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.
NIAR teams take home gold and bronze awards in Air Force’s inaugural Advanced Manufacturing Olympics
Two teams from Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) have received coveted awards from the inaugural Advanced Manufacturing Olympics (AMO), hosted by The U.S. Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO).
Announced Oct. 23, NIAR’s Sustainers of the Galaxy team received the first place $100,000 award in the Box of Parts technical challenge and NIAR TEAM QuAL Testers and Evaluators of AM (Quick as Lightning) received the third place $40,000 award in the F-16 Approval Sprints technical challenge.
The Advanced Manufacturing Olympics, held Oct. 20-23 is unique virtual experience bringing together advanced manufacturing, technology and sustainment innovation subject matter experts, entrepreneurs, practice leaders, and enthusiasts to discover new technologies and insights from thought-leaders across government, academia and small business.
In the Box of Parts challenge, teams demonstrated the ability of 3D scanning and printing technology to accurately reengineer a part without an existing plan. The end goal is to identify automated or hands-free scanning for rapid and accurate reverse engineering capabilities.
Additional competing teams included Lockheed Martin/Stratasys, ReLogic Research Inc., Aero Design, LLC, 461st Spark Hub, Carpenter Technology Corporation, 3D Printing Colorado, Wilder Systems and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Jeswin Joseph, program and research manager of NIAR’s Emerging Technologies and CAD/CAM Labs was captain of the Sustainers of the Galaxy Team.
"We are absolutely thrilled that WSU-NIAR’s decades of Digital Twin development expertise was validated by being recognized as first in the Box of Parts challenge,” said Joseph. “I am extremely proud of our NIAR Team and we look forward to working with the Department of Defense and industry partners on many more emerging technologies.”
F-16 Approval Sprints teams competed to deliver a polymer additively manufactured replacement solution for rapid deployment of a specified F-16 aircraft component. The challenge was focused on identifying innovative strategies for rapid design, qualification, and deployment of sustainment solutions to leverage new manufacturing materials, processes, and components.
Stress Engineering Services, Inc./Origin/nTopology Inc. placed first in the challenge. Additional competing teams included 3DChimera, Stratasys, Cumberland Additive Inc., Voxel Defense LLC, Markforged, 3-D VHB/Additive America/Addiguru and W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation at the University of Texas at El Paso.
NIAR technical director for advanced manufacturing, Chris Holshouser served as captain of TEAM QuAL and drove NIAR’s AMO participation efforts.
“We’ve worked very hard to build up unmatchable teams in additive manufacturing qualification and reverse engineering in order to revolutionize the way we qualify materials and provide sustainment programs for the DoD,” said Holshouser.
In addition to placing in the competition, the NIAR team was selected to have their printed part installed and flown on an F-16, making this the first additively manufacture part flown on this vehicle – demonstrating the promise of additive manufacturing for rapid sustainment.
“I’m happy to see that the Wichita State NIAR results came out very well and that is the part that’s being flown because they were quite high on the list as well in terms of their innovative proposals for qualification,” said Ellen Le, additive manufacturing technical lead, Ford Motor Company.
“It was fairly novel geometry and it outperformed the Stratasys part, based on the information that was provided,” said Mark Diller, P.E., senior design engineer for the University of Dayton Research Institute. “That’s where the most confidence was between testing and submitted info.”
Competing teams were required to submit a significant portfolio of documents and videos in order to be chosen to compete in the competition and advance to the final round.
Cash prizes for the challenges were $100,000, $50,000 and $40,000 respectively for first, second and third places; a cherry on top the respect and exposure gained by securing the top places.
“The awards confirm that the Wichita State NIAR team has unique capabilities and technologies suitable for transforming the R&D and sustainment efforts across the Department of Defense,” said John Tomblin, WSU senior vice president for Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. “We will continue to employ and improve these technologies and programs in an effort to serve as a resource for additional DoD programs and increase readiness levels for the fleet.”
The U.S. Air Force RSO increases mission readiness by rapidly identifying, applying and scaling technology essential to the operation and sustainment of the Air Force.
To view NIAR team application videos produced by the Wichita State Media Resource Center visit the following links:
The Hyatt Place ribbon cutting is postponed
Due to inclement weather, the Hyatt Place at Wichita State University ribbon cutting that was initially planned for Oct. 27 has been postponed. A new schedule is yet to be announced.
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.
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!
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.
Ulrich Virtual program today will 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 First-Gen Student Organization (FGSO) is hosting a fundraiser, but they need your help
The First-Gen Student Organization (FGSO) is hosting a fundraiser but they need your help. The Hill is their location of choice, if you are able to order on Oct. 30, please click the link below and commit. The deadline is today (Tuesday, Oct. 27).
11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday Oct. 30, at The Hill Bar and Grill Take-Out and Delivery Fundraiser, 4800 E. Douglas Ave.
Organizer: Heather Hunter, FGSO President
The Hill will donate back 15% to the student organization.
Purpose: FGSO was formed as a platform for First-Gen students to discussed shared experiences and advocate for their needs on campus. The United States Department of Education’s define First-Generation as a student whose parents do not have a baccalaureate degree.
Benefits Open Enrollment – Five days left!
2021 Benefits Open Enrollment is almost over! Log in to the Member Administration Portal 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.
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.
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. 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).
WSU political scientists used as subject-matter experts on KWCH-TV 12
Neal Allen
Alexandra Middlewood
Political scientists Alexandra Middlewood and Neal Allen were interviewed last week by KWCH-TV 12.
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.
Creepy Cosmic Bowling
Visit the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 or Saturday, Oct. 31, for some Creepy Cosmic Bowling! Enjoy $2 bowling games with free rental shoes. Bonus - wear your costume and receive a punch card with six free bowling games to use on a future visit. Offer not valid with other coupons or specials. Call 316-978-3479 for details. Open to the public.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Support survivors of domestic violence by donating to the Sigma Psi Zeta Donation Drive!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)! Domestic violence is a range of abusive behaviors that are used to gain control and power over another. The purpose of DVAM is to mourn victims, to celebrate survivors, and to connect advocates who strive to end domestic violence.
Sigma Psi Zeta’s philanthropy is to combat the violence against women in its varied forms, more generally gender-based violence. We aim to emphasize the importance of knowing what domestic violence is and to engage the community in discussing domestic violence.
This week through Oct. 30, we are hosting a donation drive to the Wichita Family Crisis Center—a nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate domestic violence in our community by supporting survivors through shelter, education, and advocacy. Donation drop-boxes are located in ODI and SGA. You can also make a monetary donation Sigma Psi Zeta Donation Drive.
TRIO DSS supports students with disabilities - applications open!
WSU's TRIO Disability Support Services (DSS) Program is excited to enroll students with disabilities for this academic school year. They offer numerous free services such as academic advising, career development, study skills assistance, financial literacy assistance, tutoring, and more. Many DSS graduates cite DSS as a critical program on campus that provided the support, university connections, and resources necessary for their success.
Quotes from DSS graduates and more information
I will apply what I have learned through TRIO DSS to the next chapter of my life - completing a Master's Degree! I am really thankful for the relationships that I have formed through TRIO DSS and look forward to what new challenges there are to conquer in my near future.
-Tiffany H.
My advisor believed in me when everyone wrote me off. That kind of belief and caring is so strong, it turned a college dropout into a student with a WSU GPA of 3.8 who is going to graduate in a month. I was able to get my first all “A” semester last fall because of their encouragement. Without my advisor’s support, I do not think I would be graduating at all.
-Ben L.
For more information, or to apply, go to www.wichita.edu/dss or call 978-5949. TRIO DSS is located in 158 Grace Wilkie Annex.
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.