ICYMI: Speaking Freely on Freedom of Expression
The panel discussion, "Speaking Freely on Freedom of Expression" was held on Wednesday, March 31. The program is available on demand on YouTube.
- It will also air on the local PBS station on the KPTS schedule listed below.
- Channel 8.1 at 9 p.m. Friday, April 9
- Channel 8.2 at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 10
- Channel 8.1 at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 11
Wichita State's cybersecurity program helps Novacoast locate office in Wichita
Novacoast, a California-based cybersecurity company, looks for a university and a talent pipeline in a livable city when it plans expansion.
Over our 24 years, we’ve always been tied to a university,” said Paul Anderson, Novacoast’s chief executive officer. “A lot of what we hire for is grit. The combination of that Kansas, Wichita culture that you guys have — combined with that subset of people who have a passion for learning — that’s just an amazing combination.”
Late in 2020, Anderson visited Wichita in search of a place to open an office, prompted in part when the COVID-19 pandemic exposed a need to diversify geographically. Wichita State University and WSU Tech’s computer and cybersecurity offerings played an important role in Novacoast’s decision.
Read more about Novacoast in Wichita
Tuition assistance applications due April 15
The HR Total Rewards team reminds staff and faculty that the deadline for summer 2021 tuition assistance applications is Thursday, April 15.
Reminder: Tuition Assistance applications for Summer 2021 are submitted through the online application form. The fillable PDF form will no longer be accepted. Due to the volume of applications received each semester, requests to submit late applications will be automatically denied. There will be no exceptions.
Full program details can be found at www.wichita.edu/tuitionassistance. Questions may be directed to TuitionAssistance@wichita.edu.
State employee health plan updates in response to COVID-19
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced four provisions on March 13, 2020, that have been extended until further notice when provided by a network provider 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 members, 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 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. Aetna members: Teledoc; Blue Cross Blue Shield members: Amwell.
- 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
COVID-19 testing is currently available for all state employees, all employees of active non-state employers, and all spouses and dependents older than 10 years of age covered by the State Employee Health Plan at the HealthQuest Health Center. Curbside testing is available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call 785-783-4080.
To schedule a telehealth appointment, SEHP members can call (785) 783-4080 or click here.
For all up to date information regarding COVID-19 and the WSU campus please visit www.wichita.edu/covid19.
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.
Submit a Shocker Leadership Award nomination
WSU headshot appointments available for April
The Office of Strategic Communications offers headshots for WSU 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, room 266 (Pike).
Because of social distancing, you must reserve your spot with an appointment. Appointments for April are now open:
- 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 28
- 8-10 a.m. Thursday, April 29
Learn more and schedule your appointment
OAT summer grant apps due
The Open/Alternative Textbook (OAT) initiative is designed to promote, incentivize, and grow the use of freely available resources in Wichita State classes to reduce the economic impact of textbook costs on the student body.
The OAT Grant Program provides $2,000-5,000 grants to faculty who apply for the grant to redesign a course with no-cost resources, or to write or contribute to an open educational resource, or other alternative text that can be provided to the students free of charge. These grants are funded by SEM and the course fees.
KBOR is offering Open Educational Resource workshops on March 12, 23, April 1, and April 14. Register here.
Wichita State Summer OAT Grant applications due Monday, April 12.
CEI offers support resources through Support Group Toolbox
To help you navigate these changing times, the WSU Community Engagement Institute has resources available for you at http://supportgroupsinkansas.org/toolbox. This includes information on support groups and resources related to physical and mental health, self-care, safety, and more.
The website also provides information on various local, state, and national support groups and resources. This database is available year-round and is searchable by county or topic.
Find resources related to COVID-19 and others at http://supportgroupsinkansas.org/ or email supportgroups@wichita.edu for more information.
Zoom now offers live transcripts and captions
Zoom has made available new automatic captioning and transcription tools available in our Zoom sessions. Any Zoom meeting can enable a live transcript and captioning as a free addition to our existing service.
For more information on Zoom's capabilities
Technology Policy: A Case for Optimism and Freedom to Innovate
The Institute for the Study of Economic Growth in the W. Frank Barton School of Business is proud to bring Adam Thierer to Campus at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14 at Wilner Auditorium and virtual via Zoom. Thierer specializes in innovation, entrepreneurialism, the Internet, and free-speech issues, with a particular focus on the public policy concerns surrounding emerging technologies. In-person attendees will receive a free copy of his book, "Evasive Entrepreneurs & the Future of Governance."
Get more information on this lecture
Market-based compensation implementation briefing for faculty and staff
Market-Based Compensation implementation briefing for faculty and staff will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, April 23.
Please join the WSU senate presidents and human resources professionals for a status update of the university’s transition to market-based compensation. A presentation will be conducted to update the status of the project and information provided about next steps. The briefing, hosted on YouTube, will be recorded and available on the HR dedicated webpage for Market Based Compensation for anyone who is unable to attend the live session.
The best kept secrets, the myths, and the truths of supply chain
Greg White introduces you to the roots, truths, and future of supply chain in global business at 11 a.m. Friday, April 9. 2020 thrust supply chain into the limelight, yet global awareness far exceeds context and understanding. Because every one of us is touched by supply chain, it is important for people to understand the impact, challenges, and opportunities of the supply chain craft on its participants, and consumers. This discussion will share principles, truths, myths, misnomers and secrets of this complex craft. Highly engaging examples will show the process, complexity, limitations, and innovation within supply chain that assure people continue to get what they want and need from commerce. (Read Supply Chain Now.)
Join the discussion (Password: 700721)
Oklahoma State professor to discuss WINDMAP
Dr. Jamey Jacob is the director of the OSU Unmanned Systems Research Institute John Hendrix Chair and professor of aerospace engineering in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma State University.
He will be talking about WINDMAP at 10 a.m. Friday, April 9. WINDMAP addresses emerging needs in real-time weather forecasting to improve the safety of low altitude aircraft operations through the integration of real-time observations from autonomous systems with numerical weather prediction and flight management and safety systems. Through inclusion of diverse disciplines, this project will provide manned and unmanned aircraft improved situational awareness to enhance safety and efficiency, particularly for unmanned traffic management, urban air mobility, and airport operations.
In addition to the challenges of traffic congestion and obstacles, critical technology gaps exist for modeling, detecting, and accommodating the dynamic local weather environment and for precision navigation through uncertain weather conditions. WINDMAP is composed of a highly interdisciplinary team involving expertise from engineering (aerospace, computer, mechanical, and robotics), sensors, atmospheric physics, aviation weather, and numerical modeling to directly address these technical challenges.
Join the meeting (Password: 816827)
Join KMUW for April's Literary Feast: 'No One Is Talking About This'
KMUW's Literary Feast is a book club for public radio listeners, featuring selections made by KMUW staff. For April 2021, we're reading and discussing "No One Is Talking About This" by Patricia Lockwood, author of the 2017 memoir “Priestdaddy.” To learn more and register, please visit kmuw.org/kmuw-literary-feast. 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. on Wednesday, April 21.
Faculty and staff to be recognized
The President’s Distinguished Service Awards and the unclassified professionals’ Wayne Carlisle Distinguished Service Award honorees will be recognized at 2 p.m. Friday, April 23 in the Lowe's Auditorium in the Hughes Metropolitan Complex.
To RSVP for in-person attendance or to view the livestream visit Wichita.edu/shockerpride.
Bonus discount Fridays at the Shocker Grill
Members of the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes’ Eat.Drink.Play. Rewards program can enjoy an additional 5% discount every Friday in April, just by showing your card. Not a rewards member? Joining is free and easy. Simply stop in to sign up.
Save the date: Spring patio sale
Mark your calendars for the Shocker Store’s annual Spring Patio Sale! From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 28 in the RSC Harvest Room, you can find some great deals on Shocker gear! Stay up-to-date on the Facebook event page.