Wanna hang? The Wichita State Hammock Lounge, nestled between Wallace Hall and Neff Hall, is the perfect spot to study, relax and hang — solo, or with friends. You can now check out a hammock for free with your Shocker Card at the Heskett Center's Guest Service Desk. The Heskett Center’s hours of operation can be found on the Campus Recreation website.
Locate the Hammock Lounge on campus
Wichita State University announces eight new Koch Scholar recipients
The Wichita State University Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College is proud to announce eight recipients of the Koch Scholars Program for the fall 2021 semester. These recipients each will be awarded $30,000 over four years.
“Koch is thrilled to continue to foster opportunities for students throughout the Wichita community. The Koch Scholars Program provides students the opportunity to pursue an education where they can explore their passions, develop their unique talents, and achieve success,” Koch Industries Vice President of Public Affairs Meredith Olson said. “Congratulations to this year’s scholars.”
Read more about the 2021 Koch Scholars
Wheat Shock Leadership Society inductees
On Sunday, March 28, The Wheat Shock Leadership Society, formerly known as WSU Student of the Year, inducted 31 exceptional students. These students were selected because of their dedication to leadership excellence to the Wichita State campus and the Wichita Community. There were 254 applicants to join the society and only nine graduate students and 21 undergraduate students were selected by our faculty and staff judges. Here are the inductees:
- Brittni Winter
- Cade Heikes
- Hanna Hoopes
- Jadyn Stutey
- Janet Federico
- Jannet Balderrama
- Jonathan Edmondson
- Justin Smith
- Kylie Lipetzky
- Lillian Nieman
- Munonyedi Egbo
- Savannah Goodpasture
- Skylar Fulton
- Yordano W. Ochoa Ametller
In addition to being inducted , 14 students were award Outstanding Graduate/Undergraduate Student and received a $500 scholarship. Here are the scholarship winners:
- Ahmed Olanrewaju Ijaola
- Caitlin Nolen
- Caleb Strong
- Emma Kossover
- Hilary Cupery
- Ivan Castillo
- Lauren Rust
- Mackenzie Haas
- Macy Burke
- Madison Roths
- Maggie Brown
- Nicole Bloomquist
- Olusola Odeyomi
- Taylin Fox
Two students were selected as Distinguished Graduate/Undergraduate Students and received a $750 Scholarship. Here are the scholarship winners:
- Hayley Hansford
- Lia Savage
We are excited to honor these students' work to the Wichita State campus and Wichita community.
Vote: SGA Elections close at 5 p.m. today
SGA Election Polls close at 5 p.m. today. Make your voice heard in this year's election by voting for your senatorial candidate, student body president, vice president candidate, and amendments to the SGA Rules and Regulations. Ballots will be sent electronically to your Shocker email. For more information visit wichita.edu/sgaelectionsor email us directly at sga.elections@wichita.edu.
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/fall2021for more information.
ICYMI: Speaking Freely on Freedom of Expression
The panel discussion, "Speaking Freely on Freedom of Expression" was held on Wednesday, March 31. The program is available on demand on YouTube.
It will also air on the local PBS station on the KPTS schedule listed below.
- Channel 8.1 at 9 p.m. Friday, April 9
- Channel 8.2 at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 10
- Channel 8.1 at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 11
New parking signage planned for campus
Facilities Planning has ordered new parking lot signs to replace the existing ones. The signs will be a different design; however, the color code system will stay the same. Students, faculty, and staff can continue using the lots as they usually do.
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.
Submit a Shocker Leadership Award nomination
Submit nominations for advising awards
Have you received great advising or encouragement? Do you know of an advisor who goes above and beyond for students? Nominate a faculty or staff advisor for the third annual Excellence in Academic Advising Award.
The Advising Network (TAN) is proud to support student success by recognizing advisors at Wichita State University. Anyone who provides advising services in any role (faculty or staff) is eligible for nomination. Applications will be accepted until April 10.
Find OAT designation in schedule of courses
As registration for summer and fall begins this week, students are reminded to watch for classes with the designation of Open Alternative Textbook (OAT) based on the use of freely available resources rather than textbooks. In both the Wichita State custom schedule and Banner schedule, students can search by attribute to find OAT classes and can see the Open Alternative Textbook description in any search results.
More details on how to read the online schedule of courses
Engineering Council seeks applications
Do you want to help advocate for your fellow students? Engineering Council acts as the official organization representing the student body of the College of Engineering and serves as a liaison among students, faculty, and administration of the College of Engineering of Wichita State University. Apply for the following positions for next year before the end of Thursday, April 15!
- President
- Vice president
- Director of communications
- Director of finances
- Director of operations
- Representatives
Softball single-game student tickets available
Softball single-game tickets are available now. Opponents coming to Wilkins Stadium include Houston, Kansas City, USF, Oklahoma State, and Arkansas. Student tickets are free for pickup at the box office every game day. If you would like to purchase tickets go to goshockers.com/ticketsor call 316-978-FANS. Tickets are going fast so claim yours today!
The difficulty of evidence, argument and rationality in reestablishing reality
Join the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for the first in its "Perspectives: Reestablishing Reality" series at 2 p.m. today via Zoom. Jeffery Jarman, Kansas Health Foundation Distinguished Director of the Elliott School of Communication, will present "Motivated to ignore the facts: the difficulty of evidence, argument and rationality in reestablishing reality."
Classic conceptions of democracy are based, in part, on a vibrant public sphere where citizens are informed and engaged in public deliberation on important topics. Argumentation is central to this vision. Each side builds its case by marshalling the available evidence in support of their preferred conclusion.
A rational public, it is assumed, takes in the evidence, evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the competing positions, and updates their opinions. Unfortunately, recent research in neuroscience and political psychology provides a direct challenge to this vision. Rather than evidence and argument shaping our opinions, our opinions shape our interpretation of evidence and argument. Efforts to reestablish a shared reality must account for individual motivations to discount information that is inconsistent with pre-existing attitudes.
Jeffrey Jarman is the Kansas Health Foundation Distinguished Director of the Elliott School of Communication, a position he has held since 2017. He started at Wichita State in the fall of 1996. For almost 20 years he served as the director of the university’s competitive debate team.
He teaches classes in communication strategy, research methods, and seminars in legal and political communication. His recent research applies insights from neuroscience and political psychology to classic conceptions of argumentation. In particular, he analyzes the role of evidence and argument in presidential debates, fact-checking, and political disputes in the public sphere.
Workshop helps students crack career code
Join us in Cracking the Career Code at 2:30 p.m. April 8 in the Shocker Hall Multipurpose Room 1340. Find out what skills employers are looking for from new employees and how to develop them. We can help you identify and understand the eight career competencies and show you how to put them into action ON and OFF-campus and be a top candidate for that dream job!
April 15: #WichitaStateEngaged Part 2, Engaged Culture
Join the Office of Engagement for part two of a five-part series of conversations around engagement happening on and off campus. The conversation is scheduled for noon on April 15 via Zoom. Part 2 of the conversation is: Engaged Culture. Anthony Joinier, art consultant, artist liaison, public art administrator, and the creative director and founder of Mulberry Arts, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit art organization in the Shocker Neighborhood will share his perspective on working with WSU and what we can expect from Mulbery in the future. Kynnedy Moore is a WSU student and is interning at Mulberry.
Cheyla Clawson is the Associate Director of the School of Performing Arts and Assistant Professor of Dance. She will share the transformation happening within this space and the plans moving forward.
Please register to join the Zoom conversation. We will also stream live on the Shocker Neighborhood Coalition FB page.
Register to attend #WichitaStateEngaged
April 9: Mathematical Sciences lecture
The Lecture Series in the Mathematical Sciences presents Prof. Mohamed Nasser from Qatar University. Nasser will present a lecture titled "Numerical computation of conformal capacity" at 3 p.m. Friday, April 9 via Zoom.
To register for the free lecture, please email lecture.series@math.wichita.edufor the link and password.
View the abstract and a list of upcoming lectures
Tune in April 8 to watch the Hippodrome
The 93rd annual Hippodrome Video and Talent Competition will be held virtually for all Wichita students, staff, faculty, alumni and community to watch. Students and student groups have submitted 5- to 10-minute videos in the categories of live action and animation in hopes to earn cash prizes up to $500. The talent competition will be hosted in conjunction with the film screening. Performers will take the stage between film screenings; and first-, second-, and third-place winners will take home cash prizes up to $150. Talented Shockers will also be emceeing the performance.
Join us live on Thursday, April 8th to watch and support our talented students! For more information and how to watch the performance, visit wichita.edu/hippodrome.
Technology Policy: A Case for Optimism and Freedom to Innovate
The Institute for the Study of Economic Growth in the W. Frank Barton School of Business is proud to bring Adam Thierer to Campus at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14 at Wilner Auditorium and virtual via Zoom. Thierer specializes in innovation, entrepreneurialism, the Internet, and free-speech issues, with a particular focus on the public policy concerns surrounding emerging technologies. In-person attendees will receive a free copy of his book, "Evasive Entrepreneurs & the Future of Governance."
Get more information on this lecture
Come to Win $#!+ From Home hosted by SAC
Joseph Tran is the world’s top Vietnamese Magician, and we are bringing him to you live for a virtual comedy-magic-game show! Watch some amazing modern-day illusions while you become the contestant in HQ-style trivia games that test your knowledge. Did we mention prizes? We’ll have tons of prizes sent to the cleverest, the funniest, and the most knowledgeable contestants. For more information and to register to participate, go to wichita.edu/SAC.
Small business center offers free webinars
The Kansas SBDC presents the following no-cost webinars:
- Startup and Start Rightat noon April 7: This webinar will cover licenses and permits, tax IDs, business structure, funding, marketing, and other essentials.
- Market Research for Startupsat noon April 8: Learn resources and strategies for market research, discover industry trends, identify competitors, define and locate your best customers.
- Business Recruitment Strategiesat noon April 15: This webinar will identify recruitment strategies that business owners can implement to attract qualified applicants for job openings.
- Restructure — What Would It Mean For Your Business?at noon April 21:If COVID-19 stressed your business to the limits, you might need to reset. Our panel of experts will offer information on HR, finances, and strategic planning to help you move forward.
- Social Media Starter Kitat noon April 28: A birds-eye-view of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. You will walk away with the ability to create or update your business’ online presence.
- What to Expect When You Are Expecting to Start a Businessat noon April 29: Davis Business Law will cover the legal foundations that a prospective new business owner needs to consider, such as formation, insurance, contracts, and employment.
Wednesdays in Wiedemann with Lynne Davis
Please join us for Wednesdays in Wiedemann with Lynne Davis at 5:15 p.m. today either in person in Wiedemann Hall or via live stream on the WSU School of Music Facebook page.
This is a special memorial concert to Pierre FIRMIN-DIDOT, husband, Louise Matthews DAVIS, mother, and Marie-Madeleine DURUFLE, beloved teacher — all three born in 1921. They would have been 100 years old in 2021. Among the many French organ master teachers with whom I studied (Marie-Claire Alain, Jean Langlais, and the Durulfe's), Madame Duruflé was very influential in inspiring the performer I have become today.
Program, the entire: Prélude, Adagio et Choral varié sur le VENI CREATOR by Maurice DURUFLE, based on the Gregorian plain chant Hymn.
Free Admission. Social distancing respected and masks required.
Join SAC for virtual bingo on April 15
Need some hobby-themed goodies? Look no further than SAC’s virtual bingo night. Check out our classic games and challenge rounds for the chance to walk away with a fabulous prize. Everyone is welcome to play, but only students are eligible to win. Register at wichita.edu/SAC.
Criminal justice series: Ethics in Law Enforcement
Hear from Michelle Meier, commission counsel at the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training (KS-CPOST) at noon on April 14. KS-CPOST is committed to providing the citizens of Kansas with qualified, trained, ethical, competent, and professional peace officers. It is also dedicated to adopting and enforcing professional standards for certification of peace officers to promote public safety and preserve public trust and confidence. This is a virtual event and is open to all. No o registration is required. Zoom Meeting ID: 94082579943, passcode: 465504.
This event is sponsored by the School of Criminal Justice and the Criminal Justice Student Association. For more information email Sarah Green at sarah.green@wichita.edu.
Living in Possibility virtual series
Register to attend the Living in Possibility Virtual Series! This program takes place on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with live facilitation. Students can expect to participate in deliberate dialogue regarding resilience, becoming a catalyst in leadership, and more!
Sign up for one or sign up for all through ShockerSync.
For more information, please visit www.wichita.edu/leadershipor reach out to Kennedy Rogers at kennedy.rogers@wichita.edu.
Physics Seminar features marine biologist
Please join us for the next Physics Seminar at 2 p.m. today via Zoom. This talk features Dr. Abhishek Kumar, Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusettes.
Get more details on the Physics Seminar
Today's Ulrich talk features ACDI faculty
The Ulrich Museum of Art's series of virtual talks with artists featured in the XXIII Faculty Biennial exhibition continues at 10 a.m. today when Jennifer Ray, associate professor of photo media and Megan St. Clair, adjunct instructor, share their thoughts on the artistic process. The program is free and open to all, but you must register to get the Zoom link.
"The XXII Faculty Biennial: It's All Part of the Process" is on display at the Ulrich until May 8. Gallery hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sundays, university and major holidays. Safe self-distancing practices observed. Admission is always free.
Dental Hygiene hosting information session
Are you interested in a dental hygiene career? Join us virtually at 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 16 to learn about Wichita State’s dental hygiene program, admission requirements and career opportunities.
Get more information on the information session
Business librarian to host KSBDC webinar
Successful business plans require reliable data. Learn resources and strategies for market research - discover industry trends, identify competitors at home and abroad, determine your target market and find where your best customers are located.
Hear from our expert. Meghann Kuhlmann, instruction and research services librarian, from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 8.
Donate blood, enter to win VIP travel package
Donate blood at the Wichita State blood drive and you could win an epic prize.
We never tire of celebrating our donors. Donate blood April 1-15, and automatically be entered for a chance to win a VIP package for four, including premium tickets to the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, garage, and pit credentials, and passes to attend a meet-and-greet opportunity with drivers, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (May 27-30, 2022), plus a $500 gift card for expenses.
The blood drive will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13-14 in the Heskett Center Lobby.
Plus, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win one of five $1,000 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice when you come to give in April. The five lucky winners will get to choose from a list of merchants. Terms and conditions apply.
Schedule your appointment at www.RedCrossBlood.org; Sponsor Code: Wichita State Or call 1-800-Red-Cross.
Recharge your Dining Dollars
Running low on Dining Dollars? Recharge your card today using the link below.
Business school seeks peer coaches
The Institute for the Study of Economic Growth in the Barton School of Business is hiring five peer coaches for the 2021-22 academic year. Each member of the ISEG peer coach team will have the opportunity to develop and apply leadership skills. They will support incoming freshmen as they begin their business education, working with them in class and extracurricular activities. This is a new program and the peer coaches will be key to the development. Applications are due April 16.
More information about peer coaches
Ulrich accepting paid internship applications
The Ulrich Museum of Art on the Wichita State University campus is accepting applications from Wichita State students for its paid internship program, which offers valuable experience in the everyday workings of a university art museum. These internships offer students interdisciplinary and experiential learning that is informative on both intellectual and practical levels. Tasks may include assisting with research for exhibitions, cataloging works of art, helping with publicity, participating in exhibition installations, working on programs, and giving exhibition tours. Internships for course credit in fulfillment of curricular requirements are available in coordination with many academic departments.
To apply, please email a current resume accompanied by a cover letter to either Ksenya Gurshtein, curator of modern and contemporary art or Jana Erwin, head of education, summarizing your past experiences related to art and museum work, your goals for the future, and an explanation of why you would like to intern at a university modern and contemporary art museum. Please note: We strongly recommend visiting the museum's exhibitions and exploring this website before writing the cover letter. The application deadline is April 30, 2021.
Congratulations to the GRASP 2021 winners
Congratulations to the 17th annual Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) Symposium winners!
- First place: Kylie Darland, Master's of Communications Sciences and Disorders Program (advisor Erin O'Bryan): The Effects of Varying Melodic Intervals in Melodic Intonation Therapy for Persons with Aphasia
- Second place: Rosalind Canare, PhD candidate in Communication Psychology program (advisor Rhonda Lewis): Perceptions of Food Quality in Correctional Facilities
- Third place: Aleshea Her and Yasmin Tang, Master's of Communications Sciences and Disorders program (advisor Trisha Self): Post-Secondary Education Experiences and Needs of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
GRASP presentations will be open for viewing until Friday, April 9 at www.wichita.edu/grasp.
Applications open for summer and fall 2021 Undergraduate Research Experience
Liberal arts and sciences, applied sciences, and engineering undergraduates are invited to apply for Undergraduate Research Experiences (URE) for the summer and fall. Selected students will receive $4,000 awards (minimum $3,500 for student salary and up to $500 for supplies) to work alongside a professor doing research in summer and fall 2021. Prior research experience is helpful but not required. A mandatory Intro to Research workshop will take place on Tuesday, May 25. Additional research awards are available to engineering majors.
Interested students should:
- View the list of Undergraduate and NSF KS-LSAMP Research projectsonline.
- Apply at Wichita.edu/URE. Be sure to complete steps 1-2 before submitting your application (step 3). Applications due by 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 12.
Research awards are funded by the National Science Foundation Kansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and College of Engineering.
Call for papers: EGSA’s Micro-Conference and Creative Activities Forum
Wichita State’s English Graduate Student Association is seeking paper submissions for its upcoming Micro-Conference and Creative Activities Forum, which will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 16 in Hubbard Hall, room 209. The Micro-Conference is open to all Wichita State undergraduates, graduates, and faculty members as a venue to share independent research, workshop current projects, receive feedback, or polish your presentation for a future conference. Scholars are welcome to submit any research or creative project for consideration. Presentations at the Micro-Conference should be no more than five minutes long, with an additional two minutes allotted for questions after the presentation.
Individuals or groups interested in presenting at the Micro-Conference should submit an abstract for their research or creative activity to the Google Form linked below by April 9. If you have any questions, please contact EGSA President Stephanie Robinson at sjrobinson2@shockers.wichita.edu.
Researchers offer help with parenting issues
Parenting can be tough! Researchers at Wichita State University are seeking to help parents manage behavior concerns in children ages 3-12. Behaviors may include whining, tantrums, and difficulty following directions. The study will include three telehealth parent training sessions (approx. 45 min each) and follow up assessments one week, one month, and six months after treatment in order to track long-term behavior change.
Parents who complete all three parent training sessions and corresponding assessments will be entered into a raffle for a $25 gift card. We are looking for about 25 families to participate in our study. If you have a child living in your home who is between 3-12 years old and is exhibiting behaviors that are difficult to manage, you may be eligible for this study.
If you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact Ashley Ormond aeormond@shockers.wichita.eduor Dr. Rachel Petts at 316-978-3720 or rachel.petts@wichita.edu.
Bonus discount Fridays at the Shocker Grill
Members of the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes’ Eat.Drink.Play. Rewards program can enjoy an additional 5% discount every Friday in April, just by showing your card. Not a rewards member? Joining is free and easy. Simply stop in to sign up.
Volunteer to thank healthcare workers
The Golden Shockers, a team of four college students, is hosting a community service project to show appreciation and gratitude for healthcare workers for all their efforts during the pandemic. We intend to collect thank-you messages from a lot of people virtually,and we will then hand-write each card. Cards will be physically delivered to the hospital on Saturday, April 17.
Submissions will be collected until 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 10. It will only take a quick second out of your day!
Contact the project coordinator Michelle Huynh at Mxhuynh2@shockers.wichita.edu with questions.
University senates, SGA to vote on proposed shared governance policy revision
During the past year, the immediate past presidents of the Faculty Senate, Unclassified Professional Senate, and University Support Staff Senate, as well as the current president of the Student Government Association, have been drafting a revision to the university’s shared governance policy to clarify the purpose and define the principles of shared governance. Specific changes to the current policyinclude new language on the principles of shared governance, the process to include constituent groups, and support for constituent group leaders. The committee, along with its respective senates and associations, are circulating this draftto gather any final feedback, endorsement, or concerns prior to each senate and association considering endorsement of the policy by April 8. Feedback can be shared with Jeff Jarman(Faculty Senate), Julie Scott(UP Senate), Matt Houston(USS Senate), and Rija Khan(SGA). Should the elected constituent bodies endorse the proposed revisions, the policy will be presented to the president’s executive team in May for review.
Dates for Votes:
- Student Government Association: April 14
- Faculty Senate: April 19
- Unclassified Professional Senate and University Support Staff Senate: April 20th