The Strategic Planning Committee invites you to the Fall 2020 Town Hall
The Strategic Plan Town Hall will be held via livestream from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.
This university-wide event will be dedicated to updating the faculty, students, staff, alumni, university partners and the Shocker community. Join moderator Aleks Sternfeld-Dunn, WSU Faculty Senate President, as he welcomes President Jay Golden & Executive Vice President and Provost Rick Muma for remarks.
Assistant Vice President for Assessment, Accreditation and Strategic Planning Kaye Monk-Morgan will make a presentation of the Wichita State University Strategic Plan with freshly updated 2020 content.
For more information, contact the Strategic Planning Committee at strategicplanning@wichita.edu.
This year’s Town Hall will be livestreamed. Please click on the following link to attend virtually. Click here.
Please note that this event requires access to a computer/laptop/tablet with access a web browser and sound.
Updated Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form
Wichita State has updated its policies and procedures regarding disclosures of conflicts of interest. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15, all employees will be required to submit an updated Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form. Please note: employees must submit an updated disclosure form even if they have a current disclosure on file.
Information about the updated process and disclosure form can be found here. For questions, please email COI@wichita.edu.
CourseLeaf Curriculum (CIM) Training and Resources
Upcoming Zoom training sessions:
1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15
1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23
1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6
1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4
Register via myTraining or by contacting Madelyne Toney at 978-3083 or madelyne.toney@wichita.edu.
This Zoom session will provide a demonstration of the online CIM course and program forms, how to submit a CIM proposal (formerly CCF paper forms), how the proposal moves through the electronic workflow and how to approve proposals. Training is applicable to any faculty, staff and administrators who would submit curriculum changes and/or are approvers in the change process.
Resources:
Links available in myWSU to CIM’s forms, Quickstart Bookmark, Cross-list Guide and CourseLeaf Approval Page instructions.
CIM curriculum questions - contact: Sally Fiscus, Registrar’s Office, 978-7279 or sally.fiscus@wichita.edu
CIM workflow or form questions - contact: Michelle Haetten, Registrar’s Office, 978-6096 or michelle.haetten@wichita.edu
Student success hinges on strong study skills
The earlier students establish strong study habits and learning skills, the better they will perform as they persist to graduation. It’s never too late to try new tactics to improve learning.
Encourage students to quiz themselves or other classmates on class concepts, create questions from assigned readings to ask during class, or form a study group with other motivated students to improve academic performance.
Study tips and resources can be found at www.wichita.edu/studyskills.
COVID-19 health disparities: Minority health and health equity
The disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on the health of racial and ethnic minorities is becoming clear. Essential workers, many in low wage jobs, racial and ethnic minorities are at greater risk of contracting the virus.
In addition to the economic impact due to job loss, COVID-19 has exposed disparate access to up-to-date information about the virus, to PPE and to healthcare. Hospitalization and mortality rates among African Americans are the highest of any group. Why is this happening? What can we do?
Dr. Melissa Walker will moderate a panel at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, exploring these issues including how access to testing and treatment could reduce the toll of COVID-19 for racial and ethnic minorities. Confirmed panelists include:
Ernestor De La Rosa, assistant city manager, Dodge City
Teresa Lovelady, president and CEO HealthCore Clinic
Melody McCray Miller, member of CARES Oversight Committee and former representative 89th District
Health Disparities During COVID-19
Constitution Day features discussions on First Amendment issues
Sessions on the rights to petition, peaceably assemble and free speech are just a few of the aspects of Wichita State University’s annual observance of Constitution Day Wednesday, Sept. 16 and Thursday, Sept. 17.
All events are free, open to the public and available via Zoom. For a complete listing of events and Zoom meeting information, go to the Wichita State Constitution Day webpage.
Faculty Senate meeting today
The Faculty Senate meeting will be held via Zoom at 3:30 p.m. today (Monday, Sept. 14). The senators have been sent the meeting information.
If you are interested in joining the meeting, please email Lee Ann Birdwell for the details.
Registration open for third annual 3MT competition
It's time for the third annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition at Wichita State. This year's event will be virtual. The website has been updated to assist students with the new format. Please encourage graduate students to participate in this world-wide event, which is part of the Graduate School's Professional Development Series.
There are many benefits with participating in this event, including the more obvious benefit of working on soft skills, that is targeted with the oral presentation. There is also tremendous benefit in honing the ability to distill a research elevator pitch. As the name suggests, they only have three minutes to summarize their research. Participants have until Oct. 5 to sign up, and those who register will need to submit their videos by Oct. 26.
Fall 2020 SPTE Request Forms are due Sept. 23
Student Perception of Teaching Effectiveness (SPTE) Request forms were mailed to your department. This semester we will also email a request form to all current instructors. If you would like, you can choose to complete a fillable pdf request form at SPTE Forms located on our website. You can also get additional SPTE information at www.wichita.edu/sslab. The submission due date is Wednesday, Sept. 23.
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.
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.
Know an outstanding Shocker senior? Nominate them today!
WSU Homecoming Court nominations are open! Nominees must be a current undergraduate student with senior status and good academic standing as of spring 2020, and must not have previously been a Homecoming candidate. Individuals are welcome to self-nominate, or may be nominated by a WSU student, faculty or staff member.
Homecoming Court nominations will close Monday, Sept. 21.
Wichita State Homecoming will be held Oct. 19-26.
Click here to make a nomination.
UP & USS joint senate meeting set for Sept. 15
The UP and USS Senates joint meeting will be held at 9 a.m. tomorrow (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
Join WWSU for Virtual Happy Hour + Scattergories!
The Women of Wichita State University’s Virtual Happy Hour will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17! Grab a drink of your choice and cozy up to the computer for a fun game of Scattergories. WWSU members may bring a guest and will receive the Zoom link via email.
Not a member yet? There is still time to join. Annual membership is only $12, which is used to support scholarships for Wichita State students. Go to www.wichita.edu/WWSU for more information.
Sept. 15 Tuesday Talks to discuss available resources through the Office of Disability Services
Next up in Student Health's Tuesday Talks: Mini Wellness Version is the Office of Disability Services! At 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, join SHS on Facebook Live to discuss what resources are available to WSU students through ODS.
Don't forget to subscribe to Student Health's YouTube channel! When we reach 100 subscribers, you'll be entered to win a prize!
Shocker Paint Night
Whether you are the next Picasso or if you have never touched a paint brush in your life, anyone can paint a masterpiece. (Van) Gogh have a wonderful time creating Shocker-themed pieces of art with the Student Activities Council during this virtual, step-by-step tutorial.
Register online by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, to receive a supply kit for the class; $10 for WSU students with Shocker ID and $20 for families and the general public.
For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.
Sponsored by the Student Activities Council.
Registration still available for free Ulrich Virtual talk with L.A. artist Gajin Fujita on Tuesday
The Ulrich Museum of Art is excited to host a virtual talk with acclaimed Los Angeles-based artist Gajin Fujita. The program starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. Like all Ulrich Virtual programs, the talk is free and open to the public, but registration is required to get the Zoom link.
Fujita’s large-scale paintings merge graffiti, from his beginnings with K2S crew in his home of Boyle Heights, with traditional Japanese mythical figures, ukiyo-e woodcuts, and pop culture imagery. His billboard in the Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard Project is located at 1500 N. Broadway in Wichita.
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.
Associate Professor of History George Dehner interviewed on MSNBC
George Dehner, WSU’s specialist on epidemics, was the subject of an interview regarding vaccines, and testing and history on national television recently.
MSNBC story with George Dehner
Free Dental Screenings offered on 1st Friday of every month at the Student Wellness Center
The AEGD program will host Free Dental Screenings on the 1st Friday of every month (Oct. 2) from 1-3 p.m. at Student Health. Appointments are required, so call 316-978-4792 to reserve your spot!
Tacos, Margaritas, and Play-Doh magic!
In honor of National Play-Doh day join us for Tacos, Margaritas, and Play-Doh magic! From 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, get 50% off all alcoholic beverages. Build your favorite Fuzzy’s Taco Shop creation for the chance to win a $30 gift card! This is a great opportunity to meet with your students at a socially distant event.
Your vote makes all the difference in the world! Be sure you are registered to vote. Get started today by visiting wichita.turbovote.org to register here in Kansas or back in your hometown.
Sign up today to receive election reminders, get registered to vote, and apply for your absentee ballot. Let's show them that #shockersvote.
Questions? Contact gabriel.fonseca@wichita.edu for more information.
Shocker Store Tent Sale
To celebrate the reopening of the Shocker Store’s Braeburn Square location, we’re having a Tent Sale so you can get some steals and deals on Shocker gear!
Join us in the parking lot outside our Braeburn Square location (4521 E. 21st St. N.) from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. See you there, Shockers!
Stay up-to-date on our Facebook event page.
The African American Faculty Staff Association kicks of the year with a Black Town Hall
The African American Faculty & Staff Association (AAFSA) started the year off strong with a Black Town Hall. While we are navigating in different times, AAFSA understands the importance of being a visible network for the campus. Black students, faculty, and staff came together via zoom to connect, listen, and support each other during the first two weeks of school.
The meeting included updates on the AAFSA scholarship, Student Government Association's Black Student Experience Task Force, data on black students’ graduation rates, and a high point in the meeting where we discussed the upward trending GPA of black students at Wichita State.
AAFSA meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. on Zoom. AAFSA seeks to achieve a visible commitment of inclusion and valuing of African American staff, faculty, students, and alumni at Wichita State University and community.
Learn more about AAFSA and how to become a member at wichita.edu/aafsa.
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
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!
Child Development Center has Pre-K openings
The WSU Child Development Center has current Pre-K openings! This would be for children who will be entering Kindergarten in Fall 2021 only.
Please call 316-978-3109 for more information.
Lacrosse inaugural information meeting
A new Lacrosse Club inaugural informational meeting is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in the Heskett Center lobby. No experience needed. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
For more information, contact John Lee at john.lee@wichita.edu or 316-978-5290.
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!
Student Panel Webinar: Study Abroad Experiences
Want to learn more about study abroad programs? Attend our first webinar! Hear from students about their experiences and ask questions to our student panelists. We will have students who have studied abroad in Japan, Austria, France, and Paraguay on different programs either during a semester or summer. Be entered for a chance to win a $500 scholarship by attending a webinar or double your chances by attending two.
Register for webinars at wichita.edu/studyabroadwebinars.