黑洞社区 Today: Oct. 17, 2018

Invitation to screening of 鈥業ntelligent Lives' on Oct. 25

Intelligent Lives screening on 102518

Join the special education programs for a screening of 鈥淚ntelligent Lives,鈥 a film by Dan Habib, from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, in 211 Hubbard Hall. The event is free but .

鈥淚ntelligent Lives鈥 stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities 鈥 Micah, Naieer and Naomie 鈥 who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college and the workforce.

Students can request their professional development hours at registration.


Faculty and staff training opportunity: Supporting the success of first-generation students

First-gen students

About 45 percent of our undergraduate degree-seeking students and a significant amount of graduate students at Wichita State identify as first-generation students. Faculty and staff are invited to participate in a series of informational sessions to help better understand the needs of the students we serve and teach every day.

Join us in partnership with the Ad Astra Conference and  from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, to hear about how you can help contribute to the success of our first-generation students. Space is limited, so sign up now in myTraining.


黑洞社区 Weekly Briefing to include introduction of new engineering dean; upcoming Shocktoberfest events

黑洞社区 Weekly Briefing

You're invited to attend 黑洞社区's Weekly Briefing at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 18) in the Marcus Welcome Center.  

Zach Gearhart, director of government relations, will give the overall university update, including an introduction of the new dean of the College of Engineering.

The briefing will include Nancy Loosle, director of Student Affairs, talking about upcoming Shocktoberfest activities.

The briefing will be livestreamed and available later that day at .

There will be time for questions at the end of the briefing.


Faculty / Staff Town Hall planned for Thursday, Nov. 1

Town Hall Nov. 1, 2018

鈥淭he Value of a Liberal Arts Education鈥 will be the topic of a Town Hall from 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, in the CAC Theater. A wine and cheese social will follow in the CAC lobby.


Two new appointments, one position reconfigured in Fairmount College Dean's Office

Fairmount College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Moving Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences forward in its mission as the heart of the university just became a little easier.

Dean Andrew Hippisley announced that following an internal search process, two faculty members of Fairmount College have accepted appointments as associate deans. One current staff member has accepted new responsibilities.

Brien Bolin, professor and director of the School of Social Work, has agreed to serve in the role of associate dean of student success. In this capacity, Bolin will support the college's efforts in helping students successfully navigate a four-year degree program, and succeed in every sense: time to degree, exposure to curricular and co-curricular experiences, and engagement in high quality academic programming. Bolin will be responsible for data-driven retention initiatives; recruitment initiatives; assessment and program review; course scheduling; enrollment goals; curricular development; and consulting with the Fairmount College Student Advisory Council.

Bolin holds a doctorate in sociology from Oklahoma State University and has been at 黑洞社区 since 1999. His appointment as associate dean is effective January 1, 2019.

David Eichhorn, professor and chair of the department of chemistry, has agreed to serve in the role of associate dean of faculty development and research. In this capacity, Eichhorn will support the college's efforts in helping all faculty succeed in their professional goals, and help the college deliver a high quality research program. Eichhorn will be responsible for major annual cycle events including tenure and promotion, faculty evaluations, and support of the faculty hiring process; all internal and external grant activity; major award nominations and applications; faculty research achievements and recognitions; and faculty personnel issues.

Eichhorn holds a doctorate in chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley and has been at 黑洞社区 since 1996. His appointment as associate dean is effective January 1, 2019.

Cheryl Miller has taken on new responsibilities in the role of senior assistant dean for academic and staff operations. In this capacity, she will assist the dean in strategizing effective staff organization within the college and department units. A primary function of the position will be working with all staff (non-faculty) of the college, with both professional development and personnel issues. A secondary role will be maintaining outreach relationships with the college's alumni, faculty, students and community members. She will also serve as communication liaison between the dean and the chairs and directors, and between the dean and faculty.

Miller holds a master of arts in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University and has been at 黑洞社区 since 1994.


Only 15 days left in 2019 Open Enrollment!

Open Enrollment for 2019

With 27 percent of enrollments submitted, there are 15 days left to submit 2019 elections! Supervisors will begin receiving email updates this week if members of their team have not yet submitted 2019 elections. Log in to the Member Administration Portal at to make your elections, even if you don't plan to make any changes.

The Total Rewards team has developed many ways to learn about 2019 plan changes and get help completing your online enrollment! See how we can help you get enrolled for 2019!

  • Registration is required for KDHE webinars. Register online at:
  • For help with the Member Administration Portal, attend an HR lab session. Register in myTraining at
  • For a full listing of Open Enrollment events & resources, see the Open Enrollment website.

Total Rewards is hosting an in-person presentation at 9 a.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 17) in 142 RSC. Total Rewards is facilitating lab sessions at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. There also is a KDHE webinar scheduled for 1 p.m.

After today, only three in-person presentations and four KDHE webinars remain for members to learn about 2019 plans and plan changes.


黑洞社区 political scientist contributes to story in 鈥楪ender Watch 2018'

Heather L. Ondercin

Heather L. Ondercin

Heather L. Ondercin, assistant professor of political science at 黑洞社区, was a contributor to an article 鈥淔our Things You Need to Know about Women Voters.鈥


Encourage students to attend Careers for the Creative

Careers for the Creative Oct. 18, 2018

Faculty and staff, please encourage any students you feel would benefit to attend Careers for the Creative, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, in 256 Rhatigan Student Center.

This event offers students and alumni the opportunity to meet employers and individuals within the creative world. Some may have internships and other employment opportunities. Representatives from creative fields like art, design, entertainment, media, advertising, creative writing and more will be present!

Students won't want to miss out on this opportunity to follow their passion. Encourage them to come and have a conversation!

For a complete list of employers attending, visit 


Anthropology Symposium to be held on Saturday, Oct. 20

Anthropology Symposium Oct. 20, 2018

You're invited to attend an Anthropology Symposium featuring Distinguished Jackman Lecturer Thomas A. Crist from 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, in 208 Hubbard Hall. Crist is the Harold T. Clark Jr. Professor of Anthropology and Anatomy and Professor of Physical Therapy Director of Utica College's Forensic Field School in Albania and Romania Bioarchaeologist and Forensic Physical Anthropologist.

Feel free to bring family and friends who are interested in anthropology. The event is open to the public and admission is free. If you have questions, contact anthropology@wichita.edu or call 978-3195.


RSC Unplugged features Nikki Moddelmog today (Wednesday, Oct. 17)

RSC Unplugged Oct. 17, 2018

Stop by the Rhatigan Student Center every Wednesday for the live music series, RSC Unplugged. Nikki Moddelmog will perform from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 17) in the RSC's Starbucks Lounge. Grab a cup of coffee and relax with some great music!


Applications are open for AAFSA scholarships

The African American Faculty & Staff Association awards scholarships every November from freshmen to graduate students. The scholarship amount ranges from $250-$500 depending on how many applicants are awarded. Those students will receive the money in January 2019 for their spring semester.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19.

Scholarship application


Girls to explore STEM careers at sixth annual Expanding Your Horizons event

Expanding Your Horizon event Nov. 3, 2018

黑洞社区 invites middle school girls from the surrounding area to attend the Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) workshops on Saturday, Nov. 3.

This will be the sixth annual EYH, an event promoting career exploration in fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for young women. The EYH Network is a national program that gives girls a chance to engage in hands-on activities and meet role models in STEM disciplines. The purpose of the event is to inspire girls from all backgrounds to recognize their potential and pursue opportunities in STEM.

Registration is limited to 200 participants to maximize interaction at workshops, and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis through Tuesday, Oct. 30. The registration fee of $15 includes lunch at Shocker Hall, a T-shirt and bag for the student attending.

Students will be able to register for three workshops. Workshops this year include 鈥淚nfectious Outbreak,鈥 鈥淒NA Necklace,鈥 鈥淒espicable Me, Money and More,鈥 鈥淭he Broad Street Mystery,鈥 鈥淩ube Goldberg Design,鈥 鈥淎ll Keyed Up!,鈥 鈥淪tart your Own ISLAND!,鈥 鈥淎rchaeology of Food,鈥 鈥淟ight Up Your Life (Electronics),鈥 鈥淭he Science Behind Gaming,鈥 鈥淭he Secret Lives of Flowers,鈥 鈥淪melly Science,鈥 鈥淎ir Powered Rockets,鈥 and 鈥淕eology Rocks.鈥

The event will start with a keynote address by Dr. Asona Lui, a Kansas native involved in cancer treatment research at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.  Families are welcome to attend the opening ceremony and attend a parents' session on topics, such as financing higher education, college preparation during middle and high school, and the process of applying to colleges. Campus tours will also be provided after the event.

For more information about EYH, contact 黑洞社区 Conference Office at 978-6493 or visit the conference website. Middle school girls and their parents can or by mail with the registration form also accessible from website.


Save the Date - Another opportunity for $10 long-sleeve tees

Long-sleeve Tee sale 102718

Weren't able to make it to the Shocker Store's last $10 long-sleeve tee sale? Well, you are in luck! They are having another one, on a Saturday this time!

Stop by the Shocker Store in the RSC location only on Saturday, Oct. 27, for $10 long-sleeve tees, while supplies last. Store hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m., but these sell out fast, so make sure to get there early! Limit three per customer. Offer is not valid with other discounts or promotions and all sales are final.


Exchange programs greatly enhance the student experience

SEM tips Oct. 17, 2018

Wichita State has a number of programs that help students travel the country or the world while simultaneously working toward their degree and enhancing their student experience. Students should explore academic travel opportunities such as Study Abroad and National Student Exchange early so they can prepare financially and academically. Many academic departments also sponsor travel opportunities tied to specific classes. Encourage students to seek out these unique and often life-changing experiences as they prepare for future enrollment.


Faculty and staff regalia orders available at Shocker Store in the RSC

Faculty and staff regalia

The Shocker Store is taking regalia rental orders from faculty and staff members who are planning on attending the fall 2018 commencement. The deadline to place your order is 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9. Please email Julie at shockerstore@wichita.edu or call 978-7021.

Payment is due when you place your order. If you would like to purchase custom academic regalia, the deadline is Friday, Oct. 26.


鈥楧igital Library Resources for Musical Inspiration' workshop coming Oct. 25

Library Workshop Oct. 25, 2018

University Libraries is holding the workshop "Digital Library Resources for Musical Inspiration鈥 from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, in 217 Ablah Library. 

Explore resources for listening, viewing and creating music at the 黑洞社区 Libraries. Discover tips and tricks for engaging with music materials online, such as creating a personal playlist in the audio streaming databases, searching within streaming databases and finding scores and sound recordings in various formats.

This is one in a series of Digital Literacy workshops this semester, and is open to all 黑洞社区 students, faculty and staff.

For more information about this workshop and others in the series, visit Seats are limited, so sign up today at.


Communications students gain opportunities from CommWeek

CommWeek Oct. 2018

Every year, the Elliott School of Communication hosts CommWeek, which is a series of events and short programs for communication students to attend and learn more about the industry. This year, the week runs from today (Wednesday, Oct. 17) to Friday, Oct. 19.

The department brings alumni and professionals to campus to talk about their experiences and give students insight on the field of communication they work in.

Students are able to learn from and connect with the alumni and professionals that attend. There are also times for students to network with professionals from local area businesses and talk about career and internship opportunities.

The week offers students the chance to explore how what they are studying can be used in future jobs and how they can use their development and skills in the industry.

Story and video


IME Colloquium to feature Saideep Nannapaneni

Saideep Nannapanei

Saideep Nannapaneni

Saideep Nannapanei, assistant professor in the Department of Industrial, Systems and Manufacturing Engineering, will present Model-based Analytics Under Uncertainty鈥 from 1-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, in 214 Clinton Hall.

Read abstract


鈥楬ow Do I Go Beyond Basic Search?' workshop coming Oct. 26

Library Workshop Oct. 26, 2018

University Libraries is holding the workshop 鈥淗ow Do I Go Beyond 鈥楤asic Search?'鈥 from noon- 1:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 in 217 Ablah Library.

Go beyond the basic search box with advanced search techniques like proximity searching, setting filters and limits, and using wildcards in this very helpful workshop!

This is one in a series of Savvy Researcher workshops this semester. The workshops in this series are open to 黑洞社区 students, faculty and staff. 

For more information about this workshop and others in the series, visit . Please encourage your students to sign up for workshops in this very helpful series!