships: Students who drop below the minimum requirements to maintain a scholarship — either due to withdrawal from a class or GPA requirements — can appeal for a probationary period while they work on their GPA. Students do not need to wait until the scholarship is withdrawn to file an appeal. Students with circumstances related to COVID-19 or the uncertainty of the pandemic are strongly encouraged to apply for an appeal.

All of us in our Shocker community are ready to support our students in any way we can. Do not hesitate to reach out to our faculty and staff to learn more about your options for academic success.

With Shocker Pride,

Shirley Lefever

Interim Executive Vice President and Provost

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.

2021 Course Design Plans

Spring Calendar and Academic Changes

Ready for finals? No? Me neither.

Have you thought about finals yet? If not, we suggest you start in order to avoid the stress that is often associated with finals week. Knowing and considering some simple things early will help you have a stress-free finals experience.

Find out when your finals are scheduled. Know what kinds of exams will be given in each class. If you are new to online exams, be sure you know how online testing works and check your tech prior to your exams. Know what supplies you will need and get them ahead of time.

You will also need to think about managing your time differently in the next couple of weeks. If possible, consider lowering your hours at work or changing your work schedule to accommodate your need to study. Check out helpful resources on the Student Success website to get prepared.

Undergraduate STEM majors are encouraged to apply for the Goldwater Scholarship

Sophomores and juniors with a strong commitment to a research career in the sciences, mathematics and/or engineering are encouraged to apply to the competitive and prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. Visit the Goldwater Scholarship website for more information about the application and who is eligible to apply.

Students interested in applying must notify Dean Coleen Pugh by Monday, Nov. 23. Questions? Email coleen.pugh@wichita.edu.

Goldwater Scholarship

Complete 8 of 11 Shocker Strong modules to be entered to win a $500 book scholarship

In addition to boosting your resilience and coping skills, the Shocker Strong Resilience Program could also help pay for your books! Complete and submit eight of 11 modules in Blackboard to be entered to win one of five prizes. That's five chances to win! Available prizes are two book scholarships worth up to $500 and three Shocker Surprise Grab Bags. Learn more at wichita.edu/SSdrawing.

Not seeing Shocker Strong in Blackboard? Sign up at wichita.edu/SSjoin!

Entries are due by midnight Friday, Dec. 4.

Shocker Strong Prize Drawing

Student Government and Student Affairs offers free flu shots today

In partnership with Student Affairs, SGA is offering free flu shots for the first 200 students who register from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16. To schedule an appointment, please go to wichita.edu/sga.

Shocker Support Locker Holiday Care Packages

For the upcoming holiday break, the Shocker Support Locker is providing Holiday Care Packages to those who will be needing food and other items during the Thanksgiving Break and upcoming Holiday Closedown. The locker will be packing boxes at a higher item limit for those needing the care package. You will be able to select items they are needing for the care package to get them through the holiday breaks.

Items such as cheese, sandwich meat, bread, eggs, rice (white & brown), Ramen, Instant Oatmeal, hygiene items and many more items will be available. The Shocker Support Locker is wanting to make sure that we can still provide the Shocker Support Locker items to you during the shutdown of campus for the holidays.

Orders for the Holiday Care Packages will start on Nov. 18.

To place your order, go to wichita.edu/sslorder. Please email sga.supportlocker@wichita.edu with any questions.

Learn about Spirit AeroSystems' Micro Internships on Nov. 19!

Join Spirit AeroSystems for a Virtual Micro Mixer from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, via Zoom, and and see what Spirit has to offer you!

Wichita State students have an exciting opportunity to participate in Spirit AeroSystems micro internships throughout the month of January.

Some of the internship projects include engineering projects, Wichita's famous B-29 Bomber "Doc," and the curation of the Rosie the Riveter and Women in Industry exhibits. All majors are invited to apply. These micro internships are paid.

Learn all the details, ask questions, and hear from Spirit AeroSystems representatives at this virtual mixer event, co-hosted by the Shocker Career Accelerator and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Register through Handshake to attend.

Join Shocker Strong in savoring life's joys

This week Shocker Strong is talking about savoring life's joys, past, present and future. Join us on Facebook Live or on Student Affairs' YouTube channel at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, for a presentation on setting and reaching goals.

Learn more about Shocker Strong at wichita.edu/SSRP and sign up for the program at wichita.edu/SSjoin.

It's not too late to be entered to win a $500 book scholarship! Learn more at wichita.edu/SSdrawing.

Join the team

Are you a student who is passionate about getting involved? The Student Involvement Ambassadors is a team dedicated to recruiting new Shockers, connecting current students to opportunities, celebrating campus leaders and sharing our story.

We currently have positions available. If you’re interested in sharing your Shocker experience, the deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27

Get Involved

Celebrate International Education Week from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20!

International Education Week is Nov. 16-20! Our events are virtual this year, so be sure to check out our list of events at www.wichita.edu/ieweek to find what interests you. Events offered this year include virtual international trivia, career workshops and an immigration information session. Follow our Facebook page @WichitaStateInternationalAdmissions during International Education week for some facts about international students at Wichita State and much more.

International Admissions on Facebook

Learn about intellectual property and trademarks at virtual SCORE workshops

Get expert advice from the library's Information Services and Research Assistant Jessica Torres in upcoming SCORE Workshops! Contact jessica.torres@wichita.edu or go to libraries.wichita.edu/ptrc.

Thursday, Nov. 19, Intellectual Property Basics - Inventions, designs, original works of authorship, and trade secrets can provide you with economic benefits. Learn the basics of intellectual property protection.

Thursday, Dec. 3, Trademark Basics: Protect Your Business Name - Discover the difference between a trademark, service mark, and registered mark. Then, learn how to search for existing marks and logos and walk through the online trademark application process.

Enroll for an in-person service-learning course in psychology!

The INSPYRE research lab (directed by Dr. Samantha Gregus) is currently recruiting undergraduate mentors for a 3-hour service-learning course in psychology (PSY 416) for the spring 2021 semester!

Prior to enrolling in PSY 416 (Psychology and Problems of Society) mentors are required to: pass an interview and background check, have reliable transportation, lunch availability from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at least twice a week, and attend class on Mondays from 3:30-6 p.m.

We have a course syllabus, class readings, and paper assignments. Mentors will receive training at the beginning of the course and a grade at the end based on attendance and completion of assignments. We are interested in recruiting mentors from any college and major.

For more information, please contact the INSPYRE research lab at inspyre@wichita.edu ASAP.

Wichita State alumni in the running to win $1 million in XPrize mask challenge

They've advanced to the top 10!

Spencer Steinert, Jared Goering and Maggie Koops — all recent graduates of Wichita State’s Master of Innovation Design program — teamed up to for the Cyfive apparel company to address a challenge created by XPrize: to craft a face mask addressing the obstacles that deter people from wearing them and promote positive mask-wearing behavior.

XPRIZE announced the top 10 finalists on Nov. 9. More than 1,000 teams from 30 countries initially entered the contest. Other to 10 finalists hail from Australia, Nigeria, and Cameroon.

In addition to winning one of two $500,000 prizes, XPRIZE has also a $10,000 People’s Vote Bonus Award. To win this prize, anyone, anywhere can vote on their favorite mask between Nov. 18 and Nov. 25, 2020 at xprize.org/mask.

Pictured above: Wichita State alum Jared Goering models a mask that he and his team created for the XPrize Next Generation Mask Challenge.

Read complete story.

Textbook buyback options

Students -- participate in one of the Shocker Store’s textbook buyback options and receive cash for your gently used textbooks. In store buyback is Nov. 16-20 in the RSC location during normal operating hours. Or take advantage of the online buyback option and ship your books for free!

Visit the Course Materials section of shockerstore.com for details. For rental textbook return information, go to shockerstore.com/rentalreturn.

Shocker Store

Support mental health on campus through this internship!

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.

Make the most of your college experience by joining the Cohen Honors College!

All current students are eligible to apply. 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.

Go to Cohen Honors College Admission Requirements to learn more and start your application. Applications are reviewed monthly November through August.

TRIO DSS supports students with disabilities - applications open!

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.

Disability Support Services

CAPS is looking for volunteers for a focus group

Wichita State Counseling and Prevention Services is seeking volunteers for a 90-minute focus group. These 90-minute collaborative zoom sessions focus on substance use on campus and how it is best addressed. Working audio and video is required.

Please email Krystal Moroney for more information. Focus group times and dates are 2-3:30 p.m. and 3:45-5:15 p.m. Monday Nov. 30, and 2:30-4 p.m. and 4:15-5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Want to experience a different city & university? Apply for National Student Exchange by Feb. 1

National Student Exchange 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 2021 and spring 2022 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.

Funding opportunity for WSU female entrepreneurs

The Women for Women's Innovation Scholarship Fund is awarded to Wichita State University female students to support innovative ideas showing promise of commercialization. The fund was established in 2020 in order to support women leaders and entrepreneurs in moving their ideas forward by providing recipients a boost to “Shock The World.”

All full- and part-time WSU students are eligible to apply. The deadline for application is Dec. 11.

Women for Women Innovation Scholarship

Elements Art Competition award recipients

The tradition of celebrating the works of student artists has not been halted. On Nov. 12, Cadman Art Gallery staff held a live-streamed award ceremony celebrating the talent, creativity and growth of Wichita State students who submitted works to the 28th Annual Elements Multi-Media Art Competition.

Works were submitted in the categories of ceramics, drawing, mixed media, painting and printmaking, and 33 entries were selected for exhibit. Elements is currently on display in the Cadman Art Gallery, located on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center, now through Friday, Nov. 20.

First and second place were awarded in each category, as well as an overall Best of Show. These awards are determined by a panel of professionals outside of the Wichita State community. Winners of the competition receive monetary awards. Winners of the 28th Annual Elements Multi-Media Art Competition are listed below.

Psychology researchers want to learn how your child is coping with COVID-19

Researchers at Wichita State University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are doing an online research study to see what 10-17 year-old children think about COVID-19, and what they think about their parents’ beliefs and behaviors during this time.

When children complete the survey, their family will be entered into a raffle for a $10 gift card. We hope about 250 children complete our survey, and we will raffle 50 of the gift cards. If you have a child living in your home who is 10-17 years old, your child might be eligible for this study.

If you are interested in learning more about being in this study, please click the link below.

Online Research Study

If you have any questions, contact Samantha Gregus, Ph.D., at samantha.gregus@wichita.edu.

Take 'One Small Step' with KMUW and the Kansas Leadership to bridge political divides

Join KMUW's Digital Democracy on Tap in a special collaboration with Kansas Leadership Center and StoryCorps' One Small Step for a virtual event on Tuesday, Nov. 17. We'll talk with StoryCorps founder Dave Isay on the importance of coming together during this divisive time and hear from Wichita's One Small Step participants about how they felt bridging an ideological divide with a stranger.

After the conversation, viewers will have their own chance to take a small step by signing up for a small group discussion with KLC facilitators Ed O'Malley and Dioane Gates on what we can each do to come together now that the elections are over.

To register to participate on Zoom, go to kansasleadershipcenter.org. The conversation will also be live-streamed EngageICT.org and on KMUW's Facebook page starting at 5 p.m. Nov. 17.

Engage ICT

Ulrich Virtual talk Tuesday shines spotlight on friendship between Gordon Parks and Muhammad Ali

The bond between Kansas-born photographer Gordon Parks and heavy-weight champion Muhammad Ali is almost as legendary as their respective careers. At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, historian and photographer John Edwin Mason will explore that special relationship in an Ulrich Virtual program that you won't want to miss! The talk, “The Latest and Truest World: Gordon Parks and Muhammad Ali,” is free and open to all, but you have to register to get the Zoom link.

Parks photographed Ali for two separate Life magazine photo-essays. The time that they spent together allowed a friendship to grow. It was built in part on an almost familial bond between Ali and Parks, who was 30 years older. Parks’ unwillingness to accept either the celebrity or the public disdain that surrounded the often controversial boxer was equally important. His words and images described a man, not a cliché.

Historian and photographer John Edwin Mason teaches in the Corcoran Department of History at the University of Virginia. He has written extensively on South African social and cultural history and on the history of photography in South Africa and the United States. As a photographer, he has worked on a number of long-term documentary projects, including a book about Cape Town, South Africa's nearly two-centuries-old New Year’s’ Carnival. He is currently writing a book about Gordon Parks.

Image caption: Gordon Parks, Untitled, Miami, Florida, 2015 (Date of printing), 1966, Photograph. Museum Purchase. Copyright © The Gordon Parks Foundation. Used by permission.

Ulrich Virtual Webinar Registration

Meet the teams behind ‘Luke the Longhorn’ and ‘Walk With Wu’ graphic novel projects

All students, community members and history enthusiasts are invited to join the Wichita State Society of Public Historians in a virtual meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 featuring “History Through Graphic Novels.”

Meet the teams behind the “Luke the Longhorn” and “Walk With Wu” graphic novel projects to learn more about this growing and dynamic way to engage the general public.

Request to join our public Facebook group for the Zoom meeting information.

No-cost entrepreneurship webinar to help your small business succeed

Give yourself and your business the opportunities to succeed with our no-cost small business webinars.

Register at www.wichita.edu/ksbdcworkshops

Competing for Government Contracts: Basic Training

1:30-4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17

Federal, state, and local governments spend more than $800 billion per year buying goods and services. This webinar offers an overview of the critical first steps to becoming a government contractor. Learn to identify opportunities, understand the contracting process, and know the services available to help you.

Join us for the last Community Service Board meeting of the semester!

In the last meeting of the semester from 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, we will recognize our new members, host a raffle, enjoy goody-bags, watch “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” and share future volunteer events. Everyone is welcome!

Please sign up at Wichita.edu/CSB. For questions, email CSB@wichita.edu

Meeting to explore a possible Wichita State University Amateur Radio Club

A Zoom meeting will be held from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, about starting a Wichita State University Amateur Radio Club. Students, faculty and staff are welcome.

Amateur radio is a relevant and important way to communicate over very large distances, even many foreign countries or in local emergencies. The Wichita State University Amateur Radio Club will help you get your FCC license through short training sessions, and with the help of the Wichita Amateur Radio Club conduct an FCC examination.

The club will also participate in long-distance radio communications with other clubs, to the International Space Station, and get involved with upcoming projects such as Cube-Sat communications.

All are welcome to attend at the Zoom room 938 6695 1797 password HAMRadio.

If you have questions, contact nick.solomey@wichita.edu.

Learn about COVID holiday safety with Student Health Director Camille Childers

Wondering how to continue fighting the spread of COVID-19 during the holidays? Join SHS Director Camille Childers, Nurse Heather, and WSU student Emma Carriger for a conversation about how to stay safe while traveling for the holidays.

Join us for this week's Wellness Programs

Mark your calendar to join in these three great virtual programs: Tuesday Talks, Keep Calm and Breathe, and Fitness discussions.

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!

Sale on diploma frames

We know commencement may be postponed, but we are still offering a way for you to save and commemorate receiving your diploma! Now through Sunday, Nov. 22, take 15% off diploma frames at the Shocker Store. Sale is in RSC store and online at shockerstore.com.

Diploma frames

Thanksgiving Massage Special at the Heskett Center

Don’t miss the Thanksgiving Massage Special! While celebrating the spirit of thanksgiving, make sure to also give thanks to your body.

For the month of November, you can schedule a 90-minute massage for only $50. Gift certificates are available for purchase.

For more information, visit the Heskett Center Guest Services desk or call 316-978-3082.

Extra discount on clearance merchandise at the Shocker Store

This week in the Shocker Store, take an extra 10% off their already-marked-down clearance items! Sale is in RSC store only.

$14 sweatpants from the Shocker Store

Join us this week for the Shocker Store’s next one-day-only sale! Starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, the Shocker Store will have two styles of sweatpants for $14 each, while supplies last. Sale is in store at the RSC location and online at shockerstore.com. Limit five sweatpants per person. Offer not valid with other discounts or promotions and all sales are final. Stay up-to-date on the Facebook event page.

Shock the Halls Sale

The Shocker Store’s big holiday sale will look a little different this year, but we are so excited for it!

The usual 12 Days of Christmas Sale will not occur due to COVID precautions and the need to allow for social distancing. Instead, we’ve combined all those days of sales and promotions into a one-day-only awesome sale -- the Shock the Halls Sale!

Join us from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Rhatigan Student Center Shirley Beggs Ballroom to find great deals on Shocker apparel and gifts! Stay updated on our Facebook event page for more information and sneak peeks to come.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree through the Shocker Store

Provide a Christmas gift for a local child through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, hosted by the Shocker Store! The program will be a hybrid this year, with the angel selection process being online but the gifts being returned in store. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, go to Angel Tree and create an account to select a child from the Shocker Store virtual Angel Tree!

Once you “claim” that angel, purchase a suggested gift listed for that child and bring it back to the Shocker Store (either RSC or Braeburn Square location) by Wednesday, Dec. 2. Gifts should be unwrapped, new and clearly labeled with your angel’s name and angel number. For more information, contact Vanessa Bell of RSC Marketing at 316-978-7008 or vanessa.bell@wichita.edu. Thanks for helping make the holidays a little brighter for others!

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.

Addressing local necessities

Join Wu's Big Challenge

Join Wu’s 2020-21 Challenge! Due to COVID-19 and university restrictions around social distancing, we have had to reschedule our BIG events, but we have a challenge for you!

Commit to volunteering five hours. Hours may be completed virtually or in person or both. Students may complete the challenge in both semesters or only one. You decide what works best for you.

How it works:

Register here.

Visit volunteerICT for ongoing volunteer opportunities and choose the ones you would like to serve between now and May 6, 2021.

Sign-up and volunteer five hours. Track your hours on your volunteerICT account.

Submit your volunteer resume to CSB@wichita.edu or bring it to the Student Involvement office in 216 RSC, and you will receive your Wu’s Big Challenge T-shirt and other goodies from the Community Service Board. Your name will also be entered in a raffle to win prizes throughout the year.

Do you still have questions? Email CSB@wichita.edu

Wu’s Big Challenge

Guidelines for staying safe when decorating offices, rooms this holiday season

Holiday safety is an issue that burns brightest from late November to mid-January, when faculty, staff and students gather for holiday parties and decorate their offices or rooms. Decorating is one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit, but fires and injuries caused by improper use of electrical decorations, such as lights or the use of candles or other open flame items, injure or kill many people each year. Take some basic precautions to ensure we all remains safe and injury-free throughout the season.