Shockers United Week honors Wichita State perseverance
On the one-year anniversary of Wichita State University's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we look back in a spirit of remembrance, reflection and refocus.
Learn about campus events, a timeline of the past year and stories of Shocker perseverance
We're dancing! Shockers return to the NCAA Tournament
All season long, Wichita State has put its fans through the emotional ringer, winning
close game after close game. Why should Selection Sunday be any different?
The Shockers survived a potential bubble-bursting loss to Cincinnati in Saturday's
American Athletic Conference semifinals and last-minute raids from various "bid-thieves"
to secure one of the final at-large berths in this year's NCAA Men's Basketball Championship.
No. 11 seed WSU is headed to the First Four where it will face fellow-No. 11 Drake
on Thursday, Mar. 18 at Purdue's Mackey Arena in West Lafaeytte, Ind. The 5:27 p.m.
CT tip will air on TBS.
The winner advances to take on No. 6 seed USC at Bankers Life Arena in Indianapolis on Saturday, Mar. 20 (3:30 p.m. CT, TNT).
Read more about the Shockers' appearance in March Madness
Support Shocker Nation through United Way
Whether responding to a pandemic or a personal crisis, the United Way is at work every day. That includes right here at Wichita State. And it’s not just out in the community; your fellow Shockers benefit from the amazing work of the United Way too. Last year alone, United Way-funded programs helped WSU employees more than 400 times.
The United Way seeks to create positive change that lasts for generations to come. But they can’t do it alone. Please consider giving to the United Way campaign.
Learn more about how to give back
University Libraries has resources to help you relax in your downtime
Take time for yourself this Wellness Week. University Libraries offers a variety of ways to take it easy in your downtime with our Shocker DVD collection, Leisure Reading Collection, and Music Collection. Reach out to our helpful staff about contactless checkout at librarystaff@wichita.edu or 316-978-3481.
This is a critical time to check-in with students
This particular time of the semester often brings increased stress and sickness. Student Health Services, Counseling and Prevention Services and Campus Recreation offer many opportunities for students to relax and create or maintain a balanced lifestyle, but students sometimes still need a little help. These resources and others work together to create a community of care. If you are concerned about a member of our community, submit a concern with the Care Team.
Outdoor classroom spaces available starting March 22
In response to faculty requests, six outdoor classroom spaces will be available for reservation from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday starting on March 22. These spaces will have 30 folding chairs to be arranged as you choose, along with a table. Plans are in the works for white boards and portable amplification. We ask that people limit themselves to two reservations at a time to allow others the opportunity to use these spaces. Information and online reservations are available at www.wichita.edu/classoutside.
Managers of USS and Non-Teaching UP Employees: It’s goal planning time
myPerformance Evaluations for USS and Non-Teaching UP employees are available for 2021-2022 goal planning. Managers should add expectations, competencies, and goals for the 2021-2022 review period, then meet with their employees to review. Don’t forget to provide them a hard copy of their evaluation for reference throughout the year! Goal planning should be completed by March 31, 2021 at 11:59 PM.
For more information (including quick reference guides and other assistance) go to www.wichita.edu/myPerformance
Helpful Hints:
- Your direct reports will not be able to access their 2021-2022 myPerformance evaluation until the Employee Self-Evaluation step beginning January 16, 2022, which is why you should provide a hard copy of their 2021-2022 review and review it with them!
- Managers have access to update and edit their direct reports myPerformance evaluations as many times as they would like until Employee Self-Evaluation time beginning January 16, 2022!
- Save then SUBMIT! Make sure to SUBMIT after saving every time you update a myPerformance evaluation! Your direct reports will not be able to see the information and you will still have access to their evaluation until January 16, 2022 even after selecting SUBMIT.
- Need a copy of a past performance evaluation? Check the box that says, “Show completed and expired tasks”, then “Search”! Save it as a PDF or print as needed.
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.
- 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 Wichita State campus please visit www.wichita.edu/covid19.
March Teaching Today has the information you've been searching for
It's hard to believe that it’s been a year since many of us were last together. In this month’s Teaching Today, we take a brief look back at where we were a year ago and turn our sights to all the cool things on the horizon as we look forward. We hope you enjoy the issue, “How Far We’ve Come.”
This issue takes a look at:
- How to register for the upcoming (free to you) OLC Innovate conference happening next week
- A recorded version of Dr. Corrie Moreau’s talk on “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” in the sciences. Dr. Moreau teaches at Cornell and was a guest of the Biology Department
- An explanation about the new cameras in some rooms on campus
- A great essay from Aaron Rife about how far First Year Seminar has come
As always, if you would like us to cover something in an upcoming issue, just let us know at OIR@wichita.edu.
Outdoor heaters placed outside RSC
Wichita State University, Student Involvement and the Kansas Leadership Center have joined together along with thousands of other Kansans for the Kansas Beats the Virus campaign. The campaign brought together thousands of Kansans to find creative solutions to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Student Involvement was awarded a grant to purchase outdoor heaters to be placed outside the RSC to provide Shockers with an opportunity to enjoy the heaters while still maintaining social distancing guidelines. During these chilly spring mornings, we invite our students, staff, and faculty to stop by and warm up under these heaters, which will be placed on the north patio of the RSC throughout the month of March.
Heaters are also available for use for WSU groups and organizations to use. For more questions about using heaters for one of your events contact Letsmeet@wichita.edu.
For more questions about resources to help fight COVID-19 throughout our community visit #KSBeatsTheVirus.
Tuesday Talks: Dealing with allergies
Allergy season is almost upon us! Join Cindy Walker, DNP, APRN, Nurse Heather, and Wichita State graduate student Em Kribs for a discussion about how to manage your seasonal allergies.
Win up to $10,000 in the Shocker New Venture Competition
The Shocker New Venture Competition is a chance for students to receive insight on their ideas to further develop the skills they need to commercialize them.
Green Group nominations open
Nominations for Wichita State Green Group executive team will be open through March 29. Please nominate your friends, yourselves and anyone you may think would help continue making Green Group most impactful. Follow our instagram @green_wsu for more information on each position.
Nominate someone for Green Group
Seeking Collegiate Leadership Competition judges
We are seeking two judges for the Collegiate Leadership Competition.
Collegiate Leadership Competition (CLC), a nonprofit founded in 2015, creates a digital practice field where students can actively apply what they learn via CLC’s global virtual competition. CLC makes leadership a tangible, high-impact learning experience for future leaders. We are asking you to serve as a judge for the competition.
When/Time Commitment: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 10, 2021
- One hour of pre-work ahead of the April 10 meeting
- 8-9 a.m.: Judge training — everything you need to know (required)
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Judging two 90-minute activities (required)
Where: All activities will be conducted over Zoom. You can wear pajama pants while you judge leadership.
If you are interested in serving as a judge this year, please reach out Kennedy Rogers at kennedy.rogers@wichita.edu.
Applications open for Shocker Leadership Awards
Applications for the ninth Shocker Leadership Awards are now open. The Annual Shocker Leadership Awards are a way to recognize the work of student-led organizations, students, faculty and staff at Wichita State University. Recognized student organizations, university affiliated student groups and individuals may be nominated by a student, faculty member, staff member, or organization; or students may nominate themselves for one of the awards. One application form must be completed for every award for which one wishes to be considered. A nomination must have all parts to be considered by the selection committee. Nominations are due Friday, April 9 at 11:59 p.m.
If you would like to nominate someone on their behalf for an awards, please note that it is the responsibility of the nominator to turn in a complete packet. The nominee (unless they are nominating themselves) would not be responsible for uploading the applications. To submit a Shocker Leadership Award, please click the application linked in each award that you want to apply or nominate someone for.
Shocks Supporting Shocks drop-in groups
The week of March 15 is a mental health awareness week, and you can help support your mental health with Drop-in Groups from CAPS. Groups will be available from 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, March 15; 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 16; and 11 a.m. to 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.
UP & USS joint senate meeting set for March 16
The UP and USS Senates joint meeting will be held Tuesday, March 16 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. Please note, the joint senate meeting times have been adjusted to 9:30-11 a.m. All meetings are open to the campus community. If you are interested in joining the meeting, please email Kayla Jasso at kayla.jasso@wichita.edu for the Zoom link.
The PPMC CHATS: Negotiating Chaos
The Public Policy and Management Center invites you to join us for the latest event in the PPMC CHATS series on at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 18.
This month we will be discussing Negotiating Chaos: Managing Emotions and Staying Curious to Build Stronger Agreements
In an encore performance, hostage negotiator Dan Oblinger dives into the risky nature of chaos, confusion, and crisis all around us! Discover how a habit of negotiation and listening can make sense of the madness and build stronger connections with people and stronger agreements with your stakeholders
Oblinger is the co-founder of the Oblinger & Tsang alliance of negotiation consultants and coaches and the founder of Leadercraft. He provides corporate training, executive coaching, and keynote speaking designed to create a listening and leadership revolution inside and between companies. He is also an Adjunct Instructor at WSUTech.
Learn more or register for the event
Grab & Go Breakfast with GSC
Feed your brain and body with a healthy breakfast. The Wichita State Graduate Student Council will be tabling from 8:30-10 a.m. Tuesday, March 16 in the first floor lounge space of the Rhatigan Student Center.
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).
Wichita State: Engagement conversations
The Office of Engagement will be hosting a five-part series of conversations to hear from students, faculty, staff and neighbors on ways Wichita State is engaging to collectively address challenges, create solutions, and foster environments to drive prosperity. The first part of the series will be from noon to 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 18 via Zoom. A Zoom link will be provided after you RSVP with the yellow button below. The conversation will also be streamed live on Facebook: Facebook.com/ShockerNeighborhoodCoalition.
Creating this dialogue highlights and elevates campus culture, inclusion and partnerships at Wichita State. The Office of Strategic Engagement and Planning hopes to support, connect, enhance and celebrate engagement activities and prosperity initiatives for our University and neighbors.
Join KMUW for Literary Feast about 'The Bad Muslim Discount'
Join KMUW's Literary Feast, a book club for public radio listeners featuring selections made by KMUW staff. For March 2021, we're reading and discussing "The Bad Muslim Discount" by Syed M. Masood. Booklist says "Masood adeptly balances humor with pathos in this unforgettable, twisting tale... A moving, comic take on the immigrant experience.” Registration is free and open to all. Once registered, we'll email you a link to join the conversation on Zoom at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 17. To learn more and register, visit kmuw.org/kmuw-literary-feast.
Beat the virtual escape room, win prizes
Can you escape in time? University Libraries invites everyone to test their knowledge and puzzle-solving skills in this year’s Virtual Escape Room. Anyone who can complete all the puzzles within the time limit is automatically entered to win awesome Shocker prizes! Play now at bit.ly/2Pt1ypN. The Escape Room is open until March 19, and prize winners will be announced the following week
Learn about wellness services available to students
This week might be Wellness Week, but there are many wellness services available to students all semester. That includes CARE Team, Counseling and Prevention Services, Student Health Services and Campus Recreation.
CARE Team:
Wrap-around services and campus support Self-Care Sundays and other wellness-related
programming
The CARE Team Coordinators who are here to help are:
- Ashlyn Riley – Serves colleges of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Engineering and Honors
- Vaughn Sweet – Serves colleges of Fine Arts, Business, Health Professions and Applied Studies
- Tara Hanna – Serves students living in on-campus housing
- Alicia Newell – CARE Team chair, serves student athletes
Learn more at wichita.edu/CARE
Counseling and Prevention Services:
- Individual and couples therapy at an affordable rate
- Group therapy for particular areas of concern, including Understanding Self and Others, Healing from Trauma, and Graduate Student Support Group
- Online programming, such as Keep Calm & Breathe Online, Mental Health Toolbox and FAQ Friday.
- Learn more at wichita.edu/CAPS
Student Health Services:
- Treatment for illness and injuries
- Preventative health management and immunizations
- Health screenings and laboratory services
- Family planning services and men’s/women’s health exams
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Health education video series on social media
- Learn more at wichita.edu/SHS
Campus Recreation:
- Intramural sports and sport clubs, including volleyball, softball, tennis, soccer, badminton, judo, eSports, and more
- Shocker Fit classes such as F45
- Massage therapy
- Special events, such as F45 Playoffs, Pumpkin Run & RecFest
- Nutrition discussions on Facebook Live
- Learn more at wichita.edu/CampusRecreation
TRIO Student Support Services is now accepting applications
Student Support Services is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide free academic services to students from first-generation and limited-income backgrounds, as well as students with disabilities.
The free services include: individualized tutoring, academic advising, textbook loans, assistance completing financial aid application, and scholarships exclusively for student participants.
Please refer currently enrolled students to our program, located on the third floor of Grace Wilkie Hall in Suite 309. For more information, visit Student Support Services or call 978-3715.