黑洞社区

Wichita State creates Advisory Council to help retain talent, drive economy

Growing and diversifying our regional economy while working to recruit and retain talent in Kansas is a primary goal for 黑洞社区.

To assist with those efforts, 黑洞社区 President Dr. Jay Golden has created the President鈥檚 Innovation and Business Advisory Council.

With $1 million gift, Gene and Yolanda Camarena will help students of color succeed at 黑洞社区

Gene and Yolanda Camarena are well known for helping underserved Kansas youth improve their lives through education and other causes. Now the Wichita couple is enhancing that legacy with a $1 million gift to 黑洞社区 to give students of color opportunities they otherwise might not have.

A little more than half of the Camarenas鈥� gift pledge, $520,000, will provide high-impact scholarships to 20 Hispanic and Black students each year for the next four years. Wichita State will match that investment in full as part of its mission to provide affordable and accessible educational opportunities to underserved students.

The gift was unveiled at a news conference yesterday (Aug. 31) on the 黑洞社区 campus.

University schedule for the Holiday Closedown 2020

The holiday closedown period has been approved this year to commence at the end of the day on Friday Dec. 18, 2020 and reopen on Monday morning Jan. 4, 2021. We are once again communicating the schedule to ensure all employees can manage their time off appropriately. The closedown is 10 days, three of which are paid holidays. Classes will not be in session during this period.

Unclassified Professional and University Support Staff who would normally be scheduled to work the days may use accumulated vacation leave or their *2020 discretionary day during the holiday closedown. Non-exempt employees can also use accumulated compensatory time off during the holiday closedown.

If your role requires you to work during the holiday closedown it must be approved in advance by your immediate supervisor.

Upcoming Zoom security changes

Starting Sunday, Sept. 27, Zoom will require that all meetings have either a Passcode and/or Waiting Room enabled. Zoom has designed these security measures to give you control over your meeting security options, while keeping the join experience as frictionless as possible.

For meetings that do not already have either a Passcode or Waiting Room enabled by Sept. 27, Zoom will automatically enable a Waiting Room for you. If you add a Passcode to a meeting that does not already have one, you will need to share the updated link with your participants.

If you have issues or concerns, please submit a support ticket by visiting and following the link for "Zoom.us Support Request."

Scholarships now available for 黑洞社区 Badge Courses!

 

Apply, be admitted and enrolled in a badge course by Wednesday, Sept. 9, to be eligible for a scholarship that will cover the tuition and fees for one badge course (fall 2020 semester only). Scholarships are limited and will be available on a first-come basis until all funds have been awarded.

Badges are academic short courses of one credit hour or less that are designed for working, non-degree seeking professionals. They are online and self-paced. Badges allow students to demonstrate to employers their knowledge, skills and competencies in a subject area. Students who successfully complete a badge will receive a digital recognition of their accomplishment that they can share on social media and link to a digital resume.

Enrollment is open now! You can begin the badge course between Aug. 17-Nov. 9. All coursework must be complete by Dec. 3.

To enroll and view the badge course catalog, visit . For questions, please contact workforce@wichita.edu or call 316-978-7579.

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.

Ability Ally Training is now online!

Ability Allies are a network of faculty, staff, and students who take a visible role in promoting disability awareness, supporting persons with disabilities, and maintaining resources for working and interacting with people with disabilities. This Diversity in Action interactive training is designed to shape your perspective on ability versus disability and providing an open forum for questions and concerns for those interacting with individuals with disabilities.

For more information about the Diversity in Action Program, go to .

This training is free and available to all 黑洞社区 employees (faculty, staff, and student employees). Log in to my黑洞社区 and register through myTraining. For questions, contact myTraining@wichita.edu.

25th Annual McNair Closing Symposium

We hope that you will take time to view these presentations, which are the culmination of more than 200 hours of research for each student. The transition to online learning and online research completion has presented challenges, and we are immensely proud of the work and dedication of each student. Join us in celebration their achievements.

Thank you to all that participated in the Bradley Cole Poster Competition. There was a total of 163 votes. The three posters below received highest number of votes.

Go to McNair Scholars Program, scroll down and click the 25th Annual Closing Symposium, and enjoy the presentations!

Free Campus Visitor Guides are available

Free Campus Visitor Guides are available upon request. They are particularly helpful if you鈥檇 like to have a stack of guides to share with students or prospective students.

These guides can be delivered via campus mail or be delivered to your office.

Let Garrett Rupp in the Office of Admissions know by Tuesday, Sept. 15, how many guides you need, and a campus box number or office number for delivery. Contact Rupp at garrett.rupp@wichita.edu or call 978-6293.

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.

The Office of Academic Affairs announces new emeriti faculty

The following have been named as new emeriti faculty by the Office of Academic Affairs:

Frank M. Rokosz, Associate Professor Emeritus, Department of Human Performance Studies.

Julie A. Scherz, Associate Professor Emerita, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Marlo A. Schommer-Aikins, Professor Emerita, Department of Counseling, Educational Leadership, Educational and School Psychology

鈥楥ompeting for Government Contracts: Basic Training鈥�

Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) will host a virtual workshop regarding the basics of doing business with federal, state and local governments.

The workshop titled 鈥淐ompeting for Government Contracts: Basic Training,鈥� will be offered as a virtual program from 1:30-4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. The program focuses on an overview of the way government agencies purchase goods and services. Also provided will be information on how a company can become a contractor to agencies at all levels of government.

The workshop will be taught by Scott Knapp. Registration will be required in advance to attend the workshop. 

Professor investigates what makes a good law enforcement officer through lab research

• Dr. Joel Suss is an assistant professor in psychology and the director of ACE at Wichita State University. 
• ACE investigates human performance and cognition in complex, dynamic, and often stressful operational settings. 
• For the past five years, the ACE lab has focused its study on law enforcement.
• He hopes that his lab research will provide scientific evidence that can inform police training practices.

Pictured above: Dr. Joel Suss teaches cognitive skills training for improving police decision-making.

Read story

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.

Perspectives on the Pandemic talk explores rethinking community

Chase Billingham

The next talk in Wichita State鈥檚 Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 鈥淧erspectives on the Pandemics: Part II鈥� series will feature Chase Billingham.

As an associate professor of sociology, Billingham researches issues examines gentrification, economic development, education, and stratification in US metropolitan areas. His presentation, 鈥淩ethinking the city and the community for a post-pandemic world,鈥� will explore how the pandemic has affected cites and communities.

Billingham鈥檚 lecture will be delivered via Zoom at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 2. For more information about the 鈥淧erspectives on the Pandemics: Part II鈥� series and how to join by Zoom, go to /Pan2.

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.

Author Christopher McDougall will join Ulrich Virtual Stories book discussion on Tuesday, Sept. 8

The Ulrich Museum of Art is excited to share that author Christopher McDougall will join us for the upcoming Ulrich Virtual Stories book discussion on his "Running with Sherman" book.

McDougall will be in conversation with Beth Golay, host of KMUW鈥檚 podcast "Marginalia," for the program, which begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8. Like all Ulrich Virtual programs, the book discussion is free and open to all; however, registration is required to get the Zoom link. Visit our program partner, Watermark Books, for your copy today.

September HealthQuest upcoming events

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!

In June the Health Care Commission (HCC) voted to reduce the number of HealthQuest credits required to receive the 2021 premium incentive discount. The credit requirement was reduced from 40 points to 20 points, due to the exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19.

In addition, the HSA/HRA Dollars awarded for each HealthQuest credit completed has been increased from $10 to $20 per credit, up to the maximum of $500 per member. This change applies only to the 2020 plan year and is retroactive for credits earned since January 1.

In September, there are 3 events currently scheduled, worth up to 39 points total! There are also a variety of On-Demand or online options with up to 46 points available!

Wichita State graduate Sarahi Aguilera grows into role as voice for immigrants

• Working with community organizers and a trip to our nation's capital inspired Sarahi Aguilera to tell her story of immigration.
• Aguilera wants to attend law school and help people by working in immigration law.
• She is a 2020 Wichita State graduate who, in June, helped organize ICT Standing with DREAMers to support DACA.

Pictured above: 黑洞社区 graduate Sarahi Aguilera (center) stands next to U.S. Senator Jerry Moran as part of her duties with Sunflower Community Action.

Check it out! Issue 1 of the 2020-21 W黑洞社区 Newsletter is here!

Women of 黑洞社区! The W黑洞社区 Newsletter is here! In this issue, you鈥檒l find important reminders, interviews with other Women of 黑洞社区, updates, and more. See what we鈥檝e been up to and find out how you can join the fun. Find it on our webpage at .

Women of 黑洞社区 (aka. W黑洞社区) is an organization formed in the Fall of 2018 by the combination of two groups; the 黑洞社区 Women's Association (founded in 1928), and the Council of University Women (founded in 1930). W黑洞社区's purpose is to serve the University by providing student scholarships. We are dedicated in promoting the personal growth of our members through social interaction and fostering a sense of community through fellowship and the spirit of friendliness.

Follow Women of 黑洞社区 on Facebook to find more information or email us at W黑洞社区@wichita.edu!

Pumpkin spice is back

School's back and so is pumpkin spice! Visit Starbucks in the RSC to grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Available for a limited time only.

Group reservations with physical distancing at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes

The Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes is accepting group reservations and can handle up to three groups of 15 guests each with physical distancing in place. This allows for a group of up to 45 to visit us for an event with those attending dividing into three groups of 15.

Guests are expected to wear masks and remain within their assigned group. This, coupled with extra measures being taken to sanitize touch points and equipment, makes us a safe option to gather and be social!

For more details, call 316-978-3479 or email ssgl@wichita.edu.

Women of 黑洞社区 Membership Drive

Become a member for only $12. We have scheduled Zoom events at lunch time and evening, through November. Please join us so we can continue to support scholarships for 黑洞社区 students (preference female). Learn more about our organization at .

All you have to do is complete the online application and pay your dues.

Join in the fun while we raise money for scholarships!

Women of 黑洞社区 Application

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.

It鈥檚 Food For Fines time!

It鈥檚 Food For Fines time! Food For Fines is an initiative to support the Shocker Support Locker, while providing a cheaper opportunity for students to pay parking citations. All of the information about this initiative as well as the necessary form and parking quiz can be found at . 

Struggling adapting to online learning? Join SHS and CAPS for this week's Tuesday Talks

Have you been struggling transitioning to an online format for classes? Join Nurse Heather, Dr. Leonard from CAPS, and 黑洞社区 students on Student Health's YouTube Channel at 2 p.m. today (Tuesday, Sept. 1), for tips and tricks to manage your time for virtual learning. You can subscribe to Student Health Services to get a notification for when the video drops!

Woodward named PA voice for Men's Basketball

Ted Woodward is the new public address announcer for Wichita State men's basketball, although his voice is quite familiar to Shocker fans.
 
Woodward, co-host of "Steve and Ted in the Morning" on KNSS, has announced women's basketball, volleyball and baseball, at various times, for the past 30 years. 
 
He will replace Don Hall as the PA voice of Wichita State men's basketball. before his death in April.
 
Woodward, who hosted the Shocker Locker Room post-game show from 1995-2019, joins the Roundhouse podcast to discuss his new gig.
 
We discuss his favorite Shocker names, how an announcer tries to stay out of the spotlight, the Kevin Costner baseball regional in 1996, Woodward's low point as a track and field announcer in college and his love for Mr. Pibb.

Wanted: Volunteers to help with 2020 bicycle and pedestrian count event

Volunteers are needed to help manually count bicycle and pedestrian activity across 35 sites in the Wichita Metro area.

The annual event, sponsored by the  will be held Sept. 24 and 26.

This important event relies heavily on the commitment of community volunteers to gather data about how our network of paths and lanes are being used.

According to Tricia Thomas, WAMPO Communication鈥檚 Manager:

鈥淥ne of the greatest challenges facing the bicycle and pedestrian field is the lack of documentation on usage and demand. Without accurate and consistent demand and usage figures, it is difficult to measure the positive benefits of bicycle and pedestrian investments, especially when compared to the other transportation modes such as the private automobile.鈥�

As such, this event is the only source for regional-scale bicycle and pedestrian data. The results of this data are then used to guide investments throughout the regional transportation system.

So please consider volunteering! This annual event is a real opportunity for local residents to become involved in a piece of the regional transportation planning process. As we know, bicycle and pedestrian investments stimulate the economy, public health, and the overall quality of life in a variety of ways. Communities that invest in these facilities inherently attract people and businesses so it鈥檚 good for everyone!  Register to volunteer here!

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.