Voluntary Separation Incentive Program for Retirement announced – KPERS virtual seminars scheduled for this week
On Friday, Sept. 4, Dr. Jay Golden, President, and Dr. Rick Muma, Executive Vice President and Provost, announced a Voluntary Separation Incentive Program for Retirement. See the full announcement here.
KPERS will be conducting virtual retirement planning seminars this week for KPERS and KP&F participants. To register for a virtual seminar, or for contact and resource information, click here.
For contact and resource information on the KBOR mandatory and voluntary retirement plans, click here.
2020-21 Service-Learning Scholars announced
The Wichita State University Service-Learning team is an essential component in the university’s efforts to accomplish its strategic plan. Service-Learning contributes to the student experience and empowers students to create a campus culture to improve and change the world around them.
The Service-Learning Faculty Scholars program has been designed to empower committed service-learning faculty to cultivate and support interest in service-learning in their fellow faculty members and through their classes and college. Our goal is to infuse the campus and community with a spirit of service-based academic engagement that ties the classroom experience to applied learning and experiential knowledge.
We are happy to announce the 2020-2021 Service-Learning Scholars:
Samantha Gregus, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Cindi Mason, College of Engineering
Lori Santos, College of Fine Arts
Rachel Showstack, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Free webinar series for Kansas faculty on Open Educational Resources
Join us for the free Open Educational Resources Webinar Series this semester brought to you by the KBOR OER Steering Committee.
OER Jargon and Free vs. Digital vs. Open – 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
Outlining Problems: Cost and Pedagogy – 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1
Creative Commons Introduction – 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26
Repositories & Platforms – 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2
Zoom links to register and descriptions of the sessions are available on the KBOR OER conference website.
The College of Fine Arts has announced the 2020 recipients of the Mickey and Pete Armstrong Faculty Excellence Awards
Eighty nominations from current students, graduates and faculty in three different categories--Teaching, Creative/Scholarly Activity and Special Fine Arts Endeavor -- were submitted online during the summer.
Excellence in Special Fine Arts Endeavor – Levente Sulyok, Associate Professor and Associate Director of Painting and Applied Drawing for the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries
Excellence in Creative/Scholarly Activity – Ted Adler, Associate Professor of Ceramics Media in the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries
Excellence in Teaching – Jeannine Russell, Instructor of Theatre in the School of Performing Arts
Excellence in Teaching – Kelly Johnson, Assistant Educator and Program Director of Game Design for the School of Digital Arts
Excellence in Teaching – Mark Foley, Program Director of Audio Production for the School of Digital Arts; Professor of Double Bass and Electric Bass, Coordinator of Contemporary Media for the School of Music
Excellence in Teaching – Denise Celestin, Professor of Dance in the School of Performing Arts
Dorothy Johansen Hauck Faculty Fellow Award for Dance/Musical Theatre - Amy Baker Schwiethale, Associate Professor and Program Director of Musical Theatre for the School of Performing Arts
Click here and scroll down to learn more about these faculty members and their many achievements.
Perspectives on the Pandemic examines impacts of COVID-19 on incarcerated people and their families
Breanna Boppre, assistant professor of criminal justice, will discuss the implications of COVID-19 for correctional agencies nationwide and in Kansas at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. She will provide preliminary results from her ongoing mixed-methods study that examines families' experiences of having a loved one incarcerated during the pandemic.
Boppre is an assistant professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Wichita State University. Her research examines correctional policies and practices, women's system-involvement, and the impacts of incarceration on families. She uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to amplify the voices of individuals impacted by the legal system. Her work appears in top peer-reviewed outlets including Justice Quarterly, the International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, and Feminist Criminology.
Her lecture will be delivered via Zoom at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. For more information about the “Perspectives on the Pandemics: Part II” series and how to join by Zoom, click here. https://www.wichita.edu/Pan2
Hear from Mark McCormick the next ODI Diversity Lecture Series speaker
The Diversity Lecture Series presents Mark McCormick at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. He will present, “Some Were Paupers, Some Were Kings: Dispatches From Kansas.”
This digital event will be available via Livestream.
Wichita's very own local author, Mark E. McCormick writes and shares from the heart about the lives of ordinary and not-so-ordinary people across the nation and in Wichita in the 2020-21 WSU Reads Book, “Some Were Paupers, Some Were Kings: Dispatches from Kansas.” He talks about social, political, and personal issues regarding history and current events.
You must register for the free event at wichita.edu/diversitylectureseries. This program is free and open to the public. For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034, diversity@wichita.edu, or go to wichita.edu/odi.
NASA in Kansas calls for Teacher Workshop Program proposals
The NASA Kansas Space Grant Consortium (KSGC) Teaching Workshop Program supports the development and implementation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educator workshops. NASA is especially interested in to helping teachers bring NASA relevant material and content into middle-school classrooms.
KSGC affiliate proposals are completely awarded by peer review. These awards of $15,000 each are anticipated. Affiliates must identify a $1 commitment for every NASA dollar requested (use of federal matching funds is not allowed).
For a copy of the Teacher Workshop RFP, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact the NASA in Kansas office at nasainkansas@wichita.edu. Consult NASA’s Education website for additional helpful information.
The NASA in Kansas office, located on the Wichita State University campus, is one home of the Kansas Space Grant Consortium (KSGC) and Kansas NASA EPSCoR Program (KNEP).
New hours for ITS Help Desk
In the face of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak, Wichita State's first priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our entire Shocker community. The Office of Technology Help Desk is taking many sensible steps to follow State of Kansas, Sedgwick County, and federal government guidelines for protecting the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff while continuing to provide support.
Our staff members will be working both physically and remotely to ensure that students, faculty, and staff are receiving the necessary support during this unprecedented time. Please be aware that all in-person appointments must be scheduled in advance.
Our hours of operation for the fall 2020 semester are:
- Monday- Thursday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. - Remotely
- Monday – Friday: 8 a.m.-noon - In the office
- All in-person appointments must be scheduled in advance through the Help Desk website
- Friday: 8.a.m.-5.p.m.- Remotely
- Saturday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.- Remotely
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.
PTAC to host workshop on Requests for Proposals
Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) will host a virtual workshop on reading government entities' Requests for Proposals, what is asked for, and how to write to the requirements of the requests. It will also provide information on collecting the information you will need to have available for many proposals.
The workshop titled Kansas PTAC’s Guide To Successful Proposal Writing will be offered as a virtual program from 9-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. The workshop will be taught by Scott Knapp.
Registration will be required in advance to attend the workshop.
Now accepting fall 2020 I-Corps applications
Wichita State University is a National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps site. The Shocker Innovation Corps nurtures and supports Wichita State entrepreneurial teams interested in accelerating their STEM ideas, research, and product commercialization. Ideas / projects can originate from student or faculty work, research and institutional/industrial projects.
UP & USS joint senate meeting set for Sept. 15
The UP and USS Senates joint meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, via Zoom. 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 the Zoom link.
View meeting dates, agendas and minutes
Effective time and priority management is a skill all students need
Time management will always be one of the biggest challenges for all college students. Managing priorities, sticking to a new study schedule, juggling multiple life roles and trying to meet all academic deadlines can become overwhelming. Students can find tips and resources on how to better manage their time in the Time Management section on the Student Success website. If students need assistance, they can contact their Success Coach.
Become a savvy scholar and researcher with free virtual Shocker workshops
Our friendly faculty can help anyone strengthen their research skills! Free workshops are available to the Shocker community. Scan the QR code or visit us at libraries.wichita.edu/savvyscholar for the full schedule and workshop descriptions.
Author Christopher McDougall joins Ulrich virtual book discussion of 'Running with Sherman' later today!
In a rare treat, the Ulrich Museum of Art is excited to announce that author Christopher McDougall will join our virtual book discussion of his novel, "Running with Sherman: The Donkey with a Heart of a Hero." The discussion takes place at 6 p.m. today (Tuesday, Sept. 8).
Beth Golay, host of KMUW’s podcast Marginalia, will lead the discussion. Like all Ulrich virtual programs, this book discussion is free and open to the public. However, registration is required to get the Zoom link. We hope you'll take advantage of this unique opportunity to chat with the author about his latest book. Visit our program partner Watermark Books for your copy today.
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.
Wichita State University Opera Theater to present free outdoor concert
The Wichita State University Opera Theater will present "A Cosi Concert" on the grounds of the WSU amphitheater (behind Duerksen Fine Arts Center on the WSU campus) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. Admission is free. The concert, open to the community, invites attendees to bring lawn chairs or blankets and be comfortably socially distanced on a beautiful Kansas evening.
The concert will feature highlights from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's masterpiece, "Cosi fan Tutte," as well as other great opera arias.
WSU Opera Theater is under the direction of College of Fine Arts Professor Alan Held. The pianist for the evening will be WSU alumna and accompanist Bridget Hille.
Virtual Edible Book Festival combines artistic / culinary talent for prizes
This year's Edible Book Festival presented by University Libraries is a go, and those interested can participate just about anywhere!
Register now for awesome local prizes won by showing off your culinary creations inspired by literature. Registration ends Thursday, Sept. 24. See the full event description at Edible Book Festival.
Come join the discussion about Somos De Wichita
Join University Libraries in kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with a Zoom-based discussion of the new Somos De Wichita project starting 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9! This bilingual web exhibit, funded in part thanks to the Kansas Humanities Council, can be viewed at somos.wichita.edu.
The zoom address for this event is 942 9795 6429, Password 064861.
Comience el Mes de la Herencia Hispana uniéndose a una discusión en lnternet (via Zoom) sobre el nuevo proyecto Somos de Wichita. Esta exposición web bilingüe, financiada en parte gracias al Consejo de Humanidades de Kansas, reflexiona sobre cómo las familias latinas en Wichita han lidiado con su identidad y aceptación durante el siglo XX. Si lo desea, usted puede compartir sus fotografías familiares con el proyecto Somos de Wichita. Estas fotografías se conservarán para generaciones futuras en el Departamento de Colecciones Especiales de la Biblioteca de la WSU. Durante la discusión ofreceremos información a los participantes sobre cómo compartir sus imágenes. Para obtener más información, consulte http://www.wichita.edu/somos. ¡El evento tendrá lugar el miércoles 9 de septiembre a las 5:30 e incluirá comentarios de los miembros del proyecto del equipo!
Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion as we explore ‘My APIA Identity’
Join us for a panel discussion on the diverse history, culture, and identity of those that identify as Asian/Pacific Islander American (APIA)! “My Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) Identity will be a digital event via Livestream from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9.
For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) at 316-978-3034, diversity@wichita.edu, or go to wichita.edu/odi.
Engage in Real Talk Intersection Dialogues with Dr. Selena Jackson and Danielle Johnson
Engage in Real Talk Intersection Dialogues with Dr. Selena Jackson from Counseling and Prevention Services and Danielle Johnson from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. An RSVP to the digital event is required.
We continue to hear more news about the devastating racial events and effects of Covid-19 happening in our society. Our upcoming topic will be "Checking-In."
Join the dialogue at this digital event by registering at wichita.edu/odievents. Click "Real Talk - Intersection Dialogues” to access the RSVP form.
Real Talk engages in meaningful dialogues around various topics that impact identity, diversity, inclusion, equity, and society. We welcome you to lean into discomfort and join the discussion.
For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) at 316-978-3034, diversity@wichita.edu, or go to wichita.edu/odi.
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.
Changes to your HSA/HRA/FSA for 2020 due to CARES Act
Due to the recent CARES Act legislation, there have been some updates to how you can use your HSA, HRA and/or Healthcare FSA funds. Updates include the ability to use funds for over the counter (OTC) medications without a prescription and for menstrual care products. These changes are retroactively effective to January 1, 2020.
Your NueSynergy debit card may not immediately work for purchases of these items as merchants are in the process of updating their systems to accommodate these changes, but you are able to pay out of pocket and submit reimbursement requests through the NueSynergy online portal.
You can find more information from NueSynergy here: NueSynergy 2020 CARES Act Update. If you have more specific questions about eligible purchases, you can reach NueSynergy directly at 1-855-750-9440 for further assistance. When calling, identify yourself as a State of Kansas employee, and be prepared to provide your SHaRP ID (found by logging in to myWSU and hovering the mouse over the white box in the “SHaRP ID” channel).
State Employee Health Plan updates in response to COVID-19
Gov. Laura Kelly announced four (4) provisions on March 13, 2020 that have been extended through Sept. 30, 2020 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.
More information
- 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.
Susan Norton cited for expertise in adult learning in two national publications
Susan Norton
Susan Norton, director of Adult Learning at WSU, was quoted recently in stories in Kiplinger and Yahoo! Finance.
See the article “Back in School Decades Later.”
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.
Looking to add some spice to your life?
Looking to add some spice to your life? Swing by Fuzzy’s and grab a Citrus Heat Mahi Taco available with grilled or tempura Mahi, garlic sauce, orange honey habanero sauce, house made pineapple slaw, topped with a fuzzy dusted grilled pineapple slice. It’s crunchy, sweet, with a hint of heat.
Try the Burris Burger at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes
Stop by the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes in September to try their Burger of the Month, the Burris Burger! It's topped with melted cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, and then topped with a spicy polish sausage.
Sept. 8 Tuesday Talk will discuss Campus Recreation and resources available to students
Join SHS and Campus Recreation at 2 p.m. today (Tuesday, Sept. 8), on Student Health's Facebook Live for a conversation about the resources available to WSU students. Don't forget to subscribe to SHS on YouTube! If we reach 100 subscribers, we'll enter your name for a chance to win a prize!
The Shocker Support Locker is open for the academic year
The Shocker Support Locker is open to all Wichita State University students, faculty and staff and offers anyone who needs it access to food, clothing, toiletries, and baby/family products. The Shocker Support Locker is coordinated and managed by the Student Government Association.
To limit the spread of COVID-19, all students, faculty or staff are asked to complete the Shocker Support Locker Order Form to request items from the Shocker Support Locker until further notice. Locker staff will contact the user to coordinate a pick-up time between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday for the fall semester.
Questions? Please contact sga.supportlocker@wichita.edu.
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.
Get your Heskett Center membership today
Campus Recreation is the place to be this semester. Sign up for a Heskett Membership today. With your membership, you will have access to the pool, indoor track, basketball courts, Esports hub, cardio, weight equipment, and all our fitness classes. Membership costs $40 a semester, which will be valid until Jan. 31, 2021. Payroll deduction available. For more information visit our website wichita.edu/campusrec or call at 316-978-3082.
Diversity in Politics Roundtable Discussion presented by the Shocker Vote! Coalition
The Shockers Vote! Coalition is back for its second roundtable discussion. This month we are focusing on Diversity in Politics at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17.
Our panel will discuss the critical topic of diversity in our local politics. This is an issue that we know our students care deeply about, so we want to provide students an opportunity to hear from local leaders on this topic.
The panel will be moderated by Student Body Vice President Mackenzie Haas and SGA Director of Public Relations David Garcia.
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.
Lock your car doors and protect your belongings
Wichita State police report that multiple cars have had things taken where students park late at night. All of those cars had been left unlocked.
Please lock your car doors, hide your belongings, put them in the trunk, or take your belongings with you.
Don’t give a thief an opportunity to make you a victim. The WSU PD takes great pride in keeping the campus safe, but we need your help to accomplish that.
Please, if you see something, say something!
Get your students connected!
Do you know a student who seems disconnected? Refer your students to a Student Involvement ambassador to get them involved at Wichita State. Our ambassadors will meet with students one-on-one and provide recommendations based on their interests, schedule, and availability. Help them meet new friends, expand their network and enjoy their time at Wichita State. Refer your students to wichita.edu/getinvolved to make an appointment!
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.
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.