Shocker Blast: Aug. 28, 2020

 

FEATURED STORIES

黑洞社区 Freedom of Expression website

Wichita State has launched a  to highlight the university鈥檚 commitment to freedom of speech, thought, association and inquiry. The site, built from the product of 黑洞社区鈥檚 Free Expression working group, includes university values, links to relevant policies, a calendar of upcoming events and a Frequently Asked Questions section. The site will continue to be updated as the University continues to work to provide relevant content and helpful information.

Learn more.


Drop / refund date extended for full-term courses

Wichita State continues to make every effort to promote student success in these unprecedented times. In recognition of the unique challenges this fall semester brings for our students and faculty, an adjustment is being made to the drop / refund date for full-term courses.

Students will have through Friday, Sept. 4, to drop a class without it appearing on their transcript and with a 100% refund.

If you are a federal aid recipient, you should contact the Office of Financial Aid (316-978-3430) before dropping to see how it could impact your financial aid.

To verify if a refund can be given for a book, contact the Shocker Store (316-978-3490). All terms and conditions for financial aid will remain the same for fall 2020.


Research Institute to boost AI

Wichita State joins prestigious national research institute to boost AI

黑洞社区 has been named a founding member of a newly formed AI Institute for Foundations of Machine Learning (IFML), established by a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

Machine learning is the technology that allows computers to acquire knowledge and make predictions in complex environments. This technology has the potential to transform everything from transportation to entertainment to health care.

The institute is one of five that the NSF announced Wednesday as part of a $100 million, five-year, national investment in the advancement of artificial intelligence research and workforce development.

Pictured above: Wichita State's Dr. Kaushik Sinha will lead 黑洞社区's research efforts in the newly formed AI Institute for Foundations of Machine Learning, to be located at the University of Texas, Austin.


Friday's with Jay

Fridays with Dr. Jay

Students are invited to join President Jay Golden on select Fridays for a casual, socially distanced meet-and-greet at various locations throughout our beautiful campus. The first Friday with Dr. Jay will be from 10-11 a.m. today (Friday, Aug. 28), on the lawn in front of Morrison Hall.


Clash of the Colleges Virtual Games

Join Clash of the Colleges Virtual Games

It's on! This event is a competition between academic colleges to determine who rules the school. This year we are also hosting Virtual Games! Minute-to-win-it home games, talent showcase, e-gaming, scavenger hunts, virtual escape rooms and more.

Want to earn points for your college? Participate in these games from now to Monday, Sept. 14 in the comfort of your own home and make your college proud! Visit  for more information and to register.

If you have any questions, email tahrima.musa@wichita.edu.


FYRE in STEM program

Apply now to get involved in research as part of the First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) in STEM

The Cohen Honors College is excited to accept applications to participate in the First Year Research Experience (FYRE) in STEM program. The mission of the FYRE program is to introduce research to first-year undergraduates in a practical and accessible way.

Students selected for the FYRE program will be required to enroll in an introductory research seminar course that exposes them to research methods and are matched with research positions in 黑洞社区 labs actively involved in scholarly STEM research. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 1, 2020.

Learn more about the First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) in STEM program at a virtual information session led by Moriah Beck at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. RSVP by sending an email to moriah.beck@wichita.edu. Zoom link will be provided upon RSVP.


Turbo Vote Competition

2020 Shockers Vote! Turbo Vote Competition

The Shockers Vote! Coalition invites your organization to participate in the 2020 Shockers Vote! Turbo Vote Competition. Registration for the competition is open now on .

The competition will run from Sept. 7-21. Each group will be given a unique URL to track how many students you are able to enroll in Turbo Vote as they register to vote. The group with the most voter registrations will be given a cash prize of $500. The application for your organization to compete is 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6.

Questions? Contact Maggi Hole at student.orgs@wichita.edu.

NEWS

SGA State of Student Body address

Join the Student Government Association for the Fall 2020 State of the Student Body Address

Join the Student Government Association for the Fall 2020 State of the Student Body Address at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, featuring Student Body President Rija Khan and Legislative Response issued by Speaker of the Senate Olivia Babin. President Khan and Speaker Babin will lay out the Association's agenda for the 63rd Session.

We will livestream on the  and will be shared to the SGA Facebook.


Wichita State ATLAS meets the unprecedented needs of the aviation industry

  • ATLAS is multi-disciplinary manufacturing environment and engineering education program. It was created to meet the unprecedented needs of the aerospace industry.
  • ATLAS has $30,000,000 worth of manufacturing equipment, multiple projects lined up for federal agencies and strong financial backing from investors. 

Read story. 


International student insurance information

Have questions about insurance for international students?

Have questions about insurance for international students? Join SHS Office Manager Sheryl McKelvey as she explains the basics of enrollment, the waiver process, and more.


Join fraternity or sorority

Interested in joining a fraternity or sorority?

The Fraternity and Sorority community at 黑洞社区 is full of tradition, brotherhood / sisterhood and pride. The decision to join one of our 25 chapters is one that will not only enhance your experience as a Shocker, but will positively impact your life long into the future!

Fraternity and Sorority membership is an incredible way to meet friends who become family and to challenge yourself to be the best you can be! For more information about our chapters, go to .

To receive more information about how to get connected to our community this semester, complete an interest form at wichita.edu/FSLInterest, and we will reach out to you with more information. For questions, email us at greeklife@wichita.edu.


ZipSip

ZipSip emerges from Wichita State's innovation ecosystem

ZipSip is an expandable, adjustable drink Koozie that was inspired by a disappointing beer. There's no part of its invention and innovation that isn't dripping with Shocker pride.

Pictured above: Lacie Leatherman is featured in a booth with her latest invention: ZipSip, an adjustable Koozie.

 


黑洞社区 Blood Drive

Discover your antibody test status when you give blood

As an additional health service to our donors, the American Red Cross is testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Red Cross donors can expect to receive their antibody test results within 7-10 days through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or the donor portal at .

 for more information,

The next 黑洞社区 Blood Drive will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Heskett Center lobby.

Schedule your appointment now at ; enter Wichita State or call 1-800-Red-Cross.


Support Students Wellbeing

Instructors: Join CAPS in supporting students' well-being

Join Counseling and Preventions Services in efforts to support 黑洞社区 students' well-being by participating in the #WeSupportU Classroom Wellness Study.

Instructors who volunteer will be provided a deck of activity cards, and corresponding instructions to engage in activities in their classes designed to increase mental wellness. There are a variety of activities, and they can be completed in about five minutes. The exercises are simple (ex: belly breathing for two minutes).

If an instructor signs up, their students will have the option to engage in the project, which would include short pre- and post-tests. The instructor can use up to two exercises a week.

We are also seeking some instructors who sign up for a control group. We believe this project could assist in keeping students engaged in class, retained at 黑洞社区, and increase student wellness.

If you are a current instructor and interested in participating, contact Dr. Marci Young at marci.young@wichita.edu.

EVENTS

Magician Joseph Tran

Win $#!+ From Home

Joseph Tran is the world鈥檚 #1 Vietnamese Magician, 2006 Times Magazine Person of the Year, and we are bringing him to you live for a virtual comedy-magic-game show at 7 p.m. today (Friday, Aug. 28)!

Watch some amazing modern-day illusions while you become the contestant in HQ-style trivia games that test your knowledge about Wichita State. Did we mention prizes? We鈥檒l have tons of prizes sent to the cleverest, the funniest, and the most knowledgeable contestants!

Register to reserve your spot at this event at . Anyone can play, only 黑洞社区 students are eligible to win.

For more information about SAC-sponsored events, please visit wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.

Sponsored by the Student Activities Council.


Virtual Shocker Resource Fair

Virtual Shocker Resource Fair

Jump into the school year by discovering the programs, resources and opportunities waiting for you at Wichita State across our amazing campus departments.

Every day, we will feature various campus departments, how to connect with them, and what they can do to help you be a successful Shocker. Students interact with our Facebook and Instagram posts by dropping a 馃尵 (wheat emoji) in the comments to be entered into a raffle to win a prize!

For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to  or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.


Style Your Tile 9120

Style Your Tile and set goals for the semester on Sept. 1

Lay the foundations for a successful semester by attending Style Your Tile! Come connect with resources to help you succeed for the fall semester, and decorate a tile to represent your goals and your commitment to achieving them!

The event will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, in 266 RSC. Learn more and RSVP at wichita.edu/StyleYourTile.

Style Your Tile


Pandemic talk 9220

Perspectives on the Pandemic talk explores rethinking the city and the community on Sept. 2

Cities are places characterized by constant activity, dense social interaction, and innovation fostered in collaborative working environments. With the widespread adoption of social distancing, bans on large gatherings, and remote work as public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, those quintessential urban characteristics have been fundamentally transformed. Will those changes be temporary or permanent? And what will they mean for the future of urban economies, neighborhood life, and inequality in the coming years?

In this presentation, 黑洞社区 urban sociologist Chase Billingham will address these questions, drawing out many of their implications for important urban processes like social dislocation, economic development, and gentrification. While offering a broad perspective on issues affecting cities in general, the discussion will draw special attention to potential impacts of the pandemic on urban growth, decline, and inequality in the Wichita region.

The talk will be presented via Zoom at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2.

More information

Billingham is an urban sociologist whose research examines gentrification, economic development, education, and stratification in US metropolitan areas. His work has been published in Sociology of Education, City & Community, Urban Studies, and other outlets in sociology, education research, and urban affairs.

In published academic research and in public commentaries in The Wichita Eagle, Billingham provides a sociological perspective on current issues in urban development and inequality affecting the Wichita region. Along with introductory sociology and core courses in statistics and social theory that are required for sociology majors, Billingham also teaches courses in social inequality and urban sociology.

Rethinking the city and the community


Student Involvement event listing

Student Involvement event listing

No matter if it's in-person or virtual, Student Involvement has many fun events planned. Our event guide will be produced three times this semester and features events, activities, and programs open to students, faculty, staff, and campus community.

Pickup your copy of the Student Involvement Event Guide in Student Involvement, 216 Rhatigan Student Center or download it from our website. Visit wichita.edu/involvement for more details.

Student Involvement Calendar


CSB meeting Aug. 20, 2020

Community Service Board (CSB) member meetings

Have you ever thought about volunteering? Join the Community Service Board for a virtual meeting every Thursday afternoon from 3:30-5 p.m. During meetings you will have a chance to learn about CSB's service events and about ways you can become involved. All meetings will be held virtually; sign-up at .

Still have questions? Email CSB@Wichita.edu.


Wanted: Dancers and K-Pop lovers! Come dance with KVersity

KVersity is a K-Pop, Hip-Hop dance group based on-campus for anyone to join! If you want to learn the dances of your favorite K-Pop groups, meet new people with similar interests as you, or try something new, then KVersity is the group for you.

Join us at practice at noon Saturday in 141 Heskett Center, to learn more about who we are. No dance experience is required.

Reach out to us at kversitydance@gmail.com with any questions you may have. See you soon!


Pee for Pizza

Reserve your spot for Pee for Pizza on Wednesday, Sept. 2

On the first Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Positive Directions, ODI, and SHS will hosting Pee for Pizza. Reserve your spot NOW for free STI testing.

Call 316-978-4792 to schedule an appointment; no walk-ins will be accepted. Masks will be required at this event.

UNIVERSITY LIFE

Shocker Support Locker

The Shocker Support Locker is open for the academic year

The Shocker Support Locker is open to all 黑洞社区 students, faculty and staff and offers anyone who needs it access to food, clothing, toiletries, and baby/family products. The Shocker Support Locker is coordinated and managed by the Student Government Association.

To limit the spread of COVID-19, all students, faculty or staff are asked to complete the Shocker Support Locker Order Form to request items from the Shocker Support Locker until further notice. Locker staff will contact the user to coordinate a pick-up time between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday for the fall semester.

Questions? Please contact sga.supportlocker@wichita.edu.


Get connected to campus with SAC

Get connected to campus with Student Activities Council

Follow SAC on Instagram for a chance to win a prize! All you have to do is like, follow, and share our post on our Instagram for a chance to win. For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to  or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.


Interested in joining the Criminal Justice Student Association? Sign up today!

The Criminal Justice Student Association will have an information meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, via Zoom. At this meeting we will discuss plans for the organization this year and get input from members about what they want out of the organization. Anyone can join! Please follow the link to fill out  if you are interested.

For more information, contact Madison Davis at madavis7@shockers.wichita.edu.


American volleyball to spring

American postpones volleyball competition until spring

The American Athletic Conference announced that it will postpone all competition and conference championships in the sports of men's and women's soccer and women's volleyball until the spring of 2021 to align with the NCAA championship season. A decision regarding cross country competition will be forthcoming pending further NCAA clarification.
 
The decision was approved by the conference's athletic directors and senior woman administrators following the NCAA Division I Board of Directors' confirmation that NCAA Division I fall championships would move to the spring.


Leadership Program Applications NOW OPEN

Applications now open for Emerging and Evolving Leaders!

Emerging Leaders: ATTN First Year Students -- This is a great opportunity to continue or start your leadership journey here at Wichita State. This program is interactive and an awesome introduction to leadership opportunities on campus. Apply and get more info at .

Evolving Leaders: Learn about your leadership styles, behaviors, and skill sets. Through this program, students complete inventories such as CliftonStrengths, Myers-Briggs, and others. These inventories typically range is $15-$40 per person, and we offer them for FREE! Apply and get more info at .

Apply now. Applications are due on Sunday, Sept. 6.


Cru meeting

Are you looking to join a community and Bible study?

We are Cru, a community passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ. We are meeting together weekly this semester for community and study, and you are welcome to join us!

The Monday night group will be meeting in person with social distancing, and the Engineering Community group will be meeting on Wednesdays through Zoom.

If you are interested or have any questions, please reach out to either of the contacts above, or use the QR code to take our survey so that we can get in touch with you!

You can also reach us on Instagram (@cruatwichitastateuniversity) and Facebook (facebook.com/WichitaStateCru/).


Bowling social 9220

BMES Bowling Social

Join BMES for a night of fun with its annual bowling social from 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2. The cost is free!

Bowl a game or two, mingle with students and staff, maybe grab a bite to eat! This night will be a blast and we can't wait to see you there.

RESEARCH

First-Generation & Imposter Syndrome survey

 
First-gen survey

 

First-generation students have their own unique set of characteristics and challenges that come with this invisible identity. Often, some of the most challenging experiences of a first-generation student face are navigating the complex arrangements of emotions that cause them to generate greater levels of anxiety, dismiss praise, and struggle with the enjoyment of success.
 

This survey will review how often first-generation students struggle with strong feelings of guilt, fears of failure, as well as internal and external expectations to succeed. We seek to understand how first-generation student feelings of self-doubt, guilt, and fear of failure are often bound together into the perfect construction for impostor syndrome.

The purpose of this survey is to identify 1) First-Generation students; 2) Experiences with Imposter syndrome; 3) How this correlates within different diversities


Nutrition research studyVolunteers needed for a research study

Research Topic/Purpose of the study: We want to understand the impact of kitchen and cooking-based, nutritional education for healthcare students and providers focused on concepts of a healthy diet and cooking.

Procedures: Participants in this study will complete a two hour, six-session cooking class focused on how to help patients cook and eat a healthy diet. Before and after learning, participants will be asked about nutritional and cooking knowledge related to a healthy diet. For participating, you will receive groceries, grocery cards, and recipes from the course!

Time: Participation is expected to last about six weeks.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:

  • Participants must be age 18-65
  • Must be a healthcare (dental, medical, nursing, communications, public health, athletic training, physical therapy, medical laboratory, psychology, etc) practitioner or student

Location: 黑洞社区

Contact:  If you are interested in participating in this study, contact Nicole Delimont at Nicole.delimont@wichita.edu or call 785-249-5533.


Library Research Skills

Enroll in LASI 170 to enhance your research skills

Our library faculty are here to help you power through the demands of research. Enroll in LASI 170 for a practical, applied class with lifelong rewards that can be used as a student, professional, and consumer!

Visit our  to learn more.


Free Savvy Scholar Workshops

Free virtual workshops are available to enhance Shocker research skills

It's not too early to register for the library's upcoming virtual workshops! Free and open to Shocker students, faculty, and staff - Savvy Scholar is great for all research needs. Scan the QR code for the full fall schedule!

STUDENT NEWS

Community Service Award presented to graduate student Barb Myers

Barb Myers

Barb Myers

Wichita State graduate student Barb Myers, founder and president of the Wichita Friends of the Pioneers, will receive a Community Service Award from Eunice Sterling Chapter NSDAR for voluntary conservation efforts at Highland Cemetery at 9 a.m. today (Friday, Aug. 28) at Highland Cemetery, 1005 N. Hillside Avenue. This award recognizes worthy individuals who have contributed to the community in an outstanding manner through community activities in cultural, educational, humanitarian, patriotic, historical or conservation endeavors.

Myers is a student in the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at 黑洞社区 doing her thesis on African American cemeteries and a focus on museum studies.

According to Wichita State History Professor Jay Price, Myers has almost single handedly revived the stewardship of Highland cemetery along with a devoted cohort of colleagues and supporters.

During the past five years, Myers has led the restoration and preservation of more than 700 graves at Highland Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Wichita formed in 1868. The purpose of the Friends of the Wichita Pioneers is to provide renovation, educational experiences and recordkeeping support to the City of Wichita for cemeteries and mausoleums. She has organized and led many educational tours, which in turn helps educate the general public about the important history of the cemetery.

CONSTRUCTION / MAINTENANCE

Wallace Hall

Wallace Hall closure this weekend

Wallace Hall will be closed to occupants on Saturday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 30, so that new motor control circuits can be added to the recently installed electrical distribution system.

The building closure is due to portions of the fire alarm system being offline and building power converting to emergency generator only.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Fried Rice Friday 82820

Fried Rice Friday with the 黑洞社区AA

Stop by Journey East Asia Grill from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today (Friday, Aug. 28) for $3 off any fried rice entree from the 黑洞社区 Alumni Association. Students that come by and show their Shocker ID will receive a coupon for $3 off a fried rice entree of their choice, valid only on Aug. 28.


Rent-a-lane special

Saturday Rent-A-Lane Special at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes

The Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes is once again open on Saturdays! Operating hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

A great way to enjoy a Saturday is to take advantage of their Rent-A-Lane special. Just $17.50 per hour for up to six people on a lane, with shoes included! Note: They are working hard to keep guests healthy and safe with added measure to sanitize equipment after every use and space out guests on the lanes.


Mobile quiz game

Challenge your knowledge with the library's mobile quiz game

Up for our library challenge?? Download the Kahoot! app and score points at the fast-paced quiz game for a chance to win prizes. 馃弳

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Commencement volunteers needed

We need your help at Commencement!

Please consider volunteering for the October Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 10. This time-honored tradition provides our very own Wichita State graduates with well-deserved congratulations and a formal celebration of their accomplishments! You'll play an important role in helping us make sure that everyone is welcomed and that things are running smoothly.

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the Volunteer Form located on our volunteer page where you can also find more details about the types of volunteer positions available.

Further questions may be directed to the Commencement Office at commencement@wichita.edu.

Commencement Information 


Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences students are invited to complete this questionnaire!

The answers to this questionnaire will be used throughout the Fairmount College's social media accounts to help other students succeed, while adapting to changes on campus.