Wichita State doubles output of engineering grads ahead of schedule
- In 2011, Wichita State University vowed to double the number of engineering grants as part of the state's University Engineering Initiative Act.
- One year ahead of schedule, the College of Engineering has surpassed its goal.
- With the help of a $35 million grant from the Kansas Legislature, the College of Engineering has increased graduates by more than 100% for some groups of underrepresented populations.
WuShock Doc to premiere on YouTube
Did you happen to miss "WuShock Doc: The History and Making of WuShock in Bronze" as it premiered via the Tallgrass Film Festival last weekend? Don't worry! WuShock Doc will be premiering on YouTube at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, and will be available for your viewing pleasure from then on. Grab a Shocker buddy and free up 20 minutes of your time to enjoy this one-of-a-kind film and mascot!
See something, say something - student advocate
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.
The Student Advocate is an executive, non-partisan member of the Student Government Association who works toward resolutions based on principles of fairness and equity, without favoritism toward any group or individual. This form should be used by students, only.
For more details please refer to Wichita.edu/reportit.
Join the Graduate School today 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
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.
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).
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!
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!
Register now for Ulrich virtual program Thursday with Indigenous artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
The Ulrich Museum of Art is proud to host Indigenous artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith for what promises to be an exciting virtual program this week. It kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, and is free and open to all, but you have to register first to get the Zoom link (link provided).
Quick-to-See Smith, a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation in Montana, conveys both humorous and poignant socio-political commentary through her complex paintings and prints. The Ulrich + Artists + You Billboard featuring her work is currently on view at 703 N. West Street in Wichita.
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.
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.
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. today (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
Dr. Slava Turyshev, NASA, to give Physics Seminar talk via Zoom today
Join us for the next Physics Seminar at 2 p.m. today (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.
Get to know GSC!
Join us at 4 p.m. today (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.
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.
Join runners from North America in this year's virtual Pumpkin Run
Campus Recreation is excited to share that runners from 12 states and one province will participate in this year's virtual run. It isn't too late to sign up and join in the fun of the 2020 Pumpkin Run.
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.
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.
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:
Tuesday, Oct. 27: Online Open Enrollment Presentation at 9 a.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.
Biometric Screening appointments still available for Tuesday, Oct. 27
Biometric screening appointments are still available for Tuesday, Oct. 27. 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 / Location
Tuesday, Oct. 27 in 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 cancelled. 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.
Don Blakeslee featured in Science News story
Don Blakeslee
Don Blakeslee was heavily featured in an article in Science News about Wichita tribal archaeological remains in Kansas.
Learn about Fairmount College, win prize in scavenger hunt
Wichita State University's Department of Anthropology has created a scavenger hunt as a fun way to learn about Fairmount College's 125-year history.
From now through the end of January 2021, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate in this fun event that begins on campus and ends at Maple Grove Cemetery at 1000 N. Hillside, where many faculty and staff from the early years of Fairmount College are buried.
Students who complete the scavenger hunt will be entered into a drawing for an iPad
on Feb. 1, 2021. Faculty and staff participants will be entered into a monthly drawing
for a Shocker Store gift card.
Have fun, stay safe and good luck! For more information, go to www.wichita.edu/anthropology.
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.
$1.50 bowling games on Fridays for rewards members
Members of the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes Eat.Drink.Play. Rewards Program can enjoy $1.50 bowling games every Friday during the month of October. Not a rewards member? Joining is free and easy, simply visit today and ask!
Pink merchandise from the Shocker Store to benefit Victory in the Valley
The Shocker Store is selling new pink merchandise in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month! For each item sold, $1 will be donated to Victory in the Valley, who provides support to cancer patients, survivors and their families in the area.
There is a short sleeve tee ($10), a long sleeve tee ($12) and pajama pants ($20). This offer is good while supplies last and valid at both the RSC and Braeburn Square locations and online at shockerstore.com. No discounts accepted on this merchandise.
WSU Ceramic Guild invites you to join us at our annual holiday sale!
Come stop by and check out handmade pottery produced by students and faculty. The Annual Holiday Pottery Sale will be held from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 in 105 Henrion Hall.
If you have any questions regarding the sale, feel free to reach out to us at ceramicsguild.wsu@gmail.com or on instagram @wsuceramicsguild.
College of Health Professions to host blood drives as part of 50th anniversary celebration
The College of Health Professions is hosting two blood drives with the Red Cross to celebrate our college’s 50th anniversary. The blood drives will be Thursday, Nov. 5 on the main campus and WSU Old Town. Both locations will have ample room for social distancing, and donors will receive COVID-19 antibody testing.
Our goal is to get 50 donors for our 50 years as a college. Help us save lives and get ‘50 for 50’ – sign up today to donate!
9 a.m.-3 p.m. on the WSU Main Campus, 261 Rhatigan Student Center
Schedule your appointment at www.RedCrossBlood.org
Sponsor Code: Wichita State or call 1-800-Red-Cross
11 a.m.-5 p.m. in WSU Old Town, 213 N. Mead, Red Cross Bus
Schedule your appointment at www.RedCrossBlood.org
Sponsor Code: WSU Old Town or call 1-800-Red-Cross
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.
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.
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.
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!
Please help less fortunate children this Christmas
Our Toys for Tots toy drive is happening now until Dec. 16! We had fantastic support last year ending with a box brimming over with toys. We helped so many underprivileged children in Wichita. Let's shoot to double it this year!
You can stop by the Campus Credit Union lobby between 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, to donate.
Earn credit for solving national security issues!
Hacking for Defense™ (H4D), is a new course designed for ALL undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines and programs. It takes an entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary approach to America’s hardest national security challenges. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team to research, design, and propose a solution for a real national security challenge.
What can you do with a degree from Industrial, Systems, and Manufacturing Engineering?
If you are a student with an undecided major, a student currently pursuing a degree from the ISME Department, or simply just curious about the fields of Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering, this Friday's ISME Industry Professional Panel is for you! Panelists Courtney Allen, Amber Droegemeier, and Clovis Ribas will discuss their background and careers and answer any questions the audience may have in this panel session. Join us via Zoom at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23:
Hear from three different industry professionals in three unique fields, with three different focuses. This session will provide a small glimpse of the possibilities that a degree from the ISME Department provides.
Industry Professional Panelist Bios:
Courtney Allen is an Industrial Engineer at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas. She received both her bachelors and master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering from Wichita State University and will attend Georgia Tech in 2021 for an additional master’s degree in Computational Analytics.
Courtney has worked in various roles at Spirit including lean manufacturing and core industrial engineering, spanning many integrated product teams and production lines. Her projects have touched several aspects of industrial engineering including data analytics, simulation, system design, database development, statistical process control, work measurement, root cause corrective action, and lean manufacturing. Outside of the industry, she is passionate about women in STEM and continuous education.
Amber Droegemeier received her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science from Wichita State University in 2007 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Wichita State University in 2010. After graduation, she served as an acute care physical therapy for five and a half years at Ascension Via Christi Hospitals in Wichita. In 2016 Amber transitioned to serve as a Quality and Regulatory Readiness Coordinator and successfully led Joint Commission Accreditation across Ascension Kansas.
In October 2018 Droegemeier received her Certification in Healthcare Quality. She has served as the Manager of Quality and was promoted to Regional Director of Quality in November 2019. Using her skills as a clinician, she oversees data measurement, reporting and process improvement activities related to quality and patient safety initiatives.
Mr. Clovis S. Ribas is the president and general manager of Shuttle Aerospace Inc., a Wichita-based company specialized in design consulting and manufacturing solutions for the aircraft industry, more specifically Landing Gear and related systems and components.
Ribas has many years of experience in management, design, manufacturing and integration of aircraft systems and components in multiple commercial and military platforms. He has a BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil, a MSc degree in Aerospace Engineering from Cranfield Institute of Technology in England and an MBA degree from WSU. He is also a graduate student in Industrial, Systems and Manufacturing Engineering at WSU. His interests include applied statistics, especially SPC methods for short run production environment and additive manufacturing (LinkedIn profile).
Study abroad webinar recordings
Want to learn more about study abroad programs?
Study abroad webinars held earlier this semester are now available to view on YouTube. Brief descriptions for each webinar and a link to the recording is on our website.