September edition of First Tuesday sent yesterday
This month’s edition of First Tuesday was sent to your inboxes on Tuesday. This month’s newsletter covers the National Institute for Digital Transformation, COVID-19 testing lab, the Camarena gift, COVID treatment research, and Clash of the Colleges.
For more information, click here.
Managers of USS and Non-Teaching UP employees - It’s mid-review time!
myPerformance evaluations for USS and Non-Teaching UP employees are still available to you for 2020-2021 mid-review. Managers should update expectations, competencies, and goals for the 2020-2021 review period, then meet with their employees to review. Don’t forget to provide them a hard copy of their evaluation for reference throughout the year! Mid-Review should be completed by September 30, 2020 at 11:59 PM.
For more information (including quick reference guides and other assistance) go to www.wichita.edu/myPerformance
Helpful Hints:
- Your direct reports will not be able to access their 2020-2021 myPerformance evaluation until the Employee Self-Evaluation step beginning January 16, 2021, which is why you should provide a hard copy of their 2020-2021 review and review it with them!
- Managers have access to update and edit their direct reports myPerformance evaluations as many times as they would like until Employee Self-Evaluation time beginning January 16, 2021!
- Save then SUBMIT! Make sure to SUBMIT after saving every time you update a myPerformance evaluation! Your direct reports will not be able to see the information and you will still have access to their evaluation until January 16, 2021 even after selecting SUBMIT.
- Need a copy of a past performance evaluation? Check the box that says, “Show completed and expired tasks”, then “Search”! Save it as a PDF or print as needed.
- myPerformance Training is available as an online module through myTraining and includes a condensed “myTraining for Managers” version.
Perspectives on the Pandemic talk explores rethinking the city and the community today
Cities are places characterized by constant activity, dense social interaction, and innovation fostered in collaborative working environments. With the widespread adoption of social distancing, bans on large gatherings, and remote work as public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, those quintessential urban characteristics have been fundamentally transformed. Will those changes be temporary or permanent? And what will they mean for the future of urban economies, neighborhood life, and inequality in the coming years?
In this presentation, Wichita State University urban sociologist Chase Billingham will address these questions, drawing out many of their implications for important urban processes like social dislocation, economic development, and gentrification. While offering a broad perspective on issues affecting cities in general, the discussion will draw special attention to potential impacts of the pandemic on urban growth, decline, and inequality in the Wichita region.
The talk will be presented via Zoom at 4 p.m. today (Wednesday, Sept. 2).
Billingham is an urban sociologist whose research examines gentrification, economic development, education, and stratification in US metropolitan areas. His work has been published in Sociology of Education, City & Community, Urban Studies, and other outlets in sociology, education research, and urban affairs.
In published academic research and in public commentaries in The Wichita Eagle, Billingham provides a sociological perspective on current issues in urban development and inequality affecting the Wichita region. Along with introductory sociology and core courses in statistics and social theory that are required for sociology majors, Billingham also teaches courses in social inequality and urban sociology.
Wichita State takes suicide-prevention campaign national
As a way to promote suicide prevention, Wichita State University is expanding the #WeSupportU Suspenders4Hope campaign throughout the country in hopes of creating positive change in communities regarding mental health and suicide prevention.
In 2015, Wichita State started the #Suspenders4Hope mental health awareness campaign, after receiving a SAMHSA Campus Suicide Prevention grant. In 2018, the #WeSupport Preventing Suicide Training was developed as a way to sustain the grant efforts, and just recently, the #WeSupportU Mental Wellness in the Classroom cards have been released to help instructors tend to their students’ mental health needs.
Now the program is available to others through the launch of a new website and on-demand version of the training.
The program was inspired by a beloved WSU therapist who was well known around campus as Dr. Suspenders, says Dr. Jessica Provines, assistant vice president of Wellness at Wichita State and a two-time therapist suicide loss survivor. Provines’ team decided to play off that theme.
A new episode of the podcast ‘Hindsight: Looking Back at 100 Years of Women's Suffrage’ is available now
KMUW's Hindsight podcast looks back at the history of the 19th amendment. On the latest episode, Wichita State's Dr. Robin Henry explores what it took to get the suffrage amendment through Congress and out into the states for ratification. Episode 4: The Vote And Beyond is available at KMUW.org and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Five more Ulrich billboards are now on display around Wichita
The Ulrich Museum of Art on the Wichita State University campus has five new billboards up around the Wichita area as part of its Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard Project. In all, there are now 15 Ulrich billboards strategically located throughout the city. The September billboards are located at: 4355 S K-15; 2549 N I-135; 703 N West St.; 401 Washington; and 1500 N Broadway.
Before you head out to see them, be sure to first download the free Smartify app to your mobile phone for the most complete experience, and check the Ulrich website for the Spotify playlists that accompany the billboards.The Ulrich encourages you to share your photos of the billboards (preferably with you in them) by using the hashtag #ulrichbillboards and tagging @ulrichmuseum; the Museum would love to share your photos on social media!
Pictured above: The billboard featuring three photographs from Wichita artist Larry Schwarm is one of five new Ulrich billboards on display around Wichita. Schwarm's billboard is located at 4355 S. K-15.
Labor Day weekend hours for the Rhatigan Student Center
The Rhatigan Student Center and some of its departments will have altered hours for Labor Day weekend. Altered hours for Friday, Sept. 4 and Saturday, Sept. 5 can be found at wichita.edu/rschours. The building and all departments will be closed on Sunday, Sept. 6 and Monday, Sept. 7.
Heskett Center Labor Day weekend hours
The Heskett Center will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7 for Labor Day. We will be open from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6.
Master of Social Work Informational Sessions - all students invited!
The School of Social Work is hosting three “MSW Info Sessions” to help prospective students discover more about the Master of Social Work program at Wichita State University. This is geared to both social work majors and for those with majors outside of social work. We encourage you to share this with your students and recent graduates of all majors!
Attendees will have this virtual opportunity to discover more about the field, meet faculty, and learn how to apply as a regular program or advanced standing student. The priority deadline to apply is Jan. 8, 2021 for those who wish to enter in the 2021-22 school year.
If students have questions or would prefer to speak one-on-one, please direct them to Shaunna Millar, MSW Program Director and Clinical Professor, at shaunna.millar@wichita.edu.
The Zoom log in information for the September session is here, password socialwork - password: socialwork.
Identify your strengths with the ShockerStrengths Program!
Want to know your top five talents? ShockerStrengths allows you or your group to identify their top five talents, as well as participate in programs specifically designed for you to leverage those talents as strengths to reach your personal, professional, and academic goals at Wichita State!
For more information or to request a ShockerStrengths program, visit www.wichita.edu/shockerstrengths or contact Kennedy Rogers at kennedy.rogers@wichita.edu.
Volunteers needed for a research study
Research Topic/Purpose of the study: We want to understand the impact of kitchen and cooking-based, nutritional education for healthcare students and providers focused on concepts of a healthy diet and cooking.
Procedures: Participants in this study will complete a two hour, six-session cooking class focused on how to help patients cook and eat a healthy diet. Before and after learning, participants will be asked about nutritional and cooking knowledge related to a healthy diet. For participating, you will receive groceries, grocery cards, and recipes from the course!
Time: Participation is expected to last about six weeks.
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:
- Participants must be age 18-65
- Must be a healthcare (dental, medical, nursing, communications, public health, athletic training, physical therapy, medical laboratory, psychology, etc) practitioner or student
Location: Wichita State University
Contact: If you are interested in participating in this study, contact Nicole Delimont at Nicole.delimont@wichita.edu or call 785-249-5533.
The advantage of using the Logic Model
An Assessment Symposium for fall 2020 - Logic Model – will be held from 2-3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.
This presentation will be held via zoom. All those registered will be sent the zoom link prior to the date. Should you have any questions, contact Lydia Santiago.
The presenter will be Vanessa Souriya-Mnirajd, director, TRIO-Disability Support Services Program.
Souriya-Mnirajd will describe the advantage of using the Logic Model as an approach to provide a road map describing the sequence of related events that can contribute to achieving the program’s intended goals and objectives. She will briefly discuss the implementation of a basic logic model that is currently being used in TRIO-Disability Support Services Program.
Join the Student Government Association for the Fall 2020 State of the Student Body Address
Join the Student Government Association for the Fall 2020 State of the Student Body Address at 6 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Sept. 3), featuring Student Body President Rija Khan and Legislative Response issued by Speaker of the Senate Olivia Babin. President Khan and Speaker Babin will lay out the Association's agenda for the 63rd Session.
We will livestream on the SGA YouTube and will be shared to the SGA Facebook.
Register for the Engineering & IT Virtual Career Fair - Sept. 14!
The Career Development Center encourages Wichita State Engineering and IT students to register for the Engineering & IT Virtual Career Fair! You have an exciting opportunity to connect with employers who are looking to network with you! Learn what types of employment role each company has in a one-on-one virtual appointment with employers.
This year, the career fair will be virtual using Career Fair Plus. Click "REGISTER" in Handshake to get started. Once you click "REGISTER" your web browser will be directed you to more information.
Get ready for the fair by attending one of our Virtual Fair Prep Workshops at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9 or 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10.
Engineering and IT Career Fair
Join us for Shockers After Dark!
Join WSU students, faculty, staff, and friends at the Rhatigan Student Center and Shocker Hall for two hours of FANTASTIC FREE fun from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.
Activities include tie dye masks, twilight exercise, bingo, karaoke, trivia, yard games and a photo booth.
One hundred fifty students will receive a free glow-in-the-dark shirt.
Participants will be expected to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
For more information, contact Student Affairs at 316-978-3021 or visit wichita.edu/studentaffairs.
Flash Points for Clash of the Colleges today!
Calling all Shockers! Today (Wednesday, Sept. 2) and only today for Clash of the Colleges, flash points can be won! Participate in the Selfies with Sculptures Hunt today to receive points for your college. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., eight sculptures around campus will have masks on. Visit our website, read the clues, find the sculptures.
Once you find the sculpture, take a selfie with it and tag @NewShocks and #Clash2020. After you find as many sculptures as you can, head over to the Office of First-Year Programs at 115 Neff Hall to receive your final points and a prize. May the odds be ever in your favor!
Biometric Screening appointments still available for Tuesday, Sept. 8
Biometric screening appointments are still available for Tuesday, September 8th. All screening events are held 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Walk-in appointments are not available. Employees and covered spouses must schedule an appointment. Employees and covered spouses are encouraged to schedule their appointments as early in the year as possible.
US Wellness, the biometric screening provider has implemented many safety measures due to COVID-19. You can view the protocols they have implemented here. All employees and visitors to campus are required to wear a face covering. You are asked to please bring your OWN PEN to sign your consent form as pens will not be provided at the screening.
Attendees earn 5 HealthQuest points just for attending, and up to 18 additional points for blood pressure, blood glucose, and total blood cholesterol within ideal ranges, for up to 23 points. Currently for 2020 due to COVID-19 plan changes, each point is worth $20 HSA/HRA rewards dollars! If your metrics are outside of the ideal ranges, you can still earn the same points by participating in the CCE learning modules in the HealthQuest portal on blood pressure, blood sugar management, and/or high cholesterol, as needed!
All remaining 2020 Biometric screening dates are shown below. To schedule your appointment, register or log in to the HealthQuest portal, or call to schedule at 1-888-275-1205, option 3! All employees and spouses will need to re-register for the new 2020 HealthQuest portal. Click here for HealthQuest portal registration instructions.
Date and location
Tuesday, Sept. 8 in 266 RSC
Tuesday, Oct. 20 in 266 RSC
Tuesday, Oct 27 in 266 RSC
Please note that while future fall screenings are scheduled, if circumstances change due to COVID-19 for campus activities and/or the screening vendor, future dates may be canceled. Employees and spouses who are not able to attend a screening event on campus are also able to access home test kits or Health Range Incentive forms for their physician to complete via their HealthQuest portal.
Student Affairs congratulates first-year student for receiving book scholarship
Student Affairs extends a warm congratulations to Maram Moussa for receiving the Virtual Connections with Student Affairs book scholarship for first-year students. Maram is an electrical engineering major from Wichita.
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.
HealthQuest points available at WSU
HealthQuest (HQ) points are available at WSU! All state employees can use this opportunity. A Heskett Center membership gives you the ability to attend our fitness classes and earn HealthQuest points toward health insurance deduction.
By attending Shocker Fit classes you can earn 4 HQ points. Attend 40 or more classes between July 1-Dec. 13, Jan. 1-June 30. All participants must download the FitDegree app to register for classes, select WSU as location. Instructors will then check you into the class when you arrive. There are 26 classes a week to choose from. Nonmembers of the Heskett Center can purchase a membership for $40 per semester.
You can also earn 1HQ point by attending our Nutritional Discussion. These will be livestreamed on our Facebook page. These are limited to one per semester. A secret code will be given during the presentation to be submitted for credit.
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.
Contactless catering menu
Check out WSU Dining's contactless catering menu, designed exclusively for pick-up or drop-off service. Call 316-978-5863 or email wsucatering@compass-usa.com to place your order today.
volunteerICT
Have you ever thought about volunteering? volunteerICT provides Wichita State students, staff and faculty with volunteer opportunities throughout Wichita both virtually and in-person. Log in today to Wichita.edu/VolunteerICT to find out more!
For questions email volunteerICT@wichita.edu.
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.
Discover Wichita State events for fall 2020
Discover Wichita State events have been set for September! While the Admissions staff
will not be traveling to each of the locations listed below, the team is looking forward
to hosting virtual events specific to students in these geographic areas. Discover
Wichita State is geared towards high school juniors, seniors and transfer students.
The Admissions staff is in the process of setting the agenda for these events and
will be in touch with academic colleges or departments for their assistance. For now,
please mark your calendars for these virtual events!
7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21 - Discover Wichita State: Northeast Kansas
7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 - Discover Wichita State: Wichita Metro
7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23 - Discover Wichita State: Missouri
7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 - Discover Wichita State: Oklahoma
7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28 - Discover Wichita State: Texas
7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29 - Discover Wichita State: Kansas
For more information on these events, contact Mandy Harmon, associate director, at
mandy.harmon@wichita.edu.
WSU Theatre and Filmmaking produce a sitcom
WSU Theatre and Filmmaking collaborated this past February to create a three-episode sitcom titled "Thrilled to Announce." Bret Jones, director of filmmaking, wrote and was showrunner for the project.
"We had never tackled something like this but wanted to give it a try as an experiment in educating our students," Jones said. "We filmed one episode per week, which included rehearsal, work with cameras, and in front of an audience."
“Thrilled to Announce” deals with the lives of four actors living in Chicago trying to "live the dream" as they face challenges of no wifi, bad auditions, and love in the apartment. The project involved students, faculty, and staff from the Theatre and Filmmaking departments.
The episodes are on YouTube.