Don’t let it happen to you – Final days of Benefits Open Enrollment!
Open Enrollment for 2021 closes at 11:59 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 31). If you have not yet submitted your enrollment by that time, you will be enrolled in a default medical plan. Members who waived medical coverage in 2020 will continue to be waived in 2021 if they do not submit an enrollment.
Still need help making your 2021 election decision? Don’t worry, just ASK ALEX !
The Total Rewards team has created multiple instructional documents with images of the portal and step-by-step instructions! Get help with:
- Logging in / Registering your account
- Adding a new dependent to coverage
- Making your online elections
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.
Changes coming to Password Management on Tuesday, Nov. 3
A new version of password management will launch at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Wichita State’s new Password Management application will add several new features and adopt the new State of Kansas security requirements. Here are the enhancements you will see:
- Passwords will now need to be a minimum length of 12 characters.
- Passwords can be up to 30 characters.
- Passwords are now able to start with a number.
- Passwords can now contain one or more special characters
- Passwords will only be required to be changed every 180 days, expanded from 90 days.
- The new Password Application is mobile responsive.
Your current password will still work until its expiration date. However, to take advantage of the new enhancements, you can log in at any time and change your password.
If you have any questions about, or need assistance changing your password, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@wichita.edu or 316-978-HELP, Option 1.
Activating the University Strategic Plan
Is your unit/department helping to move the university’s mission and resulting strategic plan forward? Has your team engaged in work that drives education, culture, or economic outcomes? If so, report your activity to the Strategic Planning Committee through TeamDynamix. The newly revised form is easier to complete and takes less time. This information is compiled for the annual reporting on the strategic plan and university priorities.
The Graduate School's 3rd Annual Three Minute Thesis Competition is Nov. 6
Celebrate the third-annual WSU Graduate School Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 on Zoom. This competition will feature finalists' video where a panel of judges will select the WSU winner.
The first-place winner of the competition will represent Wichita State at the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools 3MT Competition in the spring. Graduate School 2020-21 award winners will also be recognized at the award ceremony.
To learn more about 3MT or request the Zoom link, please visit the website.
Celebrate F1RST-Gen Shockers - Nov. 2 through Nov. 8
Over 40% of the student population at Wichita State University is first-gen. First-gen students are those who are first in their immediate family to attend a four-year college or university. The F1RST-Generation Coordinating Council (FGCC) was started in August 2018 to promote awareness and guidance in supporting the first-generation Shockers experience at Wichita State University.
Next week, Monday, Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov. 8, the First-Gen Coordinating Council personally invites you to participate in Wichita State’s First Gen Week. Attached is the full schedule of events. The council hopes that you will join us for one or more events to celebrate our first-gen students.
To view the full First Gen Week schedule of events online, click here.
Fairmount College celebrates 125 years of first-generation students
Join Andrew Hippisley, dean of Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in celebrating 125 years of successful first-generation students from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, in 142 RSC.
Of the entering class in 1895,12 of the 13 were first generation college students: Ella Miller, Alle Miller, Ernest Kramer, Eva Hall, Fred B. Isely, George W. Jackson, Henry Huttmann, Ada Belle Guthrie, Mabel Millison, Sadie Ellis, Clara Bowers and Matile Roulet.
In 2020, 26% of Fairmount College undergrads are first-generation students.
Service Recognition 2020 at Wichita State
Wichita State University employees who reached a service milestone between the dates of Sept. 2, 2019 and Sept. 1, 2020 will be honored at an event hosted by the university on Thursday, Nov. 19. This service recognition will honor those with milestone service of 5 to 50 years with the State of Kansas, those achieving the Bender of Twigs distinction (25 years specifically to Wichita State), and those having recently retired from the university.
2020 Service Recognition will be held at Charles Koch Arena to accommodate adequate guest seating from the stands and abide by social-distancing protocol. The event will be broadcast live online, the media link will be available on the service recognition website at wichita.edu/ServiceRecognition.
In accordance with new WSU guidance for mass gatherings we are unable to offer food and beverage service this year and have therefore recently changed the time of the evening event to begin at 3:30 p.m. for 25-50 years of service, Bender of Twigs, and retirees. (The morning event for honorees celebrating 5-20 years of service will still begin at 9:30 a.m.)
While we are unable to provide the seated meal and beverage services we have enjoyed in past years, each honoree attending the event will receive a gourmet basket to take with them at the conclusion of the recognition event.
For more information, and to see a list of 2020 honorees, go to wichita.edu/ServiceRecognition2020.
It’s F1RST-GEN Friday
TRIO is a set of federally funded college opportunity programs that motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree. This week’s feature photos are some of those Shockers who are devoted to the students in TRIO programs. To learn more, click here.
F1RST-GEN T-SHIRTS
Get your F1RST GEN SHOCKERS tee at the Shocker Store, on sale now for $12. A portion of the proceeds is returned to the FGCC for support of the first-gen student initiatives.
F1RST-GEN STUDENT ORGANIZATION
Support the first-gen student organization:
*Friday, Oct. 30: A fundraiser with The Hill Bar & Grill, we need 20 to RSVP to have the event hosted. Click here.
*Tuesday, Nov. 3: A hot cocoa & bake sale with cookies, brownie, rice Krispy treats. All items are $1. Outside on east side of the RSC from 3-4:30 p.m.
*Thursday, Nov. 5: A hot cocoa & bake sale with cookies, brownie, rice Krispy treats. All items are $1. Outside on east side of the RSC from 1:30-4:30 p.m
F1RST-GEN AFFINITY GROUP
First-Generation Affinity Group seeks to foster community among its members by way of networking, professional development, and social events. To register for a virtual event being held on Nov. 10, click here.
To learn more about the F1RST-GENERATION COORDINATING COUNCIL (FGCC), visit www.wichita.edu/firstgen.
First Gen Shockers invited to Library Lounge!
First Gen Shockers – you’re invited to our Library Lounge! Join the Libraries’ first gen faculty and staff for an informal chat from 3-4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
Have questions about how to use the libraries or what we offer? Want to find out what it’s like to be a librarian? Just want to say hi and talk about your favorite book? We’d love to see you join us.
Click here for free registration and we’ll send you the Zoom link and a special Ablah Library background.
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.
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.
The next installment of the ‘Let's Talk About It’ podcast is live. Check it out today!
The second installment of “Let’s Talk About It” is officially live. In this episode we explore wellness from a multi-faceted vantage point. Join us as we talk with three guests and tackle the topic of wellness on a college campus as it relates to social / emotional wellness, physical wellness and intellectual wellness.
This episode features Dr. Jessica Provines, Assistant VP of Wellness and Director of Counseling and Prevention Services; Dr. Shareika Fisher, Assistant Director of First-Year Programs; and Maddie Bruun, a WSU senior studying Secondary Mathematics. Subscribe today to be notified of future episodes. Let's Talk About It!
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.
November workshops are here to strengthen Shocker research
Savvy Scholar Workshops continue into November! Visit Savvy Scholar Workshops for the full schedule and event information. These workshops are designed to strengthen Shocker research strategies.
Today's ISME Colloquium features Joan Wagner, Systems Engineering Lead at Spirit AeroSystems
Joan Wagner
An Industrial and Systems Engineering Approach to the 50 States Half Marathon Challenge will be presented by Joan Wagner, Systems Engineering Lead at Spirit AeroSystems, from 11 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 30.
Abstract
Industrial and Systems Engineering is a way of life. It may not be perceptible how the practical applications of the discipline infiltrate every aspect of how an ISE interacts with the world, but it is a concrete element of their lives. Ms. Wagner attempted and finished the 50 States Half Marathon Challenge and her ISE skills came into play during her planning and execution. This presentation will step through planning, optimization, and complex inputs needed for completion of the challenge.
Join us for our upcoming Real Talk! Debriefing the 2020 Elections
Upcoming Topic: Debriefing the 2020 Elections
Engage in meaningful dialogues around various topics that impact identity, diversity, inclusion, equity and society. We welcome you to lean into discomfort and join in on the discussion.
We will host multiple sessions on the following dates:
Session 1: 1-2:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4
Session 2: 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4
Session 3: 8-9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5
Session 4: Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5
Session 5: 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5
Session 6: 8-9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6
Session 7: 1-2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6
Session 8: 9-10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9
Register for any of these sessions at wichita.edu/odievents!
Real Talk – Intersection Dialogues
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.
Do you have questions about making health care appointments?
In place of Tuesday Talks this week, join Student Health's Kim Vermillion as she explains what you need to know about calling a health care provider to make an appointment, information you need to give them, and going to the actual appointment. View it here.
Join Kappa Delta Chi for its annual Kafe on KDChi!
Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc. is hosting its annual Kafe Con KDChi from 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, via Zoom. Join us with our guest speaker, the Honorable Delia Garcia, as we discuss the upcoming election and other hot political topics.
Attendees also have a chance to win a $25 gift card to Juarez Bakery!
Questions and topic suggestions can be made here.
Zoom information: Meeting ID 981 9521 1278. Password 393936
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.
Wichita State earns near-perfect score in national Pride Index
Wichita State University has earned a near-perfect score for its support and inclusion of LGBTQ students from Pride Index, which is a national benchmarking tool for colleges and universities to create safer, more inclusive campus communities.
On a scale of one to five, Wichita State earned a rating of 4.5 stars.
“This score reflects the intentional work of not only the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), but of the entire university to be a supportive and inclusive campus for LGBTQ+ students,” said Alicia Sanchez, director of ODI.
Pride Index rates universities in eight categories in reference to LGBTQ students: policy inclusion, support and institutional commitment, academic life, student life, housing and residence hall life, campus safety, counseling and health, and recruitment and retention.
Pictured above: Wichita State received 4.5 out of five stars from the National Pride Index, which scores universities based on their LGBTQ policies and inclusion programs.
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.
SAC Disney Trivia Night on Nov. 3
Join for this special edition of Trivia night. How much do you know about Disney? Consider yourself an expert? Well, test your knowledge this Tuesday, Nov. 3!
Gone are the days of joining HQ trivia only to get booted on the fifth round. Join SAC on the first Tuesday of every month for a quick HQ/Kahoot style trivia game for the chance to win some awesome e-gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, and event Visa gift cards! $100 and $50 prizes will be given out each game to first- and second- place finishers, respectively.
The highest point scorer across all four games, Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Nov. 3, and Nov. 10, will receive a $200 Amazon gift card. For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.
Fall commencement deadline for graduating student tickets is Nov. 2
Wichita State University will celebrate its fall 2020 commencement ceremonies on Sunday, Nov. 22 at Charles Koch Arena. Approximately 1,200 students are eligible to participate.
The fall ceremonies are being held earlier than in previous years to accommodate students who will not return to campus after the Thanksgiving break. The change to the academic calendar was made to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
To allow for adequate social distancing during the ceremonies, a decision was made to hold two ceremonies at Koch Arena to safely accommodate students and their guests:
- The first ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Nov. 22. Students will check in at the Rhatigan Student Center from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- The second ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. Students will check in at the RSC from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
To further ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and guests, face coverings are required, and social distancing will be in place.
This is a ticketed event. Students must RSVP by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2 to participate.
Each graduate will receive two guest tickets. Graduate and guest seating are assigned and there will be no admittance without a ticket.
Student check-in will be at the RSC on Nov. 22. Students will receive their tickets from their college at check-in.
Guest tickets will be available for pickup at the Koch Arena ticket office beginning Monday, Nov. 9. Students unable to pick up guest tickets at the arena can request their tickets be mailed to them by clicking fall commencement.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bake sale at the SAE House! Preorders accepted until Nov. 8
What would autumn be without an old-fashioned bake sale? That's why Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc., are excited to announce our first joint philanthropy event! Fill out an order form by Sunday, Nov. 8, and stop by the SAE House on Nov. 15 to benefit the Children's Miracle Network and the American Cancer Society. We also deliver.
We are offering a selection of assorted cake pops, snickerdoodles, puppy chow, and Rice Krispy treats. We also have gift boxes available.
Preorders are accepted at tinyurl.com/sae-kdchi-bakesale.
Applied Learning Highlight of the Week!
We extend a huge thank you to Biomedical Wichita State University College of Engineering major Ashley Bland for helping increase lab testing of COVID-19 working as a Processing Technician Support in the Molecular Diagnostics Lab!
Check out and share the posts on social media.
Are you a LAS student who is undecided about your major? Allow us to help!
Dear LAS Student,
Happen to be undecided about the major you’d like to pursue? We’d like to help!
Are you interested in expressing your compassion towards acting or being the very change, you wish to see in the world? If so, a Social Work Degree may be a perfect fit for you! To learn more, see our attachment crafted just for you!
We look forward to having the possibility of helping you discover true selfless influence!
Best regards,
School of Social Work
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!