Virtual Celebration set for Saturday, May 16
We look forward to honoring the spring and summer 2020 graduates with Wichita State University鈥檚 first ever Virtual Celebration beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 16! We invite you to visit the commencement website at that time, or thereafter, to watch prerecorded congratulatory remarks from the University President, Provost, Deans, and Alumni Association.
Participating graduates will have a custom slide posted within the event link, showcasing the photo and message they鈥檝e provided. You鈥檒l also be able to hear their name read aloud. A 鈥淰irtual Celebration Recognition List鈥� will be posted with the names of the eligible spring / summer 2020 graduates, their degrees, and honors.
We hope you鈥檒l join us in celebrating these graduates from the comfort of your home.
If you鈥檇 like to post a congratulatory remark to a student on social media, please use #2020WichitaStateGrad!
Go to Spring 2020 Commencement and click on 鈥淰irtual Celebration!鈥�
Join the Student Government Association's final Virtual Town Hall of this spring semester
Join the Student Government Association as we host our final Virtual Town Hall of this spring semester at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 14, live on YouTube, moderated by Student Body President Rija Khan. The panel will include University President Dr. Jay Golden, Provost Dr. Muma, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Teri Hall and Dr. Carolyn Speer, Manager, Instructional Design And Access
The Town Hall will be hosted on the .
We will accept questions live during the Virtual Town Hall, but to submit a question ahead of time, .
Service-Learning Showcase Awards announced
The Service-Learning Showcase is a great opportunity for students who participate in service-learning through applied learning opportunities to showcase their experience through a research or reflective poster about the application of their coursework to current community issues. This year the showcase was held in a digital format, and the judges and our team were blown away by how the students, faculty and community pivoted during this time. We had some truly amazing submissions.
The showcase is an open forum for students to interact with faculty, staff, community partners, and other students to engage in conversation about 黑洞社区's commitment to the public good. Awards were presented in the following categories:
Overall Service-Learning Award
Title: Engaging Salud for All: A patient-centered perspective of a monolingual health service
Community Partner: Community Engagement Institute, Evergreen Neighborhood Center, Guadalupe Clinic
Students: Alissa Bey, Karelyn Feliz, Silvia Duque De San Juan
Faculty: Dr. Rachel Showstack
Community Impact in Service-Learning Award
Title: Mindfulness in Gifted
Community Partner: Wichita Public Schools- Gifted
Students: Jenny VonFeldt & Jennifer Farha
Faculty: Dr. Donna Sayman
Innovation and Creativity in Service-Learning Award
Title: Exploring Service-Learning at Exploration Place
Community Partner: Exploration Place
Student: Arthur Helvie
Faculty: Dr. Laila Cure
Collaboration and Leadership in Service-Learning Award
Title: Wichita LGBT+ Health Needs Assessment Project 2020
Community Partner: The Wichita LGBT+ Health Coalition
Students: Morgan Balderas, Mackenzie Barnes, Molly Conyers, Brittany Doerner, Rachel Fortney. Dana Gates, Savanna Good-Turney, Ashlyn Hermann, Anisa Jalil, Amy Kirk, Jennifer Kozushko, Lindsey Larson, Leia Lawrence, Wendy McDaniel, Bethanie Miller, Samuel Paunetto, Alyssa Spencer, Taylor Stout, Erin Stuart
Faculty: Dr. Dasha Shamrova
Loaner mifi (wireless internet) device return
As the semester comes to an end, please return the mifi devices that were rented out by ITS Telecommunications. These can be returned to the Media Resources Center. Please contact them at 316-978-3588 or cms@wichita.edu when you come to drop off your device so they can let you in the building and get your check-out sheet ready for you to sign the device in.
If you are needing to mail the device back, please mail it to:
黑洞社区
ITS Telecommunications
1845 Fairmount, Box 61
Wichita, KS 67260
ITS Telecommunications will deactivate devices on Monday, June 1, unless notified that you are taking / teaching summer courses, or are a staff member who will continue working remotely and needs the device active.
If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please email us at telecomservices@wichita.edu or respond directly to the TDX ticket you have open for the device rental.
If you still need a device for summer coursework, please .
ITS Telecommunications
United Way Help Center now taking appointments for individuals financially affected by COVID-19 pandemic or aviation-related layoffs
The United Way of the Plains announced that individuals financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or aviation-related layoffs can begin making appointments for the United Way Help Center. The center will assist individuals who have been laid-off or furloughed or self-employed individuals whose business has been severely affected by the pandemic or aviation-related layoffs.
To set up an appointment, individuals must call United Way's information line by dialing 2-1-1 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Note: United Way 211 is available 24/7 for other calls, but appointments for the Help Center must be made during these hours.) Everyone who calls for an appointment by May 15 and meets requirements will receive an appointment for the session that starts June 1. The center will be open on a monthly basis as long as funds are available.
"We know people have been hurt financially by this pandemic and we want to help," said Patrick J. Hanrahan, president and CEO of United Way of the Plains. "We can't replace paychecks, but we can help with basic needs such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and food. The center also matches individuals to many other needed services."
To qualify for help through the Help Center, individuals must:
- Pre-register by calling United Way's information line by dialing 2-1-1
- Have been laid-off, furloughed and approved for unemployment compensation between July 1, 2019 and the present (not fired, quit, or on paid medical leave) or are self-employed and whose business has been severely affected by the pandemic (the individual's job or business was/is in Sedgwick, Butler, Sumner or Cowley counties or individual lives in those counties)
- Show that they have emergency financial needs and have insufficient personal resources to adequately provide shelter and food
Services at the Help Center will include:
- Emergency financial assistance (food, utilities, and shelter). Checks will be written directly to the landlord, bank or utility company. No cash on premises.
- Food assistance
- Budget and debt management counseling from Consumer Credit Counseling Service
- Arrangements for utility bill payment plans
- Help applying for government programs
- Job training and job search assistance
- Continuing education information
The Help Center will implement pandemic safety measures, including: face masks required for all entering the building, limiting the number of people in the building at one time, social distancing, disinfectant wipe-downs, etc.
Operational assistance at the Help Center provided by Catholic Charities. Financial assistance through the Help Center is being provided by United Way of the Plains' Pandemic Fund which is receiving money from individuals and organizations. The Pandemic Fund can still be given to online at or Checks with "Pandemic Fund" in the memo can be sent to United Way of the Plains, 245 N. Water St., Wichita, KS 67202.
Public service reminder from the 黑洞社区 Police Department
Traffic is much lighter than normal on campus right now because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, motorists need to be reminded that when driving on campus, the speed limit is still the same, 20 mph. Slow down and be safe for those who are walking or driving on campus.
Essential Advice for Entry-Level Job and Internship Hunting During Covid-19 - Free Webinar
The Career Development Center invites you to this free webinar at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday, May 13), about Essential Advice for Entry-Level Job and Internship Hunting During Covid-19. There is no question that the global Coronavirus pandemic is creating major challenges for students seeking entry-level jobs and internships. But there are actions you can take now and in the coming weeks to position yourself for success.
In this 60-minute webinar, Lindsey Pollak, workplace expert and author of 鈥淕etting From College to Career,鈥� and Chelsea C. Williams, talent development and retention strategist and founder & CEO of College Code, will share advice on finding existing opportunities, networking effectively, and enhancing your skill-set for success. There will be extensive time for Q&A!
This session is sponsored by Cappfinity, the global leader in strengths-based hiring, with a wealth of expertise in graduate hiring across multinational clients using online and virtual technologies. You can learn how to use your strengths to support your transition from school by taking a free Strengths Profile assessment, which will be shared upon registration.
Hire Heroes USA Veterans Virtual Career Fair - Join tomorrow
Join CareerEco for the virtual Hire Heroes USA Veterans Virtual Career Fair from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, May 14).
Chat with employers looking to hire full-time, part-time and internships. Employers who will be at the event: Oracle, Applied Research Solutions, Hormel Foods Corp., The GEO Group Inc, Wells Fargo and more!
Secure your spot today, and use the to sign up!
PRSA Moving Veterans Forward Virtual Career Event tomorrow
Whether you are a veteran or military spouse with a communications background (or have a strong interest in communications), PRSA is here to help further your career. The Career Development Center invites you to take part in the PRSA Moving Veterans Forward Virtual Career Event to learn about open positions and career development. This career fair takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, May 14. By registering, you will:
- Discover new career opportunities from leading employers that are eager to hire people like you!
- Connect directly with recruiters through live online chats 鈥� easier and more effective than hitting the 鈥楢pply Now鈥� button.
- Build your network by continuing your conversations with recruiters for weeks (and even months) after the event is over.
- Gain knowledge from one of the most well-known military communication leaders in his keynote from Bell (Robert Hastings).
Perspectives on the Pandemic series now on Fairmount College YouTube channel
Making sense of the issues surrounding the coronavirus can be challenging. Faculty experts in the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at 黑洞社区 are helping clear the confusion.
The Perspectives on the Pandemic series features several Fairmount College faculty and community members explaining various aspects of the pandemic. The presentations may be found on the .
Convergence Sciences Initiative proposal deadline extended
The deadline for submission of Convergence Sciences Initiative (CSI) proposals has been extended to Monday, June 8. Faculty and staff may be a Co-PI on more than one proposal. For more information, visit the CSI webpage.
Enjoy free online self-paced courses!
黑洞社区 Office of Workforce, Professional and Community Education in partnership with Ed2Go is excited to announce free professional development opportunities to the community. Ten free self-paced tutorial courses are now offered to you at no cost!
Free self-paced courses include:
How to Register
To register and view the courses, . To take advantage of this special opportunity, you must select the courses titled, FREE Self-Paced Tutorial.
Courses are available through June 30, 2020.
For more information or questions, contact jennifer.harry@wichita.edu
Shocker Innovation Corps now accepting applications for the online summer 2020 cohort
黑洞社区 is a National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps site. The Shocker Innovation Corps nurtures and supports Wichita State entrepreneurial teams interested in accelerating their STEM ideas, research and product commercialization. Ideas / projects can originate from student or faculty work, research and institutional/industrial projects.
This summer cohort will be held completely online. With the university continuing classes online for the summer term, we want to offer the flexibility of attending the E-Launch sessions online. Visit to find out more information or to apply.
Meet virtually with Northwestern Mutual on Friday, May 15
The Career Development Center invites students to register and attend a virtual meetup with Northwestern Mutual! This is the perfect opportunity for Business students to learn about new and exciting internships and careers! There will be a short presentation and a Q&A to answer all of your questions. Use the link here to register for the meetup!
Virtual Meetup with Northwestern Mutual at noon Friday, May 15.
Master of Innovation Design graduate student presents complex blockchain concepts using virtual reality tools
黑洞社区 has stopped all in-person courses to limit the spread of COVID-19, but that hasn鈥檛 stopped the Master of Innovation Design graduate program.
Leading up to the university shut down, Wichita State instructor and innovation design alum, Max Hinman and current innovation design student, Jared Goering worked together to design a virtual reality presentation that can be joined from any VR headset or computer.
Together, Max and Jared have launched a startup on this concept called nwire that
would push VR teaching to others. nwire is one of the recipients of the John A. See
Innovation Award.
The Introduction to Blockchain course is typically an in-person class due to the complex
nature of blockchain concepts.
Pictured above: Dr. Jeremy Patterson, Dean of the Institute of Innovation attends the virtual presentation over Blockchain concepts using Oculus VR headsets.
Meet a Shocker: Cynthia Matson, Bachelor of Business in finance and economics
Cynthia Matson鈥檚 黑洞社区 experiences and an internship opportunity have led her to a full-time career in finance.
Cynthia is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring/summer 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.
Let Your Fellow Shockers Know That They're #NotAlone | 黑洞社区 CAPS
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year, Counseling and Prevention Services needs your help! Let your fellow Shockers know that they're #NotAlone and that you're thinking of them by throwing on your #黑洞社区WeSupportU suspenders T-shirt and posting a picture or a video with #NotAlone and #黑洞社区WeSupportU. While you're at it, tag us at @ShockersCAPS so we can share your post and let as many Shockers see it as possible. If you don't have a suspenders T-shirt, just write #黑洞社区WeSupportU on a sheet of picture and make sure it's in frame.
Student Health Services has a YouTube Channel
Missed a previous Tuesday Talk from Student Health Services? Looking for information on how to stay healthy, specifically how to stay healthy during the outbreak of COVID-19? Student Health Services has a YouTube channel!
Check out our .
Shockers in medicine see reason for hope
The COVID-19 pandemic produces anxiety sorrow and exhaustion for many, including those who work in medicine.
It also produces hope and inspiration when those medical personnel see the public
uniting with social distancing, reduced activity and travel, working from home and
hand-washing.
"It has been really heart-warming to see everybody taking care of each other, checking
in on people maybe you wouldn't have in the past," said Lawson Montgomery, a former
Wichita State hurdler and a resident physician at University of Kansas Medical Center
in Kansas City. "It's a hard thing to do, to ask people to stop what they're doing.
You're putting yourself second and the rest of the community first and that's really
a special thing."
Participants sought for undergraduate research, please share with your students
I am recruiting study participants for my Experiences with Language and Schooling Research Project. This is undergraduate research. Upon completion of the interview, they will also be able to enter a drawing for a $50 gift card. Please help by sharing the following information to your classes:
Experiences with Spanish and Schooling Research Project
Would you like the chance to win a $50 gift card?
Participate in our study. Interviews will last about 60 minutes and will be conducted to examine the school experiences of students from Spanish speaking backgrounds in terms of language and identity. To participate you must be 18 years or older and have attended a U.S. public school at some point in your academic career. We are looking for Hispanic participants from Spanish-speaking backgrounds, whether you speak Spanish yourself or were just raised in a Spanish-speaking environment. All responses will be confidential.
If you are interested, contact cizacarias@shockers.wichita.edu or jennifer.pearson@wichita.edu for more information.
Shocker Celebration Sale
We know graduation may look different this year, but you may be looking for gifts to honor a graduating Shocker! The Shocker Store is hosting a Shocker Celebration Sale online at from now to Saturday, May 16. You can save up to 25% off select alumni and graduation merchandise. Sale may not be combined with other discounts or promotions.
Meet a Shocker: Jade Mursch, communication grad
Jade Mursch, a first-generation student, chose Wichita State to be close to family and the affordability. During her time on campus, she has involved herself with her sorority and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. She's excited about the opportunities that are ahead after graduation.
Jade is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring/summer 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.
ShiftSpace show celebrates transformation
Amy Huser is reclaiming 730 hours of her life 鈥� 730 hours she spent in the past decade feeling as though she wasn鈥檛 enough.
She鈥檚 now celebrating those hours with her Master of Fine Arts thesis show, 鈥淐asually Not Okay,鈥� which is currently hanging in the ShiftSpace Gallery at 黑洞社区.