Wichita State joins prestigious national research institute to boost AI
Wichita State University has been named a founding member of a newly formed AI Institute for Foundations of Machine Learning (IFML), established by a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
Machine learning is the technology that allows computers to acquire knowledge and make predictions in complex environments. This technology has the potential to transform everything from transportation to entertainment to health care.
The institute is one of five that the NSF announced Wednesday as part of a $100 million, five-year, national investment in the advancement of artificial intelligence research and workforce development.
Pictured above: Wichita State's Dr. Kaushik Sinha will lead WSU's research efforts in the newly formed AI Institute for Foundations of Machine Learning, to be located at the University of Texas, Austin.
Faculty mentors sought for First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) in STEM
The Cohen Honors College is seeking faculty mentors to work with students selected to participate in the First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) in STEM. The mission of this FYRE in STEM program is to build a community of STEM students, faculty and professionals from various STEM backgrounds to support young STEM majors or potential majors as they form identities as members of the scientific community, thus improving the likelihood that they will persist to graduation.
To allow the FYRE in STEM program to be a success, we are looking for dedicated research mentors from across campus who can provide an appropriate short-term STEM research project in the spring 2021 semester.
Faculty should apply by Oct. 15, and are also encouraged to nominate graduate students to serve as FYRE mentors. All mentors will be matched with students based on interest. Questions may be directed to Moriah Beck at moriah.beck@wichita.edu or 978-5476.
If you know of a first-year undergraduate student who may be interested in applying to the FYRE in STEM program, please direct them to FYRE in STEM Student Application.
ZipSip emerges from Wichita State's innovation ecosystem
ZipSip is an expandable, adjustable drink Koozie that was inspired by a disappointing beer. There's no part of its invention and innovation that isn't dripping with Shocker pride.
Pictured above: Lacie Leatherman is featured in a booth with her latest invention: ZipSip, an adjustable Koozie.
Instructors: Join CAPS in supporting students' well-being
Join Counseling and Preventions Services in efforts to support WSU students' well-being by participating in the #WeSupportU Classroom Wellness Study.
Instructors who volunteer will be provided a deck of activity cards, and corresponding instructions to engage in activities in their classes designed to increase mental wellness. There are a variety of activities, and they can be completed in about five minutes. The exercises are simple (ex: belly breathing for two minutes).
If an instructor signs up, their students will have the option to engage in the project, which would include short pre- and post-tests. The instructor can use up to two exercises a week.
We are also seeking some instructors who sign up for a control group. We believe this project could assist in keeping students engaged in class, retained at WSU, and increase student wellness.
If you are a current instructor and interested in participating, please contact Dr. Marci Young at marci.young@wichita.edu.
Kansas mental health professionals connect and learn through CEI’s virtual conference
WSU’s Community Engagement Institute (CEI) recently hosted a five-day all virtual conference for more than 275 mental health providers and stakeholders. Conference support was provided by WSU Conferencing services.
The conference included 28 workshops, 40 speakers, and several keynotes from nationally recognized speakers. The “Kansans Together: Blowin’ in the Wind” conference theme was representative of the conviction that Kansans have much expertise and can learn from one another; the answers to our challenges aren’t just blowin’ in the wind.
Conference sessions focused on mental health workforce development and service delivery in areas of cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and implementing the practice of inclusion of youth and families to guide their mental health care. Collectively, these principles are known as a System of Care and recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as emerging best practices for improving mental health care.
As part of the conference, the Secretary of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Laura Howard announced Kansas Gov. Laura Kelley had approved and signed a proclamation stating the System of Care Core Principles should be recognized and adopted by all Kansas mental health care providers. Especially during these challenging times, mental health providers are supporting Kansans and continue to implement new and innovative ways to support youth and families.
2020 Shockers Vote! Turbo Vote Competition
The Shockers Vote! Coalition invites your organization to participate in the 2020 Shockers Vote! Turbo Vote Competition. Registration for the competition is open now on ShockerSync.
The competition will run from Sept. 7-21. Each group will be given a unique URL to track how many students you are able to enroll in Turbo Vote as they register to vote. The group with the most voter registrations will be given a cash prize of $500. The application for your organization to compete is 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6.
Questions? Contact Maggi Hole at student.orgs@wichita.edu.
Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for an outdoor open house today
You’re invited to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Open House Coolin' & Cones Edition at 2:30 p.m. today (Thursday, Aug 27), on the Rhatigan Student Center east lawn.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion invites students, staff, faculty, and community members to make the Office of Diversity and Inclusion their home away from home. Stop by the Rhatigan Student Center east lawn to learn more about available resources and programs. While supplies last, enjoy popsicles, drum sticks, and big bopper cookie sandwiches.
Attendees are required to follow physical / social distancing guidelines and maintain at least six-feet apart while wearing masks. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion reserves the right to ask you to leave for failure to comply.
Learn more about Shockers United at wichita.edu/shockersunited. For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034 or go to http://wichita.edu/odi.
Student Involvement event listing
No matter if it's in-person or virtual, Student Involvement has many fun events planned. Our event guide will be produced three times this semester and features events, activities, and programs open to students, faculty, staff, and campus community.
Pickup your copy of the Student Involvement Event Guide in Student Involvement, 216 Rhatigan Student Center or download it from our website. Visit wichita.edu/involvement for more details.
Fleming-Randle appointed to US Commission on Civil Rights Advisory Committee for Kansas
Marche Fleming-Randle
Marche Fleming-Randle was recently appointed to the US Commission on Civil Rights Advisory Committee for Kansas. Fleming-Randle is Vice President for Military, Veterans and First Responders / Chief Diversity Officer at Wichita State University.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve the state of Kansas and I am excited about my appointment,” said Fleming-Randle. “The struggle is real, but there is no progress without a struggle!”
Advisory Committees have recently examined education funding, school discipline disparities, policing practices, mental health and the criminal justice system, legal financial obligations, human trafficking, fair housing, hate crimes, voting rights, and collateral consequences of criminal convictions. In addition to advising the Commission, Advisory Committee reports have contributed to policy changes at the national, state, and local levels.
The Kansas Advisory Committee to the Commission most recently issued Civil Rights and Education Funding in Kansas, in which the Committee studied the potential disparate impact in access to education on the basis of race, color, age, religion, or disability.
Fleming-Randle is one of 12 members of the Civil Rights Advisory Committee for Kansas.
Wallace Hall closure this weekend
Wallace Hall will be closed to occupants on Saturday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 30, so that new motor control circuits can be added to the recently installed electrical distribution system.
The building closure is due to portions of the fire alarm system being offline and building power converting to emergency generator only.
Saturday Rent-A-Lane Special at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes
The Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes is once again open on Saturdays! Operating hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
A great way to enjoy a Saturday is to take advantage of their Rent-A-Lane special. Just $17.50 per hour for up to six people on a lane, with shoes included! Note: They are working hard to keep guests healthy and safe with added measure to sanitize equipment after every use and space out guests on the lanes.
We need your help at Commencement!
Please consider volunteering for the October Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 10. This time-honored tradition provides our very own Wichita State graduates with well-deserved congratulations and a formal celebration of their accomplishments! You'll play an important role in helping us make sure that everyone is welcomed and that things are running smoothly.
If you are interested in participating, please fill out the Volunteer Form located on our volunteer page where you can also find more details about the types of volunteer positions available.
Further questions may be directed to the Commencement Office at commencement@wichita.edu.
Free virtual workshops are available to enhance Shocker research skills
It's not too early to register for the library's upcoming virtual workshops! Free and open to Shocker students, faculty, and staff - Savvy Scholar is great for all research needs. Scan the QR code for the full fall schedule!