Severe weather preparedness drill scheduled for Tuesday, March 3
This year, as we have done in the past, WSU will participate in the annual statewide severe weather preparedness drill.
The annual drill this year is Tuesday, March 3. If the weather is clear that day, all of the severe weather sirens in Sedgwick County will go off at 10 a.m. When the severe weather sirens sound, proceed to your designated severe weather shelter area.
Emergency Building Coordinators in each building will ensure that all building occupants safely make their way to the designated severe weather shelter area.
Departments should use this opportunity to ensure that all faculty, staff and students know where to go to protect themselves in a severe weather event.
BeoShock new HPC Cluster to benefit researchers and instructors
Wichita State has a new high-performance computing cluster. This will help researchers, instructors and staff who have compute-intensive jobs to process. This environment replaces what used to be called HiPeCC at WSU. The new HPC cluster is named “BeoShock” after “Beowulf” cluster and Shockers.
Beowulf is a type of computing cluster. The new cluster has two large GPU units (Graphics Processing Units) and nearly 600 CPU (Central Processing Unit) “cores.” As a comparison, most end-user computing devices have one CPU having between one and eight total “cores.”
The cluster is available to all WSU constituents, and also those outside of WSU who are KBOR constituents. It is jointly administered between WSU, KanREN (Kansas Research and Education Network), and Kansas State.
Terrance Figy of physics is the WSU “campus champion” of this new cluster who assists users in being enrolled and using the cluster effectively. There is an ITS ticket type to request access at HPC New. The system is “bring your own software,” although we do have a few typical software packages already installed. Check with Terrance at terrance.figy@wichita.edu regarding software availability.
Sign up now for Chrome River Invoice training
If you have any involvement with paying invoices (including but not limited to Office Managers, Admin. Assistants, Budget Officers, Business Managers etc.), we strongly encourage you to attend Chrome River Invoice Training. Topics will include transition to Chrome River Invoice, creating invoices, tracking payments, training resources, approvals and live demonstrations in the system. For hands-on experience and step-by-step instructions, sign up now to attend a Chrome River Invoice training, which began Feb. 6.
Attendees are encouraged to bring examples of completed ICDs in electronic format to enter into the Chrome River test environment. Sample invoices will also be available for those without invoices to enter.
These trainings are free and available to all WSU employees (faculty and staff). Seating is limited, so sign up early! Log in to myWSU and register through myTraining. For questions, contact myTraining@wichita.edu.
Changes coming to Tuition Assistance applications
Beginning summer 2020 term, the tuition assistance application will be completed and submitted online. The fillable PDF form will no longer be accepted.
The online application form will be available Feb. 15 through April 15. For more information on the new application process, go to Tuition Assistance.
We are excited about this improved application process and look forward to serving applicants in a more streamlined and efficient way.
- Employees will no longer need to provide course CRNs to request tuition assistance. No more waiting for the course schedule to become available in order to submit or needing to send an email when a course number changes.
- Employees will no longer need their supervisor sign their application form. Instead, the applicant’s supervisor will receive an automated email notification upon submission of an eligible application. Employees must still request permission from their supervisor if the scheduled course overlaps with their usual work schedule.
- Simplified online form will reduce incomplete applications and missing information.
- Applicants will receive an automated confirmation email with preliminary approval / denial based on application responses. Note: All applications will be reviewed before awards are finalized.
For program information, eligibility and application windows, click on Tuition Assistance.
Questions may be directed to TuitionAssistance@wichita.edu.
First-generation college students take great pride in succeeding and graduating
Attend a brown-bag lunch and learn on “Becoming an Individual & Institutional Advocate for First-generation College Students.” Join the First Gen Coordinating Council at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, in 233 RSC for a brown bag lunch webinar and brief Q&A session.
Colleges and universities have an opportunity to shift the paradigm of support for first-generation college students from a deficit approach. First-generation college students take great pride in succeeding and graduating (Gibbons & Woodside, 2014). However, first-generation students “who dropped out of college believed they needed to figure out how to do college on their own” (Lightweis, 2014, p. 466). Instead, when higher education institutions shift this paradigm, they have an opportunity to not only improve retention rates, but also provide a holistic support system for student success.
This live briefing will focus on opportunities for students and academic affairs professionals of all functional areas and levels to become individual and institutional advocates for first-generation student success.
Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and join in. Contact Lydia.Santiago@wichita.edu with any questions.
Purchase Requisition Training scheduled for Feb. 11
Needing to learn how to create a Purchase Requisition or want a refresher on how to enter a requisition in Banner? Plan to attend Purchase Requisition Training scheduled for 1 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 11).
Topics will include:
- WSU purchase requisition procedures
- Banner 9 Purchase Requisition forms
- Purchasing and Finance Reporting
Please note that training is required for those who are new to entering purchase requisition. Current requestors are welcome to attend as a refresher session.
To view session details and register, go to myWSU > myTraining.
SPTE Request Forms
Student Perception of Teaching Effectiveness (SPTE) Request Forms will be mailed to your department in the next couple of days. If you would like, you can choose to complete a fillable pdf request form at SPTE Forms located on our website. You can also get additional SPTE information at www.wichita.edu/sslab.
Open forum to discuss Blackboard on Feb. 14
The Media Resources Center and Online Learning will talk about the future of our LMS, Blackboard from 10-11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, in 233 RSC.
We will discuss the move to a different Blackboard hosting environment and what steps will need to be taken by faculty. We will also talk about plans for updates coming soon, which include a move to a new look and feel for Blackboard.
Come listen and share your thoughts with the team in this open forum. Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP with Crystal Dilbeck, at crystal.dilbeck@wichita.edu by Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Tilford Symposium welcomes Robert Babcock from OneGas as one of its keynote speakers
The Tilford Symposium is excited to have Robert Babcock from OneGas as one of its keynote speakers. Babcock is scheduled for a presentation from 12:45-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb 27, in the Shirley Beggs Ballroom, RSC.
Babcock has a passion for inclusion. “Everyone has a place at life’s table,” and he works hard to make sure each person’s contribution is valued, respected and purposeful.
“In this diverse world of ours, it is important to recognize and value our differences and maintain balance. Then we can create a world of synergy which fuels our greatest potential through inclusion,” he said.
Babcock is Director of Community Relations for ONE Gas, a natural gas distribution company headquartered in Tulsa. ONE Gas is the parent company of Kansas Gas Service, which has been in operation since 1906 serving families and businesses.
Before assuming this role, he was in the Human Resources Department at ONE Gas and was responsible for leading Inclusion and Diversity initiatives. Prior to that he created and implemented the “Live Smart” health and wellness initiative at ONEOK.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas with a BA. in Geography, he spends time training for marathons.
Babcock is scheduled for a presentation from 12:45-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb 27 in the Shirley Beggs Ballroom, RSC, and Delia Garcia will give a presentation from 2-2:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, in the Shirley Beggs Ballroom.
Register for the wichita.edu/tilfordsymposium.
Shocker Innovation Corps applications are due Feb. 12
The Shocker Innovation Corps nurtures and supports Wichita State entrepreneurial teams interested in accelerating their STEM ideas, research and product commercialization. Ideas / projects can originate from student or faculty work, research and institutional / industrial projects.
Applications for the Shocker I-Corps program for the spring 2020 cohort are due on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Applicants who are accepted will receive up to $2,150 in seed funding, as well as mentoring from local experts, access to entrepreneurial resources, networking with the local innovation ecosystem, and customer validation training.
Higher Education / Student Affairs assistantships at WSU
Interested in graduate assistantships in higher education? Grad Weekend at Wichita State University on March 13-14, is a weekend-long chance to find your perfect assistantship match. Those who attend will have the opportunity to explore WSU’s beautiful campus, meet and interview with Student Affairs staff (and potential employers), ask current graduate assistants about their experiences, and learn more about the graduate assistantships that will be available for the 2020-21 academic year.
Registration is due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 8.
For more information, go to wichita.edu/studentaffairs.
Women's Summit at WSU
The Center for Women's Studies, in sponsorship with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, League of Women Voters of Wichita and Centennial Celebration of the 19th Amendment, convenes the annual Diverse Women’s Summit (DWS) March 10-11 in the Shirley Beggs Ballroom, Rhatigan Student Center. It is a meeting of individuals and groups from different backgrounds on local, regional and global diversity issues. The theme will be “Expanding Equality.”
The purpose of the event is to celebrate women’s right to vote, its implications for different women, and increasing opportunities for the future of women and gender with challenges posed by class / poverty, race / ethnicity, sexuality, disability, religion, and other pyramids of power.
- Students Show Case (presentations - papers, art, posters and other projects by students) from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, March 10.
- International Women’s Day Keynote Speech, “Citizenship before the Women's Suffrage Amendment: African American and Native American, Rights and Resistance,” will be delivered by Professor Kim Warren of Kansas University at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10.
- Creative Concourse: (poetry, skits, stories and other presentations by community members including students) will be held from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11.
All events are free and open to the public.
Third Annual Constructed Language Undergraduate Student Panel
Are you interested in knowing more about how to create a language like Game of Thrones 'Dothraki', or 'Klingon from Star Trek? Attend the 'Third Annual Constructed Language Undergraduate Student Panel' at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, in 211 Hubbard Hall. The panel will feature four constructed languages created by undergraduate students.
The presenters will talk about world building, creating a phonetic inventory, using morphology to create words, and sentences. You will have the opportunity to ask the presenters any questions you may have about constructed languages and creating one. This event is free and open to the public.
Students needed for Voter Education Project
The Department of Political Science needs current WSU students for a nonpartisan voter education project about Ranked Choice Voting (which will be used in the May 2 Kansas Democratic Presidential Primary). Work will be paid, occur in March and April, and involve presentations to student and community groups. This project is supported by a grant from FairVote, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that advocates for voting reform.
All interested students should contact Neal Allen, chair of Political Science, at neal.allen@wichita.edu or 978-7133 as soon as possible.
Last day to sign up for Biz Fest networking lunch
The Biz Fest career fair on Thursday, Feb. 13 in the RSC Ballroom, hosted by the Career Development Center, is approaching quickly. Students have an exciting opportunity to connect with employers who are looking to hire interns, full-time employees, and other applied learning positions. The career fair will last from noon-2 p.m. Bring 5-10 copies of your resume, and dress is business professional. A LinkedIn photographer will also be present during the event.
Prior to the career fair, a networking lunch will take place from 11 a.m.-noon. This provides students and staff / faculty a chance to chat one-on-one with employers in a relaxed atmosphere.
Today (Monday, Feb. 10) is the last day to sign up for lunch. Sign up here.
Preparing for a Career Fair Lab tomorrow
Students are invited to join the Career Development Center from 1-2 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 11) in 261 RSC, and learn what to expect from a career fair. Come find out how to research the employers attending the fair and how to network with employers. This workshop will provide tips on ways to make the career fair experience a meaningful event for networking and searching for jobs or internships.
Resume Workshop on Feb. 12
In this resume workshop hosted by the Career Development Center, students are invited to find out from how to organize experiences, talents and skills together – and most importantly – what employers are looking for in a resume. You never have a second chance to make a first impression.
Let us help you make sure you are putting your best foot forward from 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the 266 RSC.
Registration is 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, in the Hughes Metropolitan Complex. Registration is free for students and faculty, but space is limited.
Contact the Analytics Showcase organizers
Learn more and register for the Showcase
Office of Admissions to host 25th reunion weekend for Student Ambassador Society
On Saturday, March 7 through Sunday, March 8, the Office of Admissions will host a reunion weekend for the 25th anniversary of Student Ambassador Society (SAS). As a service organization, SAS members work alongside the Office of Admissions to discuss the benefits of a university experience by sharing their experiences as Wichita State students.
The event will feature a reception on Saturday, March 7. On Sunday, March 8, SAS alumni can attend lunch in Shocker Hall, go on a campus tour, and attend the men's basketball game.
If you are a former member of SAS or know someone who is, alumni can register at wichita.edu/SASreunion. For questions, contact Sarah Brill at 978-3638 or Sarah.Brill@wichita.edu.
Higher Education / Student Affairs assistantships at WSU
Interested in graduate assistantships in higher education? Grad Weekend at Wichita State University is a weekend-long chance to find your perfect assistantship match on March 13-14. Those who attend will have the opportunity to explore WSU’s beautiful campus, meet and interview with Student Affairs staff (and potential employers), ask current graduate assistants about their experiences, and learn more about the graduate assistantships that will be available for the 2020/21 academic year.
Registration is due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 8.
For more information, go to wichita.edu/studentaffairs.
Audiology doctoral students need participants for their research projects
WSU graduate students in the Doctor of Audiology program need participants for their research projects. They are studying clinical techniques in audiology for evaluating function of the ear.
Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, have normal hearing, have not had an ear infection in the past three months, nor had symptoms of cold, flu, or nasal allergy in the past two weeks.
Participants will receive a free comprehensive hearing evaluation and ear examination prior to testing. The testing will take about one hour. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Brigid Derby at brderby@shockers.wichita.edu or 816-405-4969, or Professor Xiao-Ming Sun at Xiao-Ming.Sun@wichita.edu.
Connections outside of the classroom are critical to improving the student experience
Have you asked your students what they have done to engage with our campus outside of class? By attending events, taking advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom and building leadership skills, students can transform their academic, personal and social experience. From earning a Leadership Certificate to becoming an elected leader in a student group to landing a summer internship, students should be encouraged to take advantage of opportunities outside of classes. To find a list of impactful opportunities for involvement, visit Student Involvement[BROKEN LINK]. To explore internships and other career preparation resources, visit Career Development.
New exchange partner university in South Korea
Wichita State University has a new exchange partner university in South Korea. Beginning fall 2020, students will be able to study abroad at Dankook University as part of our exchange program. In addition to semester or yearlong exchanges, Dankook also offers summer programs. For fall 2020, Saturday, Feb 15, is the deadline to apply.
Live Lock Love this Valentine's Day
This Valentine's Day, take your heart off your sleeve and put it on a lock, during our Live, Lock Love event from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at the WSU Food Truck Plaza. Put your initials, a heart or other special phrase on one of our mini-locks. This event is free and open to the public.
You can place it on WSU's Lock Pod or keep it for yourself.
Let us know if you'll be there on our Facebook event and invite your friends.
*Limited availability: first 50 will receive a free lock
Julie Bees to present Faculty Piano Recital on Feb. 16
Wichita State’s Julie Bees will present a Faculty Piano Recital at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, in Wiedemann Hall. Admission is free.
The recital features three piano sonatas that Beethoven wrote in 1820, 1821 and 1822; Opus 109, 110 and 111.
If Beethoven were still alive, we would celebrate his 250th birthday in December.
Campus Credit Union's 68th Annual Meeting
Campus Credit Union members are invited to its 68th Annual Meeting to be hosted in at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes in Rhatigan Student Center. Members are encouraged to stop in and buy their tickets now for $5, as prices will be $8 at the door. The night will include dinner (American food), bowling, and raffled door prizes. We look forward to hosting our membership; please join us!
The Office of Financial Aid presents Yoga, in support of financial wellness
The Office of Financial Aid invites you to join them as they end the celebration of Financial Aid Appreciation month with Yoga, in support of financial, physical, and mental wellness. Bring your mat and experience the tranquility reached during each offered session from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, in 142 RSC. Don’t miss out!
Faculty and Staff: The SGA Elections Commission needs your help!
Do you know of a student (undergrad or graduate student) who you think might make a great candidate for the Student Government Association!? Do you have someone who is ready for a crucial leadership position to make decisions and represent the entire student body? Please encourage them to run and declare themselves as a candidate for the upcoming SGA elections!
What does SGA even do? SGA serves as the voice of students to the university and college administration, local, state and federal representatives. SGA also manages the allocation of more than $10 million dollars in student fees, and governs over all recognized student organizations, provides funding to student groups and individuals, and awards several thousands of dollars in scholarships annually.
For more information, go to wichita.edu/sgaelections, or have them reach out to sga.elections@wichita.edu.
Join the Boot Scootin’ Shockers
Interested in learning how to boot, scoot, and boogie? Come join the Boot Scootin’ Shockers club! We teach two-stepping, swing dancing, line dances, and more. No former dance experience is needed.
The Boot Scootin’ Shockers is a student organization dedicated to creating an environment to develop social relationships through dancing.
Join us for club 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday nights in 141 Heskett Center. Contact Alex at alex_keller5@icloud.com for more information.