Wichita State has held its position as the top university in the country for industry-funded
aeronautical R&D, with a total of $34 million.WSU once again tops national rankings for engineering R&D
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released updated rankings for university research and development (R&D) expenditures, and Wichita State has held its position as the top university in the country for industry-funded aeronautical R&D with a total of $34 million.
The rankings are derived from the NSF’s Higher Education Research and Development survey, compiled by its National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, which includes information from all reporting universities for fiscal year 2017, the most recent information available.
For total aerospace R&D expenditures, WSU again ranked No. 4 in the nation with $52 million, a $9 million increase from 2016. This includes both industry and federally funded programs.
Signatures are due for USS and Non-Teaching UP Employee myPerformance Evaluations!
EMPLOYEES (USS and non-Teaching UP) – Due Thursday, March 7:
USS and non-teaching UP Employee Signatures for the 2018-19 myPerformance Evaluation (3/1/2018 through 3/1/2019) are due by Thursday,
March 7. Employee signatures will be available as soon as the manager has completed
and submitted the manager review step. Employees should log in to myPerformance (in
myWSU) to submit electronic signatures by March 7.
MANAGERS – Due Thursday, March 14:
Manager Signatures for myPerformance Evaluations for the 2018-19 myPerformance Evaluation (3/1/2018
through 3/1/2019) are due by Thursday, March 14. The ability to submit manager signatures
will be available as soon as the employee has signed and submitted their signature. Managers
should log in to myPerformance (in myWSU) to submit electronic signatures by March
14.
MANAGERS – Due Sunday, March 31:
Planning for myPerformance Evaluations for the 2019-20 myPerformance Evaluation (3/1/2019 through
3/1/2020) is available now. (To access the current review period’s evaluations, look
for “2019-2020 Annual” in the list of evaluation titles.) Managers should add expectations
for 2019-20 myPerformance Evaluations regarding competencies and goals in myPerformance,
then meet with their employees to provide copies and review planning. Planning should
be completed by March 31.
For more information (including quick reference guides, training available, and open labs) go to www.wichita.edu/myPerformance.
Presentation lineup for FUN / Future Now at the Ulrich today (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 today (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.
University Libraries to host advanced webinars on Scopus
The University Libraries is hosting a series of basic and advanced vendor webinars on Scopus, a newly acquired database, from March 1-7, in 217 Ablah Library.
The webinars are open to all faculty, staff, and students. For more information and to sign up for a basic and / or advanced webinar, go to Scopus webinar.
University Update
At Thursday’s Weekly Briefing, the University Update included news about NIAR / FirePoint, information about the Bike Share ribbon cutting on March 6, a faculty research funding award, an update from the Ulrich Museum of Art, and plans for the HWBCC Football Classic in September.
NIAR / FirePoint update
Wichita State continues attracting national, and international, interest for its research capabilities.
Over the next month, campus departments are hosting visitors from multiple industry, academia and government agencies. This week, the National Institute for Aviation Research hosts a composites training class for more than a dozen Air Force Research Laboratory employees. This class will also be given to a group of U.S. Army employees in mid-March. In addition, FirePoint is hosting eight staff from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Aviation and Missile Center to discuss university capabilities and potential future projects.
On Monday March 4, WSU Strategic Initiatives invites industry to participate in a Robotics and Automation Roundtable. Next week, NIAR will host a U.S.-Japan-Australia Composite Workshop with participants from the U.S., Japanese and Australian defense departments and industry collaborators. During the last week of March, jointly with Spirit AeroSystems, NIAR will also host the Joint Defense ManTech Panel and The Composites Consortium, organizations that principally support the Office of Naval Research Composites Manufacturing Technology Center.
WSU is pleased to work with, and expand, its growing number of partners in the public and private sectors in order to better meet the workforce needs of our city, state and region.
Bike Share ICT at WSU ribbon cutting – noon, Wednesday, March 6
Shockers and community members now have a new option to get around campus thanks to Bike Share ICT at WSU, which is a partnership with the city of Wichita’s Bike Share ICT program.
The program is funded from a grant through the YMCA and includes 20 bikes, which can be accessed at the Rhatigan Student Center, Heskett Center, the Experiential Engineering Building and the Metropolitan Complex.
We want to invite everyone to our ribbon cutting ceremony at noon on March 6—at the new bike rack located on the north end of the RSC near Clinton Hall—and to take full advantage of these bicycles while enjoying our beautiful campus. For more information about the program, visit bikeshareict.com.
Faculty receive $250,000 research funding award
On Monday, we were proud to announce that a team at Wichita State, led by faculty members Amy Chesser, Nikki Keene Woods and community member Melody McCray-Miller, has been approved for a $250,000 funding award for research to improve health equity for women in Kansas.
The award is made possible by the Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Awards program, an initiative of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
The project will focus on examining the feasibility of implementing a Women Involved Network in a Midwest state and will include patients and community stakeholders of various ages. It will assess whether the educational interventions affect health disparities and improve health equity for women in Kansas. This is an innovative project that will be among the first to document the use of such a network in providing support for women in vulnerable populations, including rural communities.
Ulrich update
The university’s renowned Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection, which is considered to be one of the top-10 collections in the country, will soon have three new additions.
On Thursday, Feb. 21, artist Randy Regier installed his new sculpture "The Celestial Mechanic" outside of Ahlberg Hall. In Regier’s words, the sculpture “is resonant with the culture and aesthetic of sky and flight and dreams of space – yet rooted and connected to the earth and to community history and the passage of time. These are very Kansas things to me, and a large part of why I choose to live and work here.” A dedication, reception and artist talk is scheduled for April 2.
A second dedication will happen April 23 in celebration of the installation of artist Elyn Zimmerman’s sculpture titled “Font.” “Font” was inspired by an ancient Egyptian altar that featured a round stone sunk into a table. In this interpretation, the round stone of the original altar is replaced by a polished black granite disk.
And on May 12, campus will host a third dedication for a sculpture titled “Shockers” by artist Tom Otterness. Depicted in an embrace during a break in their work, the installation celebrates both camaraderie and the history of the “Shockers,” the nickname given to the students who used to earn money for their studies by harvesting wheat during the early days of Fairmount College. The proposed work is influenced by the large-scale outdoor sculpture “Makin’ Hay” which resided on campus for two years.
For more information on these sculptures, and the upcoming dedications, visit ulrich.wichita.edu.
HWBCC Football Classic at Cessna Stadium, Sept. 7
And, finally, we’d like to let you know that football will return to Cessna Stadium this fall—for one day only—when WSU hosts the Heartland Wichita Football Classic at 3 p.m. on Sept. 7. The event will feature Langston University vs. McPherson College, and is sponsored by the Heartland Wichita Black Chamber of Commerce and WSU’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.
The theme for the event will be “Unity Builds Community” and proceeds will go toward the Heartland Black Chamber’s scholarships and community development efforts.
The HWBCC will hold a news conference at 11:30 a.m. today in the Marcus Welcome Center where you can learn more about the event and hear from both teams’ coaches.
We’re proud to partner with HWBCC and look forward to a successful event this fall.
Have you heard The Roundhouse podcasts?
WSU’s Paul Suellentrop interviews a variety of notable Shockers on The Roundhouse podcasts.
Graduate Students Association plans Mentorship Kick-Off today (Friday, March 1)
Looking for a mentor as you navigate graduate school? Or perhaps you would like to help mentor new graduate students? Join us for the GSA's Mentorship Kick-Off at 1 p.m. today (Friday, March 1) in 262 RSC! Light refreshments (lemonade, cookies, brownies) will be provided.
Shocker baseball at home today (Friday, March 1)
The Wichita State baseball team hosts the Creighton Bluejays for its 2019 home-opening doubleheader at 1 p.m. today (Friday, March 1) at Eck Stadium, Home of Tyler Field. Both games will feature $3 admission. As always, Wichita State students receive free admission with a valid student ID.
Talk on AfrolatinX and Asian Americans in the work of Junot Diaz
Paula Park
As part of the Latin American and LatinX Studies Series, Paula Park from Wesleyan University will be presenting at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 4, in 261 RSC. She will talk about the intersection of US LatinX Studies and Asian American studies, and examine the role of Chinese Americans in the work of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Diaz.
This presentation is cosponsored by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures and the Hispanic honor society Sigma Delta Pi.
‘Luke the Longhorn: The Four Horsemen’ book signing tomorrow (Saturday, March 2)
You are invited to a book signing at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, March 2) at the Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main Street in Wichita.
Join the authors, including Wichita State History Professor Jay Price, as they release the second in the Luke the Longhorn graphic novel trilogy. In this volume, Luke the Longhorn witnesses the rivalry between Wichita and Park City as they struggle to get the railroad and the cattle trail. Along the way, Luke meets a number of prominent early Wichitans, including a young Billy the Kid!
WSU students did the writing, research and illustrations for “Luke the Longhorn: The Four Horsemen.”
Save the date - URCAF 2019
The annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) will be held on Friday, April 19, in the Rhatigan Student Center. The forum provides an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students at Wichita State to present their scholarly and creative activity to a faculty, student and community audience, while competing for cash awards. Abstract submissions are due by Friday, April 5. For more information, go to URCAF 2019.
Candidates named for SGA 2019 General Election
The SGA Elections Commission is proud to announce the candidates running in the 2019 General Election. We have a pool of 4 Presidential and Vice Presidential Tickets and 23 Senatorial Candidates in this year’s election.
Find out more at SGA.
For more information, go to SGA Elections.
Student artists compete for cash prizes at the Emerging Artists show
Fifteen students from the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries at Wichita State will compete for a total of $1,750 in cash prizes at the second annual Emerging Artists show. A public reception will be held from 7-9 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, March 2) in McKnight Art Center at WSU. Prizes will be announced at 7:30 p.m.
Emerging Artists is presented by the Art & Design Advocates, the patron group supporting ADCI. The Advocates create opportunities for WSU art and design students, including fundraising to support student travel, project costs and equipment purchases.
Sculptor Constance Ernatt is 2019 Emerging Artists juror. She will award three prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250. Celebrity Cruises is the award sponsor.
“We chose to partner with the Art & Design Advocates after last year’s great showcasing of WSU’s stellar art talent,” said Angel C. Gomez, Celebrity associate vice president of guest sales and service. “We have no better way of telling our local artists to stay local, and applaud them for their work, than by investing money into their talented work.”
Most of the work in the Emerging Artists show will be available for purchase from the artists.
Students were selected to participate based on faculty nominations, and works represent all four ADCI programs including art education, graphic design and studio art. Two art history students will serve as co-curators, and students are responsible for pricing and selling their own work.
Experience the Tunnel of Oppression
The Tunnel of Oppression, a multisensory exhibition of some of the most difficult
and complex issues we face today, will take place from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday and
Tuesday, March 4-5, on the third floor, Rhatigan Student Center. Tours will begin
in 208 Rhatigan Student Center.
The tunnel experience will demonstrate the concepts of privilege, power and the reality of hate crimes and covert and open acts of oppression as our community experiences them. Participants are guided through a series of scenes that aim to educate and challenge them to think more deeply about issues of oppression.
Some of the topics included in the tunnel are racism, sexism, homophobia, body image, classism, xenophobia, transphobia and ableism. The tour of the tunnel will be followed by a discussion facilitated by professional staff from the Counseling and Testing Center.
Go to http://wichita.edu/oppression for tour times and more information.
Volunteers needed for research study
Research Topic / Purpose of the study: The purpose of this research study is to explore the higher educational experience of Returning Adult Students and Traditional Students; looking at whether they prefer online learning or traditional classroom experiences.
Procedures: Participants will respond to an online survey that should only take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The survey is completely anonymous (no personal or identifying information is collected.)
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:
Participants must be over the age of 18 and have participated or be currently participating in an online course.
To participate, click on the link and complete the survey.
Contact: If you have any questions regarding this survey, contact Amy Belden at amy.belden@wichita.edu or Jaehwan Byun at jaehwan.byun@wichita.edu.
Your participation in this research study is appreciated.
Clarinetist Katsuya Yuasa to present recital on March 7
The Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation and Wichita Mu Phi Epsilon Alumni Chapter present clarinetist Katsuya Yuasa, 2017 Mu Phi Epsilon Concert Artist at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, in Wiedemann Hall. Yuasa will be accompanied by Bridget Hille. Admission is free, but a $10 donation is suggested. A reception will follow the recital.
Yuasa has performed widely in the U.S. as a soloist and chamber musician. He is a founding member of Cosmos New Music, which will make its Carnegie Hall debut this summer. In addition to performing and giving master classes, Katsuya maintains an active schedule as a teacher at Florida A&M University and at Florida State University.
Yuasa will present free masterclass at 11 a.m. earlier that day in C116 Duerksen Fine Arts Center.
Officers from Beta Alpha Psi Epsilon Tau chapter represent WSU at conference
Officers from Wichita State’s Beta Alpha Psi Epsilon Tau chapter spent the weekend representing our university in Dallas at the organization’s Southwest Regional Conference. Beta Alpha Psi is an honor society for Accounting, Finance, and Information Systems majors.
National board members, Southwest region chapters, and other attendees praised the officers’ presentation skills, matching sweaters, and their overall love for Beta Alpha Psi.
Pictured above (from left to right) are Kyle Bayack, Jessica Johnson, Isabella Ruelas, Andrew Linhardt, Austin Boyd, Kelsey Cowen, and Colby Woods. This photo was taken at the request of Beta Alpha Psi’s social media director who thought their attire was interesting and showcased the group’s closeness. Upon returning from the conference, the officers are eager to get back to work and find new ways to better represent Beta Alpha Psi and Wichita State.
Register for Gender Diversity Training
Gender Diversity Training will be held from 2:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, in 266 Rhatigan Student Center. The goal of Gender Diversity - Transgender Ally Training is to educate as well as increase understanding of issues related to gender minority / transgender people.
Registration is required to attend this training. Go to Gender Diversity Training to register.
Discount available for a Wichita Wurlitzer Experience
Instruments of Peace, featuring ARISE Ensemble and Brett Valliant with special guest JC Combs, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, in Exhibition Hall of Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center. Faculty and staff who use the code WSU, can purchase the $20 general admission ticket for $17.
The evening will celebrate unity using music, a medium that transcends the barriers of culture, language and geography. The program will feature music rooted in our nation’s history, providing a common foundation to move forward in peace.
Purchase tickets at Wichitatix.com.
The Wichita Wurlitzer, originally installed on the Times Square New York Paramount Theatre in 1926, came to Wichita in 1968. This year (2019) is the Wichita Wurlitzer’s 51st year in the heart of America. Of more than 10,000 instruments built, Wichita is home to the finest example ever conceived and achieved.
More ARISE Ensemble and Wichita Wurlitzer information is available at Wurlitzer events.
ACT Prep Workshop to be held at Wichita State
Wichita State University's Counseling and Testing Center is offering a workshop to help high school students prepare to take the ACT from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 9. The workshop will provide general test-taking tips and information for all four subjects of the ACT exam – English, Math, Reading and Science.
The cost for the workshop is $32, and registration can be done online at ACT Prep Workshop.
The next ACT national test date after the workshop is Saturday, April 13.
Students need to bring a pencil and a calculator to the workshop. All other materials will be supplied, including practice tests. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information, contact Shaleah Fields at the Counseling and Testing Center at 316-978-6104 or 316-978-3440 or shaleah.fields@wichita.edu.
Dream Run to generate funds for scholarships
Join the Student Organization of Social Work and Rho Beta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Incorporate as they try to generate funds for scholarships aimed at undocumented WSU students through their inaugural Dream Run! This race event will be at 8:30 a.m. Saturday April 6, on the east side of campus!
Contact Sandra Sanchez, SOSW president at sasanchez-conley@shockers.wichita.edu if want to volunteer for this event or have more questions.
Prepare those running shoes and spread the word to family and friends.
Register at Dream Run. #TogetherWeDream