Know the signs of digital distress
Learning the signs of digital distress can help you recognize when students or friends might be struggling.
- Change in tone: If someone you know suddenly changes their general tone or expresses hopelessness, it may be a sign of distress, especially if they starting talking about death or disappearing.
- Change in frequency: If someone suddenly changes the amount they post or talk — either notable increase or decrease — it may be important to reach out.
- Change in amount appearing on camera: Not appearing in a Zoom class or an online hangout isn’t always indicative of distress, but someone changing the amount they appear could be.
- Distressing environment: If it appears from video calls or online classes that someone’s environment is chaotic or distressing, consider reaching out or connecting them to resources.
- No show: Someone not showing up for class or online hangouts without letting others know could be a sign of distress.
- Unresponsive: Not replying to the group chat isn’t necessarily a sign of distress, but a sudden change or going completely unresponsive could be a sign of distress.
- Disengaged: While on a video call, someone appearing disengaged could be a sign of distress, especially if that’s a sudden change.
Wichita State named top transfer destination in Kansas for 10th straight year
For the 10th year straight, Wichita State University has been named as the top transfer destination for Kansas community college students.
About 900 Kansas community college students transferred to Wichita State, and one in every four students who choose to transfer from a Kansas community college to a four-year school chose Wichita State in 2019, the most recent data available.
Shockers United campus reintegration staffing plan — Effective June 1, 2021
On June 1, 2021, the university will continue the Shockers United campus reintegration plan. This will include rescinding or revising a number of temporary policies and procedures, and reorienting our plans and protocols, as we transition over the summer toward a return to in person operations for fall 2021. The university’s plans, policies, and protocols implemented in response to COVID-19 supplement other existing university policies and procedures. These COVID related policies and procedures are contingent on current conditions and health guidance and are subject to change as deemed necessary by the University.
As we move forward, we should remain mindful of the guiding principles and public health considerations that have provided a framework for our response from the start of the pandemic. We should also continue to leverage technology enhancements (Zoom, Microsoft Team’s, and other virtual formats) and encourage basic health and safety practices that have served us well during the pandemic.
Health and Safety Practices
The university strongly encourages all employees to consider getting vaccinated.
During the reintegration phase, the university will modify the following health and safety measures:
- Face Coverings – Face coverings are encouraged, but not required. In limited circumstances, face coverings may be required.
- Social Distancing – Physical distancing is still encouraged where possible, but not required.
- Personal Health Screening – Individuals are responsible for screening their personal health, staying home if sick, and seeking medical advice as appropriate. Individuals subject to any isolation or quarantine requirements imposed by the local health department remain responsible for complying with such requirements.
- Cleaning and Disinfecting – Individuals should continue to keep the areas in which they personally work or are assigned to monitor sanitized. The University maintains a significant inventory of cleaning and disinfecting supplies. Supervisors may utilize the facilities work order system to request personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face coverings and disposable masks.
- • Practicing Personal Hygiene – Individuals should continue to wash their hands often and use hand sanitizer when washing isn’t practical. Avoid touching your face, eyes, or nose, and use good respiratory etiquette like covering your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
Remote Work
- Starting June 1, 2021, the university will resume business operations which generally requires in person work. Exceptions to a return to previous work arrangements such as requests for remote work, will be made on a case by case basis and discussed with the supervisor. Such requests should follow the Remote Work Guidance.
Vote for a new dining concept in the RSC
Which new dining concept do you want to see in the Rhatigan Student Center starting Fall 2021? Learn about your options and then vote!
Women in Public Service invites you to participate in sexual harassment survey
Is sexual harassment problematic in your public service organization?
Important public conversations about workplace sexual harassment have been taking place nationally and locally. Women in Public Service wants to know how the issue affects public service organizations in Kansas. WPS invites you to participate in a brief, anonymous survey.
Responses are confidential and are part of a broad gathering of data, which will only be shared as part of consolidated findings during the WPS conference on July 29.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA focuses on healing the whole person
The Steve Clark YMCA on campus is set to begin offering the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. This free 12-week program focuses on healing the whole person. With LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, cancer survivors — whether it is a recent diagnosis, finished treatment, or in remission — work with trained Y staff to build strength and muscle mass, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability while providing a supportive community to enhance their emotional well-being. LIVESTRONG is available for any Wichita State students, faculty, staff, Y member or community participant. Beginning on May 3, the group will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the YMCA for exercise and community time. For more program details or if you or someone you know are interested in enrolling, please contact Debbie Cruz by email at debbie.cruz@ymcawichita.org or by phone at 316-776-8178.
SGA announces Diversity Week 2021
The Student Government Association is excited to announce that we will designate Sept.13-17 as SGA Diversity Week. There will be student and department led programming, events and discussions highlighting the diverse student experience on our campus.
Calling any departments, student organizations, or individuals who would like to host an event during Diversity Week. Fill out this application to be considered.
Any and all experiences are welcomed. For more information, please contact sga.pubrelations@wichita.edu.
![April’s Teaching Today the “Changes” issue is now available [https://www.wichita.edu/services/mrc/OIR/TT/2021/April.php] . This issue covers what you need to know about the change from Blackboard Learn to Blackboard Ultra, and what you need to prepare to see after May 29. We also talk about the Academic Resources Conference week in May [https://www.wichita.edu/services/mrc/OIR/ARC/ARC2020-21/21May.php], where we will be focusing on more advanced topics and material than usual to give everyone something to think about as they move into summer. We wrap up the issue with an essay from Aaron Rife, the First Year Seminar Faculty Coordinator on the topic of “thinking during a pandemic.”](/about/wsunews/wsu_today/2021/04-april/_images/WSU_TODAY_TEACHING_TODAY_generic.png "April’s Teaching Today the “Changes” issue is now available [https://www.wichita.edu/services/mrc/OIR/TT/2021/April.php] . This issue covers what you need to know about the change from Blackboard Learn to Blackboard Ultra, and what you need to prepare to see after May 29. We also talk about the Academic Resources Conference week in May [https://www.wichita.edu/services/mrc/OIR/ARC/ARC2020-21/21May.php], where we will be focusing on more advanced topics and material than usual to give everyone something to think about as they move into summer. We wrap up the issue with an essay from Aaron Rife, the First Year Seminar Faculty Coordinator on the topic of “thinking during a pandemic.”")
April’s issue of Teaching Today is now available
This issue covers what you need to know about the change from Blackboard Learn to Blackboard Ultra, and what you need to prepare to see after May 29. We also talk about the Academic Resources Conference week in May, when we will be focusing on more advanced topics and material than usual to give everyone something to think about as they move into summer. We wrap up the issue with an essay from Aaron Rife, the First Year Seminar faculty coordinator on the topic of “thinking during a pandemic.”
Podcasters go out of this world for UFO research
Join our podcast crew as they traverse the cosmos — and the Libraries' vast resources — for info on UFO research. Kerry Majher, WSU program coordinator for NASA in Kansas, drops in as well. Listen to "That's A Shocker."
Opera Theater to present free performances
Wichita State University Opera Theater, under the direction of Opera Director Alan Held, will present two one-act operas by Gian Carlo Menotti at 7:30 p.m. April 23-24 at Miller Auditorium inside of the Duerksen Fine Arts Center. The performances of "The Old Maid and the Thief" and "Amelia Goes to the Ball," with the Wichita State University Orchestra, will be conducted by Dr. Mark Laycock. The comedies are favorites of audiences and will be presented in English.
The performances are free, but tickets need to be reserved. Each performance is limited to 250 audience members.
Wichita State film project: 'The Rule of Three'
Wichita State University Theatre has produced a four-episode web series, "The Rule of Three," as part of the WSU Theatre season this year. The show was written by Theatre professor and director of filmmaking at Wichita State, Bret Jones.
"The Rule of Three" is a comedy and drama that follows Douglas, a writer in the making, who has three people who are close to him all die on the same day at the same time. They come back as ghosts and haunt Douglas as he tries to get used to their deaths and with them being in his life from beyond the grave.
WSU Theatre has been making a film project as part of their annual season for the past few years. “The training for the actors working in front of the camera is a valued part of our performers’ training,” Jones said. Students that get cast in the film project learn what is required to act on camera, expectations on a set, and other aspects of performing in film. The training complements the students work in theatrical productions, as well as audio work, which the students are exposed to while participating in the theatre program at Wichita State University.
The Rule of Three cast: WSU Theatre students—TJ Wade, Alice Cashman, Nora Dooley, Mirta Santana Morales, and Wesley Sweigart. Student directors: Julian Cornejo, Sang Le, and Ryan Reise.
Philosophy Department announces Distinguished Speaker Series
The Philosophy Department Distinguished Speaker Series will this year host Dr. Kathryn Tabb from Bard College, for two talks:
- "Reasoning with the Mad: on Charles Darwin's strange debt to John Locke." 3:30 p.m. today.
- "John Locke on punishment." 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29.
Both events will be online, free, and open to the public. Email brian.hepburn@wichita.edu to request access information.
Celebrate Earth Day at Wichita State
On April 22, Wichita state is celebrating Earth Day both in-person and virtually. Stop by the community garden and make your own Earth Day t-shirt, listen to Laura Lapp, vice President of sustainability at Chartwells, and view student research projects and presentations.
Check out the full schedule of events
Location update: Shocker yoga
There has been a location change for our event.
Shocker Yoga with the Graduate Student Council has been moved indoors due to inclement weather. End wellness week with us, led by the amazing Rex Hafenstine, at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 23 inside the Heskett Center. Ask the front desk where we are as we may be either upstairs at Court B or in Studio Room 145.
For questions, contact Amy at aebauman@shockers.wichita.edu.
Panel will discuss campus sexual assault resources
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance is hosting a virtual Resource Panel at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 28. Panelists will include representatives from Student Health Services, Counseling and Prevention Services, the University Police Department, and the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, and the Title IX Coordinator. Panelists will discuss their roles on campus, services, and resources available to all students and employees.
The panel will be presented via Zoom. To register and receive the Zoom information, please email oiec@wichita.edu.
University faculty awards planned for May 7
The honorees for the 2021 University Faculty Awards will be recognized at 2 p.m. Friday, May 7 in Lowe Auditorium at the Eugene Hughes Metropolitan Complex. The university faculty awards recognizes excellence in teaching, research and creative activities.
To RSVP for in-person attendance or view the livestream visit Wichita.edu/facultyawards.
2021 University Faculty Award honorees:
- Academy for Effective Teaching: Sergio Salinas
- Excellence Award for Community Research: Michael Birzer
- Excellence in Online Teaching: Amy Chesser
- Excellence in Research: Michael Rogers
- Excellence in Teaching: Aaron Rife
- Young Faculty Risk Taker: Mythili Menon
- Young Faculty Scholar: Patrick Bondy
The Leadership in the Advancement of Teaching, Excellence in Accessibility Award, Excellence in Creative Activity Award and the Faculty Risk Taker awards were not awarded for 2021.
Graduate School accepting award nominations
Are you working with an outstanding graduate student? The Graduate School is currently taking nominations for annual awards. Awards open for nomination, eligibility requirements, and instructions for nominations are listed on the Graduate School's Annual Awards Page. Deadline for nominations is Friday, April 23.