Wichita State summer courses moving to online/remote format
Dear students and faculty:
As our lives, both on campus and off, continue to be disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis, our priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our entire campus community. While we had hoped to be able to return to some sense of normal by the summer months, the situation remains uncertain.
Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, we have made the difficult decision to continue our online and/or remote academic instruction through the summer term.
Those courses that were already scheduled to be offered 100% online will remain as previously planned, and the usual online fee will be assessed.
Those courses that were originally scheduled to be held either partially or entirely in person will be moved to an online and/or remote format. The university will not assess any online fees for these courses.
Faculty who are scheduled to teach summer courses should begin any necessary preparations to transition their courses to an online and/or remote format. For more information on the support that is available, go to www.wichita.edu/bbnow.
Summer registration starts Monday, April 6. To learn more about summer courses, go to www.wichita.edu/summer. Students and faculty will see the new instructional method code (REM) indicating the course will be offered in an online and/or remote format.
I know these past few weeks haven’t been easy. I hope that providing this information now will provide some relief during these uncertain times. While we must continue to remain socially distanced from one another, I encourage you to check in – virtually – on your professors, students, classmates and colleagues and stay connected. And, most importantly, I encourage you to take care of yourself and continue to be well.
As always, you can find the latest updates and frequently asked questions regarding how WSU is adjusting to COVID-19 at www.wichita.edu/covid19news.
Respectfully,
Rick Muma,
Provost
Stay socially connected with us!
Wichita State University would like to welcome you to our new Employee Connection community!
We need to be physically distant at this time, but not socially distant. Connection is critical and we are striving to understand the human moments that are happening and create space for employees to find their balance in this new world. Having said that, LET’S CONNECT!
Visit our Employee Connection webpage for ideas on how you can continue to stay socially connected with your teams at Wichita State, and join (and share) our new Facebook page for fun, interactive activities! We want to see your posts about ideas on how YOU are staying socially connected right now. Ready, set.... HAVE FUN at www.wichita.edu/EmployeeConnection.
Faculty Senate Call for Nominations
Nominations are now being accepted for division representatives and two university-wide at-large seats for the Faculty Senate to serve a two-year term starting in the 2020-21 academic year. Senators represent the faculty at the university and serve as a liaison for their academic divisions. The Senate meets twice-a-month during the regular academic year from 3:30-5 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.
All faculty are eligible for nominations. Current senators whose term is expiring are eligible for another term.
Please submit your nominations to Lee Ann Birdwell before midnight Friday, April 17. Self-nominations are strongly encouraged. Your participation is essential to a fair and inclusive process of shared governance.
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.
SEM Update: Goal 9
By Carolyn Shaw, Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management
Goal 9 Increase international undergraduate enrollment
- Goal 9 is a new SEM goal, added in 2018-19. We have seen an increase in the number of international students enrolled in classes at WSU in recent years. Much of this growth is due to online offerings for non-degree bound students that do not require the student to get a US visa (yellow line above). Our new (grey line) and returning (orange line) international student numbers are essentially flat, or declining slightly.
- WSU continues to explore new markets to recruit international students. Staff and students in the international office exchange more than 40,000 emails annually to answer questions for individual prospective students and walk them through the legal processes to obtain a visa.
- The impact of COVID-19 on our international enrollments for the coming year will be
challenging to address. International education fairs as well as TOEFL and other testing
services are being cancelled in many locations abroad. This will make it harder to
connect with prospective students, and for them to complete the requirements necessary
to secure student visas.
Recruitment and Retention Tips and SEM Shout Out
Recruitment and Retention Tips:
- Consider attending the international student orientation to welcome these students to campus, or hosting a welcome event in your own office/department for those international students in your program.
- Offering additional online courses may help international students who are unable to travel to the US in upcoming terms due to travel restrictions.
SEM Shout Out:
- To Heather Stafford, Student Health Services. Heather always gives a presentation at international student orientation, taking time on the weekend to come in a provide important health information to our new international students.
- To all the departmental transfer credit evaluators who provide a quick turn around on the transfer credit requests.
University Libraries seeking faculty feedback
University Librarians are asking for faculty input on how the library can replace face-to-face with remote library instruction sessions and workshops. This quick survey will help us to better gauge what kind of support students may need so that we may prioritize our efforts.
School of Education answers the call for recommended licensure updates for dyslexia content areas
On Nov. 12, 2019, the Kansas State Board of Education (KSBE) approved the recommendations of the Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia committee for pre-service teacher programs, professional learning, screening and evaluation, and evidence-based reading practices in addition to adopting the definition of dyslexia as presented.
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Dyslexia Committee set forth to enact recommendations put forth by the Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia and approved by the KSBE. The KSDE Dyslexia Committee consists of representatives from higher education, parents, advocate groups, teachers, administrators, school psychologists from Kansas public schools, members of the Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia, parents, and other various KSDE team members.
On March 24, 2020, members of higher education across the state of Kansas reviewed and revised the standards for licensure content areas addressed by the Dyslexia Task Force recommendations. In conjunction with Cindy Hadicke, Education Program Consultant at KSDE, and Catherine Chmidling, KSDE Education Program Consultant university faculty worked on the first recommendation, “The KSBE should modify the Educator Preparation Program Standards to integrate the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading, so to provide specificity (clarity) of the essential elements of literacy instruction,” which was provided in the KSBE agenda item number 14 attachment, Pre-service original recommendation number 1, page 53.
The content areas recommended by the Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia include: Early Childhood Unified Birth-3, Elementary Education K-6, Elementary Unified K-6, English Language Arts 5-8/6-12, High Incidence K-6/5-8/6-12/PreK-12, and Reading Specialist PreK-12.
Representation from the College of Applied Studies, School of Education took those recommendations head-on. The CAS School of Education faculty members assisted in the following categories:
Early Childhood Unified Birth-3rd
Dr. Kim McDowell, Professor and Dr. Jennifer Stone, Associate Professor
Elementary Education K-6
Dr. Michelle Adler, Assistant Professor
Reading Specialist PreK-12
Dr. Ashlie Jack, Assistant Dean, CAS
A timeline has been established for licensure standards to be set in place between July 2020 and August 2024. These directives are centered on pre-service, professional learning, screening and evaluation processes, and evidence-based reading practices. For more information refer to pages 51-58 in the KSBE report.
University Research / Creative Award (URCA) proposal deadline is extended to April 17
Proposals are due to the Office of Research for University Research / Creative Award (URCA) projects no later than 5 p.m. Friday, April 17. URCA provides funding of up to $4,500 for faculty to retool or reestablish productive research / creative projects or as seed money to develop pilot data where external funding is available.
Proposers must work with a Grant Specialist in the Office of Research prior to submission and all complete applications require an endorsement from the Chair and Dean. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed or considered.
Please contact proposals@wichita.edu to get started, or visit our website for additional information.
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.
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.
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
Virtual meetings with TIAA Financial Consultants are available
TIAA Financial Consultants are available to help participants in the Kansas Board of Regents Retirement Plan with virtual meetings to confirm they are on track for retirement, discuss market volatility, and consider recommendations on how to invest their funds.
These virtual meetings are private and secure, with only the employee and the Financial Consultant joining the virtual meeting. Through a computer or tablet, the participant is able to see the consultant as they talk, and the consultant can share information on their screen to create an experience very similar to a traditional face-to-face meeting.
Click the link here to schedule an appointment or call TIAA at 800-732-8353 to set an appointment.
Please email Jeremy Kohn, TIAA Financial Consultant, at jeremy.kohn@tiaa.org if you have problems setting an appointment and need assistance.
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.
National Science Foundation (NSF) will require two new forms to be submitted in an NSF-approved format starting June 1, 2020
National Science Foundation (NSF) update: Upon implementation of the revised Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 20-1) on June 1, 2020, all proposals submitted on or after June 1 will be required to submit biographical sketches and current and pending support using an NSF-approved format. Proposals without these NSF approved documents will be blocked from submission.
NSF-Approved Formats for the Biographical Sketch
NSF-Approved Formats for Current and Pending Support
Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance is working remotely, but still available to address student and employee concerns
The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) continues its commitment to review and address student, faculty and staff concerns pertaining to protected class discrimination and harassment, gender-based discrimination and harassment and sexual misconduct. The OIEC is equipped to provide interim support and available resources both on and off campus. We will also work to identify available resources and support options for students currently outside of the Wichita area.
Complaints can be filed using our online form, emailing OIEC@wichita.edu or by calling 316-978-3205.
Summer 2020 Tuition Assistance deadline approaching
The HR Total Rewards team reminds staff and faculty that the deadline for Summer 2020 Tuition Assistance applications is Wednesday, April 15.
Reminder: Tuition Assistance applications for Summer 2020 are submitted through the new Online Application Form.
Effective for the Summer 2020 term, the fillable PDF form will no longer be accepted.
Due to the volume of applications received each semester, requests to submit late applications will be automatically denied. There will be no exceptions.
Full program details can be found at www.wichita.edu/tuitionassistance.
Questions may be directed to TuitionAssistance@wichita.edu.
Wichita State Common Read call for nominations!
Have a book that you would like to suggest for consideration for the Wichita State Common Read program? Send in your nominations for the next common read book for the 2021-22 school year.
Wichita State Common Read is the university's common read program designed to spark conversation between students across majors on campus. This program strives to take educational concepts learned in the classroom and provide meaningful connections with out-of-the-classroom programs and activities. The Office of First-Year Programs is currently reviewing nominations.
Please visit Common Read to submit your book.
If you have any questions, email tahrima.musa@wichita.edu.
Curbside Services now being offered through Student Health Services
Student Health Services is now offering Curbside Services! Pick up refilled prescriptions or get your TB test read without having to leave your car. Offered during normal hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wichita State junior pitches in with sewing to make protective masks
Wichita State softball pitcher Caitlin Bingham learned to sew as a child. Softball, however, demanded most of her free time.
The COVID-19 pandemic put her back together with fabric and thread. Caitlin, from Tecumseh, Oklahoma, is sewing masks for medical personnel, inspired by a California pediatrician’s pleas for help on Facebook.
Visit WSU from home!
Are you or do you know someone who is interested in learning more about Wichita State University? You can now visit WSU from home!
Our Office of Admissions is partnering with the Office of Financial Aid to offer a virtual campus visit on Zoom every weekday beginning yesterday (Monday, March 23). During this interactive virtual experience, participants will hear from staff about admissions, financial aid and scholarships, and what you can expect during your Shocker experience. Register at wichita.edu/visit.
WSU students present research at annual Undergraduate Research Day in Topeka
Note: The below events happened prior to the social distancing mandates instituted in response to COVID-19.
In early March, approximately 40 undergraduate students from Kansas universities participated in the annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol, including five from Wichita State. Selected students traveled to Topeka to present their research and creative activity posters inside the Capitol building.
Student presenters were selected through a competitive abstract submission process. The projects were chosen based first on the quality of research, then with attention to the range of fields represented overall and relevance to current law makers.
Leadership Chat Series
Join us for weekly discussions on Leadership Topics. Every Thursday at 2 pm, we will discuss a topic! Topics such as leading in Chaos, the Enneagram, and more will be sent out the Monday before. Information can be found on our Facebook page or directly e-mailed to you! Register here.
Questions for the Career Development Center? Attend this virtual Q&A session!
Have questions about resumes? Not sure what to major in? Not sure what the Career Development Center does? These questions and more can me answered during this virtual Q&A session put on by the Career Development Center from 1-2 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, April 7).
Tomorrow – The Great Eight Career Competencies Virtual Workshop with the Career Development Center
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 the Career Development Center for Career Readiness: The Great Eight Career Competencies Virtual Workshop from 3:30-4:30 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, April 7).
Register to participate in the CMD Virtual Career Fair this week!
The Career Development Center encourages students in the Social Work program to participate in the CMD Virtual Career Fair for Kansas Social Workers, taking place online from today (Monday, April 6) through Thursday, April 9.
Students currently enrolled in educational programs within the state should pre-register. This digital recruiting event brings together healthcare systems, practice groups, governmental agencies, and hospitals seeking Social Workers for immediate hire across Kansas.
Today, students who have pre-registered will receive an invitation link to enter the virtual fair and will be able to review in-state job opportunities from the convenience of their phones, laptops, or tablets until the end of the day on Thursday, April 9.
Watch Party 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.Register to be part of the watch party here.
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 through email to registered participants.
This week we will be watching “Big Fat Liar.”
Who's afraid of the big bad Wolf? Not Jason Shepherd (Frankie Muniz), who has to prove that sleazy Hollywood producer Marty Wolf (Paul Giamatti) stole his class paper and turned it into a blockbuster hit movie, "Big Fat Liar." Traveling to Los Angeles with his best friend Kaylee (Amanda Bynes), Jason tries to break into show business -- literally. Through a hilarious series of pranks and ruses, Jason brings one of Hollywood's most powerful producers to his knees.