COVID-19 UPDATES
Students employees, faculty and staff are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine
The Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) has announced that individuals working in higher education are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. That includes faculty, staff and students employed at WSU or WSU Tech. Those individuals may now schedule vaccine appointments at any one of Sedgwick County’s vaccine locations or at WSU Student Health Services.
To schedule an appointment at WSU Student Health Services, sign into myWSU and go to the Home page tab. The “Schedule your COVID Vaccine Appointment” link on the left-hand side of the Home page. Employees and student employees scheduling appointments to receive their vaccine at SHS will need their university ID.
To schedule an appointment at a county site, go the Sedgwick County page. WSU and WSU Tech employees and student employees scheduling an appointment at a
Sedgwick County site will need to bring either their university ID, a pay stub or
a letter on university letterhead stating their position.
On-campus vaccination clinics will be located in WSU Student Health Services, which
is located inside the YMCA on the WSU campus. Check-in for vaccination appointments
will be located in the YMCA lobby outside the entrance to the WSU Student Wellness
Center. DO NOT arrive earlier than 10 minutes prior to your appointment time.
Please review Frequently Asked Questions for additional information. If your question is not covered in the FAQ list, please email student.health@wichita.edu. Watch Shocker Blast and the WSU vaccine website for updated information.
COVID-19 link on wichita.edu is moving
Beginning at noon today, the large, red COVID-19 alert box on the Wichita State University website will be removed and replaced with a permanent “COVID-19 Info” link in the header. The change will allow us to avoid “alert blindness” as we enter severe weather season in Kansas. The link will appear with a red background in the upper-left corner on every page of the site.
Learn how summer, fall classes will be taught
The newest course schedule is now available for students to start picking their summer and fall classes. Courses are being offered in a variety of formats, including online asynchronous (“on demand”), online synchronous (on a specific day and time), and hybrid classes that provide a mixture of in-person and online learning.
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. If you have additional questions, faculty contact information is also provided. Go to www.wichita.edu/summer2021 and www.wichita.edu/fall2021 for more information.
We're dancing! Shockers return to the NCAA Tournament
All season long, Wichita State has put its fans through the emotional ringer, winning
close game after close game. Why should Selection Sunday be any different?
The Shockers survived a potential bubble-bursting loss to Cincinnati in Saturday's
American Athletic Conference semifinals and last-minute raids from various "bid-thieves"
to secure one of the final at-large berths in this year's NCAA Men's Basketball Championship.
No. 11 seed WSU is headed to the First Four where it will face fellow-No. 11 Drake
on Thursday, Mar. 18 at Purdue's Mackey Arena in West Lafaeytte, Ind. The 5:27 p.m.
CT tip will air on TBS.
The winner advances to take on No. 6 seed USC at Bankers Life Arena in Indianapolis on Saturday, Mar. 20 (3:30 p.m. CT, TNT).
Read more about the Shockers' appearance in March Madness
Shockers United Week honors Wichita State perseverance
On the one-year anniversary of Wichita State University's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we look back in a spirit of remembrance, reflection and refocus.
Learn about campus events, a timeline of the past year and stories of Shocker perseverance
Learn about wellness services available to you
This week might be Wellness Week, but there are many wellness services available to students all semester. That includes CARE Team, Counseling and Prevention Services, Student Health Services and Campus Recreation.
CARE Team:
Wrap-around services and campus support Self-Care Sundays and other wellness-related
programming
The CARE Team Coordinators who are here to help are:
- Ashlyn Riley – Serves colleges of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Engineering and Honors
- Vaughn Sweet – Serves colleges of Fine Arts, Business, Health Professions and Applied Studies
- Tara Hanna – Serves students living in on-campus housing
- Alicia Newell – CARE Team chair, serves student athletes
Learn more at wichita.edu/CARE
Counseling and Prevention Services:
- Individual and couples therapy at an affordable rate
- Group therapy for particular areas of concern, including Understanding Self and Others, Healing from Trauma, and Graduate Student Support Group
- Online programming, such as Keep Calm & Breathe Online, Mental Health Toolbox and FAQ Friday.
- Learn more at wichita.edu/CAPS
Student Health Services:
- Treatment for illness and injuries
- Preventative health management and immunizations
- Health screenings and laboratory services
- Family planning services and men’s/women’s health exams
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Health education video series on social media
- Learn more at wichita.edu/SHS
Campus Recreation:
- Intramural sports and sport clubs, including volleyball, softball, tennis, soccer, badminton, judo, eSports, and more
- Shocker Fit classes such as F45
- Massage therapy
- Special events, such as F45 Playoffs, Pumpkin Run & RecFest
- Nutrition discussions on Facebook Live
- Learn more at wichita.edu/CampusRecreation
University Libraries has resources to help you relax in your downtime
Take time for yourself this Wellness Week. University Libraries offers a variety of ways to take it easy in your downtime with our Shocker DVD collection, Leisure Reading Collection, and Music Collection. Reach out to our helpful staff about contactless checkout at librarystaff@wichita.edu or 316-978-3481.
Feeling under the weather? Need to talk to someone?
Wellness services has a number of people ready to help you if you are not feeling well or simply need someone to talk to about what’s on your mind. Campus Recreation in the Heskett Center offers a great facility to workout or get a massage. Student Health Services in the Student Wellness Center will see you if you are feeling under the weather. And if you just need someone to talk to about what is on your mind, stop by Counseling and Prevention Services in the Student Wellness Center to schedule an appointment. If you are concerned about yourself or another member of our community, submit a concern with the Care Team.
Commencement phase one RSVPs open
Commencement RSVPs will be two-phased for the spring 2021 commencement.
Phase one communications went out to all fall 2020 graduates and all spring/summer 2021 graduates with an AFD on file (as of March 1) on Tuesday, March 2.
Visit https://www.wichita.edu/about/commencement/rsvp.php for more information.
Students have until March 16, 2021 at 11:55p to complete phase one.
Applications open for Shocker Leadership Awards
Applications for the ninth Shocker Leadership Awards are now open. The Annual Shocker Leadership Awards are a way to recognize the work of student-led organizations, students, faculty and staff at Wichita State University. Recognized student organizations, university affiliated student groups and individuals may be nominated by a student, faculty member, staff member, or organization; or students may nominate themselves for one of the awards. One application form must be completed for every award for which one wishes to be considered. A nomination must have all parts to be considered by the selection committee. Nominations are due Friday, April 9 at 11:59 p.m.
If you would like to nominate someone on their behalf for an awards, please note that it is the responsibility of the nominator to turn in a complete packet. The nominee (unless they are nominating themselves) would not be responsible for uploading the applications. To submit a Shocker Leadership Award, please click the application linked in each award that you want to apply or nominate someone for.
Service-Learning Showcase seeks submissions
The Service-Learning Showcase is a unique opportunity for students who participate in service-learning through applied learning opportunities to showcase their experience through a research or reflective poster about the application of their course work to current community issues. This year the showcase will be held in a digital format and judged by a team of community partner leaders.
The showcase is an open forum for students to interact with faculty/staff, community partners and other students to engage in conversation about Wichita State University's commitment to the public good. Awards are presented in the following categories:
- Outstanding Overall Service-Learning Project — $150 scholarship to winning entry
- Innovation and Creativity in Problem Solving — $100 scholarship to winning entry
- Community Impact/ Community Choice — $100 scholarship to winning entry
- Collaboration and Leadership in Service-Learning — $100 scholarship to winning entry
Submissions are due on April 1.
More information about the Service-Learning Showcase
Complete Textbook Feedback Survey to win earbuds or dining dollars
Want a pair of Powerbeats Pro earbuds? How about $100 worth of dining dollars? You can enter to be one of 13 winners by completing the Textbook Feedback Survey. All you need to do is find the survey link sent to your student email and complete the survey before March 16. It's that easy!
Questions? Reach out to vpstudentaffairs@wichita.edu or 316-978-3021.
Shocker Store offers commencement regalia packages
Are you attending commencement in May? Now through April 30, 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 our RSC store 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.
Free tutoring available to students
Need some help in your classes? Request a tutor now. Don't delay. The process to request a tutor from your myWSU portal has been updated. Find step-by-step instructions on the Student Success website at www.wichita.edu/tutoring.
Shocker Racing: Baja SAE looking for members
Shocker Racing: Baja SAE is an off-roading club looking for new members with an interest in off-road racing. This club provides knowledge in business and engineering, while working in a team to create a competitive team that makes WSU a national name in more than one way. We meet Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., and Sundays at noon. Inquire here: wsubajasae@gmail.com, amsix@shockers.wichita.edu, (970) 215-9851.
Freshmen and senior surveys available
The CLA (Collegiate Learning Assessment) and NSSE (National Survey of Student Engagement) assessments are now in progress. Freshman and seniors, if selected to participate, you can find a link in Blackboard. Click on the link to find out how you might be eligible for a $25 QuikTrip or $25 Shocker Dollars card.
Join Student Activities Council
Want to become a member of SAC? Join us for our biweekly general member meetings at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Our next meeting will be on March 16. Visit wichita.edu/SAC to learn more about us and how to become a member.
CAPS wants your input for focus group
Counseling and Prevention Services is looking for students to take part in a digital focus group to help us gauge our impact on campus at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 18. Interested students can email counselingcenter@wichita.edu to learn more.
Tuesday Talks: Dealing with allergies
Allergy season is almost upon us! Join Cindy Walker, DNP, APRN, Nurse Heather, and Wichita State graduate student Em Kribs for a discussion about how to manage your seasonal allergies.
Biology Department hosting CDC researcher to speak about vaccines
The Department of Biology will host Dr. Jon Eric Tongren, who will speak on COVID-19 vaccines.
Tongren works at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where he has served on the Epidemic Intelligence Services and President’s Malaria Initiative, and has been director of the field epidemiology and laboratory training program, and CDC PMI resident advisor in Ghana and Ethiopia (National Malaria Control Program).
Tongren will speak at 4 p.m. Monday, March 15 in Hubbard Hall Room 211 (physical distancing and masks required) or via Zoom (password 167011).
Physics seminar features Dr. Fred Sarazin
Please join us for our next physics seminar on at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, via Zoom. This talk features Prof. Fred Sarazin from the Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado. The title of this talk will be “Ultra-High Energy Cosmic-Rays: From the Ground (and) Up.”
First-gen meeting planned for today
Join the First-Generation Student Organization during the monthly meeting at noon today via the Zoom linke below (password: 241162). Open to members and non members, this is a drop-in style meeting to gather and have a conversation with other first-gen students.
Online Learning Consortium: Free conference for students
The OLC Innovate conference is underway all this week, and it's online and free to all WSU instructors and staff. OLC Innovate is the premier higher education online learning conference, and the sessions this year are full of useful ideas and resources for our present and our future. To find out more about sessions, view the online schedule.
Free registration for the conference
Shocks Supporting Shocks drop-in groups
The week of March 15 is a mental health awareness week, and you can help support your mental health with Drop-in Groups from CAPS. Groups will be available from 3 to 4 p.m. today; 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 16; and 11 a.m. to noon Friday, March 19. Drop-In groups are open to all students at no cost. Email counselingcenter@wichita.edu for more information or to sign up.
Grab & Go Breakfast with GSC
Feed your brain and body with a healthy breakfast. The Wichita State Graduate Student Council will be tabling from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 16 in the first floor lounge space of the Rhatigan Student Center.
Graduating this semester? Stop by the Shocker Store's Ring Days to chat with a graduation representative about class rings, graduation announcements and more. Visit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 16-17 in the RSC Shocker Store location.
GSC discusses mental health and grad school
Graduate student mental health matters! Join the Wellness & Continuous Committee of the Graduate Student Council at Wichita State as we talk about everything we wish we would've known before going into grad school. Bring your lunch, questions, and let's chat about mental health in #gradlife (& more).
To register, scan QR code or follow http://bit.ly/gsclunchandlearn1
If you have any questions, please contact Trang Bui at gsc.publicandmedia@wichita.edu.
Engaging Leaders: Business Week
This week in Engaging Leaders, we will be hosting speakers for Business Week. All events are virtual, and participants can sign up at wichita.edu/leadership.
Speakers include Jason Bosch from Elevate Agency and James Nastar; CEO of Meritrust Credit Union.
Join KMUW for Literary Feast about 'The Bad Muslim Discount'
Join KMUW's Literary Feast, a book club for public radio listeners featuring selections made by KMUW staff. For March 2021, we're reading and discussing "The Bad Muslim Discount" by Syed M. Masood. Booklist says "Masood adeptly balances humor with pathos in this unforgettable, twisting tale... A moving, comic take on the immigrant experience.” Registration is free and open to all. Once registered, we'll email you a link to join the conversation on Zoom at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17. To learn more and register, visit kmuw.org/kmuw-literary-feast.
Learn about Cherokee language and culture
Come learn about the Cherokee language and culture from a certified Cherokee instructor at 2:30 p.m. today (March 15). Email wsulingclub@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
The PPMC CHATS: Negotiating Chaos
The Public Policy and Management Center invites you to join us for the latest event in the PPMC CHATS series on at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 18.
This month we will be discussing Negotiating Chaos: Managing Emotions and Staying Curious to Build Stronger Agreements
In an encore performance, hostage negotiator Dan Oblinger dives into the risky nature of chaos, confusion, and crisis all around us! Discover how a habit of negotiation and listening can make sense of the madness and build stronger connections with people and stronger agreements with your stakeholders
Oblinger is the co-founder of the Oblinger & Tsang alliance of negotiation consultants and coaches and the founder of Leadercraft. He provides corporate training, executive coaching, and keynote speaking designed to create a listening and leadership revolution inside and between companies. He is also an Adjunct Instructor at WSUTech.
Free leadership workshop for students
Catalyst is a one day leadership event that focuses on developing your leadership potential and becoming catalyst in your leadership journey! The workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 20 at the RSC's Beggs Ballroom. A free lunch will be provided.
Registration open for F45 playoffs
Mark your calendars:The F45 Playoffs are back this semester. Join us on April 30 to see if you have what it takes to be crowned the F45 champion. Registration is FREE for all students and a $10 fee for all other participants. Register today with an F45 instructor.
Register or get more information on F45
![Green Belt Certification; Starts Friday, March 19; Cost: $400 each (Lean and Six Sigma); Free IISE Student Membership included; Registration Deadline: March 17, 2021; For more information, go to www.iisetraining.org; Register here: wichita.edu/iisegreenbelt; [IISE logo]; [Wichita State University logo]](/about/wsunews/shocker_blast/2021/03-march/_images/IISEGreenBeltBanner.png "Green Belt Certification; Starts Friday, March 19; Cost: $400 each (Lean and Six Sigma); Free IISE Student Membership included; Registration Deadline: March 17, 2021; For more information, go to www.iisetraining.org; Register here: wichita.edu/iisegreenbelt; [IISE logo]; [Wichita State University logo]")
Register today for Green Belt certification in Six Sigma and Lean
Wichita State’s IISE student chapter is now offering online training and certification for Green Belts in Six Sigma and Lean – the two leading industry standards for continuous process improvement. For a limited time, both are being made available to current WSU students at half price for only $400 each and include a free 1-year IISE membership. Registrants will have 6 months to complete 3 days of online/on-demand training content followed by a certification exam.
Registration will end March 17, so sign up today at wichita.edu/iisegreenbelt. For questions, please contact iise@wichita.edu.
Beat the virtual escape room, win prizes
Can you escape in time? University Libraries invites everyone to test their knowledge and puzzle-solving skills in this year’s Virtual Escape Room. Anyone who can complete all the puzzles within the time limit is automatically entered to win awesome Shocker prizes! Play now at https://bit.ly/2OqGfFj. The Escape Room is open until March 19, and prize winners will be announced the following week.
Sign up for intramurals today
Sign up for our Intramural spring activities today at Imleagues.com/wichita. We have softball, 6v6 soccer, 3v3 basketball, and pickleball starting March 21.