WSU Today: Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Update on Fraudulent Unemployment Claims and 1099-G Forms

The Kansas Department of Labor recently mailed IRS Form 1099-Gs to people who received unemployment benefits in 2020. Every effort has been made to prevent IRS Form 1099-G notices from being sent to identity theft victims. However, due to the record high volume of unemployment claims, it is possible that some identity theft victims may receive a notice.

If a claimant wishes to dispute their IRS Form 1099-G or has erroneously received one due to fraud, the person should do so using the KDOL Self Service Portal, which can be accessed here. The portal can also be reached by visiting UIAssistance.GetKansasBenefits.gov.

If payments made due to identity theft are mistakenly reported on the IRS Form 1099-G in the name of an identity theft victim, KDOL will issue a corrected IRS Form 1099-G reporting $0 to the identity theft victim and file a corrected form with the IRS.

Additionally, there is a designated phone line where claimants can call for more information concerning their IRS Form 1099-G. That number is 785-575-1461 or toll-free at 888-499-0063. The number will be staffed during regular and extended business hours from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. CST to 8 p.m. CST, and on Saturday from 8 a.m. CST to 2 p.m. CST.

Provide feedback for WSU presidential search

AGB Search, which is assisting the Kansas Board of Regents with the WSU presidential search, has hosted two virtual forums to gather feedback from the WSU community, with one more forum left. The final forum will be held on the below date and can be joined by using the Zoom meeting ID and passcode provided:

• 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8
  - Zoom Meeting ID: 934 4896 2342
  - Passcode: 438389
  
  If you are unable to join this forum or couldn't join the other two, but would still like to give feedback, please reach out to your Senate president listed below. All WSU Senate presidents serve on the search committee.
• Faculty Senate President Aleks Sternfeld-Dunn: aleks.sternfeld-dunn@wichita.edu
• UP Senate President Trish Gandu: trish.gandu@wichita.edu
• USS Senate President Randy Sessions: randy.sessions@wichita.edu
• SGA President Rija Khan: sga.president@wichita.edu

Celebrate Black History Month at Wichita State

Every February, people in the United States celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month.

The celebration's history begins with Carter G. Woodson, an American historian, author and journalist. In September 1915, Woodson founded what is known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), an organization dedicated to researching, promoting and preserving the lives, history and culture of Black/African Americans.

In 1926, ASALH sponsored a national Negro History Week, an event that grew from local communities to college campuses. By 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month designated in February. He invited Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

At Wichita State University, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will be partnering with several organizations to host virtual and distanced events in honor Black History Month. Most events will be free, unless otherwise indicated.

Learn more about this cultural month

Today in Black History...

On Feb. 4, 1794, France abolished slavery. On Feb. 4, 1913, Rosa Parks was born. And on Feb. 4, 1986, the Sojourner Truth stamp was issued. Contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion or VP and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Marche’ Fleming-Randle at marche.fleming-randle@wichita.edu.

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.

ShiftSpace develops Critical Analysis Worksheet as a resource for the WSU community

The ShiftSpace Gallery Critical Analysis Worksheet is a way for classes and community members to engage with the gallery. See a preview of the worksheet, then download a PDF version from the sidebar. ShiftSpace is a student-run, downtown gallery. Established in 2005, ShiftSpace Gallery is located at Groover Labs, at Third and St. Francis in Wichita's Old Town district.

Award for Research/Creative proposals due Feb. 12

The Award for Research/Creative projects due date has been extended, and proposals are now due to the Office of Research no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12. The award provides funding of up to $4,000 to enable faculty to pursue research or creative projects during the summer. Proposers must work with a grant specialist in the Office of Research prior to submission, and all complete applications require approval from the chair and dean. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed or considered. Please contact proposals@wichita.edu to get started or visit our website for additional information.

New Campus Visitor Guides now available

Free Campus Visitor Guides are available upon request. They are particularly helpful if you’d like to have a stack of guides to share with students or prospective students. These guides can be delivered via campus mail or to your office.

To order guides for your office, please contact Garrett Rupp in the Office of Admissions at garrett.rupp@wichita.edu or 978-6293 with how many guides you need and a campus box number or office number for delivery.

Deadline extended to Feb. 5 for staff nominations for Distinguished Service Awards

The deadline to nominate staff for the 2021 Distinguished Service Awards has been extended to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb.

Do you know an Unclassified Professional (UP) or University Support Staff (USS) employee who deserves special recognition for their contributions to the University? Nominate them for the 2021 Distinguished Service Awards. These awards recognize the dedication and excellence of UP/USS employees who have provided exemplary, dedicated and caring service to the WSU community that is beyond the expectations of the duties and responsibilities of their position. Selected honorees are recognized at the annual Shocker Pride Celebration.

For more information on award eligibility and nomination process, please visit wichita.edu/staffawards. If you have questions, please contact UP/USS Senate Awards Committee Chair, Amy Belden at amy.belden@wichita.edu.

President's Town Hall for Fairmount College faculty and staff

Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences faculty and staff are invited to a town hall with Drs. Rick Muma and Shirley Lefever, 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Meeting ID: 998 0738 3830 Passcode: 718677

Women's Studies presents Diverse Women's Summit

WSU's Center for Women’s Studies is organizing the Diverse Women’s Summit (by Zoom), which will focus on the theme “Women & Leadership in the Time Of Covid-19.”  The three-part event is set for March 8. 

The first part, “Students’ Showcase,” is 9 a.m.-noon. Presentations will include paper, posters and other projects by students, faculty and community members.

The second part, “Creative Concourse,” is 1-4 p.m.. It will include presentation of poetry, stories and community projects.

The third part is the International Women’s Day Keynote Address from 7-9 p.m.

Access the event here. Password: 572443

Shocker Softball to host Virtual FanFest

The first ever Shocker Softball Virtual FanFest Presented by Cox is slated for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16. The event, which will be free of charge and utilize Zoom, will feature Wichita State head softball coach Kristi Bredbenner along with her staff and current student-athletes Ryleigh Buck, Neleigh Herring, Sydney McKinney, Bailey Urban and Camryn Compton.

During the event, fans will get a preview of the upcoming 2021 softball schedule and learn more about the 2021 Shockers. All attendees will have access to unique Shocker softball virtual content and a chance to win a softball swag pack provided by the team.

Register for the event

Understanding Finance at WSU event set for Feb. 25

If you're new to working with finance and/or budgets at WSU or are experienced but have questions, WSU Finance 101 is for you. Understanding finance at WSU can be a challenge for budget officers and support staff.

Lois Tatro will present WSU Finance 101 from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, via Zoom. This presentation is designed to help answer questions and clarify information.

Topics will include:

• Information on GU and RU funding
• How to stay on top of departmental finances
• Processing revenue, expenses, BPC cards, travel and more

You are strongly encouraged to submit questions regarding the finance process prior to the session. Email questions to training@wichita.edu as soon as possible and so they can be addressed during the presentation.

Go to myTraining located in myWSU to view session details, Zoom link and register. Contact ITS Applications Training at training@wichita.edu for assistance.

Biology Department Seminar Series starts Feb. 8

Dr. Cristian Beza-Beza of the University of Memphis, Tennessee will speak on "Diversification in the Mesoamerican sky-islands: Molecular phylogenetics and evolution of the New World bess beetles (Coleoptera: Passalidae: Proculini)" from 4-5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8. The event is in-person and virtual.

For a Zoom link or location  

See virtual comedian LeClerc Andre

When times are tough, laughter is the best medicine. Help SAC kick off the semester with its virtual comedian LeClerc Andre. LeClerc made his network television debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and has since been featured on NBC’s Bring the Funny. Register to watch the Feb. 5 event or learn more about SAC events at wichita.edu/SAC.

No-cost webinar to highlight trademark role in intellectual property protection

Learn new strategies to protect intellectual property from our expert, Jessica Pierpoint. 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 in this no-cost webinar. Link to the virtual event at kansassbdc.net/training.

Volunteers needed for a research study

A research study is being conducted to determine the validity of the SWAY app modules in assessing balance, reaction time and cognitive function measures in relation to cognitive overload, mental fatigue and sleep deprivation. If you are interested in participating in this study, please email rjbritton@shockers.wichita.edu or call 620-203-1164.

Heskett Center Valentine's Day massage specials

This Valentine's Day treat a loved one or yourself to a relaxing massage. It's the perfect gift for your perfect person. You can buy a 90-minute massage at the Heskett Center for only $50. Gift certificates are available. Purchase available until Feb. 14. For more information or to schedule your appointment call 978-3082.

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.

Make submissions here

Do you have a student in mind to run for a position in the Student Government Association? Encourage them to make their mark on history. The Association Election Commission is excited to formally announce the kick-off of the 2021 General Election season.

It is now finally time for your students to take action and declare themself a candidate in the 2021 elections. This is a great opportunity to give back to campus and allow their leadership skills to shine.
Students can visit www.wichita.edu/sgaelections to declare as a candidate. They can send questions to sga.elections@wichita.edu.

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.

Nominate your student employee for SGA's 2021 Student Employee of the Year Award 

The Wichita State University Student Employee of the Year Award is sponsored by the Student Government Association and recognizes the contributions of student employees to the university community and honors their efforts. University employees may nominate a Wichita State student employee who is enrolled in a Wichita State University degree program at least half time and has completed or expects to complete, at least three months full time or six months part time employment during this academic year, July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Hourly, work-study and salaried student employees are eligible. To nominate a student employee (undergraduate or graduate, non-teaching), please visit wichita.edu/SGAawards.

Trade food, supplies to pay off parking fines

It's time for Food for Fines! Donate food or supplies to the Shocker Support Locker March 2-4 to help pay off any outstanding parking citations. 

Food for Fines is an initiative that is offered monthly to support the Shocker Support Locker, while providing a cheaper opportunity to pay parking citations. This semester we are also offering Supplies For Fines, which is an addition to Food for Fines.

This is an effort to help address the current needs of our students during this global pandemic. It works exactly the same as Food for Fines, but with a slight change to the number of items needed to be donated. Special thanks to the Fairmount College Student Advisory Council and Parking Services for being so helpful and supportive in implementing this addition to the program. 

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to the Student Advocate via email at student.advocate@wichita.edu

Learn more about Food/Supplies for Fines