Delta secures top spot in 29th Annual Airline Quality Rating
Delta Air Lines is No. 1, and JetBlue is No. 2, according to the 29th annual Airline Quality Rating (AQR), released today, Monday, April 8. The AQR is the most comprehensive study of performance and quality of the largest airlines in the United States. The rating is a multifactor examination of the airlines based on mishandled baggage, consumer complaints, on-time performance and involuntary denied boardings.
The AQR is a joint research project funded as part of faculty research activities at the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott, Ariz., campus. The 2019 AQR reflects data collected during the 2018 calendar year.
Key findings show that three of the four AQR factors tracked -- involuntary denied boardings, mishandled bags and customer complaints -- improved for the airline industry in 2018. On-time performance, the most heavily weighted element in the AQR, slipped in 2018.
This year’s report also reveals the lowest rate of bumped passengers, the lowest rate of mishandled baggage and the lowest rate of customer complaints for the industry since the AQR started in 1991.
Delta was the only airline to improve in all four categories. Six of the airlines rated performed better in 2018 versus their 2017 AQR scores. Those carriers were Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United. Airlines whose scores declined in 2018 were Alaska, American and Frontier.
“These results are very needed by the traveling public, given all the recent reports of airlines losing the confidence of key consumers,” said Dr. Brent Bowen, AQR co-author and professor of aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, Ariz. campus. “As the most respected and unbiased report on airline performance, travelers can be confident that our airlines are improving.”
“Overall, another good year of industry performance,” said Dr. Dean Headley, AQR co-author and emeritus professor of marketing at the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University. “The best-ever industry AQR score for 2018 is largely due to improvements in the rate of involuntary denied boardings and the rate of customer complaints. Consumers have demanded better and the industry listened and improved.”
Inside this year’s rating
Below is the 2019 ranking of the nation’s largest nine airlines, according to the Airline Quality Rating, with the 2018 ranking in parentheses:
- Delta (2)
- JetBlue (3)
- Southwest (5)
- Alaska (1)
- Hawaiian (4)
- United (8)
- Spirit (12)
- American (9)
- Frontier (11)
The merger of Alaska and Virgin America was completed in April of 2018. The results for Alaska reflect the performance of the merged airlines for the entire year.
An electronic version of the full report, with details on each airline, is available at http://airlinequalityrating.com.
Title IX Empowerment Summit coming April 15
A Title IX Empowerment Summit will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 15, in the CAC Theater.
Come hear keynote speaker Byron Hurt, award-winning documentary filmmaker, a published writer, and an anti-sexist activist, speak to empower the campus community to engage in prevention initiatives to end rape and domestic violence, discussing how Shocker Nation can empower each other to be proactive.
For more information, go to wichita.edu/empowerment.
Third business dean candidate to visit campus today (Monday, April 8) and Tuesday, April 9
Daniel Goebel, dean and professor of marketing, The W.A. Franke College of Business, Northern Arizona University, will visit Wichita State as a dean candidate for the Barton School of Business today (Monday, April 8) and Tuesday, April 9.
Faculty, staff and students are invited to a public forum at 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 8, in 204 Clinton Hall. Information is also available on the Academic Affairs website.
Startup Grind U event to feature WSU alum Greg White
From bootstrapping to exit, Greg White has seen entrepreneurial ventures do it all. Tech visionary and Wichita State alum Greg White is joining us for Startup Grind U at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in the Marcus Welcome Center. Whatever point your venture may be at, from idea to startup, he has insight across it all.
Tickets are free for students, faculty, staff, and affiliates of Wichita State. Refreshments will be provided, as well as the opportunity to connect with industry professionals from across the community. We hope to see you there!
Book publishing questions and advice with the University Press of Kansas
Kim Hogeland, acquisitions editor at the University Press of Kansas, will be available to meet with WSU faculty on a drop-on basis from 1-3 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in 125a-Learning Center, Ablah Library. Hogeland will be happy to talk with you about your work in progress and offer publishing advice, regardless of whether your project is a fit for Kansas’s publishing program.
For faculty who cannot attend the drop-in hours, Kim will also be available for a few short appointments. For more information or to request an appointment, please contact her at khogeland@ku.edu.
Founded in 1946, the University Press of Kansas represents the six Kansas public universities: Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, the University of Kansas, and Wichita State University. www.kansaspress.ku.edu
RSVP by today (Monday, April 8) for Service-Learning Faculty Training on April 12
Are you interesting incorporating service-learning into a course? Want to hear tips and tricks from your colleagues? Please join us for the spring service-learning training from 10 a.m.-noon Friday, April 12, in 233 RSC.
The morning will begin with a brief overview of service-learning course integration and best practices, before moving into brief roundtable discussions, and concluding with an informational poster fair featuring our 2018-19 Service-Learning Scholars courses and service-learning projects. Additionally, the United Way of the Plains and VolunteerICT will be present to share resources on connecting to local community partners and needs. Breakfast will be served. Please RSVP by Monday, April 8, at wichita.edu/servicelearning.
For questions, contact Chelsea Redger-Marquardt, associate director, Student Involvement, at chelsea.redger@wichita.edu or Rhonda Lewis at rhonda.lewis@wichita.edu.
Gearhart to give legislative update today (Monday, April 8)
Zach Gearhart, director of Government Relations, will provide a legislative update at 2 p.m. today (Monday, April 8), in the Morrison Hall boardroom. Interested faculty and staff are welcome to attend.
Upcoming Events at University Libraries
Upcoming events at the University Libraries include “Monday Technology Workshops: Cyber Security and Forensics,” “Tech Tuesdays: One Button Studio/Virtual Reality Studio,” “I’ve Heard of Endnote: How Do I Get Started?” and “Citations: How Do I Write Papers in APA Style?”
“Monday Technology Workshops: Cyber Security and Forensics” from 1–2 p.m. Monday, April 8, in C-Space, Ablah Library. See workshop details.
“Tech Tuesdays: One Button Studio/Virtual Reality Studio” from noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, in C-Space, Ablah Library. See workshop details.
“I’ve Heard of Endnote: How Do I Get Started?” from 4–5 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in 217, Ablah Library. See workshop details.
“Citations: How Do I Write Papers in APA Style?” from noon–1 p.m. Friday, April 12, in 217 Ablah Library. See workshop details.
“Monday Technology Workshops: Blockchain Technology” from 1-2 p.m. Monday, April 15, in C-Space, Ablah Library. See workshop details.
“Tech Tuesdays: 360 Camera/Document Camera/GoPro Hero 4” from noon–2 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, in C-Space, Ablah Library. See workshop details.
“Citation Searching and Altmetrics for T&P Dossiers” from 1–2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, in 217 Ablah Library. See workshop details.
“Patent Basics for New Inventors” from 5:30–7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, in 217 Ablah Library. See workshop details.
“The Path to a Patent Part II: Patent Searching” from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Friday, April 19, in 204 Ablah Library. See workshop details.
For more information and event registration, click here. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend.
Sign up by April 10 to host a Finals Frenzy event
The Student Activities Council is gearing up to publicize the upcoming Finals Frenzy, which runs from Saturday, May 4, through Thursday, May 9. Is your department or organization planning to host an event during this time? Please fill out the following form on ShockerSync.
The submission deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 10. For more information, contact SAC at sac@wichita.edu.
Special edition of admissions newsletter: W-S-YOU
W-S-YOU, an event for admitted students for fall 2019, was held on Saturday, March 30. This year, 501 students and 627 guests for a total of 1,128 people attended the event. Thank you to everyone who staffed the event and showed our guests why Shocker Nation is the place they want to be next school year!
In case you missed the latest admissions newsletter recapping W-S-YOU, click here.
Career Development Center Annual Report
The Career Development Center recently released their 2017-18 annual report. Some highlights include: 1,102 students enrolled in co-op / internships, co-op / internship students earned $4.9 million in wages, students worked with 492 employers, 136 career events were hosted, and 621 on-campus interviews conducted. Read more.
Psychology Department Colloquium to feature criminology professor
Remi Boivin, associate professor, School of Criminology, Universite de Montreal, and researcher at the International Centre for Comparative Criminology, will be the guest speaker at a Psychology Department Colloquium from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, in 266 RSC. His talk is titled “The body-worn camera perspective bias: An application of psychology to the criminal justice system.”
His work on police use of force and body-worn cameras has been published, in “Police Quarterly,” “Policing and the Journal of Experimental Criminology,” and other related journals. He often works with police organizations in Quebec, Canada and currently leads research collaborations on body-worn cameras with the National Police Academy.
Critical thinking, professionalism, intercultural fluency. Are your students career ready?
Helping students develop skills outside of the classroom that employers are looking for is important for preparing them for life after graduation. Students can visit the “Are You Career Ready?” infographic to learn about the eight competencies employers are looking for – beyond academic knowledge.
If students are needing professional work experience in their field, they should explore cooperative education and internship opportunities. Students can also create a profile and look for jobs online on Handshake or join the Shocker Mentorship Network – all from the Career Development Center website.
Citation Search and Altmetrics for T&P Dossiers workshop coming April 16
Want to get a head start on working on your tenure and promotion dossier? Want to determine the impact of your research?
Come to the University Libraries’ Citation Searching and Altmetrics for T&P Dossiers workshop from 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, in 217 Ablah Library. The librarians will give training on cited reference searching in the Scopus database and Google Scholar. They will also discuss alt(ernative) metrics, the movement to find new ways to look at the use and impact of specific research in today’s ever expanding professional social networks. There will be time for hands-on practice.
Please note: Specific resources covered will include Scopus, Google Scholar, ORCID, Mendeley, Research Gate, Academia.edu, Scopus altmetrics, and PlumX. Consult with your department and/or college T&P committee regarding expectations for presenting this information in your dossier. Reservations are appreciated but not required.
‘Developing Budgets: How to Avoid a Budget Battle Before a Grant Goes Out’ workshop on April 25
Please join the Office of Research to ask all your research budget questions (Allowable costs vs Unallowable Costs; WSU Rates, Travel questions; How to Build Flexibility into Grant Budgets; What is cost match and where can I find it; What is indirect cost recovery?).
The workshop “Developing Budgets; How to Avoid a Budget Battle Before a Grant Goes Out,” will be held from 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25, in 405 Jardine Hall. It will be presented by Fran Cook senior grants / contracts administrator and training manager, and Megan White, grants / contracts specialist.
For more information, contact Kendra Nguyen at kendra.nguyen@wichita.edu or 978-3285.
WSU's Ray Hull to offer Graduate School presentation on the art of communication in professional life
“The Art of Communication in Professional Life: Your Competitive Edge” will be presented from noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in 142 RSC. The presenter will be Ray Hull from the College of Health Professions. All are welcome; lunch RSVP to jenny.stauffer@wichita.edu.
To demonstrate excellence as professionals, we must also develop excellence as communicators. Effective communication involves a delicate balance between a nurturing and caring communicative style, and the assurance that one is working with a well-prepared professional.
This presentation will give those in attendance insights into the art of communication, the art of non-verbal communication, and the art of communication in conflict resolution.
Design without limits
Join Stratasys, Wichita State, and DEPCO Enterprises to discover better ways to prepare your students for the future by hearing what industries are implementing today, and what they hope to do tomorrow. Spend the day discussing industrial development and applications; current higher education practices; and the future of additive manufacturing through research and innovation from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, in the College of Engineering Beggs Hall.
The registration deadline is Friday, April 19. Register now
Come to the Airbus + WSU Innovation Fair on April 16
The spring Airbus+WSU Innovation Fair will be held from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, at Airbus Americas, Inc. 1855 Innovation Blvd. in the Airbus atrium.
The purpose of the fair is to bring together WSU innovation partners, students, staff and faculty together to learn more about the various innovative resources on campus in a marketplace fair setting.
Workshop on Ableton Audio Workstation Software and Hardware coming to Shocker Studios
Ableton Music Software representative Serafin Sanchez will give a workshop on Ableton Audio Workstation Software and Hardware from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at Shocker Studios, 3805 E Harry St. The event is free, pizza provided.
Performance in the Plaza coming April 10
Performance in the Plaza brings dance, music, and performance art to you! Student Activities Council is hosting a showcase of performances from noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at the WSU Plaza of Heroines in front of Ablah Library. This energetic event will immerse you into the craft, sophistication, and allure of dance, singing, and art.
For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to www.wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at sac@wichita.edu.
Paid student marketing and design internships available
If you work with students, please let them know about internship opportunities in the Office of Strategic Communications. We are accepting applications now through April 15 for paid student internship positions in marketing and graphic design. Qualified applicants must be strong communicators, highly motivated and able to work hard in a team environment. Interested students can go to SC Intern to apply. Questions? Email lainie.mazzullo@wichita.edu.
April HealthQuest events
Employees enrolled in 2019 coverage through the State Employee Health Plan can earn a premium discount worth $480 annually and HSA/HRA rewards dollars up to $500 per year for each employee and covered spouse, just by participating and logging healthy activities throughout the year! Start by registering in the HealthQuest portal.
In April, there are five events currently scheduled, worth up to 42 points total! Check out some of the upcoming events this month below.
- April 3-17, “Peace of Mind” wellness challenge. Sign up in the HealthQuest portal by April 9 (2 points)
- April 8, kick off for the Quarter 2 Naturally Slim Class. Remember to log in each week to check in and stay on top of weekly content! (15 points upon program completion)
- April 16, on-campus Biometric Screening in RSC 265. Schedule your appointment today in the HealthQuest portal, or by calling 1-888-275-1205, option 3! (Up to 23 points)
- April 16, on-campus Health Coaching. Schedule your appointment today in the HealthQuest portal, or by calling 1-888-275-1205, option 3! (1 point per coaching)
- April 17, “Balancing Work and Life” EAP webinar. Register online. (1 point)
- We’ll publish upcoming events each month, but if you like to plan in advance, check out all currently scheduled HealthQuest events.
WSU alum and NASA flight controller to speak at Wichita State
Steve Carothers
Join the Wichita Space Initiative (WSI) as we welcome Steve Carothers, a WSU alum and former NASA flight controller, who will speak to us about his time at Mission Control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in 261 RSC. His talk, “Space Shuttle Ascent Aborts,” will look at his primary duties while at NASA-JSC, which included real-time support as an ascent / entry guidance and procedures officer during launch, deorbit, and landing. Talks in WSI's Space Exploration Lecture Series are free and open to the public.
For more information about the WSI and the Space Exploration Lecture Series, visit wichita.edu/space.
Donate life- it’s the best gift you can give!
Did you know blood donations save 4.5 million lives each year, yet less than 1 out
of every 10 people donates? A decision to donate blood can save a life, or even several
when separated into its components – red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Here are
five of the most common lifesaving transfusions and how much blood they require. Another
reminder that every donation counts!
The Wichita State Blood Drive will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, and Wednesday, April 17, in the Heskett Center lobby. All presenting donors will receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last.
To schedule your appointment visit www.redcrossblood.org; Sponsor code: Wichita State or call 1-800-Red-Cross.
- Car Accidents: A patient with serious injuries from a car wreck needs approximately 50 or more units of blood.
- Organ Transplants: Organ recipients require varying amounts of blood. A liver transplant requires the most blood at up to 50 units, while others transplants require about 10.
- Trauma Patients: Bleeding after an injury is responsible for over 2 million deaths each year worldwide. Trauma patients may need up to 50 units of red blood cells, and additional units of plasma and platelets.
- Bone Marrow Transplants: They are performed to replace bone marrow that has been damaged or destroyed by disease, infection or chemotherapy. Bone marrow transplant patients need up to 20 units of red cells, and 25 units of platelets.
- Burn Victims: Blood transfusions (approximately 20 units) help burn victims maintain oxygen levels, reduce anemia, support tissue healing and preserve organ function.
Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) Symposium coming April 26
All are welcome to join the Graduate School at the annual university-wide symposium of student research and poster presentations on Friday, April 26, on the third floor, RSC!
Come support students at the opening remarks and poster session from 9 a.m.-noon. Submit your “People’s Choice” vote for best poster. Judges will review posters and listen to presenters. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners at the closing general session from 1-1:30 p.m.
For more detail on the event visit GRASP.
Judges needed for GRASP poster session
The Graduate School is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to judge during the poster session for the 2019 Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) symposium from 10 a.m.-noon Friday, April 26, in the RSC. We are counting on your volunteer services this year. Plus, it is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the diverse research and scholarly projects in which graduate students across campus have been engaged.
To indicate your willingness to volunteer to judge, please email GRASP@wichita.edu. More information regarding the logistics of the day will follow in the coming weeks for those volunteering to judge.
Enjoy Wichita State Night at the K
It’s Wichita State Night at the K on Saturday, April 27. Join Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Adventures team as we watch the Royals take on the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. With it being Wichita State night, you will receive a KC Royals hat with a WSU stamp.
We will have Jimmy John’s boxed lunches on the ride up to Kansas City, arriving at the stadium by 5:30 p.m. ***Food and drinks will not be provided at the game. This will be an out of pocket expense.***
After the game we will head straight back to Wichita. Follow up communication will be emailed prior to the trip. Contact Kaycee Miller at Campus Recreation at 978-5820 or kaycee.miller@wichita.edu for any questions. Register here.
Send love to our troops
WSU Dining is collecting items to donate to our local troops through the Airman and Family Readiness Center through Thursday, April 11. For more information on where and what to donate, go to send love.
WSU goes country with The Roast
In its third year, The Roast livens up the heart of campus with music, food and games from 4-6 p.m. today (Monday, April 8) in the RSC east courtyard. Event attendees have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $300 Amazon gift card, prize packages and more.
Wichita’s Adam Capps Band will take the stage, performing classic covers and originals that range from country to classic rock. Food is a big part of The Roast, and we will serve grilled corn-on-the-cob with custom butters, an elote station and chicken on a stick.
The Roast is sponsored by Student Involvement, Meritrust Credit Union, and Rhatigan Student Center. Free and open to all Shockers! For more information about The Roast, contact Student Involvement at 978-3022 or getinvolved@wichita.edu.