A series of events honoring the life of late Wichita State President John Bardo will be held May 6-10 on campus. Dr. Bardo, the 13th president of WSU, died March 12 after a long illness.
The feature event will be the public Celebration of Life from 3-4 p.m. Thursday, May 9, in the Rhatigan Student Center’s Shirley Beggs Ballroom (third floor).
If you plan to attend, go to Bardo RSVP.
Bardo exhibit opens in Cadman Art Gallery today (Monday, May 6)
A life display of late President John Bardo is on display now through Friday, May 10, in Cadman Art Gallery, first floor, RSC.
Pictured above is the gallery as images and materials were being prepared for the display.
Sen. Moran, Secretary of the Navy discuss Wichita State’s contributions to the Navy
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense – on Wednesday discussed Wichita and Wichita State University’s contributions to the U.S. Navy and to the nation’s defense with Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer during a subcommittee hearing to examine the U.S. Navy’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget request.
“Secretary, we are an aerospace manufacturing capital and engineering expertise abounds in Wichita, Kansas, known as the Air Capital of the World,” said Sen. Moran. “You and I have had several conversations about the talent, particularly at Wichita State University, to support Fleet Readiness in the Navy and the Marine Corps. The University is the number one industry funded university for aerospace research and development in the country . . . I would ask you, Mr. Secretary, can you describe the partnership with Wichita State University and how will the Navy and Marine Corps benefit from this private sector assistance?”
“Senator, it’s interesting you bring that up because I actually use Wichita State University as a venue to really present how we are doing things differently in Navy,” responded Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer.
Remarks as delivered:
Sen. Moran: “Chairman Shelby, thank you. General Neller and Admiral Richardson, first, I want to join my colleagues in thanking you both for your service – tremendous, impeccable service – to our country. Extend my congratulations and best wishes to you and your family upon your retirements.
“General Neller, you have an impressive 44 years of service to our nation – I think that sets a record for the Marine Corps. I again wish you well and the first time we met you spent a lot of time talking about your tomatoes, and I hope they now get your attention in this stage of your life.
“Admiral Richardson, you and I were together on a forum panel at the Reagan Defense Forum several years ago, and I want to remind you and thank you for assisting me in calling a young Kansan, Dawson Podlena, from Topeka, and we congratulated him on his nomination by me and his acceptance by the Naval Academy. It was great. I’m not sure he knew what ‘The Chief’ was at the time, but I assume he now knows the significance of your notifying him of his acceptance to the Naval Academy. I’m proud of those folks we get to nominate and I know they will serve the country well.
“Mr. Secretary, you gave me a great honor. The opportunity to be in Florida and to help dedicate, to preside over the commissioning of the USS Wichita in January. I was reluctant, not knowing what I might say. It was a great ceremony and instilled in me, reminded me, of the great patriotism and service to our country of you and those who serve in the Navy. And, it was a great day to recognize Wichita, Kansas, the ‘Keeper of the Plains,’ and the Navy honored the USS Wichita – now the ‘Keeper of the Seas’ and again, thank you for that great opportunity.
“Speaking of Wichita, Mr. Secretary, we are an aerospace manufacturing capital, and engineering expertise abounds in Wichita, Kansas – known as the Air Capital of the World. You and I have had several conversations about the talent particularly at Wichita State University to support Fleet Readiness in the Navy and the Marine Corps. The University is the number one industry funded university for aerospace research and development of the country.
“Your F-18 fleet has been characterized as the ‘backbone of the Navy.’ You’ve taken steps to address unacceptably low readiness rates and maintenance of that fleet. This time last year, I think 74% of the Marine Corps F-18’s were not ready for combat, but I understand that mission-capable rates have improved and maintenance remains a top priority. I’m pleased that one way the Marine Corps is tackling this issue is partnering with Wichita State. I would ask you, Mr. Secretary, can you describe the partnership with Wichita State University but how will the Navy and Marine Corps benefit from this private sector assistance?”
Sec. Richard Spencer: “Senator, it’s interesting you bring that up because I actually use Wichita State University as a venue to really present how we are doing things differently in Navy.
“Through the DoD Strategic Capabilities Office, which we call the SCO office, Marine Corps is working with Wichita State in a program called Paladin. Where it is primarily that the front-runner is data analytics, to do predictive analytics. And, what I mean by that is studying the wear the tear of parts so we can predetermine through data analysis what parts will be needed and we have them ready in the bin, and it sounds simple, it really is cutting-edge technology.
“They’re also working with the University on the whole concept of a ‘digital twin’ for the F-18. This is a model where we don’t have to physically destruct anything anymore. We create the actual airframe in a digital environment, putting stresses on it. With the algorithms we know from past histories, we can test out and find out where the limits are in certain areas of the plane. And then, the automatic robotic scanning and drilling. At the end of the day we still assemble aircraft. It is still science but a lot of art. And the ability to but the hole in the right place to put it simply is very important. So, three areas that we’re working with Wichita State on – ten years ago probably not traditional – now this is the way we want to think and work with our academic institutions.”
Sen. Moran: “Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for that. A couple years ago I would not of understood much of what you just said and now I do, and it is the future. It is the way that we can sustain and improve our readiness.”
Click here to watch Sen. Moran’s full questioning.
Airbus opens employee training to WSU community and more
Airbus is opening their employee training to WSU community and other local companies. Airbus held a meeting with 30 faculty and industry partners to measure interest in data analytics and also get input into planning on Tuesday, May 14. There was tremendous interest from all parties, and lots of talk about how this event should be the first of many data analytics days that feature different companies, different software solutions, etc.
The agenda includes three tracks of training on Tableau software –Tableau is free for all students and instructors. There will also be several case studies and speakers from different companies sharing how they use data analytics in their company. Several companies sponsoring the event in addition to Airbus, are Cargill, NetApp, Tableau, Altryx, Snowflake, Informatica, and Interworks.
Wichita State and WSU Tech to sign articulation agreement at ceremony today (Monday, May 6)
Wichita State and WSU Tech invite you to the 2+2 articulation agreement signing ceremony and reception at 2 p.m. today (Monday, May 6) at the National Center for Aviation Training.
This new agreement will provide WSU Tech students with a seamless transfer into the new Workforce Leadership and Applied Learning Degree offered by the College of Applied Studies.
Learn more about the Workforce Leadership and Applied Learning degree program.
Parking lot closures for May 9-12
Thursday, May 9: John W. Bardo Celebration of Life: “It’s a Great Day to be a Shocker”
No parking lots are specifically blocked for this day, but we are expecting a lot of visitors on campus. Parking Services will be out and about to help direct visitors attending the public Celebration of Life event at 3 p.m. to available parking, which will include the parking garage.
Friday, May 10: All of lot 18 outside Brennan Hall III will be blocked off for the Appreciation Day for our Veterans event.
Thursday-Sunday, May 9-12: All of lot 3 between Devlin Hall and Cessna Stadium, and the east half of lot 5 (Green lot east of Corbin Education Center), will be blocked for the AAC track meet. These lots will be blocked off early Wednesday night, to get them cleared and set up for the event.
WSU selected for first-generation student success
Wichita State University has been selected by the NASPA Center for First-Generation Student Success as one of 80 institutions who comprise the inaugural cohort of First Forward institutions.
WSU’s application was submitted by the First-Generation Coordinating Council and highlights the increasing percentage of students attending Wichita State as well as the transformative work underway to make WSU a more student-ready campus. Our history of service to first-generation students includes our nine TRIO programs and four GEAR UP programs, services provided in both Academic and Student Affairs, and the solid communication about the assets brought to our campus by this special student demographic.
For more information on the First Forward initiative or to find the comprehensive list of institutions, please visit the NASPA Website.
Members of the Wichita State University First-Generation Coordinating Council include:
Bobby Berry – College of Applied Studies
Dr. Gary Brookings – College of En
gineering
Deanna Carrithers – Division of Diversity and Community Engagement
Aaron Coffey – Graduate School
Lisa Garcia – College of Health Professions
Lawanda Holt-Fields – TRIO McNair Scholars Program
Carla Mann – Bill and Dorothy Cohen Honors College
Dr. Gery Markova – Barton School of Business
Dr. Kennedy Musamali – TRIO Student Support Services
Jeff Pulaski – College of Fine Arts
Alicia Sanchez – Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Kim Sandlin – Office of Student Success
Jodie Simon – Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Vanessa Souriya-Mnirajd – TRIO Disability Support Services
V. Kaye Monk-Morgan – Academic Affairs (Chair)
Gearhart to give legislative update tomorrow (Tuesday, May 7)
Zach Gearhart, director of Government Relations, will provide a legislative update at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, May 7), in the Morrison Hall boardroom. Interested faculty and staff are welcome to attend.
Help support graduate student enrollment
With the 2019 spring semester coming to an end, we are asking everyone, as part of a university-wide effort, to help support graduate student enrollment.
There are several ways to connect with undergrads you think would make great graduate students. Sometimes all it takes is a little direction from a caring staff or faculty member, like you, to help in that decision process. You can connect with potential graduate students by:
- Reaching out to them during class
- Promoting your program on social media
- Providing opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and graduate students
Above all, when reaching out to a potential graduate student, make sure they know that they will not be going through the application process alone! If available, offer resources through your department, specifically the graduate coordinator, or direct them to wsugradschool@wichita.edu for assistance on the application.
Your efforts in helping foster a culture of graduate learning and engagement in WSU graduating students is valued and appreciated!
Startup Grind U event tomorrow (Tuesday, May 7)
The last Startup Grind U event for the semester will be held at 6 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, May 7), in 265 RSC. The event is free. The guest speaker will be Christina Long, owner of CML Collective LLC, and the president / CEO of Create Campaign Inc. Passionate about building the community in Wichita and empowering urban entrepreneurs, she has launched initiatives to aid in launching, innovating, and excelling in their ventures.
Celebrate Public Service Recognition Week
Celebrated the first week of May, Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) is a national week-long celebration to honor those who serve our communities as federal, state, county and local government employees.
As part of PSRW, WSU’s Public Policy & Management Center invites you to a free event at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, May 7), at the Experiential Engineering Building, as we explore ways to build, grow and enhance talent retention, advancement and diversity. The evening will feature recognition of outstanding public servants, networking opportunities, the chance to connect with professional organizations, and a panel discussion with local public and private sector leaders. For more information, go to wichita.edu/psrw.
This Diversity in Action interactive training will highlight the benefits of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, social identities, recognizing and understanding microaggressions, introducing the matrix of oppression, understanding how to get past stereotypes and prejudices, addressing issues, as well as how and who to report them to.
This interactive training from 9-11 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, May 7), in 266 RSC, is designed to shape your understanding of diversity and inclusion while providing an open forum for questions and concerns. Find out more about this Diversity in Action Program.
This training is free and available to all WSU employees (faculty and staff). Log in to myWSU and register through myTraining. For questions, contact myTraining@wichita.edu.
WSU Reads announcement for 2019-20
The Office of Student Success: First-Year Programs is announcing the 2019-20 WSU Reads common read book, “Designing Your Life,” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.
We are excited to welcome a new class of students using the themes of this book throughout the year. If you have a program, student organization or course that may be interested in using the book, or have any questions, contact First-Year Programs at 978-3453 or Caitlin Putnal at caitlin.putnal@wichita.edu. See WSU Reads for more information.
Joint UP and USS General Meeting coming Tuesday, May 14
USS and UP staff – Plan to attend the spring semester Joint UP and USS General Meeting from 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, in 208 Hubbard Hall. We look forward to having you join us!
Annualized Salary Spread for Academic Year 2019-20
For exempt nine / 10-month employees (faculty and UP) not currently on salary spread but interested in participating in this program, an agreement form must be signed. Salary spread payments for academic year 2019-20 will begin with the pay period that starts on Aug. 11, 2019 (pay date of Sept. 6, 2019). To exercise this option, please complete the nine / 10-month Annualized Salary Agreement form.
If you are currently on annualized salary spread, it remains in force from year-to-year unless you elect to discontinue it. To discontinue it, you must notify the Office of Human Resources in writing prior to July 3, 2019. Complete the cancellation form.
Free donuts at Ablah Library for "'Donut' Stress Out @ your Library" event today (Monday, May 6)
Do not stress over finals! Stop by Ablah Library foyer starting at 10 a.m. today (Monday, May 6), for a free donut and coffee while supplies last! Also come inside to enjoy our De-Stress @ your Library tables that include Play-Doh, coloring books, puzzles, and more.
For more information, go to University Library events.
Upcoming events at University Libraries
Upcoming events at the University Libraries include “De-stress @ your Library,” “’Donut’ Stress Out @ your Library,” “Monday Technology Workshops: Big Data Analytics,” and “Tech Tuesdays: Amazon Alexa and Google Home.”
“De-stress @ your Library” during all library hours now to Friday, May 10, on all levels of Ablah Library. Take a break from studying for finals in Ablah Library with play-doh, origami, coloring books, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles and other activities. Click here for more information.
“’Donut’ Stress Out @ your Library” starting at 10 a.m. today (Monday, May 6) in the foyer of Ablah Library. Grab a free donut and coffee while supplies last! Click here for more information.
“Monday Technology Workshops: Big Data Analytics” from 1-2 p.m. today (Monday, May 6), in C-Space, Ablah Library. See workshop details.
“Tech Tuesdays: Amazon Alexa and Google Home” from noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 in C-Space, Ablah Library. See workshop details.
For more information and event registration, go to library events. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend.
Participants 60+ years of age needed for research study on the effects of a visual training program
Are you 60+ years of age? Do you want to improve your visual and cognitive functions?
The Visual Perception & Cognition Lab is looking for participants for research studies that investigate the effects of a visual training program. The research study involves about five, one-hour tests or training sessions that will be conducted on the WSU campus or WSU Shocker Studios on East Harry Street. Participants will be compensated with $120 for completing the study.
Contact Inga at ixsogaard@shockers.wichita.edu or call 316-737-6863 to learn more about what is involved in this exciting research study!
Help is available to guide transfer students to WSU
Do you know a student interested in transferring to Wichita State? Visit the Transfer Gateway to get an estimate of how their credits may transfer to Wichita State. While on the Gateway, compare majors, career paths, and explore job demand.
For more information, contact Justin Petersen at 316-978-5042 or Justin.petersen@wichita.edu.
Students can use summer to stay on track and plan for next year’s success!
While summer break is often when students take time to relax, it can also be used to stay on track and plan for next academic year. Participating in applied learning experiences, taking summer courses and researching careers are just a few ways students can keep the momentum toward graduation going. If students gain some ground during the summer, their student experience may very well benefit.
Save the date for the Kansas Economic Outlook Conference
The Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR), part of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, is hosting the 40th Annual Kansas Economic Outlook Conference on from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Century II Convention Center, 225 W. Douglas.
Experts will deliver insights on the economy, which will consist of state and local industry-level employment projections, real estate forecasts, small business economic conditions and an aerospace update.
Speakers will include:
- Holly Wade, director of National Federation of Independent Business
- Tom Kim, senior vice president of commercial real estate finance at Mortgage Bankers Association
- Tom Gentile, CEO at Spirit AeroSystems
- Stan Longhofer, director of the Center for Real Estate at WSU
- Jeremy Hill, director of the CEDBR.
Celebrate the dedication of ‘Shockers,' a new sculpture by Tom Otterness
Join us in celebrating the dedication of “Shockers,” a new sculpture by Tom Otterness to its renowned Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection. The sculpture is one of three new pieces entering the collection in the spring of 2019. Reveal and remarks start at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at the south lawn of Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Reception to follow.
Finals Frenzy 1-2-3 Deals
Head down to the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes today (Monday, May 6) to Friday, May 10, and enjoy these great deals as you prepare for finals:
$1 Bowling Games ($2 Shoe Rental Applies)
$2 Hot Dogs
$3 WuShock Wheat Cans
1-2-3 Deals are open to everyone, not just students, so plan to stop by!
Mother’s Day Sale at Shocker Store
This week in the Shocker Store, take 20% off all Shocker mom merchandise, just in time for Mother’s Day! Sale is valid in both the RSC store and Braeburn Square store.