WSU Today: Oct. 12, 2020

FEATURED STORIES

Virtual Town Hall 101220

University Town Hall set for 8 a.m. today

A live YouTube virtual staff and faculty town hall will be held from 8-9 a.m. today (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.


Women in STEAM Gala

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 today (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.


See something, say something: Face coverings

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.

As part of the Shockers United campaign, we have all agreed to a shared responsibility for the health, safety, and well-being of our entire Shocker community. Each of us has a personal obligation to help mitigate the spread of this virus. If a student disregards your request to use the appropriate face covering, you may document this via the conduct reporting form.

Learn more about the university's face covering policy here.

For more details, please refer to Wichita.edu/reportit.


Faculty Senate meeting today

The Faculty Senate meeting will be held via Zoom at 3:30 p.m. today (Monday, Oct. 12). The senators have been sent the meeting information. If you are interested in joining the meeting, please email Lee Ann Birdwell for the details.

Faculty Senate

RESEARCH

Research Workshops Oct. 10 and 14

The WSU Office of Research schedules additional Introduction to Research workshop

If you missed the first two Introduction to the WSU Office of Research workshops, don't worry; an additional workshop session has been added! Attendance is required prior to attending the Hanover Research workshops scheduled for Oct. 30.

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.

Research Workshops

NEWS

Enrollment starts soon

Enrollment starts soon!

The time is now to help prepare students for enrollment in spring classes. Many degree programs require meeting with a faculty member or an advisor prior to enrolling in courses. Encourage students to check their student accounts to be sure nothing is preventing them from enrolling. Visit the advising website for contact information and academic advising locations.


Rise of the Rest 2020 Virtual Tour

The Rise of the Rest 2020 Virtual Tour: Equity Edition program is scheduled for early December and will feature a pitch competition for companies led by Black founders who are headquartered in any city outside of San Francisco, New York City, or Boston.

If you are a Black-led startup; consider applying. To learn more about our motivations and goals for launching this new initiative, please visit the Virtual Tour website or read this letter co-authored by Steve Case and Rodney Sampson.

There are several opportunities for venture funds and ESOs to get involved (scroll down the website to learn more).

Application to pitch


Technology Takes the Wheel

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


Fire Alarm Testing

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.


TurboVote

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.

Shockers Vote

EVENTS

Tuesday Talks 101320

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.


KSBDC webinars

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!


Researching the Pandemic Series

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.


Wednesdays in Wiedemann Oct. 14, 2020

Wednesdays in Wiedemann with Lynne Davis

Come and enjoy a half hour organ recital in the Wednesdays in Wiedemann with Lynne Davis recital series at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14. Davis will perform on the great Marcussen organ in Wiedemann Hall on the campus of WSU. Free admission. Works performed will be Jehan Alain's two famous Fantasies and César Franck's Pièce Héroïque.

You can attend in person or watch through the live stream on the WSU School of Music's Facebook page. Tune in just before 5:15 p.m.


Physics Seminar Series features Dr. Mario R. Perez, NASA HQ, Washington, DC on Oct. 14

Our next Physics Seminar will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, via Zoom; the meeting ID is 944 200 607 56.

This talk will feature Dr. Mario R. Perez from NASA HQ, Washington, DC, and the title will be “Astrophysics Discoveries and the Upcoming Decade.” We hope you can join us for this virtual talk.

Fall 2020 Physics Seminars

HR, BENEFITS AND TRAINING

Open enrollment events

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 this week:

9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12: Online Open Enrollment Presentation

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.

UNIVERSITY LIFE

INTERFEST 101420

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.


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.


Softball scrimmage 101720

hocker Softball to host Black & Yellow Scrimmage free and open to the public

Head to Wilkins Stadium at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, for the second Black & Yellow Scrimmage featuring the Shocker Softball team. Admission is free for all fans, and capacity is limited to 250.

Additional safety guidelines are being enforced, such as maintaining social distancing and requiring of a face covering to ensure a safe viewing experience for fans. Don't miss your last chance to see the Shocker Softball team in action until the season begins in spring!

Softball Black & Yellow Scrimmage


Volleyball scrimmage 101620

Shocker Volleyball hosts final Black & Yellow Scrimmage this fall: Free and open to the public

You’re invited to the third and final Black & Yellow Scrimmage at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, in Charles Koch Arena, featuring the Shocker Volleyball team. Admission is free for all fans, and capacity is limited to 2,000.

Additional safety guidelines are being enforced, such as maintaining social distancing and requiring of a face covering to ensure a safe viewing experience for fans. Don't miss your last chance to see the Shocker Volleyball team in action until the season begins in January!

Volleyball Black & Yellow Scrimmage

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Student Organization advisors needed

We are in search of full-time faculty and staff who are interested in serving as an advisor for student organizations here on campus.

A little about our community of Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) here on campus -- there are 300 student organizations ranging anywhere from academic to political to special interest to cultural / international. With more than 5,000 students participating, if you are interested in this role or want more information, please reach out to Maggi Hole at student.orgs@wichita.edu.


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


Toys for Tots 2020

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.

Toys for Tots

APPLIED LEARNING

Applied Learning highlight Santana

Applied learning highlight of the week!

Congratulations to Wichita State aerospace engineering major Angel Santana on his internship with the Martin Defense Group! We as a Shocker Career Accelerator would like to wish Santana good luck in his future endeavors working with flight projects.

Retweet, share, and check out his post on social media!

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

STUDENT NEWS

in-person service learning

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.


Shockers Abroad Series

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 are sharing these new videos now through Oct. 16.

Payton Morgan

Lauren Rust