黑洞社区 closed today due to inclement weather
Because of expected inclement weather, 黑洞社区 will be closed today (Monday, Feb. 15.
All classes are canceled. Students and employees are asked not to come to campus.
Employees should only work remotely if directed to do so by their supervisor. All employees should follow Inclement Weather procedures for timekeeping and leave reporting. Those employees whose work is essential to campus operations should contact their supervisor for more information.
If the university plans additional closings or delays, we will communicate that information today via email.
State employee health plan updates in response to COVID-19
Gov. Laura Kelly announced four provisions on March 13, 2020 that have been extended until further notice for employees and dependents enrolled in medical insurance through the State Employee Health Plan.
- SEHP will cover medically necessary diagnostic tests that are consistent with CDC guidance related to the COVID-19 at no cost share to member, where it is not covered as part of the Public Health Service response.
- SEHP will allow early refills on 30 or 90-day prescription medications and/or allow members to use their mail-order benefit.
- Given the nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, seeking in-person medical care has the
potential to further spread the virus. SEHP partners with Aetna and Blue Cross Blue
Shield of Kansas to provide Telehealth services with a virtual doctor鈥檚 office. There
is 24/7/365 access to this service. The member cost share will be waived for any Telehealth
service. In addition to telehealth services provided by Teledoc or Amwell, the member
cost share will also be waived for services from your in-network physician that are
billed as telehealth services.
- For plan participants that reside in the Topeka area, the HealthQuest Health Center
available to members enrolled in the health plan, is located at 901 S. Kansas Ave.,
Topeka
- Phone screening is recommended before going to the center: 785-783-4080
- If a patient walks into the clinic, they will have them put on a mask and clean their hands with hand sanitizer. The health center staff will evaluate the patient鈥檚 symptoms and recommend they isolate if the initial findings and/or symptoms present are a positive indicator for the virus.
- COVID-19 testing is available at the HealthQuest Health Center for State of Kansas employees. Curbside testing will be available at the center by appointment only.
For all up to date information regarding COVID-19 and the Wichita State campus please visit www.wichita.edu/covid19.
Withdrawal dates extended for spring
The last day to withdraw with a W from spring 2021 courses that begin Feb. 1 or after has been extended to the last day of classes for that course. Specifically, the last day to withdraw with a W from first-half semester courses (7 week, part of term F10) will be March 19, and from full-semester (part of term 1) classes and second-half (part of term S10) will be May 6. These extensions are applicable to spring 2021 only.
Student success hinges on strong study skills
The earlier students establish strong study habits and learning skills, the better they will perform as they persist to graduation. It鈥檚 never too late to try new strategies to improve learning. Encourage students to quiz themselves or other classmates on class concepts, create questions from assigned readings to ask during class, or form a study group with other motivated students to improve academic performance. Additional study tips and resources can be found on the Student Success website.
Community Engagement Institute helps cities use Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grants
Outdoor spaces have grown more important during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the city of Hutchinson is taking steps to make them more attractive.
黑洞社区鈥檚 Community Engagement Institute helped by working with the City of Hutchinson and Hutchinson Parks and Recreation on its Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. The city and the recreation commission used the money to pay for a parks-and-recreation master plan.
Read more about CEI's work with cities
Wichita State introduces sustainability courses for students
With the recent push for class content around sustainability, the College of Innovation and Design at 黑洞社区 now offers courses focused on sustainable growth.
Read more about Wichita State's sustainability courses
Promotions in the Media Resource Center
The Media Resources Center is pleased to announce the promotion of two of its team leaders.
Ryan Corcoran has been promoted to director of Campus Media Services. Ryan has been manager of CMS since 2014 and has worked in the MRC since 2012. Ryan's work on the CMS team has expanded the role of that team to include design and installation, as well as bringing more advanced technology to classrooms around campus.
Dr. Carolyn Speer has been promoted to director of the Office of Instructional Resources -- which is the new office within the MRC that has been created from the old Instructional Design and Access team. Carolyn has been the manager of IDA since 2015 and has worked in the MRC since 2014. Carolyn's work on the IDA team has expanded the effectiveness and reach of IDA training and support for instruction at all levels.
Learn about the new Office of Instructional Resources in February's Teaching Today
February is the month for love, and Teaching Today invites you to fall in love with teaching with articles like "Thinking about Metacognition" and "First Year Students are a Joy." You are sure to find something to cause your heart to leap in this month's issue. As a bonus, you will also learn all about the new Office of Instructional Resources, a one-stop hub for your instructional support and training. Check it all out here: /services/mrc/OIR/TT/2021/Feb.php
New Title IX regulations take effect
Dear 黑洞社区 community,
Welcome to the spring 2021 semester. Although this semester looks different from a typical spring at 黑洞社区, my office continues to operate as usual to serve you by providing information, resources, and assistance as we address reports of sexual harassment and discrimination both on and off campus.
黑洞社区 strives to provide an educational and employment environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. On Aug. 14, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education鈥檚 new Title IX regulations took effect. In compliance with these regulations 黑洞社区鈥檚 Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) developed and implemented 黑洞社区 Policy 3.06/Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation for Employees, Students and Visitors to address student, faculty and staff-related matters of sexual harassment and discrimination. Examples include acts of sexual harassment (including sexual assault and rape), any harassment based on sex or gender, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Significant changes required by the regulations that affected 黑洞社区鈥檚 policies and procedures included:
- Narrowing the definition of sexual harassment under Title IX based on the nature of the conduct and where it happens;
- Requiring live hearings to adjudicate formal complaints; and
- Requiring each party to have an advisor to conduct indirect questioning (cross-examination) at the live hearing.
When allegations of discrimination and harassment are reported to OIEC, we will address each report, reach out to the individuals impacted, and extend an invitation to meet with us to discuss supportive measures and procedural options. Students and employees who retaliate against individuals who report harassment or discrimination may be subject to disciplinary action.
Title IX Reporting Information
Students are strongly encouraged to report incidents of sexual discrimination and harassment to the University Police Department (UPD), the Title IX Coordinator, or any member of OIEC. Reports can also be submitted . 黑洞社区 employees, as mandatory reporters, are required to report incidents of discrimination and harassment to OIEC.
You may contact 黑洞社区鈥檚 Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance:
Sara Zafar, J.D.
Title IX Coordinator
Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance
116 Human Resources Center
1845 N. Fairmount Street
Wichita, KS 67206
316.978.3205
Email: sara.zafar@wichita.edu
The following links provide more information regarding reporting options, resources, and other information regarding sexual harassment, discrimination, and OIEC鈥檚 procedures.
- Information and Resources
- Resources and Reporting Information
- Rights of the Parties in Sexual Harassment Cases
Sincerely,
Sara Zafar, J.D.
Title IX Coordinator
Spring 2021 SPTE request forms available
Student Perception of Teaching Effectiveness (SPTE) Request forms will be emailed to instructors and departments this week. If you would like, you can choose to complete a request form at located on our website. You can also access additional SPTE information at www.wichita.edu/sslab.
Students can submit entries for Hippodrome video contest
Hippodrome is Wichita State's longest-standing tradition and showcases student talent in a variety of ways. This year, Hippodrome is a video competition. The video competition portion includes a 5- to 10-minute production written, choreographed and acted out by Wichita State students. Performances are judged, and cash prizes are given out in the two categories of live action and animation. To bring the show together, student emcee's charm the audience and introduce video productions throughout the nights.
Performance nights are Wednesday, April 7, and Thursday, April 8.
If you know of any students or student groups that would be interested in participating, they can register for the competition at by Wednesday, March 3.
Submit your research summary to 黑洞社区 research newsletter
Do you conduct research at Wichita State? If so, we want to know about it. The Office of Research is gathering information for its Research and Innovation newsletter about all the exciting research being done at 黑洞社区. By filling out , we can better tell your story. It only takes about 5 minutes.
Capitol Graduate Research Summit begins Thursday
The 18th annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit (CGRS) begins this Thursday, Feb. 18. CGRS is a research competition and showcase for Kansas Board of Regents universities to raise awareness of graduate research that impacts the State of Kansas.
In previous years at the research was showcased at the Capitol in Topeka, but this year's competition will be virtual providing everyone, along with the the Kansas Legislature, the opportunity to see this great work. Online viewing begins Thursday morning. Take a moment to visit and see the excellent research being showcased by Wichita State's graduate students.
Revisions to Remote Work Guidance and Review Process are now available
Notice of Revised Remote Work Guidance and Review Procedures 鈥� Feb. 12, 2021
On Jan. 15, 2021, President Rick Muma announced new guidance and review procedures for remote work. After listening to questions and comments received about the guidance and review procedures, revisions have been made. The revised guidance and Employee Remote Work Request Form can be found on the HR web page Remote Work Guidance.
Although remote work raises unique legal and administrative issues and must be reviewed and approved before remote work begins, HR and Legal colleagues have worked diligently to ensure only those remote work situations with the most risk require review/approval beyond the direct supervisor.
- The revised guidance requires the Employee Remote Work Request Form be submitted prior to the remote work being performed only when:
- Regular Remote Work is performed at an Alternate Work Location outside the state of Kansas;
- Remote Work is being performed internationally; or
- The Employee is on an H1B/VISA and the Alternate Work Location is different than the Assigned Work Site approved on the H1B/VISA application.
The Employee Remote Work Request Form is not required if Regular Remote Work is performed at an Alternate Work Location within the state of Kansas and in the case of an Employee on H1B/VISA, at the location contained on the VISA application. An optional form has been developed for use by leaders if they find it helpful to memorialize discussions with an employee regarding an approved remote work arrangement in which a review beyond the direct supervisor is not required.
The Employee Remote Work Request Form is intended to gather information needed for each of the three above situations so a review may be conducted and little, if any, additional information may be needed from the Employee. For ease of location and use, there is one form but only the sections that are pertinent to the individual request need be completed (i.e. if remote work is not being performed internationally, the international questions do not need to be answered).
All employees who are required to complete the Employee Remote Work Request Form and have not previously submitted the Form should complete and submit this revised Form no later than February 26, 2021. All previously submitted forms are valid and there is no need to complete the revised form.
We appreciate your feedback and patience as we work through the implementation of this Remote Work Guidance and Review process to ensure we have a process that works both in the immediate term as well as into the future. We know remote work will continue to be an important option for some employees to enhance work/life balance, job satisfaction and being an inclusive work environment.
Tilford Talks set for Feb. 19 and 26
In celebration of both the legacy of Dr. Michael Tilford and that of Black History Month, the 黑洞社区 President's Diversity Council will host "Tilford Talks" of from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 19 and 26. The talks will be hosted by Riccardo Harris and Dr. Kevin Harrison.
In the spirit of traditional Tilford initiatives, the events will hold true to the mission of inspiring and promoting equity awareness at Wichita State, while also exploring the challenges to educating diverse student populations. However, "Tilford Talks" will explore these important values through lenses that are more abstract than what we are traditionally accustomed to. In ongoing efforts to bridge gaps between the community and the university, these conversations will look at areas that take for granted the responsibility of the entire community in properly educating students of color. While these areas are far too vast to list, we have chosen the areas of spirituality and law enforcement for this years conversations.
The Role of the Black Church in Socializing African American Students for School Success: Discussion on the role that spirituality and religion has had in helping students of color become successful in K-12 and secondary, as well as areas of opportunity. Featured panelist will include Dr. Gayln Vesey and Pastor Lincoln E. Montgomery and First Lady Annie K. Montgomery.
- : The Role of the Black Church in Socializing African American Students for School Success. Discussion on the role that spirituality and religion has had in helping students of color become successful in K-12 and secondary, as well as areas of opportunity. Featured panelist will include Dr. Gayln Vesey and Pastor Lincoln E. Montgomery and First Lady Annie K. Montgomery.
- Discussion on how some groups feel threatened and even traumatized by law enforcement. How can institutions and law enforcement work together to lessen these disparities? How are these disparities impacting the process of educating students of color? What role does research play in changing the narrative so that students of color are empowered by institutions of higher learning rather than subjugated? Featured panelist include Dr. Michael Birzer, Chief Gordon Ramsay, Chief Rodney Clark and Captain Wendel Nicholson.
'Whatever Happened To Black Capitalism?' event set for Feb. 18
The Diversity Lecture Series, Black History Month Edition, with keynote speaker Dr. Robert Weems Jr. is set for 6:30 pm Thursday, Feb. 18. The speech is titled "Whatever Happened To 'Black Capitalism?' The Decline of Public Discussion About African American Economic Development Since the 1960s. Weems is the Willard W. Garvey Distinguished Professor of Business History at Wichita State.
You must register to attend at . The event is hosted by the African American Faculty and Staff Association, Wichita Urban Professionals, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034 or diversity@wichita.edu.
Join the Ella Baker Book Club
Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion's partnered book club. The programming will occur via Zoom to engage in discussion about "Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision."
Each week, a different set of speakers from the partnering organizations will present important topics from the book and related topics to Black Lives Matter and the #SAYHERNAME movement.
The author, Barbara Ransby, will serve as the final speaker for the book club. At 5:30 p.m. today, the book club will cover chapter one through three.
Join the programming and the discussion, even if you haven't read the chapters. Learn more and register for the book club at and go to the Ella Baker Book Club Series. For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034 or diversity@wichita.edu.
MCLL professor seeks research assistant for study on social justice in language education
Dr. Rachel Showstack (Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures) seeks a research assistant for a new study on the personal experiences and teaching practices of Kansas Spanish teachers with respect to linguistic, cultural and racial diversity. The position will be funded by a University Research/Creative Projects Award from 黑洞社区. If you know of a student who may be interested, please pass on the information.
The ideal candidate would have experience with language teaching, awareness of diversity within the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures, and interest in applied linguistics and interdisciplinary scholarly research. Graduate students are preferred, but advanced undergraduate students may also be considered for the position. Responsibilities include conducting and transcribing interviews with Kansas Spanish teachers, assisting with data analysis, helping to organize a series of webinars on social justice in language education, and conducting background research.
Candidates should submit a CV, letter of interest, and a list of references and contact information to Dr. Rachel Showstack at rachel.showstack@wichita.edu. In the cover letter, candidates should explain why they are interested in the position, describe relevant experiences and skills, and provide information on availability in summer and fall 2021. The priority deadline for applications is March 1.
Learn new skills and achieve personal and professional goals with LinkedIn Learning
Did you know that LinkedIn Learning is available to all 黑洞社区 students, faculty, and staff? Discover how this all-in-one learning solution can help you learn new skills, achieve personal and professional goals and be integrated to your courses! Learn how to gain access, explore courses, learning pathways, and more during the Introduction to LinkedIn Learning at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, on Zoom.
Office of Student Money Management spring 2021 tax support available
Do you need help filing taxes? While we can't do it for you, we can guide you through the process. The Office for Student Money Management in Student Success partners with Best Coalition from the United Way to offer this free service to support faculty, staff and students.
We are currently only taking virtual appointments. Schedule an appointment with our Peer Financial Coaches at before the tax deadline on April 15, 2021.
25% off select Shocker gear this week
This week at the Shocker Store, take 25% off the Root sportswear brand. Sale is valid in the Rhatigan Student Center store and online at