Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and for expressing gratitude
In gratitude for all our faculty and staff have done during these ever-changing and challenging times, WSU is closing the university on Wednesday, Nov. 25, one day in advance of the official Thanksgiving Holiday leave (Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27). Benefits-eligible employees will be paid for this personal day away from work and will not use accrued leave.
We wish you and your family a safe and restful holiday. Please take with you our gratitude for all you have done and will continue to do.
Click here for more information about the personal day away from work, who is eligible for the personal day away from work, instructions on recording time, and information on what to do if you are unable to take a personal day away from work on Wednesday, Nov. 25.
Withdrawal deadline extended to Dec. 3
Hello, Shockers.
Given the challenges of 2020, including a shift to online and hybrid learning, and the uncertainty of this pandemic, it’s understandable that some students are experiencing academic difficulties. Therefore, Wichita State University would like to remind students of three options to students who might be struggling during the fall 2020 semester:
- Contact your instructors: Your instructors want you to be successful, so reaching out to faculty should be your first course of action. Some faculty members might offer extensions or assistance under certain circumstances.
- Late withdrawals: Any class that had a withdrawal deadline of Oct. 27 or later, the withdrawal deadline is being extended to Dec. 3. For more information on how to withdraw from a class, click here.
- Scholarships: Students who drop below the minimum requirements to maintain a scholarship — either due to withdrawal from a class or GPA requirements — can appeal for a probationary period while they work on their GPA. Students do not need to wait until the scholarship is withdrawn to file an appeal. Students with circumstances related to COVID-19 or the uncertainty of the pandemic are strongly encouraged to apply for an appeal.
All of us in our Shocker community are ready to support our students in any way we can. Do not hesitate to reach out to our faculty and staff to learn more about your options for academic success.
With Shocker Pride,
Shirley Lefever
Interim Executive Vice President and Provost
Excellence in Research nominations
Nominations for faculty excellence awards in creative activity, research and community research are due to the Office of Research by Friday, Dec. 4. Please go to Excellence Awards for the nomination form and instructions.
Call for Fiscal Year 2022 Educational Opportunity and Student Services Funding requests
It’s again time to begin the process for submission of funding requests through Student Government Association for the Educational Opportunity Fund and Student Services Fee for FY ‘22. Through the student services fee, these programs provide financial support to facilitate students’ academic pursuits (Educational Opportunity Fund) or the funding of programs / activities delivered directly to students (Student Services).
If you’ve submitted requests in the past, the Budget Review Officer should receive an email from the Budget Office to kick-off the submission process. If you have not submitted requests in the past, but are considering submitting a new request, please contact Lauren Smith, Jason Post, or David Miller in the Budget Office at 978-3030 for more information.
Requests are due no later than Friday, Jan. 29.
WSU Foundation 2020 Requisition Holiday Schedule
Thanksgiving:
WSU Foundation will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 23, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Please have all requisitions submitted by noon today (Monday, Nov. 23). Checks will be processed by Tuesday, Nov. 24.
Christmas:
WSU Foundation will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25. Please have all requisitions submitted by noon Monday, Dec. 21. Requisitions will be processed on Wednesday, Dec. 23.
New Year’s:
WSU Foundation will be closed Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Please have all requisitions submitted by noon Tuesday, Dec. 29. Requisitions will be processed on Thursday, Dec. 31.
Meet a Shocker: A degree 56 years in the making
There were two Shocker milestones in 1964: Wichita University became Wichita State University, and a 17-year-old Martha Backman walked onto the Wichita State campus and began her college education.
This fall, 73-year-old Martha will celebrate her 56-year circuitous educational journey with a bachelor’s degree in aging studies.
According to university records: Of the 88,349 bachelor’s degrees awarded by Wichita State, Martha is one of only four who were 73 years old at the time of their graduation. Nine other students have been older than 73, with the oldest Shocker graduate being 90 years old. Martha is in second place for the length of time to get her degree. Her 56 years is superseded by only one person who took 69 years.
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.
RSC closed for Thanksgiving break
The Rhatigan Student Center and its departments will be closed from Wednesday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 29 for the Thanksgiving break.
University Libraries schedule through the holiday season
University Libraries will have the following hours through holiday break:
Thanksgiving Break hours at Ablah Library (Nov. 23-29)
Monday - Tuesday, November 23-24, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday - Sunday, Nov. 25-- 29 CLOSED
End of term hours at Ablah Library (Nov. 30 – Dec. 13)
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday CLOSED
Winter Intersession hours at Ablah Library (Dec. 14-20)
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday CLOSED
Please note that hours are subject to change. Stay up to date with library hours and policies at libraries.wichita.edu/covid19.
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.
Funding opportunity for WSU female entrepreneurs
The Women for Women's Innovation Scholarship Fund is awarded to Wichita State University female students to support innovative ideas showing promise of commercialization. The fund was established in 2020 in order to support women leaders and entrepreneurs in moving their ideas forward by providing recipients a boost to “Shock The World.”
All full- and part-time WSU students are eligible to apply. The deadline for application is Dec. 11.
Women for Women Innovation Scholarship
Want to learn more about internal grant opportunities? Attend the WSU Faculty Support Committee Panel Discussion
WSU Office of Research Workshop: The WSU Faculty Support Committee & Internal Funding Opportunities: Dec. 15, 2020
Join the WSU Faculty Support Committee for a panel discussion about internal grant funding opportunities available to WSU faculty, including the URCA, ARC and MURPA. The WSU Faculty Support committee will describe each funding opportunity, the rating criteria that is used to evaluate applications and how to improve your likelihood of receiving this internal funding. The workshop will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Please sign up through myTraining or by emailing proposals@wichita.edu.
Health Professions faculty and staff - Sign up for IRB and Data Security Workshop
WSU Office of Research Workshop: Institutional Review Board Overview and Data Security: Dec. 4, 2020 and Dec. 8, 2020
Register to attend the virtual WSU Office of Research Workshop: Institutional Review Board Overview and Data Security.
Linda Steinacher, IRB/IACUC administrator, will discuss the process of applying to the WSU Institutional Review Board for research involving human subjects.
Misha Jacob-Warren, Deputy General Counsel, will discuss the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its relevance to university researchers.
Finally, Mark Rodee, Chief Information Security Officer, will discuss data security with regard to sensitive data such as personally- identifying information, controlled unclassified information, and research data in general.
This workshop is recommended especially for those in health professions and those whose research involves working with human subjects or sensitive data. Two sessions will be offered: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, or 10:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Dec. 8,
Please sign up through myTraining or by emailing proposals@wichita.edu.
Please register to attend Introduction to WSU Office of Research
Introduction to the WSU Office of Research Workshop: 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2.
Join Fran Cook of the WSU Office of Research for a one-hour Zoom workshop, from 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2. Topics will include 1) WSU Research Office resources and contacts, 2) finding funding, 3) project budgeting and 4) grant-writing tips, with time for questions and answers.
Email proposals@wichita.edu to receive login information.
Kansas NASA EPSCoR Program is requesting pre-proposals for an ISS Flight Opportunity award
The Kansas NASA EPSCoR Program (KNEP) is seeking pre-proposals for eventual submission to a NASA Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) opportunity. Specifically, this CAN solicitation is for projects that “have previously been selected by NASA EPSCoR for ground-based research funding. All proposed projects shall be mature enough to transition to a flight experiment with little or no additional NASA funding. Through this solicitation, the ISS will provide the integration and flight opportunity.”
An award includes up to $100,000 in funding for three years.
This ISS specific CAN effort must:
▪ Continue current or previously funded EPSCoR projects that are mature enough to design a research experiment or develop research experimental hardware to the point that it can be safely flown on the ISS;
▪ Establish research activities that will make significant contributions to the strategic research and technology development priorities of one or more of the Mission Directorates;
▪ Contribute to the overall research infrastructure, science and technology capabilities of higher education, and economic development of the jurisdiction (i.e., Kansas).
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.
Engage in facts not fear around Covid-19!
The African American Faculty and Staff Association is a proud partner of the Wichita Black Alliance. Our own Karen Wright will serve on the #FactsNotFear Town Hall. Tune in at 7 p.m. today (Monday, Nov. 23) at facebook.com/wichitablackalliance, and listen to the live conversation with urban health professionals, those who have lost loved ones due to Covid, and others directly impacted by the virus.
Learn more about the Wichita Black Alliance.
Wednesdays in Wiedemann Annual Christmas Organ Concert
Please join us for the Wednesdays in Wiedemann Annual Christmas Organ Concert at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, on the great Marcussen organ in Wiedemann Hall.
Two guest student organists and a lovely soprano, also a student at WSU, will perform. We will have carol-singing by the audience, and as usual, one favorite, and lively, joyful works performed on the organ by Lynne Davis, Robert L. Town Distinguished Professor of Organ.
Free admission. You may attend in person (social distancing and masks required) or watch the live stream on the WSU School of Music Facebook page.
Spring 2021 Tuition Assistance deadline approaching
The HR Total Rewards team reminds staff and faculty that the deadline for Spring 2021 Tuition Assistance applications is Tuesday, Dec. 1.
Reminder: Tuition Assistance applications for Spring 2021 are submitted through the Online Application Form.
The fillable PDF form will no longer be accepted. Due to the volume of applications received each semester, requests to submit late applications will be automatically denied. There will be no exceptions.
Full program details can be found here.
Questions may be directed to TuitionAssistance@wichita.edu.
State Employee Health Plan updates in response to COVID-19
Gov. Laura Kelly announced four (4) provisions on March 13, 2020 that have been extended through Dec. 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.
Read more
- 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.
November HealthQuest upcoming events
Employees enrolled in 2020 coverage through the State Employee Health Plan can earn a premium discount worth $480 annually and HSA/HRA rewards dollars up to $500 per year for each employee and covered spouse, just by participating and logging healthy activities throughout the year!
In June, the Health Care Commission (HCC) voted to reduce the number of HealthQuest credits required to receive the 2021 premium incentive discount. The credit requirement was reduced from 40 points to 20 points, due to the exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19.
In addition, the HSA/HRA Dollars awarded for each HealthQuest credit completed has been increased from $10 to $20 per credit, up to the maximum of $500 per member. This change applies only to the 2020 plan year and is retroactive for credits earned since Jan. 1.
In November, there are two events currently scheduled, worth up to 5 points total. There are also a variety of on-demand or online options with up to 46 points available.
* Heskett Center members who attend 40 fitness classes between Aug. 17-Nov. 25 will earn 4 points.
Now is good time to take advantage of some of the on-demand and online options to earn HealthQuest points.
- Virtual Health Coaching Sessions: You can earn up to 15 points (max 1 health coaching per day, 1 point each) by scheduling Health Coaching Sessions. You can choose a health coach who is a nurse (RN), a dietitian or a trainer when scheduling sessions.
- Learning Modules: You can earn up to 5 points by completing on-demand learning modules in the HealthQuest portal. There are 18 different topics to choose from.
- EAP On-Demand Trainings: You can earn up to 8 points (max 1 point per day) by completing EAP On-Demand trainings and webinars that you can access through the HealthQuest portal. There are 32 different topics to choose from.
- HealthQuest Financial Wellness Learning Module: You can earn 5 points by completing this four-week learning module.
- Online Wellness Assessment: You can earn 10 points for completing this assessment.
- 2020 HealthQuest Program Overview Video & Quiz: You can earn 3 points for watching this video and completing the short quiz.
We’ll publish upcoming events each month, but if you’d like to plan in advance, check out all currently scheduled HealthQuest events .
Remember the deadline to earn points towards HSA/HRA Reward Dollars is Nov. 18, and the deadline to earn points towards your 2021 Premium Discount is Dec. 31.
Support our recent WSU graduates and vote 'CYFIVE'
These recent WSU graduates need your vote to advance to the finals of the global (or international) Xprize Next Generation Facemask Challenge.
Vote “CyFive” now through Wednesday, Nov. 25 at the bottom of Xprize.org/masksurvey.
Dance collaboration for Kansas Dance Festival
The School of Performing Arts Dance Program and the Media Resources Center Video Services collaborated on the dance video "Visitors" for the Kansas Dance Festival. The dance festival this year is a virtual event.
“Visitors” was written and directed by Nicholas Johnson, choreographed by Denise Celestin, Sabrina Vasquez and Nicholas Johnson. Caleb Johnston with MRC Video Services edited the video.
CFA Advising Center position open to WSU employees only
The CFA Advising Center is looking for an Academic Advisor. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, Dec. 6. To apply, go to Internal Postings and follow the directions. For questions or assistance, contact the Talent Acquisition Team at 978-3065 or email employment@wichita.edu.
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.
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!
Generation Lead Podcast Series featuring Tajahnae Stocker
Current graduate student Alexus Scott and Student Involvement have partnered together to conduct and produce a podcast series focusing on the development of our next generation's leaders. The podcast series is called Generation Lead and features voices from current WSU students, staff, faculty, and community partners.
Due to the recent virtual change in in-person programming, the podcast series provides high impact dialogue that empowers, challenges, and motivates a generation to lead and take space in their personal capacities with great measure. You can check out previous and upcoming episodes via streaming platforms like Anchor, Spotify, Breaker, and Google Podcasts.
The Creator of Change, we’re going to learn and discuss more about the ICT Community Fridge Project. The ICT Community Fridge Project has launched and received an abundance of support from the local Wichita community. This initiative and movement have been giving back in the form of providing mutual aid. The fridge serves as a resource to reduce food insecurity in targeted areas across the city.
Tajahnae Stocker has developed a program that precisely acknowledges the disparities and provides relief to the barriers and challenges that folks are faced with daily. Being a current student, we will explore the creation of her recent idea and discuss what leadership capabilities it’s taken to develop such a viable resource in such a short amount of time
Generation Lead Podcast Series
Enroll for an in-person service-learning course in psychology!
The INSPYRE research lab (directed by Dr. Samantha Gregus) is currently recruiting undergraduate mentors for a 3-hour service-learning course in psychology (PSY 416) for the spring 2021 semester!
Prior to enrolling in PSY 416 (Psychology and Problems of Society) mentors are required to: pass an interview and background check, have reliable transportation, lunch availability from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at least twice a week, and attend class on Mondays from 3:30-6 p.m.
We have a course syllabus, class readings, and paper assignments. Mentors will receive training at the beginning of the course and a grade at the end based on attendance and completion of assignments. We are interested in recruiting mentors from any college and major.
For more information, please contact the INSPYRE research lab at inspyre@wichita.edu ASAP.
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.
Undergraduate STEM majors are encouraged to apply for the Goldwater Scholarship
Sophomores and juniors with a strong commitment to a research career in the sciences, mathematics and/or engineering are encouraged to apply to the competitive and prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. Visit the Goldwater Scholarship website for more information about the application and who is eligible to apply.
Students interested in applying must notify Dean Coleen Pugh by Monday, Nov. 23. Questions? Email coleen.pugh@wichita.edu.