Benefits Open Enrollment – Six days left!
2021 Benefits Open Enrollment is almost over! Log in to the Member Administration Portal at https://sehp.member.hrissuite.com to make your elections.
All benefits-eligible state employees must make their 2021 elections by the deadline on Oct. 31. Employees enrolled in medical coverage who do not make a new election will be defaulted into medical Plan N with a use-it-or-lose-it HRA.
Events occurring this 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 additional information, visit the Open Enrollment Website. Any questions should be directed to TotalRewards@wichita.edu.
Join us for a SEM update and celebration on Wednesday
Every fall we gather to celebrate Strategic Enrollment Management work done across campus. This year, offices are meeting in smaller groups rather than the ballroom, with all of our content provided via Zoom at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Join us for an enrollment update, a SEM movie celebrating our campuswide efforts, and virtual breakout rooms to connect casually with colleagues that you haven't visited with in a while.
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.
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.
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.
See something, say something - Clery
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 utilized by individuals who have been designated by Wichita State University as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).
For more details please refer to Wichita.edu/reportit.
Faculty Senate meeting today
The Faculty Senate meeting will be held via Zoom at 3:30 p.m. today (Monday, Oct. 26). The senators have been sent the meeting information. If you are interested in joining the meeting, please email Lee Ann Birdwell for the details.
Exchange programs greatly enhance the student experience
Wichita State has a number of programs that help students travel the country or the world while simultaneously working toward their degree and enhancing their student experience.
Students should explore academic travel opportunities such as Study Abroad and National Student Exchange early so they can prepare financially, academically and during a pandemic. Many academic departments also sponsor travel opportunities tied to specific classes.
Encourage students to seek out these unique and often life-changing experiences as they prepare for future enrollment.
Mid-West Air Force Collider event on Dec. 3 and 4
This virtual Collider event on Dec. 3 and 4 brings the United States Air Force and the small business community together to connect and collaborate. This enables the opportunity for small business innovation to quickly deliver advanced technologies to the Air Force.
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.
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.
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.
SBA webinars teach you how to get the most for your business
The Kansas SBDC will present the following no-cost webinars:
Is Your Company Ready to Achieve SBA's 8(a)/BD Program Certification?
9 a.m.-10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30
Join Teri Taylor with the Small Business Administration for an in-depth discussion about the SBA 8(a)/BD certification program requirements. This program is designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged firms in their attempts to grow and succeed, including potential access to government contracting.
Located in a HUBZone — Get Certified!
10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30
Join Teri Taylor with the Small Business Administration for an in-depth discussion about the HUBZone program requirements. If your principal office is located within a HUBZone, the SBA's HUBZone certification program may benefit your company in seeking Federal contracts or subcontracting efforts.
You can register online.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Purchase your cardboard cutout for the 2020-21 sport seasons at Koch Arena
Now's your chance to celebrate the 2020-21 season, by bringing your face into Charles Koch Arena in a "big" way. We're filling Charles Koch Arena with two-and-a-half-foot high fan faces sponsored by Patterson Legal Group.
Fans can purchase a two-and-a-half-foot high (32 in. x 16 in.) likeness of their face to be featured in the lower-level at Charles Koch Arena for all home games for men's and women's basketball and volleyball for the 2020-21 season. Each individual "big head" will be authenticated and returned to fans after the season as a keepsake.
Each cutout is $125 for the premium lower bowl and $50 for a non-guaranteed prime location with proceeds from the program aiding the Shocker Pride Fund. Purchase your cutout here.
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.
Call for graduate student abstracts for CGRS 2021
Do you have a student working on research that benefits the State of Kansas? Encourage them to submit an abstract to represent Wichita State University at the 18th Annual Capital Graduate Research Summit (CGRS). Abstract submission for WSU consideration closes Nov. 20.
The Capital Graduate Research Summit is a research competition and showcase for Kansas Board of Regents universities to raise awareness of graduate students conducting research impacting Kansas and provide an opportunity to share their work with graduate students and faculty from other Kansas universities, the Kansas Legislature, and the general public. This year’s Summit will take place online with video presentations going live on Feb. 18.
Political Science to host virtual guest speaker from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights today
The Department of Political Science is hosting a guest speaker from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. This virtual event will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. today (Monday, Oct. 26), and will begin with a virtual tour of the United Nations headquarters in New York, followed by the guest speaker. All students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend. For more information, contact Dr. Alexandra Middlewood at alexandra.middlewood@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!
Identity is the way we perceive and express ourselves
“Identity: A First-Generation Student Art Exhibition” in the main gallery and Looking Glass at Cadman Art Gallery, opens today (Monday, Oct. 26) and runs through Friday, Nov. 6.
One's identity may change over time depending on our unique circumstances and life experiences. WSU's first-generation students applied, and 11 were selected to exhibit their unique artwork based on the theme "Identity."
Join us during the university F1RST-Gen Week in a socially distanced mixer from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, on the first floor, RSC, Cadman Art Gallery & Looking Glass, as Best of Show, and first and second place winners will be announced.
This event is hosted by the the First-Generation Students Organization (FGSO) and the First-Generation Coordinating Council (FGCC).
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
Wondering about the STI treatment process?
Our last two Tuesday Talks covered how to prevent STIs, but what happens when you have an exposure or diagnosis?
Join Nurse Heather, Sedgwick County Health Dept., and Sandy Hill, APRN, to talk about STI Treatment and the follow-ups involved at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, on Facebook Live.
Attend the Creating Meaningful Connections Through Storytelling virtual workshop this
Thursday!
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. 29, 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!
The workshop addresses “Creating Meaningful Connections Through Storytelling.”
Our brains are hardwired to respond to stories. To build meaningful connections, we tell stories that share deep truths and motivate people to truly see us and our work. Presenters will explore the essential ingredients in great stories and explain how to find and communicate stories that are relevant, powerful, and purpose driven.
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.
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.
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.
Economics Bites on the Go: Dr. Ginny Choi talks about Austrian and experimental economics
Do markets corrupt our morals?
Economics Bites on the Go invites Dr. Ginny Choi and Dr. Siyu Wang to have a conversation with Wichita State faculty and students regarding Austrian and Experimental Economics.
Time: Noon-1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android. Password: 200
Zoom Meeting ID: 379 883 4810
Flu shots available on campus Nov 4
WSU 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 to take with you to your appointment (look for a word document at the bottom of the page after clicking the link). 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.
2020 Homecoming Royalty crowned over the weekend
The two outstanding Shocker seniors that were crowned Homecoming Royalty between the Flag Football all-star games on Friday night are Queen Tajahnaé Stocker and King David Garcia. Congratulations Tajahnaé and David!
A big thank you and congratulations to all 12 of this year’s Homecoming candidates: Anisia Brumley, Jordan Cao, Garrett Chadd, Kaitlyn Daise, David Garcia, Max Karst, Courtney Minor, Payton Morgan, Maribel Sánchez, Jayla Spann, Tajahnaé Stocker, and Jadyn Stutey.
Track and Field holding its annual Shocker Holiday Sweatshirt Fundraiser
The Wichita State track and field program announced its third annual Shocker Holiday Sweatshirt Fundraiser.
Shocker fans can click here to order Shocker holiday sweatshirts. This year's options include both black and yellow crewneck sweatshirts and are available in adult and youth sizes. Orders will be taken until Monday, Nov. 2 and will be available for in-person pickup only.
Pickup will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 16-20 at the Student-Athlete Success Center in the track and field offices, located directly southeast of Charles Koch Arena.
All proceeds go to the Wichita State track and field and cross-country programs.
For more information, please contact Heidi Benton at hyost@goshockers.com or Rob Garcia at rgarcia@goshockers.com.
WSU Retail Crawl
Get your WSU Dining Retail Crawl Card stamped on your next visit to each of our retail dining locations (RSC: Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Panda, Chick-fil-A, Freddy's and Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes; Shocker Hall: Market at Groundhouse).
Turn in your completed card with one stamp per location in the Dining Services Office, 235 RSC, to receive a WSU Dining reusable bag and get entered to win a WSU Swag Basket. Full details and information on bonus entries here. Contest ends Friday, Nov. 6.
Ulrich Virtual program on Tuesday will now feature exclusive screening of Chinese Artist Zhang Huan's videos
The Ulrich Museum of Art will not have an artist talk with Zhang Huan on Tuesday, Oct. 27, as originally planned. Huan, who is working on a project in a remote part of China with extremely limited access to wifi, sends his regrets. In his place, however, he has sent six video shorts selected exclusively for our Ulrich Virtual program, which will be airing during the scheduled program, which takes place at 6 p.m. The virtual screening is free and open to all, but you have to register first to get the Zoom link.
Active in Beijing in the 1990s, New York City, and now Shanghai, Zhang Huan is one of the foremost figures of Chinese contemporary art. His billboard in the Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard Project is on view at 5455 E. Central in Wichita.
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!
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.
The F45 Playoffs are back!
F45 Playoffs are here from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, (56 timeslots available) at the F45 Studio in the Heskett Center.
Form a team or compete individually and make your way through 10 F45 stations. Complete the most reps to be crowned the champion. Registration is free this semester for all participants. Please register with any instructor in our studio. Scores are based on the maximum total number of reps completed.
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.
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!
Attention first-generation students! Want to maximize your potential for success?
Are you a first-generation student (which means neither of your parents earned a four-year degree) and looking for an opportunity to maximize your potential for personal success? If so, plan to attend the 2020 Ad Astra Mini-Conference from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. This event is designed for first-generation Shockers and can be attended in person or virtually.
Join us as we come together for National First-Generation Celebration Day!
To find the mini-conference schedule and to RSVP, go to www.wichita.edu/adastra. Space is limited!
Master of Social Work Informational Sessions - all students invited
The School of Social Work is hosting the last of three fall “MSW Info Sessions” to help prospective students discover more about the Master of Social Work program at Wichita State University at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. This is geared to both social work majors and for those with majors outside of social work. We encourage you to share this with your students and recent graduates of all majors!
Attendees will have this virtual opportunity to discover more about the field, meet faculty, and learn how to apply as a regular program or advanced standing student. The priority deadline to apply is Jan. 8, 2021 for those who wish to enter in the 2021-22 school year.
If students have questions or would prefer to speak one-on-one, please direct them to Shaunna Millar, MSW Program Director and Clinical Professor, at shaunna.millar@wichita.edu. Click here for the Zoom log in information for the Nov. 11 session, password: socialwork.