Wichita State University receives grant for AmeriCorps members to assist youth at four local agencies
Thanks to a grant from the Kansas Volunteer Commission, Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute will provide stipends and education awards for 20 individuals to provide national service to local agencies that serve low-income youth and children. These part-time AmeriCorps members will help Wichita area youth develop educational, life, and workforce skills. Partner agencies where these members serve include Children First: CEO Kansas Inc., Girl Scouts of the Kansas Heartland, Legacy Ministries Inc., and Rainbows United Inc.
This is the second year for the nearly $80,000 grant that provides funding for 20 part-time AmeriCorps members to assist in classrooms, help students who need extra support outside the classroom, or provide mentoring and job coaching skills. Members earn an education award at the end of their term and qualify to apply for the pool of $14,000 in Wichita State AmeriCorps scholarships.
Kathleen Webb, executive director for Children First CEO Kansas, a pilot organization for the 2019-20 AmeriCorps year managed by Wichita State University, said: “AmeriCorps members have provided a life-changing service to many students who are living in three low-income neighborhoods. We use the AmeriCorps program to provide living allowances to social work practicum college students who work side-by-side with a licensed social worker. Students have greatly benefited from their work learning in groups and one-on-one conversations.”
To qualify, AmeriCorps members need to be a US citizen, US national or permanent resident; be 17 years old or older and pass a national service criminal history check. Applicants can apply for AmeriCorps positions at my.AmeriCorps.gov. For more information, contact angela.gaughan@wichita.edu.
You're invited to the Virtual Women in STEAM Gala!
You're invited to attend the 2020 Virtual Women in STEAM Gala, hosted by "Let's Go Full STEAM Ahead!"
Women in STEAM Week is held every year in October. This year we're celebrating Oct. 12-18, with the gala kicking things off on Monday, Oct. 12. This annual event was created to honor the women throughout history who have paved the way for future innovators in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), and to empower the next generation so that they can accomplish anything they dream.
"Let's Go Full STEAM Ahead!" was founded by Wichita State student Sierra Bonn. Learn more at gala.letsgofullSTEAMahead.com.
No-cost webinars to help you start your business
The Kansas SBDC will present the following no-cost webinars:
Startup and Start Right
Noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13
Protect all your hard work by starting your business legally. Learn how to quickly startup in just 10 steps. This workshop will cover licenses and permits, federal and state tax IDs, business structure, funding, marketing and other essentials.
Cause and Effect Cash Flow
Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14
What is the “cause” of your low cash? Learn how a cash flow projection can “effect” positive change on your finances. Presenter Frank Choriego will cover the relationship between cash flow and inventory, credit, sales, and profits.
Start an Online Business
Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15
This eCommerce crash course outlines some website building platforms that can help you start an online business. Whether you want to turn your hobby or idea into cash in your pocket, create a job for yourself, or start a small business, this webinar will show you the basics of selling online and get you off to a good start.
You can register online at KSBDC Workshops.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
Three upcoming workshops for grad students
The Shocker Career Accelerator is hosting three upcoming workshops for grad students! This series will help grad students be successful in finding the right career path after graduating. Register at Wichita.edu/CareerEvents.
What all will be covered in the series?
Resume Building Lab
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 12:30 p.m. | Zoom
Learn to develop and maintain this professional document. Join us for this interactive virtual workshop so you can pursue the perfect opportunity!
Job Hunting Lab
Thursday, Oct. 15 | 12:30 p.m. | Zoom
This interactive virtual job-hunting lab will walk you through steps to conduct an effective employment search while in graduate school.
Ace the Interview
Thursday, Oct. 22 | 12:30 p.m. | Zoom
Gain an understanding of how to best answer typical interview questions, behavior-based interview questions, and make an excellent first impression.
Register for next week's Kansas Prevention Virtual Conference!
Join the Community Engagement Institute 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 learning from our two keynote speakers, Earl Greene, M.A., CAMS-1/Fellow and Alex Elswick, MA, BA, PhD.
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.
Kansas Prevention Virtual Conference
Take a mental health screening for National Depressions Screening Day
National Depression Screening Day is Thursday, Oct. 8, and this year you can check in with your mental health by taking a mental health screening! Just visit wichita.edu/CAPS, scroll down and select "Take a Mental Health Screening" to begin.
Counseling and Prevention Services
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 now to Oct. 16.
The WSU Office of Research schedules two additional Introduction to Research workshops
If you missed the first two Introduction to the WSU Office of Research workshops, don't worry; additional workshop sessions have been added! Attendance is required prior to attending the Hanover Research workshops scheduled for Oct. 30.
Introduction to WSU's Office of Research Workshop - 9-10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9
Join Fran Cook of the WSU Office of Research for a one-hour Zoom workshop from 9-10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9. Topics will include 1) WSU Research Office resources and contacts, 2) finding funding, 3) project budgeting and 4) grant-writing tips.
Email proposals@wichita.edu for login information.
Introduction to WSU's Office of Research Workshop - 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14
Join Fran Cook of the WSU Office of Research for a one-hour Zoom workshop from 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14. Topics will include 1) WSU Research Office resources and contacts, 2) finding funding, 3) project budgeting and 4) grant-writing tips.
Email proposals@wichita.edu for login information.
Are you a parent of a teenager?
Are you a parent of a teenager? If so, this may be a great opportunity for your child to experience what it is like being a part of an online research study.
The INSPYRE Research lab at Wichita State University is conducting a study to explore what makes relationships healthy or unhealthy in teens. The survey will only take about 20 minutes to complete, and a small prize will be given for participation.
Teens must be between the ages of 13-19 and be fluent in English. For easy access, teens can complete this study online, but they need their parent’s permission first.
For more information, click the following link to find the Parent Permission (Consent) Form.
If you have any questions, email Dr. Samantha Gregus, director of the INSPYRE lab at inspyre@wichita.edu, or give them a call at 316-978-6180.
LASI 170 course to equip students with resource knowledge
University Libraries is always seeking to strengthen Shocker research. Check out the LASI 170 course starting Thursday, Oct. 8! This eight-week class is designed to equip students with the knowledge of resources that will be used throughout their academic career and beyond. Online and hybrid courses available. Contact angela.paul@wichita.edu for more information.
Physics Seminar at 2 p.m. today features Dr. Gerald Jackson
Our next Physics Seminar at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 7) features Dr. Gerald Jackson, CSO H-bar Technologies LLC and NASA NIAC Fellow. The title of this talk is "Antimatter-Based Propulsion Enabling Orbital Insertion Around Proxima Centauri."
Join us on Zoom. The meeting id is 944 200 607 56.
Polish your presentation skills with Speak for Success today
In a competitive world, knowing your audience and speaking effectively is key. Learn how to synthesize your research, speak persuasively, and explain the significance of your findings to different audiences.
Join the Graduate School with presenters Associate Professor Lisa Parcell and Senior Lecturer Sandy Sipes of the Elliott School of Communication at Speak for Success, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 7) on Zoom to learn overall presentation skills and how to give an effective elevator speech. Not a graduate student, but would like to attend? Request the Zoom link here.
Professional Development Series
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.
Virtual panel series seeks to identify critical conversations surrounding the pandemic
How are "expert" perspectives formed in relation to the pandemic? How is research done and what resources are needed?
In this series, library and departmental faculties will explore approaches and methodologies for researching the impacts of COVID-19, as well as issues relating to the disruption and potentials of academic research during a pandemic.
Go to Researching the Pandemic for a full list of expert panelists, event descriptions, and direct Zoom links for this virtual series.
Questions? Message meghann.kuhlmann@wichita.edu.
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 occurring next week:
Monday, Oct. 12: Online Open Enrollment Presentation at 9 a.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 more information, visit the open enrollment website. Any questions should be directed to TotalRewards@wichita.edu.
2019-20 Undergraduate Admissions Annual Report
The 2019-20 Undergraduate Admissions Annual Report is complete. You can view the full publication by clicking here.
The annual report is a compilation of many recruitment initiatives, processes, event
numbers, and more from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
Here are just a few of the highlights:
- Reviewed 17,889 applications
- Granted $65,160 in application fee waivers to low-income students
- Processed 3,320 applications for special populations including badge students, concurrent enrollment, lifelong learners and Shocker Pathway
- Attended 379 college fairs and 605 high school visits
- A 10.5% enrollment growth in undergraduate students from Texas
- 811 unique portal accounts created in the Transfer Gateway - a 9% increase over 2018-19
$1.50 bowling games on Fridays for rewards members
Members of the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes Eat.Drink.Play. Rewards Program can enjoy $1.50 bowling games every Friday during the month of October. Not a rewards member? Joining is free and easy, simply visit today and ask!
Are you ready to vote?
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.
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.
Please help less fortunate children this Christmas
Our Toys for Tots toy drive is happening now until Dec. 16! We had fantastic support last year ending with a box brimming over with toys. We helped so many underprivileged children in Wichita. Let's shoot to double it this year!
You can stop by the Campus Credit Union lobby between 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, to donate.
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.
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!
Wichita State launches certificate in Latin American and Latinx Studies
Wichita State University is now offering a certificate program in Latin American and Latinx Studies at the undergraduate level.
“Students can learn about their culture, as well as Latino cultures in the United States or Latin America,” said Rocio Del Aguila, assistant professor of Spanish. “The certificate’s interdisciplinarity also helps them learn different ways of doing things. It can also help them develop global competency and global citizenship.”
The Latin American and Latinx Studies certificate is 12 credit hours and will give students specialization in an area that may enhance their employability in a broad variety of occupations, including the international business, social services, public health and education sectors.