Teaching plans for summer and fall
Enrollment for summer and fall classes opens soon, and we need to provide students with some guidance about what to expect for their classes. Emails for summer courses will be going out Feb. 15, with links to submit your course plans. Emails for fall courses will go out Feb. 22. Please submit both plans by March 3.
We recognize it’s impossible to predict what pandemic conditions will look like in the summer and fall. We anticipate having the same classroom capacities, distancing and masking guidelines as we have had to date. We will not be re-assigning classrooms after the schedule is finalized.
Use the open text box to list any circumstances that might cause you to change your course instructional methods throughout the semester.
It is critical that you communicate to your students what to expect, especially on the first day of class. Post this information on your course Bb shell at least a week before classes start so students can be prepared.
If you have any questions or problems, or do not receive an email, please contact carolyn.shaw@wichita.edu.
Late adds for spring 2021
Instructors giving permission for students to add their class late can do so with the normal late add form or via email.
What’s the process? Requests for late adds can be sent to registration@wichita.edu and will be processed.
Who’s included? The email must be from the instructor or at least copied to the instructor if sent by an advisor or department admin who may be assisting. The student should also be included with their WSU email.
What details are needed? Please ensure the student ID and the CRN(s) of the class(es) are included in each request. Any overrides that are needed must still be entered by the department on SFASRPO before requesting the RO do the late add.
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.
Phone scam to watch out for
It has been reported to ITS Telecommunications that employees are contacting Human Resources in regards to strange phone calls received. The phone calls are saying the person’s social security information has been compromised. What makes these a little different than a normal spam calls is that the calls appear to come from a campus number (316-978-XXXX). This leads people to think this call is coming from the university and is, therefore, a legitimate call. Luckily, we are not aware of anyone
that has followed through with the scam.
Please be cautious with your personal information and do not provide it to anyone on a call. Scammers are more clever every day and would love to get your personal and financial information. The Kansas Attorney General’s office has an entire site dedicated to scam calls and how to protect yourself at https://ag.ks.gov/in-your-corner-kansas/. The Federal Trade Commission also has some suggestions on how to recognize a scam, examples of scams, how to stop these calls and what to do if you already paid at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0208-phone-scams. This site will also allow you to report phones scams.
Unfortunately, there is nothing WSU can do to stop these calls. The Federal Communications Commission has identified blocking illegal robocalls and spoofed caller ID as top priorities; but until all telecommunications providers prevent their customers from spoofing caller IDs, the practice will continue.
The best way to combat calls like this is to be attentive. Do not give out personal, professional or financial information to these callers. If the calls are legitimate, the caller would happily wait on hold while you verify the identity or let you call them back later.
In this time of remote learning and remote work, it is more important than ever to be vigilant with our information.
Today in Black History...
In 1944, Nelson Mandela, a lawyer, joined the African National Congress (ANC), a political organization in South Africa. In 1952, he became deputy national president of the ANC, advocating nonviolent resistance to apartheid – South Africa’s institutionalized system of white supremacy and racial segregation. However, after the massacre of peaceful Black demonstrators in 1960, Mandela helped organize a paramilitary branch of the ANC to engage in guerrilla warfare against the white minority government.
In 1961, he was arrested for treason, and although acquitted, was arrested again in 1962 for illegally leaving the country. Sentenced to five years, he was put on trial again in 1964 on charges of sabotage. In June 1964, he was convicted along with several other ANC leaders and sentenced to life in prison.
In 1989, F.W. de Klerk became South African president and set about dismantling apartheid. De Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC, suspended executions, and in February 1990 ordered the release of Mandela.
In 1993, Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. One year later, the ANC won an electoral majority in the country’s first free elections, and Mandela was elected South Africa’s president.
Keep vehicles secure while parked on campus
The Wichita State University Police Department is offering tips to help students, faculty, and staff to keep vehicles safe when parked on campus.
- Be sure to hide items that might draw attention in the trunk, the glove compartment, or under the seats.
- Take your car keys with you when you leave your vehicle.
- Close your windows, and lock your vehicle’s doors and trunk.
- If you see suspicious activity anywhere on campus, call campus police at 316-978-3450.
Transition Mentor nominations are open
The Office of First-Year Programs in Student Success is seeking nominations for this year’s Transition Mentor staff. We are looking for exceptional students who are passionate about WSU and want to help welcome new students to our campus. Transition Mentors are responsible for transitioning students to WSU beginning in the summer with orientation and mentoring new freshmen through the fall semester.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to make nominations now through Feb. 26 at wichita.edu/TM or email Shareika Fisher at shareika.fisher@wichita.edu.
Apply for the Shocker Neighborhood VISTA by March 1
Apply for the Shocker Neighborhood VISTA. Engage in building mutually beneficial close partnerships with the university and Shocker Neighborhood — convening and unifying to determine needs and action planning to leverage resources for growth/prosperity. Apply by March 1 at My.Americorps.gov.
February HealthQuest upcoming events
Employees enrolled in 2021 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 February, there are two events currently scheduled worth up to 38 points.
- Tuesday, Feb. 16, on-campus Biometric Screening in RSC 266 Pike Room. Schedule your appointment today in the HealthQuest portal or by calling 1-888-275-1205, option 3! (Up to 23 points)
- Wednesday, Febr. 3, 10:30-11:30 am, “Balancing Work and Life”, EAP webinar. Register online.
- 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.
- 2021 HealthQuest Program Overview Video & Quiz: You can earn 3 points for watching this video and completing the short quiz.
We’ll be publishing upcoming events each month, but if you’d like to plan in advance, check out all currently scheduled HealthQuest events.
'Whatever Happened To Black Capitalism' event set for Feb. 18
The Diversity Lecture Series, Black History Month Edition, with keynote speaker Dr. Robert Weems Jr. is set for 6:30 pm Thursday, Feb. 18. The speech is titled "Whatever Happened To 'Black Capitalism?' The Decline of Public Discussion About African American Economic Development Since the 1960s. Weems is the Willard W. Garvey Distinguished Professor of Business History at Wichita State.
You must register to attend at wichita.edu/odievents. The event is hosted by the African American Faculty and Staff Association, Wichita Urban Professionals, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034 or diversity@wichita.edu.
Tilford Talks set for Feb. 19 and 26
In celebration of both the legacy of Dr. Michael Tilford and that of Black History Month, the Wichita State University President's Diversity Council will host "Tilford Talks" of from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 19 and 26. The talks will be hosted by Riccardo Harris and Dr. Kevin Harrison.
In the spirit of traditional Tilford initiatives, the events will hold true to the mission of inspiring and promoting equity awareness at Wichita State, while also exploring the challenges to educating diverse student populations. However, "Tilford Talks" will explore these important values through lenses that are more abstract than what we are traditionally accustomed to. In ongoing efforts to bridge gaps between the community and the university, these conversations will look at areas that take for granted the responsibility of the entire community in properly educating students of color. While these areas are far too vast to list, we have chosen the areas of spirituality and law enforcement for this years conversations.
The Role of the Black Church in Socializing African American Students for School Success: Discussion on the role that spirituality and religion has had in helping students of color become successful in K-12 and secondary, as well as areas of opportunity. Featured panelist will include Dr. Gayln Vesey and Pastor Lincoln E. Montgomery and First Lady Annie K. Montgomery.
- 1-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19: The Role of the Black Church in Socializing African American Students for School Success. Discussion on the role that spirituality and religion has had in helping students of color become successful in K-12 and secondary, as well as areas of opportunity. Featured panelist will include Dr. Gayln Vesey and Pastor Lincoln E. Montgomery and First Lady Annie K. Montgomery.
- 1-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26 Discussion on how some groups feel threatened and even traumatized by law enforcement. How can institutions and law enforcement work together to lessen these disparities? How are these disparities impacting the process of educating students of color? What role does research play in changing the narrative so that students of color are empowered by institutions of higher learning rather than subjugated? Featured panelist include Dr. Michael Birzer, Chief Gordon Ramsay, Chief Rodney Clark and Captain Wendel Nicholson.
Save the date for Coffee & Convo with Dr. Marche' Fleming-Randle, Feb. 25
Coffee & Convo with WSU Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Marche Fleming-Randle, sponsored by Textron Aviation.
Coffee & Convo is a 1-hour virtual open forum with Fleming-Randle addressing factual and relevant issues that deal with current events in America, WSU and the Wichita community. Attendees are encouraged to join with an open mind and the ability to listen to opinions of diverse backgrounds.
Ulrich partners with university art museums for unique storytelling, baking event tonight
The Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University invites you to join us today at 5:30 p.m. when artist, storyteller and geographer-at-large Eames Demetrios leads an exploration of a little-known language through an unlikely medium: cookies and crackers.
Kcymaerxthaere (pronounced "ky-MAER-icks-theer") is a global installation storytelling art project that has created its own language from a parallel world -- and it's a language that has been made into edible art with the help of some customized cookie-cutters. So far, the art project has 142 storytelling sites that you can actually visit in 30 nations. Each installation site honors events from the parallel world in our world. Most include written stories (in bronze, concrete and stone usually) — but it is not only what is written but where you experience reading the story (and, often, the forms that help tell it). Some installations are fairly elaborate—two are actually buildings, another is a couple hundred yards long.
The universe Demetrios created has its own stories, creatures, rules and laws of physics. He will present a shape language from Kcymaerxthaere while professional chef Steve Couch (aka Mr. Eat Right) crafts eloquent creations in sugar cookies and homemade crackers for a special Valentine's Day charcuterie board recipe. It's a linguistic/culinary adventure for those who love the art of language!
This special virtual event was made possible through the Ulrich's partnership with fellow university art museums the Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University, the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas, and the Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University.
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.
Disaster Resilience Analytics Center hosts KSU's Dr. Doina Caragea for speaker seminar
A virtual seminar, "Mining Social Media to Aid Disaster Response," will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 12.
Disaster-affected communities are increasingly becoming the source of big (crisis) data during and following major disasters. At the same time, big data have the potential to become an integral source of information for response organizations, as they can help enhance the situational awareness and facilitate faster response where is most needed. Despite such benefits, the challenges presented by big data preclude organizations from using them routinely.
Learn more by attending the virtual seminar.
Zoom link
Password: 816827
The Lifting Clinic is back this week
The Lifting Clinic with Andy Sykes is back this Friday. Safety is the No. 1 priority when working out so you don't become injured and get set back on crushing those goals. If you are unsure of the correct lifting technique or what to double-check you got things right, learn what you should and shouldn't be doing while exercising. This week's clinic is about the Olympic Lifts. This event will be live-streamed on Campus Recreation's Facebook page.
Submit your research summary to WSU research newsletter
Do you conduct research at Wichita State? If so, we want to know about it. The Office of Research is gathering information for its Research and Innovation newsletter about all the exciting research being done at WSU. By filling out this form, we can better tell your story. It only takes about 5 minutes.
GRASP 2021 abstract submission closes today
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 today (Feb. 11).
Encourage students to apply for Senior Honors by Feb. 19
Do you know a senior student who embodies the Shocker spirit? This highly competitive honor is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding scholarship, leadership, involvement at WSU and service to WSU and the surrounding community. The Senior Honor is one of the most prestigious honors a Wichita State University student can receive, with only 10 students selected each year. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19. Students can apply today at wichita.edu/SeniorHonors.
Student Involvement event listing: Part 1
Student Involvement is excited to kick off another semester. We have many new and returning events planned for you.
The Student Involvement Event Guide will be produced three times this semester and features events, activities and programs open to students, faculty, staff and campus community.
Pick up your copy of the Student Involvement Event Guide in Student Involvement, 216 RSC or download it here.
Public Policy and Management Center looking for community development manager
WSU's Public Policy and Management Center is looking for a community development manager.