Clark and Sharon Bastian, Fidelity Bank invest another $500,000 in new home for the W. Frank Barton School of Business
Clark and Sharon Bastian and the fourth-generation, family-owned Fidelity Bank have pledged an additional $500,000 to the campaign to build a new home for the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, supplementing a $1 million gift made in 2018 to the WSU Foundation.
Clark Bastian is chairman of Fidelity Bank and both he and Sharon Bastian graduated from Wichita State in the 1970s.
“Sharon and I are grateful for the quality education, fond memories and formative life lessons that came from our time at Wichita State,” Bastian said. “Through this gift, our family is helping to build a magnificent space for future generations of Shockers to experience the boundless opportunities that come from collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurial pursuits. For us, it is a deep source of pride.”
So far, $31.5 million has been raised in private funds to build Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall, named for the Wichita couple who provided the lead gift. The WSU Foundation’s goal is to raise $35 million from private sources for the $60 million facility, to be built on WSU’s Innovation Campus. Clark Bastian, who recently completed two terms on the Foundation’s Board of Directors, is helping to lead fundraising efforts for the project.
“This remarkable new gift from Clark and Sharon Bastian and Fidelity Bank signifies their dedication to Wichita State students who will help build our community’s future,” said WSU Foundation President Elizabeth King. “We are proud to be a trusted partner in their visionary work to advance our city and region.”
Woolsey Hall will provide a collaborative learning environment that allows Wichita State to deliver the kind of business education students need to contribute to and compete in a rapidly evolving job market. Groundbreaking is scheduled for Oct. 22 and the new facility is expected to be completed in spring 2022.
Aaron Bastian, president and CEO of Fidelity Bank, said the bank is pleased to partner with Wichita State on the business school project.
“The progress of our family business and the city we call home is only possible when people work together toward a shared vision,” he said. “Woolsey Hall will be so much more than a building. It will serve as a connecting point for students, businesses and community partners to learn from each other and nurture the type of innovative ideas that will help Wichita meet its great potential.”
Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP) Notice of Interest deadline today by 5 p.m.
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.
University Town Hall set for Oct. 12
A live YouTube virtual staff and faculty town hall will be held from 8-9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12. This is an opportunity to hear and interact with Acting President Rick Muma. The event will be moderated by presidents of the UP, USS and Faculty Senates.
You can watch the town hall live and recorded after the event at Virtual Town Hall.
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.
See something, say something - Title IX / discrimination
As members of the Wichita State community, it is everyone’s responsibility to bring attention to anything that may be concerning. This could be about yourself or others that you feel is connected to the Wichita State University experience.
WSU is committed to providing an educational and working environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex and all forms of protected characteristic discrimination. The Institutional Equity and Compliance Form gives you the opportunity to report any instances of this discrimination.
For more details, please refer to Report It.
All call for The Wheat Shock Leadership Society judges
The Wheat Shock Leadership Society is formerly known as WSU Student of the Year. Student Involvement has rebranded this scholarship competition to become a society in order to increase the prestige and will continue to be a competitive and prestigious opportunity for students who have proven exemplary leadership, involvement, and service both to the WSU and Wichita communities.
Applications and nominations for both graduate and undergraduate students are opening today (Monday, Oct. 5) for students who wish to participate. We are calling for judges to serve throughout the selection process. The dates and details for each round are below. We are looking for three different sets of judges, so upon indicating interest, please include which round you would be most interested in serving, as well as your second choice.
Round 1: Application Review – Completed by Jan. 11, 2021
- This process would be going through the qualified applicants and meeting to decide on which students move to the next round. We have seen an increase, so we could be sifting through 80-90 applications depending on how many students apply.
Round 2: Interviews – Feb. 4-5, 2021
- Our judges' panel will sit through a series of interviews of those selected to move on through the application round. Deliberation and decision on the final court of 10 undergraduate students and five graduate students and will follow the interviews.
Round 3: Presentations – Feb. 18-19, 2021
- This panel will serve as an audience to our 15 finalists as they present and showcase why they should be a part of The Wheat Shock Leadership Society and receive a scholarship, in addition to induction into the Society. There will be two overall winners this year, one in graduate and one at the undergraduate level.
Please send which round you would like to serve on or any questions to Maggi Hole at lead.grad@wichita.edu or 316-978-3022.
Resources remain available for academic success
As students are completing their own mid-semester grade checks, encourage them to take advantage of the free resources available to help them maximize their potential for academic success. Students can request a tutor directly from their myWSU student portal, or they can visit the Shocker Learning Center in Lindquist Hall, room 107. When students participate in active learning, they tend to see an increase in their academic understanding and performance. Services like Supplemental Instruction, tutoring, GEEKS (for engineering students), the Math Lab and the Writing Center, just to name a few, are available for assistance throughout the semester.
hocker Profile Headshots available this fall
The Office of Strategic Communications offers headshots for WSU faculty and staff at no charge. For the remainder of 2020, headshot events are scheduled once a month over two days in the Rhatigan Student Center. Due to social distancing, you must reserve your spot with an appointment.
October
Rhatigan Student Center, Room 265 (Lucas)
3-5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12
8-10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13
November
Rhatigan Student Center, Room 266 (Pike)
3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11
8-10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12
Visit Shocker Profile Headshots to learn more and schedule your individual appointment.
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
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.
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.
New toner program coming soon
More than a year ago, Financial Operations and Admissions joined a pilot program where Staples (now DEX) put software on our network to monitor toner usage of network printers and automatically send toner when printers needed it. The pilot was a huge success – it eliminated the need for toner inventory, reduced our cost, and eliminated the order process. PET has now approved expansion of the program. Central Services will begin a slow rollout to all departments soon.
Our average toner spend is right around $14,220.40 per month. Under the new DEX contract, the average spend will be reduced to about $9,212.07 per month. This is a 35% savings. There will be additional savings once we take older printers out of service and use newer networked printers instead.
Technology Takes the Wheel event on Oct. 16
AAA Kansas and Wichita State University invite you to attend our third FREE Technology Takes the Wheel® event, mapping our transition to autonomous vehicles from 9-11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16,
Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges regarding connected and self-driving vehicles involving the vehicle-infrastructure relationship, safety and security. Will Kansas be ready? Will you?
Please mark your calendar as we examine the new technologies and the requirements of transportation and security infrastructures for AV systems and what is being done to bring this future of transportation to reality.
Technology Takes the Wheel Registration
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)
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
Outdoor Movie – ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’
Flicks on the Field is an outdoor movie series occurring every-other Thursday now through Oct. 22. Movies will be shown at Cessna Stadium, and students must enter at the northwest corner of the stadium. Students are encouraged to bring blankets, snacks, and their friends for this fun series. Concessions and restrooms will be available.
“Jumanji: The Next Level” will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at the CAC Theater, Due to 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 “Jumanji The Next Level:” The gang is back but the game has changed. “Jumanji: The Next Level” stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black. Rated PG-13 for adventure action, suggestive content and some 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.
2021 benefits open enrollment events
All benefits-eligible state employees must participate in open Enrollment! Log in to the Member Administration Portal at https://sehp.member.hrissuite.com to make your elections.
Events this week:
Monday, Oct. 5: Online open enrollment presentation at 3 p.m. Register online in myTraining for the “2021 Benefits Open Enrollment Presentation.”
The Total Rewards Team is not available for walk-in traffic or to make individual appointments regarding open enrollment. Please take advantage of the scheduled live virtual presentations and on-demand options. For additional information visit the Open Enrollment website. Any questions should be directed to TotalRewards@wichita.edu.
2020 Edible Book Festival winners announced
Take a look at this year's prize winners for the Edible Book Festival! University Libraries wants to extend a thank you to all of our participants and everyone that helped make this year's virtual event a reality. We are already excited to see all of the creations for next year's contest!
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.
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.
Try the Wild West Burger at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes
Stop by the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes in October to try their Burger of the Month, the Wild West Burger! It’s topped with your choice of cheese, a crispy onion ring and BBQ sauce.
Commemorative 125th anniversary name badges
Do you routinely wear a name badge? If so, you can show your pride in WSU’s rich history by wearing a 125th anniversary name badge as you move around representing your organization, department and WSU. Order yours today by visiting the RSC Engraving Shop in the lower level of the Rhatigan Student Center or email us at rsc.engraving@wichita.edu.
Join in this week's wellness programs
WSU Wellness Services is bringing you five great programs this week.
Join Student Health for Tuesday Talks and Pee for Pizza.
Counseling and Preventative Services is focusing on mental health with Keep Calm and Breathe and Grad Student Support.
Campus Recreation wants to help your health with a Core Exercise discussion.
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!
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.
Register for E-Launch now!
E-Launch aids entrepreneurs with early-stage ideas in discovering their customers and validating their value proposition.
Enroll for an in-person service-learning course in psychology!
The INSPYRE research lab (directed by Dr. Samantha Gregus) is currently recruiting undergraduate mentors for a 3-hour service-learning course in psychology (PSY 416) for the spring 2021 semester!
Prior to enrolling in PSY 416 (Psychology and Problems of Society) mentors are required to: pass an interview and background check, have reliable transportation, lunch availability from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at least twice a week, and attend class on Mondays from 3:30-6 p.m.
We have a course syllabus, class readings, and paper assignments. Mentors will receive training at the beginning of the course and a grade at the end based on attendance and completion of assignments. We are interested in recruiting mentors from any college and major.
For more information, please contact the INSPYRE research lab at inspyre@wichita.edu ASAP.
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
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.
Shockers Abroad Series
Shockers Abroad Video series presents testimonials from our study abroad alumni. Check out their videos to learn more about their experiences. We will share these new videos from Oct. 5-16.
The 2020-21 Koplik Memorial Scholarship is available for you to apply through Oct. 30
Koplik Memorial Scholarship applicants will be reviewed on the following:
- Recipient of this scholarship shall be a junior or senior full-time student with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Award is for the 2020-21 academic year.
- Applicants are requested to submit a five-hundred-word essay stating their educational goals and how the scholarship assistance would be important to them.
- Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Please complete the 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you have not already done so.
- Preference shall be given to Kansas residents.
- The scholarship is to be used for tuition and/or other related educational expenses.
- Return this application form and essay (item 2) to: Office of Financial Aid, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, Kansas 67260-0024, via email to finaid@wichita.edu or online drop box via myWSU, no later than 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
Are you a LAS student who is undecided about your major? Allow us to help!
Dear LAS Student,
Happen to be undecided about the major you’d like to pursue? We’d like to help!
Are you interested in expressing your compassion towards acting or being the very change, you wish to see in the world? If so, a Social Work Degree may be a perfect fit for you! To learn more, see our attachment crafted just for you!
We look forward to having the possibility of helping you discover true selfless influence!
Best regards,
School of Social Work