Wichita State hosting in-person, virtual commencement for 3,500 eligible students
Students who had their graduation ceremonies postponed due to the pandemic will finally get their moment 鈥� along with this year鈥檚 newest graduates 鈥� during Wichita State University commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 14, and Saturday, May 15, at Charles Koch Arena.
All fall 2020, spring 2021 and summer 2021 graduates have been invited to attend and be recognized. Approximately 3,500 students are eligible to participate. Students have the option of participating in-person or virtually. All ceremonies will be live streamed.
Read more about spring 2021 commencement ceremonies
Wichita State to hold panel discussion on freedom of expression
Free expression is a fundamental value for an institution such as 黑洞社区, Neal Allen, associate professor of political science, maintains.
鈥淲e owe all of our students, and all Kansas citizens that we serve, our best effort to include all points of view,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 believe that democratic government depends on having both involved citizens and trained professionals.鈥�
The open exchange of ideas may not produce a tidy ending.
That exchange, however, is crucial to our nation鈥檚 discourse, no matter how difficult the conversation. 黑洞社区 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.
Make48 Invention competition selects 黑洞社区鈥檚 GoCreate as a flagship event
With the help of Koch Industries, Make48 is bringing its 48-hour collaborative inventor and maker challenge to Wichita. 黑洞社区鈥檚 GoCreate, A Koch Collaborative will host the event scheduled for June 24-26.
Using the same blueprint of the PBS Make48 TV documentary, local Wichita teams will be able to participate in the unique fastest-invention competition, which helps attendees discover what is possible in 48 hours.
Make48 is a nationwide, invention-competition docuseries that gives teams a challenge at the start of a two-day event. With just 48 hours, teams must create a prototype, promotional video and a sales sheet and present their idea to a panel of judges. The teams have access to a makerspace and numerous Tool Techs that can make almost anything, thus allowing everyone to have a level playing field and the chance to win.
Learn about wellness services available to you
This week might be Wellness Week, but there are many wellness services available to students all semester. That includes CARE Team, Counseling and Prevention Services, Student Health Services and Campus Recreation.
CARE Team:
Wrap-around services and campus support Self-Care Sundays and other wellness-related
programming
The CARE Team Coordinators who are here to help are:
- Ashlyn Riley 鈥� Serves colleges of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Engineering and Honors
- Vaughn Sweet 鈥� Serves colleges of Fine Arts, Business, Health Professions and Applied Studies
- Tara Hanna 鈥� Serves students living in on-campus housing
- Alicia Newell 鈥� CARE Team chair, serves student athletes
Learn more at wichita.edu/CARE
Counseling and Prevention Services:
- Individual and couples therapy at an affordable rate
- Group therapy for particular areas of concern, including Understanding Self and Others, Healing from Trauma, and Graduate Student Support Group
- Online programming, such as Keep Calm & Breathe Online, Mental Health Toolbox and FAQ Friday.
- Learn more at
Student Health Services:
- Treatment for illness and injuries
- Preventative health management and immunizations
- Health screenings and laboratory services
- Family planning services and men鈥檚/women鈥檚 health exams
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Health education video series on social media
- Learn more at
Campus Recreation:
- Intramural sports and sport clubs, including volleyball, softball, tennis, soccer, badminton, judo, eSports, and more
- Shocker Fit classes such as F45
- Massage therapy
- Special events, such as F45 Playoffs, Pumpkin Run & RecFest
- Nutrition discussions on Facebook Live
- Learn more at
ODI Real Talk today: Asian hate crimes
Engage in meaningful dialogues around various topics that impact identity, diversity, inclusion, equity and society. We welcome you to lean into discomfort and join in on the discussion.
In order to attend the Real Talk 鈥� Intersection Dialogues, you must register for the event. Register for this virtual event at !
Upon registering, you will receive a confirmation that you are attending this event. The Zoom address, meeting ID and password will be provided to you in this confirmation email. You must be signed into Zoom to access the meeting.
For more information, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at (316) 978-3034.
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 黑洞社区. 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
Freshmen and senior surveys available
The CLA (Collegiate Learning Assessment) and NSSE (National Survey of Student Engagement) assessments are now in progress. Freshman and seniors, if selected to participate, you can find a link in Blackboard. Click on the link to find out how you might be eligible for a $25 QuikTrip or $25 Shocker Dollars card.
Still interested in running for an SGA position?
Still interested in running for an SGA position? The Elections Commission invites you to conduct a write-in campaign for any position. A write-in candidate is defined as a member of the association who publicly announced candidacy and whose name will not appear on the ballot. Questions? Reach out to us at sga.elections@wichita.edu
Free tutoring available to students
Need some help in your classes? Request a tutor now. Don't delay. The process to request a tutor from your has been updated. Find step-by-step instructions on the Student Success website at www..
Service-Learning Showcase seeks submissions
The Service-Learning Showcase is a unique 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 course work to current community issues. This year the showcase will be held in a digital format and judged by a team of community partner leaders.
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 are presented in the following categories:
- Outstanding Overall Service-Learning Project 鈥� $150 scholarship to winning entry
- Innovation and Creativity in Problem Solving 鈥� $100 scholarship to winning entry
- Community Impact/ Community Choice 鈥� $100 scholarship to winning entry
- Collaboration and Leadership in Service-Learning 鈥� $100 scholarship to winning entry
Submissions are due on April 1.
More information about the Service-Learning Showcase
Outdoor heaters placed outside RSC
黑洞社区, Student Involvement and the Kansas Leadership Center have joined together along with thousands of other Kansans for the Kansas Beats the Virus campaign. The campaign brought together thousands of Kansans to find creative solutions to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Student Involvement was awarded a grant to purchase outdoor heaters to be placed outside the RSC to provide Shockers with an opportunity to enjoy the heaters while still maintaining social distancing guidelines. During these chilly spring mornings, we invite our students, staff, and faculty to stop by and warm up under these heaters, which will be placed on the north patio of the RSC throughout the month of March.
Heaters are also available for use for 黑洞社区 groups and organizations to use. For more questions about using heaters for one of your events contact Letsmeet@wichita.edu.
For more questions about resources to help fight COVID-19 throughout our community visit #KSBeatsTheVirus.
Graduation stole orders due today
Graduating students: If you are a member of any of the listed groups below and would like to order the group鈥檚 corresponding graduation stole, pre-orders must be completed by today at .
Groups included are Shocker Bowling, Japanese Culture Association, University Innovation Fellows, Medical Laboratory Sciences, BS in Nursing, or School of Social Work student organization. For questions, please call 316-978-7021 or email shockerstore@wichita.edu.
University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award
Attention, undergraduates! Are you entering Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF)? Why not enter the first ever University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award competition, too? The deadline to apply is April 2, 2021. Let us hear how you have used University Libraries resources in your URCAF project! Prizes will be awarded: $250 for first place, $200 for second place, and $150 for third place.
Dining services seeking student insight
Attention, students! Get $10 Bonus Dollars when you participate in one of the 黑洞社区 Dining Virtual Focus Groups (On-site Insights). We want to hear from you, ! Virtual OSIs are March 30-31 for students only.
Finish your week with Zoom Zumba class
End Wichita State's Wellness Week by getting your body moving and grooving. We will be streaming a prerecorded Zumba class at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 19. To register for the class, visit .
Take a virtual tour of Special Collections, University Archives
RESCHEDULED FROM FEBRUARY: Join Wichita State curator and archivist Jessica Cerri on a virtual tour of Special Collections & University Archives from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 26. Special Collections and University Archives are where the libraries' rarest and most unique materials are preserved and made available to the public. Join this free webinar at .
Free pizza, lessons at Shocker Tennis Kids' Day
Shocker Women's Tennis will take to the court against in-state foe Kansas at Coleman Tennis Complex at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 20. Admission is free. The Mo Connolly Tennis Foundation is sponsoring Kids' Day. Free personal pan pizzas and a post-match clinic with Shocker players and coaches will be provided to all kids in attendance. Kids can bring their own racket, but one can be provided if needed. Face coverings are required throughout the duration of the event.
Free leadership workshop for students
Catalyst is a one day leadership event that focuses on developing your leadership potential and becoming catalyst in your leadership journey! The workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 20 at the RSC's Beggs Ballroom. A free lunch will be provided.
Webinar to offer SBIR/STTR program overview
Please join Bob Smith, Director, DON SBIR/STTR and Special Programs, for a Navy SBIR/STTR program overview highlighting simpler, faster, and easier execution processes and describing annual funding opportunities of more than $400 million of non-dilutive capital available to small businesses for innovative research and development.
The free and virtual event is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 26 and will include one-on-one meetings between small business attendees and Navy SBIR/STTR program representatives. Contact strategicinitiatives@wichita.edu with any questions.
Learn more about study-abroad opportunities
Want to learn more about study-abroad programs? Watch our study abroad webinar recordings at www.wichita.edu/studyabroadwebinars.
Beat the virtual escape room, win prizes
Can you escape in time? University Libraries invites everyone to test their knowledge and puzzle-solving skills in this year鈥檚 Virtual Escape Room. Anyone who can complete all the puzzles within the time limit is automatically entered to win awesome Shocker prizes! Play now at . The Escape Room is open until March 19, and prize winners will be announced the following week
Political science, public affairs research opportunity
Wichita State Students interested in politics or public affairs are encouraged to apply for research funds by contacting Dr. Neal Allen with a resume and one-page proposal for a research project on economic and property rights. The deadline to apply is April 2, 2021.
Researchers offer parenting training sessions
Parenting can be tough! Researchers at 黑洞社区 are seeking to help parents manage behavioral concerns in children ages 3 to 12. Behaviors may include whining, tantrums, and difficulty following directions. The study will include three telehealth parent training sessions (about 45 min each) and follow up assessments one week, one month, and six months after treatment in order to track long-term behavior change.
Parents who complete all three parent training sessions and corresponding assessments will be entered into a raffle for a $25 gift card. We are looking for about 25 families to participate in our study. If you have a child living in your home who is between 3 and 12 years old and is exhibiting behaviors that are difficult to manage, you may be eligible for this study.
If you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact Ashley Ormond at aeormond@shockers.wichita.edu or Dr. Rachel Petts at 316-978-3720 or rachel.petts@wichita.edu.
Office of Adult Learning announces ALOTY awards and finalists
The Office of Adult Learning recently celebrated its second annual Adult Learner of The Year (ALOTY) awards. Student awards bestowed during the event were for the ALOTY as well as the inaugural Shocker Pathway Student of the Year (SPSY). In addition to the student recipients, a university partner and community partner were also recognized. The finalists and winners were:
- 2021 University Partner 鈥� Chad Steinkamp, assistant director undergraduate admissions
- 2021 Community Partner 鈥� Working Men of Christ Ministries
- 2021 ALOTY Finalists 鈥� Kate Magathan and Emily Hedrick
- 2021 ALOTY 鈥� Billy Wilson
- 2021 SPSY Finalists 鈥� Chelsea Morales and Breasia Sharkey
- 2021 SPSY 鈥� Apple Holder
The Office of Adult Learning will be featuring the full story about the ALOTYs in the next Office of Adult Learning Newsletter.
KMUW seeks interns for archival project
KMUW, Wichita's National Public Radio station, is looking for talented interns for our new archival project. Interns will work 15 to 20 hours a week over seven months, roughly April 5 through Sept. 5. The pay is $12 an hour and will be mostly remote work. The intern will learn how to find and input metadata for archival recordings. The intern will also spend time learning about different audio and video formats for archiving. Deadline for submission is April 1. This search is not limited to Wichita State students. To learn more, please visit .
Ulrich accepting paid internship applications
The Ulrich Museum of Art on the 黑洞社区 campus is accepting applications from Wichita State students for its paid internship program, which offers valuable experience in the everyday workings of a university art museum. These internships offer students interdisciplinary and experiential learning that is informative on both intellectual and practical levels. Tasks may include assisting with research for exhibitions, cataloging works of art, helping with publicity, participating in exhibition installations, working on programs, and giving exhibition tours. Internships for course credit in fulfillment of curricular requirements are available in coordination with many academic departments.
To apply, please email a current resume accompanied by a cover letter to either Ksenya Gurshtein, curator of modern and contemporary art or Jana Erwin, head of education, summarizing your past experiences related to art and museum work, your goals for the future, and an explanation of why you would like to intern at a university modern and contemporary art museum. Please note: We strongly recommend visiting the museum's exhibitions and exploring this website before writing the cover letter. The application deadline is April 30, 2021.
Opportunities to serve in Shocker Neighborhood
Do you know what an AmeriCorps VISTA is? Are you interested in serving and working alongside our neighbors? Learn more about the Shocker Neighborhood Outreach VISTA at an informational meeting at noon Thursday, March 25. Please and a link will be sent to you after registration.
Check out additional volunteer opportunities within Shocker Neighborhood on .
Service-Learning Showcase submission open
The Service-Learning Showcase is a unique 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 course work to current community issues. This year the showcase will be held in a digital format and judged by a team of community partner leaders.
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 are presented in the following categories:
- Outstanding Overall Service-Learning Project: $150 scholarship to winning entry
- Innovation and Creativity in Problem Solving: $100 scholarship to winning entry
- Community Impact/ Community Choice: $100 scholarship to winning entry
- Collaboration and Leadership in Service-Learning: $100 scholarship to winning entry
Submissions are due April 1. For more information and to submit, please visit our showcase website.
Volunteer to thank health care workers
The Golden Shockers, a team of four college students, is hosting a community service project to show appreciation and gratitude for health care workers for all their efforts during the pandemic. We intend to and we will then hand-write each card. Cards will be physically delivered to the hospital on Saturday, April 17.
Submissions will be collected until 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 10. It will only take a quick second out of your day!
Contact the project coordinator Michelle Huynh at Mxhuynh2@shockers.wichita.edu with questions.