More than 1,100 students eligible to graduate in WSU’s fall commencement
More than 1,100 students are eligible to participate in Wichita State University’s 122nd fall commencement ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, in Charles Koch Arena.
All graduates will walk across the stage and be individually recognized. Doctoral candidates will be hooded at this ceremony. The ceremony will be available via webcast. To view the ceremony, go to www.wichita.edu/commencement and click on "Live Commencement Streaming." The site will go live at about 2:25 p.m. on Dec. 15.
Former Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson will receive the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. An honorary degree is an exceptional honor bestowed upon a person without fulfillment of the usual requirements. It is conferred only upon persons of notable intellectual. scholarly, professional, creative achievement or service to humanity consistent with the endeavors of WSU.
Parkinson is the CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based American Health Care Association,
a trade group of about 11,000 nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Parkinson
earned summa cum laude honors with his bachelor’s degree in political science from
WSU in 1980. He later graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law.
Security procedures will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone attending commencement.
The following security procedures are being implemented:
Everyone attending, assisting or participating in commencement will be required to
be screened and pass through metal detectors as they enter the arena. Koch Arena will
open at 1 p.m. We recommend you arrive early to allow sufficient time to get through
security.
Please note the following items are prohibited:
- Outside food and drink
- Weapons not allowed by law
- Noisemakers
- Pocket and box knives
- Alcohol and drugs
Wichita State staff reserves the right to prohibit any items deemed inappropriate.
SBIR/STTR Innovation Summit coming Wednesday, Dec. 11
This is a livestream event from NMSU’s Arrowhead Center featuring powerhouse speakers addressing the Navy SBIR / STTR program’s $350 million in non-dillutive funds available to small businesses. On site one-on-one sessions with a Navy SBIR representative will be available by appointment.
The next session of Managing the Employment Relationship is Wednesday, Dec. 11
The next session of Managing the Employment Relationship Training is scheduled for 2:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, in 264 RSC. To register for this training, go to myTraining through myWSU.
This course is provided for leaders who supervise employees (UP, USS, students), and will focus on managing the employment relationship. It will provide guidance on setting clear expectations, listening intentionally, managing performance, identifying when an employee is not meeting expectations, and effectively addressing those concerns. This training will also introduce you to tools to use to effectively manage the employment relationship.
If you have questions, contact mytraining@wichita.edu.
Help available with Strategic Planning Initiatives
Need help entering your Strategic Planning Initiatives prior to the winter break? It’s not too late to have your initiatives included. Open labs have been established. Support is available in person the following dates / times in 124 Jabara Hall.
1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10
11 a.m.-noon Thursday, Dec. 12
3-4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16
1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18
Comfortable moving forward on your own, take advantage of online support. Instructional videos are available 24/7 on the Strategic Planning “How-To” website.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers wide variety of services to employees at no charge
As an employee of the state, benefits-eligible employees of WSU and their dependents have access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services at no charge. EAP can provide information and connect you with professionals who can help with a wide variety of services, and your use of EAP services is completely confidential.
Some services provided are:
- Connecting with a financial expert for financial related issues and questions
- Legal advice for concerns such as divorce, custody, adoption, real estate, debt, landlord/tenant issues, etc.
- Locating support groups
- Short-term personal counseling services
- Family and parenting questions
- Customized resources and referrals for child and elder care, moving, pet care, home repair, selling a home, college planning and more.
You can find more information here. To check out the EAP services offered, visit the EAP Website at www.guidanceresources.com using Company ID: SOKEAP or call EAP at 1-888-275-1205 (option 1).
Apply now for the 2020 John A. See Innovation Award
Applications for the 2020 John A. See Innovation Award will be accepted now to Friday, Jan. 31. The award was established in December 2013 by John A. See to support prototype development, which may include development of products in engineering and science, development of life-enhancing therapeutic products, creation of application of new knowledge and artistic ventures.
Faculty and students are eligible to apply for the proof of concept award. For more information and access to the online application options go to www.wichita.edu/innovationaward.
Registration is now open for the inaugural Wichita State University Analytics Showcase
The WSU Analytics Showcase will be held from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2020, in the Hughes Metropolitan Complex. Registration is free for students and faculty, but space is limited.
- Learn about innovative analytics research, curricular and applied learning activities across WSU; groundbreaking analytics applications; and state-of-the-art analytics software/hardware solutions from leading technology providers.
- Network with WSU faculty, staff and students, community partners, and industry leaders working in the analytics field to build personal and career connections.
- Collaborate and Partner. Discover industry, community and government opportunities in research, applied projects and software development.
- Please visit wichita.edu/analytics to register and learn more about this exciting event which is supported by the colleges of Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Applied Studies.
Contact the Analytics Showcase organizers
Learn more and register for the Showcase
Early deadlines for employee hiring prior to 2019 Holiday Shutdown
In preparation for the 2019 Holiday Shutdown, the HR Talent Acquisition team will implement early deadlines related to hiring. This will provide a more positive experience for candidates, while ensuring positions are posted and employees are hired successfully prior to the shutdown. Additional information and details are found below.
Deadline for Benefit-Eligible Positions:
- Postings: Position description must be completely approved in the PeopleAdmin routing process by noon on 12/18/19 to be posted prior to the shutdown.
- Hiring: The first New Hire Orientation (NEO) in 2020 will be held on 1/03/20. To start on this date and attend that NEO session:
o The verbal offer must be accepted by the selected candidate by the close of business on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019.
o The candidate must be cleared for hire by HR (i.e. successful background check completed, new hire paperwork completed, hiring proposal approved in PeopleAdmin) by noon Friday, Dec. 20, 2019.
Note: Candidates who have not accepted an offer or are not cleared to begin work by the deadlines above, will be scheduled to start at a later date.
Deadline for Non-Benefit Eligible Positions (i.e. Student/Grad, Lecturer, Temp):
- Non-Benefit Eligible Hire Request forms must be submitted to employment@wichita.edu by the close of business on 12/18/19 to be processed prior to the shutdown.
- Onboard checklists and ePAFs must be completely approved by noon on 12/20/19 to be processed prior to the shutdown.
- ePAFs for employees who have not completed the hire process by noon on 12/20/19 will be returned and departments will be asked to resubmit the ePAF for the next payroll period.
If you have any questions, email the Talent Acquisition team at employment@wichita.edu.
Fine forgiveness and reduced fine prices coming to University Libraries
Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, the University Libraries will no longer charge overdue fees on books* and is reducing overdue charges on many other items, including movies, periodicals, and equipment. Replacement fees will remain in place for lost items.
These changes are a reflection of the University Libraries’ efforts to remove barriers to access and reduce student debt.
Leading up to this policy change, we will offer a one-time only Amnesty Day on Tuesday, Dec. 10. All overdue items returned in good condition to the staff at the Circulation Desk of Ablah Library on this day will have fines forgiven.
For more information, contact Ginger Williams, associate dean for Academic Engagement and Public Services, University Libraries at 978-5070 or ginger.williams@wichita.edu
* Books from Ablah Library with four-week checkout and two renewals. Excludes textbooks and leisure reading.
University Libraries Circulation Fines
WSU News page has the latest campus news and highlights
Did you know Strategic Communications has a web page dedicated to WSU news, student success stories, campus life and research highlights? And nearly all of the content is produced by our amazing student interns. Check out our latest stories at www.wichita.edu/news.
WSU Police Department invites campus to participate in Sergeant’s assessment
The WSU Police Department invites faculty, staff and students to participate in a Sergeant’s assessment tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec. 10) with community presentations at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. in 319 RSC.
The officers taking the assessment are required to give a 10-minute presentation on community policing and what it looks like on the WSU campus. This presentation includes a Q&A session, and we are asking all who participate to do an evaluation form provided.
Call for Fiscal Year 2021 Educational Opportunity and Student Fee Funding Requests
It’s again time to begin the process for submission of funding requests through Student Government for the Educational Opportunity Fund and Student Services Fee for FY ‘21. Student Fees provide funding for programs / activities delivered directly to students, and the Educational Opportunity Fund provides funding for financial assistance to students.
If you’ve submitted requests in the past, the Budget / Review Officer should have received an email from the Budget Office to kick-off the submission process. If you have not submitted requests in the past, but are considering submitting a new request, please contact Lauren Smith, Jason Post, or David Miller in the Budget Office at 978-3030 for additional information.
Requests are due no later than Friday, Jan, 24.
WSU student relives history through King Kung Fu documentary
Nathan Light, a senior studying video production created a documentary over the slapstick comedy King Kung Fu as part of his practicum. The original film was set entirely in Wichita and finally released in 1987. It premiered at the Crest Theater and had a VHS release in Japan, Poland and Taiwan.
While creating the documentary, Nathan learned the ins and outs of video production and how to craft his story from start to finish. His time at Shocker Studios has given him hands-on experiences.
New Student Wellness Center opening in January
Student Health Services and CAPS are moving to the Steve Clark YMCA building. Both departments will be closed Dec. 16-Jan. 6, to pack and relocate. The departments plan to reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, in the new Student Wellness Center.
KMUW covers stress and self-care at Decembers Engage ICT
The holidays are a wonderful time, but with them also come health risks due to stress and seasonal depression. Find out about warning signs, risks, and ways to mitigate stress at Engage ICT on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The conversation gets underway at 5:30 p.m. at Roxy's Downtown. Engage ICT events are free and open to the public. Appetizers are provided by Roxy’s Downtown and drinks are available to purchase.
Panelists include: Mary Jones from Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas, Telecia Lyons of Emerge Skin & Body spa, counselor and spiritual leader Annie Montgomery and Constance Porazka of Retreat to Joy.
Are you a part of the local immigrant community? Volunteers needed for a survey
You are eligible to take this survey if you are a member of the immigrant community living in Wichita, Kansas. We are recruiting research participants to help us understand more about health in the local immigrant community.
The survey will ask questions about mental health (i.e. “Was it hard to get going?”), demographic questions (i.e. “What is your race?”), immigration-related questions (i.e. “What is your country of origin?”), and your engagement in customs and activities from the culture of the country that you are from and U.S. culture.
This survey is available in English, Spanish, and Swahili. Your participation is voluntary.
Take the local immigrant survey
2020 Homecoming queen and king candidates announced
Ten Wichita State seniors have been nominated as 2020 Homecoming queen and king candidates. The queen candidates are Aryawna Friesen, Jane Lickteig, Ashtyn Rottinghaus, Mariah Snow and Brooke Talbott. King candidates are Matt Burdick, Brandon Eckerman, Brayden Hosman, Zubair Khan and Carson Reimer.
The candidates will make multiple appearances at on-campus events throughout the week of Feb. 10-16. The winners will be crowned at halftime of the Shockers’ game against the Tulane Green Wave on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Koch Arena.
The theme for this year’s homecoming is “Shocker Sight: Wichita State Homecoming 2020.” For information on WSU homecoming events, visit www.shockeralumni.org/homecoming.
12 Days of Christmas sale continues today (Monday, Dec. 9)
Looking to find your favorite Shocker a holiday gift? Stop by the Shocker Store’s Rhatigan Student Center location for its annual 12 Days of Christmas Sale from now to Saturday, Dec. 14. Or shop the sale online at shockerstore.com.
New sale items are added daily and will stay on sale the remainder of the promotion, or while supplies last. Visit the Shocker Store Facebook page each day to find out the new sale item(s). The sale items for today (Monday, Dec. 9) are $5 utility gloves, and 20% off kids' merchandise.
Santa letters available at WSU Post Office
WSU Postal Services is selling letters to Santa now to Friday, Dec. 13. The letters will be sent to Santa Claus, Indiana, and will receive a pictorial cancellation when sent to the recipient. The cost per letter / envelope is $1.50, and covers all postage.
Holiday parties at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes
The Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes offers reasonable group rates and is the perfect spot for groups looking to celebrate the holidays! We are available for groups from both on and off campus. You can see our rates here. You may also call 978-3479 or email ssgl@wichita.edu for more details or to check availability.
Be aware of increase in bike thefts on campus
Police Chief Rodney Clark says there has recently been an increase of bicycle thefts around campus, particularly near the dormitory bicycle racks. Many of the bicycles were not properly locked or secured to the rack at the time they were taken. The Wichita State University Police Department encourages students to practice safekeeping of all personal property.
The Police Department wants to remind students to ensure their property is secured when unattended. They recommend obtaining a heavy-duty "U" lock, which requires a key to unlock and locking the mechanism around the frame of the bike, instead of the wheel. Students who have a bike may register it with the Housing and Residence Life office to keep it on file in case it is lost or stolen.
While the Wichita State University Police Department is continuing to investigate these thefts, we remain committed to proactively serving our campus community and making safety our priority. If you see suspicious behavior, please contact the Wichita State University Police Department at 316-978-3450.
Come watch Christmas on Ice!
The Wichita Ice Center is hosting their 2019 Annual Christmas Recital at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Come enjoy the show and see fellow Shockers Gus Pachta, Laura Gibbs and Nick Coates perform!
Donate to the Toys for Tots program
There are only a few days left to donate toys to help children in need here in Wichita. Please consider donating a toy to the Toys for Tots program by stopping by our lobby during normal business hours.
Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes offering members only happy hour appetizers
Members of the EAT.DRINK.PLAY Rewards Program in the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes can enjoy exclusive happy hour specials in December. Show your rewards card from 2-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and take 25% off any starter menu item. If you are not already a member, joining is free and easy. Simply stop in and ask to sign up!