The 2020 service recognition events will be moved to a virtual format
Due to rising COVID-19 numbers in Sedgwick County and upon recommendation of the University’s Health and Safety Committee, the employee recognition events will be moved to a virtual format. This was a very difficult decision and was made after much deliberation, keeping our employee’s health and safety at the forefront of our thoughts and in alignment with other large gatherings hosted by Wichita State.
The virtual ceremony will be conducted via a live stream at the designated event time on Thursday, Nov. 19:
- 9:30-11:30 a.m. event celebrating honorees with 5-20 years of service
- 3:30-5 p.m. event celebrating those with 25-50 years of service, Bender of Twigs, and retirees
The event will be broadcast live online; the media link will be available on the service recognition website.
All those being honored for a service milestone should watch the ceremony as it is live streamed at the designated event time. All honorees will be individually recognized during the virtual ceremony. Friends, family, and co-workers can also watch the ceremonies via the live stream.
This is a very unique time for everyone. The university values the dedicated service of our honorees and we want to make these milestone accomplishments a special occasion in a new virtual way.
November's Teaching Today is now available
The November issue of Teaching Today is now available. This month's topic is, "Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me?", and we cover many issues you need to know but might have missed in the avalanche of information from the last several months. For example, did you know you can get all your Panopto videos "human captioned" now? Or that you can record Zoom sessions directly to Panopto?
There is so much to know, and we tried hard to cover a lot of it. Have any questions? Send them to IDA at IDA@wichita.edu.
Thanksgiving Holiday Box Lunch on Tuesday, Nov. 24; RSVP by Nov. 18
Interim President Rick Muma and the executive team cordially invite you to a grab-and-go box lunch from noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24. Please wear your face covering and respect social distancing. Please select your meal choice by Wednesday, Nov. 18, along with the location you will pick up your meal, by going to the RSVP link.
Guidelines for staying safe when decorating offices, rooms this holiday season
Holiday safety is an issue that burns brightest from late November to mid-January, when faculty, staff and students gather for holiday parties and decorate their offices or rooms. Decorating is one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit, but fires and injuries caused by improper use of electrical decorations, such as lights or the use of candles or other open flame items, injure or kill many people each year. Take some basic precautions to ensure we all remains safe and injury-free throughout the season.
Decorations of all types shall be either non-combustible or adequately treated to render them fire resistant. Decorations are allowed 14 calendar days before the holiday or event. All decorations are expected to be removed no later than seven calendar days after the holiday or event. Artificial wrapped presents kept on the floor are limited to lobby areas. Keep wrapping paper on artwork to a minimum (i.e., less than 10% of the wall). The use of trees or wreaths shall be restricted to artificial types containing a UL or FM tag or seal indicating satisfactory fire resistance. No live or cut trees or wreaths are allowed. Do not use strings of lights on metal trees.
Streamers, garlands, lights and other decorations shall not run along or across halls, obstruct or restrict aisles, passageways, or corridors; be hung from smoke detectors or sprinkler heads or obstruct exits signs, fire extinguishers or other fire equipment. Holiday lighting strings must be double insulated or grounded and have an approval rating from either UL or FM. A maximum of three strands may be connected together. No extension cords shall be used to light strings of lights, only a circuit breaker protected power strip shall be used.
- Decorations may not be attached to doors, walls, or painted surfaces by any methods which would damage the surface or leave behind adhesive residue (i.e., low adhesive masking tape is preferred). Any costs associated with damage caused by installation or removal of decorative materials will be the responsibility of the department.
- Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following list:
- Latex balloons, silly-string, bubbles, glitter, confetti, rice, birdseed.
- Fireworks (including sparklers) or weapons of any kind.
- Live animals (except for those assisting individuals with disabilities).
- Any item with an open flame, such as candles or incense.
- Decorative materials may not be placed on fire doors, smoke doors, light fixtures, electrical equipment, electrical outlets, circuit breaker panels, etc.
- Cut trees, tree branches, pinecones, wreaths, mistletoe, and live potted plants. Artificial trees, wreaths, and other seasonal decorations must be fire/flame-retardant. It is the department’s responsibility to save packaging material as proof to the fire marshal that decorative materials have received flame-retardant treatment.
The following list of materials may not be used for decorations under any circumstances because they are inherently combustible or cannot be flame proofed:
- Bamboo
- Cedar Trees or Branches
- Corn Stalks or Shucks
- Cotton or Confetti (loose, in large quantities)
- Dry Moss or Leaves
- Flammable Powders or Liquids
- Hay or Straw (loose or baled)
- Paper Streamers (serpentine)
- Plastic Sheeting or Pellets
- Sawdust
- Tumbleweeds
- Wood Bark or Shavings
If you have questions, please contact the WSU Fire & Safety Office at 978-5803 or 978-5531.
WSU Fire & Safety wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.
Training opportunities from Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance
The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance is offering regular training on “Preventing Sexual Harassment and Discrimination” at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18 and “Equal Opportunity: Understanding Discrimination and Harassment in the Work Environment” at 10 a.m. today (Tuesday, Dec. 17).
Dates in 2021 have also been set for these trainings. The remaining 2020 sessions will be presented virtually, and the 2021 locations are subject to change if necessary. Please visit the myTraining page for more information and to register for these important and informative sessions!
Holiday greeting requests for ITS Telecommunications
The Thanksgiving holiday is from Wednesday, Nov. 25 through Friday, Nov. 27, and most departments on campus will be closed. Now is the time to submit your request if your department needs a holiday greeting activated on your calling-tree or call distribution number.
Please submit the request at www.wichita.edu/services/telecom. Choose “Telephone Request” as the requested service, then choose “Programming” as the telephone service. Please ensure to include all details in the description.
Only requests received via this method will be processed. Please email telecomservices@wichita.edu or call 978-3535 if you have any questions or need any assistance.
Banner 9 faculty grade entry training offered Nov.18
Looking for a quick refresher on Banner 9 Faculty Grade Entry? In this session from 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, we will navigate the Banner 9 grade entry screen, pulling a class list in Banner Self Service and reviewing WSU Reporting for faculty.
Sign up for this remote training session in myTraining.
Distinguished Scholarship Invitational update
Last week, after much discussion with Wichita State administration, the decision was made to move the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational (DSI) to a completely virtual experience. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Admissions team notified prospective students and the campus community that COVID cases in Sedgwick County and the Midwest would be monitored as DSI approached.
In early October, it looked promising that DSI could be held safely on campus given
that an October commencement ceremony was held, with another scheduled for November
and athletics hosting games in Charles Koch Arena. However, with pandemic highs in
confirmed cases, test positivity rates and intensive care hospital space at capacity,
the decision was made to cancel the in-person components of the program.
All students will be moved to the virtual option – which had previously been available
to all participants - and the current plan is to follow the timeline of:
- 1-30 – Applications are reviewed and scored.
- By Dec. 4 – Students will receive a notification about moving forward in the competition as a DSI semifinalist.
- Week of Dec. 14 – Students who have moved forward in the competition will participate in small-group interviews via Zoom. More details and multiple times will be provided to accommodate student schedules.
- Early January – Students who participated in the Zoom interviews will receive notification about moving forward in the competition as a DSI finalist.
- Thursday, Jan. 21 – DSI finalists will participate in a final interview with the Gore selection committee.
- Friday, Jan. 29 – Announcement of 2021 Gore Scholars
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.
Learn about Spirit AeroSystems' Micro Internships on Nov. 19!
Join Spirit AeroSystems for a Virtual Micro Mixer from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, via Zoom, and see what Spirit has to offer you!
Wichita State students have an exciting opportunity to participate in Spirit AeroSystems micro internships throughout the month of January.
Some of the internship projects include engineering projects, Wichita's famous B-29 Bomber "Doc," and the curation of the Rosie the Riveter and Women in Industry exhibits. All majors are invited to apply. These micro internships are paid.
Learn all the details, ask questions, and hear from Spirit AeroSystems representatives at this virtual mixer event, which is co-hosted by the Shocker Career Accelerator and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Students must register through Handshake to attend.
Wichita State staff and faculty can join the mixer at noon on Nov. 19 directly here.
Learn about intellectual property and trademarks at virtual SCORE workshops
Get expert advice from the library's Information Services and Research Assistant Jessica Torres in upcoming SCORE Workshops! Contact jessica.torres@wichita.edu or go to libraries.wichita.edu/ptrc.
Thursday, Nov. 19, Intellectual Property Basics - Inventions, designs, original works of authorship, and trade secrets can provide you with economic benefits. Learn the basics of intellectual property protection.
Thursday, Dec. 3, Trademark Basics: Protect Your Business Name - Discover the difference between a trademark, service mark, and registered mark. Then, learn how to search for existing marks and logos and walk through the online trademark application process.
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.
Psychology researchers want to learn how your child is coping with COVID-19
Researchers at Wichita State University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are doing an online research study to see what 10-17 year-old children think about COVID-19, and what they think about their parents’ beliefs and behaviors during this time.
When children complete the survey, their family will be entered into a raffle for a $10 gift card. We hope about 250 children complete our survey, and we will raffle 50 of the gift cards. If you have a child living in your home who is 10-17 years old, your child might be eligible for this study.
If you are interested in learning more about being in this study, please click the link below.
If you have any questions, contact Samantha Gregus, Ph.D., at samantha.gregus@wichita.edu.
Join us for this week's Wellness Programs
Mark your calendar to join in these three great virtual programs: Tuesday Talks, Keep Calm and Breathe, and Fitness discussions.
Ulrich Virtual talk Tuesday shines spotlight on friendship between Gordon Parks and Muhammad Ali
The bond between Kansas-born photographer Gordon Parks and heavy-weight champion Muhammad Ali is almost as legendary as their respective careers. At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, historian and photographer John Edwin Mason will explore that special relationship in an Ulrich Virtual program that you won't want to miss! The talk, “The Latest and Truest World: Gordon Parks and Muhammad Ali,” is free and open to all, but you have to register to get the Zoom link.
Parks photographed Ali for two separate Life magazine photo-essays. The time that they spent together allowed a friendship to grow. It was built in part on an almost familial bond between Ali and Parks, who was 30 years older. Parks’ unwillingness to accept either the celebrity or the public disdain that surrounded the often controversial boxer was equally important. His words and images described a man, not a cliché.
Historian and photographer John Edwin Mason teaches in the Corcoran Department of History at the University of Virginia. He has written extensively on South African social and cultural history and on the history of photography in South Africa and the United States. As a photographer, he has worked on a number of long-term documentary projects, including a book about Cape Town, South Africa's nearly two-centuries-old New Year’s’ Carnival. He is currently writing a book about Gordon Parks.
Image caption: Gordon Parks, Untitled, Miami, Florida, 2015 (Date of printing), 1966, Photograph. Museum Purchase. Copyright © The Gordon Parks Foundation. Used by permission.
Ulrich Virtual Webinar Registration
Meet the teams behind ‘Luke the Longhorn’ and ‘Walk With Wu’ graphic novel projects today
All students, community members and history enthusiasts are invited to join the Wichita State Society of Public Historians in a virtual meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, featuring “History Through Graphic Novels.”
Meet the teams behind the “Luke the Longhorn” and “Walk With Wu” graphic novel projects to learn more about this growing and dynamic way to engage the general public.
Request to join our public Facebook group for the Zoom meeting information.
Take 'One Small Step' with KMUW and the Kansas Leadership to bridge political divides
Join KMUW's Digital Democracy on Tap in a special collaboration with Kansas Leadership Center and StoryCorps' One Small Step for a virtual event on Tuesday, Nov. 17. We'll talk with StoryCorps founder Dave Isay on the importance of coming together during this divisive time and hear from Wichita's One Small Step participants about how they felt bridging an ideological divide with a stranger.
After the conversation, viewers will have their own chance to take a small step by signing up for a small group discussion with KLC facilitators Ed O'Malley and Dioane Gates on what we can each do to come together now that the elections are over.
To register to participate on Zoom, go to kansasleadershipcenter.org. The conversation will also be live-streamed EngageICT.org and on KMUW's Facebook page starting at 5 p.m. Nov. 17.
Celebrate International Education Week from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20!
International Education Week is Nov. 16-20! Our events are virtual this year, so be sure to check out our list of events at www.wichita.edu/ieweek to find what interests you. Events offered this year include virtual international trivia, career workshops and an immigration information session. Follow our Facebook page @WichitaStateInternationalAdmissions during International Education week for some facts about international students at Wichita State and much more.
International Admissions on Facebook
No-cost entrepreneurship webinar to help your small business succeed
Give yourself and your business the opportunities to succeed with our no-cost small business webinars.
Register at www.wichita.edu/ksbdcworkshops
Competing for Government Contracts: Basic Training
1:30-4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17
Federal, state, and local governments spend more than $800 billion per year buying goods and services. This webinar offers an overview of the critical first steps to becoming a government contractor. Learn to identify opportunities, understand the contracting process, and know the services available to help you.
Congratulations to 3rd annual 3MT® winners!
The Graduate School hosted its 3rd annual Three Minute Thesis® competition on Nov. 6. We would like to congratulate the winner, Masters student in Biological Sciences Morgan Trible (advisor Dr. Mary Liz Jameson) who presented “Dung Beetles—Turning Poop into Profits!”
Ms. Trible will go on to represent Wichita State University at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools 3MT® competition this spring.
Congratulations also to runner up, Doctoral candidate in Applied Mathematics Jonathan Folkerts (advisor Dr. Nickolas Solomey) who presented “nuSol: A Solar Neutrino Detector.”
Thank you to all of the student participants for giving us the opportunity to view your work and to participating research advisors and judges for helping us provide this opportunity to showcase graduate student research.
$14 sweatpants from the Shocker Store
Join us this week for the Shocker Store’s next one-day-only sale! Starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, the Shocker Store will have two styles of sweatpants for $14 each, while supplies last. Sale is in store at the RSC location and online at shockerstore.com. Limit five sweatpants per person. Offer not valid with other discounts or promotions and all sales are final. Stay up-to-date on the Facebook event page.
Thanksgiving Massage Special at the Heskett Center
Don’t miss the Thanksgiving Massage Special! While celebrating the spirit of thanksgiving, make sure to also give thanks to your body.
For the month of November, you can schedule a 90-minute massage for only $50. Gift certificates are available for purchase.
For more information, visit the Heskett Center Guest Services desk or call 316-978-3082.
Chartwells Family Meals
Take the stress out of cooking when you order a Chartwells Family Meal! Choose from Sweet Chicken Teriyaki, Chipotle Lime Pork Carnitas, Shredded BBQ Beer Braised Beef Brisket, or Roasted 10 Piece Chicken Meal.
Check out the details here and email wsucatering@compass-usa.com to place your order today!
Shock the Halls Sale
The Shocker Store’s big holiday sale will look a little different this year, but we are so excited for it!
The usual 12 Days of Christmas Sale will not occur due to COVID precautions and the need to allow for social distancing. Instead, we’ve combined all those days of sales and promotions into a one-day-only awesome sale -- the Shock the Halls Sale!
Join us from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Rhatigan Student Center Shirley Beggs Ballroom to find great deals on Shocker apparel and gifts! Stay updated on our Facebook event page for more information and sneak peeks to come.
Toner program begins
More than a year ago, the offices of Financial Operations and Admissions participated in a pilot program where Staples (now DEX Imaging) put software on our network to monitor toner usage of network printers and automatically send toner when printers were low. The pilot was a huge success - it eliminated the need for toner inventory, reduced costs and eliminated the order process.
The President’s Executive Team approved expansion of the program, and beginning Nov. 16 Central Services will escort DEX Imaging technicians through each building to label network printers for this program.
Average toner spend for the university is around $14,220.40 per month. Under the new DEX contract, the average spend will be reduced to about $9,212.07 per month. This is a 35% savings. There will be additional savings once we take older printers out of service and use newer networked printers instead.
Someone from Central Services will contact your office to make arrangements to get your printers labeled. If you haven't heard from us yet, please contact Ellen Abbey at 978-5864.
Student Involvement Ambassador nominations
Student Involvement Ambassadors is looking for students who are passionate about getting involved. We are a team dedicated to recruiting new Shockers, connecting current students to opportunities, celebrating campus leaders and sharing our story.
Do you know someone who would excel at communicating the value of involvement to others? Consider nominating an outstanding student to serve as a Student Involvement Ambassador!
Student Involvement Ambassadors
Meeting to explore a possible Wichita State University Amateur Radio Club
A Zoom meeting will be held from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, about starting a Wichita State University Amateur Radio Club. Students, faculty and staff are welcome.
Amateur radio is a relevant and important way to communicate over very large distances, even many foreign countries or in local emergencies. The Wichita State University Amateur Radio Club will help you get your FCC license through short training sessions, and with the help of the Wichita Amateur Radio Club conduct an FCC examination.
The club will also participate in long-distance radio communications with other clubs, to the International Space Station, and get involved with upcoming projects such as Cube-Sat communications.
All are welcome to attend at the Zoom room 938 6695 1797 password HAMRadio.
If you have questions, contact nick.solomey@wichita.edu.
Shocker Support Locker Holiday Care Packages
For the upcoming holiday break, the Shocker Support Locker is providing Holiday Care Packages to those who will be needing food and other items during the Thanksgiving Break and upcoming Holiday Closedown. The locker will be packing boxes at a higher item limit for those needing the care package. You will be able to select items they are needing for the care package to get them through the holiday breaks.
Items such as cheese, sandwich meat, bread, eggs, rice (white & brown), Ramen, Instant Oatmeal, hygiene items and many more items will be available. The Shocker Support Locker is wanting to make sure that we can still provide the Shocker Support Locker items to you during the shutdown of campus for the holidays.
Orders for the Holiday Care Packages will start on Nov. 18.
To place your order, go to wichita.edu/sslorder. Please email sga.supportlocker@wichita.edu with any questions.
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!