Shocker Blast: Friday, Feb. 5, 2021

 

FEATURED STORIES

Welcome Back Shockers | Counseling and Prevention Services is here for you! Make your teletherapy appointment with a CAPS counselor by calling 316-978-4792. First time clients can also sign up at wichita.edu/CAPS.

Counseling and Prevention Services is here for you

Welcome Back, Shockers. Counseling and Prevention Services is here for you. If you are struggling, make your teletherapy appointment with CAPS by calling 316-978-4792. First-time students can also schedule at wichita.edu/CAPS.


Black History Month | February 1 - March 1 | Honoring and Celebrating the History and Culture of Black History Month. Learn more about this cultural month at wichita.edu/odievents.

Celebrate Black History Month at Wichita State

Every February, people in the United States celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month.

The celebration's history begins with Carter G. Woodson, an American historian, author and journalist. In September 1915, Woodson founded what is known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), an organization dedicated to researching, promoting and preserving the lives, history and culture of Black/African Americans.

In 1926, ASALH sponsored a national Negro History Week, an event that grew from local communities to college campuses. By 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month designated in February. He invited Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

At Wichita State University, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will be partnering with several organizations to host virtual and distanced events in honor Black History Month. Most events will be free, unless otherwise indicated.

Learn more about this cultural month


021 Groups | Counseling and Prevention Services Group Therapy | Think group is right for you? Speak to your counselor or call 316-978-4792 to set up a consultation. All groups are via Zoom.

Counseling and Prevention Services group therapy available to students

Along with individual therapy, Counseling and Prevention Services offers many options for group therapy throughout the semester, including an Understanding Self and Others Group, A Healing from Trauma group in partnership with WASAC, and a Graduate Support Group.

Think group is right for you? Speak to your counselor or call 316-978-4792 to set up a consultation.

Learn more about group therapy 


Hide your items. Take your keys. Lock your vehicle. If you see suspicious activity, call 316-978-3450.

Keep vehicles secure while parked on campus

The Wichita State University Police Department is offering tips to help students, faculty, and staff to keep vehicles safe when parked on campus.

  • Be sure to hide items that might draw attention in the trunk, the glove compartment, or under the seats.
  • Take your car keys with you when you leave your vehicle.
  • Close your windows, and lock your vehicle’s doors and trunk.
  • If you see suspicious activity anywhere on campus, call campus police at 316-978-3450.

WSU Bike Share is back

The bikes are back! Now, you can use the bike-sharing system from Wichita State University’s campus as far west as the Sedgwick County Park and all throughout the city. There is no limit on travel distance. The service provider for Bike Share ICT changed from Zagster to Tandem Mobility, with upgraded bikes and an improved app provided by Movatic. 

Find out how to ride


Welcome back to the 45% of F1RST-Gen Shockers at WSU

Zachary Brown

Zachary Brown

Meet a F1RST-Gen professional: My name is Zachary Brown and I am the manager of Academic Advising and Student Services for the Barton School of Business. I am a first-generation Shocker myself, having graduated with my BA in 2008 and MA in 2010, as the first of my family to attend college, and I have been on campus for the better part of the past 16 years in various roles as a student, instructor and advisor. Supporting first-generation Shockers is a high priority for my role in academic advising, and I would welcome the ability to work to further this cause.

Office: 008 Clinton Hall; phone: 316-978-3203; email: zachary.brown@wichita.edu

Schedule an appointment: wichita.campus.eab.com/

Web: wichita.edu/businessadvising

Twitter: @BartonSchoolWSU; Facebook: @BartonSchool; Instagram: @wsubusinessschool

Learn more
  •  F1RST-GEN STUDENT ORGANIZATION: Join others on campus that are like-minded, share experiences and advocate for first-gen needs on campus. Sign up now with the F1RST-Gen recognized student organization FGSO.  Or head over to Shocker Sync and search “First Generation Student Organization.”
  • F1RST-GEN SERVICES: Go to wichita.edu/first to find a list of resources and services just for you!
  • F1RST-GEN GEAR: F1RST GEN SHOCKER TEES and Supporter tees are available in the RSC Shocker Store for $12
  • F1RST-GEN EVENTS:
    #FIRSTGENFRIDAY SELFIE CELEBRATION!
    Every Friday during the month of February | All Day | First-Generation Coordinating Council social media

Are you a first-generation student? Snap a selfie in your first-generation T-shirt and use #FirstGenShockers to show your pride and excitement about another great semester in Shocker Nation! (If neither of your parents completed a four-year degree, you are a first-generation student!)

Student Affairs: First-Gen Success Events:  Semester Recap 
Feb. 8, 2021, 1 – 3 p.m. & 4 – 5 p.m. | It's time to reflect on the fall 2020 semester and identify what went well and what you can improve this semester. Also, there will be drawings for students who attend First Gen Success events this semester.

First-Gen Coordinating Council

NEWS

Ablah Library hours *subject to change: Spring semester (Feb. 1 - May 8): Mon. - Thurs. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. - Sun. 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. E.K. Kathlien Edmiston 24-Hour Study Room: Open to all students, faculty, and staff with a valid Shocker ID. Keep up to date on library info at libraries.wichita.edu/covid19.

University Libraries announces spring semester hours

For full hours of all library facilities, as well as updates on building policies and services, please visit us online at libraries.wichita.edu/covid19.


Accepting proposals and abstracts for virtual Diverse Women’s Summit

Individual students, groups and community members are invited to submit abstracts and proposals to present papers, posters, art works, dialogues, skits and other projects at the Diverse Women’s Summit. The summit will be by Zoom on March 8. The proposal should be 100-200 words describing the presentation (type, subject, theme and purpose).

Presentations that focus on the following topics will be given priority:

  • Research on issues of covid-19 and special populations
  • Citizenship and COVID-19
  • Gender-based violence
  • The future

    Submit your proposal via email to chinyere.okafor@wichita.edu. We will accept proposals and abstracts until Feb. 25. For questions, call Women's Studies' office at 978-3358.

TRIO Disability Support Services available in person or remote: Apply today

The TRIO Disability Support Services staff and office are available in person and remotely in the Grace Wilkie Annex, room 158 during normal business hours.

We know online learning is difficult for many. Let us help and support you. Apply for the TRIO DSS program to help you start off spring semester on the right foot. 

Learn more about TRIO DSS services at 

If you have questions, call 978-5949 or email trio.dss@wichita.edu

Learn more about TRIO DSS

EVENTS

Business Internship & Career Virtual Fair | Tuesday, February 23 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Save the date: Business Internship & Career Virtual Fair, Feb. 23

Join the Shocker Career Accelerator for the Business Internship & Career Virtual Fair 2021 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 23. This fair is for business majors and those interested in working in the business industry. It's an opportunity to chat with employers from the Wichita metro area, across Kansas and nationally.

Don’t miss your chance to engage with employers who are hiring for internships, part-time and full-time positions at this virtual fair.

Register for the fair 

Attend a Virtual Career Fair Prep and Professionalism workshop before the fair:

Feb. 16 | 1-2 p.m. | Register here
Feb. 17 | 11 a.m.-noon | Register here


Spring 2021 Welcomefest: February 1- 28, 2021

Get the details on spring 2021 Welcomefest

Welcomefest takes place during the beginning of each semester and features dozens of activities. Popular programs await new and returning Shockers. Hosted by various student groups and campus departments, most events are free and give all students a chance to get acquainted with each other, learn campus and find ways to connect with the community.

See all Welcomefest events


93rd Annual Hippodrome Video Contest Submit a 5-10 minute video Categories: Live Action or Animation Winners are awarded cash prizes! For more information visit wichita.edu/hippodrome

Attend Hippodrome informational meeting

Join us for an informational meeting about Hippodrome at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Hippodrome is WSU's longest-standing tradition and showcases student talent in a variety of ways. This year, Hippodrome is a video competition. This includes 5-10 minute productions written, choreographed and acted out by WSU students.

Performances are judged, and cash prizes are given out in the two categories of Live Action and Animation. To bring the show together, student emcee's charm the audience and introduce video productions throughout the nights. Performance nights are Wednesday, April 7 and Thursday, April 8.

Students and student groups interested in participating can register for the meeting at wichita.edu/hippodrome.


American Ninja Warrior & Motivational Speaker: Hoan Do, February 10, 6pm, register at wichita.edu/SAC

SAC presents American Ninja Warrior and Motivational Speaker: Hoan Do

SAC will present motivational speaker, Hoan Do at 6 p.m. Feb. 10. Hoan Do is a student success coach, author, and competitor in NBC’s hit show "American Ninja Warrior." As an award-winning college motivational speaker, Hoan speaks at colleges and universities across North America, sharing practical advice that helps students succeed in and out of school.

Register to attend the event


Take part in the First-Gen Selfie celebration

Are you a first-generation student? Snap a selfie in your first-generation T-shirt and use #FirstGenShockers to show your pride and excitement about another great semester in Shocker Nation! (If neither of your parents completed a four-year degree, you are a first-generation student!) Go to wichita.edu/first to find a list of resources and services just for you.


First Gen Success Semester Recap Calling all First Gen Students: join us to reflect on the previous semester so you can get the most out of this one! In-Person: Monday, Feb. 8 | RSC 266 (Pike Room) | 1 – 3 p.m. Virtual: Monday, Feb. 8 | Link to be provided | 4 – 5 p.m. Learn more and RSVP at wichita.edu/FGSRecap
Join First Gen Success to reflect on last semester; enter to win $100 in dining dollars

Spring semester is here, and it's time to reflect on the previous semester so you can plan for this one. This event is for identifying things that challenged you last semester, preparing to surmount those challenges this semester, and getting connected with resources to help you along the way.

Join us on Monday, Feb. 8: The in-person event is 1-3 p.m. in 266 Rhatigan Student Center (Pike Room), and the virtual session is 4-5 p.m. via Zoom.

Also, attending this event virtually or in-person makes you eligible to win a free meal on campus or $100 in dining dollars.

Learn more and RSVP for the virtual event Zoo link at wichita.edu/FGSrecap.


One heartwarming gesture deserves another

Donate blood and receive a $5 Amazon e-gift card

You deserve our thanks! Come give blood at the Heskett Center, and Amazon will thank you with a $5 Amazon gift card by email. Donate any time from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, or Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Heskett Center. Schedule your life-saving appointment at www.RedCrossBlood.org; Sponsor Code: Wichita State or call 1-800-Red-Cross.

JOB OPENINGS

MCLL professor seeks research assistant for study on social justice in language education

Dr. Rachel Showstack (Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures) seeks a research assistant for a new study on the personal experiences and teaching practices of Kansas Spanish teachers with respect to linguistic, cultural and racial diversity. The position will be funded by a University Research/Creative Projects Award from WSU.

Learn more about this job

The ideal candidate would have experience with language teaching, awareness of diversity within the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures, and interest in applied linguistics and interdisciplinary scholarly research. Graduate students are preferred, but advanced undergraduate students may also be considered for the position. Responsibilities include conducting and transcribing interviews with Kansas Spanish teachers, assisting with data analysis, helping to organize a series of webinars on social justice in language education, and conducting background research.

Candidates should submit a CV, letter of interest, and a list of references and contact information to Dr. Rachel Showstack at rachel.showstack@wichita.edu. In the cover letter, candidates should explain why they are interested in the position, describe relevant experiences and skills, and provide information on availability in summer and fall 2021. The priority deadline for applications is March 1.

UNIVERSITY LIFE

Student Involvement: Spring 2021
Student Involvement event listing: Part 1

Student Involvement is excited to kick off another semester. We have many new and returning events planned for you.

The Student Involvement Event Guide will be produced three times this semester and features events, activities and programs open to students, faculty, staff and campus community.

Pick up your copy of the Student Involvement Event Guide in Student Involvement, 216 RSC or download it here.


Rush Mu Delta Alpha (Spring '21 Feb. 15th-20th.) Islam, Sisterhood, Service, & Professionalism. A Muslim-interest professional sorority to help our women to become better people, students, Muslims, and professionals. In order to be eligible to join, you must attend one Informational and one Social in order to receive an invitation for an interview. For more information, email Lujain Alzidlani at lxalzidlani@shockers.wichita.edu. Follow us on social media! @wichitamda

Coming up: Mu Delta Alpha Rush Week

Join Mu Delta Alpha Rush Week from Feb. 15-20. Mu Delta Alpha is a Muslim-interest professional sorority at Wichita State. We encourage our women to become better people, better students and better professionals. Spend some sweet time getting to know us by drinking chai and decorating cookies.

Supplies will be provided. To be eligible for an interview, you must attend at least one Informational and Social. For more information, email lxalzidlani@shockers.wichita.edu.


Upcoming leadership development opportunities

The WSU Leadership Development department offers various different programs for students to get involved with to strengthen their leadership skills.

More details about each event and signup opportunities are available through wichita.edu/leadership.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Hear from local non profits and learn about ways you can become involved in-person and virtually. After visiting with representatives from 5 agencies you may be entered in a raffle to win a bicycle. To sign up, visit wichita.edu/csb

Join the Community Service Board at the Virtual Volunteer Fair

Join the Community Service Board in learning about volunteer opportunities from local non-profit organizations. More than 20 local organizations will be available to provide you with volunteer opportunities and ways that you may become involved with their organizations both virtually and in person. After visiting with five agencies, students may enter a raffle to win a bicycle. Students may register for the virtual event at wichita.edu/csb. Please email csb@wichita.edu with any questions.

RESEARCH

Volunteers needed for a research study

A research study is being conducted to determine the validity of the SWAY app modules in assessing balance, reaction time and cognitive function measures in relation to cognitive overload, mental fatigue and sleep deprivation. If you are interested in participating in this study, please email rjbritton@shockers.wichita.edu or call 620-203-1164.

Read more details about the study and how you can take part

Validity of SWAY App in Detection of Cognitive Overload, Mental Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation: Telemedicine Approach
 
Purpose of the study: To determine validity of the SWAY app modules in assessing balance, reaction time, and cognitive function measures in relation to cognitive overload, mental fatigue, and sleep deprivation.
 
Procedures: Participants balance, reaction time, and cognitive function will be tested in rested and sleep deprived state using the SWAY application on a SMART device. Daily consensus journal will also be completed. Instruction will be received through a virtual zoom session.
 
Time: Participation will include sixteen (16) consecutive days. The SWAY assessment will be performed two (2) times a day and consensus journal once (1) daily. Each assessment will take approximately 10-15 minutes. If randomly assigned to the Fatigue Group, participation will also include two (2), 36-hour sessions of no sleep and seven (7) hourly SWAY assessment check-ins during each no-sleep session.
 
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:
Participants must be age 18 or older
No known muscular disorders
No known neurological disorders
No known orthopedic disorder
No uncorrected vision
No known sleep disorders
 
Location: Telemedicine approach: virtual Zoom appointments using computer technology and a SMART device.
 
Contact: If you are interested in participating in this study please contact RJ Britton at: rjbritton@shockers.wichita.edu or 620-203-1164.
 
Questions/concerns: Should you have any questions or concerns, email Dr. Heidi Bell at: heidi.bell@wichita.edu or 316-393-3339.


Doctoral student seeks test subjects for videogame research

Jasmine Granados, a doctoral student at Wichita State University, is researching how different cues (visual arrows, auditory sounds, and tactile vibrations) in a video game influence performance, and she's looking for volunteers. Study participants will be asked to play a third-party video game and answer questions about themselves and playing experience. 

To increase the generalizability of this study, Granados would like to recruit a sample of legally deaf individuals. Participants will be compensated with a Wichita State-themed item (e.g., a Wichita State t-shirt or mug). The study will take approximately 60-80 minutes and will take place on the Wichita State Campus.

Eligibility:

  • 18 years of age and older
  • Fluent in English
  • Normal vision or corrected vision
  • Legally deaf individuals welcome

If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please email jagranados@shockers.wichita.edu.


Graduate School Council funding available for students

The WSU Graduate Student Council is offering a $1,000 scholarship opportunity to students undertaking research and professional development projects within their graduate degrees.

See more details about the funding

Application Deadline: Feb. 28
Application Form: http://bit.ly/wsugscfunding
Requirements of Applicants:
- Be in good standing in a graduate degree program at Wichita State University at the time of the application. (GSC will verify good standing with the Graduate School).
- Submit research/activity outline and gain signature from advisors and professors attesting to the activity outline/budget.
- Have not received this award in the preceding 12 months.

If you have any questions about the GSC funding or the application process, please email Ashruta Acharya at gsc.treasurer@wichita.edu.

APPLIED LEARNING

Psychology course offers service-learning opportunity

The Department of Psychology is recruiting mentors for a service-learning course: Psychology and Problems of Society (PSY416). Mentors can be from any college or major.

The course’s service-learning opportunity, which can be complete remotely, centers around at-risk youth. Mentors will be assigned a mentee, and the pair will be pen pals, exchanging letters throughout the semester.

Mentors will also be required to attend class on from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays. It’s not been determined whether class will meet in-person or remotely. Students will earn three credit hours upon the successful completion of the course.

Mentors are required to submit an application, pass an interview and background check. They will receive training at the beginning of the course and a grade at the end based on attendance and completion of assignments.

For more information, please contact the INSPYRE Lab at inspyre@wichita.edu.

 

SPECIAL OFFERS

Office of Student Money Management spring 2021 tax support available

Do you need help filing taxes? While we can't do it for you, we can guide you through the process. The Office for Student Money Management in Student Success partners with Best Coalition from the United Way to offer this free service to support faculty, staff and students.

We are currently only taking virtual appointments. Schedule an appointment with our Peer Financial Coaches at https://bit.ly/osmmappt before the tax deadline on April 15, 2021.

Read more on the tax filing process 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

 

Become a ShockerConnect Mentor

Are you a Shocker who understands the importance of getting involved? Do you want to help fellow Shockers find their connection to campus? 

ShockerConnect is a resource for students to connect with a leader in a current student organization. The goal of this connection is for mentors to meet regularly with their students to offer encouragement, guidance and support. 

If you are interested in being a mentor for the ShockerConnect program, please fill out the survey below and submit it by 5 p.m. today. 

Take the ShockerConnect survey