Wichita State teams with WPD to produce face shields for first responders
A relationship that started with friendship and drones is now helping produce face shields for first responders, a critical piece of equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is an emergency situation, but we’ve been doing projects with WPD for (almost) three years now,” said Nathan Smith, Project Innovation Hub manager for Wichita State University’s College of Engineering. “The existing relationship was exactly why I was able to be contacted so quickly.”
On Thursday, Sergeant Teddy Wisely of the Wichita Police Department (WPD) and Smith delivered around 30 reusable face shields to the WPD. Wisely, on his gofundme.com page, calls the work a “community effort to tackle a community problem.”
2021 Budget Trainings to be offered online beginning April 27
The time for submission of FY 2021 annual budget requests is fast approaching. If you are a Budget Officer or Review Officer, annual training on the budgeting system will be held online this year. The training will be available starting April 27, at which time the TM1 budgeting system will also open for changes. We will send out follow-up information on how to access the training video at a later date.
Planned dates for completion of the various phases of the budget process are outlined below. Please keep in mind these dates may fluctuate.
April 27: Budget system opens for changes and training video goes online
May 22: Final day Budget Officers & Budget Review Officers to enter data into the system
May 29: Final day for Vice Presidents to enter data into the system
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your Budget Analyst or the Budget Office at 978-3030.
COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Students started by WSU Foundation
Faculty and staff members may know students who are financially struggling during COVID-19 because of job loss, or some other reason. If you know of a student who has an emergency need, please have them go to the WSU Office of Financial Aid web page to complete an application for the new COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund.
The fund was begun with $25,000 in seed money contributed by donors. We invite you to help increase this amount so our Shocker community can respond to emergency requests. One example is a student who lost his job when his employer closed due to the pandemic. This student needs help with rent and food until he can work again. If you are in a position to help students like this, please make your gift at ShockersUp. Also, feel free to share this information with others who may be able to help.
Zoom co-hosts available
Are you struggling with Zoom? Are you worried about the security of your zoom sessions? Campus Media Services, a division of the Media resources Center, can provide a Zoom Co-Host to help manage the security and technical details of your zoom session. Co-hosts can help make sure that you have the right security sessions, help manage the participants, their microphones, and other disruptions to your session. Co-Hosts are available on a first-come, first serve basis, while staffing permits. Request your Zoom Co-Host now.
Remote teaching and Blackboard consultation labs are online through Zoom
Instructional Design and Access is running Blackboard / Remote Teaching consultation labs through Zoom. Faculty can join us from 1-3 p.m. any Tuesday or Wednesday, and GTA's are invited to come from 2-4 p.m. Thursdays and 3-4 p.m. Fridays.
All lab times and links can be found at our IDA Labs webpage.
If you would like to get training for a group of five or more people, contact us at IDA@wichita.edu
Zoom Host's Security Guide
As we have moved online, often in Zoom, we have been hearing reports about ZoomBombing, which happens when an uninvited person enters into an unsecured zoom meeting and disrupts the session.
If you would like to protect your classes and meetings from this sort of disruption, check out the Zoom Security page to find the right settings to make sure your zoom sessions are safe.
Physics Seminar available online today
Kristyn Harpool
The next Physics Seminar will feature Kristyn Harpool, a former WSU physics major who went off to study Medical Physics. Harpool will speak online at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday, April 1). She will be talking about "From Shocker to Medical Physicists: How my WSU experiences Shaped my Career."
She currently works for OCSRI in Tulsa Oklahoma, in Medical Physics applications, and will introduce what is Medical Physics, why it interested her, and now that she got her Ph.D., what she is using it for in work.
Harpool received a BS in Physics from Wichita State in 2014.
Click here for the Physics Seminar Zoom link.
Melissia Ward retires after 25 years of service
Melissia Ward, assistant to the dean in the College of Health Professions (CHP), is retiring from Wichita State after 25 years. Melissia brought her steadfast character and extraordinary work ethic to the CHP throughout her entire time at Wichita State.
She was the recipient of the President's Distinguished Service Award (Classified Senate) in 2002 and completed the esteemed CHP Leadership Academy program. She has impacted countless students, faculty and staff through the years, and will be greatly missed. We extend our warmest wishes to Melissia and wish her well as she embarks on her new journey.
Melissia’s last day is Friday, April 3. The CHP Dean’s Office is accepting cards for Melissia ,and will ensure they are delivered to her.
Please send cards to:
Dean’s Office – Ahlberg Hall 400
College of Health Professions
Wichita State University
1845 Fairmount St.
Wichita, Kansas 67260
April 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 April, there is one event currently scheduled, worth up to 1 point total. There are also a variety of On-Demand or online options with up to 43 points available.
- 11 a.m.-noon Thursday, April 16, “School’s Out: Getting Everyone Through the Summer” EAP webinar. Register online. (1 point)
Now is good time to take advantage of some of the On-Demand and online options to earn HealthQuest points.
- Learning Modules: You can earn up to 5 points by completing on-demand learning modules in the HealthQuest portal. There are 18 different topics to choose from.
- EAP On-Demand Trainings: You can earn up to 8 points (max 1 point per day) by completing EAP On-Demand trainings and webinars that you can access through the HealthQuest portal. There are 32 different topics to choose from.
- HealthQuest Financial Wellness Learnings Module: You can earn 5 points by completing this four-week learning module.
- Virtual Health Coaching Sessions: You can earn up to 15 points (max 1 point per day) by scheduling Health Coaching Sessions. You can choose a health coach who is a nurse (RN), a dietitian or a trainer when scheduling sessions.
- Online Wellness Assessment: You can earn 10 points for completing this assessment.
- 2020 HealthQuest Program Overview Video & Quiz: You can earn 3 points for watching this video and completing the short quiz.
We’ll publish upcoming events each month, but if you’d like to plan in advance, check out all currently scheduled HealthQuest events.
Faculty Fellows deadlines are approaching
Each year, Academic Affairs supports Faculty Fellows in a variety of areas. Faculty have the opportunity to learn new skills and serve our students in different ways through these fellowships. More information and submission details are provided on the Academic Affairs webpage linked below.
Tilford Incentive Grant, deadline April 3, 2020.
Orientation Faculty Fellows, deadline April 3, 2020.
Recruitment Faculty Fellows, deadline April 10, 2020.
Retention Faculty Fellows, deadline April 10, 2020.
Trends in Higher Education Fellows, deadline April 10, 2020.
Service-Learning Scholars Faculty Fellows, deadline April 17, 2020.
Honors College Fellows, deadline May 1, 2020.
Congratulations to the 2020 Phenomenal Women Award recipients!
The annual Phenomenal Women Awards recognizes women for their accomplishments and contributions to our community through their scholarship, activism, and commitment to excellence. While we cannot celebrate in person, we hope that each nominee and award recipient knows how important they are to the campus and community.
Congratulations to the 2020 Phenomenal Women Award recipients: Rhonda Hicks, Heba Madi, and student award winner Maribel Sanchez!
To learn more about the Phenomenal Women Awards and to read our recipients’ bios, go to http://wichita.edu/phenomenal.
Changes to GRASP
Given current recommendations, the in-person Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) Symposium has been canceled. However, in order to provide an opportunity to showcase graduate research and scholarly projects, we will be moving GRASP online. We’re still working on logistics and will announce details later.
Aren't familiar with GRASP? Please visit our website to learn more about our annual symposium at wichita.edu/grasp.
SGA to host Virtual Town Hall for students tomorrow
The following invitation went to all students:
Welcome Back, Shockers! We know these are unprecedented times for us as college students. We know there are probably still so many questions about how WSU is handling these times.
The Student Government Association will host a Virtual Town Hall live on YouTube at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 2. It will be moderated by Student Body President Kitrina Miller, with university President Dr. Jay Golden, Provost Dr. Muma, Dean of Students Dr. Aaron Austin and Dr. Carolyn Speer, manager, Instructional Design And Access, as we answer all the questions you may still have about WSU’s response to COVID-19.
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Please note: Faculty and staff are welcome to watch the Virtual Town Hall, but please respect the fact that the event is to give students an opportunity to ask questions.
Community Extra newsletter issue brings some fun to working from home
To bring fun and practical ideas to everyone, Instructional Design and Access has created a special edition of our newsletter. What is usually called Teaching Today is now Community Extra Today.
In it you will find links to free teaching resources (from kindergarten through college), fun things to do while we are living and working remotely, and LOTS of ideas from your peers here at WSU.
If you like Teaching Today's regular format, don't worry! We'll be back with our regular April issue in about two weeks.
Parking update for spring 2020
For the remainder of the semester, Wichita State University is suspending parking enforcement for lots with green, yellow and green-and-yellow-striped signage. Parking enforcement personnel will continue to enforce permits in stalls with red signage, as well as ADA parking stalls, fire lanes and other reserved parking areas.
We understand the impact the global pandemic has placed on students and are doing all we can to accommodate the Shocker community during these challenging times.
Virtual Clinical hiring event · Hosted by Ascension Via Christi
Ascension Via Christi realizes the importance of social distancing at this time, and staying home with your family. We also realize that many of you are still searching for that next step in your career.
The Career Development Center invites you to join us for our Virtual Career Fair from noobn-2 p.m. Friday April 3. You will have the opportunity to chat with Ascension Via Christi recruitment team members from our Wichita, Pittsburg and Manhattan hospitals about our many open positions from the comfort of your own home.
Event Details:
Chats are about 10 minutes long, leaving you plenty of time in your day for other things. Join the chat any time between 12 - 2 p.m. CST and speak with a member of our recruitment team.
Open Positions:
- CNA
- Emergency Services
- Laboratory (Phlebotomy Tech, MLT, MLS)
- LPN
- Medical Assistant
- Non-clinical/Administrative
- Radiology/Imaging
- Rehabilitation Services (PT, OT)
- Respiratory Therapist
- RN
- Social Worker/Case Management
- Surgical Services (Surgical Technician, Processing Specimen Technician)
Wichita State announces eight new Koch Scholars
The Wichita State Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College is proud to announce eight recipients of the Koch Scholars program for the fall 2020 semester. Each of the students will receive between $30,000 and $45,000 during their four-year attendance at WSU.
This competitive scholarship program is aimed at high school seniors enrolling in the College of Engineering or the W. Frank Barton School of Business. Scholarship selection is based on high academic achievement, work experience, volunteer and leadership experience, an essay and an interview process.
All Koch Scholars are members of the Cohen Honors College, where they participate in community service and professional development activities throughout the year. Students get access to unique leadership experience, networking and mentorships with Koch employees.
Nominate an advisor for the Excellence in Academic Advising Award
Do you know of an advisor who goes above and beyond for students? The Advising Network (TAN) is proud to support student success by recognizing academic advisors at Wichita State University. Anyone who provides advising services in any role (faculty or staff) is eligible for nomination.
These awards recognize individuals who demonstrate qualities and practices that make significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising at WSU and beyond.
Nominate an advisor by completing an online form by April 3.
2020 Summer Leadership Institute announcement
As we continue to evaluate our programming for this semester and keep the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff at the forefront of our priorities, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Summer Leadership Institute (SLI).
While we recognize this event takes place further out, we want to be proactive in offering alternative programming that reaches our students virtually. For more information about upcoming Student Involvement programming, please visit the Student Involvement webpage[BROKEN LINK].
Reach out to Kennedy Rogers at kennedy.rogers@wichita.edu if you have any questions regarding this year’s 2020 SLI.
Movie night with SAC
Join the Student Activities Council for a weekly Netflix Watch Party. Every week we will pick a new film to watch together with live chat during and after the movie to connect from our couches.
Have a movie you want to watch with fellow Shockers? Send suggestions to sac@wichita.edu. A Netflix subscription and Netflix Party Chrome Browser extension is required prior to joining the event.
Chatroom link and directions will be shared 20 minutes before the start time on the Wichita State Student Activities Council Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Watch Party Wednesday occurs weekly at 6 p.m. on April 1, 8, 15, 22, 23, 30, and May 6.
Visit wichita.edu/virtualevents for more programs like this.