University update on COVID-19
You're probably aware of growing public health concerns over COVID-19 (also known as coronavirus disease 2019). As of this morning, there are no confirmed cases in Kansas, but we need to be prepared. The Wichita State administration is in close touch with state and local health authorities and is closely monitoring the situation. The university expects to email a statement to the campus community later today with what we know at this point, along with tips on preparedness. In the meantime, you can go to the Centers for Disease Control website for answers to common questions.
Attention: USS and non-teaching UP employees - Signatures are due this week!
Employee Signatures for 2019-20 myPerformance evaluations are due this week! USS and non-teaching UP employees should log in to myPerformance (through myWSU) to submit electronic signatures by Saturday, March 7.
Your evaluation will be available for the employee signature once your manager has submitted your evaluation with ratings.
For more information, including quick reference guides and other assistance, go to www.wichita.edu/myPerformance.
March edition of president's newsletter, First Tuesday, set for tomorrow
The second edition of the monthly newsletter, First Tuesday, will be coming to your email inboxes tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3). This is a new newsletter, started in February, as a way to keep the campus community up to date on what President Golden's top initiatives are, what he's up to on a daily basis and ways he's engaging with the Shocker and local community.
Help WSU by taking the National Collegiate Health Assessment
Win a red parking spot for an entire semester or other prizes such as free massages and gift cards to the Shocker Store by entering a drawing through the National College Health Assessment and the Prevention Services Advisory Board. Simply fill out the survey sent to your Wichita State University email address and be automatically entered. For information, go to wichita.edu/PSABgiveaway.
National Collegiate Health Assessment
Biological Sciences Seminar to feature a talk on ovarian cancer research today
Bo Rueda
Dr. Bo Rueda will be the guest speaker at the Biological Sciences Department Seminar addressing ovarian cancer research at 4 p.m. today (Monday, March 2) in 218 Hubbard Hall. Rueda, from the Harvard Cancer Center, focuses on the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer. Importantly, his research group is testing strategies to target stem-like cells as a means to develop patient-personalized therapies for such cancer types.
Nominate a phenomenal woman at Wichita State University
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is celebrating the 12th annual Phenomenal Women Award. Nominations close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 4. This award recognizes Wichita State University women for their accomplishments and contributions to our community through their scholarship, activism, and commitment to excellence. Individuals are encouraged to nominate women who have made a difference in their lives. Learn more and nominate women at wichita.edu/phenomenal.
Attend the Course Materials Affordability Forum today
Plan to attend the Course Materials Affordability Forum, hosted by the Shocker Store! It will occur today (Monday, March 2) on the RSC 3rd floor, with two sessions to choose from- 9:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. or noon-3 p.m. Come-and-go as you please. Meet and talk with course materials representatives, hear firsthand from students and faculty on what Access Now looks like at Wichita State University, enjoy a live demo from RedShelf and more.
For more information and an agenda, go to wichita.edu/affordabilityforum or email shockerstore@wichita.edu.
Wichita State professor uses public scholarship to help readers understand issues in Latin America
Public scholarship aims to introduce academic research to a wide audience, one that doesn’t subscribe to journals or possess the time to wade through lengthy articles or books.
Wichita State University political science professor Dinorah Azpuru is doing her part to help people’s understanding of political science with her work in the Washington Post “The Monkey Cage,” a blog dedicated to “making sense of the circus that is politics,” as the blog describes itself.
‘Breaking Ground: Women in Engineering Initiatives in Australia’
Kristin Alford will present “Breaking Ground: Women in Engineering Initiatives in Australia,” from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, in the Ulrich Museum, second floor.
Alford is a futurist and the director of MOD at the University of South Australia. MOD is an immersive museum of discovery that showcases research and emerging technologies on broad exhibition themes such as waging peace and hedonism.
Prior to this role, Alford was the founding director of foresight agency Bridge8, facilitating futures and engagement on water sustainability, climate futures, emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing. She also has experience in minerals processing engineering and marketing, and holds postgraduate degrees in chemical engineering and strategic foresight.
Reception and light refreshments will follow the talk, which is sponsored by the College of Engineering, Ulrich Museum, and NSF ADVANCE Catalyst project.
Severe weather preparedness drill scheduled for tomorrow
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 tomorrow (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.
The Office of Human Resources will be closed March 5 from 1-2:30 p.m.
The Office of Human Resources will be closed from 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday March 5, to allow the staff to attend the President's Town Hall.
Legislative Update No. 8
WSU Government Relations has provided Legislative Update No. 8 for spring 2020.
The 2020 legislative session reached the halfway mark last week during what is known as “Turnaround,” the term applied to the time of session when bills that are not out of their house of origin by last Thursday are considered “dead” if they are not introduced or placed in an exempt committee like appropriations and tax committees.
The week is marked by long floor debates to rush bills out of committees and onto the House and Senate floors for debate and consideration. For example, the House debated 28 bills on the first day of floor debate on Tuesday. Most of these were benign bills with the exception of the Governor’s request to reamortize KPERS. The bill saw opposition by both Republicans and Democrats. While some Democrats acknowledged that reamortizing would be necessary in the future as KPERS annual payments balloon over time, the timing now is not right. The Republicans then made a motion to remove the contents of the bill and put in its place the paying back of two KPERS payments that were deferred under the previous administration essentially reducing the KPERS liability.
The week also saw the House Higher Education Sub-committee make its recommendations to the full Appropriations Committee. The recommendations were largely unaltered, meaning the additional $10M to be reviewed at Omnibus in late April/early May is still included as well as the $5M that is in the Comprehensive Block Grant for need-based aid.
Bills Monitored:
SB 466 – Would delete the Educational Building Fund (EBF) from the tax rolls. This is a 1.5 mills property tax that pays for rehab and repair of State buildings, and it generates approximately $40M a year. The bill proposes replacing the property tax revenue with State General Fund revenue of $33M. SGF is less stable than property tax revenue and replacing EBF with a reduced amount is essentially cutting the already pressured rehab and repair budgets for universities.
The bill had a hearing this week with opposition from KBOR, contractor’s association as well as architects, and it was soundly defeated by a voice vote. However, later that evening, the Senate Tax Committee that previously killed the bill had a meeting at the rail (meaning a non-regularly scheduled meeting) where multiple members were missing, and they put the contents of SB 466 into HB 2063 in order keep the bill alive and they voted it out of committee favorably for passage. The bill still has to be brought “above the line” for a vote on the Senate floor and leadership has not signaled a willingness to do so at this time.
HB 2515 – Establishes the Kansas Promise Act, State funding for 2-year education for Kansas high school graduates. The House passed the bill last week and it has been assigned to the Senate Education Committee for consideration.
SB 474 – This is the name, image and likeness (NIL) bill that allows students to profit off their image and likeness. It has been drafted in response to states like California passing similar legislation. Kansas universities have expressed a concern that if too many states pass laws on NIL before Congress creates a uniform law, Kansas will be left behind in competing for talent. The bill will likely have a hearing Wednesday or Thursday.
SB 336 – Creates the Reinvestment in Postsecondary Education Act (RISE Act). Essentially the same as HB 2515 with two notable distinctions. First, it would provide State funding for up to 60 hours of education rather than two years of education at a 2-year college essentially allowing for it to cover half of a baccalaureate degree at a 4-year university. It also places the following requirements on the applicant:
- Be a Kansas resident;
- Be or have any of the following:
- Enrolled in grade 12 in any public or private high school in Kansas;
- Graduated from any public or private high school in Kansas within the last five years;
- Been in foster care at any time while enrolled in any of the grades 6 through 12; or
- Obtained a general educational development (GED) certificate or high school equivalency certificate;
- Complete the scholarship application;
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the academic year the student is seeking a scholarship;
- Participate in mentoring and guidance sessions required by the Board; and
- Enroll in an associate degree program, career and technical education program, or baccalaureate degree completion program in the fall semester immediately following submission of the student’s application.
All indications are that the Senate Education Committee will likely combine the contents of HB 2515, that do not conflict with SB 336, and pass them both in a House bill for the House to simply concur too, setting the stage for a conference committee to work through the differences of the bills.
This is a short week for the legislature as typically happens after Turnaround. The Senate and House will return Wednesday for committee hearings and floor debate. Budget committees continue to hear sub-committee reports and Senate Ways and Means is supposed to hear higher education recommendations next week.
March HealthQuest upcoming events
Employees enrolled in 2020 coverage through the State Employee Health Plan can earn a premium discount worth $480 annually and HSA/HRA rewards dollars up to $500 per year for each employee and covered spouse, just by participating and logging healthy activities throughout the year.
In March, there are four events currently scheduled, worth up to 26 points total.
Upcoming events in March
- Thursday, March 5, at 10:30 a.m. in 266 RSC, or Tuesday, March 17, at 2 p.m. in 264 RSC, “Where Are You Going? Goal Setting for Personal and Professional Success” EAP Workshop (1 point). Register in myTraining – limited capacity.
- Monday, March 9, on-campus Biometric Screening in 266 RSC. Schedule your appointment today in the HealthQuest portal, or by calling 1-888-275-1205, option 3. (Up to 23 points)
- Monday, March 9, on-campus Health Coaching in 240 RSC. Schedule your appointment today in the HealthQuest portal, or by calling 1-888-275-1205, option 3. (1 point)
- Wednesday, March 18, from 11 a.m.-noon, “Are you Financially on Track for Retirement?” EAP webinar. Register online. (1 point)
We’ll publish upcoming events each month, but if you’d like to plan in advance, check out all currently scheduled HealthQuest events.
Physics Seminar Series on Wednesday
Please join us for our next Physics Seminar at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, in 128 Jabara Hall. This week’s seminar features our own Dr. Mathew Muether. The title of the talk is “New Technologies for Measuring Massive Neutrinos From the NOvA and DUNE Experiments.
Mid-semester is a great time to remind students to stay (or get) healthy!
This time of the semester often brings increased stress to students. Student Health Services, Counseling and Prevention Services and Campus Recreation offer many opportunities for students to relax and create or maintain a balanced lifestyle. These resources work together and with others to create a cross-divisional community of care and help students maximize their potential for success. If you are concerned about a member of our community, submit a concern here.
Resume Workshop tomorrow
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 4-5 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3) in 155 Corbin Hall.
Resume Rx - Come see the Career Development Center for help with your resume!
Students, do you need your resume or cover letter reviewed but don't have time to make an appointment? The Career Development Center has you covered! Come see us from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, on the RSC first floor, for help with your resume, cover letter, interview tips, and general information about our office.
No need to register, just stop by and see us!
Celebrate and shop the Women Empowered Shocker Market on Thursday
Join us as we celebrate Women's History Month at Wichita State University! The Women Empowered Shocker Market is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, March 5, on the first floor, Rhatigan Student Center. Learn about programs that empower women locally and globally, and to shop beautiful handmade products for your home and life.
This event will feature local causes, global causes, and women-owned small businesses. Products for sale will be handmade, empowering to women economically, and ensure a fair wage was paid to the makers.
This event is in collaboration with the WSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Alegria Fair Trade, SheHopes.org, and Filigrana Artisans.
Women Empowered Shocker Market
SGA presents Woman to Woman Networking, a professional networking event
We invite all women from the Wichita community to join us for a professional networking event from 4:30-6 p.m. Friday, March 6, in the John Bardo Center lobby. Refreshments and conversation starters will be provided. Come get to know fellow women in Wichita and students at WSU.
Call for posters for Analytics Showcase
The Wichita State University Analytics Showcase invites students to submit a poster for presentation at the first Wichita State University Analytics Showcase from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Hughes Metropolitan Complex. This event is a great opportunity to present your data analytics research or applied project to WSU community, Industry and other stakeholders.
The WSU Analytics Showcase will deepen your understanding of accomplishments in the field of analytics in terms of research advances, curricular programs, analytics software, hardware, and skill-building, and it is a great opportunity to interact with other data analytics researchers and practitioners.
The deadline for submission is Friday, March 6.
Click here to submit the poster.
Time to register for the 2020 Gender & Sexuality Conference
Registration for the 7th Annual Gender & Sexuality in Kansas Conference, to be held in the Rhatigan Student Center on Friday, March 13, is now live. Whether you plan to drop in and out to attend conference sessions or only plan to attend the afternoon keynote address by Dr. Sarah Deer, titled, "Sovereignty of the Soul: Confronting Sexual Violence in Native America", we ask that you pre-register if you plan to attend.
Click here to access the registration form.
Pre-registration will be open until noon on Tuesday, March 10.
As always, the conference is free and open to the public.
Please share this information widely with faculty, staff, students, or others you know who may be interested in attending.
Judges needed for Hippodrome 2020
The Campus Traditions Committee is looking for WSU faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to judge the annual Hippodrome Skit and Variety Show Competition on Wednesday, April 8, Thursday, April 9, and Saturday, April 11.
Judges are expected to have no affiliation with any of the participating groups. Groups include Delta Gamma and FarmHouse, Delta Upsilon and Delta Delta Delta, Gamma Phi Beta and Sigma Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta and Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Alpha Phi.
For more information, go to wichita.edu/hippodrome or email traditions@wichita.edu.
Get your Kansas ID or driver's license renewed on campus
The Kansas Division of Vehicles is going mobile to make it easier for you to get or renew your Kansas ID or driver’s license. Representatives will be at WSU from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, in 258 RSC. This opportunity is available to both international and domestic students, staff, and faculty at WSU.
Click here for a complete list of what services will be offered during this event, as well as information regarding what you should bring.
Go to Motor Vehicles Schedule to sign up for an appointment. You must have an appointment to attend.
Shocker New Venture Competition applications open soon!
The Shocker New Venture Competition gives students the opportunity to win venture money as well as receive valuable feedback on their idea from industry experts. Each year this event connects students from all academic disciplines to take key steps in developing world solutions. Applications open Monday, March 16 though Wednesday, April 1. For more information about the Shocker New Venture Competition, go to wichita.edu/snvc.
You can help prevent suicide
Learn how to support your community with the #WSUWeSupportU Preventing Suicide training. Each training lasts an hour and a half and gives you the tools you need to assist someone in need through the Share, Ask, Support method. Upcoming trainings are available Tuesday, March 10; Wednesday April 15 and Friday, May 15.
W-S-YOU Shocker Experience Fair table host request – Saturday, March 28
W-S-YOU, an event for admitted high school seniors and transfer students, is scheduled for Saturday, March 28. This come-and-go program assists students with the next steps they need to take in order to become an official Shocker. Students are able to meet with financial aid representatives, submit their contracts for housing, sign up for an orientation program, have a discussion with an advisor, and more. Last year, 505 students and 629 parents and guests attended.
One aspect of the program is a Shocker Experience Fair from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in
the Rhatigan Student Center Shirley Beggs Ballroom. It is our hope that the Shocker
Experience Fair will be the "party place" and will showcase the many opportunities
available to our students to get involved.
We would encourage you to bring handouts, give-away items, displays, etc. for the prospective students. Lunch will be provided for any WSU faculty, staff or students who are working the experience fair.
If your department or student organization would like a table, please reach out to Mandy Harmon, associate director, at mandy.harmon@wichita.edu by Friday, March 13, to reserve your space.
Volunteers needed for research study
Study name: Effects of Lower Extremity Blood Flow Restriction Exercise on Strength Generation and Interleukin 6 Levels in the Elderly
Research Topic/Purpose of the study: To determine whether Blood Flow Restriction therapy during moderate exercise by people 55 years of age or older results in improved functional activity and health outcomes. Such findings may provide a new approach to promoting health through moderate exercise.
Procedures: Participants will pedal an exercise bike with or without Blood Flow Restriction therapy for approximately 30-minutes, three times per week over a 12-week period. At the beginning of the study and every two weeks, blood samples will be collected and tested for proteins related to exercise and a 30-second sit-to-stand activity will be performed to assess exercise functional outcomes.
Time: Participation is expected to last about 45 minutes. Inclusion / Exclusion Criteria:
- Participants must be age 55 or older
- No known muscular disorders
- No known neurological disorders
- No known cardiopulmonary disorders
- No use of nicotine products
- Not have diabetes
- Not be in an active exercise program
Location: Wichita State University Heskett Center Cycling Studio
Contact: If you are interested in participating in this study, contact: Dr. Nils Hakansson at nils.hakansson@wichita.edu or call 316-978-5909, Chris Deck, PT, at cdeck@providence.org, or Dr. Heidi Bell at Heidi.bell@wichita.edu.
Make your home equity work for you!
What can a home equity loan do for you? The equity in your home is yours to use how you want to use it. Weather that's helping pay for college, consolidating bills, vacation, or home improvements. Check out our rates online today at campuscu.org. You can use our loan payment calculator and apply online.
Or stop in, we are located in the Heskett Center parking lot, across the road from the YMCA, and next to the WSU Police Station.
We look forward to helping you put your home equity to work for you. Campus CU is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 411233
Wear the official basketball team shooter shirt
Support the Wichita State men’s and women’s basketball teams by wearing the official team shooter shirt that both teams will wear in their tournaments. Available at the Shocker Store locations in the Rhatigan Student Center, Braeburn Square, Koch Arena and online at shockerstore.com. Go Shockers!