Wichita State releases 2021 employment forecasts
Wichita State University's Center for Economic Development and Business Research has released updated employment forecasts for Kansas, Wichita, Topeka and Kansas City.
In 2021, Kansas total nonfarm employment is forecast to increase by 6,972 jobs, with a projected growth rate of 0.5 percent.
The fastest growth is projected to be in the service sectors, which are forecast to expand 1.1 percent and add more than 7,000 new jobs. The production sectors are expected to grow 0.2 percent, adding more than 500 new jobs to the state economy. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector is projected to add more than 2,000 jobs for 0.8 percent growth, while government sector employment is predicted to decline by 1.1 percent.
Read the full 2021 Kansas Employment Forecast
A graph and table are available at the above link.
In 2021, Wichita total nonfarm employment is projected to expand by 0.4 percent, adding more than 1,100 jobs.
The trade, transportation, and utilities sector are forecast to lead growth, adding more than 1,000 for a growth rate of 2.2 percent. The service sectors are expected to increase by 0.5 percent, an expansion of more than 700 jobs. The production sectors are projected to decline by approximately 500 jobs, a 0.8 percent contraction. The government sector is expected to decline by approximately 100 jobs.
Read the full 2021 Wichita Employment Forecast
A graph and table are available at the above link.
In 2021, Topeka total nonfarm employment is forecast to increase 0.1 percent, adding more than 100 jobs to the local economy.
The service sectors are the only segment of the economy projected to add jobs and are forecast to grow 1.2 percent, recovering more than 600 jobs. The production sectors are expected to contract 0.1 percent, while the trade, transportation, and utilities sector is projected to decline by 0.2 percent, a collective loss of fewer than 100 jobs. The government sector is expected to contract by 1.7 percent, a decline of more than 400 jobs.
Read the full 2021 Topeka Employment Forecast
A graph and table are available at the above link.
In 2021, Kansas City total nonfarm employment is forecast to add 14,550 jobs, with a projected growth rate of 1.4 percent.
The service sectors are expected to add the most jobs, with growth of 1.8 percent bringing more than 10,000 new jobs. The production sectors are projected to grow 1.2 percent, adding more than 1,500 new jobs. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector is forecast to expand 1.6 percent, while the government sector is projected to decline 0.4 percent.
Read the full 2021 Kansas City Employment Forecast
A graph and table are available at the above link.
Center for Real Estate releases 2021 Kansas Housing Markets Forecast Series
The Center for Real Estate released its annual Kansas Housing Markets Forecast Series today. This series reviews current housing market conditions in the major markets across the state – including Kansas City, Lawrence, Manhattan, Topeka and Wichita – and forecasts housing market activity through the end of 2021. The series also includes Housing Outlooks for 22 smaller markets across the state.
Copies of all of the forecast and outlook publications in the series can be downloaded from the Center's website at www.wichita.edu/realestate.
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; a student who is the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor's degree.
- FORM-A-LINE: 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
- FEATURED HERE: “Let’s Talk About It” is a new podcast from The Fuse hosted by Bobby Berry and Jessica Newman. Episode one is out now and focuses on the first-generation college experience at Wichita State.
- FOCUS ON FIRST-GEN: This week we highlight those F1RSTS in Student Affairs: Aaron Austin, Dean of Students; Terri Hall, Vice President of Student Affairs, Alicia Newell, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Becca Johnson, Housing & Residence Life Coordinator.
To learn more on first-gen initiatives, go to www.wichita.edu/firstgen.
‘Let's Talk About It’ is a new podcast from The Fuse hosted by WSU faculty Bobby Berry and Jessica Newman
“Let’s Talk About It” is a new podcast from The Fuse hosted by Bobby Berry and Jessica Newman. “Let’s Talk About It” strives to create a safe, comfortable and casual environment that will foster connection with diverse people in an effort to create meaning, ask questions and start honest conversations. By becoming a “Let’s Talk About It” listener you’ll get an in-depth, honest and straightforward view of the topics that matter most to college students today.
Episode one is out now and focuses on the first-generation college experience at Wichita State. This episode opens with a discussion with Kaye Monk-Morgan, Interim Vice President for Regional Engagement and Economic Development. Then, we sit down with two current WSU students, Taylin Fox, a senior in Sport Management, and Tony Ibarra, a senior in Mechanical Engineering.
Subscribe on Youtube, Spotify, or Anchor.FM to catch new episodes.
“Let’s Talk About It” upcoming episodes
- Friday, Oct. 23 – Wellness at Wichita State: a multi-faceted approach
- Friday, Nov. 27 – Financial Literacy: during college and beyond
- Friday, Dec. 18 – Imposter Syndrome: navigating life as a person of color on a predominantly white campus
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.
avvy Scholar Workshops continue through October
University librarians are here to help strengthen Shocker research! Savvy Scholar Workshops continue Oct. 14 and Oct. 16 with a full fall schedule available at libraries.wichita.edu/savvyscholar.
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.
Student Support Services is accepting applicants for the Martinez Inspire Scholarship
Calling all first-generation students, limited-income students and students of disability status: we are looking for you who want to be served by a program who recognizes and empowers first-generation and limited-income students and students of disability status to achieve their higher-education aspirations. TRIO Student Support Services offers academic advising, individualized tutoring, scholarships exclusively for SSS participants and much more.
Please share this scholarship opportunity with students who may qualify.
As a new participant, we are excited to offer the Student Support Services Martinez Inspire Scholarship. For the fall 2020 semester, we are offering $150 to students committed to joining our program and being an active participant.
In order to be eligible for this opportunity, we want you to apply to be a Student Support Services participant and let us help guide your academic life at WSU. This can be done by completing the SSS Application Form available in the SSS office or online. The first 15 students to complete the application form, get accepted and attend their first advising appointment (in-person or virtual), will be eligible for the $150 SSS Martinez Inspire Scholarship.
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 open 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.
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!
Register for the next Rising to the Challenge Virtual Workshop
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. 15, 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 Oct. 15 workshop addresses “Fundraising Strategies in a Time of Crisis.”
Today, fundraising requires unparalleled creativity and adaptation. Canceled events, lost revenue, and disrupted programming are rampant among us. Now is the time to build a resilient, proactive fundraising strategy that involves nurturing donor relationships, communicating transparently, and making the most of technology. Presenters will share innovative, forward-thinking fundraising tactics for keeping your organization strong through this crisis.
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.
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.
WSU’s International Student Union announces INTERFEST
The International Student Union announces Fall 2020 INTERFEST: International Food Festival from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, on the lawn of Neff Hall.
Each semester, WSU students prepare and sell dishes from their native countries for this event. The festival provides a platform for intercultural sharing where the WSU community and visitors can try out diverse cuisine and learn about the origins and cultural significance of a particular dish. It also serves as a fundraiser for international student associations, although small groups of students also participate to have as many diverse dishes as possible.
The format has changed from previous semesters - diners will need to preorder and then pick up their food. Click here.
Ulrich virtual book discussion on Tuesday examines powerful portrait of Ugandan girl
Looking for a distraction from the news this weekend? Why not head over to Watermark Books & Cafe, pick up your copy of "A Girl is a Body of Water," (read it, of course), and join the Ulrich Museum of Art for a virtual book discussion at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13!
KMUW's Beth Golay, host of the "Marginalia" podcast, will lead a discussion of this powerful portrait of a young Ugandan girl and her family. The discussion is free and open to all, but you have to register to get the Zoom link.
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.
Impacted by the layoffs in Wichita?
In the news lately we’ve been hearing about the impact across Wichita of the market uncertainty and layoffs that are affecting local businesses and their employees.
If you are a benefits-eligible employee at WSU and you or your spouse is losing health insurance through another employer, this can be a qualifying event for you to add your spouse and/or children to your existing coverages within 31 days of the date the other coverage ends. Email TotalRewards@wichita.edu for more information or assistance with this change.
Human Resources developed a website with information and resources which might be helpful for employees who may be directly impacted by layoffs. Go to www.wichita.edu/CommunityResources for information and resources available to you.
WSU student guides the stewardship of Highland Cemetery
The Friends of the Wichita Pioneers are proud to announce that the final resting place of Delano dance hall owner and Union veteran Edward T. “Red” Beard will finally have a grave marker at Highland Cemetery, 1005 N. Hillside in Wichita.
Wichita State student Barb Myers and WSU alumni have been involved in the process, including the Red Beard monument.
“Red”Beard is a well-known figure in Wichita’s early history due to the epic 1873 gunfight with fellow dance hall owner Joseph “Rowdy Joe” Lowe that has been recounted by many historians through the years. The gunfight ended with Lowe shooting Beard on Oct. 27, 1873. Beard’s death occurred on Nov. 4, 1873 and he was buried in an unmarked grave at Highland Cemetery.
The Friends of the Wichita Pioneers have worked with numerous local historians and the Veteran’s Administration to secure a military marker, as Beard was a member of the Union Army in 1861. That marker will be revealed at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Highland Cemetery.
The military service will be held by members of the Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution; Company A 8th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Civil War reenactors; and the Cpl. Pat Coyne Camp 1 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Speaker for the event is local historian and WSU alumnus Keith Wondra with Chisholm Trail 150th. Anniversary committee members are expected to be in attendance.
For more information, contact Barb Myers 316-371-7254.
Public invited to Fall World Series games Oct. 10 & 17
Hey Shocker fans, Wichita State Baseball is back in action this fall with the Fall World Series. Games 1 and 5 will be open to the public and have free admission. Those contests will be played at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 and Oct. 17. Masks will be required to be worn at all times.
For more information, visit the link in the newsletter. We look forward to seeing you back at Eck Stadium!
Learn to row with Shocker Rowing
Join Shocker Rowing learn to row between 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Boats and Bikes at River Vista. Safely learn the basics of rowing and get on the river with the athletes. For more information, go to wichita.edu/shockerrowing.
Have questions about preventing an STI? Tune into Tuesday Talks on Oct. 13
Let's get rid of the tension behind STI prevention! Join Nurse Heather and friends for a discussion about what you can do to prevent STIs while we play Name That Device at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, on Facebook Live.
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.
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 now to Oct. 16.