Wichita State, WSU Tech announce fall enrollment numbers
Enrollment for fall 2020 at Wichita State University and WSU Tech is down, following record years of enrollment growth. Despite the decline, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of thousands of local jobs, the percentage drop in full-time equivalency (FTE) at the institutions is better than the average decline for Kansas Board of Regents institutions, which is 3.6% for state universities and 8.7% for technical colleges.
Wichita State saw 15,500 students enroll for classes this fall with an FTE of 11,042,
a decrease of 3.1% from last year. Fall 2020 enrollment, however, is still the third
best for Wichita State in the past 30 years.
Meanwhile, WSU Tech saw 4,607 students enroll in classes this fall with an FTE of
2,780, a 4.2% decrease from last year. Despite the decline, fall 2020 still remains
the second largest fall enrollment in college history.
With the later start date for public schools this year, high school students were unable to enroll in college credit courses at Wichita State before the census date. Wichita State will continue to admit and enroll these students for concurrent credit.
Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP)
On Sept. 4, 2020, the university announced the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP), which is designed to provide eligible WSU employees who voluntarily elect, and are approved, to separate employment from WSU on Dec. 26, 2020, with the separation benefits described more fully in the VSIP Guidelines (as defined and further described at www.wichita.edu/VSIPGuidelines.
Employees who are eligible and interested in applying for the VSIP must submit a completed Notice of Interest Form (as defined and further described at www.wichita.edu/VSIPInterestForm no later than 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. The university intends to approve as many applications as possible, but financial and programmatic constraints may apply. Each application will be considered individually, however, in all cases the decisions will prioritize the university’s financial and strategic needs.
The VSIP is available only to eligible WSU faculty and staff who are active participants in the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan, the KPERS Retirement Plan, or the KP&F Retirement Plan, and who:
1) Are 62 years of age or older at the Retirement Date;
2) Have completed at least ten (10) years of consecutive or nonconsecutive service in a benefits-eligible position at WSU or a State of Kansas agency at the Retirement Date; and
3) Are not otherwise ineligible, as set forth below.
Some employees are not eligible to apply, including those who:
1) Already have an active phased-retirement agreement or are scheduled to begin phased-retirement at a future date;
2) Have already announced intention to retire or separate employment, if their department has acknowledged such request (i.e. a letter of retirement/resignation submitted and accepted by the department);
3) Are on approved long-term disability or who are in the waiting period;
4) Have an executed agreement of separation with an identified, projected date of separation with WSU;
5) Have been approved for a partial or full-year sabbatical leave beginning fall 2020.
A program overview, complete list of eligibility conditions, a list of frequently asked questions, and links to resources are available online at VSIP2020 (as defined and further described at www.wichita.edu/VSIP2020). The guidelines include complete program information, including application timeline and procedure.
This is an important decision, and we encourage eligible employees to consider their situation carefully, including consulting with legal counsel and tax advisors of their choosing and at their own expense. If you have questions after reviewing the detailed VSIP Guidelines and FAQs, please send your questions to vsip2020@wichita.edu.
Wichita State alumni reminisce about visiting the 1970 plane crash site
The memories of the 31 people who died in a plane crash on Oct. 2, 1970 — including 14 members of the football team, 14 staff and boosters, and three crew members — are honored every year at Wichita State’s Memorial ’70 observance, but survivors, friends and family choose to remember their loved ones by hiking up to the crash site located on a mountain west of Silver Plume, Colorado.
The 50th anniversary observance of the plane crash will be held at 9 a.m. today (Friday, Oct. 2) at Cessna Stadium
Annual SEM gathering: Save the date
For all of those across campus engaged in Strategic Enrollment Management, we won’t be gathering in the ballroom to report on and celebrate our SEM accomplishments this year, but we will have a special SEM event that we want you to join!
Mark your calendar for 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct 28. More details to come soon!
Strategic Enrollment Management
F1RST GEN SHOCKER Friday
What is a first-gen student?
A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor's degree. It is a student who is the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor's degree.
- First-Gen Week is Nov. 2-6. Check the website for activities and events.
- First-Gen Art Showcase, Identity, opens Oct. 26 in the Cadman Art Gallery, and runs through Nov. 6.
- FGSO – a student organization is meeting twice a month, both in-person and virtually. Join them this month today (Friday, Oct. 2).
- Today we highlight the 2020 Clash of Colleges Winner, College of Engineering First-Gen Forerunners, Dennis Livesay, Ana Lazarin and Gary Brooking.
- First-Gen Affinity Group, a newly formed employee group will kick off its first social on Nov. 10. Save the date. Visit the site to learn more.
- Become a subcommittee member of FGCC. The First-Generation Coordinating Council (FGCC) is looking for individuals to join in the work. Currently seeking subcommittee members for the following:
- Marketing
- Faculty & Staff Engagement
- Data & Assessment
- Graduate School
Title IX Virtual Town Hall meeting coming Oct. 6
The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance will host a virtual Title IX Town Hall meeting at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, to discuss the new Title IX regulations and the changes to university policy on sexual harassment and discrimination.
Faculty Senate President Aleksander Sternfeld-Dunn and Student Body President Rija Khan will moderate the discussion with Sara Zafar, Title IX Coordinator. The event will be livestreamed on the WSU YouTube channel.
To submit questions ahead of time, please email oiec@wichita.edu.
KMUW and KWCH Channel 12 are partnering to present two Kansas candidate debates
The 4th Congressional District Debate between Republican Rep. Ron Estes and Democratic candidate Laura Lombard is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6.
The US Senate Debate with Republican U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall and Democratic Kansas state Sen. Barbara Bollier will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.
Live coverage of both debates will be broadcast on KMUW and KWCH. An analysis will follow at 7 p.m. after each debate, as part of KMUW's Digital Democracy on Tap. The conversation will be streamed live on KMUW's Facebook page and at engageict.org.
Office of Financial Aid Releases 2019-20 Annual Report
The Office of Financial Aid is proud to release its 2019-20 Annual Report to the campus community.
The annual report includes an overview of the scholarships, grants, loans, and work study program administered by Wichita State. Highlights from the 2019-20 financial aid year include:
- Awarding over $104 million in financial aid and scholarships to more than 12,900 students
- Receiving 20,925 individual financial aid applications
- 21% growth in grants and scholarships over the past years
- Disbursing a record $2 million in outside scholarships
- Sending 372,932 outbound emails and letters to current and prospective students regarding financial aid and scholarships
- Welcoming 6,411 visitors to the office
- Delivering financial aid content at 380 presentations and events on campus and in the surrounding community
Questions about the annual report can be directed to Sheelu Surender, director, at sheelu.surender@wichita.edu.
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 noon Thursday, Oct. 15 session is here - password: socialwork
Register for CEI's Virtual Workshop: Cultivating a Coaching Culture in Your Team
Join the Community Engagement Institute for a series of interactive, complimentary workshops centered on navigating challenges with resilience and intention!
In recent months, everyone has been challenged to approach work and life with new priorities, tools, and energy. Join us from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, to discover practical frameworks and techniques to help you rise to the challenges you are facing today! Participate in one, several, or all of these workshops – our 60-minute sessions are open to everyone.
The workshop addresses Cultivating a Coaching Culture in Your Team.
An effective coaching culture enables two vital practices: 1) people receive the support they need to process ideas and emotions, and 2) people receive constructive challenges to stimulate change. When individuals, teams, and organizations instill coaching as way of life, they are able to see more possibility, build accountability, and foster improved relationships. Presenters will share the foundations of coaching and how to transform coaching from an individual developmental event into shared way of life.
Introduction to WSU Office of Research Workshop is today
Join Fran Cook of the WSU Office of Research for a one-hour Zoom workshop today (Friday, Oct. 2). Topics will include 1) WSU research office resources and contacts, 2) finding funding, 3) project budgeting, and 4) grant-writing tips with time for questions and answers.
Two workshops will be held -- choose either 1:30-2:30 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.
Email proposals@wichita.edu to receive login information.
Use a smartphone? Want to be in a research study? We need participants!
We are looking for participants who want to be in a research study examining cell phone usage and the neck. The best part? It won't take weeks and weeks of exercises or participation on your part, actually less than 30 minutes!
The study is being sponsored by students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The principal investigator is Barb Smith.
If you are interested, please click the survey link here to see if this study is right for you!
Funding available for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity
The Undergraduate Student Research and Creative Activity Grants Program is now accepting applications for grants of up to $1,000 for undergraduate students pursing research or creative projects.
Students who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a GPA of at least 2.5 and at least two semesters remaining at WSU (including the semester in which you apply), are full time and have a faculty research mentor are eligible. Preference is given to projects not otherwise funded and previous awardees are not eligible.
Please visit www.wichita.edu/undergradresearch or email undergraduateresearch@wichita.edu for more information. Deadlines to apply in fall 2020 are Oct. 7 and Nov. 11.
Friday's ISME Colloquium presentation features Kim Patterson, VP of Premier Food Services
Kim Patterson
Industrial, Systems, and Manufacturing Engineering invites you to a colloquium presentation from 11 a.m.-noon today (Friday, Oct. 2), via Zoom. The presenter will be Kim Patterson, vice president of Premier Food Service.
Abstract
The closure of businesses and shift to remote working due to COVID-19 has created unpredictability in the Food Service Industry. Premier Food Service has had to quickly adjust our methods of operation to maintain our high level of customer service. I’d like to share with you the approach that we’ve taken and how we have used Control Limits, Root Cause / Corrective Action and Rolling Action Item Lists to help guide our business recovery.
Kim Patterson is the Vice President of Premier Food Service (PFS). PFS provides breakroom services to companies throughout Kansas. Kim started her career at PFS in 1995 working part-time while in high school. She continued to work for PFS while in college as a route driver during the summers and bookkeeper during the school year.
Kim earned her bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering in 2004 from Wichita State University. She began her career as an Industrial Engineer working for Cessna Aircraft. During her first years as an Industrial Engineer, Kim learned that she had a passion for project management and continuous improvement. In 2008, Kim completed her master’s degree in Business Administration from Wichita State University.
In 2010, Kim was promoted to Continuous Improvement Manager. In this role, Kim was successful at using a combination of Statistical Analysis, Lean Six Sigma and Change Management to reduce production costs by $1.5M annually.
During the merge of Cessna and Beechcraft, Kim was asked to take over leadership of Environmental, Health and Safety for Beechcraft. It was in this role that Kim earned her Master Blackbelt Certificate in 2015.
In 2016, Kim was promoted to Director of Environmental Health and Safety. Using tools from Lean Manufacturing, Kim setup a network of over 7000 safety initiatives run across Textron Aviation’s 15 locations worldwide. The initiatives targeted preventative measures and resulted in a 10% reduction in injuries.
In 2019 Kim was asked to lead PFS. In her current role as Vice President, Kim regularly uses Industrial Engineering applications to continuously improve the processes at PFS. Most recently, she has used Control Limits, Root Cause/Corrective Action and Rolling Action Item Lists to help the PFS team navigate the disruptions of business resulting from COVID-19.
‘Be Seen’ exhibit in the Cadman Gallery; reception this evening
“Be Seen” is a local arts-based campaign to increase voter turnout, civic engagement and dialogue on modern political issues in Wichita. This project focuses on engagement from first-generation immigrants, especially those from Asian and Asian-American backgrounds.
“Be Seen” will be on display on the first floor of the RSC in the Cadman Art Gallery from now to Friday, Oct. 9. There will be a reception in the gallery from 6-8 p.m. today (Friday, Oct. 2).
Your WSU Police Department wants to hear from you
In these challenging times throughout the country we have seen a division among some police agencies and the communities they serve. The WSU Police Department wants to take this as an opportunity for growth and outreach. They would like to hear from you about the questions, concerns, and thoughts you have.
You are invited to an open discussion with the WSU Police Department at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Shirley Beggs Ballroom, third floor, Rhatigan Student Center. Come and share your experiences and thoughts. The best way to grow and to move forward is together.
‘Ask an International Shocker’ with Wichita State’s Cultural Ambassadors!
Wichita State’s Cultural Ambassadors present a new series called “Ask an International Shocker.” During this series ambassadors will answer questions they are commonly asked as international students. This series premieres on our Facebook page today (Friday, Oct. 2)!
Be sure to like and follow to keep up with the series and learn more about the diverse cultures represented here at WSU. Have a question you want to ask? Feel free to leave us a comment our message us directly through Facebook! You can also learn more about us by visiting www.wichita.edu/cap.
Changes to logging in to WSU Reporting
Win.wichita.edu now has additional information on how to login, and if you have questions please reach out to helpdesk@wichita.edu.
And the winner is ... Clash of the Colleges 2020 Champions!
The College of Engineering was named the 2020 Champions, and the Spirit Award went to the College of Applied Studies!
First-Year Programs in Student Success and Campus Recreation hosted the 6th Annual Clash of the Colleges from Aug. 21 through Sept. 14, with more than 200 in-person and virtual participants representing seven academic colleges.
We invite the campus to save-the-date for the 7th Annual Clash of the Colleges, which will be held on the first Friday of the fall semester, Aug. 20, 2021.
For more information, go to wichita.edu/clash.
Free Ulrich Virtual program Tuesday features indigenous artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Join the Ulrich Museum of Art Tuesday for what promises to be an exciting virtual program with indigenous artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. The program begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. It is free and open to all, but you have to register to get the Zoom link.
Smith, a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation in Montana, conveys both humorous and poignant socio-political commentary through her complex paintings and prints. Her billboard in the Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard Project is currently on view at 703 N. West Street in Wichita.
Wichita State's Tom Reeves helped his athletes through horror of plane crash
Tom Reeves, as documented by memories typed on ruled notebook paper, talked about Brad, his newborn son. He recited his phone number. He would give anything for a drink, witnesses remember him saying, and that bit of wry humor briefly alleviated the pain.
“Reeves guided the survivors away from the crash site and down the side of the mountain, talking all the while,” wrote Conrad Downing, then Wichita State University’s sports information director, in 1970. “Reeves talked to the players and kept them from thinking about the nightmare they had just experienced. Safety and concentration on escape kept the group from going into shock.
“Tom Reeves was a hero.”
Trivia Tuesday coming Oct. 6
Gone are the days of joining HQ trivia only to get booted on the fifth round. Join SAC on the first Tuesday of every month for a quick HQ/Kahoot style trivia game for the chance to win some awesome e-gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, and event Visa gift cards! $100 and $50 prizes will be given out each game to first- and second-place finishers, respectively.
Log in from a smart device at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, by going to bkquiz.com/wsutriv. Anyone can play, but only WSU students are eligible to win.
Interested in Free STI Testing? Watch Oct. 6 Tuesday Talks for more information
Interested in free STI testing? At 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, on Facebook Live, join Student Health Services and Positive Directions for a conversation about the services they will provide for WSU students to receive easily accessible STI testing.
InterFest is back from Oct. 7-9
One of International Student Union's (ISU) awaited and beloved event is InterFest. This year’s event is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 to Friday, Oct. 9, on the lawn of Neff Hall and the Geology Building breezeway. It's an international food festival which ISU does in collaboration with several other student groups and organizations at WSU.
This festival is known for its diverse flavors and colors that are observed in the dishes prepared by international students from various countries and cultures. The festival is extremely student friendly as it allows students to take a food world tour with just a few bucks.
It also helps participating student organizations raise funds for their own events, and that's one of the many reasons students look forward to InterFest every semester. InterFest is back by popular demand this semester.
Donations needed for nursing home residents
Covid Comfort for Senior Citizens is a community service class project for Building Effective Work Teams. We are teaming up with Gran Villas retirement home to provide their 47 residents with personalized baskets and create a pen pal system with a local high school. Check out our Facebook page for more information and links to our GoFundMe and Amazon wish list.
Covid Comfort for Senior Citizens
Join Acting President and Provost Dr. Muma in supporting KMUW
The need for quality reporting and insight about the world we live in is more essential than ever. KMUW's fall pledge drive is underway, and we need your help in fueling the future of trusted local journalism.
Acting President and Provost Dr. Richard Muma will join us on-air via Zoom from 7:20-8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. We encourage all Shockers to tune in and make their donations by calling 316-978-6700 or going to KMUW.org.
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.
These tips will help to reduce your vulnerability to theft. WSU PD is working to reduce and prevent crime and ask for your help in these efforts.
Please, if you see something, say something!
Fire alarm testing to occur throughout fall
WSU Fire Safety along with Sandifer Engineering will conduct required annual fire alarm testing in all campus buildings. These tests are important to ensure the fire alarm systems are operating properly.
There is no specific day or time any one building will be tested. These tests could last through the end of November.
On the Innovation Campus, tests will be conducted at the Crash Lab, Law Enforcement Training Center, John Bardo Center, The Flats and The Suites only.
Every effort will be made to minimize disruption to daily business and classes. If the fire alarm does go off, evacuate the building unless directed otherwise.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we test these critical life safety systems.
Elements Multi-Media Art Competition exhibit submissions are now open
Elements is a juried multi-media art competition that students may submit works in the areas of painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed-media and ceramics. The panel of jurors, comprised of Wichita and surrounding community artists, select a Best of Show as well as first and second place winners in each division.
Students wishing to participate may submit up to six pieces in any of the five categories offered. Submissions close Wednesday, October 14. Show Opens Monday, November 9 Monetary prizes are awarded to winners in all categories including an Audience Choice Award. For more information and access to online application, visit the Elements web page.
Join the Student Senate
There is still a chance for you to use your voice and represent your fellow Shockers on the Student Senate. We still have a couple more seats open for you to apply for. Visit wichita.edu/sgaopenpositions to apply today!
The 2021-22 FAFSA is now available!
Who: You can act upon this today.
What: Complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA.
When: Now/Today
Where: studentaid.gov
Why: To be considered for grants, work study, and loans for the 2021-22 academic year.
How: Laptop, desktop, or mobile device (myStudentAid application for cellphones, tablets)