Teaching This Fall: Day 8 Questions about Technology
To support instructors who are prepping their classes for fall, the Faculty Curricular Design Working Group has created 10 sets of featured questions related to our new teaching environment. Each day we will post one set of frequently asked questions to respond to issues that faculty have raised about how to be prepared.
FAQs Set #8: Questions about Technology
- My class uses software that is only available in an on-campus computer lab. I am
not comfortable coming to campus to teach. Will the university buy licenses for all
my students?
SPSS will be available for student use on their computers. Instructors should reach out to their department chairperson with additional needs. Colleges will manage remote access for students in classes using software installed on lab computers via the WSU Virtual Private Network (VPN). More information.
- Are there video recording services available for instructor use at WSU?
Yes. Complete a Video Production Request Form for the WSU Video Production team to help record lectures for the fall semester. Recording takes place in the WSU Media Resource Center’s (MRC) studio but may be expanded to master classroom spaces depending on demand for the service.
Additional FAQs about teaching this fall can be found on the COVID-19 university webpage.
Advisory notice of nationwide unemployment benefits scam
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a large-scale scam involving fraudulent unemployment benefits claims has been active in the United States. Criminals, possibly based overseas, are filing applications for benefits using personal information of people who have not lost their job. The FTC is currently investigating this national scam.
Many people across the country, including Kansans, have reported this fraud after receiving a notice from their state unemployment benefits office or their employer about a suspicious application for benefits. Additionally, the criminals engaging in this scam have been known to impersonate state agencies and convince unsuspecting employees to “repay” money they did not actually receive.
WSU has been working with the Kansas Department of Labor to identify potentially fraudulent unemployment benefit applications. If you are a WSU employee and you receive a notice that unemployment benefits have been filed on your behalf while you are still employed, you should immediately contact Human Resources at HR.ServiceCenter@wichita.edu or 316-978-3065 and report this activity. Human Resources will help those employees who believe they may have been affected by this scam get in touch with legitimate contacts to report the activity and combat the fraud.
KPERS holding pre-retirement webinars
Thinking about retirement and are a KPERS retirement plan participant? KPERS is holding pre-retirement webinars where you can hear more information on the following topics:
- Choosing a retirement date
- How to calculate your benefits
- Steps in the process
- Payment options
- Taxes
- Life insurance
- Working after retirement
KPERS 1 & 2 members retiring in the next 12 months can register here for the following webinar dates:
- Tuesday, Aug. 18 10 a.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 20 6 p.m.
KPERS 1 & 2 members retiring in the next 2-5 years can register here for the following webinar dates:
- Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.
KP&F members (University Police) retiring in the next 5 years can register here for the following webinar date:
- Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.
Questions about these webinars? Contact KPERS at kpers@kpers.org
Toll-free, 1-888-275-5737
Policy 2.17/ Student Academic Integrity updates
This policy is being revised to remove the procedures from the policy. Specific changes made were :
- Name Change from Student Academic Honesty to Student Academic Integrity
- Included General Counsel under People/Groups involved in review
- Reduced definitions in the policy to only define what was mentioned in this policy. (A full list of definitions is included in the handbook)
- Faculty Senate approves all procedural changes (in the admin procedures section) Reorganized
Policy sections to fit with the WSU Policy on policies
The procedures document, now titled Academic Integrity Handbook, is being revised to:
- Reworded purpose to make the purpose clear and consistent with 2.17 Student Academic Integrity
- Clarified and added some more definitions
- Introduced the Complainant and Respondent Expectations
- Outlined specific procedures in hearing Academic cases through Student Conduct & Community Standards
- Removed sanctions that were Conduct specific, and not Academic Integrity Specific
- Outlined a specific Appeal process
- Changed the types of Holds used for Academic Cases
- Added a records statement
Any questions related to the new Student Academic Integrity Policy can be sent to SCCS@wichita.edu.
The Kansas NSF EPSCoR office is seeking white papers for Major Initiatives to Improve Research Infrastructure
Kansas NSF EPSCoR (KNE) is announcing a funding opportunity for Major Initiatives to Improve Research Infrastructure in the focus area of Adaptive and Resilient Systems.
In summer 2021, Kansas NSF EPSCoR will submit a Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Track-1 proposal to the National Science Foundation (NSF) Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). To develop the proposal, KNE is seeking proposals that will make up a key component of this multi-million dollar/multi-year request to NSF.
The selected initiative is expected to foster an interdisciplinary research community of engineers, computer and computational scientists, social and behavioral scientists, and natural scientists that creates new approaches and engineering solutions for the design and operation of infrastructure, processes, or services.
One major initiative will be selected to be included, along with other infrastructure-building components, in the $20 million RII Track 1 EPSCoR proposal, which will be submitted in August 2021.
White Papers Due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020
Full Proposals Due by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 2020
Q&A Sessions: Only researchers from Kansas universities will be admitted to Zoom meetings. Register for a meeting at noon Friday, July 24, and noon Thursday, Aug. 13, and download the RFP at the KS NSF EPSCoR website.
If you have any questions or wish to submit to this opportunity, please email the WSU Office of Research at proposals@wichita.edu and a grants specialist will be assigned to assist you.
Diversity training available this week
The spotlight is on diversity training during this week’s ARC. Every day from noon-12:50 p.m., and on Friday afternoon, the conference will offer diversity-related topics, panel presentations, and opportunities for discussion. Today (Wednesday, Aug. 12) at noon, you can enjoy a panel discussion on the topic, “Adding Diversity to Your Curriculum” by using this Zoom session link. Other diversity topics being offered the rest of this week include:
o “Pursuing Diversity Content Designation For Your Class,” Thursday, Aug. 13, from noon-12:50 p.m.
o “Disability Harassment and How to Avoid It,” Friday, Aug. 14, from noon-12:50 p.m.
o “First Generation Panel Discussion,” Friday, Aug. 14, from 1-1:50 p.m.
o “Creating a Welcoming Environment for Veterans,” Friday, Aug. 14, from 1-1:50 p.m.
o “Academic Freedom and Harmful Language,” Friday, Aug. 14, from 3-3:50 p.m.
o “Microaggressions,” Friday, Aug. 14, from 4-4:50 p.m.
You can find links to all of these sessions, plus many more topics at the ARC's August schedule page: https://wichita.edu/ARCAugust
Jump-Start Your Business with expert advice
Are you interested in starting a business or looking to keep your business on track during the pandemic? Join us online to hear from Kansas experts and discuss ways to help your business succeed. Register at wichita.edu/ksbdcworkshops
QuickBooks Webinars:
Learn QuickBooks to better organize and manage your business. Presenter Heather Denning is a Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumni of Wichita State University and local business owner.
State Tax Webinars:
Before, during, and after the Covid-19 outbreak, we still need to pay taxes! Join Carl York from the Kansas Department of Revenue to learn what you need to know and get answers to your questions.
What to Do Now Webinar Series:
After feeling the COVID-19 outbreak impact for months, it is time to act. Whether you are in business or thinking of starting a business, these workshops, presented by Kansas SBDC Advisors will suggest things you can do right now.
Office of Diversity and Inclusion changes for fall semester
As classes are in a hybrid format for the fall 2020 semester, programs and services are still available for students through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. While your experience may be different now, we hope you choose to embrace the change and continue to work hard to be successful.
We are currently in phase three of the Shockers United plan at Wichita State University and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is taking many sensible steps as we can protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors and our surrounding communities, while continuing to provide value of diversity, equity and inclusion that is part of Wichita State University's strategic plan.
USS & UP joint senate meeting set for Aug. 18
The USS and UP Senates joint meeting will be held via Zoom at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. All meetings are open to the campus community. If you are interested in joining the meeting, please email Kayla Jasso at kayla.jasso@wichita.edu for details on how to attend.
View meeting dates, agendas and minutes
Clash of the Colleges set for Aug. 21
First-Year Programs in Student Success and Campus Recreation invite you to join us for Clash of the Colleges on Friday, Aug. 21. This event will include relay races, team sports and a competition between academic colleges to determine who rules the school. Come by yourself or with a group of other new students (sign-up requirements are below). Enjoy an afternoon of interactive socially distanced fun!
Students who want to participate for in-person Clash of the Colleges need to sign up on the registration at wichita.edu/clash. Please note that it is first-come, first-served, as the amount of students that can attend this year is limited to ensure safety guidelines. All participants will be required to wear a face covering. Registration will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19.
This year there will also be a Virtual Games! Students can participate in these games to win points for their college!
Learn more about Clash of the Colleges
Check out the Fall 2020 Welcomefest events!
Welcomefest takes place during the beginning of each semester and features dozens of activities. Hosted by various student groups and campus departments, most events are free and give all students a chance to get acquainted with each other, learn campus and find ways to connect with the community. Visit wichita.edu/welcomefest for a complete list of events!
Register now for Virtual Shocker Resource Fair
Jump into the school year by discovering the programs, resources and opportunities waiting for you at Wichita State across our amazing campus departments. Every day, we will feature various campus departments, how to connect with them, and what they can do to help you be a successful Shocker. For more information about SAC-sponsored events, please visit wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu. Sponsored by the Student Activities Council.
Hiring process changes and reminders for August
August is a time of high volume hiring for students and lecturers. To ensure we are providing effective customer service, are compliant, and are achieving social distancing, please read the following information as some processes have changed.
Requests to hire a non-benefit eligible “Temp” employee must be approved by the position review committee before it can proceed through the hiring process. The only exception is if the position is funded by external or grant dollars. The position exception request form and instructions can be found on the Forms Index of the Human Resources webpages.
- All student/grad and lecturer hiring requests must be submitted on the following form. The form and hiring instructions can be found on the Forms Index of the Human Resources webpages. It is important that you use the form on the website to ensure you have the most up-to-date document. An outdated document can cause a delay in the hiring process.
- All employees (including student and Graduate Assistantship positions) must provide valid work authorization (Form I9) prior to beginning working at Wichita State.
- Employees are required to make an appointment with Human Resources to provide the necessary work authorization
- Employees are given the option to provide the work authorization virtually or in-person. If they choose to provide it in-person, they are required to follow the safety procedures in effect on campus.
- In-person appointments will be held in RSC240 – not in the HR Office on campus.
- After an employee’s job in Banner has been inactive (“terminated”) in Banner for 60 days, their employment will be terminated. This is a process change that was made in May 2020, and decided upon by the university to ensure effective system security. If an employee is terminated, they must go through the entire new hire process, including completion of new hire paperwork, providing work authorization, and completing a background check if required. To prevent this from happening, an add job ePAF for a future appointment must be submitted and completely approved prior to the expiration of the 60-day limit.
Updates to New Employee Orientation
As Human Resources continue to transition our processes in response to COVID-19, we are pleased to announce a change to New Employee Orientation (NEO) for new benefit-eligible hires when they begin working at Wichita State. As a new hire, NEO gives them the opportunity to interact with a cohort group while receiving vital information about being a new member of Wichita State.
During the fall semester, benefit-eligible new employees will participate in a hybrid NEO format. The hybrid NEO includes the virtual live portion via Zoom on the first Tuesday of each pay period**. This will provide an opportunity for the hiring department to complete a specific department orientation on the employee’s first day to acclimate them to the department and set-up their new workspace.
Following the live virtual NEO welcome on Tuesday, new employees will have additional online modules to complete. The modules provide information including policies, procedures and emergency preparedness, institutional equity and compliance, leave administration, and benefits. New employees will be able to view these modules at their own pace, and go back to review the information at any time by going to www.wichita.edu/NEOonline.
There will also be a virtual Q&A meeting time on the Wednesday following NEO that will be optional for new employees to attend if they have questions.
**New faculty starting the fall semester will participate in the live virtual NEO on their first day of employment, Monday, Aug. 10.
View the revised 2020 NEO schedule and find more information about Wichita State University New Employee Orientation at www.wichita.edu/NEO.
Impacted by the layoffs in Wichita?
In the news lately, we’ve been hearing about the impact across Wichita of the market uncertainty and layoffs that are affecting local businesses and their employees.
If you are a benefits-eligible employee at WSU and you or your spouse is losing health insurance through another employer, this can be a qualifying event for you to add your spouse and/or children to your existing coverages within 31 days of the date the other coverage ends. Email TotalRewards@wichita.edu for more information or assistance with this change.
Human Resources developed a website with information and resources which might be helpful for employees who may be directly impacted by layoffs. Please visit www.wichita.edu/CommunityResources for information and resources available to you.
Classroom Technology Training Schedule
Classrooms across campus are equipped with uniform technology and media equipment. Access is available to faculty and staff with consistent keys for most classrooms that are issued during a short training session. We encourage you to bring your personal laptop to test in the room during training. If there are additional needs or questions, please call 978-3588.
Faculty are encouraged to verify that their assigned rooms have the technology they need prior to the start of the semester.
Fall 2020 Classroom Technology Training Schedule
Dr. Linda Rhone named a top business leader and innovator
Dr. Linda Rhone, director of WSU Trio Student Support Services and graduate teacher education workshop faculty member, is featured in Urban Focus Business Leaders Magazine for the August 2020 issue. Rhone, who teaches teachers throughout Kansas, established the Wichita Teacher Inquiry Group (WTIG), the only one of its kind in this region, with grants from the Kansas Health Foundation and the Gerber Institute for Catholic Studies.
Rhone was congratulated and commended by Senate Resolution No. 1768 at the Kansas State Capital for her work with WTIG, which is designed to lessen systemic, cultural, direct and indirect bullying behavior at school, in the workplace and at home through cultural competence and transformative teaching and learning. In Urban Focus, Rhone has been named one of the Top 30 Business Leaders and Innovators for 2020. She is releasing a memoir in late fall 2020 titled, “Reflecting on Aspects of My Life: From Magical Consciousness and Chaos to Critical Consciousness and Clarity.” Her memoir addresses intergenerational childhood trauma and ways to rethink and re-language traumatic life events and thrive.
New mask available at RSC Shocker Store
The Shocker Store has a new mask available for just $6.99 in the RSC store and online at shockerstore.com. The new style of mask features three layers of fabric and a flexible nose piece.
CCU members: refer and win a chance for $100
Tell your friends and family about the Campus Credit Union this month for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Each new member you refer this month will qualify you for an additional entry to win. We consider it the highest compliment when our members refer us to their friends and family. Now we just want to sweeten the deal for our members who consistently refer us and thank you all in advance.
Dining options now open in the RSC
Starting today, all dining options in the Rhatigan Student Center are open for the fall semester! Visit wichita.edu/rschours for hours of operation for each location.
Purchasing Office new contact information
Due to the recent changes in the Purchasing Office, for the fastest most efficient response, please use the following emails when contacting us:
Purchasing Staff: purchasing.office@wichita.edu
P-Card Administrator: PCardAdmin@wichita.edu
Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to serving you in the future.
New tax-exempt certificate available
The tax-exempt certificate has been updated and the new form expires 10/1/2024.
The new form is available in either of the following locations on the Purchasing website at
--> In This Section-->Accounts Payable -->Tax Exempt Certificate
--> In This Section -->Business Procurement Card Program -->BPC Forms -->Tax Exempt Certificate
If you need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to us at purchasing.office@wichita.edu.
Join in the fun with a Zoom murder mystery night
Join your campus friends in a fun evening of intrigue and silliness with a Zoom-based murder mystery from 6-8 p.m. Friday Aug. 14. Each attendee will be given a part, a backstory, and a few clues, and your challenge will be to solve the mystery of ‘who done it?’ before anyone else does. Prizes are available.
To sign up, simply go to myWSU and find the event in myTraining under the title “ARC Cocktail Hour! Murder Mystery Night.” myTraining is located in the myWSU portal. If you can’t find it or don’t have access, send your registration request to Instructional Design and Access: IDA@wichita.edu. Sign up is required for this event since we need to assign parts.
Wichita State Athletics introduces mobile ticketing
Wichita State Athletics will introduce mobile ticketing for the 2020-21 season for the sports of volleyball, men's and women's basketball, baseball and softball.
The move to mobile ticketing will provide greater convenience and a safer environment for fans. It will offer a contactless entry into athletic venues and the ability to transfer tickets electronically, eliminating physical touching concerns prevalent during this time. Mobile ticketing will also provide an added layer of security, guarding against the production of fraudulent and counterfeit tickets.
Fans who do not have access to a smartphone or would prefer a physical ticket may still pick up generic ticket stock from the Wichita State Athletics Ticket Office prior to each game.
To take advantage of mobile tickets, all Wichita State season ticket holders who have already purchased tickets will receive an email to opt in. Season ticket holders can also call the ticket office at 316-978-FANS or email tickets1@goshockers.com to have their season tickets converted to mobile tickets.
Wichita State University students will still be required to pick up their tickets at the Heskett Center, the Shocker Store, WSU Ticket Office, Shocker Hall or Shocker Suites.
For more information, please contact the WSU Ticket Office at 316-978-FANS or tickets1@goshockers.com.
Wanted: Volunteers to help with 2020 bicycle and pedestrian count event
Volunteers are needed to help manually count bicycle and pedestrian activity across 35 sites in the Wichita Metro area.
The annual event, sponsored by the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization will be held Sept. 24 and 26.
This important event relies heavily on the commitment of community volunteers to gather data about how our network of paths and lanes are being used.
According to Tricia Thomas, WAMPO Communication’s Manager:
“One of the greatest challenges facing the bicycle and pedestrian field is the lack of documentation on usage and demand. Without accurate and consistent demand and usage figures, it is difficult to measure the positive benefits of bicycle and pedestrian investments, especially when compared to the other transportation modes such as the private automobile.”
As such, this event is the only source for regional-scale bicycle and pedestrian data. The results of this data are then used to guide investments throughout the regional transportation system.
So please consider volunteering! This annual event is a real opportunity for local residents to become involved in a piece of the regional transportation planning process. As we know, bicycle and pedestrian investments stimulate the economy, public health, and the overall quality of life in a variety of ways. Communities that invest in these facilities inherently attract people and businesses so it’s good for everyone! Register to volunteer here!
COVID-19 reporting option for students
Support is available for students who need to be in isolation or quarantine because of COVID-19.
Encourage students to complete the COVID-19 form at wichita.edu/reportit to connect with Student Health Services and other campus resources.
Shock Doc: Dr. Parcell’s Geology Field Camp
The latest Shock Doc from the Office of Admissions features Dr. Will Parcell, chair
of the geology department, and current Shocker Guadalupe Gonzalez Smith. When it comes
to adapting to new teaching environments, Dr. Parcell isn't one to shy away from a
challenge. Dr. Parcell teaches a field camp course, a capstone class for geology majors,
every summer where his students travel to Wyoming and Montana to conduct geological
surveys in the field. Due to travel restrictions and safety concerns because of the
pandemic, Dr. Parcell came up with a unique solution for Field Camp - making the class
geology site in Minecraft!
Listen to what Dr. Parcell and Guadalupe have to say about the experience. View other
Shock Docs by clicking here.
Animation students build portfolios with real-world clients
- Students in Wichita State's School of Digital Arts get hands-on learning experience working with real-world clients, like Spirit AeroSystems and Sonic Boom.
- The partnerships teach students how to implement client feedback, understand the design process and solve problems.
Pictured above: Daniela Diaz-Sustaita, a senior in the School of Digital Arts, works on an animation project.