It’s time to update your Strategic Planning Initiative
The Strategic Planning Committee and Activation Teams recently completed the review of the 167 submitted Strategic Planning Initiatives (SPI). To see the high level documentation of the efforts to support the mission of Wichita State University you'll find the preview of the TeamDynamix dashboard, here.
All university SPI’s should be updated for end of year reporting by Friday, May 1, 2020. To update your SPI’s, navigate to the WSU Strategic Planning website. Additional assistance can be found in the How-to-Guide.
Link to the Team Dynamix Dashboard
Convergence Sciences Town Halls to be held today
You are invited to attend upcoming town halls to talk about the president’s Convergence Sciences Initiative. You’ll hear key information about the call for proposals, and most importantly get the chance to connect with people whose expertise you need for your proposal, or who are seeking to join a research group.
The town halls will be organized around the three topics:
- Health Disparity at 1 p.m. today (Friday, April 24)
- Digital Transformations at 3 p.m. today (Friday, April 24)
A Zoom meeting link will be emailed to you after you RSVP.
Convergence Science Town Halls and Events
WSU Foundation focuses on helping students with pandemic-related financial stress
With a swiftly launched campaign called Shockers UP, the WSU Foundation and its donors have raised more than $80,000 so far to help Wichita State students facing financial struggles related to the pandemic.
The campaign began in mid-March, within days of the WSU Foundation hearing reports of students unable to pay for basic necessities such as food and rent. Many students lost their jobs because of the stay-at-home orders and others had unexpected expenses related to the transition to online learning.
So far, about 123 students have received grants of $500 each from the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Students. A total of 247 applications had been received as of April 21, with more anticipated in the coming weeks. The Office of Financial Aid, which is analyzing applications and distributing the money, hopes to award $500 grants to students in need.
“We’re so grateful to alumni and friends who have stepped up to help our students,” said Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO. “The funds raised so far are nearly exhausted, so we encourage more donations to address what clearly is an urgent situation for students wondering how they will be able to remain in school.”
Like most colleges and universities, Wichita State will receive about $4.4 million in federal stabilization aid for students under the CARES Act, but it is uncertain what conditions will be applied, especially for international students who may not be eligible.
Felipe Lima de Oliveira, an engineering major from Brazil, is one of those students. After losing his job, he applied for help, noting that as an international student he is not eligible for unemployment benefits. He used his $500 grant to make his final tuition payment for the spring semester.
Jenna Barber, a physical education major, used her grant to buy groceries and sock away $100 for a summer class. Her husband received a medical discharge from the Air Force and is unemployed.
Gladys Heitzman, who lost her job and has been unable to find another, had this to say after receiving her check: “I’m so proud of WSU and extremely grateful for the aid during this time. It’s incredible what WSU is doing for their students and it’s comforting to know that I go to a university that cares about their students.”
To donate to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Students, go to foundation.wichita.edu/shockersup.
Remote academic success resources help students finish strong
As students are working on final assignments for the semester, it’s important to share information about resources available remotely to help them submit the best work they can. Resources like the Online Writing Center, Math Lab and GEEKS (for engineering students only) can now be found in Blackboard and the Center for Excellence in Oral Communication and Shocker Learning Center are great resources for students to use as they work on final projects.
Some quick tips for helping students finish successfully include contacting instructors for clarification on remaining class content and details regarding finals, forming virtual study groups and cleaning and organizing dedicated study spaces for the final few weeks of the semester.
Center for Excellence in Oral Communication
Take a break with KMUW's list of virtual events and activities
You can rely on KMUW and NPR for news and information around the clock, but when you're ready for a break, KMUW has a list of online events and activities that allow you to connect with others in our community without leaving the house, or provide a much-needed distraction. This list is updated regularly with local virtual events like cinema conversations, yoga classes, art projects and more.
Ulrich Museum of Art unveils new approach to keep art accessible during these challenging times
In response to changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the Ulrich Museum of Art on the Wichita State University campus is taking a proactive approach to planning its programs and exhibitions for the next eight months. Embracing a changing future with no guarantees for public gatherings, the museum is shifting its focus to programing that takes place outside in the community and accessible to everyone. In this approach the Ulrich hopes to transcend the changing restrictions and limitations caused by COVID-19, while continuing to serve our communities in direct, effective, and compelling ways.
We are happy to announce that our first community-based art effort will be the Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard Project. The project will feature 20 works of art from the Ulrich’s permanent collection, highlighting pieces by artists in the community. The billboards will be installed over the course of five months all around the city. We are selecting works that embrace what it means to be human at a time when it matters most.
Image caption: A mock-up of a potential billboard featuring art works from the Ulrich Museum’s permanent collection. Pictured here are two photographs of boxer Muhammad Ali taken by Kansas-born artist Gordon Parks.
Graphic design faculty candidate Irma Puškarević to give public Zoom presentation today
Please join the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries at 3:30 p.m. today (April 24) for a public Zoom presentation by Irma Puškarević, a candidate for a faculty position in the graphic design program. The presentation will be followed by a short question and answer period.
The meeting ID for this Puškarević’s Zoom presentation is 941 2994 7625, and the password is 087687.
This is the final public presentation of graphic design faculty candidates. Three other candidates presented earlier this week: Joshua Smith, Guido Alvarez and Derek Hamm.
First-Generation Student Organization virtual Zoom meeting today
The First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) seeks to raise awareness within Wichita State University’s student and professional community through activities and programs designed to foster the education of first-generation students.
We will be having our virtual meeting at 11 a.m. today (Friday, April 24) via Zoom.
Plus, we are very happy to host Anita Barrett the Director of ITS Project Management. She will share about her journey through college as a first-generation student and information about the ITS Department. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation with her as well.
We are looking forward to making long-standing connections and doing great things with and for the first-generation college students here at Wichita State University, while having fun in the process.
Tuesday Talks with Cindy and Student Health Services
Join us on Facebook Live with Cindy Walker, DNP, APRN, for a Q&A about how to manage your seasonal allergies. Ask your questions about medicines, methods, and more to get on top of your allergies this spring at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 28.
State Employee Health Plan updates in response to COVID-19
Gov. Laura Kelly announced four provisions on March 13, that are effective immediately and for the next 60 days for employees and dependents enrolled in medical insurance through the State Employee Health Plan.
- SEHP will cover medically necessary diagnostic tests that are consistent with CDC guidance related to the COVID-19 at no cost share to member, where it is not covered as part of the Public Health Service response.
- SEHP will allow early refills on 30- or 90-day prescription medications and/or allow members to use their mail order benefit.
- Given the nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, seeking in person medical care has the potential to further spread the virus. SEHP partners with Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas to provide Telehealth services with a virtual doctor’s office. There is 24/7/365 access to this service. The member cost share will be waived for any Telehealth service. In addition to telehealth services provided by Teledoc or Amwell, the member cost share will also be waived for services from your in-network physician that are billed as telehealth services.
Blue Cross Blue Shield members - Amwell
- For plan participants that reside in the Topeka area, the HealthQuest Health Center available to members enrolled in the health plan, is located at 901 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka
- Phone screening is recommended before going to the center: 785-783-4080
- If a patient walks into the clinic, they will have them put on a mask and clean their hands with hand sanitizer. The health center staff will evaluate the patient’s symptoms and recommend they isolate if the initial findings and/or symptoms present are a positive indicator for the virus.
- Testing is not available at the health center for COVID-19 and the clinic will refer all patients that meet the risk criteria to the local health department for testing and further evaluation.
For all up to date information regarding COVID-19 and the WSU campus, please visit www.wichita.edu/covid19.
IDA will assist with new online and remote class Blackboard setups
Instructional Design and Access would like to help instructors in the shift to remote classes for summer, so starting immediately, we are offering a new service.
If you would like IDA to do the initial setup of your remote or new online course in Blackboard, simply provide the necessary information on this form.
As part of our service, we will upload your syllabus, set up discussion and assignment links, and upload a course banner. There are various options you can choose from to ensure the course setup you receive reflects your personality and supports your content.
Questions? Contact us by email at IDA@wichita.edu.
WSU philosopher featured on Oxford University Press Blog
James Schwartz, an assistant teaching professor from the Department of Philosophy, was recently featured on the Oxford University Press Blog. His article discusses President Trump's recent Executive Order on Encouraging International Support for the Recovery and Use of Space Resources in the context of Dr. Schwartz's new book, “The Value of Science in Space Exploration” (Oxford University Press, 2020).
Students, faculty, and staff, please take the CAPS Marketing Survey!
We invite you to take this survey regarding an awareness campaign from Counseling and Prevention Services. We want to make sure our messages are being heard by the whole WSU community!
Please follow this anonymous link to take the survey.
Thank you!
WSU student teachers use video, music to help other teachers during pandemic
- Wichita State University students are creating lesson plans for history and government classes for grades 6-12 that are designed for remote learning.
- Topics include the Cold War, the Dust Bowl, impeachment process and emojis.
- The goal of the 13 students is to help teachers adjust to pandemic conditions and help students who may lack strong internet or ample computer time.
Shocker athletics tells its story about staying connected during pandemic
Wichita State coaches and student-athletes are at home during the pandemic and working to stay healthy, stay on top of their academics and prepare for future competitions.
The Roundhouse podcast takes Shocker fans into their lives as they deal with this disruption.
In the most recent podcast softball coach Kristi Bredbenner talks about outfitting the addition to her family in Shocker colors, keeping the team connected through check-ins and regular questions.
She has three talented seniors who will return next spring and she details what that
means for her roster. Track and field's Steve Rainbolt misses the rhythm of accomplishment and team competition he usually experiences during
the spring. He is a newcomer to Netflix and offers a few movie recommendations, led
by "Bull Durham."