Open discussion on campus sexual violence resources planned today (Wednesday, Feb. 27)
All students, faculty and staff are invited to an open discussion about campus resources for sexual violence from 1-2 p.m. today (Wednesday, Feb. 27) in 264 RSC.
Speakers will include representatives from the Counseling and Testing Center, Office of Institutional Equality and Compliance, Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, WSU Police and Student Health Services. A question and answer period will follow. For more information contact the Student Advocate at student.advocate@wichita.edu.
Campus Rec Health Fair today (Wednesday, Feb. 27)
Join us as we host an educational and interactive health fair in the upstairs gymnasium at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday, Feb. 27) in the Heskett Center gymnasium. Plan to join hundreds of your fellow Shockers as you receive medical screenings and wellness tips from more than 50 vendor booths from Wichita State departments and the community. For more information visit wichita.edu/healthfair.
Blackboard maintenance scheduled on Friday, March 1
Blackboard will be down for maintenance for an hour at some point between the hours of 1-5 a.m. Friday, March 1.
Teaching faculty are invited to apply for Tilford Incentive Grant
The 2019-20 Tilford Incentive grants will focus on promoting inclusive teaching. Course proposals that offer content and teaching techniques to promote the inclusion of first generation students, LGBTQ individuals, persons with disabilities or other marginalize groups will be given stronger consideration.
Proposals should be emailed to gergana.markova@wichita.edu by Sunday, March 24. For more information visit Faculty Development.
Accessibility Tip of the Week: Understanding Blackboard Ally
Tip: Learn what Blackboard Ally can do for you. WSU has invested in digital accessibility by making the Blackboard Ally tool available to faculty and staff. Understanding Ally will help it work even harder for you.
- Ally is on and running in all Blackboard classes, even ones from previous semesters.
- Ally generates alternative formats for students to download and will remediate some inaccessible material to improve its accessibility. Alternative formats often include an MP3 of documents so any student can listen to certain documents instead of needing to read the content with their eyes.
- Ally shows professors colored dials to indicate the accessibility of many kinds of content in Blackboard. Colors range from red (inaccessible) to dark green (very accessible).
- Ally is still in development and is improving regularly. Over time it will be able to assess most content in a Blackboard class.
If you would like more information about Ally, check out Blackboard’s website. If you need assistance making your Blackboard content accessible, contact Instructional Design and Access: IDA@wichita.edu.
Liberal Arts and Sciences to host Shock the Future Town Hall today (Wednesday, Feb. 27)
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will host another Town Hall meeting to discuss the Shock the Future referendum from 5:30-7 p.m. today (Wednesday, Feb. 27), in 208 Hubbard Hall. There will be a short presentation to explain what effects the student infrastructure referendum would have on LAS, and we’ll address frequently asked questions. Then the floor will be opened for a Q&A.
WSU Weekly Briefing to feature a Shock the Future update from Provost Rick Muma
The WSU Weekly Briefing will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Marcus Welcome Center.
Provost Rick Muma will talk about the potential impact of the Shock the Future referendum and the upcoming voting process for students March 4-6.
Kevin Harrison, community engagement coordinator, Diversity and Community Engagement, will give the overall university update.
The briefing will be livestreamed and available later that day at WSU Weekly Briefing. There will be time for questions following the briefing.
Presentation lineup for FUN / Future Now at the Ulrich this Friday, March 1, at the Ulrich Museum of Art
This month’s FUN / Future Now at the Ulrich event will feature a number of presentations on Friday, March 1.
FUN / Future Now at the Ulrich is a series of pechakucha-style presentations featuring campus-wide research. Three Fridays, four presentations, seven minutes each.
- Courage and Connection: The Power of Story
Research Topic: Intersection of art + creativity + innovation
By Ed Baker
Associate Professor, Theatre Technology and Management, School of the Performing Arts, College of Fine Arts - Trigger Warning: Vomit
Research Topic: Body diversity, identity politics and food
Brittany Lockard
Assistant Professor of Art History, School of Art, Design & Creative Industries, College of Fine Arts - Looking into the Heart of the Sun: A Space Mission Concept
Research Topic: Development of space-based detection technologies for neutrino astrophysics, particularly applied to studies of nuclear fusion to the Sun’s core.
Caleb Gimar
Graduate Student, Physics Department - Understanding Contemporary Work Systems for Fair Design and Robust Operation
Research Topic: Complex work systems
Laila Cure
Assistant Professor, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department, College of Engineering
This program is an extension of Solving for X – a series of exhibitions organized by the Ulrich Museum of Art in collaboration with university scholars across campus. The objective is to explore the potential for the Museum, as a WSU public access point for the community, to make accessible the fascinating and essential research taking place on campus.
Promoting accessibility
Flint Hills Design and Wichita State University staff will present at the National Association of Interpretation Region 6 Workshop today (Wednesday, Feb. 27).
Since its beginnings in 2008, Flint Hills Design has committed itself to thoughtful,
beautiful design that can be enjoyed by all.
In 2018 we took accessible design a step further, creating uniquely accessible interpretive
solutions for the Pizza Hut Museum on the Wichita State University campus.
“Flint Hills Design took on the challenge of providing accessible experiences with
open hearts and minds – and we couldn’t be more excited about the results. The solution
FHD implemented provides accessible content for all visitors in a sustainable, effective
way.”
– John Jones, director, Media Resource Center, WSU
We used 3D printing, smartphone technology, and research on best practices to create a museum where all aspects of the exhibit—the interpretive panels, the videos, and the artifacts themselves—could be meaningfully engaged by visitors with a wide range of abilities and learning preferences.
Sponsors needed for 10th Annual Shock the Yard Step Show
The Multicultural Greek Council is seeking sponsors for the 10th Annual Shock the Yard Step Show, at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in Charles Koch Arena. This event allows organizations around the Midwest to show off their ability to step and grants them the opportunity to be named the best step team in the Midwest.
We hope that you will consider sponsoring our show. You can find more information on our website or by emailing Rani Somers, coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life, at rani.somers@wichita.edu.
Parking Services reminder
Parking Services is experiencing technical issues affecting the reliability of text messages. A portion of lot closure and citation text messages are not reaching recipients.
Please note, men’s basketball has two home games remaining and basketball lots will close on the following dates and times:
Thursday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m.
Tuesday, March 5 at 5 p.m.
We are working on a solution and hope to have reliability restored soon. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Health equity for women in Kansas is the focus of WSU research project
A team of Wichita State University researchers is focusing their research on health equity for women in Kansas.
The project is led by Public Health Sciences faculty members Amy Chesser, Nikki Keene Woods and community member Melody McCray-Miller. Their research has been approved for a $250,000 funding award through the Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Awards program, an initiative of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).
The funds will support the exploration of the patient-centered model’s impact on health care needs across the lifespan to improve health equity for women in Kansas.
Pictured above is Amy Chesser (l) and Nikki Keene Woods.
Faculty nominations sought for a presidential award by Friday, March 1
Consider nominating a faculty member for a presidential award who has provided outstanding service to the university community. Please consider nominating someone who exemplifies one or more of the following characteristics:
- Distinguished service to the university
- Distinguished service to the community
- Notable outreach efforts and/or forging of connections between WSU and the community.
- Long-term commitment to WSU through extensive committee service
Think about those around you who fit this description and consider nominating them to leeann.birdwell@wichita.edu by Friday, March 1. Complete a nomination form and attach a CV that includes the nominee’s service activities. Previous recipients of this award are not eligible for nomination. The Faculty Senate Executive Committee will review the nominations and then submit their recommendations to the president.
Four WSU alumni buy majority stake in the firm
Four NAI Martens senior vice presidents are purchasing a majority stake in the company, which is Kansas’ largest full-service commercial real estate firm. The four veteran brokers – Jeff Englert, Grant Glasgow, SIOR, Kris Wessel and Nathan Farha, CCIM – are all graduates of Wichita State University and have a combined 66 years of experience with firm. They have been instrumental to NAI Martens’ success over the past two decades, said CEO Steven J. Martens, CPM, CCIM, SIOR, who remains a shareholder of the firm.
Pictured above from l-r: Jeff Englert, Kris Wessel, Grant Glasgow, Nathan Farha
“For more than 70 years, our firm has generated commercial real estate deals that sparked economic growth and job creation throughout Wichita and Kansas,” Martens said. “Firm President Tom Johnson and I have been fortunate to mentor a team of highly talented young brokers who have contributed to our success, while demonstrating their individual skills as savvy business people and emerging community leaders.
“I’ve made a multi-year commitment to continue as CEO of NAI Martens,” Martens continued. “While Tom and I will remain actively involved in the company, we are both tremendously excited about our firm’s next chapter. We’re in a unique position to have a relatively young leadership group in place, each with specific market sector expertise in retail, office, multi-family, industrial and investment properties. Jeff, Grant, Kris and Nathan are all 40 or under, yet each has nearly 15 or more years of experience in the business. Most importantly, they have a vision to carry our success forward for the next 40 years or more,” Martens said.
Continuing the NAI Martens legacy for excellence is a top priority for the new leadership team, said Glasgow.
“Over the years, NAI Martens has earned a reputation as a company where new advisors can learn, grow and become major contributors,” Glasgow said. “We each have great appreciation and respect for Steve and the business he has created. A big part of this ownership agreement is ensuring that Steve’s legacy will continue to benefit current and future advisors for years to come. That includes our focus on mentorship and training of young, talented brokers and support staff.”
Continuing investment in data-rich technology and leveraging the systems and expertise of NAI Global is another key focus of the team, added Wessel.
“Under the leadership of Steve Martens and Tom Johnson, the firm has invested heavily in people and technology,” Wessel said. “As a result, we deliver highly favorable outcomes for clients. We intend to be even more proactive with our 425 NAI Global affiliate offices worldwide. The wealth of investment opportunities stemming from the NAI Global network is unmatched by any other commercial real estate firm in Kansas.”
Comedian Matt Bellassai to present show at WSU
Writer, comedian, Internet personality, and 2016 People’s Choice Award Winner Matt Bellassai will present a comedy show at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, in Hughes Metropolitan Complex, presented by Student Activities Council.
Bellassai writes frequently about pop culture, humor, and the struggles of daily life as a twenty-something man-child. He is the former writer, producer, and star of BuzzFeed’s “Whine About It,” a comedic web series that drew a weekly audience of more than 5 million viewers on Facebook. He can currently be found on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram and Facebook in his new video series “To Be Honest,” where he shares his hilarious commentary on the struggles of life as a single gay man living a childish life in New York.
Tickets can be purchased for $5 to students with WSU ID (limit one per person), $8 to WSU faculty and staff with WSU ID (limit one per person), and $12 to the general public. All ticket options can be purchased in the Student Involvement Office, Suite 216, Rhatigan Student Center with cash or check only. General admission tickets can also be purchased online, via credit card, at WSUMatt.eventbrite.com*.
Tickets are on sale through 3 p.m. Thursday, March 7. Ticket sales will reopen when doors open at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7. All on-site ticket sales will be sold at the general public ticket rate, and can be purchased with cash, check or credit card. Contact Student Involvement at 978-3022 for all event and ticket questions. *Taxes and fees not included in online general public ticket price.
For more information about SAC sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/sac or contact us at sac@wichita.edu.
Graduate student seeking participants for coping with depression research project
A WSU graduate student working on her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is seeking volunteers to participate in a project that compares two approaches for coping with depression. This study will be conducted within the Department of Psychology (Jabara Hall) under the supervision of Robert Zettle, and will require your involvement for 18- 20 weeks. The study involves eight weekly treatment sessions.
The first two weeks involve one hour sessions and the remaining six sessions will be half-hour sessions. Participants who complete all sessions will be contacted one week and two months later for follow-up measures.
Participants must be at least 18 and will be screened in three stages to determine their eligibility.
If you are interested, complete an online survey (30 minutes) to assess your initial eligibility. The next two stages will be conducted in person for 20 and 50 minutes respectively.
For more information, contact Yvonne Chaw at jxchaw@shockers.wichita.edu or call 316-978-6347.
DiverseCity Showcase Kick-off information
Marche Fleming-Randle, vice president for Diversity and Community Engagement, will provide remarks to kick-off the start of DiverseCity. We encourage you to stop by and view all of the work from the submissions that highlight successes related to diversity. The showcase kick-off will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, April 15, in 233 Rhatigan Student Center.
Call for submissions
All students, faculty, staff, student organizations and departments are invited to submit entries that are examples of diversity or highlight successes related to diversity. We are looking for all kinds of diversity entries from individual / group projects, workshops, events, mixed media, photography or artwork. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Friday, March 15.
For more information and to submit your entry, go to DiverseCity.
Winners announced at Invent for the Planet competition
Three WSU student groups were chosen as winners during the recent Invent for the Planet competition. The first place team will submit a 10-minute video presentation of their idea and it will be judged along with all other top teams from the 36 other participating schools. From there, the top six teams in the country will be chosen and taken to Texas for finals. Learn more about Invent for the Planet.
Results are available below.
First place: The Shield, a device to protect airplane wings from hail damage while on the ground
Abhishek Chidas
Adit Shah
Manpreet Bindra
Siddarth Pathak
Yie Jian Chee
Second place – Shiver, a device that uses micro vibrations to keep ice from accumulating on your car windshield
Ali Qureshi
Jefferson Vieira
Rafael Leite
Third place – Team Freebird, a drone system that helps deliver critical medical supplies to rural medical workers in Peru
Branden Bohl
John Randall
Spencer Lueckenotto
Thomas Nguyen
Trent Madden
WSU announces game day changes at Eck Stadium
Wichita State Athletics will break ground for the new Phase V renovation at Eck Stadium
during the 2019 season. It includes a new 10,000-square foot performance facility
that will feature a strength and conditioning center, locker room, media room, player
lounge and offices for coaches and staff.
It will have an effect on parking, ticket office location, and the west entrance
to the stadium. The construction zone will take over approximately 50 parking spots
in the lot west of the stadium.
New date set for 3-on-3 basketball hoops tournament
A 3-on-3 basketball hoops tournament will be held from 6-10 p.m. Friday, April 5. Register at www.wichita.edu/esso by Wednesday, March 20 and get a tournament T-shirt.
For more information, contact Hannah Goetzman at hrgoetzman@shockers.wichita.edu.
Brought to you by Human Performance Studies • Team k12 • Athletic Training Student Org • Exercise Science Org
Faculty Appreciation at the Shocker Store at Braeburn Square
In conjunction with the Meritrust Faculty Appreciation Day on Friday, March 1 at Braeburn Square, the Shocker Store at Braeburn Square will offer faculty 20 percent off your total transaction discount from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
RSC Unplugged features Aaron Lee Martin
Stop by the Rhatigan Student Center every Wednesday for the live music series, RSC Unplugged. Aaron Lee Martin will provide music from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today (Wednesday, Feb. 27), in the RSC’s Starbucks Lounge. Grab a cup of coffee and relax with some great music!
During RSC Unplugged from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today (Wednesday, Feb. 27) you can take $1 off frappuccinos and lattes size grande or larger at Starbucks in the RSC.