Kansas Governor to speak at opening of Wichita State’s Molecular Diagnostics Lab today
Wichita State University will celebrate the opening of its Molecular Diagnostics Lab (MDL) at 10:45 a.m. today (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.
Submit the office RSVPs: annual SEM gathering on Oct. 28
The annual SEM gathering will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. Please submit the office RSVPs.
For all of those across campus engaged in Strategic Enrollment Management -- we won’t gather in the ballroom to report on and celebrate our SEM accomplishments this year, but we will have a special SEM movie that we want to share, along with some movie snacks, and on opportunity to socialize in-person or in multiple zoom rooms!
Offices are encouraged to consider hosting a small viewing party in a conference room for those staff who want to get together, while also supporting remote participation. Check with your supervisor to see if they have submitted an RSVP for your office / department.
RSVPs can be submitted here.
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.
This is major
Students often pick a major for the wrong reasons, such as parental expectations or peer influence. If they are unhappy with their choice, disconnected from their program or are undecided, encourage them to explore their options now, before enrollment for the spring semester is in full swing.
Staying in the wrong major or undecided for too long can have negative academic and financial implications which need to be seriously considered before declaring a major.
Students have a number of resources including faculty, academic advisors, and experts in the Career Development Center to help them narrow their choices and explore options related to their strengths and subjects they enjoy.
See something, say something - bias incident
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.
Wichita State University strives to create a community where all individuals can participate in the offerings of the university in a space free from bias.
For more details please refer to Wichita.edu/reportit.
Town Hall features Convergence Sciences Initiative awardees
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 Dr. Andrew Hippisley, dean of 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.”
To register for the event and to receive Zoom meeting information, click here.
Game-based learning platform will make education accessible to refugees
The Center for Educational Technologies to Assist Refugee Learners is working to improve the lives of more than 70 million forcibly displaced refugees worldwide by making education more accessible.
The project, titled Education for All, is one of four awardees of Wichita State University’s Convergence Sciences Initiative, an effort to bring together the intellectual curiosity and strengths of faculty and students from a range of disciplines and give them the support to develop research programs that drive the diversity and growth of the Kansas economy while addressing global challenges.
UP & USS joint senate meeting set for Oct. 20
The UP and USS Senates joint meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, via Zoom. All meetings are open to the campus community. If you are interested in joining the meeting, please email Kayla Jasso at kayla.jasso@wichita.edu for the Zoom link.
View meeting dates, agendas and minutes
Global Village Assembly at WSU
Global Village Assembly: Open Mic zoom event will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. It will be an intersectional sharing of idea using words, poems, music and other media of your choice. The topic will be “Vision for Leadership” personal, groups, community etc.)
The event is organized by Women’s Studies & Ethnic Studies, and sponsored by the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Office of Diversity & Inclusion.
Zoom information
Join here from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android.
Password: 129377, or iPhone one-tap :
Want to do a test call? Go to https://wichitastate.zoom.us/test.
Students and faculty - get up to $20,000 from the John A. See Innovation Award
The John A. See Innovation Award is to be applied directly to advancing the technology. Ideally, this will support additional investment by others. Examples of supported costs are prototype development, product testing, and marketing analysis. The award cannot be used for faculty salaries but may be used to pay for external consulting fees. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $20,000.
Kansas PTAC workshop coming Oct. 20
Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) will host a virtual workshop titled DIBBS Training from 9-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20.
The training will provide information on how to navigate through DIBBS. Attendees will learn how to register to quote on this site, how to access specifications and drawings needed to bid on this site, and how to submit quotes. The workshop will be offered as a virtual program and will be taught by Scott Knapp.
Registration will be required in advance to attend the workshop. Register 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
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).
Register for the ‘Connecting to Your Personal and Organizational Purpose’ 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. 22, 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.
This workshop addresses “Connecting to Your Personal and Organizational Purpose.”
We all seek to live and work with a sense of purpose. When we create alignment in our personal, role, and organizational purpose, we make meaningful use of our time and foster deep connections with those around us. Presenters will explore methods for connecting with your own sense of purpose and harnessing it to support the purpose of your organization.
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.
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
Homecoming DIY: Sequin pillows
You’ll always remember Homecoming’s return to the fall semester with your commemorative DIY sequin pillow!
Registrants will receive a make-at-home kit complete with your choice of sequin pillow cover, stuffing, and some SAC swag. You can choose to pick up your kit in the Rhatigan Student Center or have it mailed to your home address. Kit pick-up will occur all day on Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the RSC. All registrants who choose to pick up their kit will be contacted via email to select a pick-up time.
Once you have your kit, stuff your pillow and show off your Homecoming swag on your social media pages. Be sure to tag SAC when you post. One kit per person with WSU ID while supplies last.
Register at wichita.edu/SAC.
Dr. Slava Turyshev, NASA, to give Physics Seminar talk via Zoom on Oct. 21
Join us for the next Physics Seminar at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, via Zoom. This week’s seminar will feature Dr. Slava Turyshev, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, Pasadena, California. The title of this talk will be “Multipixel Imaging of Exoplanets with the Solar Gravitational Lens.” The flier is available here, which includes the Zoom details.
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.
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.
Economics Bites on the Go: Dr. Jason Aimone talks about Neuroeconomics and behavioral economics
What is neuroeconomics? How could behavioral economics make us healthier, richer and happier? What does economics inform us about the criminal justice system?
"Economics Bites on the Go" invites fun economists Dr. Jason Aimone and Dr. Siyu Wang to have a conversation with Wichita State faculty and students to discuss these questions from noon-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
Join here from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android.
Password: 200 ZOOM MEETING ID: 379 883 4810
Join us for this week’s Virtual Wellness Programs
Check out this week’s Virtual Wellness Programs.
Campus Recreation leads the week with nutrition discussions (worth a HealthQuest point). Follow up with Tuesday Talks discussing PrEP medication for preventative HIV discussion with SHS Cindy Walker, DNP and WSU student Storm Dial. Continue to Keep Calm and Breathe with CAPS on Wednesday. Thursday have a chat with Campus Rec about stretching and plyometric training. Don't forget the Grad Student Support that meets on that day, too.
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:
Tuesday, Oct. 20: Online Open Enrollment presentation at 3 p.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.
Wichita State staffers tapped for marketing awards
Andy McFayden
Shelly Coleman-Martins
Two Shockers have been cited for marketing excellence by the Wichita Business Journal: Shelly Coleman-Martins, vice president for the Office of Strategic Communications and chief marketing officer; and Andy McFayden, executive director of strategic communications for WSU Tech.
The Wichita Business Journal awarded a total of 27 professionals for its 2020 Marketing Awards. Honorees will be recognized during a Dec. 10 virtual event.
According to the Wichita Business Journal, “These professionals utilize strategic planning as an effective way of promoting a message or brand to customers and the community. They build high-performance teams around them. They lead in devising strategies that maximize the return on investment for the company. They also exhibit a strong corporate social responsibility and are involved in the community.”
Haysville GEAR UP position open to WSU employees only
Haysville GEAR UP is looking for a College Access Coordinator. Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. To apply, go to Internal Postings and follow the directions.
For questions or assistance, contact the Talent Acquisition Team at employment@wichita.edu or 316-978-3065.
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.
Come join us for a Halloween Dog Walk for local rescues!
A group of Wichita State students are putting on a Halloween Walk for your dog from 2-4 p.m. Saturday Oct. 24, at Harrison Park. All proceeds from this event will be donated to three local rescues, Beauties and Beasts, Hope in the Valley, and Save the Kitties.
Bring your dog in costume for a chance to win great prizes. There’s a cover charge to enter. There will be homemade dog treats available for purchase. All proceeds from the dog treats will be donated.
Come join as for a fun afternoon with your dog!
SAC Virtual Murder Mystery
Grab your detective badges as you join SAC and a group of fellow students to solve a high-profile murder investigation at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. Interact through a live chat with fellow players and our live moderator while you pour over the QR clues that are regularly pushed to your mobile device. Just remember, trust no one in this game, and whatever you do, don’t answer the door!
Work to solve the crime, keep your answers to yourself, and there will only be one winner! Register at wichita.edu/sac.
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.
The Office of International Education wants your help to wish Wichita State a Happy 125th Birthday!
You can help us wish Wichita State a Happy 125th Birthday! Just pull out your smartphone, film a short video saying “Happy 125th Birthday Wichita State” (like this one) in your native language, and submit it here.
All video clips will be combined to make one big “Happy 125th Birthday” video that will showcase the diversity of Shocker Nation. We hope you will participate!
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.
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.
We need your help – Sign up to be a DSI observer in November!
The Office of Admissions needs your help with the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational (DSI). Your participation will help us identify high academic achievers with leadership potential. The $64,000 Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships are awarded through the DSI process to three high school seniors to attend Wichita State in the fall of 2021, and we need your help in selecting the next Gore Scholars!
This year, we will host three on-campus sessions to adhere to social distancing policies and to help keep everyone safe and healthy. Part of the competition includes exercises that give students an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership abilities. These exercises will involve about 10-12 student participants and three observers. Your role would be to evaluate the students’ leadership performance. You are welcome to volunteer for multiple sessions. Observers will receive a gift as thanks for assisting with this important recruitment program.
Friday Session
3:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20
Observer training will begin at 3:30 p.m.
233 Rhatigan Student Center
Saturday Morning Session
8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
Observer training will begin at 8:30 a.m..
233 Rhatigan Student Center
Saturday Afternoon Session
2-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
Observer training will begin at 2 p.m.
233 Rhatigan Student Center
Visit wichita.edu/dsiobserver to sign up!
The following health and safety precautions will be in place during DSI:
- Students will be in groups of approximately 10 for the group activities. There will not be an instance during the on-campus portions where all students will be gathered in one space.
- Masks are required of everyone while on campus: participants, parents / guests, and Wichita State staff, faculty and students.
- Hand sanitizer will be available to each person attending and available throughout campus.
- Parents and guests will attend their session in the main gym of Koch Arena, which provides ample space for social distancing.
- We're hosting three sessions instead of two. Cleaning procedures will occur between each session.
In addition to the on-campus sessions, a virtual option is available for students to choose. At this time, the admissions team does not need additional help during the virtual competition.
For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at 316-978-3085 or dsi@wichita.edu.
Applied learning highlight of the week!
Congrats to Wichita State University accounting major Dylan Jensen, on your internship as a Small Business Advisor with South Central Kansas Economic Development District - SCKEDD! Way to take charge in your professional development.
We as a Shocker Career Accelerator would like to wish Dylan a good luck in his future endeavors!
Retweet, share, and check out his post on social media.
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!
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.
Get to know GSC!
Join us at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, for a virtual meet-and-greet with fellow graduate students and your Graduate Student Council (GSC) representatives!
The Graduate Student Council meets biweekly to discuss issues and solutions to problems faced by graduate students. However, many graduate students are not aware of GSC. We invite you to hang out virtually and network with the great community of graduate students at WSU. We also want to hear the concerns and challenges facing you this semester – many other graduate students are facing the same problems, and we can work together to get through these tough times.
Bring any questions or ideas you may have for the GSC. We look forward to meeting you!
If you have any questions, contact DV Suresh Koppisetty at gsc.eventcoordinator@wichita.edu.