Wichita State mourns death of President Emeritus Eugene Hughes
From Interim President Rick Muma:
It is with great sadness that I, on behalf of the entire Wichita State University community, express my condolences to the family and friends of Eugene Hughes, former president of Wichita State. President Hughes died on March 10 in Flagstaff, Arizona.
President Hughes served as Wichita State’s 11th and centennial president from 1993 to his retirement at the end of 1998. When he took office, he began a campaign for “The Metropolitan Advantage,” aimed at redefining Wichita State’s connection to the community – a pillar we hold near and dear to our mission to this day.
Dr. Hughes believed that universities are never finished products, and urban institutions like Wichita State must evolve in response to the changes in the community. He said this dynamic quality would allow Wichita State to remain a powerful educational force for Wichita, our state and the nation for many years to come.
Read more about President Hughes
Nominate a Wichita State phenomenal woman
We are excited to kick off Women's History Month with the Wichita State Office of Diversity and Inclusion's 13th annual Phenomenal Women Award program. The Phenomenal Women Award recognizes women for their accomplishments and contributions to our community through their scholarship, activism and commitment to excellence. Individuals are encouraged to nominate women who have made a difference in their lives.
Nominations are now open to the Wichita State University community. For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034 or diversity@wichita.edu.
Nominate a Phenomenal Woman today
Managers of USS and Non-Teaching UP Employees: Your signature is needed
Managers of USS and non-teaching UP employees should log in to myPerformance (in myWSU) to submit electronic signatures for 2020-2021 evaluations by March 14.
Helpful Hint: The Manager Signature (Step 5) will not be available if the Employee Signature (Step 4 due March 7, 2021) was not completed. Once the employee signs and submits their evaluation, you should have access to the Manager Signature (Step 5).
Note: myPerformance Evaluations are available for 2021-2022 competency and goal planning. Managers should add expectations, competencies, and goals for the 2021-2022 review period, then meet with their employees to review and provide them hard copies of their evaluation for reference throughout the year. Competency and goal planning should be completed by March 31.
For more information (including quick reference guides and other assistance) go to www.wichita.edu/myPerformance.
In search of First Year Seminar instructors
We are looking for faculty and instructors who are interested in teaching a First-Year Seminar class in the spring 2022 semester. If you would like to learn more about creating and teaching an FYS class for students at Wichita State, visit our information session at 1 p.m. March 15. (Zoom link to seminar.)
Teaching an FYS is an excellent opportunity to introduce new students to your discipline and department, as well as help first-year students acclimate to Wichita State and improve their chances for academic success. You can also visit www.wichita.edu/fysteam to learn more or contact Aaron.Rife@wichita.edu with any questions.
Order faculty commencement regalia
The Shocker Store is taking regalia rental orders from faculty and staff members who are planning on attending the spring 2021 commencement. The deadline to place your rental order is 4 p.m. Friday, April 9. If you would like to purchase custom academic regalia, the deadline is 4 p.m. today (Friday, March 12). Payment is due when order is placed. To order or ask a question, please email shockerstore@wichita.edu or call 316-978-7021.
Enter the Babble Royale T-shirt quote contest
Sigma Tau Delta presents Babble Royale. Join Wichita State's chapter of the International Honor Society in a fun way to appreciate literature. Submit your favorite, literature related quote (one to two sentences, credited) by March 21. Each participant gets a free t-shirt (while supplies last). All quotes will be gathered to vote for the best literary quote to be printed on the front of the shirt! Voting will be held the week of March 22, and the winner will be notified March 31.
If you enjoy literature in any and all forms, consider attending one of Sigma Tau Delta’s meetings to see what the organization is about. Email stdato.wsu@gmail.com with any questions you have.
Biology Department hosting CDC researcher to speak about vaccines
The Department of Biology will host Dr. Jon Eric Tongren, who will speak on COVID-19 vaccines.
Tongren works at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where he has served on the Epidemic Intelligence Services and President’s Malaria Initiative, and has been director of the field epidemiology and laboratory training program, and CDC PMI resident advisor in Ghana and Ethiopia (National Malaria Control Program).
Tongren will speak at 4 p.m. Monday, March 15 in Hubbard Hall Room 211 (physical distancing and masks required) or via Zoom (password 167011).
Graduate Student Council hosts wellness events
Join the Wichita State Graduate Student Council during Wellness Week! We will be hosting FREE events throughout the week of March 15-19.
- Tuesday, March 16: Stop by our table in the lounge area of the Rhatigan Student Center for Grab & Go Breakfast between 8:30 and 10 a.m. until supplies last.
- Wednesday, March 17: "Lunch & Learn: Everything I Wish I Would've Known Before Grad School..." Join our graduate student panelists at 12:30 p.m. as they get real about mental health and the challenges they had to overcome as graduates. Register for Zoom Link: http://bit.ly/gsclunchandlearn1.
- Friday, March 19: End your week with Zoom Zumba at 4 p.m. We will be streaming a prerecorded Zumba class to get our bodies moving and grooving. Register for Zoom Link:http://bit.ly/gsczoomzumba.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Trang Bui at gsc.puclicandmedia@wichita.edu or Suresh Koppisetty at gsc.eventcoordinator@wichita.edu.
Online Learning Consortium: Free professional development
In an effort to provide training, resources, and ideas for everyone's ongoing efforts to improve remote instruction and service at Wichita State, the Office of Instructional Resources has arranged for all instructors and staff to be able to attend the virtual Online Learning Consortium's Innovate conference from March 15-19.
OLC Innovate is the premier higher education online learning conference, and the sessions this year are full of useful ideas and resources for our present and our future. To find out more about sessions, view the online schedule.
Shocks Supporting Shocks drop-in groups
Please let students know: The week of March 15 is a mental health awareness week, and you can help support students' mental health by letting them know about Drop-in Groups from Counseling and Prevention Services. Groups will be available from 3-4 p.m. Monday, March 15; 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 16; and 11 a.m.-noon Friday, March 19. Drop-In groups are open to all students at no cost. Email counselingcenter@wichita.edu for more information or to sign up.
Registration open for F45 playoffs
Mark your calendars: The F45 Playoffs are back this semester. Join us on April 30 to see if you have what it takes to be crowned the F45 champion. Registration is free for all students and a $10 fee for all other participants.
IBelieve shirt celebrates Isaac Brown, Shockers
The Shocker Store has a new t-shirt available to celebrate our new Men’s Basketball Head Coach Isaac Brown and his team! Order your commemorative shirt at shockerstore.com. Available in sizes small-3XL for $15.99. Limited quantities available. Exclusive to the Shocker Store.