Kansas Governor to speak at opening of Wichita State’s Molecular Diagnostics Lab
Wichita State University will celebrate the opening of its Molecular Diagnostics Lab (MDL) at 10:45 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the John Bardo Center on WSU’s Innovation Campus.
At full capacity, the MDL can process as many as 4,500 COVID-19 tests per day. It is the only high-volume testing center in Wichita and the region.
The event is by invitation only, but will be streamed virtually.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is expected to attend the event, and she will be giving brief remarks. After the event, the governor will take questions from the media.
Town Hall features Convergence Science Initiative awarded proposals
Teams from the awarded Convergence Sciences Initiative proposals will give 10-minute presentations featuring their projects at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.
The presentations, which will be held via Zoom, will allow each team to further explain the intended outcomes of the projects, including plans for external funding.
“All four projects have the potential to be gamechangers in the direction and intensity of research at Wichita State, and in social and economic impact in the region,” said Andrew Hippisley, dean, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “The projects showcase the power of partnerships, the value of combining expertise, and the courage to take risks in pursuing ambitious problems that can only be solved by converging disciplines.”
The four awarded proposals include:
Sustainability Theme
The Smart Fusion Material Research Institute will be developing novel computational, material and digital manufacturing approaches to unlock the complex interactions among material, microstructure, processing and mechanical properties involved in additive manufacturing.
Digital Transformations Theme
The Disaster Resilience Analytics Center will leverage the university’s expertise in artificial intelligence, deep learning and multiple modes of big data to better predict natural and human-made disasters and improve preparedness by creating a new generation of digital platforms and support services.
Health Disparities Theme
The Institute for Health Disparities will generate new methods to reduce obesity among vulnerable populations and improve health literacy as a mechanism among health care providers for behavior change.
Wildcard Theme
The Center for Educational Technologies to Assist Refugee Learners will focus on designing innovative solutions to meet the educational needs to the children of the more than 70 million forcibly displaced refugees worldwide. As a result, it will also create innovative pathways and software for educational access to those in our state and nation.
Faculty involved with each center or institute will also work to develop new academic programs. The projects pay close attention to our educational mission, carefully assigning roles for undergraduate and graduate students as collaborators and beneficiaries of educational opportunities. Applied research and applied learning are built into the plans and the deliverables.
To register for the event and to receive Zoom meeting information, go to Convergence Town Hall.
Activating the University Strategic Plan
Is your unit/department helping to move the university’s mission and resulting strategic plan forward? Has your team engaged in work that drives education, culture, or economic outcomes? If so, report your activity to the Strategic Planning Committee through TeamDynamix. The newly revised form is easier to complete and takes less time. This information is compiled for the annual reporting on the strategic plan and university priorities.
See something, say something - academic integrity
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.
This form is to be used by any individual wishing to report a violation of the WSU Policies and Procedures Manual Section 2.17 / Student Academic Integrity.
For more details please refer to Wichita.edu/reportit.
Attention fall 2020 graduates! It is time to RSVP to participate in a Fall Commencement Ceremony
Fall 2020 Commencement has been moved to Sunday, Nov. 22 at Charles Koch Arena. If you filed your Application for Degree for fall 2020, it is now time to RSVP, if you plan to participate in the commencement ceremonies.
Commencement reservations must be made online by logging into your myWSU, going to the myClasses tab, and then find the Graduation Links box on the right hand side of the page. Click on the “Commencement Registration” link for the ceremony you want to attend and RSVP. This must be done no later than 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
If you have any questions about the ceremonies, go to www.wichita.edu/commencement or contact the Commencement Office at commencement@wichita.edu.
It's F1RST-GEN FRIDAY
F1RST GEN SHOCKERS: Over 40% of the student population at Wichita State University is first-gen. Who is a first-gen student? By definition, they are the FIRST in their immediate family to attend a four-year college or university. Wichita State also acknowledges the group of first-gen professionals both current and retired administration, faculty and staff. See more about them at www.wichita.edu/firstgen.
F1RST-GEN WEEK
Go to www.wichita.edu/firstgen for events being held Nov. 2 through Nov. 8 in celebration of National F1rst-Gen Week.
F1RST-GEN STUDENT ORGANIZATION
A virtual student meeting is being held from 1-2 p.m. today (Friday, Oct. 16). Go to meetings for more information.
F1RST-GEN AFFINITY GROUP
This is a group designed to stress a common experience among those navigating as a first-generation professional. The First-Generation Affinity Group seeks to foster community among its members by way of networking, professional development, and social events. To register for a virtual event being held on Nov. 10, click here.
F1RST-GEN COORDINATING COUNCIL
The council is interested in YOUR HELP. If you are interested in supporting the first-gen initiatives at Wichita State University, the council is now seeking sub-committee members for the follow committees: Marketing, Faculty & Staff Engagement, Data Assessment, and the Graduate School. Interested parties can email FGShockers@wichita.edu for more information.
Flu shots available on campus Nov 4
Wichita State’s HR Total Rewards team is once again hosting on-site flu shots, available to State of Kansas employees and their spouses who are currently enrolled in SEHP medical insurance.
WSU will have one on-site flu clinic this year from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, in 266 RSC. Click here to schedule an appointment online for the WSU on-site flu clinic.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, please arrive promptly at your scheduled time to limit quantity of participants waiting or in the room at one time. Flu shots are by appointment only, walk-ins will not be accepted.
Please view the CDC Vaccine Information Statement here. You will need to print and complete the KDHE consent form (look for a word document at the bottom of the page after clicking the link) to take with you to your appointment. This form requires your State Employee ID which you can locate in myWSU in the center of the page by hovering over the white box in the SHaRP ID channel.
Not able to make this clinic? You can also get your no-cost flu shot at your in-network primary care provider or most pharmacy and drug stores. More information can be found here.
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.
Black and Yellow Day – Virtual – Oct. 24
Black and Yellow Day is scheduled from 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, via Zoom. Students who are high school juniors and seniors, and transfer students are invited to attend. During this virtual event, students will:
- Attend an academic session
- Learn more about student life & resources on campus
- Hear from current Wichita State students
- Receive a free Wichita State T-shirt in the mail if they attend
Interested students should go to wichita.edu/visit and click on Admissions Events to sign up. Questions can be directed to Sarah Brill, event coordinator, at sarah.brill@wichita.edu.
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).
Regalia rental orders deadline is today for faculty and staff
The Shocker Store is taking regalia rental orders from faculty and staff members who plan to attend the fall 2020 commencement. The deadline to place your order is 4 p.m. today (Friday, Oct. 16). To order, email shockerstore@wichita.edu or call 316-978-7021. Payment is due when you place your order.
Celebrating Careers in Student Affairs Month: From #SAgrad to #SApro
Are you interested in a career in Student Affairs? Join Wichita State University Student Affairs, Wichita State University College of Applied Studies - Higher Education/Student Affairs program, and NASPA GAP as we celebrate Careers in Student Affairs Month!
In this virtual event, you will have the opportunity to learn from a diverse panel of current Student Affairs professionals about their experiences. There will also be a breakout workshop to support graduates in their job search process, as well as a workshop for those interested in pursuing a degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs.
The free event will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.
If you have any questions, contact NASPA GAP member Trang Bui at tnbui1@shockers.wichita.edu.
Register now for Ulrich Virtual conversation with Wichita photographer Larry Schwarm on Tuesday
The Ulrich Museum of Art invites you to join it for a virtual conversation with Wichita artist Larry Schwarm at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. It is free and open to all, but you have to register first to get the Zoom link.
Schwarm will talk about his past and current projects, including his photographs of controlled agricultural burning in the Flint Hills. The Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard with Schwarm’s work is currently on view at 4355 S. K-15 in Wichita.
Office of Research is partnering with Hanover Research to provide faculty workshops
The WSU Office of Research is partnering with Hanover Research to provide workshops for faculty interested in developing their grant-writing and research skills.
Hanover Research Workshops: Oct. 30, 2020 and Jan. 22, 2021
Wichita State University is partnering with Hanover Research to provide faculty with three webinars designed to increase your grant-writing success and research competitiveness. These webinars build upon our in-house workshop series, and attendance therefore requires participation in one or more previous WSU Office of Research workshops, such as one of those offered on October 2, or prior approval from Fran Cook, Training Manager. If there is sufficient need, an additional WSU workshop will be added prior to the Hanover webinars.
Grants for Clinical & Health Sciences Faculty Webinar – 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 30, An overview of agencies and opportunities specific to health sciences / clinical faculty (e.g. NIH, HRSA, PCORI), followed by a grant consultant panel with expertise in this area.
Building Your Research Career Webinar – 1:30-3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. Topics will include an overview of research opportunities for new and mid-career faculty, how to get back into research after a pause, incremental funding strategies, and program officer outreach.
Good vs Fundable Proposals Webinar – 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. This training will explore the difference between a good project and a fundable one, with particular emphasis on how to speak to funders’ expectations around innovation. A panel of grant consultants from a range of backgrounds will follow.
Faculty Consultations - Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 - If you register and attend one or more of the Hanover webinars on Oct. 30 or Jan. 22, you will have a chance to receive a one-on-one consultation with a grant consultant expert from Hanover Research who specializes in your area of research. Only eight slots are available and faculty (or groups of faculty with similar interests) must provide a white paper in advance of the Faculty Consultation to be considered for this opportunity.
Email proposals@wichita.edu to Register for Hanover Workshops.
Friday's ISME Colloquium presentation features Jamie Wollenberg, senior engineer for research and development at The Bradbury Co.
Jamie Wollenberg
Industrial, Systems, and Manufacturing Engineering is hosting an ISME Colloquium presentation from 11 a.m.-noon today (Friday, Oct. 16). Mr. Jamie Wollenberg, senior engineering for research and development at The Bradbury Co. His talk will be “Accelerating Technological Innovation in Custom Manufacturing.”
By utilizing modern transformative digital technologies, including dynamic FEA, augmented reality, and modular bench tested programming, complex manufacturing production systems can be produced with less time and risk than ever before. During the production of a recent unique production line, these improvements reduced rework by over 50%, cut test time by 40%, and engaged the customer to drive on-time delivery.
The resulting productivity of the system has since benefited the customer in many ways: reduced labor costs by 99%, increased maximum production volume by orders of magnitude, and operator turnover was virtually eliminated. These improved operational efficiencies have enabled a tenfold sales increase over 2 years. This presentation explains how these technologies are becoming integral pieces of the modern manufacturing workflow.
Speaker Biography
Mr. Jamie Wollenberg is the Senior Engineer managing Research and Development projects for The Bradbury Company. Bradbury is an Original Equipment Manufacturer, producing custom roll forming and coil processing equipment for customers around the world. Based in Moundridge, KS, Bradbury has ten manufacturing facilities on three continents.
Jamie earned his bachelor’s from Bethany College in 2011, studying Mathematics and Physics. In 2013 he completed his master’s in Mechanical Engineering from WSU.
Mr. Wollenberg has served Bradbury for over 10 years in a variety of roles including production services, mechanical design, project management, and R&D. These responsibilities include projects for every entity in the Bradbury group of companies, requiring constant integration of teams from many different countries and cultures, and frequent international trips for onsite oversight at critical project junctions.
Many industries are impacted by the development work Bradbury does: metal building construction, residential housing products such as siding and garage doors, agriculture, off-road equipment, automotive, railcar, electrical and transportation infrastructure, and more. Though every project and industry have unique needs, the acceleration of automation in modern manufacturing is driving technological adoption in ways that enable many fundamental developments to be utilized in a diverse range of applications.
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.
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
Public invited to Fall World Series game on Oct. 17
Hey Shocker fans, Wichita State Baseball is back in action this fall with the Fall World Series. Game five will be open to the public and have free admission at 1 p.m. Saturday, 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!
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
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
Virtual panel series tackles social inequality research in relation to the pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed several types of social inequality already present in American and global societies. In this panel, social scientists will join with subject librarians in a discussion of approaches and research methods used to explore social inequality in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Find full event information from 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, and a direct link to the virtual Zoom panel, click here.
Join the Graduate School on Wednesday to discuss working in groups remotely
As COVID-19 has changed the way nearly all workplaces operate, collaborating remotely has become increasingly important. Join the Graduate School with presenter, Carolyn Speer, manager of Instructional Design and Technology, at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, on Zoom for tips on how to effectively work in a group remotely. Request the link.
Professional Development and Research Events
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.
Join the movement of ideas
After getting her start making food for parish dinners, Concepción Lopez opened a restaurant across from the packing plant in Wichita. Located along Lawrence Avenue, now known as Broadway, “Connie’s" served hungry patrons. Lopez’s meals became popular with her Mexican American neighbors and began introducing the larger community to good homemade Mexican food.
This story, along with many others, is part of Somos de Wichita/We Are Wichitan. “What is Identity? What is it to be Wichitan?” Those were the guiding questions for Jay Price, as he and his team embarked on a project to capture the stories of Latinx members of the Wichita community, Somos de Wichita/We Are Wichitan.
Price, professor of history and director of the Local and Community History Program at Wichita State University, knew that it was a complex but important question. Wichita has had many prominent immigrant communities, including Lebanese and Greek, that were designated as “white” in Census records, but still faced racism and discrimination. Because of this, many early 20th-century Mexican immigrants downplayed their Spanish language and encouraged their children to assimilate with white culture.
José Enriqué Navarro, assistant professor of Spanish at WSU, noted that because of these stressors, families often completely lose their native language within three generations. In partnership with Anita Mendoza, the North End Historical Society, and WSU Special Collections, the team recruited Latinx community members to share photos, documents, and stories for an exhibit and discussion series. The project was supported by a Humanities Kansas Humanities For All mini-grant.
Their research revealed the complexities of the community. “This is not a fixed group,” explained Price. “There is no such thing as the ‘Latino vote.’ Voting trends are more connected to church, socioeconomic status, and personal opinion.”
Likewise, although the Wichita census records in 1950s would designate a resident as a “Mexican immigrant,” they also came from places as varied as Columbia, Honduras, and Puerto Rico. “It’s also much more than a meatpacking and railroad story,” said Price. “Wichita has been shaped by the Latino entrepreneurial story as well.” Today, Wichita consumers have many options when shopping for culturally specific items such as meat cuts, pastries, and daily essentials.
The original idea for Somos de Wichita was to produce a three-dimensional exhibit that could travel to communities and serve as the host site for bilingual activities. “Then Covid happened, and we had to rethink this entirely,” said Price. The result was an accessible website presented in both English and Spanish. Visitors are able to upload their photos and share their own stories. The goal is to establish a repository of visual documents for the local community in the WSU Special Collections. To explore the stories of Somos de Wichita/We Are Wichitan, go to www.somos.wichita.edu
Woolsey Hall, new home for the W. Frank Barton School of Business - construction camera
A construction camera has been installed for Woolsey Hall – it will give a live view of construction progress throughout the project.
We are anticipating construction fencing to be installed early next week.
Learn 2 Row with Shocker Rowing
Join Shocker Rowing Learn 2 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.
Don't get spooked by your finances
Join the Office for Student Money Management in Student Success at our "Don't Get Spooked By Your Finances" webinar from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. We will be going over basic financial literacy, tips and tricks, and how to make better money habits. We will also play a round of Kahoot to test your spooky finance knowledge.
The winner will receive an OSMM giveaway, which includes a lunchbag, OSMM shirt, fanny pack, pen / pencil / chapstick, and a drawstring bag! The winner will pick up the prize at our office in 115 Neff Hall between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Free to Register: http://bit.ly/osmmspook
If you have any questions, contact osmm@wichita.edu.
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.
‘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
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.
Shockers Abroad Series
Shockers Abroad Video series presents testimonials from our study abroad alumni. Check out their videos to learn more about their experiences.