WSU Today Newsletter

Update on December 2019 security incident

In December 2019, the university notified the campus community of a security incident involving unauthorized access to a WSU server containing information of former and current students, faculty, and staff. Upon learning of the unauthorized access, WSU’s top priority was to mitigate the effect to and upon our campus community. We immediately secured the server and engaged a leading computer forensic firm to investigate the incident’s scope and impact. This comprehensive review revealed that the affected server contained names, email addresses, dates of birth and, in some cases, Social Security numbers.

More information here

Within the next few days, all individuals potentially affected by this unauthorized access will receive a letter to your home address that contains additional details about the incident as well as steps you can take to help protect your information. This letter will also include a hotline number and website where you can ask questions and get details. A sample of the notice mailed to U.S. residents can be found here: http://www.wichita.edu/securityincident.

While the university does not have any evidence of actual or attempted misuse of your personal information, we are offering identity theft protection to all potentially affected individuals at no charge. This includes 12 months of credit monitoring, fully managed ID theft recovery services, and a $1,000,000 insurance reimbursement policy.

We want to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this incident has caused. WSU takes very seriously its obligation to protect the personal information of each and every member of our community and we regret the understandable worry a situation like this causes. We want to assure you that we have taken proactive steps to manage this risk going forward.

If you believe that you may have been affected and do not receive a letter, you may call 1-833-570-0375 for assistance. You may also reach out to David Miller, interim chief information officer, at david.miller@wichita.edu. For your protection, please do not email any details that relate to your personal information.

As a reminder, we encourage you to always use complex passwords, reset your passwords regularly, don’t leave your computer unlocked when away from your desk, and avoid opening and clicking links in email messages that appear suspicious.

WSU professors and students recognized for innovative research

Anil Mahapatro

Three Wichita State University researchers and a student group have been awarded the John A. See Innovation Award.

The faculty winners are Anil Mahapatro, Eylem Asmatulu and David Long.

Mahapatro, associate professor of biomedical engineering, won for his research project, “Plant based materials for Stereolithography 3D printers.”

Asmatulu is an assistant professor the department of mechanical engineering. She is collaborating with Long in biomedical engineering, and their winning research project is titled “Superhydophilic nanofiber desiccants for enhanced food and drug packaging.”

Students were also recognized for their venture-based projects. Jared Goering, Spencer Steinert and Max Hinman from innovation design won for their project titled “nwire – immersive learning platform”

The John A. See Awards began in 2014 after See donated $1 million to provide prizes to WSU faculty and students conducting outstanding research or producing other significant work.

See was director of flight test and prototype development at Boeing until his retirement in 1985. Although not a Wichita State alumnus, he has been a generous WSU supporter who values the importance of higher education and believes in WSU’s commitment to growth and pioneering work.

Increased protections for WSU email begin today

Starting today (Monday, March 9) changes will be implemented to the WSU email system to make it easier to identify phishing emails. Like the example in the image above, a yellow warning bar will be added to emails coming into WSU to identify the email as originating from outside the university.

This is designed to limit the success of phishing emails that attempt to impersonate people from the university. This will help decrease the risk to our personnel from phishing fraud attempts that have increased. In the coming days we will send more general awareness on phishing as part of this effort. None of these changes will impact messages sent by WSU Today, Constant Contact, Blackboard, financial aid or other emails sent on behalf of WSU. Student email accounts will not receive this banner at this time.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Mark Rodee, chief information security officer, at mark.rodee@wichita.edu or 978-3900.

Nearly 400 staff attend Town Hall with President Golden

Nearly 400 staff attended a Town Hall with President Golden last Thursday, and about 100 more watched the live feed online. Many topics were discussed, including enrollment, diversity, facilities, convergence sciences, salaries, community, research and the future of Wichita State University.

Summary of Staff Town Hall with President Jay Golden

Staff across the university had an opportunity to hear from President Jay Golden at the Staff Town Hall on March 5. Many topics were discussed, including enrollment, diversity, facilities, convergence sciences, salaries, community, research and the future of Wichita State University. The full video recording can be viewed at https://youtu.be/nVfqHWiYjVE and a summary is included below.

President Golden often starts his day working in Shocker Hall or the RSC around 6:30 a.m. Students and staff are encouraged to find him and visit with him during this time.

A focus has been reviewing binders of information from departments across the university, which is informing priorities moving forward. This work has led to the establishment of task forces to analyze opportunities in an effort to move toward a motto of transparency and shared governance. As such, dashboards are being created and will be published before the next semester so that everyone can see the progress being made on various initiatives.

Enrollment growth will continue to remain a priority. This year, WSU has seen a 7.88% increase in undergraduate applications for admission and is evidence that the strategic enrollment management plan is working. However, the population of graduating seniors in Kansas will decrease in a few years, while the population of students is growing in other states like Texas. Out-of-state recruitment efforts will continue to be emphasized, while we will also look at how we support Hispanic and Latino students and address the challenges with talent retention.

Diversity among faculty is unacceptable at Wichita State. Less than 2% of faculty are African American and less than 1% of faculty are Hispanic or Latino. This needs to change so that we better reflect our diverse student body.

Task forces are evaluating opportunities to change organizational structure. This could involve creating an Office of Diversity, Human Resources and Professional Development and dedicating a new unit to Community Engagement.

University branding and marketing is being evaluated; President Golden would like Wichita State University to be known as Kansas’ innovation university. We need to look at how we support communities in Kansas to address health and economic disparities. We will also be looking at investing in arts and culture in our community.

Strategic use and development of facilities will be a focus moving forward. We’re undergoing a spatialization study to look at how space can be better utilized through distributing classes at various times throughout the week, which will have a positive impact on parking. We’re going to work on compressing our campus. While new buildings will continue to be built, old buildings will also be torn down. KBOR has more R&R funding allocated for FY22. We’re trying to relocate several departments like University Police Department and Facilities Services. We will also look at letting go of some of our off-campus leases, try to buy back The Flats and The Suites in an effort to save money, develop a more robust 24-hour study space for students, create multicultural facilities and invest in developing amenities around campus like an international grocery store. 35% of our campus is surface lots, so opportunities for parking garages will be examined.

Convergence sciences will be a major focus; convergence is different than interdisciplinary. We must respect scholarship and ensure opportunities and resources exist for those at Wichita State to engage in scholarship.

A sense of community is needed among administrators, faculty, staff and students. Several things are in the works, including closing the campus for 30 minutes periodically to encourage everyone to leave their offices and engage with people across campus.

President Golden will be making his way across campus, visiting departments and taking staff out for coffee to discuss how the university can be a better place.

Salary challenges are recognized and being addressed. President Golden is disappointed that the proposed state budget didn’t include raises for higher education employees, but he is actively advocating for such a raise with legislators. A market-based compensation study will conclude in August or September, at which point resources will be evaluated to determine how we can move toward addressing pay concerns for staff.

In 5-10 years, President Golden wants WSU to continue to have steady enrollment, be known for more than aviation (health, digital, arts), have a strong sense of community, know who our alumni are, be dedicated to containing costs for our students, have a couple of national championships under our belt, have a women’s soccer team, have a 1^st-year retention rate in the mid-80s, and 5-year graduation rates that are at or above KU or K-State, and be mission-driven with a focus on engaging in diverse research aimed at addressing disparities and helping people in our communities.

The top two outcomes for students after an education with WSU should be a job and a passion for what they want to do.

A focus will be growing non-industry research. We need to ensure that faculty, staff and students know where and how to access research opportunities, that we’re offering support with funding and proposal development, and that we have mentors available who are specialists in those domains.

A concern was raised about the need for a better emergency alert system. President Golden and Rodney Clark, chief of university police, will look into this.

A concern was raised about needing to ensure our internal operations and processes are in order before focusing on increasing access and enrollment. President Golden explained that internal improvements will always be a focus, but that we have to look at high school students and ensuring opportunities for post-secondary education exist for those students, too.

A concern was raised about the need for additional employees to support campus growth. President Golden said that increased enrollment will result in a funding formula that would allow us to hire more employees, but we also need to be cognizant of the employees we do have as well. He wants to keep administration neutral as growth happens.

A concern was raised about Physical Plant operations. President Golden will work to get more information about the specific situation.

Documentary filmmakers talk about their films today

The Ad Astra Film Studies Conference - Spring 2020 - is featuring regional and local documentary filmmakers who will discuss their films today (Monday, March 9) in 233 RSC.

This event is being held from 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (break from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.). Talks begin on the half hour.

The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.

The keynote speaker is Carol Zuegner, Ph.D., holder of the Joella Cohen Endowed Chair in Journalism at Creighton University.

Local documentary filmmakers include Jim Grawe, Sara Harmon, Rocio del Aguila Carreno, and Enrique Navarro.

For more information, contact Marti Smith at martha.smith@wichita.edu or 978-6679.

Rudd Foundation to award $1.1 million in scholarships to 30 Kansas high school seniors Monday

You are invited to hear the announcement of the third class of Rudd Scholars at 10:30 a.m. today (Monday, March 9) in the Marcus Welcome Center. Each Rudd Scholar will receive a four-year college scholarship to attend Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University or Wichita State University. The expected value for all 30 winners over four years is $1.1 million, giving students the opportunity to graduate from college debt-free.

This year, 15 students who are being named Rudd Scholars, plan to attend Wichita State and will be introduced at the conference. Several of the winners hail from Wichita USD 259 and other surrounding Wichita-area school districts.

By removing financial barriers to a college education, chosen scholars are expected to achieve a high level of excellence on campus in preparing themselves to be leaders in their profession and in their communities after graduation.

Interdisciplinary Program Award recipients announced

In order to advance WSU’s Strategic Plan and SEM plan, the Office of Academic Affairs held a competition to propose new interdisciplinary certificates, minors, undergraduate, or Masters programs that will be in high demand and that are focused on addressing the future needs of our students and the community.

There were 12 submissions, with four semifinalists giving presentations on Feb. 14. The winning submission, selected by the committee, was for a Minor in Sustainability Management. Congratulations to Raina Rutti, Kara McCluskey, Gery Markova, Gary Brooking, and Madison Laughlin!

Managers of USS and non-teaching UP employees – Your signature is needed!

Managers of USS and non-teaching UP employees should log in to myPerformance (through myWSU) to submit electronic signatures for 2019-20 evaluations by Saturday, March 14.

Helpful Hint: The Manager Signature (Step 5) will not be available if the Employee Signature (Step 4 due March 7) was not completed. Once the employee signs and submits their evaluation, you should have access to the Manager Signature (Step 5).

Note: myPerformance evaluations are available for 2020-21 competency and goal planning. Managers should add expectations, competencies, and goals for the 2020-21 review period, then meet with their employees to review and provide them hard copies of their evaluation for reference throughout the year. Competency and goal planning should be completed by Tuesday, March 31.

For more information (including quick reference guides and other assistance) go to www.wichita.edu/myPerformance.

International Women's Day keynote on March 10

The 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 the History Department at the University of Kansas at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in Shirley Beggs Ballroom, third floor, RSC. The event is free and open to the public.

The event was organized by the Department of Women, Gender, and Diversity Studies in sponsorship with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, League of Women Voters - Wichita, and Centennial Celebration of the 19th Amendment.

Diverse Women's Summit

Student Showcase will feature presentation of papers, art, skits and poems on the theme ‘Expanding Equality’

The Diverse Women’s Summit on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 10-11, will feature student papers, arts, skits and poems on the theme “Expanding Equality.” The summit is free and open to the public. The event will be held on the third floor, RSC.

The summit is organized by the Department of Women’s Studies in sponsorship with the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, League of Women Voters – Wichita, and Centennial Celebration of the 19th Amendment

Student Showcase will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, third floor, RSC.
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 the History Department, Kansas University, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in the Shirley Beggs Ballroom, third floor, RSC.
Creative Concourse will be from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. third floor, RSC.

Diverse Women’s Summit

Interested in learning more about how to assess your academic program?

Looking for new methods of assessment that both informs instruction and leads to better outcomes for students? Join the University Assessment Committee and Dr. Marlo Schommer-Aikins for a workshop on “Basic Knowledge Needed to Develop an Assessment Plan” from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, in 256 RSC.

The University Assessment Committee is in place to communicate university assessment methods and best practices, evaluate assessment data, make recommendations based on assessment data for improvement and accountability purposes, and to keep the dialogue of assessment alive across campus. Representatives come from every college, University Libraries, and the Divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs.

Assessment Symposia

Legislative Update No. 9

The legislature returned after their turnaround break on Wednesday and worked through Thursday before adjourning on Friday. There wasn’t a great deal of meaningful work accomplished this week, with the exception of some procedural budgetary matters.

Included in those were the full Senate Ways and Means Committee recommendations for higher education. As a reminder, the sub-committee recommended the Governor’s budget which includes $11.9M for higher education 4-year institutions, but also $2.5M for need-based aid (applied to the comprehensive grant) as well as an additional $12.5M for pay increases for state employees, $5M for WSU for creating the National Institute of Digital Transformation and Convergence Sciences, $5M for KSU for a research focus on global foods, and approximately $130k for PSU for a dyslexia program to help K-12 teachers identify dyslexia in the classroom and provide them the appropriate resources.

It’s time for students to check their progress

Before much more time passes, students should be checking their progress in their classes and reflect on the goals they set for themselves at the beginning of the semester. Students can check their grades thus far in Blackboard and should be participating in the academic success programs that exist if they are worried about their academic performance. If students need someone to help them focus and set a plan for the rest of the semester, they can contact a Success Coach or Peer Coach in the Shocker Learning Center.

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.

Call for Service-Learning Faculty Scholars for 2020-21

The Service-Learning Faculty Scholars program has been designed to empower committed service-learning faculty to cultivate and support interest in service-learning in their fellow faculty members and through their classes and college. Our goal is to infuse the campus and community with a spirit of service-based academic engagement that ties the classroom experience to applied learning and experiential knowledge. The goal of the Faculty Scholars program is to involve faculty in the advancement of the service-learning pedagogy among fellow faculty. For a full list of program responsibilities, faculty support, and application information, go to Service-Learning Scholars. wichita.edu/servicelearningscholars

Questions can be directed to the Service-Learning Faculty Fellows team: Dr. Rhonda K. Lewis at rhonda.lewis@wichita.edu, or Dr. Chelsea Redger-Marquardt at chelsea.redger@wichita.edu. All application materials are due on Friday, April 17, by midnight to Dr. Lewis.

Service-Learning Faculty Resources

Second annual Edible Book Festival is coming to Ablah Library

The second annual Edible Book Festival hosted by Wichita State University Libraries is coming Wednesday, April 1 to Ablah Library's main floor. Register to submit your culinary creation at Edible Book Festival.

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.

Preventing suicide training

Teen study participants needed

Are you a parent of a teenager?

The INSPYRE research lab is exploring what makes relationships healthy or unhealthy in adolescence

Purpose of this study: To explore perceptions of healthy and unhealthy relationships in teens

Procedures: After parental consent and teen assent has been obtained, teens will be asked to participate in a survey that gathers information on demographics and perceptions of dating relationships.

Time: This survey will take about 20 minutes to complete.

Eligibility Criteria: Participants must be 13-19 years old, and must be fluent in English.

We provide flexible locations for study participation. Study participation can be done:

*in person at Jabara Hall room 417 @ WSU

*in person at an outdoor public meeting place (Eg: ICT Pop-Up Urban Park, Bradley Fair) *through email

*through mail

Compensation: A small prize will be offered.

Interested? Contact the Inspyre Research Lab at inspyre@wichita.edu 316-978-6180

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.

More information on research study

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.

Call for Poster - Wichita State University Analytics Showcase

The Wichita State University Analytics Showcase invites students to submit a poster for presentation at the first Wichita State University Analytics Showcase on April 17 at the WSU Hughes Metropolitan Complex.

This is a great opportunity to present your data analytics research or applied project to the WSU community, industry and other stakeholders. The Wichita State 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.

Submit your abstract at Analytics Poster. Note that you may use the same abstract that you are using for GRASP. Deadline for submission is Friday, March 13.

WSU Opera Theatre presents Mozart's ‘Cosi fan tutte’

WSU's Opera Theatre is pleased to present Mozart's "Cosi fan tutte," a comedic tale of romance and the awkward situations that arise when you put love to the test. Performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 19-21, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 22, in Miller Concert Hall.

Sung in Italian with the English translation projected above the stage, the opera is free to all WSU students with your student ID. Please see the School of Music website, stop by the Box Office in Duerksen Fine Arts Center, or call 978-3233 to reserve your ticket.

Tickets

Seeking nominations for Student Involvement Ambassadors

Do you know an involved student leader with a passion for sharing their Shocker experience? Consider nominating them to serve as a Student Involvement (SI) Ambassador. SI Ambassadors connect current and prospective students with opportunities to enhance their Shocker experience. SI Ambassadors share their involvement stories at campus recruitment events, promote organizations and programs to current students and recognize the contributions of new and established student organizations.

View more information about this opportunity and submit your nomination to Student Involvement by Wednesday, March 18.

Student Involvement Ambassadors

Our next Career Readiness workshop is Wednesday

Employers are looking for Wichita State graduates to be Career Ready — meaning you know how to use your talents, strengths, and interests. Being Career Ready means, you can recognize and demonstrate the competencies identified by employers that are crucial to a successful transition into the workplace. Our workshops are designed to help you understand the meaning of these competencies, learn how to identify and exhibit these skills, and how to further develop them.

Join us for Career Readiness: Tech Savvy and Oral/Written Communication from 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, March 11, in 264 RSC.

Career Readiness Workshop

20% off the official 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, now 20% off. Available at the Shocker Store locations in the Rhatigan Student Center, Braeburn Square, Koch Arena and online at shockerstore.com. Go Shockers!