Tompkins' warm personality, dedication to WSU will be remembered
Andy Tompkins pauses and waves his hands to punctuate the point he is about to make.
“I don’t want to be remembered for anything,” he said, in the final moments of an interview about his nine-month tenure as Wichita State University’s interim president.
The people who work with Tompkins, however, won’t let him decide that, no matter how nicely he asks before he returns to retired life, his volunteer work at his church and a hospital in Topeka, reading novels and attending movies.
In nine months, Tompkins impressed everyone by putting a full-time effort into a temporary job, walking the campus almost every morning, touring every building, learning names and backgrounds and using his avuncular personality to put people at ease during a time of transition.
Read entire story on Andy Tompkins .
Meet a Shocker: Fall 2019 graduates
More than 1,100 Wichita State students are eligible for fall 2019 graduation. Hear what some of them have to say about their time as Shockers and what their futures hold.
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.
Registrar’s Office will be closed for a time today (Friday, Dec. 13)
The Registrar's Office will be closed from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today (Friday, Dec. 13).
Financial processing deadlines for December
As of 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, the university will officially be closed until Thursday, Jan. 2.
To ensure all financial processing is completed for the month prior to Holiday Closedown, the following items must be received by the office listed, no later than 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16:
- Invoice Control Documents (ICDs) - Office of Purchasing
- Payment requests associated with a purchase order - Financial Operations Office/Accounts Payable
- Inter-Organization Transfer Documents (IOTDs) and Correction Requests - Financial Operations Office/Accounts Payable
Expense Reports must be final approved in Chrome River no later than 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.
Transactions received after the above dates may not be processed until January 2020.
Haley's expertise on trade and investment profiled in China Daily and Reuters
Usha Haley was quoted for her expertise on trade and investment several times in China Daily (the People's Republic of China's top English language newspaper) and Reuters, including:
Reuters/China Daily (Dec. 4, 2019)
China Daily (Dec. 11, 2019)
Open / Alternative Textbook (OAT) application forms are open
The Open / Alternative Textbook (OAT) initiative is designed to promote, incentivize, and grow the use of freely-available resources in WSU classes to reduce the economic impact of textbook costs on the student body.
The project has two elements:
- OAT Course Designation: Provides an incentive to faculty based on a $10/student course fee, which will be applied to an approved course that is using Open / Alternative textbooks that have no cost to the students. This money is split between the department offering the course (60%) and the Open / Alternative Textbook grant program (40%).
- OAT Grant Program: Provides $2,000-5,000 grants to faculty who apply for the grant
to redesign a course with no-cost resources, or to write or contribute to an open
educational resource, or other alternative text that can be provided to the students
free of charge. These grants are funded by the course fees.
Read more on Open / Alternative Textbook application forms.
The OAT Initiative will be managed by Academic Affairs. OAT Course Designations and Grant Applications will be submitted via web form and reviewed by a panel be made up of: Two faculty members (appointed by Faculty Senate), a representative from University Libraries , a representative from Instructional Design and Access, at least one student (appointed by SGA), and the Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management (ex officio).
Apply now for Fall 2020 course designation. Deadline: Feb 1.
Grant applications will be due May 1 for AY 2020-21.
Tilford Symposium will be held on campus Feb. 27 and 28
The Tilford Symposium engages the WSU campus, private industry and nonprofit organizations to promote the legacy of equity, diversity and inclusion in our community.
The theme will be Education and Learning in a World of Differences.
Learner differences cross dimensions that are material (social class, geographical locale, and family), corporeal (age, race, sex and sexuality, physical and mental capacities) and symbolic (culture or ethnicity, language, gender, affinity, and persona). In this thematic area, we explore strategies for negotiating these differences, from the microdynamics of pedagogy to the agendas of curriculum, the nuances of assessment, the organizational structures of the educational institution and its relations with the communities it services.
We invite all faculty, staff, students, industry partners, and community members to be a part of these crucial conversations!
Weekly Briefing university update
At Thursday’s Weekly Briefing, the following information was shared as part of the university update.
KANSAS GOVERNOR VISITS WSU ON BUDGET LISTENING TOUR
Governor Laura Kelly will visit communities across the state on her Kansan to Kansan budget listening tour. She will be at the WSU Metropolitan Complex from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Governor wants to hear from Kansans about what their priorities are for the coming year's Kansas state budget. Following a brief presentation about the budget from Governor Kelly, attendees will be divided into groups to discuss their budget priorities.
FINAL FIVE FOR BUSINESS COMPETITION
Five teams of Wichita State students are finalists in the Koch Innovation Challenge.
The business pitch competition, sponsored by Koch Industries, is an annual competition supporting the WSU College of Engineering in fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and teamwork among students.
Cross-disciplinary teams of new freshmen and transfer students studying engineering, art and design, business and other disciplines compete for funding and scholarships to invent products and technologies via a freshman introductory course.
Some of the pitches are: a mobile app that allows users to vote on what’s for family dinner, a bicycle security device and a magnetic device that makes pulling wires through walls easier.
The final round in May will determine the overall champion team, which will be awarded a travel grant to attend the National Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization Conference and compete in the Global Pitch Competition in 2020.
FAIRMOUNT COLLEGE INDUCTS THREE INTO HALL OF FAME
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences inducted Judy Bell, Robert D. Blackwill and Donna Sweet into its Hall of Fame on Friday.
Induction into the Fairmount College Hall of Fame is the highest recognition of outstanding alumni who have had a significant impact on the region, nation and world.
Bell began her golf career at the 1950 U.S. Open at the age of 14 and was the first woman to head the U.S. Golf Association.
Blackwill is the former ambassador to Vienna. He has also served as ambassador to India, presidential envoy to Iraq and deputy national security advisor.
Sweet is one of Kansas’s top HIV-positive and AIDS specialists and a noted national and international speaker on the subject.
GIFT OF $1.25 MILLION STRENGTHENS ENGINEERING PROGRAM
A $1.25 million gift from the estate of Wichita State University alumnus Brenton D. Myers will support the WSU College of Engineering, where Myers earned the degree that helped him build a lifelong career in engineering and airport planning.
Mr. Myers endowed the Brenton D. Myers Engineering Scholarship in 2011 and the Brenton D. Myers Innovation in Engineering Education Award in 2015. The award is used to help faculty develop innovative ways to teach students to be better engineers.
Mr. Myers’ estate gift will be divided among three areas: supplementing his scholarship to produce larger awards; increasing the faculty award to make a greater impact; and providing discretionary funds to the dean to strengthen the College of Engineering.
NEW INNOVATION FELLOWS PROJECTS
Molly Carlson, Savannah Redfern and Jacob Burns are Wichita State’s new University Innovation Fellows.
Carlson’s UIF project is to plan a WSU Open Streets events on April 5 that will combine innovation, entrepreneurship and the arts. Redfern is working on a project-based Living and Learning Community for students. Burns plans to create a buddy system for international students to increase the sense of community between international students and others students at WSU.
WU LUG RANKS 9th IN NATIONAL CYBER LEAGUE
Wichita State’s three teams in the National Cyber League combined to place ninth nationally after fall semester competition. WorldWideWheat placed 10th nationally in the Gold Bracket.
National Cyber League is a capture the flag style competition which helps students prepare and test themselves against cybersecurity challenges they are likely to face in the workforce. NCL measures their ability to perform real-world cybersecurity tasks, such as identifying hackers from forensic data, breaking into vulnerable websites, recovering from ransomware, and more.
This season more than 6,000 players and 700 teams around the nation participated in NCL.
WSU’s team is comprised of members of the Wichita State Linux Users Group, known as Wu Lug.
FALL COMMENCEMENT SUNDAY AT CHARLES KOCH ARENA
More than 1,100 students are eligible to participate in the 122nd fall commencement ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Charles Koch Arena.
Each one of the graduates has their own story of perseverance and hard work. Here are three examples:
Madison Davis, a criminal justice major, plans to start work on her graduate degree in January while working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and teaching part-time at a local middle and high school.
Gabrielle Owens, who earned her Master of Arts in aging studies, credits tutors and other resources provided by Office of Diversity and Inclusion to help her complete her degree.
Sydney Easterberg, a sociology major, used a planner and daily to-do lists to improve her time management skills. She is working on her master’s in sociology.
Read more about Wichita State’s outstanding December graduates at wsu.news/fallgrads.
PARKINSON HONORED AT COMMENCEMENT ON SUNDAY
Mark Parkinson, who graduated summa cum laude from Wichita State in 1980, will receive an honorary degree on Sunday.
Parkinson was lieutenant governor of Kansas when then-President Obama appointed Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to his cabinet. Parkinson became governor in 2009 and served nearly two years.
In February, the Parkinsons, who live in Washington, D.C., donated $200,000 to launch the Mark and Stacy Parkinson Scholarship for First Generation Immigrant Students.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE AND EVENTS
While finals end today and university offices close on Dec. 20, several events will take place during the holidays.
On Saturday, the Puppy Paddle raises money for the Wichita Animal Action League. Bring your dogs to the Heskett Center for a dip in the pool from 10 a.m.-noon.
On Monday, the Wichita State women’s basketball team plays Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 11:30 a.m. at Charles Koch Arena.
Wednesday, KMUW’s Literary Feast, at 121 N. Mead, features the Charles Dicken classic “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets for the meal and discussion are $20.
On Dec. 21, the Shocker men’s basketball team plays VCU at Charles Koch Arena.
University offices open on Jan. 2. Spring semester classes begin on Jan. 21.
Nominations now open for 2020 Distinguished Service Awards
Do you know an Unclassified Professional (UP) or University Support Staff (USS) employee who deserves special recognition for their contributions to WSU? Nominate them for the 2020 Distinguished Service Awards!
These awards recognize the dedication and excellence of UP / USS employees who have provided exemplary, dedicated and caring service to the WSU community that is beyond the expectations of the duties and responsibilities of their position. Selected honorees are recognized at the annual Shocker Pride Celebration.
Submit a nomination by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at Distinguished Service Awards.
Classroom Technology Training Schedule for spring 2020
Classrooms across campus are equipped with uniform technology and media equipment. Access is available to faculty and staff with consistent keys for most classrooms that are issued during a short training session. We encourage you to bring your personal laptop to test in the room during training. If there are additional needs or questions, please call 978-3588.
Faculty are encouraged to verify that their assigned rooms have the technology they need prior to the start of the semester.
Spring 2020 Classroom Technology Training Schedule
Faculty, staff and alumni invited to attend Shocker Legacy Day
On Saturday, Jan. 18, the Office of Admissions invites high school and transfer student children of university staff and faculty to Shocker Legacy Day. The event, intended to grow our Shocker Family from within the ranks of our employees and alumni, provides lunch, a campus tour and two tickets to the Shocker men’s basketball game that afternoon.
To RSVP, go to wichita.edu/visit and click on “Admissions Events.” For questions, contact Ellen Nikkel at ellen.nikkel@wichita.edu or 978-3168.
Graduate School will close for the lunch hour on Dec. 19
The Graduate School office will be closed from 11:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, for staff development.
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.
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.
Tickets still available for WSU Intrust Bank Arena game
Tickets are still available for Wichita State's basketball game this Saturday, Dec. 14, at Intrust Bank Arena. Purchase yours today and spend the evening cheering on your Shockers as they take on the Oklahoma Sooners! Tip-off is at 5 p.m.
Basketball game tickets for WSU vs. Oklahoma
RH: ‘That was my first picture with Coach’
Game time means Gregg Marshall face time for Krista Weaver.
Her uniform includes custom-made black-and-gold Converse, Shocker necklace and a
Shocker shirt. This season, she went Full Gregg Marshall with the shirt, special ordering an $18 shirt full of Marshall's face at peak Play
Angry.
"We were thinking about it, that it would so cool to have a Shocker shirt and the Gregg
Marshall angry face is just iconic," Weaver said. "I knew it would look cool."
On Sunday, she wore the shirt to Wichita State's 80-61 win at Oklahoma State. After
the game, she took a picture with the real thing, who graciously duplicated the angry
face in the lobby of Gallagher-Iba Arena. She took a picture with Lynn Marshall, Gregg's
wife, and heard many compliments from fans.
"That was my first picture with Coach," Weaver said. "He thought it was hilarious and I asked if I could take a picture with him. He made that angry face all on his own. It was priceless."
Read complete story on Play Angry, Dress Angry.
12 Days of Christmas sale continues today (Friday, Dec. 13)
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 (Friday, Dec. 13) are 20% off outerwear and cold weather gear.
Shop the Shocker Store for doorbuster tumblers and more on Saturday
Visit the Shocker Store’s Braeburn Square location this weekend as you shop for the Shocker fans in your life. On Saturday, Dec. 14, they will have a $10 tumbler doorbuster item that will be available while supplies last. Also, on both Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15, take 20% off blankets and enjoy buy one, get one half-off apparel.
Sales are in Braeburn Square location only. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
Bring your pups to the 7th Annual Puppy Paddle!
Join us at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Heskett Center for our 7th Annual Puppy Paddle! Bring your furry friends to this FREE event and take a dip in the pool! You and your puppy can swim together, chase tennis balls or practice jumping in. This event raises money for animals in need through donations and will showcase dogs from the Wichita Animal Action League in need of a fur-ever home.
Join WSUSSLHA's annual Barnes and Noble fundraiser
Wichita State’s Student Speech and Language Hearing Association is having their annual Barnes and Noble fundraiser tomorrow ( Saturday, Dec. 14). This will take place at the Barnes and Noble at 1920 N. Rock Road, and will last from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Join WSUSSLHA for shopping, book readings and crafts. WSUSSLHA will also provide gift wrapping for your Barnes and Noble purchase. Donations are welcome, and we hope to see you there.
Come watch Christmas on Ice!
The Wichita Ice Center is hosting their 2019 Annual Christmas Recital at 7 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 14). Come enjoy the show and see fellow Shockers Gus Pachta, Laura Gibbs and Nick Coates perform!