黑洞社区 Today: Jan. 9, 2020

 

2019 W-2 information available online

W-2 forms for calendar year 2019 are now available. You can find step-by-step instructions here.

For more information about W2s, go to the W2 information page here.


Accessibility and Accommodations Jan. 15, 2020

How does 黑洞社区 compare to peer institutions?

Attend Best Practices in Accessibility and Accommodations with Eric M. Wilson, associate educator in the Elliott School of Communication and Trends in Higher Education Fellow, and John Jones, director of the 黑洞社区 Media Resources Center, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, in 142 RSC.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP here by Monday, Jan. 13.

Wilson and Jones will look at how 黑洞社区 compares to peer institutions in meeting accessibility and accommodation needs. Discuss our biggest challenges as a university and as individual faculty members. Explore examples of how to meet these challenges, and share resources and ideas for making content more accessible. Dive into the new accessibility exceptions process.

Registration is requested by Monday, Jan. 13. Snacks and refreshments will be served, please advise of any dietary restrictions.


Internal grant opportunity

Award for Research/Creative (ARC) proposals are due by Feb. 7 to the Office of Research

Proposals are due to the Office of Research for Award for Research / Creative (ARC) projects no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7. The ARC provides funding of up to $4,000 to enable faculty to pursue research or creative projects during the summer. Proposers must work with a Grant Specialist in the Office of Research prior to submission, and all complete applications require an endorsement from the chair and dean. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed or considered.

Please contact proposals@wichita.edu to get started, or visit our website for additional information.


Student Wellness Center

New Student Wellness Center open on campus

As of Jan. 6, Wichita State students have access to physical and mental health services all in one place. Located in the new  building at Mike Oatman Drive and Mid-Campus Drive, Student Health Services and Counseling and Prevention Services will now share an office known as the Student Wellness Center. 

Both SHS and CAPS are open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and offer discounted services for currently enrolled students. Students can call 316-978-4SWC (4792) with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Student Health Services provides low-cost, confidential services ranging from routine and preventative care to managing acute illnesses and minor injuries. Detailed information about all services provided can be found at .

Read more about the new Student Wellness Center


Classroom Technology Training Schedule for spring 2020

Classroom Technology Training Schedule for spring 2020

Classrooms across campus are equipped with uniform technology and media equipment. Access is available to faculty and staff with consistent keys for most classrooms that are issued during a short training session. We encourage you to bring your personal laptop to test in the room during training. If there are additional needs or questions, please call 978-3588.

Faculty are encouraged to verify that their assigned rooms have the technology they need prior to the start of the semester.

Spring 2020 Classroom Technology Training Schedule


Instructor Training Day Jan. 15, 2020

Sign up for Instructor Training Day on Jan. 15

Wednesday, Jan. 15 is "Instructor Training Day" at the RSC. Choose from many topics and times by signing up through myTraining. Topics include:

* Applying the QM Rubric (APPQMR)

* Image Manipulation for Classroom Use

* Creating Accessible Video (covers adding video to classes in different platforms)

* Accessibility Exceptions Procedures (counts as your mandatory accessibility training for 2019-20 academic year)

*Aligning Blackboard Content to your Face-to-Face Class

Trainings are offered all day, so choose one or several topics based upon your interest and time availability. Please bring your laptop or other device to the trainings you choose.

To find the trainings in myTraining, simply search by name or look on Jan. 15 on the training calendar. Spaces are limited, so sign up today.


KPERS 457 counseling Feb. 11, 2020

KPERS 457 retirement counselor will be on campus Feb. 11

Robin Deiter, Retirement Plan Counselor with Empower for KPERS 457, will be on-site from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, for individual retirement counseling appointments in 238 RSC. You can schedule an appointment with Robin. 

If you would like more information, contact our plan representative below:

Robin Deiter

Empower 鈥 Retirement Plan Counselor KPERS 457

(844) 446-8658 x20468

Robin.deiter@empower-retirement.com

If you prefer to enroll online, you鈥檒l need the following information:

Group ID: 130000-01

Enrollment Code: ilmjnQ6w


Results for the SPTE evaluations

SPTE results for fall 2019 have been mailed to the departments. If you have any questions about the results, to download the results guides. For any additional questions, contact Sandy at Social Science Research Lab, at 978-5984.


USCIS to welcome 153 new US citizens at 黑洞社区 for the first time

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will welcome 153 new US citizens at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at Wichita State鈥檚 Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. U.S. District Court Judge J. Thomas Marten will preside, and a clerk of the court will administer the .

The citizenship candidates originate from 36 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Canada, Congo (Kinshasa), Cuba, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Ireland, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Read more about USCIS event at 黑洞社区.

Jackie Williams, Kansas deputy attorney general, will address the new citizens, and Michael Whalen will sing. Hamilton Middle School will provide the color guard.

The citizenship candidates live in Andover, Augusta, Bel Aire, Coffeyville, Colby, Derby, Dodge City, Garden City, Great Bend, Hays, Hesston, Hugoton, Independence, Kinsley, Liberal, Macksville, Newton, Plains, Quinter, Salina, Satanta, Syracuse, Ulysses and Wichita.

USCIS encourages new US citizens and their families and friends to share their naturalization photos on social media using the hashtag #NewUSCitizen.

During fiscal year 2019, 834,000 people were naturalized at ceremonies throughout the country and around the world, an 11-year high.


HealthQuest January events 2020

January HealthQuest upcoming events

It鈥檚 the start of a new plan year, which means a fresh start for HealthQuest points! Employees enrolled in 2020 coverage through the State Employee Health Plan can earn a premium discount worth $480 annually and HSA/HRA rewards dollars up to $500 per year for each employee and covered spouse, just by participating and logging healthy activities throughout the year!

You may have noticed that the  has been completely re-designed for 2020 and all employees and spouses must re-register. Click here for registration instructions.

HR Total Rewards is holding three HealthQuest labs in January to help employees get registered, tour the HealthQuest site and get started on activities. Sign up through myTraining.

January HealthQuest labs and events

HealthQuest labs

* 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan, 14, in 122 Jabara Hall

* 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, in 122 Jabara Hall

* 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, in 122 Jabara Hall

In January, there are six events currently scheduled, worth up to 51 points total. Here are some of the upcoming events this month:

  • Complete your Health Assessment for 2020 in the HealthQuest portal. (10 points)
  • 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, in 261 RSC - 鈥淲here Are You Going? Goal Setting for Personal and Professional Success鈥 EAP Workshop (1 point). Register in myTraining 鈥 limited capacity.
  • Through Friday, Jan. 17, registration is open for the first Naturally Slim class of 2020. . (15 points)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 21, on-campus Biometric Screening in 266 RSC -- Schedule your appointment today in the HealthQuest portal, or call 1-888-275-1205, option 3. (Up to 23 points)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 21, on-campus Health Coaching in 238 RSC -- Schedule your appointment today in the HealthQuest portal, or call 1-888-275-1205, option 3. (1 point)
  • 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Jan. 22 - 鈥淎fter the Holidays: Managing That Debt鈥 EAP webinar. . (1 point)

Distinguished Service Award nominations for 2020

Nominations open for 2020 Distinguished Service Awards

Do you know an Unclassified Professional (UP) or University Support Staff (USS) employee who deserves special recognition for their contributions to 黑洞社区? Nominate them for the 2020 Distinguished Service Awards!

These awards recognize the dedication and excellence of UP / USS employees who have provided exemplary, dedicated and caring service to the 黑洞社区 community that is beyond the expectations of the duties and responsibilities of their position. Selected honorees are recognized at the annual Shocker Pride Celebration.

Submit a nomination by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at Distinguished Service Awards.


Website Usability Study - Participants needed

Participants age 18 and older who have experience using websites for renting apartments are needed to help evaluate the usability of a website. If you are interested, please take a few minutes to .

If you qualify, you will be contacted to schedule a time to participate. This study takes place at the 黑洞社区 main campus and lasts about 60-90 minutes. Participants in the study will earn $25 for their time.

Questions can be directed to Traci Hart at Traci.Hart@wichita.edu at 978-3812.


Goal-setting workshop 2020

Registration for Goal-Setting Workshop is now available

黑洞社区 faculty and staff looking for tips about how to set and keep both personal and professional goals should sign up for this free workshop facilitated by ComPsych / Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Qualified employees will receive a HealthQuest point for completing the session! This workshop will be held January 鈥 March, and will take place in the RSC. Seating is limited. Registration is required through the myTraining link (found in my黑洞社区). For assistance with myTraining, email myTraining@wichita.edu.

More on goal-setting workshop

Goal-setting gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation. The process of setting goals allows you to choose where you want to go in your personal life as well as your professional career. A life without goals is like a road trip without a map. By knowing exactly what you want to achieve, you are less likely to get lost, and you will be happier and less frustrated along the way.

At the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

  • Define what goals mean to you
  • Identify the specificity that differentiates goals from wishes or dreams
  • Identify the reasons goals sometimes fail
  • Describe how you can overcome common pitfalls
  • Describe how to write your goals effectively
  • Identify how to use a goal-setting worksheet
  • Describe your action plan for keeping to your goals

Graduate School staff returns to Jardine Hall

The Graduate School is returning to 107 Jardine Hall. It may take staff a bit longer than usual to respond to calls and emails during the move, which is slated to be finished by the end of the day today (Thursday, Jan. 9).

The Graduate School expects to be fully operational again in their permanent location of 107 Jardine Hall on Friday, Jan. 10. We apologize for any inconvenience.


Women of 黑洞社区 lunch with the women鈥檚 athletic coaches on Jan. 16

Join us for the first Women of Wichita State Luncheon of 2020 at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, in 142 RSC.

The featured guest speakers are 黑洞社区鈥檚 Women鈥檚 Team Coaches in volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis and golf.

Lunch is $12 and includes a soup, salad and sandwich buffet.

Please RSVP by Friday, Jan. 10 at January luncheon.