WSU graduate Peri Widener’s gift will help develop global leaders, build a new home for Barton School of Business
Peri Widener
Saying she wants to help build a new generation of business leaders with a world view, Wichita State alumna Peri Widener has pledged $275,000 to her alma mater. A portion of the gift will launch a program to help develop students into global business leaders.
In addition to initiating the Widener Global Leaders Program, the gift from Widener and her mother, Luanne, includes a pledge of $175,000 to the campaign to build Woolsey Hall, the new home for the W. Frank Barton School of Business. She said the gift celebrates the leadership of Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School, and her vision for the school.
Widener graduated from Wichita State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in business. Her education served as a springboard to a nearly 40-year career with Boeing. She held successively more responsible positions spanning communications, business development, site leadership and, ultimately, a role as vice president/general manager leading profit and loss businesses around the world.
When she was selected for the executive development program in the early 1990s, Boeing had about 280,000 employees and 12 female executives.
“Throughout my career, I saw that a unique combination of education and experiences opened doors for growth in the organization,” Widener said. “I believe such a multidisciplinary background – liberal arts and business schooling combined with acquired business skills and seasoned with a fine arts background – can be a fundamental differentiator in making graduates successful in today’s complex world. This mix drives creative problem-solving, an ability to communicate effectively and flexibility – all keys to successful leadership.”
That is why the Widener Global Leaders Program will emphasize a multidisciplinary education, with three WSU Colleges participating: the Barton School, the College of Fine Arts and Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Eight students a year from diverse backgrounds will be selected for the program. They will participate in activities designed to develop leadership, global acuity, business skills and cultural competence.
Wichita State University made a change in how it processes terminations for non-benefit eligible employees (i.e. students, graduate assistants, lecturers, and temporary employees) beginning April 1, 2020. For employees with no active job (because of a “Position Only Termination ePAF” or an end date on their hire ePAF) for a continuous time frame of 60 days, their employment status automatically terminates in Banner. This change was implemented to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to university systems, data, and buildings by individuals who may not return to an active employment status.
If it is known that an individual will be re-engaged for active employment, but it will be greater than 60 days, the department should submit a future-dated electronic Personnel Action Form (ePAF). This ePAF must be submitted and fully approved before the 60 days of inactivity expires. If an employee has been terminated after 60 days with no active position, they will not have access to WSU systems (including WSU email, MyWSU, and Blackboard). If the individual needs to be rehired, the regular hiring and on-boarding process will take place. By completing the future dated ePAF process before the 60 days of inactivity expires, the employee will not need to go through the hiring and on-boarding process. ePAF Originators can review employees with an upcoming termination date using the Reporting Services report: HR – EPAF Reports>ORIG00240 – Employee Termination in Next 30 Days.
On Sept. 14, supervisors will begin receiving an email once a non-benefit eligible employee (Lecturer, Temp, Student or Grad Employee) has no active job; if it is known that the employee needs to retain access to WSU systems because they will return to work at a known future date, an ePAF must to be submitted at that time to avoid the need for the hiring and on-boarding process, and to maintain access to the system. Supervisors will receive a final reminder 15 days before the full termination process is completed if no ePAF has been submitted.
SPTE Request Form is due this week
Student Perception of Teaching Effectiveness (SPTE) Request forms are due Wednesday, Sept. 23. You can locate the request form here on our website. You can also get additional SPTE information at www.wichita.edu/sslab.
Getting to know faculty has many benefits for student success
Students can feel anxious about approaching their professors and sometimes need encouragement to interact with them. Positive connections with faculty can pay off in terms of feeling more comfortable in class, getting references for jobs or graduate school and advising about career options.
If students need a few tips on how to approach and talk to their professors, share this link and remind them that their faculty members are often their best resource for academic success.
Wichita State's Charles Koch Arena selected as a 2020 early voting site
The Wichita State University Shockers Vote! Coalition is proud to announce that on Thursday, Oct. 22, Wichita State University and Charles Koch Arena will become an early voting site for the 2020 general election.
The Wichita State University Shockers Vote! Coalition has partnered with the Sedgwick County Elections Office and the Intercollegiate Athletic Association to offer this opportunity for students, faculty, staff and community members who are eligible to vote in Sedgwick County to cast their vote during the General Election.
Charles Koch Arena will be open for early voting from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.
Join the Graduate School to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting the 21st century workplace
COVID-19 has upended the way we shop, attend classes, socialize, and do business. Join the Graduate School with presenter Dr. Carolyn Speer, Manager of Instructional Design and Technology, as we examine the ways that COVID has impacted the modern workplace and shifted the way we think about remote work from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, on Zoom.
For more information, go to visit the Graduate School's professional development schedule or request the meeting link here.
'Adjusting to College' Drop-In Session on Sept. 23
Attend our Adult Learner Drop-In Session from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. This time, we are focusing on “Adjusting to College,” where we will discuss:
- Advice from Adult Learners
- Key factors in semester planning
- Resources to support you
- Adult Learning community networking
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!
COVID-19: Its impact on the performing arts and its audiences
The disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on the events industry, of which the performing arts is a significant portion, is devastating. It was the first industry to close down and will be the last to fully open back up. This industry supports 11 million jobs and generates over $1.75 trillion a year in direct, indirect and induced spending—greater than agriculture, broadcasting and telecommunications, auto manufacturing, truck and rail transportation, and computer systems design and related services.
The arts, particularly the performing arts, constitute a majority of this gross domestic product–over 4.2% of the national GDP. In Kansas alone, the arts constitute around 3% of the state’s GDP ($4.2 billion), employing about 50,000 Kansans and representing $2.5 billion in salaries alone. When shutdowns occurred in March, this vital aspect of the American economy essentially ceased to exist. It ceased to exist on college campuses as well, according to Wichita State College of Fine Arts Dean Rodney Miller.
But we need what the arts bring us now more than ever. How do we, as artists, respond to those needs in the middle of a pandemic? How do we mentor / educate our students? How do we engage our audiences in new and innovative ways? When will we return to normal, and what will the new normal look like?
Rodney Miller, dean of the College of Fine Arts, will moderate this panel at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Register now for the 2020 Kansas Prevention Virtual Conference
Join the Community Engagement Institute Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 14-16, for the 3rd annual Kansas Prevention Conference!
This virtual conference is an amazing opportunity to learn ways to elevate prevention work in your community, connect with other prevention professionals, and discover the work being done in communities around Kansas.
You'll be able to choose from a long list of excellent workshops, as well as learn from our two keynote speakers, Earl Greene, M.A., CAMS-1/Fellow and Alex Elswick, MA, BA, Ph.D.
Registration for this year's conference is $75.
Social work professionals can receive 10.5 CEUs, and nursing professionals can receive 12.6. That's only $5.95-$7.14 per credit hour.
Register today to receive the conference swag items in the mail before Oct. 14!
2020 Kansas Prevention Virtual Conference
Final day to nominate outstanding Shocker seniors!
Today (Monday, Sept. 21) is the last day to submit nominations for WSU Homecoming Court! 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 the end of today (Monday, Sept. 21).
Wichita State Homecoming will be held Oct. 19-26.
Click here to make a nomination.
Are you teaching or advising an outstanding STEM-field student who will pursue a research-based graduate degree next year?
Are you teaching or advising an outstanding senior or first-year Graduate student who will be pursuing a research-based STEM-related master’s or doctoral degree? If so, encourage them to join the Graduate School Dean and AVP of Research Dr. Coleen Pugh, and a small panel of previous successful applicants from WSU to discuss preparing a successful application for the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF-GRFP) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, on Zoom.
Applicants must be domestic students pursuing a graduate degree in specified STEM-related fields. For more information about the fellowship program, awards, and eligibility, visit the NSF-GRFP website or request the link to the Zoom session here.
Professional Development and Research Events
Participate in the Strategic Plan 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 Shocker faculty, students, staff, alumni, university partners and the Shocker community on the plan for 2020-21. Join the town hall moderator, WSU Faculty Senate President & School of Music Director Dr. Aleks Sternfeld Dunn as he welcomes President Jay Golden and Executive Vice President and Provost Rick Muma for remarks. Kaye Monk-Morgan, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, will present the refreshed university strategic plan.
For a download of related documents, click on the links provided:
For more information, contact the Strategic Planning Committee at strategicplanning@wichita.edu.
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This year’s Town Hall will be virtual. Click Here to attend.
Please note that this event requires access to a computer/laptop/tablet with access a web browser and sound.
Celebrate International Day of Peace today
Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for International Day of Peace and an event from noon-1 p.m. today (Monday, Sept. 21). Hear from Shana Stephens and Naquela Pack on wellness, being mindful, and harnessing peace.
International Day of Peace is an international event that is observed each year by nations all across the world. Register at wichita.edu/odievents.
The event is commemorated on the 21st of September each year. It is a day that was set aside by the General Assembly of the United Nations for everyone around the world to devote to keeping the peace, despite any differences they may have, as well as play a part in building a peace culture that will last for generations to come.
Take part in promoting the day with your home away from home. Learn more about International Day of Peace at internationaldayofpeace.org.
For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034, diversity@wichita.edu, or go to wichita.edu/odievents.
Bloomfield Distinguished Guest Artist, Damin Spritzer, performs in Wiedemann Hall
The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series welcomes distinguished guest artist Damin Spritzer in concert at the great Marcussen organ at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Wiedemann Hall. Contact the WSU Fine Arts Box Office for a ticket - 77 seats are available - or watch in our live stream on the WSU School of Music Facebook page.
Don't miss the "Conversation with the Artist" following intermission! The artist is interviewed onstage by Lynne Davis and gives details about her professional career and her program. Works by Bach, Grigny, Tournemire, and Howells.
Register for free Ulrich Virtual program on Tuesday featuring Midwest-based photographer Terry Evans
The Ulrich Museum of Art is excited to offer a free virtual program with Chicago-based artist and Kansas native Terry Evans at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. Like all Ulrich Virtual programs, it is free and open to the public, but registration is required to get the Zoom link. Register here.
Evans is known for her photographs of the people and landscapes of rural America and the Great Plains, particularly her native Kansas. Her billboard in the Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard Project is currently on display at 1101 N. West Street in Wichita.
Get ahead with a no-cost business finance webinar today
Do you own a business or are you thinking of starting a business? Whether you want a basic understanding of cash flow as you start a new business or you want to adjust your cash flow in the wake of COVID-19 impact, this workshop will give you tools and knowledge to help you focus and move forward. We hope to see you virtually from noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Register for this no-cost webinar at wichita.edu/ksbdcworkshops.
Physics Seminar Series features Dr. Thayne Currie on Wednesday via Zoom
The next Physics Seminar will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, via Zoom. This week's talk features Dr. Thayne Currie, NASA Ames, Subaru Telescope Project from Sunnyvale, California. The title of this talk will be "Directly Imaging Extrasolar Planets from Kauna Kea."
Savvy Scholar Workshops strengthen Shocker research
Savvy Scholar Workshops continue with more ways to strengthen Shocker research! Register for free and/or discover the full schedule at Savvy Scholar.
Outdoor movie: ‘Bring It On’
Flicks on the Field is an outdoor movie series occurring every-other Thursday now through Oct. 22. Movies will be shown at Cessna Stadium. Students are encouraged to bring blankets, snacks, and their friends for this fun series. Concessions and restrooms will be available. Students must enter at the northwest corner of the stadium.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held in the CAC Theater, Because of limited seating capacity, tickets for the theater will need to be reserved in advance using this link.
In accordance with university policy, all guests are required to social / physical distance and wear masks. Event staff reserve the right to ask individuals to leave for failure to follow policy.
About “Bring It On:” A champion high school cheerleading squad discovers its previous captain stole all their best routines from an inner-city school and must scramble to compete at this year's championships. “Bring It On” stars Kirsten Dunst, Gabrielle Union-Wade, and Jesse Bradford. Rated PG-13 for sex-related material and language.
Flicks on the Field is coordinated by Student Involvement. For questions about this event or others, contact Student Involvement at getinvolved@wichita.edu or call 316-978-3022.
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.
Start your business in 10 steps webinar
Are you interested in starting a business, but have no idea how to get started? This webinar will cover the 10 steps to start your business. Learn about licenses and permits, federal and state tax IDs, business structure, funding, marketing and other essentials.
Register for this no-cost webinar from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at www.wichita.edu/ksbdcworkshops.
Feeling hungry? Join us at Journey East Asian Grill!
Be one of the first two customers at Journey East Asian Grill located in Braeburn Square and receive a FREE Bowl. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. every day. Limit one free bowl per the first two customers per day.
Free STI Testing on Oct. 7 at Student Wellness Center
Positive Directions, ODI, and SHS will host Pee for Pizza from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. Reserve your spot now for free STI testing!
Call 316-978-4792 to schedule an appointment, no walk-ins will be accepted. Masks will be required at this event.
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.
Sign up today for the Pumpkin Run
Hello runners and walkers from around the world!
The race this year is different – we are going virtual! With the hopes to reunite in person next year.
What are the positive outcomes of running with us virtually? You pick the day that you feel the best to run between Saturday, Oct. 10-24. No worrying about parking, weather, or if you brought your headphones. No matter where you are, US, Asia, Canada, Australia, you can still participate in our race.
As a Pumpkin Run participant, you will receive a customized T-shirt, special edition face mask (pick from three designs), and a finisher medal.
NEW this year: We have launched a referral program. Invite friends to run with you using your personalized link/code. When five or more friends have registered with your code, you will get $15 off your registration. That means that your registration is just $10! We will reward you with a fabulous registration price and maybe even something special in your packet.
Sign up today at bit.ly/pumpkinrun5k.
Recommend students to become a part of the Campus Traditions Committee team
The Campus Traditions Committee is looking for hard-working students to be a part of the team.
This committee is focused on planning and executing Wichita State University’s campus wide traditions events. These events include the university’s longest standing tradition, Hippodrome, and for the fall, Homecoming. The whole purpose of Hippodrome and Homecoming is to bring the entire Wichita State community together to celebrate their Shocker pride.
In order for these events to be successful and welcoming to all students across Wichita State, we need representatives from organizations and departments to bring ideas to the table.
The committee meets every Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Members are expected to be present at every meeting and be able to attend / execute events during Homecoming and Hippodrome.
If you have a student or students you would like to recommend to be a member, please have them email Glynnis Jackson at traditions@wichita.edu.
Enjoy your Lunch & Learn with Women of Wichita State University!
Join Women of Wichita State University for our monthly luncheon via Zoom! From 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, we will watch the video “The Procrastination Monkey,” and then discuss what we learned during the lunch hour. The Zoom link will be sent to WWSU members via email, along with a fun recipe to go along with our topic theme.
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.
Wellness Services are virtual, too
Please join us for this week's virtual wellness events on Facebook live: Nutrition Talks with Campus Recreation, Mini Health Fair with Student Health and Keep Calm and Breathe with Counseling and Prevention Services.
Please consider donating to the Pando Initiative
Due to COVID-19, kids are short on school supplies and other items. Collect your dollars and spare change to donate to our dollar drive today! All proceeds will go to the Pando Initiative agency for K-12 children towards their school supply funds, clothing, and other necessities. Funds will be distributed among Wichita USD 259, Derby USD 260, and Haysville USD 261.
We will also accept cash donations outside the RSC all week from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
You can also contact a member of Kappa Delta Chi or Lambda Pi Upsilon for more details.
TRIO DSS is accepting student applications for the 2020-21 Academic school year
WSU's TRIO Disability Support Services (DSS) Program is excited to enroll students with disabilities for this academic school year. They offer numerous free services such as academic advising, career development, study skills assistance, financial literacy assistance, tutoring, and more. Many DSS graduates cite DSS as a critical program on campus that provided the support, university connections, and resources necessary for their success.
I will apply what I have learned through TRIO DSS to the next chapter of my life - completing a Master's Degree! I am really thankful for the relationships that I have formed through TRIO DSS and look forward to what new challenges there are to conquer in my near future.
-Tiffany H.
My Advisor believed in me when everyone wrote me off. That kind of belief and caring is so strong, it turned a college dropout into a student with a WSU GPA of 3.8 who is going to graduate in a month. I was able to get my first all “A” semester last fall because of their encouragement. Without my advisor’s support, I do not think I would be graduating at all.
-Ben L.
For more information, or to apply, go to www.wichita.edu/dss or call 978-5949. TRIO DSS is located in 158 Grace Wilkie Annex.
Looking for Dental Care? Sept. 22 Tuesday Talks will discuss resources available to students
Our Tuesday Talks: Mini Wellness Fair Version continues at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, on Facebook Live. Join Student Health, representatives from the AEGD program and the WSU Dental Hygiene Clinic for a conversation about the dental care resources available to WSU students.
Don't forget to subscribe to Student Health's YouTube channel! When we reach 100 subscribers, we'll enter you to win a prize.
Free tutoring and academic mentoring for diverse Shockers!
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is offering free tutoring and academic mentoring!
Our tutors help students develop a deeper understanding of class material and gain successful skills that can improve their overall GPA.
Our academic mentors offer biweekly meetings to help you with academic success skills, such as time management, effective studying and note-taking, test preparation and more!
You can drop in any of the listed times or schedule an appointment. See when we are open, what classes are offered, and how to request appointments at wichita.edu/pass!