University update from Rick Muma
Rick Muma
Hello, Shockers.
Last week I was honored to be formally announced by the Kansas Board of Regents as the interim president of Wichita State. This is a role that I take very seriously, especially as we think about all the changes and challenges we’ve faced this year.
My priority is to keep all students, faculty and staff moving forward and to offer you support, reassurance and continuity as we face this transition.
As Shocker Nation, we are strong. I will use that collective strength in the coming weeks and months as we continue to further the vision of Wichita State by focusing on being the most innovative research university, known for providing impactful student experiences and driving prosperity for the people and communities we serve.
Many of the efforts already under way remain important, including Convergence Sciences, the new Molecular Diagnostics Lab, Digital Transformation and Innovation Campus partnerships such as Deloitte’s new Smart Factory @ Wichita and NetApp. We will continue ahead with those initiatives, as well as others, including the construction of Woolsey Hall and planning for possible enhancements of Clinton and Hubbard Halls and the Rhatigan Student Center.
To allow me to focus on my duties as interim president, I will be handing over my executive vice president and provost duties on an interim basis to Dr. Shirley Lefever, dean of the College of Applied Studies. Dr. Lefever has been at Wichita State since 2005 and will do a great job filling in for me as she supports Wichita State’s priorities.
In her place, Dr. Clay Stoldt will temporarily move to interim dean of the College of Applied Studies. Dr. Stoldt is currently associate dean of the college and has been at WSU since 1998.
Please join me in thanking Drs. Lefever and Stoldt for their willingness to step in and take on additional work while the Board of Regents conducts its presidential search.
I will continue to stay in touch about that process as information becomes available.
Thank you for your resilience and flexibility as we forge ahead.
Sincerely,
Rick Muma,
Interim president
Wichita State celebrates opening of high-volume COVID-19 test lab
Wichita State University marked the opening of the Molecular Diagnostics Lab (MDL) with a ribbon-cutting and remarks from Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday, Oct. 19 at the John Bardo Center on Wichita State’s Innovation Campus.
“Along with wearing masks, socially distancing and avoiding mass gatherings, we know that an increase in COVID-19 testing capacity is one of the most important tools we can leverage to mitigate the virus’ spread,” Kelly said.
Gov. Kelly said rapid, high-volume testing for COVID-19 will keep Kansas schools, businesses, and government open.
Free webinar series for Kansas faculty on Open Educational Resources
Join us for the free Open Educational Resources Webinar Series this semester brought to you by the KBOR OER Steering Committee.
Creative Commons Introduction – 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26
Repositories & Platforms – 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2
Zoom links to register and descriptions of the sessions are available on the KBOR OER conference website.
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.
Change to Zoom co-host service coming
Beginning Nov. 21, the free Zoom co-host service provided by Campus Media Services will be reserved only for registered classes. Other departments and programs may still request a Zoom Co-Host to assist with the technical aspects of their meeting but will be assessed a $15 per-hour fee. As before, the Zoom Co-Host service is subject to availability.
If you would like to learn how to run Zoom meetings effectively, please see the available training materials at http://www.wichita.edu/zoom. If you would like further assistance, please request Zoom Support at http://www.wichita.edu/AV and we can point you to further training resources.
Early voting at Wichita State
It’s time to cast your vote! The Shockers Vote! Coalition and the Intercollegiate Athletic Association are excited to team up to host early voting right here on campus.
If you are registered to vote anywhere in Sedgwick County, stop by Koch Arena from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, to vote!
UP & USS joint senate meeting set for today
The UP and USS Senates joint meeting will be held at 9 a.m. today (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
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.
Program explores ways to use Gordon Parks images from Ulrich collection for K-12 audiences
The Civil Rights-era photography of Kansas-native Gordon Parks remains as timely now as ever before. WSU is the repository for a large number of Parks's photographs, manuscripts and papers, and the Ulrich Museum of Art has several of the artist's pieces in its permanent collection.
At 10: 30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, Dr. Stephanie Danker, associate professor of art education at Miami University (Ohio), will discuss how her college students used those Parks photographs from the Ulrich Collection to create art activities and discussion questions for K-12 audiences. Danker will also discuss connections to contemporary artists who reference historical documentary photographs for activism.
Artists, educators, and Gordon Parks fans alike won't want to miss this! The program is free and open to all, but you have to register in order to get the Zoom link:
Image caption: Gordon Parks, "Ondria Tanner and her Grandmother Window-shopping, Mobile, Alabama," 1956. Museum Purchase © and courtesy of The Gordon Parks Foundation
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.
Learn the ins and outs of managing your own finances
The Kansas SBDC will present the following webinars:
“QuickBooks Online: The Basics,” will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. The cost is $119, and the registration fee is nonrefundable.
Learn how to use the go-to cloud-based accounting software to help manage your company's finances. This workshop will cover the basics of bookkeeping, how to set up your QuickBooks Online account, how to record common transactions, and how to analyze your company's performance.
Presenter Heather Denning is a Certified Quickbooks Online ProAdvisor, alumni of Wichita State University, and local business owner.
“QuickBooks Online: The Details,” will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. The cost is $119, and the registration fee is nonrefundable.
Learn to make the most of this cloud-based accounting software to help you manage your company's finances more efficiently. This workshop will cover more complex bookkeeping functions such as payroll, invoicing, inventory management, sales tax, etc. Also, learn about the numerous programs created to assist with these functions that integrate with QuickBooks Online.
Presenter Heather Denning is a Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumni of Wichita State University, and a local business owner.
Register online at KSBDC workshops.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Veteran and Military Art Expo hosted by Veterans Upward Bound is seeking art entries now to Oct. 30
Veterans Upward Bound, part of TRIO, is seeking art submissions for our first Virtual Art Expo.
We are seeking all types of art from veterans, military (Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard), veteran spouses, military spouses, veteran children, military children and community service providers whose work touches the military and/or veteran community.
With your art, please include a short narrative or recording about what it means to you and how you were inspired to create it.
WSU students and staff who meet the entry criteria are strongly encouraged to submit an entry!
This is a non-competitive show, just an expo for you to display your creative side! The expo will be held on VUB’s YouTube channel from Nov. 2-20.
Veterans Upward Bound is an educational and skills program designed to meet the needs of today's veterans. VUB's goal is to prepare veterans for post-secondary education, regardless of desired institution. All services are free to veterans who meet the eligibility criteria.
By submitting a piece of art, you will help drive awareness of our beneficial service throughout the community.
Please join in! Submit a picture, sound byte or video by email to Veterans.upwardbound@wichita.edu.
Are you a parent of a teenager?
Are you a parent of a teenager? If so, this may be a great opportunity for your child to experience what it is like being a part of an online research study.
The INSPYRE Research lab at Wichita State University is conducting a study to explore what makes relationships healthy or unhealthy in teens. The survey will only take about 20 minutes to complete, and a small prize will be given for participation.
Teens must be between the ages of 13-19 and be fluent in English. For easy access, teens can complete this study online, but they need their parent’s permission first.
For more information, click the following link to find the Parent Permission (Consent) Form.
If you have any questions, email Dr. Samantha Gregus, director of the INSPYRE lab at inspyre@wichita.edu, or give them a call at 316-978-6180.
Register now for Ulrich Virtual conversation with Wichita photographer Larry Schwarm today
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.
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
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.
Did you know Student Health offers PrEP?
Did you know Student Health offers PrEP? At 2 p.m. today (Tuesday, Oct. 20) on Facebook Live, join Nurse Heather, Cindy Walker, APRN, and WSU student Storm Dial for a conversation about the benefits of taking PrEP.
Changes to your HSA/HRA/FSA for 2020 due to CARES Act
Due to the recent CARES Act legislation, there have been some updates to how you can use your HSA, HRA and/or Healthcare FSA funds. Updates include the ability to use funds for over the counter (OTC) medications without a prescription and for menstrual care products. These changes are retroactively effective to Jan. 1, 2020.
Your NueSynergy debit card may not immediately work for purchases of these items as merchants are in the process of updating their systems to accommodate these changes, but you are able to pay out of pocket and submit reimbursement requests through the NueSynergy online portal.
You can find more information from NueSynergy here: NueSynergy 2020 CARES Act Update. If you have more specific questions about eligible purchases, you can reach NueSynergy directly at 1-855-750-9440 for further assistance. When calling, identify yourself as a State of Kansas employee, and be prepared to provide your SHaRP ID (found by logging in to myWSU and hovering the mouse over the white box in the “SHaRP ID” channel).
State Employee Health Plan updates in response to COVID-19
Governor Laura Kelly announced four (4) provisions on March 13, 2020 that have been extended through October 31, 2020 for employees and dependents enrolled in medical insurance through the State Employee Health Plan.
- SEHP will cover medically necessary diagnostic tests that are consistent with CDC guidance related to the COVID-19 at no cost share to member, where it is not covered as part of the Public Health Service response.
- SEHP will allow early refills on 30 or 90-day prescription medications and/or allow
members to use their mail order benefit.
More information
- Given the nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, seeking in person medical care has the potential to further spread the virus. SEHP partners with Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas to provide Telehealth services with a virtual doctor’s office. There is 24/7/365 access to this service. The member cost share will be waived for any Telehealth service. In addition to telehealth services provided by Teledoc or Amwell, the member cost share will also be waived for services from your in-network physician that are billed as telehealth services.
Blue Cross Blue Shield members - Amwell
- For plan participants that reside in the Topeka area, the HealthQuest Health Center available to members enrolled in the health plan, is located at 901 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka
- Phone screening is recommended before going to the center: 785-783-4080
- If a patient walks into the clinic, they will have them put on a mask and clean their hands with hand sanitizer. The health center staff will evaluate the patient’s symptoms and recommend they isolate if the initial findings and/or symptoms present are a positive indicator for the virus.
- COVID-19 testing is available at the HealthQuest Health Center for State of Kansas employees. Curbside testing will be available at the center by appointment only.
For all up to date information regarding COVID-19 and the WSU campus please visit www.wichita.edu/covid19.
Impacted by the layoffs in Wichita?
In the news lately we’ve been hearing about the impact across Wichita of the market uncertainty and layoffs that are affecting local businesses and their employees.
If you are a benefits-eligible employee at WSU and you or your spouse is losing health insurance through another employer, this can be a qualifying event for you to add your spouse and/or children to your existing coverages within 31 days of the date the other coverage ends. Email TotalRewards@wichita.edu for more information or assistance with this change.
Human Resources developed a website with information and resources which might be helpful for employees who may be directly impacted by layoffs. Go to www.wichita.edu/CommunityResources for information and resources available to you.
Wichita State Political Science experts have contributed to election coverage in international, national and local media
Neal Allen
Alexandra Middlewood
Neal Allen was interviewed recently on "Morning Wave Busan," a radio station in South Korea:
He was also quoted in a Fox News online story about the Supreme Court confirmation.
Both Alexandra Middlewood and Allen were recently on KWCH-TV 12 in Wichita:
KWCH-TV 12 story with Middlewood
Now being offered online - $12 long sleeve tees
Now being offered in RSC store and online at shockerstore.com! 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 and online at shockerstore.com.
If you order online, you can pick up in store for free! Offer not valid with other discounts or promotions and all sales are final.
Keep up to date on the Facebook event page.
Celebrate International Education Week by sharing a recipe from home!
Food is a large part of many cultures around the world! We want to invite you to share a piece of your culture, through food, with the campus community as part of International Education Week 2021 (Nov. 15-21). The recipes will come together to create an online International Shocker Recipe Book that will be shared during International Education Week. If you would like to share a recipe, please fill out this short form. The deadline to submit a recipe is Monday, Nov. 2.
Casual Catering Menu
Check out WSU Dining’s Casual Catering Menu here designed exclusively for pick-up or drop-off service. Call 316-978-5863 or email wsucatering@compass-usa.com to place your order today.
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.
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.
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!
Shocker Secrets to Success series available to help students navigate the hidden curriculum
A new collection of videos is available on the Student Success website dedicated to the hidden curriculum of Shocker life. Designed for first-generation students, but applicable to many, this partnership between Student Success and Student Affairs attempts to provide information we assume students already know, but often don't. Included is a playlist of videos to help students understand Blackboard better, as well as a new video series that helps students navigate academic resources, time management, technology, classroom involvement and more. New videos will be added throughout the semester.
Have a suggestion for a topic? Email student.success@wichita.edu and let us know!