Wichita State creates Advisory Council to help retain talent, drive economy
Growing and diversifying our regional economy while working to recruit and retain talent in Kansas is a primary goal for Wichita State University.
To assist with those efforts, Wichita State University President Dr. Jay Golden has created the President’s Innovation and Business Advisory Council.
With $1 million gift, Gene and Yolanda Camarena will help students of color succeed at Wichita State University
Gene and Yolanda Camarena are well known for helping underserved Kansas youth improve their lives through education and other causes. Now the Wichita couple is enhancing that legacy with a $1 million gift to Wichita State University to give students of color opportunities they otherwise might not have.
A little more than half of the Camarenas’ gift pledge, $520,000, will provide high-impact scholarships to 20 Hispanic and Black students each year for the next four years. Wichita State will match that investment in full as part of its mission to provide affordable and accessible educational opportunities to underserved students.
The gift was unveiled at a news conference yesterday (Aug. 31) on the WSU campus.
The Camarenas chose the name Shocker Adelante Scholars to describe recipients of their scholarship program. Adelante means “to move forward” or “to get ahead” in Spanish. In addition to scholarships, the couple’s gift will:
- Provide mentoring and tutoring services to help scholarship recipients succeed.
- Support recipients who have an entrepreneurial interest by underwriting their participation in Wichita State’s new Microenterprises Program.
- Create a Visiting Professor program to augment the university’s efforts to recruit a more diverse faculty.
- Hire a full-time diversity recruiter in the Admissions Department to boost enrollment of students of color.
Based on their own experiences as college students from diverse backgrounds, the Camarenas said they recognize the financial and cultural barriers students of color can encounter.
“We also understand the lifelong positive impact a college education can have on each student as well as their extended families,” said Yolanda Camarena, a Wichita State graduate. “Our goal is to provide students of color a level pathway to a college degree and the ability to participate equally in all the opportunities our country has to offer.”
She added: “We firmly believe that a more diverse and inclusive environment at Wichita State will be beneficial to all students as they learn, live and work together on a campus that mirrors the workplaces and communities that they will become a part of. Our hope is that their college experience will be one of both learning and understanding. Learning those skills needed to continue their chosen field of work and understanding that the diversity of cultures, ethnicity, language and experiences will be of great benefit as they become an integral part of a country that grows more diverse every day.”
The Camarenas met with Wichita State President Jay Golden, Provost Rick Muma and WSU Foundation President Elizabeth King to discuss the university’s goals to strengthen diversity and inclusion.
“I appreciate the strong endorsement of Gene and Yolanda Camarena of our vision to make the college experience more affordable and inclusive for all students,” Golden said. “Their generous gift in money, time and ideas exemplifies the strong partnership our university continues to have with our diverse community and our state.”
King remarked: “In addition to their extraordinary financial gift, Gene and Yolanda Camarena are eager to share their wisdom and experience as we prepare these deserving students for rewarding careers and service to our community. Wichita State is truly grateful for their vision and collaboration.”
Yolanda Camarena is a graduate of Wichita State and completed a Master’s in Public Policy and Education at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Gene Camarena is a graduate of the University of Kansas and completed a Master’s in Business Administration at the Harvard University School of Business.
University schedule for the Holiday Closedown 2020
The holiday closedown period has been approved this year to commence at the end of the day on Friday Dec. 18, 2020 and reopen on Monday morning Jan. 4, 2021. We are once again communicating the schedule to ensure all employees can manage their time off appropriately. The closedown is 10 days, three of which are paid holidays. Classes will not be in session during this period.
Unclassified Professional and University Support Staff who would normally be scheduled to work the days may use accumulated vacation leave or their *2020 discretionary day during the holiday closedown. Non-exempt employees can also use accumulated compensatory time off during the holiday closedown.
If your role requires you to work during the holiday closedown it must be approved in advance by your immediate supervisor.
- Monday, Dec. 21, 2020
- Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020
- Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020
- Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 (State Paid Holiday)
- Friday, Dec. 25, 2020 (State Paid Holiday)
- Monday, Dec. 28, 2020
- Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020
- Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020
- Thursday Dec. 31, 2020
- Friday, January 1, 2021 (State Paid Holiday)
An employee must be in pay status the entire workday before and the entire workday after state holidays in order to receive holiday pay. The official state holidays (bolded and italicized are Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Upcoming Zoom security changes
Starting Sunday, Sept. 27, Zoom will require that all meetings have either a Passcode and/or Waiting Room enabled. Zoom has designed these security measures to give you control over your meeting security options, while keeping the join experience as frictionless as possible.
For meetings that do not already have either a Passcode or Waiting Room enabled by Sept. 27, Zoom will automatically enable a Waiting Room for you. If you add a Passcode to a meeting that does not already have one, you will need to share the updated link with your participants.
See Zoom's FAQ on this change here.
If you have issues or concerns, please submit a support ticket by visiting http://www.wichita.edu/av and following the link for "Zoom.us Support Request."
Scholarships now available for WSU Badge Courses!
Badges are academic short courses of one credit hour or less that are designed for working, non-degree seeking professionals. They are online and self-paced. Badges allow students to demonstrate to employers their knowledge, skills and competencies in a subject area. Students who successfully complete a badge will receive a digital recognition of their accomplishment that they can share on social media and link to a digital resume.
Enrollment is open now! You can begin the badge course between Aug. 17-Nov. 9. All coursework must be complete by Dec. 3.
To enroll and view the badge course catalog, visit badges.wichita.edu. For questions, please contact workforce@wichita.edu or call 316-978-7579.
Wichita State University Freedom of Expression website
Wichita State has launched a Freedom of Expression website to highlight the university’s commitment to freedom of speech, thought, association and inquiry. The site, built from the product of WSU’s Free Expression working group, includes university values, links to relevant policies, a calendar of upcoming events and a Frequently Asked Questions section. The site will continue to be updated as the University continues to work to provide relevant content and helpful information.
Ability Ally Training is now online!
Ability Allies are a network of faculty, staff, and students who take a visible role in promoting disability awareness, supporting persons with disabilities, and maintaining resources for working and interacting with people with disabilities. This Diversity in Action interactive training is designed to shape your perspective on ability versus disability and providing an open forum for questions and concerns for those interacting with individuals with disabilities.
For more information about the Diversity in Action Program, go to www.wichita.edu/DiversityInAction.
This training is free and available to all WSU employees (faculty, staff, and student employees). Log in to myWSU and register through myTraining. For questions, contact myTraining@wichita.edu.
25th Annual McNair Closing Symposium
We hope that you will take time to view these presentations, which are the culmination of more than 200 hours of research for each student. The transition to online learning and online research completion has presented challenges, and we are immensely proud of the work and dedication of each student. Join us in celebration their achievements.
Thank you to all that participated in the Bradley Cole Poster Competition. There was a total of 163 votes. The three posters below received highest number of votes.
Go to McNair Scholars Program, scroll down and click the 25th Annual Closing Symposium, and enjoy the presentations!
Free Campus Visitor Guides are available
Free Campus Visitor Guides are available upon request. They are particularly helpful if you’d like to have a stack of guides to share with students or prospective students.
These guides can be delivered via campus mail or be delivered to your office.
Let Garrett Rupp in the Office of Admissions know by Tuesday, Sept. 15, how many guides you need, and a campus box number or office number for delivery. Contact Rupp at garrett.rupp@wichita.edu or call 978-6293.
Discover your antibody test status when you give blood
As an additional health service to our donors, the American Red Cross is testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Red Cross donors can expect to receive their antibody test results within 7-10 days through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
Click here for more information.
The next Wichita State University Blood Drive will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Heskett Center lobby.
Schedule your appointment now at RedCrossBlood.org; enter Wichita State or call 1-800-Red-Cross.
The Office of Academic Affairs announces new emeriti faculty
The following have been named as new emeriti faculty by the Office of Academic Affairs:
Frank M. Rokosz, Associate Professor Emeritus, Department of Human Performance Studies.
Julie A. Scherz, Associate Professor Emerita, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Marlo A. Schommer-Aikins, Professor Emerita, Department of Counseling, Educational Leadership, Educational and School Psychology
‘Competing for Government Contracts: Basic Training’
Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) will host a virtual workshop regarding the basics of doing business with federal, state and local governments.
The workshop titled “Competing for Government Contracts: Basic Training,” will be offered as a virtual program from 1:30-4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. The program focuses on an overview of the way government agencies purchase goods and services. Also provided will be information on how a company can become a contractor to agencies at all levels of government.
The workshop will be taught by Scott Knapp. Registration will be required in advance to attend the workshop. Register here.
Professor investigates what makes a good law enforcement officer through lab research
- Dr. Joel Suss is an assistant professor in psychology and the director of ACE at Wichita State University.
- ACE investigates human performance and cognition in complex, dynamic, and often stressful operational settings.
- For the past five years, the ACE lab has focused its study on law enforcement.
- He hopes that his lab research will provide scientific evidence that can inform police training practices.
Pictured above: Dr. Joel Suss teaches cognitive skills training for improving police decision-making.
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. Students interact with our Facebook and Instagram posts by dropping a 🌾 (wheat emoji) in the comments to be entered into a raffle to win a prize!
For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.
Perspectives on the Pandemic talk explores rethinking community
Chase Billingham
The next talk in Wichita State’s Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences “Perspectives on the Pandemics: Part II” series will feature Chase Billingham.
As an associate professor of sociology, Billingham researches issues examines gentrification, economic development, education, and stratification in US metropolitan areas. His presentation, “Rethinking the city and the community for a post-pandemic world,” will explore how the pandemic has affected cites and communities.
Billingham’s lecture will be delivered via Zoom at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 2. For more information about the “Perspectives on the Pandemics: Part II” series and how to join by Zoom, go to https://www.wichita.edu/Pan2.
Join Clash of the Colleges Virtual Games
It's on! This event is a competition between academic colleges to determine who rules the school. This year we are also hosting Virtual Games! Minute-to-win-it home games, talent showcase, e-gaming, scavenger hunts, virtual escape rooms and more.
Want to earn points for your college? Participate in these games from now to Monday, Sept. 14 in the comfort of your own home and make your college proud! Visit https://wichita.edu/clash for more information and to register.
If you have any questions, email tahrima.musa@wichita.edu.
Virtual Clash of the Colleges Games
Author Christopher McDougall will join Ulrich Virtual Stories book discussion on Tuesday, Sept. 8
The Ulrich Museum of Art is excited to share that author Christopher McDougall will join us for the upcoming Ulrich Virtual Stories book discussion on his "Running with Sherman" book.
McDougall will be in conversation with Beth Golay, host of KMUW’s podcast "Marginalia," for the program, which begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8. Like all Ulrich Virtual programs, the book discussion is free and open to all; however, registration is required to get the Zoom link. Visit our program partner, Watermark Books, for your copy today.
September 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 June the Health Care Commission (HCC) voted to reduce the number of HealthQuest credits required to receive the 2021 premium incentive discount. The credit requirement was reduced from 40 points to 20 points, due to the exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19.
In addition, the HSA/HRA Dollars awarded for each HealthQuest credit completed has been increased from $10 to $20 per credit, up to the maximum of $500 per member. This change applies only to the 2020 plan year and is retroactive for credits earned since January 1.
In September, there are 3 events currently scheduled, worth up to 39 points total! There are also a variety of On-Demand or online options with up to 46 points available!
- Tuesday, Sept. 8, on-campus Biometric Screening by appointment only in 266 RSC. Schedule your appointment today in the HealthQuest portal, or call 1-888-275-1205, option 3! (Up to 23 points)
- Thursday, Sept. 24 from 3-4 p.m., “Tools to Handle Stress” EAP webinar. Register online. (1 point)
- Heskett Center members who attend 40 fitness classes between Aug. 17-Nov. 25 will earn 4 points.
Now is good time to take advantage of some of the On-Demand and online options to earn HealthQuest points.
- Virtual Health Coaching Sessions: You can earn up to 15 points (max 1 health coaching per day, 1 point each) by scheduling Health Coaching Sessions. You can choose a health coach who is a nurse (RN), a dietitian or a trainer when scheduling sessions.
- 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 Learning Module: You can earn 5 points by completing this four-week learning module.
- 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. Remember, the deadline to earn points towards HSA/HRA Reward Dollars is Nov. 18, 2020 and the deadline to earn points towards your 2021 Premium Discount is Dec. 31, 2020.
Access the HealthQuest portal at https://KansasHealthQuest.CernerWellness.com.
Wichita State graduate Sarahi Aguilera grows into role as voice for immigrants
- Working with community organizers and a trip to our nation's capital inspired Sarahi Aguilera to tell her story of immigration.
- Aguilera wants to attend law school and help people by working in immigration law.
- She is a 2020 Wichita State graduate who, in June, helped organize ICT Standing with DREAMers to support DACA.
Pictured above: Wichita State University graduate Sarahi Aguilera (center) stands next to U.S. Senator Jerry Moran as part of her duties with Sunflower Community Action.
Check it out! Issue 1 of the 2020-21 WWSU Newsletter is here!
Women of Wichita State University! The WWSU Newsletter is here! In this issue, you’ll find important reminders, interviews with other Women of WSU, updates, and more. See what we’ve been up to and find out how you can join the fun. Find it on our webpage at www.wichita.edu/WWSU.
Women of Wichita State University (aka. WWSU) is an organization formed in the Fall of 2018 by the combination of two groups; the Wichita State University Women's Association (founded in 1928), and the Council of University Women (founded in 1930). WWSU's purpose is to serve the University by providing student scholarships. We are dedicated in promoting the personal growth of our members through social interaction and fostering a sense of community through fellowship and the spirit of friendliness.
Follow Women of WSU on Facebook to find more information or email us at WWSU@wichita.edu!
Pumpkin spice is back
School's back and so is pumpkin spice! Visit Starbucks in the RSC to grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Available for a limited time only.
Group reservations with physical distancing at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes
The Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes is accepting group reservations and can handle up to three groups of 15 guests each with physical distancing in place. This allows for a group of up to 45 to visit us for an event with those attending dividing into three groups of 15.
Guests are expected to wear masks and remain within their assigned group. This, coupled with extra measures being taken to sanitize touch points and equipment, makes us a safe option to gather and be social!
For more details, call 316-978-3479 or email ssgl@wichita.edu.
Women of Wichita State University Membership Drive
Become a member for only $12. We have scheduled Zoom events at lunch time and evening, through November. Please join us so we can continue to support scholarships for WSU students (preference female). Learn more about our organization at wichita.edu/WWSU.
All you have to do is complete the online application and pay your dues.
Join in the fun while we raise money for scholarships!
Women of Wichita State University Application
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.
It’s Food For Fines time!
It’s Food For Fines time! Food For Fines is an initiative to support the Shocker Support Locker, while providing a cheaper opportunity for students to pay parking citations. All of the information about this initiative as well as the necessary form and parking quiz can be found at Food For Fines.
Struggling adapting to online learning? Join SHS and CAPS for this week's Tuesday Talks
Have you been struggling transitioning to an online format for classes? Join Nurse Heather, Dr. Leonard from CAPS, and WSU students on Student Health's YouTube Channel at 2 p.m. today (Tuesday, Sept. 1), for tips and tricks to manage your time for virtual learning. You can subscribe to Student Health Services to get a notification for when the video drops!
Woodward named PA voice for Men's Basketball
Ted Woodward is the new public address announcer for Wichita State men's basketball,
although his voice is quite familiar to Shocker fans.
Woodward, co-host of "Steve and Ted in the Morning" on KNSS, has announced women's
basketball, volleyball and baseball, at various times, for the past 30 years.
He will replace Don Hall as the PA voice of Wichita State men's basketball. Hall spent 37 years on the microphone before his death in April.
Woodward, who hosted the Shocker Locker Room post-game show from 1995-2019, joins
the Roundhouse podcast to discuss his new gig.
We discuss his favorite Shocker names, how an announcer tries to stay out of the spotlight,
the Kevin Costner baseball regional in 1996, Woodward's low point as a track and field
announcer in college and his love for Mr. Pibb.
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!
Drop / refund date extended for full-term courses
Wichita State continues to make every effort to promote student success in these unprecedented times. In recognition of the unique challenges this fall semester brings for our students and faculty, an adjustment is being made to the drop / refund date for full-term courses.
Students will have through Friday, Sept. 4, to drop a class without it appearing on their transcript and with a 100% refund.
If you are a federal aid recipient, you should contact the Office of Financial Aid (316-978-3430) before dropping to see how it could impact your financial aid.
To verify if a refund can be given for a book, contact the Shocker Store (316-978-3490). All terms and conditions for financial aid will remain the same for fall 2020.