Volunteers needed for Clash of the Colleges
Interested in volunteering for Clash of the Colleges? Student Success: First-Year Programs and Campus Recreation are looking for enthusiastic individuals to volunteer during the 5th Annual Clash of the Colleges on Friday, Aug. 23.
If you want to be a part of this iconic event, go to www.wichita.edu/clash to complete the volunteer form. Volunteers must attend one of two training meetings, either from noon-2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, or 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, in 266 RSC.
If you have any questions, contact Shareika Fisher at shareika.fisher@wichita.edu or call 978-5420.
Investment in college educators pays off for communities
Elizabeth King
The following op-ed by Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation, appeared in The Wichita Eagle on Friday, Aug. 2.
Almost all of us can recall a childhood teacher who made a pivotal difference in our lives. He or she saw our potential and helped set us on a path for personal or educational growth.
The same scenario plays out in college. Over the years, countless people have told me stories of the professors who changed their lives, who inspired them to achieve in ways they never thought possible, to pursue careers they never thought attainable — to be the very best versions of themselves.
This is the kind of educator every university in the country wants and competes fiercely for. After all, over time, a typical faculty member touches hundreds if not thousands of lives. The knowledge and experience these students gain will only be as strong as the faculty under whom they study.
Recognizing and respecting the enormous importance of our faculty, the WSU Foundation is making it a top priority in the coming year to raise private funds to invest in them. In this final year of our Shock the World Campaign, we hope to show our loyal alumni, local corporations and businesses, and other friends how much is at stake. The professors we bring to Wichita (and strive to keep here) are the mentors, innovators and thinkers who play a large role in shaping the future of our economy with every student they teach. Our goal is to support them by increasing the number of endowed chairs, professorships and faculty fellows, as well as enhancing funds for general faculty support.
Like every university nationwide, Wichita State relies on private contributions to achieve the margin of excellence — a level of distinction that public funding alone cannot sustain. WSU’s reputation has been enhanced because donors share the vision of our university’s leadership to be known for our innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. This appeal for additional faculty support is directed to all who value Wichita State’s contributions.
WSU is fortunate to have an exceptionally talented roster of educators. Our scholars and professionals are committed not only to their students, but also to their community. But in too many cases, our investment in them falls short. These educators have many job opportunities from which to choose, not only from schools vying for them but also from the private sector. We also want to hire industry experts and other professionals who have real-life knowledge and experiences to share with our students. To be competitive in these arenas, Wichita State must do more. We must augment existing resources with the philanthropic support of those who understand how vital outstanding faculty is to our university’s future.
I invite you to be a partner in supporting higher public education in our community. Investing in WSU’s prized faculty will enhance our ability to help our region thrive, as we prepare young men and women to tackle tomorrow’s challenges and build our future.
Gain an edge when directing tasks and projects
Influencing without Authority from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, with Gerald Graham, Ph.D.
Identify techniques and strategies that you can use to influence others where you do not have direct line authority. You will also address the situation where you do have line authority, but prefer to influence the actions and decisions of subordinates rather than direct them. Come learn to reframe your communications.
- Build a collaborative work environment
- Exchange as a basis of influence
- Your self-image as an influencer
The cost is $299, with a 40% discount for WSU faculty, staff and students. Some restrictions apply.
For more information go to cmd.wichita.edu or register at 978-3118.
Register now for the Shocker Resource Fair
The annual Shocker Resource Fair is a great way to tell new Shockers about the opportunities,
programs and resources that your department or office has to offer! The fair will
take place from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, on the Shocker Hall Plaza.
Register at wichita.edu/ResourceFair to participate. Registration closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, August 19. Contact Randi
Beggs at randi.beggs@wichita.edu with questions.
Tenure and Promotion Sessions
All faculty going up for promotion and / or tenure are welcome to attend a Tenure and Promotion Session at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, Aug. 7), in 326 Clinton Hall, and 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, in 326 Clinton Hall. Coffee and snacks will be provided.
Changes to Syllabus Template have been made
Several sections in the Syllabus Template have been updated. The Counseling and Prevention Services, Title IX and Student Health Services sections have been revised and a new section, First Generation Students, has been added.
Visit Teaching Support for full accessible version of the Syllabus Template.
Syllabus Template Changes for fall 2019.
Badges offer more courses for working professionals
Wichita State continues to offer courses for working professionals through its online badge program.
Badges are self-paced, online courses conveniently designed for students looking to develop new skills and gain new competencies related to their job. They can also be stacked over time and applied toward degree completion.
Offerings range from topics such as “Human Resources” to “The Skeletal Muscle as an Endocrine Organ.” Go to Badge Catalog to see a full list.
Scholarship Information
Students who enroll in a badge course by Monday, Sept. 9, will have the tuition and fees waived for one badge course for the fall semester. To learn more, visit badges.wichita.edu or 316-978-7579.
Read more about badges below.
WSU's badge program started in 2015 with one badge. With more than 80 badge offerings now, the program continues to meet community and industry demand.
Workforce education is among one of the highest priorities in today's higher education landscape. At Wichita State, that includes empowering working individuals with for-credit education that meets employer needs and matches the schedule of a busy life.
Unlike other online nondegree courses, WSU's badges are tied to credit hours and are subject to all Higher Learning Commission regional accreditation standards.
Badge coursework is part of a student's permanent academic record and will appear on an official transcript. Licensed professionals can also earn contact hours toward relicensure, as well as college credit. Courses are taught by experienced faculty who are subject matter experts.
The courses provide a structure that allows WSU to work with employers to develop curriculum specific to industry needs. This key distinction allows employers to know that the information learned in a badge course is valuable and relevant.
When a student completes a badge course, it can be shared on social media, such as on LinkedIn, and displayed on a digital resume with a link for employers / potential employers to see the details of that course.
Instructors can request SPTE evaluation for pre-session courses
If you would like to request a SPTE (Student Perception of Teaching Effectiveness) evaluation to be administered to your pre-session course, please click SPTE Forms. You also have the option of contacting the office at 978-3384.
SPTE information and additional services offered by the Social Science Research Lab, can be found at www.wichita.edu\sslab.
Watch progress of Student-Athlete Success Center
A camera has been installed at the construction site for the new Student-Athlete Success Center. Click here to watch the live progress.
The construction project has two main components. The largest is the construction
of the Student-Athlete Success Center, a 36,000-square-foot facility devoted to the
academic and athletic development of Wichita State student-athletes. The two-level
building, to be located just south of Charles Koch Arena, will feature a 2,500-square-foot
study hall, tutoring rooms and a larger computer center. WSU's track and cross country
programs will have a dedicated space in the facility.
A smaller component of the project is the renovation of administrative offices inside
Charles Koch Arena to create more space for the men's basketball, women's basketball
and volleyball programs.
It is expected to be substantially complete in July 2020.
The project is funded by private donations through the generosity of WSU supporters
who contributed to a fundraising campaign led by the WSU Foundation and WSU Athletics. Naming
opportunities on a special recognition wall inside Charles Koch Arena are still available. A
complete overview of the project is viewable at goshockers.com, or a brochure can be requested by contacting the Wichita State Athletics Development
Office at 316-978-7276.
Eat.Drink.Play. Rewards August Special
Members of the EAT.DRINK.PLAY. Rewards Program in the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes can enjoy $2 hot dogs every Wednesday in August. No limit!
If you are not already a rewards member, joining is free and easy. Simply stop in to register.