Interim President Rick Muma congratulates College of Health Professions for 50th anniversary
Interim President Rick Muma sent a congratulatory message to the College of Health Professions’ community as the college celebrates the 50th anniversary of providing health care education at Wichita State. Muma previously served as chair and professor in the Public Health Sciences and Physician Assistant departments.
“I hope you will take time to join me as we look fondly on the previous 50 years and all that has been achieved, and, as we look forward to the next 50 years with excitement for all that is to be taught, all that is to be discovered, and all that is to be accomplished,” said Muma.
The 50th anniversary celebration is being held Nov. 2-7 and coincides with the annual CHP Week celebration.
Convergence Sciences team helps communities predict, prepare for disasters
A team of interdisciplinary researchers at Wichita State University is using artificial intelligence and big data to digitally transform the way communities predict and respond to natural disasters.
The newly formed Data-Enabled Disaster Resilience Center is part of Wichita State’s Convergence Sciences Initiative, which empowers faculty, staff and students who span the disciplines to form research clusters that address our most pressing and opportunistic challenges. Each of the four projects selected was awarded $300,000 over the next three years.
Pictured above: The team of Wichita State University researchers in the newly formed Data-Enabled Disaster Resilience Center meet via Zoom to discuss their Convergence Sciences project, which will help communities predict disasters and prepare for their aftermath.
2021 Wichita State University dynamic impacts across Kansas released
Wichita State University's Center for Economic Development and Business Research has released an economic impact analysis of Wichita State University. This report gives an analysis of the dynamic impact WSU has on Wichita, the region and the state economies.
WSU was estimated to have contributed $1 billion in economic activity within Kansas. The university and its spending supported more than 4,500 jobs in Sedgwick County, almost 600 jobs in the other nine counties of the Wichita region, and more than 600 jobs in the rest of Kansas.
University tourist activities, such as sporting events and conferences, attracted more than 200,000 tourists to the area and contributed more than $60 million to the local economy. WSU alumni were estimated to have total annual earnings of more than $4.6 billion, approximately $2.4 billion higher than they would have earned with a high school diploma alone.
Read the full Dynamic Impacts Across Kansas report
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.
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.
Snacks with success coaches - today!
Are you a first-generation Shocker? Swing by 115 Neff Hall to pick up a quick snack, Shocker SWAG and chat with a Success Coach. Learn about the resources available in Student Success, complete a Success Plan, or get tips on how you can maximize your potential for success and maintain your momentum toward graduation!
Shockers Abroad Series: Video playlist
The playlist for the complete Shockers Abroad Series is now available to view. Hear from our study abroad alumni as they share about their study abroad experiences.
Shockers Abroad Series Playlist
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.
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.
Receive sales tax guidance for your small business
No-cost State Tax Workshops are available to small business owners. Carl York, a tax advocate, will answer all your sales tax questions.
Register at www.wichita.edu/ksbdcworkshops
State Tax Webinar for Construction Contractors
10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Nov. 5
Carl York with the Kansas Department of Revenue will focus on sales tax issues for construction contractors and subcontractors, including those who provide services like plumbing, carpentry, electrical, roofing, HVAC, and landscaping. Learn about applying sales tax to materials and labor, Project Exemption Certificates, tax returns, billing, and more.
State Tax Webinar
1-4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5
Before, during, and after the Covid-19 outbreak, we still need to pay taxes! Join Carl York from the Kansas Department of Revenue to learn what you need to know and get answers to your questions in this free webinar. Topics include sales and compensating use taxes, tax forms and how to file them, estimated taxes, and recordkeeping.
First-generation student seized grad school opportunity
When Lily Guillen started her college education, she started from square one.
One story she likes to tell is that when she started her first semester at Monmouth College in Illinois, a friend asked her if she’d gotten her textbooks. She said she hadn’t received them yet. It was then that her friend told her that she had to purchase the books.
“I didn't know I had to buy books,” she said.
Lily, a graduate student in studio art, is one of thousands of first-generation students at Wichita State University. She will be taking over the university’s Instagram account on Wednesday, Nov. 4, to share her experiences as a first-gen student.
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.
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.
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.
CGRS 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.
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
Physics Seminar Series presents Francesco Brizioli today
Join us for our next Physics Seminar at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4 via Zoom.
You can find all the details here.
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
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.
Join Wellness Services in this week's virtual and in person events
A lot is happening this week in Wellness Services. Join us Tuesday for a talk on making doctor's appointments. On Wednesday, get a free STI test and receive a slice of pizza (only 40 slots, call 978-4792). In the afternoon, Keep Calm and Breathe. Thursday, learn more about effective warm-ups. On Friday, join us for a Lifting Clinic in person at the Heskett Center or on Facebook Live. Need a quick dental screening? Sign up for one on Friday by calling 978-4792.
RBOS Distinguished Guest Artist Isabelle Demers to perform in Wiedemann Hall
Join us either through the live-stream or in person (limited attendance) for the Rie Bloomfield Organ Series Distinguished Guest Artist Isabelle Demers, professor of organ and head of the organ department at Baylor University, Waco, Texas. The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in Wiedemann Hall.
Her program on the great Marcussen organ is a spectacular mix of old and new with Bach, Beethoven and Louis Vierne, who was born 150 years ago this year.
Tickets are available at the Fine Arts Box Office.
Masks and social distancing respected.
WSU philosopher interviewed on Space Café Podcast
James Schwartz, an assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy, was recently featured on the Space Café podcast, produced by the SpaceWatch.Global digital magazine.
From the podcast website:
"Admittedly, Elon's rocket-launches and landings are fascinating. They have a magical attraction. The same applies, of course, to future missions like Artemis. Seeing people on the moon again has its charm. But, do we really have to do all this? What’s the point in going to space?
To ask such unpleasant questions is the job of the passionate space nerd and space philosopher James Schwartz. He puts his finger on those spots that others ignore. Now and then fascinating ideas surface in this process."
WSU Police Department position open to WSU employees only
The WSU Police Department is looking for a Communications Specialist Supervisor. Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10. To apply, go to Internal Postings and follow the directions. For questions or assistance, contact the Talent Acquisition Team at 316-978-3065 or employment@wichita.edu
New clear bag Gameday Bundle from the Shocker Store
The Shocker Store has a new clear bag Gameday Bundle to help you be compliant with Koch Arena’s new clear bag policy! For $25, you’ll get a clear WuShock bag and six disposable WSU masks. Available now at the RSC and Braeburn Square locations and online at shockerstore.com.
Celebrate F1rst-Gen students with "F1rsts" Zoom backgrounds
Support our F1rst-Gen students, and/or share your F1rst-Gen status with new Zoom backgrounds celebrating all kinds of other firsts. From Amelia Earhart to Usain Bolt, these backgrounds have something for everyone to celebrate. Find your favorite first here.
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.
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.
Attention future Shocker Adelante Scholars
Wichita State offers new scholarship opportunities geared toward Hispanic and Black students joining Shocker Nation! Thank you, Yolanda and Gene Camarena! (See graphic for eligibility details and where to apply)
Students learn more about STEM with ‘Expanding Your Horizons’
Join us this Saturday, Nov. 7 for the virtual ”Expanding Your Horizons” mini conference! This annual event is used to introduce middle school girls to various STEM areas and careers. Saturday will include several livestreamed discussion panels and activities, which will be free and open to everyone -- no registration required.
More information, including a schedule of events, can be found at Wichita Expanding Your Horizons.
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!
Register to receive 5 Days of DIYs!
We love DIYS and we know you do too! Register to receive a 5 Days of DIYs kit to get you through the last week of in-person classes or to take with you over the break! Registrants will receive a make at home kit including five different DIY projects, some SAC swag, and some other little treats to make the break before finals bearable.
You can choose to pick up your kit in Student Involvement at the Rhatigan Student Center between Nov. 10-13 or have it mailed to your home address. All registrants that choose to pick up their kit will be contacted via email to select a pick-up time. Once you have your kit, follow along with our social media where we’ll walk you through how to create each day’s DIY throughout the week. Then, show off your creations on your own pages! Be sure to tag SAC when you post!
One kit per person with WSU ID - priority will be given to students. Registration is open now and closes Friday, Nov. 6, or until supplies last. For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.