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. Contact your advisor to discuss this option. 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 Students do not need to wait until the scholarship is withdrawn to file an appeal.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
Apply today to be nominated to the Presidential Search Committee
Here’s a message from Student Body President Rija Khan: The Student Government Association has been asked to recommend students to the Kansas Board of Regents who may serve on the President Search Committee. If you are interested in the opportunity to serve on the Search Committee, please apply today. Applications close at noon THIS Friday, Dec. 4.
To apply, please click here.
Questions? Contact sga.president@wichita.edu.
Blackboard will be down several days starting the evening of Dec. 17
In an effort to improve Blackboard's performance and stability, and to set the foundation for further improvements in the Blackboard Learn system throughout 2021, WSU will be bringing Blackboard down for several days in December.
Our system will go down at 11 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, and be down for several days. Our current estimate for the system to be restored and fully functional is Tuesday, Dec. 22, although it's possible this down time could extend to Christmas Day.
To prepare for this down time, instructors should:
1) Plan to have all fall 2020 final grades submitted
2) Have any January term classes set up before Dec. 17, or make plans to do so after Dec. 22
3) Notify any students who are working on incompletes or late submissions that Blackboard will not be available during this window.
Once Blackboard service is restored, Instructional Design and Access will run extensive testing on the system. If you notice any technical problems after service is restored, please report those problems through a OneStop Blackboard Help ticket and not by direct emails to IDA staff. It is very important that technical problems can be addressed in a systematic way to ensure a quick resolution.
Degree Works down for maintenance on Friday
Degree Works audits will be unavailable Friday, Dec. 4 while necessary upgrades take place. Access to Degree Works for staff and students will resume Monday, Dec. 7.
Wichita State creates task force to ensure supportive environment for student-athletes
Wichita State University and WSU Athletics have formed the Task Force on Athletics Policy and Culture to review and provide recommendations on the culture and policies within the athletic department, with the goal of ensuring WSU provides a supportive environment for all student-athletes. The Task Force, comprised of a cross section of coaches, athletics support staff, student-athletes, faculty and alumni, will carry out a comprehensive review of the culture and existing WSU Intercollegiate Athletic Association (ICAA) policies, procedures and practices.
The task force will do the following:
- Review existing ICAA policies, procedures and practices governing the reporting, investigation and response to allegations of coaching misconduct, student-athlete welfare, policy or regulatory violations and compliance violations (e.g., NCAA or AAC), and identify strengths and gaps in how these policies, procedures and practices ensure the Athletics Department identifies, investigates and responds to such concerns.
- Review relevant ICAA policies and procedures and:
- Compare those to the policies, procedures and practices of other comparable D-1 AAC and non-AAC schools (i.e. does not have a football program, size of school, etc.) and provide that comparison; and
- Identify strengths and areas for improvement and make recommendations for any changes.
- Build on recently acquired environmental assessment and survey information and continue to assess and report on the current environment among the student-athletes and athletics staff, specifically whether they feel properly supported and whether there is an understood mechanism for reporting allegations of abuse or other policy violations.
- Based on the assessment and policy review, identify any initiatives, structural improvements or efforts that the Athletics Department could adopt to promote a supportive environment and foster a culture where student-athletes and athletics staff feel comfortable reporting allegations of abuse or other policy violations.
Learn more about the task force
'Walk with Wu' celebrates 125 years of Wichita State
In honor of Wichita State University's 125th anniversary, three Wichita State faculty members have teamed up with an alumna artist to create "A Walk with Wu," a graphic novel that chronicles the university's rich history through the eyes of our beloved mascot: WuShock.
“We hope that readers will appreciate the different phases of Wichita State’s story and how we have changed while maintaining the core of who we are," said Dr. Jay Price, professor of history and one of the book's authors.
It's the perfect gift for all Shockers. The books, which sell for $12, are available in the Rhatigan Student Center Shocker Stores beginning Dec. 2.
Purchase your “Walk with Wu” graphic novel.
Learn about Fairmount College, win prize in scavenger hunt
Wichita State University's Department of Anthropology has created a scavenger hunt as a fun way to learn about Fairmount College's 125-year history.
From now through the end of January 2021, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate in this fun event that begins on campus and ends at Maple Grove Cemetery at 1000 N. Hillside, where many faculty and staff from the early years of Fairmount College are buried.
Students who complete the scavenger hunt will be entered into a drawing for an iPad
on Feb. 1, 2021. Faculty and staff participants will be entered into a monthly drawing
for a Shocker Store gift card.
Have fun, stay safe and good luck! For more information, go to www.wichita.edu/anthropology.
Call for Fiscal Year 2022 Educational Opportunity and Student Services Funding requests
It’s again time to begin the process for submission of funding requests through Student Government Association for the Educational Opportunity Fund and Student Services Fee for FY ‘22. Through the student services fee, these programs provide financial support to facilitate students’ academic pursuits (Educational Opportunity Fund) or the funding of programs / activities delivered directly to students (Student Services).
If you’ve submitted requests in the past, the Budget Review Officer should receive an email from the Budget Office to kick-off the submission process. If you have not submitted requests in the past, but are considering submitting a new request, please contact Lauren Smith, Jason Post, or David Miller in the Budget Office at 978-3030 for more information.
Requests are due no later than Friday, Jan. 29.
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
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.
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.
Generation Lead Podcast Series featuring Jadyn Stutey!
Current graduate student Alexus Scott and Student Involvement have partnered together to conduct and produce a podcast series focusing on the development of our next generation's leaders. The podcast series is called Generation Lead and features voices from current WSU students, staff, faculty, and community partners.
Due to the recent virtual change in in-person programming, the podcast series provides high impact dialogue that empowers, challenges, and motivates a generation to lead and take space in their personal capacities with great measure. You can check out previous and upcoming episodes via streaming platforms like Anchor, Spotify, Breaker, and Google Podcasts.
Jadyn Stutey and Alexus are going to have a candid conversation about leadership and loyalty. As a leader, we’re loyal to the commitments we commit to day-by-day and year-by-year. Jadyn has been a member of 10 organizations in her stint at WSU and held executive roles in more than five of those.
During Jadyn’s involvement and commitment, she’s also started a multicultural organization of her own! During the last couple of months, our nation and the student body has seen its series of tests and trials as it pertains to loyalty. Alexus remembers being involved like Jadyn, and Alexus was faced with the decisions of honoring herself, my roles requirements, and those whom she served. Take a listen!
Click here to listen now via Spotify.
We need your feedback on Shocker Hall Dining hours
A team of first-year seminar students seeks to gather information on students' use of the Shocker Dining Hall and the possible unmet demand outside of available hours.
If you use the Shocker Dining Hall, please fill out this survey to provide your feedback. Results will not be tied to individuals, and no personally identifiable information will be collected.
Earn credit for solving national security issues!
Hacking for Defense™ (H4D), is a new course designed for ALL undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines and programs. It takes an entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary approach to America’s hardest national security challenges. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team to research, design, and propose a solution for a real national security challenge.
Apply now for LAS Scholarships / Fellowships available in 2021/22
The Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences invites all LAS students planning to continue their education at Wichita State University in the 2021/22 academic year to fill out a LAS General Scholarship / Fellowship application found here.
The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2021.
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.
Do you want a non-traditional Honor Society experience?
Fill out the application now to be part of the Mortar Board Honor Society next school year!
The Mortar Board Honor Society is one of the country's premier senior college honor societies. Open to academic seniors of all disciplines and majors, the society stresses its members to exhibit its three core ideals: Scholarship, Leadership, and Service.
As a member, you will be part of an organization that strives to help its school and local communities by hosting various charity events and fundraisers. These events, and others, will also bring you into contact with the other members of the society and help you form connections that will enhance your final year as a Shocker!
Due to the fact that each year the society replaces its members due to graduation, you will have the guaranteed opportunity to leave a huge mark on a student organization, even if you have a full schedule. Interested in joining? Fill out the application below and you'll be notified if you are selected. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31, 2020.
Mortar Board Honor Society Member Application
Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol
The Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol event is an opportunity for students to present their research experiences virtually to state lawmakers and the WSU community on March 2, 3, and 4, 2021.
Up to 40 students participate each year representing each of the state’s eight public four-year institutions. Projects from a broad range of disciplines are encouraged --especially posters that relate to the state of Kansas and issues important to the State Legislature (e.g. education, health, agriculture, aviation, biotechnology, energy, transportation, manufacturing, environment, and social services).
Up to five projects will be selected from each institution, and students working on the same research project are encouraged to apply as a group.
Go to wichita.edu/undergradresearch for more information and to apply.
Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol
Cultural Value Orientation as a Predictor of Adolescent Bullying
Are you a parent of a teenager?
The INSPYRE Research lab at Wichita State University is conducting a study to explore how parent and child values relate to how adolescents respond to bullying situations.
In order to be a part of the study, parents and their teen must be together at the start of the survey, and parents must provide permission for their teen to participate. We will ask parents to complete demographic questions and study measures. Then, we’ll ask the parent to hand the study off to their teenager to complete the remaining survey. This study should only take 15 minutes to complete in total. Parents must be at least 18 years old, adolescents must be between the ages of 10-17 years old, and both must be able to read English in order to participate. At the end of the study, the family has the opportunity to be entered into a raffle to win a prize.
For more information, click the survey link to find the parent consent form.
If you have any questions, please e-mail Dr. Samantha Gregus, director of the INSPYRE lab, at inspyre@wichita.edu or call at 316-978-6180.
Dr. Abigail Rymer to give Physics Seminar talk today
Our last speaker of the fall semester will present a talk at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, via Zoom. The talk features Dr. Abigail Rymer, John Hopkins University, MD, and the title of this talk will be “Neptune-Odyssey: Flagship Mission Concept Study for the Neptune-Triton System.” Visit our website for the Zoom details.
Free Dental Screenings event on Dec. 4 is canceled
The AEGD Program's free dental screening event at SHS scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4 has been canceled.
Human Resource Office closure
The Human Resource Office will close at 11:30 a.m. Friday Dec. 4, so staff can participate in a virtual holiday celebration. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday Dec. 7.
Applied Learning Highlight of the Week - Chad RoseBerger!
The Shocker Career Accelerator thanks Chad RoseBerger for assisting in the Wichita State University Molecular Diagnostic Lab to help slow the spread of COVID-19. You make a difference in the community!
Read more about the Molecular Diagnostic Lab.
Share his post on social media:
Saturday Sale in the Shocker Store
This Saturday save on some great gifts in the Shocker Store! That day only, take 20% off blankets, drinkware and ornaments. Sale is in both the RSC and Braeburn Square locations.
Earn Wu Bucks from the Shocker Store
Shop the Shocker Store for the holidays and earn Wu Bucks towards more Shocker gear! For every $50 spent now through Dec. 24, in our RSC location or Braeburn Square location only, earn a $5 coupon to be used in January and February on any in-store purchase. Some exclusions apply, see store for details.
Give the gift of relaxation this holiday season
Come into the Heskett Center to pick up two 60-minute massage gift certificates for $80.