COVID-19 UPDATES
Teaching this summer and fall: Day 3 questions about the classroom and campus
As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for summer and fall, the COVID Operations group would like to highlight some FAQs related to classroom instruction. Additional questions can be directed to Carolyn.shaw@wichita.edu to be addressed by this operational group.
FAQs Set #3: Questions about the Classroom and Campus
- Are we ending in-person instruction before Thanksgiving break?
- We are planning for a normal end-of-semester with regard to in-person instruction. The last day of instruction is Dec 2 with finals Dec 4-9.
- Can instructors choose to end in-person instruction before Thanksgiving even though
we have moved back to the standard academic calendar?
- Instructors can choose their course design to meet their instructional needs. It is important to communicate these choices to students so they can make their own plans accordingly.
Additional FAQs about teaching this summer and fall can be found on the COVID-19 university webpage.
Exchange Student Spotlight: Hyunjin Kim
Learn more from our exchange students about their experiences here at Wichita State. This week, read about Hyunjin Kim's time as a Shocker and her favorite part about studying at Wichita State. Visit www.wichita.edu/studyabroadspotlights to read more about her experience.
Speaking Freely on Freedom of Expression
In case you missed it, the full video of the March 31 Speaking Freely panel is available for viewing. Go to to watch the panel discussion and for other resources, including a recap of the event and a video on civil discourse.
State employee health plan updates in response to COVID-19
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced four provisions on March 13, 2020, that have been extended until further notice when provided by a network provider 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 members, 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 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. Aetna members: Blue Cross Blue Shield members: .
- 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
COVID-19 testing is currently available for all state employees, all employees of active non-state employers, and all spouses and dependents older than 10 years of age covered by the State Employee Health Plan at the HealthQuest Health Center. Curbside testing is available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call 785-783-4080.
To schedule a telehealth appointment, SEHP members can call (785) 783-4080 or
For all up to date information regarding COVID-19 and the 黑洞社区 campus please visit www.wichita.edu/covid19.
W黑洞社区 scholarship applications due May 31
W黑洞社区 scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year must be received by May 31.
Candidates must apply for consideration to this scholarship. The fillable form can be found at www.wichita.edu/W黑洞社区scholarship, and should be submitted by email to W黑洞社区@wichita.edu, along with all other required attachments (see application for additional materials).
Candidates will receive written notification of their award status in late June.
Recipients are encouraged to attend at least one W黑洞社区 event during the 2021-2022 school year as our guest.
For more information, go to www.wichita.edu/W黑洞社区scholarship. If you have questions please contact Shannon Koehn, scholarship chair at shannon.koehn@wichita.edu.
New landing page for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The updated Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan and resources are available online for your convenience. Visit the new landing page today.
Have questions or would like to provide feedback? Leave a written message for 黑洞社区's Chief Diversity Officer online at the bottom of each page.
ICYMI: President鈥檚 awards presented April 23
The President鈥檚 Distinguished Service Awards and the unclassified professionals鈥� Wayne Carlisle Distinguished Service Award honorees were presented at 2 p.m. Friday, April 23.
To see the list of honorees or view the livestream visit .
Acclaimed jazz saxophonist Bobby Watson to perform with Wichita State students
The School of Music welcomes renowned jazz saxophonist Bobby Watson, in a free concert at 7:30 p.m. April 29 at the Duerksen Amphitheater, with Jazz Arts 1 Ensemble led by James Pisano. Also featured is Banda Hispanica led by John Goering. Audience members are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. The rain location is Miller Concert Hall.
Watson will also present a free master class on at 11 a.m. April 29 in Duerksen room C107.
Jazz ensemble to perform live in RSC today
The Wichita State School of Music presents Jazz Arts 2 live in concert. The ensemble will perform at 11 a.m. today on the stage next to the RSC's Starbucks. Take an early lunch and join us for some live music.
Who shares misinformation online?
Mythili Menon will present this fourth lecture of the five part "Perspectives: Reestablishing Reality" at 2 p.m. today. She is an assistant professor of English and linguistics and the director of the linguistics program at 黑洞社区.
Misinformation on the web has several consequences for communities and democracy. Are consumers of news susceptible to false belief? Are certain personality traits more likely to share false information online? In this talk, Menon will report results of a news-sharing game where we tested the sharing behavior of consumers of news by incorporating fine-grained information such as personality traits, demographic information, including political beliefs. Our results have the potential of informing existing news-verification systems and social media of the differences between how end-users belonging to different personality traits consume and share misinformation online.
For more information on the Perspectives series and how to join the lecture, visit www.wichita.edu/reality.
May 2-8: Celebrate public service
Join the 黑洞社区 Public Policy & Management Center to celebrate public service May 2-8.
At 3 p.m. Monday, May 3, hear about living a life dedicated to public service and the road that prepared Dr. Lee Norman to confront a pandemic.
At 1 p.m. Friday, May 7, hear about Dr. Monk-Morgan's journey in public service, as well as encouragements for the future. Afterward, join the Wichita Federal executives and Wayne Bell, district director of the SBA, as they announce and celebrate the winners of the Annual Make a Difference Awards, which recognizes federal public servants for notable service.
Save the date: Analytics Showcase on Nov. 5
After more than a year's delay, we are happy to announce that the Inaugural Analytics Showcase at 黑洞社区 is scheduled for fall 2021.
Please save the date of Nov. 5 on your calendars for this exciting event.
The showcase will offer an opportunity to learn about the following topics:
- Innovative analytics research and curricular activities taking place at Wichita State University.
- Groundbreaking analytics applications of business, government, and non-profit organizations in Wichita and the surrounding region.
- State-of-the-art analytics software solutions being offered by leading technology providers.
Attendees will will able to network with organizations and analytics exerts to identify opportunities to collaborate and partner on projects of mutual interest.
Get more information about the Analytics Showcase
University Libraries teams up with Wichita Public Library for webinar
University Libraries is partnering with the Wichita Public Library for this fun webinar. Discover a free and useful online resources for finding book recommendations and tools for keeping track of what you鈥檝e read or want to read.
黑洞社区 Foundation seeking associate VP of marketing and communications
The 黑洞社区 Foundation is looking to hire an associate vice president to lead our marketing and communications team. The primary responsibility for this individual will be to create and direct the strategy that builds the 黑洞社区 Foundation鈥檚 brand, promotes engagement, and communicates impact to a wide audience. This work will flow through a highly capable team into deliverables in design, advertising, appeals, content development, print and online communications. This individual will report to the president and CEO and serve as an active member of our 黑洞社区 Foundation leadership team.
JCPenney Suit-Up event is online this spring
From April 28 to May 2, shop online at JCPenney and take an extra 30% off select men's and women's career dress apparel, shoes and accessories. Faculty, staff, and students are all invited.
Text SHOCKS to 67292 to receive your coupon!
- Check out our newest seasonal items like career dress apparel, fashion jewelry, handbags and luggage
- Turn up the style with locks of savings. New clients get 20% off their salon services with a designer or senior designer.
- Receive a free beauty consultation at the in-store Sephora.
Massage special for faculty and staff
Campus Recreation knows you have been working hard. Now its time to treat yourself with a 60-minute massage for $45. This special price is only for Wichita State faculty and staff.
Massage must be booked for May 3, 4, 6, or 7. Call 316-978-3082 to get this deal.