Teaching plans for summer and fall
Enrollment for summer and fall classes opens soon, and we need to provide students with some guidance about what to expect for their classes. Emails for summer courses went out Feb. 17 with links to submit your course plans. Emails for fall courses will go out Feb. 24. Please submit both plans by March 3.
We recognize it鈥檚 impossible to predict what pandemic conditions will look like in the summer and fall. We anticipate having the same classroom capacities, distancing and masking guidelines as we have had to date. We will not be re-assigning classrooms after the schedule is finalized. Use the open text box to list any circumstances that might cause you to change your course instructional methods throughout the semester.
It is critical that you communicate to your students what to expect, especially on the first day of class. Post this information on your course Bb shell at least a week before classes start so students can be prepared.
If you have any questions or problems, or do not receive an email, please contact Carolyn.Shaw@wichita.edu.
Faculty Senate meeting today
The Faculty Senate meeting will be held via Zoom at 3:30 p.m. today (Monday, Feb. 22). The senators have been sent the meeting information. If you are interested in joining the meeting, please email Lee Ann Birdwell for the details.
Mental health advocacy 鈥� how to get involved
The pandemic has taken a toll on our students, staff and faculty. Students have indicated mental health is a top concern resulting from the change in classroom instruction because of COVID-19. In order to support students both in and out of the classroom, consider becoming a mental health advocate. You can help spread the message of mental health support in several ways.
- Go to and complete the Preventing Suicide Training to help give you more tools for supporting our students who may be struggling.
- Follow, like and share @suspenders4hope to help the message of hope reach students.
- Wear a suspenders shirt as a visual display of your support for mental health and to help decrease mental health stigma. Shirts are available in the Shocker Store. Wear them often, especially on Fridays.
- Participate in the #WeSupportU Mental Wellness in the Classroom card project. This project is designed to give you a series of short 5-10 minute exercises you can do with any group of students to promote well-being and connectedness. You may request a set of cards here.
Celebrate International Mother Tongue Day through music
Do you enjoy music? The Cultural Ambassador Program invites you to celebrate and appreciate the diversity of language through music for International Mother Tongue Day! We gathered some of our favorite songs in our mother languages to share with you. You can listen by visiting our playlist called 鈥淢other Tongue Day鈥� on Spotify. Don鈥檛 forget to follow us on Facebook to learn more about different cultures represented at Wichita State.
Revisions to Remote Work Guidance and Review Process are now available
Notice of Revised Remote Work Guidance and Review Procedures 鈥� February 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.
myPerformance manager review due this week
Managers of USS and Non-Teaching UP Employees should submit reviews and ratings for their direct reports for the 2020-2021 annual evaluations in myPerformance. This step is due by 11:59 PM on Sunday, Feb. 28. Managers should log in to myPerformance in my黑洞社区 to rate their direct reports and submit comments to justify the ratings.
Note: The Planning step for 2021-2022 annual evaluations in myPerformance will also be available on Feb. 1. This will allow managers to potentially meet with their direct reports for the current end-of-review as well as the next cycle鈥檚 planning meeting at the same time, if desired.
For more information (including quick reference guides and other assistance) go to www.wichita.edu/myPerformance.
It's your password. Protect it.
Your password is your identity and your responsibility. Never share passwords with coworkers, managers or even tech support. In a situation where you need to share password, your IT team can help.
Sharing passwords or user accounts is a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy and impacts many of the data protection obligations.
Have questions or problems with password related sharing? Contact the information security department at Askinfosec@wichita.edu
Faculty nominations sought for president's distinguished service award
Do you know a faculty member who is deeply engaged in service? Do you know A faculty member who exemplifies any of the following?
- Distinguished service to the university
- Distinguished service to the community
- Notable outreach efforts and/or forging of connections between 黑洞社区 and the community.
- Long-term commitment to 黑洞社区 through extensive committee service
Consider nominating them for the Presidential Service Award. Please send your nominations to leeann.birdwell@wichita.edu. Complete a nomination form and attach a CV that includes the nominee鈥檚 service activities. Previous recipients of this award are not eligible for nomination. The deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 24.
Central Services announces new office supply vendor
Central Services is pleased to announce that we are taking advantage of the Omnia Partners consortium pricing and have partnered with Office Plus of Kansas for office supplies. This site shows all pricing, and you will no longer need to ask for a price quote. The process for placing special orders remains the same, but you now have another option to find what you need. Staples Advantage will still be available if you cannot find what you need on the Office Plus shopping site.
Website:
Username: 黑洞社区Supply
Password: 黑洞社区Supply
The username and password are universal and can be used by anyone on campus. Orders will still be placed via the Central Services storefront, and any orders inadvertently placed via the Office Plus website will be removed by the vendor.
Please contact Central Services if you have any questions or need assistance.
Shocker Career Accelerator annual report
The Shocker Career Accelerator's 2019-2020 Annual Report is here.
Some highlights include:
- Students worked in 5,183 different on-campus positions, co-op/internships, and applied learning experiences.
- Students earned approximately $27 million in wages.
- Students worked with approximately 500 employers.
- 9,464 resumes were uploaded to Handshake.
- 69,351 applications were submitted.
- Hosted 327 career events.
- 10,365 event interactions.
- 806 sharp dressed Shockers.
- 385 professional photos taken.
Wichita State Baseball unveils 2021 schedule
Wichita State Baseball has released its schedule for the 2021 season. After having the 2020 season come to an abrupt end due to COVID-19, the Shockers are looking forward to being back at Eck Stadium playing in front of some of the best fans in college baseball. Don't miss your chance to catch the Shockers in action this spring!
KMUW conversation focuses on COVID-19 vaccine
Join KMUW for its free, monthly community conversation series Democracy on Tap. This month a panel of experts will be discussing the COVID-19 vaccine. We鈥檒l hear from panelists about Kansas鈥� rollout plan and who should get the vaccine. Plus, we鈥檒l answer your questions about all things vaccine related. The conversation will be streamed live on and on at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
From ants to diversity: Harvard professor presents at 黑洞社区
Dr. Corrie Moreau from Harvard University will speak on 鈥淧iecing Together the Puzzle to Understand the Evolution of the Ants: Macroevolution to Microbiomes鈥� on from 4 to 5 p.m. Feb. 22.
In addition to her research seminar, Moreau will provide a special discussion titled 鈥淒iversity, Equity, and Inclusion: An Everyone Issue鈥� from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Mary.Jameson@wichita.edu for more information.
More information on the discussion
Shocker Baseball hosts Oklahoma State
Wichita State baseball has added a pair of home games against the Oklahoma State Cowboys 鈥� the first of which was Sunday, Feb. 21, and the next will be played at 2 p.m. today. Stadium gates will open at 1 p.m. each day. All Wichita State baseball season ticket holders may use their season tickets from games one and two of the canceled Northern Colorado contests to receive admission to the Oklahoma State games. There will be single-game tickets available for purchase for both games. Capacity at Eck Stadium is limited due to COVID-19 guidelines. To purchase tickets, please visit or call (316) 978-FANS. A limited amount of free student tickets will be available.
Volunteers needed for a research study
A research study is being conducted to determine the validity of the SWAY app modules in assessing balance, reaction time and cognitive function measures in relation to cognitive overload, mental fatigue and sleep deprivation. If you are interested in participating in this study, please email rjbritton@shockers.wichita.edu or call 620-203-1164.
Validity of SWAY App in Detection of Cognitive Overload, Mental Fatigue and Sleep
Deprivation: Telemedicine Approach
Purpose of the study: To determine validity of the SWAY app modules in assessing balance, reaction time,
and cognitive function measures in relation to cognitive overload, mental fatigue,
and sleep deprivation.
Procedures: Participants balance, reaction time, and cognitive function will be tested in rested
and sleep deprived state using the SWAY application on a SMART device. Daily consensus
journal will also be completed. Instruction will be received through a virtual zoom
session.
Time: Participation will include sixteen (16) consecutive days. The SWAY assessment will
be performed two (2) times a day and consensus journal once (1) daily. Each assessment
will take approximately 10-15 minutes. If randomly assigned to the Fatigue Group,
participation will also include two (2), 36-hour sessions of no sleep and seven (7)
hourly SWAY assessment check-ins during each no-sleep session.
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:
Participants must be age 18 or older
No known muscular disorders
No known neurological disorders
No known orthopedic disorder
No uncorrected vision
No known sleep disorders
Location: Telemedicine approach: virtual Zoom appointments using computer technology and a
SMART device.
Contact: If you are interested in participating in this study please contact RJ Britton at: rjbritton@shockers.wichita.edu or 620-203-1164.
Questions/concerns: Should you have any questions or concerns, email Dr. Heidi Bell at: heidi.bell@wichita.edu
or 316-393-3339.
Capitol Graduate Research Summit is open for viewing
The 18th annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit (CGRS) is open for viewing. 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. We usually showcase this research at the Capitol in Topeka, but this year's competition is virtual 鈥� providing everyone, along with the the Kansas Legislature, the opportunity to see this great work. Online viewing is open. Take advantage of this opportunity to see the excellent research being showcased by Wichita State's graduate students virtually. Visit www.wichita.edu/cgrs for information about CGRS and to view presentations. Our appreciation goes to the faculty research mentors who have made all of this work possible.
SGA elections: Encourage students to take part
Do you have a student in mind to run for a position in the Student Government Association? Encourage them to make their mark on history. The Association Election Commission is excited to formally announce the kick-off of the 2021 General Election season.
It is now finally time for your students to take action and declare themselves a candidate
in the 2021 elections. This is a great opportunity to give back to campus and allow
their leadership skills to shine.
Students can visit www.wichita.edu/sgaelections to declare as a candidate. They can send questions to sga.elections@wichita.edu.
Nominate students for Student Ambassador Society
Enjoy a free scoop of custard
In honor of Freddy's birthday, enjoy a free scoop of custard, courtesy of Student Involvement and the Rhatigan Student Center. Offer valid for the first 200 people each day from Feb. 22-24. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No purchase necessary. While supplies last. Valid at the Wichita State location only.
25% off select sportswear at the Shocker Store
This week at the Shocker Store, take 25% off the Root sportswear brand! Sale is valid in the RSC store and online at .