Wichita State to hold panel discussion on freedom of expression
Free expression is a fundamental value for an institution such as Wichita State University, Neal Allen, associate professor of political science, maintains.
“We owe all of our students, and all Kansas citizens that we serve, our best effort to include all points of view,” he said. “I believe that democratic government depends on having both involved citizens and trained professionals.”
The open exchange of ideas may not produce a tidy ending.
That exchange, however, is crucial to our nation’s discourse, no matter how difficult the conversation. Wichita State University recognizes the important role universities play and will present a virtual panel on Freedom of Expression from 3-4:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 31.
Read more about the panel discussion and how to watch
Watch out for your safety, and leave your taxes at home
It is tax season. We ask you not to store or process your taxes/personal finances on Wichita State-issued devices. Personal software licensing issues, data storage, data destruction and privacy issues are some of the many problems that you could have by mixing your sensitive personal data with your university-issued devices. This includes services such as WSU OneDrive, file shares, wichita.edu email, Microsoft Teams, university-issued USB storage, laptops and desktops. Be smart, keep your data at home. To learn more about our acceptable use, please see: www.wichita.edu/aup.
If you have questions, please reach out to askinfosec@wichita.edu.
Photos to be visible in Employee Self-Service
Soon, photos from the Shocker Card Center will be visible within the Employee Self-Service application.
With this new functionality, all employees will see their own photo and supervisors will see photos of the employees reporting to them.
- If an employee desires a new photo, the Shocker Card Center will take a new photo at no cost
- If a new badge is desired with the new photo, the current cost is $10
- Photos will appear in Employee Self-Service only and not within the online Employee Directory
- There is no opportunity for employees to opt-out of having their photo visible within Employee Self-Service
Please contact Human Resources with any questions at HR.ServiceCenter@wichita.edu.
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.
Faculty invited to CourseLeaf training
Wichita State faculty are invited to CourseLeaf Curriculum (CIM) administrator and faculty remote training from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25.
This Zoom session will provide a demonstration of how to submit a curriculum change proposal via the online CIM course and program forms, how to search for existing proposals, how the proposal moves through the electronic workflow and how to approve proposals. Training is applicable to any faculty, staff and administrators who would submit, review and approve proposals course or program proposals.
Register via myTraining link within the Faculty/Staff tab of myWSU or email michelle.haetten@wichita.edu.
Please note: To log into CIM during the training session, you will need your dual authentication (DUO) device. This session is delivered through Zoom. A link to the session will be emailed to you in advance. Please reach out to the instructor if you do not receive the Zoom link within 24 hours of the registered session.
University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award
Attention, Wichita State faculty and staff: Do you know an undergraduate entering URCAF who has made good use of University Libraries resources? Encourage them to apply for the inaugural University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award competition. Prizes will be awarded: $250 for first place, $200 for second place, and $150 for third place.
Headshot appointments available for March
The Office of Strategic Communications offers headshots for Wichita State faculty and staff at no charge. For the 2021 spring semester, headshot events will be scheduled once a month over two days in the Rhatigan Student Center.
Due to social distancing, you must reserve your spot with an appointment. Appointments for March are now open:
- 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 24 @ Rhatigan Student Center, Room 266 (Pike)
- 8-10 a.m. Thursday, March 25 @ Rhatigan Student Center, Room 266 (Pike)
Learn more and make an appointment at wichita.edu/headshots.
Economics faculty member Ted Bolema co-moderates FTC discussion on data privacy
Ted Bolema
Dr. Ted Bolema, associate professor of economics and director of the Institute of the Study of Economic Growth, was a moderator for the opening event of the 2021 Free State Foundation Annual Telecom Policy Conference on March 19. Bolema, along with Free State Foundation President Randolph May, led a discussion with two current commissioners of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Noah Phillips and Christine Wilson, about data privacy and data privacy legislation.
During the discussion, Commissioners Wilson and Phillips both called for comprehensive data privacy legislation from Congress, in response to the passage of data privacy legislation in California and Virginia that is leading to different standards in different states. Commissioner Wilson said that national privacy legislation would help address concerns many people have with the way tech companies collect and use consumer data, which she said represents a market failure. Phillips warned about acting against companies that can harm competition and consumers.
The Free State Foundation’s Annual Telecom Policy Conference is widely acknowledged to be one of the nation’s premier communications law and policy events.
Tilford Talks celebrate Women's History Month
In continued celebration of Women’s History Month and the legacy of Dr. Michael Tilford, the Wichita State University's Presidents Diversity Council will be hosting Tilford Talks from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 26.
Register to attend the Tilford Talks
Physics seminar features University of Geneva professor
Join us on Zoom for our next Physics Seminar at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 24. This week's talk features Prof. Mercedes Peniccia from the University of Geneva, Switzerland.
More details about the seminar
Run a business confidently with SBDC webinars
The Kansas SBDC presents the following no-cost webinars:
Startup and Start Right
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 10
Learn how to quickly startup in just 10 steps. This free webinar will cover licenses and permits, federal and state tax IDs, business structure, funding, marketing, and other essentials.
Successful Business: Pivoting During the Pandemic
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 17
This webinar will help you identify how to use your business bases to adapt to the evolving 'new normal' by exploring opportunities with marketing/sales, operations/supply chain, administration, and finance.
Marketing Mindset
Noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 19
Learn to create a step-by-step marketing plan to effectively communicate with customers and reach your goals by answering the question, "What makes my company valuable?"
Free Google Small Business Tools
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 24
Learn about free Google tools that can boost your productivity, market your business, manage your finances, and take a load off of you.
Possible Workplace Changes Under the Biden Administration
Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 25
With a new administration comes the possibility of changes to workplace laws. This webinar will explore what federal regulations and workplace laws the new administration will attempt to change.
Women's Tennis set for season's final home match
Shocker Women's Tennis is set to take the court at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 24 at Coleman Tennis Complex for Senior Day. Admission for all is free. Come enjoy some fast-paced tennis action and stick around for a post-match celebration of our seniors: Marta Bellucco, Ting-Ya Hsu, and Sarvinoz Saidhujaeva.
SBDC hosts business tax workshops
The Kansas SBDC presents the following no-cost webinars:
State Tax Workshop for Construction Contractors
10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 30
Carl York with the Kansas Department of Revenue will focus on sales tax issues for construction contractors and subcontractors, including those who provide services such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical, roofing, HVAC, and landscaping. Learn about applying sales tax to materials and labor, Project Exemption Certificates, tax returns, billing, and more.
State Tax Workshop
1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 30
Carl York with the Kansas Department of Revenue will give you the basics in this free webinar. Topics include sales and compensating use taxes, tax forms and how to file them, estimated taxes, and recordkeeping.
International Happiness Day giveaway
As we wish you a Happy International Happiness Day, Wichita State's Cultural Ambassadors are doing a giveaway! We are giving away sets of two coasters to seven winners. To enter the giveaway, you must be a Wichita State faculty, student, or staff member. You can enter to win by following our Facebook page @WSUCulturalAmbassadors, liking our post about the giveaway, and tagging three Wichita State friends in the comments. Winners will pick up their coasters at the Office of International Education. The deadline to enter the giveaway is Friday, March 26. Good luck, and remember to be happy!
$1.50 bowling on Fridays for rewards members
Members of the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes Eat.Drink.Play. Rewards program can enjoy $1.50 bowling games every Friday in March. This includes cosmic bowling. Not a rewards member? Joining is free and easy, simply stop by today!