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.
Dondlinger wins bid to build Woolsey Hall, new home of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at WSU
Dondlinger Construction of Wichita has been awarded a contract to build Woolsey Hall, the new home for the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University.
Dondlinger’s bid, the lowest of eight submitted to the state in a competitive bid process, came in below the university’s projected total project cost of $60 million for the 125,000-square-foot facility (with an additional 9,000 square feet for a mechanical penthouse.)
“This is another milestone in our endeavor to build a facility for an exceptional business school, a cutting-edge environment for our students that will be a jewel at the center of our campus,” said WSU Acting President and Provost Rick Muma.
Financing plans have called for the WSU Foundation to raise $35 million of the project cost from private funds, with about $31.5 million already secured in gifts and pledges. The remainder, $25 million, is to be covered by Wichita State through a bonding plan approved by the Kansas Board of Regents.
These financing plans will remain in place, with the WSU Foundation seeking to use new donations for a technology advancement fund that will give the Barton School the resources it needs to stay up to date on technological improvements.
“With the rapid changes in technology year after year, we know there will be a pressing need for funds to make sure our students, faculty, industry partners and other stakeholders have an immersive and engaging environment that supports their work – from learning to teaching, research to collaborative activities,” said Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business.
Through its bonding arrangement, Wichita State not only will cover its share of building Woolsey Hall, but will also investigate options should there be excess bonding proceeds.
Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall, named for the Wichita couple who made the lead gift in the fundraising campaign, will provide a collaborative learning environment that allows Wichita State to deliver the kind of business education students need to help drive our regional economy.
The three-level, LEED-certified building was designed by the architectural team of GastingerWalker of Kansas City and Gensler Chicago. Groundbreaking is scheduled for Oct. 22, and the new facility is expected to be completed in spring 2022.
Dondlinger Construction is a general contractor with more than 120 years in business. It has a long history of landmark projects throughout the region, including major facilities at Wichita State such as Shocker Hall, the Rhatigan Student Center renovation, the John Bardo Center and recent Eck Stadium improvements.
Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 20,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
Foundation Requisition Training sign-up
Training is available for all university staff employees on how to process Foundation Requisition requests. This training will cover foundation requisition fundamentals and new changes in the requisition process. This year, training will be held via Zoom.
There are two days you can choose from:
10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27
10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28
Please sign up for one of the days using this link.
Additional questions, please contact Kim Pham at kimberly.pham@wichita.edu.
SPTE confirmation letters emailed
The SPTE confirmation letters have been emailed to those that have sent us a request form. Some late requests are still being processed and those instructors will receive their letter soon. If you did not receive a Confirmation Letter, you may want to check with us to see if we have your request. If you have any questions, contact sandra.ranney@wichita.edu or andrea.glessner@wichita.edu.
Tuition Assistance applications for spring 2021 now being accepted
Tuition Assistance applications for spring 2021 are now being accepted through the online application form. The online application will be available through Dec. 1, 2020, and will close at the end of this application period.
The fillable PDF form will no longer be accepted. Due to the volume of applications received each semester, requests to submit late applications will be automatically denied. There will be no exceptions.
Full program details can be found at www.wichita.edu/tuitionassistance.
Questions may be directed to TuitionAssistance@wichita.edu.
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.
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.
Earn credit for solving national security issues!
Hacking for Defense™ (H4D), is a new course designed for ALL undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines and programs. It takes an entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary approach to America’s hardest national security challenges. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team to research, design, and propose a solution for a real national security challenge.
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 today (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.
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. today (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.
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. today (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.
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
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 Business notes recent high-impact scholarships at Wichita State
Wichita State was included in a University Business article “7 donations that are driving campus diversity,” recently.
According to the article, “More than half of a $1 million gift will provide high-impact scholarships to 20 Hispanic and Black students each year for the next four years. Wichita State is matching the donation in full. The donation will also fund mentoring and tutoring services for scholarship recipients and allow them to participate in the university’s Microenterprises Program. It will also help the university diversify its faculty and admissions.”
Click here to see the complete story.
Employee discount information
Employee discounts are available to employees in the Resources section of Shocker START on myWSU.
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
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.
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!