Join us in stocking the Shocker Support Locker
UP and USS Senates have once again challenged Faculty Senate to a friendly contest to “Stock the Shocker Support Locker.” All staff and faculty are invited to participate in this important effort to ensure our students and colleagues in Shocker Nation have a full pantry of food and supplies to choose from at the Shocker Support Locker.
Please consider donating virtually to contribute to items on the locker’s wish list. If you would like to purchase items to donate, the SGA Office (RSC 2nd floor) will serve as the drop off location on campus. Be sure to identify your items with a “STAFF” or "FACULTY" sticker at the drop box so that your items count toward the appropriate tallies.
See the wish list and learn how to donate here.
See something, say something - Care Team
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 are connected to the Wichita State University experience.
The Care Team accepts referrals and incident reports from any person who is concerned about the health or safety of a WSU student, employee, visitor or the campus community at large.
For more details, go to Wichita.edu/reportit.
It’s time to redefine Wichita State traditions
Student Involvement needs your help! We are working to redefine campus traditions. What is a ‘tradition’ you ask? A ‘tradition’ is a long-established event and/or custom that exemplifies Shocker pride and a connection to Wichita State. By filling out this short (two-minute) survey, you will influence current and future programs for our Shocker community.
To complete the survey, click here.
Any questions can be directed to getinvolved@wichita.edu.
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.
Kansas NASA EPSCoR Program is requesting proposals for a Partnership Development Grant
opportunity
A jurisdiction of the NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program, the Kansas NASA EPSCoR Program (KNEP) is managed through the NASA in Kansas office. The goal of NASA EPSCoR is to provide seed funding that will enable jurisdictions to develop an academic research enterprise directed toward long-term, self-sustaining, nationally competitive capabilities in aerospace and aerospace-related research. This capability will, in turn, contribute to the jurisdiction’s economic viability and expand the nation’s base for aerospace research and development.
Seed Research Initiation (SRI) grants are designed to assist investigators in starting research projects having a high probability for sustained growth and value to NASA and Kansas. A successful Seed Research Initiation (SRI) award leads to productive collaborations, joint publications, and additional grant awards. A direct impact on state economic development is also extremely desirable.
Kansas NASA EPSCoR Program is requesting pre-proposals for an ISS Flight Opportunity award
The Kansas NASA EPSCoR Program (KNEP) is seeking pre-proposals for eventual submission to a NASA Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) opportunity. Specifically, this CAN solicitation is for projects that “have previously been selected by NASA EPSCoR for ground-based research funding. All proposed projects shall be mature enough to transition to a flight experiment with little or no additional NASA funding. Through this solicitation, the ISS will provide the integration and flight opportunity.”
An award includes up to $100,000 in funding for three years.
This ISS specific CAN effort must:
▪ Continue current or previously funded EPSCoR projects that are mature enough to design a research experiment or develop research experimental hardware to the point that it can be safely flown on the ISS;
▪ Establish research activities that will make significant contributions to the strategic research and technology development priorities of one or more of the Mission Directorates;
▪ Contribute to the overall research infrastructure, science and technology capabilities of higher education, and economic development of the jurisdiction (i.e., Kansas).
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.
Deadline for OAT course designations is approaching
The Open / Alternative Textbook (OAT) initiative is designed to promote, incentivize, and grow the use of freely available resources in WSU classes to reduce the economic impact of textbook costs for students. Applications for Fall '21 courses are due by Nov 15 (in preparation for fall schedule building in January).
Faculty who design courses that provide instructional resources at no cost to student are eligible for an OAT course designation. Students pay a flat $10 course fee, with these funds being split between the department offering the course and the Open / Alternative Textbook grant program (which funds faculty to develop more OAT courses / materials).
The OAT Initiative is managed by Academic Affairs. OAT Course Designations are reviewed by a committee composed of: Two faculty members (appointed by Faculty Senate), a representative from University Libraries , a representative from Instructional Design and Access, at least one student (appointed by SGA), and the Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management (ex officio).
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.
‘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
Next two workshops in the Grad School Series - register today!
The Shocker Career Accelerator invites graduate students to attend the next two workshops in the Career Development Workshop Series for Grad Students – Job Hunting Lab and Ace the Interview. Register today!
12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15
This interactive virtual job-hunting lab will walk you through steps to conduct an effective employment search while in graduate school.
12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22
This session will help you understand what to do before, during, and after an interview. Gain an understanding of how to best answer typical interview questions, behavior-based interview questions, and make an excellent first impression.
History Department fall lecture will address the global impact of the 19th Amendment
The Department of History's fall lecturer will be Dr. Mona L. Siegel, professor of history at California State University, Sacramento. Her talk, "The Global History of the 19th Amendment," will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, via Zoom.
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android at Zoom presentation. Password: 146780
For more information, email robin.henry@wichita.edu.
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.
Physics Seminar Series features Dr. Mario R. Perez, NASA HQ, Washington, DC today
Our next Physics Seminar will be held at 2 p.m. today (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.
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.
No-cost webinars to help you start your business
The Kansas SBDC will present the following no-cost webinars:
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!
Orders accepted. Order now using the link provided.
The International Student Union announces Fall 2020 INTERFEST: International Food Festival from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today (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 to preorder.
Event listing: part two
This month is full of fun for everyone! Be sure to check out our event listing for all our upcoming programs during this spooky season.
Student Involvement event listing
Biometric Screening appointments still available for Tuesday, Oct. 20
Biometric screening appointments are still available for Tuesday, Oct. 20. All screening events are held from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Walk-in appointments are not available. Employees and covered spouses must schedule an appointment. Employees and covered spouses are encouraged to schedule their appointments as early in the year as possible.
US Wellness, the biometric screening provider, has implemented many safety measures due to COVID-19. You can view the protocols they have implemented here. All employees and visitors to campus are required to wear a face covering. You are asked to please bring your OWN PEN to sign your consent form, as pens will not be provided at the screening.
Attendees earn 5 HealthQuest points just for attending, and up to 18 additional points for blood pressure, blood glucose, and total blood cholesterol within ideal ranges, for up to 23 points. Currently for 2020 due to COVID-19 plan changes, each point is worth $20 HSA/HRA rewards dollars! If your metrics are outside of the ideal ranges, you can still earn the same points by participating in the CCE learning modules in the HealthQuest portal on blood pressure, blood sugar management, and/or high cholesterol, as needed!
All remaining 2020 Biometric screening dates are shown below. To schedule your appointment, register or log in to the HealthQuest portal, or call to schedule at 1-888-275-1205, option 3. All employees and spouses will need to re-register for the new 2020 HealthQuest portal. Click here for HealthQuest portal registration instructions.
Date and location
Tuesday, Oct 20, 266 RSC
Tuesday, Oct 27, 266 RSC
Please note that while future fall screenings are scheduled, if circumstances change due to COVID-19 for campus activities and/or the screening vendor, future dates may be canceled. Employees and spouses who are not able to attend a screening event on campus are also able to access home test kits or Health Range Incentive forms for their physician to complete via their HealthQuest portal.
2021 Benefits Open Enrollment events
All benefits-eligible state employees must participate in Open Enrollment! Log in to the Member Administration Portal to make your elections.
Events occurring next week:
3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20: 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.
Blakeslee’s work is featured in journal
Donald Blakeslee
Archaeology Professor Donald Blakeslee was featured in an article in “Atlas Obscura.” To see the story “How Drones Help Archaeologists Peer into the Earth,” click here.
Human Resource Coordinator position open to WSU employees only
NIAR is looking for a Human Resource Coordinator. Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19. To apply, click on Internal Postings and follow the directions.
For questions or assistance, contact the Talent Acquisition Team at 316-978-3065.
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!
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
One day only - $12 long sleeve tees
Mark your calendars for the Shocker Store’s next one-day-only sale! Starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, the Shocker Store will have two styles of long-sleeve tees for $12 each, while supplies last. Sale is in store at RSC location only. Offer not valid with other discounts or promotions and all sales are final.
Keep up to date on the Facebook event page.
Celebrate Women in STEAM Week!
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. We're celebrating now to Oct. 18, 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.
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.
Sign up today for the Pumpkin Run
Hello runners and walkers from around the world!
The race this year is different – we are going virtual! With the hopes to reunite in person next year.
What are the positive outcomes of running with us virtually? You pick the day that you feel the best to run between Saturday, Oct. 10-24. No worrying about parking, weather, or if you brought your headphones. No matter where you are, US, Asia, Canada, Australia, you can still participate in our race.
As a Pumpkin Run participant, you will receive a customized T-shirt, special edition face mask (pick from three designs), and a finisher medal.
NEW this year: We have launched a referral program. Invite friends to run with you using your personalized link/code. When five or more friends have registered with your code, you will get $15 off your registration. That means that your registration is just $10! We will reward you with a fabulous registration price and maybe even something special in your packet.
Sign up today at bit.ly/pumpkinrun5k.
Game Night: JackBox games
Love to play games and want to get to know other Shockers on campus? Join SAC on the third Friday of every month for a virtual game night! Cards Against Humanity, Pictionary, Scattegories, and more -- we’ll pick a new game every month!
This month we will be playing JackBox games! Join us for games including Trivia Murder Party, Bidiots, or even Quiplash.
Register to reserve your spot at wichita.edu/SAC. For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.
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
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 until Oct. 16.