Shocker Neighborhood Commitment offers scholarships and support to Wichita State’s neighbors
Wichita State University has created a scholarship and support network to help those nearest to its campus. The Shocker Neighborhood Commitment provides funding to make college more affordable and attainable for recent high school graduates living in the Shocker Neighborhood.
The scholarship provides last-dollar funding, which means it will cover the unmet need of qualified students. It is available to students who reside between Oliver Street and Interstate 135 to the east and west, and Kansas Highway 96 and Central Avenue to the north and south.
All recipients will also receive academic support and career planning services from one or more of the universities signature support programs.
Holiday grab-and-go reception; RSVP by Dec. 7
Interim President Rick Muma and the executive team cordially invite you to a come-and-go reception for an afternoon grab-and-go treat from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10. Please wear your face covering and respect social distancing.
Please RSVP and select a pick-up location that works best for you by Monday, Dec. 7.
Sign up for Banner 9 Schedule Building Training – Dec. 9 & 10
New Banner Schedule Builders are invited to attend the upcoming Summer 2021 and Fall 2022 Schedule Building Training sessions presented by the University Applications Training and the Registrar’s Office on Dec. 9 and 10. Both Sections 1 and 2 are required for new schedule builders.
Attendees will learn to enter the course schedule and view information using Banner 9, Self Service and WSU Reporting. Registration is required, sessions are posted on myWSU > myTraining.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, spaces are limited and restricted to new schedule builders only. Please contact Madelyne Toney in Applications Training if you have questions, 978-3083 or madelyne.toney@wichita.edu
**Please note: Current Schedule Builders are welcome to attend the remote Schedule Building Overview Session posted in myTraining on Jan. 7.
Go to wichita.edu/schedulebuilding webpage for schedule building related information.
Nominate an adult learner for the second annual Adult Learner of the Year Award
In March of 2021, the Office of Adult Learning will host the 2nd Annual Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY) awards ceremony. In this ceremony, we will not only celebrate six years as an office, but we will also name an ALOTY, two finalists, a community partner and a WSU partner. We are calling on the WSU community to help us find an adult learner at Wichita State deserving of the title, Adult Learner of the Year. The deadline to nominate an adult learner for is Friday, Jan. 29.
A student is considered an adult learner at Wichita State if they are a current undergraduate earning their first bachelor’s degree and be either:
- 24 years or older or
- Military or Veteran student or
- Independent status
ALOTY Criteria:
- 3.00 GPA at WSU (Extenuating circumstances can be reviewed)
- Displays perseverance in obtaining a degree
- Demonstrates Shocker Pride
- Possesses leadership qualities
If you know of a student who meets the following criteria, please click here and submit their name.
Tis' the season for giving. Please refer to WSU Policies and Procedures before purchasing a gift for employees.
Please see Campus Policy 13.21/Gifts to Employees: 'No cash or cash equivalent, i.e., gift cards, may be given as a gratuity, gift or other favor to a University employee from any fund source.' This includes Foundation funds. Any Foundation Requisition requests to reimburse gift card purchases will be denied.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Kimberly Pham at foundation.ap@wichita.edu.
Degree Works down for maintenance today
Degree Works audits will be unavailable Friday, Dec. 4 while necessary upgrades take place. Access to Degree Works for staff and students will resume Monday, Dec. 7.
Nominate your GTA for the 2021 SGA Graduate Teaching Award of the Year
Started in Spring 2019, the Wichita State University Student Government Association awards the SGA Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge and recognize outstanding graduate teaching assistants for their contributions to the mission of Wichita State University.
If you know any outstanding GTAs, nominate them today! Nominations for the 2021 SGA Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year are now open and will close at 5 p.m. March 12, 2021. Click here to nominate your academic advisor today.
Generation Lead Podcast Series featuring Jadyn Stutey!
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.
Jadyn Stutey and Alexus are going to have a candid conversation about leadership and loyalty. As a leader, we’re loyal to the commitments we commit to day-by-day and year-by-year. Jadyn has been a member of 10 organizations in her stint at WSU and held executive roles in more than five of those.
During Jadyn’s involvement and commitment, she’s also started a multicultural organization of her own! During the last couple of months, our nation and the student body has seen its series of tests and trials as it pertains to loyalty. Alexus remembers being involved like Jadyn, and Alexus was faced with the decisions of honoring herself, my roles requirements, and those whom she served. Take a listen!
Click here to listen now via Spotify.
Human Resource Office closure
The Human Resource Office will close at 11:30 a.m. today (Friday Dec. 4), so staff can participate in a virtual holiday celebration. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday Dec. 7.
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.
Cultural Value Orientation as a Predictor of Adolescent Bullying
Are you a parent of a teenager?
The INSPYRE Research lab at Wichita State University is conducting a study to explore how parent and child values relate to how adolescents respond to bullying situations.
In order to be a part of the study, parents and their teen must be together at the start of the survey, and parents must provide permission for their teen to participate. We will ask parents to complete demographic questions and study measures. Then, we’ll ask the parent to hand the study off to their teenager to complete the remaining survey. This study should only take 15 minutes to complete in total. Parents must be at least 18 years old, adolescents must be between the ages of 10-17 years old, and both must be able to read English in order to participate. At the end of the study, the family has the opportunity to be entered into a raffle to win a prize.
For more information, click the survey link to find the parent consent form.
If you have any questions, please e-mail Dr. Samantha Gregus, director of the INSPYRE lab, at inspyre@wichita.edu or call at 316-978-6180.
Attend the UP and USS Senates fall general meeting
All university staff members are invited to attend the UP and USS Senates fall general meeting from 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, on Zoom. We have several speakers lined up to cover a variety of topics.
- Interim President Rick Muma – University update and looking ahead
- VP of Finance and Administration Werner Golling – Budget overview
- Director of Student Health Services Camille Childers – COVID update and plans moving forward
- UP and USS Senate Presidents Trish Gandu and Randy Session – Fall semester highlights and what’s next for the staff senates
We will also discuss the proposed senate merger and constitutions of the WSU Staff Senate and allow time for questions.
If you are interested in joining the meeting, please email Kayla Jasso at kayla.jasso@wichita.edu for the Zoom link.
December 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 December, there is one event currently scheduled. There are also a variety of On-Demand or online options with up to 46 points available!
- Thursday, Dec. 17, 3-4 p.m., “Managing Holiday Stress” EAP webinar. Register online (1 point)
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 was Nov. 18, 2020, and the deadline to earn points toward your 2021 Premium Discount is Dec. 31, 2020.
Spring Semester Tuition Assistance deadline extended through Tuesday, Dec. 8
The University recognizes all the extra time and effort devoted by our employees during this ever-changing and challenging time. For that reason, the University is offering a one-time extension of the Tuition Assistance deadline until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8.
If you wish to take advantage of this one-time deadline extension, please complete and submit the Tuition Assistance Application. The online Application is the only way Tuition Applications are accepted, is automatically scheduled to close at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, and will not be available after this time.
Please note that we will not be extending the deadline for future semesters so we encourage all employees who utilize the Tuition Assistance benefit for themselves, a spouse or a dependent to mark on your calendar the deadlines for each semester, which are the same for each year.
|
Term |
Applications Accepted |
Application Deadline |
Notification of Award |
|
Fall |
May 1 |
July 1* |
July 31 |
|
Spring |
October 1 |
December 1* |
December 31 |
|
Summer |
February 15 |
April 15* |
May 15 |
*When the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the end of the following University business day.
Additional information about the Tuition Assistance benefit can be found by clicking here.
Donate to Adult Learner Scholarship in honor of Dr. Susan Norton
Susan Norton, director of the Office of Adult Learning, will retire this month. Her last day at WSU will be Friday, Dec. 18. She has been at Wichita State since 2008.
Norton is requesting that instead of having a retirement party, she would like those who can, to donate. The WSU Foundation has helped set up this page for those who would like to donate toward an Adult Learner Scholarship.
Campus road repair begins soon
Patching repair and construction will begin soon on short sections of Perimeter Road and Mike Oatman Drive. Completion is scheduled before the resumption of classes on Feb. 1.
While the work will result in lane closures, traffic will continue to use all roads during construction. Flagmen will direct one-way traffic during work hours.
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.
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.
Saturday Sale in the Shocker Store
This Saturday save on some great gifts in the Shocker Store! That day only, take 20% off blankets, drinkware and ornaments. Sale is in both the RSC and Braeburn Square locations.
Free shipping at shockerstore.com
Not a local Shocker? Don’t worry, the Shocker Store has free shipping with a $75 purchase at shockerstore.com through Dec. 17! Not valid on textbook purchases.
'Walk with Wu' celebrates 125 years of Wichita State
In honor of Wichita State University's 125th anniversary, three Wichita State faculty members have teamed up with an alumna artist to create "A Walk with Wu," a graphic novel that chronicles the university's rich history through the eyes of our beloved mascot: WuShock.
“We hope that readers will appreciate the different phases of Wichita State’s story and how we have changed while maintaining the core of who we are," said Dr. Jay Price, professor of history and one of the book's authors.
It's the perfect gift for all Shockers. The books, which sell for $12, are available in the Rhatigan Student Center Shocker Stores beginning Dec. 2.
Purchase your “Walk with Wu” graphic novel.
Fire alarms will be tested today
Fire Safety will be sounding the fire alarms in buildings. This testing will take place between 7:30 a.m.-4 Friday, Dec. 4. If the alarm is sounding in your building and you want to verify that you need to evacuate, call Facilities Services at 978-3444 for information.
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.