Welcome back, Shockers
Welcome back for the spring semester, Shockers. We're eager to see you, whether in person or virtually. This semester will feel familiar to you if you were here last fall. Whether you're returning to WSU or it's your first time with us, we welcome you.
Today in Black History...
On Feb 1, 1865, Congress approved the 13th amendment ending slavery. On this very same day, Boston attorney John Rock became the first black attorney to be admitted to argue in the Supreme Court of the United States. Rock was credited with coining the phrase "black is beautiful." On this same day in 1902, Poet Langston Hughes was born.
Making strong connections each semester is key
Now, more than ever, it is important for students to be making connections with their peers, faculty, staff and resources on campus. Encourage students to log in or arrive early to class to get to know other students and their instructors. For tips on what to say to professors, students can check out this page on the Student Success website. Students should also attend Welcomefest events to meet their peers and get connected to campus resources remotely.
Video celebrates 125 years of Shocker spirit
The Office of Strategic Communications invites you to view a video to celebrate Wichita State University’s first 125 years of innovation and education. To stay up-to-date on all the university’s videos, subscribe Wichita State’s YouTube channel.
Join the work of the First-Gen Coordinating Council
Become a part of the network that serves as a hub for collaboration with campus resources and networking for opportunities that provide services geared toward first-gen Shocker students.
Join the important work of the First Gen Coordinating Council by signing on as a subcommittee member.
The following committees are looking for membership:
- Marketing
- Faculty & Staff Engagement
- Faculty & Staff Affinity Group
- Data & Assessment
- Graduate School
Learn more about first-gen Shockers and joining a subcommittee at wichita.edu/firstgen or email fgshockers@wichita.edu.
Campus transit shuttle update
Wichita Transit shuttle service to campus restarts today (Monday, Feb. 1). New this semester is a route that goes to and from the Innovation Campus and Braeburn Square.
Learn more about transit routes
State Employee Health Plan updates in response to COVID-19
Gov. Laura Kelly announced four provisions on March 13, 2020 that have been extended until further notice 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.
- 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.
Aetna members - Teledoc
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.
Campus traffic update
Repairs are being conducted between Henrion Hall and the parking garage and turning onto Isley Lane. There will be flagmen directing traffic around the work zone for the next two weeks in that location. Thank you for your patience.
Call for presentations; save the date for virtual Gender & Sexuality in Kansas Conference
The call for presentations for the 8th Annual interdisciplinary Gender & Sexuality in Kansas Conference (to be held virtually Friday, March 12) is now open. More information and the CFP link is available at wichita.edu/genderconference.
Students, faculty, staff and other interested scholars from any discipline should submit a 200-300 word summary of your proposed presentation including topic/research questions, methodology and a summary of findings or main themes to be addressed in the presentation. Presenters may consist of individuals or groups. All submissions should consist of original research or scholarship related to gender and/or sexuality.
Presentation formats: Traditional oral presentations [15-20 minutes] include a visual aid of some sort (power point, video, poster). Workshop/trainings may be longer and include an identified learning outcome with an interactive component.
The deadline for submissions: Friday, Feb. 5
Spread the word: We hope that you will consider submitting a proposal and share information about the conference with your students, colleagues and others across campus or Wichita community who may be interested.
Please contact Shocker Sociology, 316-978-3280 or email jodie.hertzog@wichita.edu with any questions you may have.
To stay up to date on conference announcements, follow on Facebook.
Virtual, in-person Rie Bloomfield Organ Series starting in February
Please join us for Wednesdays In Wiedemann with Lynne Davis in Wiedemann Hall on the great Marcussen organ at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3. You may either attend in person (masks and social distancing applied), watch the live-stream or wait until it appears on the organ YouTube channel via WSUTV. Part of the Rie Bloomfield Organ Series, admission is free to hear a half-hour recital of music by beloved J.S. Bach and one of his own mentors, Georg Boehm.
Wichita State Baseball announces first-ever Virtual Fan Day
Get ready Shocker fans, the first-ever Wichita State Baseball Virtual Fan Day, presented by Cox, is happening at 7 p.m. tonight. This free Zoom event, hosted by Shocker legend, Brent Kemnitz, provides Shocker fans with a unique opportunity to get to hear from and interact with members of the baseball coaching staff. Attendees will also receive early access to unique Shocker Baseball virtual content. Visit goshockers.com/bsbfanday for more information and to register today.
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.
GRASP 2021 abstract submission closes Feb. 11
The Graduate School is now accepting abstract submissions for the 17th annual Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) Symposium. GRASP 2021 will be held on Blackboard again this year with video presentations open for WSU Community viewing starting on April 2. Please encourage your graduate students to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their research. Abstract submission closes on Feb. 11.
SGA scholarships now open
The Student Government Association is excited to open its annual scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year. Each year SGA awards about $80,000 to students on campus through four scholarships:
- James J. Rhatigan Leadership Scholarship
- International Student Scholarship
- SGA Endowed Scholarship
- SGA Summer Scholarship
Please let students know to apply at wichita.edu/sgascholarships. The deadline is Friday, March 5.
$12 long-sleeve tee special at RSC Shocker Store
Shockers, take advantage of a great deal at the RSC Shocker Store with a $12 long-sleeve tee, available through Feb. 6 or while supplies last. Offer valid in RSC store and at shockerstore.com. Not valid with other discounts or promotions. All sales final.
Office of Student Money Management spring 2021 tax support available
Do you need help filing taxes? While we can't do it for you, we can guide you through the process. The Office for Student Money Management in Student Success partners with Best Coalition from the United Way to offer this free service to support faculty, staff and students.
We are currently only taking virtual appointments. Schedule an appointment with our Peer Financial Coaches at https://bit.ly/osmmappt before the tax deadline on April 15, 2021.