Benefits Open Enrollment – Four days left

2020 Benefits Open Enrollment is almost over! Log in to the Member Administration Portal at https://sehp.member.hrissuite.com to make your elections.

All benefits-eligible state employees must make their 2020 elections by the deadline on Oct. 31. Employees enrolled in medical coverage who do not make a new election will be defaulted into medical Plan N with a use-it-or-lose-it HRA.

Events occurring this week:

Tuesday, Oct. 29: HR Total Rewards Open Enrollment Presentation at 9 a.m. in 142 RSC. Your Total Rewards team will be here to present your 2020 open enrollment benefits and changes. This is the final presentation, so if you haven’t come to one yet, now is your chance!

Wednesday, Oct. 30: Open Enrollment Open Lab from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in 122 Jabara Hall

Thursday, Oct. 31: Open Enrollment Open Lab from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in 122 Jabara Hall

Employees can drop in anytime during the open enrollment lab for assistance registering and entering enrollment elections. You can RSVP at www.wichita.edu/openenrollment. Open Enrollment Labs do not include a presentation of plans or changes.

Due to the high volume of work during the open enrollment period, the HR Total Rewards Team will not be available for walk-in traffic or to make individual appointments regarding open enrollment. Please take advantage of the scheduled presentations, on-demand webinar and open lab sessions. For a full listing of Open Enrollment events, visit the Open Enrollment Website. Any questions should be directed to TotalRewards@wichita.edu.

Feedback sought for Woolsey Hall

Design for Woolsey Hall, the new building to house the W. Frank Barton School of Business, is underway!  Researchers from the selected architectural team, GastingerWalker& out of Kansas City + Gensler Chicago, will be on campus today (Monday, Oct.28) to become more familiar with the current Barton School of Business facilities, observe how students, faculty, and staff move through campus, and learn about the types of spaces that most resonate with our community. 

A poster session will be set up this afternoon in the RSC and Monday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon Oct. 28-30, in the lobby of Clinton Hall to get feedback from faculty, staff, and students about the types of spaces and activities they hope to see in the new building. Please stop by and participate!

The architectural team was selected following interviews of a short list of firms provided by the State Building Advisory Commission. The selection committee consisted of staff from Wichita State University and the WSU Foundation, as well as the Office of Facilities and Property Management and the Kansas Board of Regents.

Wichita State director receives American Association for Adult and Continuing Education Presidential Award

The American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) recently presented Wichita State’s Susan Norton with the 2019 AAACE Presidential Award for Exceptional and Innovative Leadership in Adult Continuing Education, an award given to someone who demonstrates exceptional and innovative leadership in the field of adult continuing education.

“I was surprised and honored to receive the award and the recognition,” she said. “I have been fortunate to spend my professional life doing something that I love and that defines me to my core.”

Norton is the director of the Office of Adult Learning at WSU, where she manages the recruitment and retention of the post-traditional population returning to WSU to finish their degrees. She can relate to the students she works with because she pursued her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees as a returning adult.

Her research interests continue to revolve around participation in continuing education, returning adult students in higher education and barriers to participation in continuing education. 

With a long list of contributions to adult learning, Norton has demonstrated her passion for the field for years. She has worked with Kansas institutions to increase opportunities for military and veterans to attain credit for prior learning, presented at conferences and training for elected officials and serves on numerous community and institutional committees.

Kansas NASA EPSCoR Program accepting Rapid Response Research (R3) proposals

The Kansas NASA EPSCoR Program (KNEP) is seeking proposals for a unique NASA opportunity titled the Rapid Response Research (R3) Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN). This CAN opportunity is a collaborative effort between EPSCoR and the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Planetary Science Division, Earth Science Division; HEOMD Space Biology Division, and the Commercial Space Capabilities Office (CSCO). The R3’s purpose is to provide a streamlined method to address research issues important to NASA.

NASA plans to make up to five $100,000 awards, with no cost-share requirement. Proposals must address topics identified by the involved NASA divisions (see Appendices A-F of the NASA Announcement - NNH20ZHA001C).

Kansas can only submit one NASA proposal per technical area. Therefore, KNEP will carefully review and select proposals for final NASA submission based on criteria clearly identified in the CAN announcement. The Kansas deadline for proposal submissions is Dec. 6, 2019.

Space heater policy warning

Cooler temperatures are arriving and Wichita State University Environmental Health and Safety reminds you that space heater are prohibited on campus. Please refer to University policies 11.20 Space Heaters and 11.27 HVAC System Standards for more information.

Professor Usha Haley quoted in Fortune magazine on Chinese tariffs

Usha Haley, the W. Frank Barton Distinguished Chair in International Business and Professor of Management at the Barton School of Business, was quoted in Fortune magazine on Chinese tariffs affecting US agribusiness. US exports of lobsters to China have dropped precipitously in response to Chinese tariffs and US firms are exploring alternative markets.

Read story quoting Usha Haley.

Faculty soloist joins WSU Symphony Orchestra in concert

Timothy Jones

Faculty artist Timothy Jones appears as soloist with the WSU Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 29) in Miller Concert Hall. The concert, featuring music by Brahms, Barber, and Bizet, will be conducted by Mark Laycock.

Associate Concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Jones is also Visiting Professor of Violin at WSU. He will perform the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra by American composer Samuel Barber. Intensely lyrical and thoroughly virtuosic, the concerto was commissioned by a Philadelphia industrialist for violinist Iso Briselli; it was premiered in 1941 by soloist Albert Spalding, conductor Eugene Ormandy, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

The concert also features Georges Bizet's Symphony No. 1 in C Major. Composed in 1855 while Bizet was a 17-year-old student at the Paris Conservatory, it is a remarkably mature and assured work. While firmly rooted in the Classical tradition of Mozart and Haydn, the symphony displays the melodic craft, rhythmic propulsion, and endearing charm of Bizet's Romantic operatic masterpiece, Carmen.

Brahms's dramatic and stirring Tragic Overture will open the program.

For tickets, contact the WSU Fine Arts Box Office, at 978-3233 or go to www.wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice. Admission is free for students with a current WSU ID. 

The Second Annual Kansas Prevention Conference was a success!

Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute supported the Second Annual Kansas Prevention Conference Oct. 1-3. The conference welcomed 179 attendees in Wichita, and was a great week of learning together and celebrating the incredible prevention work being done throughout the state.

Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers helped us begin the conference at the 2019 Kansas Prevention Award Winners reception. The Lieutenant Governor presented each award and shared his passion for the prevention work happening across the state. Chad Childs, Prevention Systems Project Coordinator at the Community Engagement Institute, was awarded the 2019 Kansas Partner in Prevention Award. This award recognizes those who are an outstanding partner for prevention efforts in their community. Congratulations, Chad!

Dennis Embry started the first day with his keynote on mental health and substance abuse. From there, the conference dove right into an array of breakout sessions covering everything from vaping to problem gambling. The three-day conference wrapped with a talk from Riccardo Harris on youth and violence prevention.

It was an honor to learn alongside Kansas' energetic and innovative prevention professionals and communities. Thank you to all those who joined us and stay tuned for information on next year's conference!

CEI helps KDADS innovate new ways to train Certified Peer Support Specialists

Certified Peer Support is a vital component in consumer determined care. It ensures that people with mental health experiences have the option to receive services from peers with similar lived experience. It encourages self-determination and integration with one’s community.

Kansas deeply values Certified Peer Support and has long done all the training in person, which can be cumbersome and limit the number of people who are able to complete the requirements to become certified. Through the partnership with CEI’s IMPACT Center and Strategic Communication Initiatives, KDADS has made their CPS Level One Training and Supervisor Training available online. This accessible, self-paced format allows people all over the state to begin working toward becoming Certified Peer Specialists and increases access to peer support throughout the state.

For more information on Certified Peer Support in Kansas, check out the KDADS website.

Military and veterans celebration - register for free lunch!  

The next Women of WSU Luncheon, in collaboration with the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Nov.  7, in 233 RSC. The luncheon will feature a potato bar for $12. Please RSVP on the website by Friday, Nov. 1.

All veterans and active duty service members are invited to attend and receive a free lunch! If you have served our country, we want to serve you. Women of Wichita State University, in collaboration with the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, invites you to lunch to thank you for your service. All veteran and active duty military staff will receive a complimentary lunch. We want to spotlight military and veteran service members, and request service members let us know the branch of service in which you served and send a photo to highlight your service in our presentation.

The featured presenter will be Marche Fleming-Randle, WSU Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement. She will deliver a motivational / inspirational speech titled “The Home of the Free: Because of the Brave!”

Please send your photo to Deanna Carrithers at deanna.carrithers@wichita.edu by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, if you want to be included in the presentation. We hope you'll join us.

Shocker Printing will be closed briefly for training

Shocker Printing Solutions will close at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, for staff training. Jobs may still be submitted using the online storefront during this time. The service window opens back up at 1 p.m. and regular service will resume.

Elements Mixed-Media Arts Competition accepting submissions Oct. 28-Nov. 4

Please encourage your students to enter into the Elements Mixed-Media Art Competition. Applications are being accepted between Oct. 28-Nov. 4. This is an opportunity for students of all majors to showcase their art.

Winners will be selected and their work will be displayed in the Cadman Art Gallery, located on the RSC first floor, between Nov. 11-22. More information regarding the competition and how to apply can be found online or in the Student Involvement Office, 216 RSC.

Elements Multi-Media Arts Competition

Nominations are open for outstanding adult learner

In March of 2020, the Office of Adult Learning will host the inaugural Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY) awards ceremony. In this awards ceremony, the Office of Adult Learning will celebrate five years as an office and name an ALOTY. 

The Office of Adult Learning needs the WSU community to help find an adult learning deserving of the title. The criteria for ALOTY is below.

• 3.25 GPA at WSU 
• Displays perseverance in obtaining a degree
• Demonstrates Shocker pride
• Possesses leadership qualities

If you know anyone who meets the criteria, nominate them using the link below. If you have any questions contant Pamela O'Neal at 316-978-8313 or email pamela.oneal@wichita.edu

Submit nominations for the Adult Learner of the Year 

Resources are available to help students finish successfully!

As students are working on final assignments for the semester, it’s important to share information about resources available to help them submit the best work they can. Resources like the Writing Center, Math Lab and Center for Excellence in Oral Communication are great resources for students to use as they work on final projects.

If they don’t know where to go for help, direct them to the Shocker Learning Center in 107 Lindquist Hall. Some quick tips for helping students finish successfully include visiting instructors during their student hours for clarification on class content, forming study groups, and cleaning and organizing a dedicated study space or two for the final few weeks of the semester.

FAFSA fun coming Oct. 30

Join the Offices of Financial Aid and Diversity and Inclusion to work one-on-one with a financial aid advisor to complete your FAFSA from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, in 208 RSC. Ask questions, enjoy refreshments and fun giveaways. For more information, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 978-3034.

Attend the SBIR Workshop

The one day workshop presents an overview of the SBIR/STTR process of preparing a competitive Phase 1 of SBIR/STTR proposal and an overview of keeping records for an SBIR award. The event is from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 in the Marcus Welcome Center. Admission to the workshop is $5 for students and $25 for general admission. The fee includes lunch. The event is open to the public. 

Learn more about the Greenwood workshop

You're invited to Ulrich Family Fun Day

Bring the whole family and explore your creative side with the Student Activities Council and the Ulrich Museum of Art from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. Together we will explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt, play games, and participate in hands-on art-making activities inspired by the artists, ideas, and materials featured in the Ulrich’s current exhibitions. The Ulrich Museum is located on the southwest corner of the Wichita State University campus (17th and Hillside).

The event is free and open to the public.

Join our final session for the LGBTQ+ shared read

Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s LGBTQ Shocker Ambassadors for their first-ever shared read from 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, in 202 RSC. We are reading “This Book is Gay,” by Juno Dawson.

Our final session will cover chapters eight through 12. For more information, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, at 978-3034.

Transition Mentor application is open through Oct. 30

First-Year Programs in Student Success is seeking nominations for next year’s transition mentor staff! We are looking for exceptional students who are passionate about WSU and want to help welcome new students to our campus.

Transition Mentors are responsible for transitioning students to WSU beginning in the summer with orientation, and mentoring new freshmen throughout the fall semester.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to make nominations now through Wednesday, Oct. 30, at www.wichita.edu/TM or email Shareika Fisher at shareika.fisher@wichita.edu.

WSU School of Performing Arts presents 'Anything Goes'

Show times for Anything Goes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Seating is reserved. Contact the WSU Box Office at 978-3233 or wichita.edu/FineArtsBoxOffice to reserve tickets. All WSU students get in free with Shocker ID.

Music, dance, laughs and the age-old tale of boy meets girl – no musical puts it on stage better than "Anything Goes." 

Read the complete story of Anything Goes

School of Social Work Friday on Nov. 1

The School of Social Work is hosting its Social Work Friday on Friday, Nov. 1. We will have open advising from 9:30 a.m.-noon; pizza and Grad School from noon-1 p.m.; BSW Program Orientation from 1:30-2:15 p.m., and BSW Practicum Orientation from 2:15- 3 p.m. The event is open to all students -- new, prospective and current.

BSW Program Orientation is required for admission to the Bachelor of Social Work Program.

Litigation attorney to speak about case involving lost Apollo 11 samples

The Wichita Space Initiative welcomes litigation attorney Christopher McHugh, who will give a talk "The Legal Battle Over Apollo 11 Samples," at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, in 319 RSC.

In 1969, the United States met the impossible challenge leveled by President John. F. Kennedy eight years earlier, to land a man on the moon and return him safely to earth. The heroism of the moment culminated in Neil Armstrong’s collection of the first lunar rocks into the Apollo 11 Lunar Sample Contingency bag.

Embodying the self-sacrifice, courage, ingenuity and fortitude of an entire nation, the Lunar Contingency bag was the ultimate trophy for the winner of the space race. It was like the Lombardi trophy, the Stanley Cup, and every Olympic Gold Medal, all rolled up into one and multiplied by a thousand ... and NASA lost it! This is the story of the Chicago woman who found it almost 50 years later, and her battle with NASA over a national treasure."

As always, WSI talks are free and open to the public.

Know any outstanding Shocker seniors?

WSU Homecoming Royalty Nominations are now open! Nominees must be a current undergraduate student with senior status and good academic standing as of January 2020, and must not have previously been a finalist for Homecoming Royalty. Individuals are welcome to self-nominate, or can be nominated by a WSU student, faculty, or staff member.

To nominate, go to www.shockeralumni.org/homecoming.

Wichita State Homecoming will be held Monday, Feb. 10 to Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020.

Royalty nominations will close at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1.

DSI observer requests – sign up to help

The Distinguished Scholarship Invitational (DSI) is quickly approaching, and will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23. Three $64,000 Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships are awarded through the DSI process to high school seniors to attend Wichita State in fall 2020, and we need your help in selecting the next Gore Scholars!

Observers are WSU faculty, staff, and community members who are present in each room to score the student participants in two activities – an interview and a consensus-building activity. There are two shifts observers can choose from: 7:30-10:30 a.m., and 2:30-5:30 p.m. Of course, you can always volunteer for both.

If you’re interested in serving as an observer, go to wichita.edu/dsiobserver for more information.

Questions? Contact Mandy Harmon, associate director of admissions, at mandy.harmon@wichita.edu.

Office of Admissions hosting event with NAI Martens

The Office of Admissions is partnering with NAI Martens to host a specialized event on Monday, Nov. 11, for local students who have expressed an interest in a business-related field. During this event, students and their guests will hear from WSU staff and alumni currently employed at NAI Martens and get an inside look into the business functions within the world of real estate. This event is also an excellent opportunity to learn about the many Wichita businesses that employ Shocker graduates. To RSVP, go to wichita.edu/visit and click on “Admissions Events.”

NAI Martens is the largest full-service commercial real estate firm in the state of Kansas serving south-central Kansas and Topeka. They offer a wide range of services including sales and leasing, property management, facility management, development including build-to-suit and construction management, corporate services and investment sales. More than simply commercial brokers, NAI Martens offers solution-based advising to help clients list and sell the right investments.

For questions, contact Ellen Nikkel at 978-3168 or ellen.nikkel@wichita.edu.

Volunteers needed for Fall Commencement 

The 2019 Fall Commencement ceremony will be held Sunday, Dec. 15. The Commencement Office is looking for individuals who are available to work from approximately noon to 5:30 p.m. that day. If you are interested in assisting, please visit the commencement website and sign up. If you have questions about assisting with commencement please contact the commencement office at commencement@wichita.edu.

Fall Commencement Volunteers

Faculty advisor needed for new student organization

Phi Sigma Pi is a gender-inclusive National Honor Fraternity established in 1916. Faculty advisors play an important role in the collegiate chapter by building a bridge between the local chapter and the university community. Responsibilities of the faculty advisor include:

1. Assisting the chapter with day-to-day operation questions
2. Provide guidance to chapter officers and committee chairs
3. Encourage smart financial decisions
4. Promote Phi Sigma Pi to other students on campus
5. Attend meetings, ceremonies, and events when possible

*You are not required to be an Alumni Member of Phi Sigma Pi in order to serve as a faculty advisor.

Currently, there is only one Phi Sigma Pi chapter in the state of Kansas. With your help, we believe Wichita State can become the newest home to the Phi Sigma Pi family! Informational meetings will be held at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, and 2 and 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, in 240 RSC.

Please contact Katie if you have any questions at krhefner@shockers.wichita.edu or wsuphisigmapi@gmail.com.

Phi Sigma Pi faculty advisors.

Learn how to use Excel and organize your data with the Graduate School

Join the Graduate School with speaker Heather Merchant, Instructional Designer with Instructional Design and Access, from noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, in 142 RSC, for the lunch learning Excel to organize and understand data. The lunch will cover the best ways to organize data within Excel, common mistakes to avoid and some simple functions for analyzing data. 

Graduate Students Professional Development

Don't get spooked by your finances!

It might be spooky season, but your finances don't have to be!

Join the Office for Student Money Management (OSMM) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, on the first floor, RSC. Let's have a conversation, play games, and learn the steps towards financial wellness.

Contact us at financial.wellnessGA@wichita.edu or OSMM@wichita.edu if you have any questions.

Costume Casino coming Oct. 30

Come join SAC for some casino games, costumes, and prizes at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, on the RSC first floor. Come in your best costume and test your luck!

Attend the motivational speech given by Richard Taylor Jr. 

Join FGCC and SAC during the First Generation Student Appreciation Week from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, in 233 RSC. Join and hear from keynote speaker Richard Taylor Jr., a TRiO SSS Alum who has overcome obesity, depression, suicie, failing in college and domestic abuse. Through his struggle, his challenges have struck a change within people from different walks of life. His message breaks cultural boundaries and the bias in social norms. 

Grace Wilkie Annex restroom remodel underway

The Offices of Grace Wilkie Annex (TRIO- McNair Scholars, TRIO - DSS, ROTC and the Office of Adult Learning) will be without restrooms while the current facilities are being remodeled. These offices will remain open during the remodel. Sorry 

Mentor youth at the Boys and Girls Club with the Community Service Board

Tutor youth in the community by providing homework assistance in a variety of subjects. Join the Community Service Board from 4-6:30 p.m. today (Monday, Oct. 28) at the Boys and Girls Club of South Central Kansas. 

Sign up to volunteer with the Community Service Board

Join the Community Service Board volunteering at a local senior center

Join the Community Service Board from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, volunteering at Larksfield Place. Enjoy a game of bingo, bridge or converse with local senior citizens in the community. 

Register for the volunteer opportunity

Join the 400 Years & Beyond Movement

You’re invited to attend Awareness, Action, and Healing Business & New Practices, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, in 130 Hughes Metropolitan Complex.

International speaker Angel Acosta presents this mindful approach, which focuses on informing and healing through action. Acosta will speak about change starts in the workplace.

Join the 400 Years & Beyond Movement and hear from other speakers on topics around diversity and inclusion, mindfulness, and developing stress resilience just to highlight a few. Inequality is a threat to our health and democracy. Nearly 400 years of division have created an apartheid society: we need a new social infrastructure to carry us through the challenges of climate change, decaying physical infrastructure, rapidly evolving jobs, underperforming schools, uneven access to health care and lack of affordable housing.

Communities and organizations across the country are already observing the call, and addressing these inequalities in bold and impactful ways. Get in engaged through attending this program. The program is free and open to WSU students, faculty, and staff. Learn more at https://newpractices.eventbrite.com/ or contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 978-3034.