Shocker Blast: Sept. 21, 2020

 

FEATURED STORIES

SEM Tip 92120

Have you been to student (office) hours yet? No seriously, have you?

If your answer is no, take the opportunity this week to visit at least one of your professors during their student (office) hours.

Most semesters, only a handful of students actually use this as an opportunity to get to know their professors. We promise, they’re real people just like you! Who knows, maybe you will gain an advisor or mentor or get the answer to your questions from page 394 of your text.

If you aren’t sure what to say to your professors, check out this online resource from Student Success.


Update your information with WSU!

Students are requested to provide updated information to WSU any time there is a change to contact information. This includes mailing address, phone number, and emergency contact. It is especially important that you provide and update an emergency contact. The person you list will only be contacted in the event of a health or safety emergency in which you are personally involved.

If you live on campus, this will also be the person contacted should you be reported as missing. You may list a parent, family member, spouse, or other trusted individual as your emergency contact. You will find the link to your profile page on the myWSU Home tab, under Student Tools > myContact Info. A separate link there also provides an opportunity to update self-reported military affiliation.

Please take a few minutes right now and ensure WSU has your updated information and an emergency contact!


Strategic Plan Town Hall Sept. 2020

Participate in the Strategic Plan Town Hall

The Strategic Plan Town Hall will be held via  from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. 

This university-wide event will be dedicated to updating the Shocker faculty, students, staff, alumni, university partners and the Shocker community on the plan for 2020-21. Join the town hall moderator, WSU Faculty Senate President & School of Music Director Dr. Aleks Sternfeld Dunn as he welcomes President Jay Golden and Executive Vice President and Provost Rick Muma for remarks.  Kaye Monk-Morgan, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, will present the refreshed university strategic plan. 

For a download of related documents, click on the links provided:

For more information, contact the Strategic Planning Committee at strategicplanning@wichita.edu

_____________________________________

This year’s Town Hall will be virtual.   to attend.  

Please note that this event requires access to a computer/laptop/tablet with access a web browser and sound.


Learn how to prepare a successful NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program application

Are you a senior entering Graduate School or a first-year domestic Graduate student pursuing a research-based STEM-related master’s or doctoral degree? If so, join Graduate School Dean and AVP of Research Dr. Coleen Pugh, and a small panel of previous successful applicants from WSU to discuss how to prepare a successful application for the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF-GRFP) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, on Zoom.

For more information about the fellowship program, awards, and eligibility visit the  or request the link to the Zoom session 


Koch Arena voting site

鶹ƽ State's Charles Koch Arena selected as a 2020 early voting site

The 鶹ƽ State University Shockers Vote! Coalition is proud to announce that on Thursday, Oct. 22, 鶹ƽ State University and Charles Koch Arena will become an early voting site for the 2020 general election.

The 鶹ƽ State University Shockers Vote! Coalition has partnered with the Sedgwick County Elections Office and the Intercollegiate Athletic Association to offer this opportunity for students, faculty, staff and community members who are eligible to vote in Sedgwick County to cast their vote during the General Election.

Charles Koch Arena will be open for early voting from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.

NEWS

Blackboard video

Video explains how to find instructor comments on your Blackboard assignments

Instructor grading comments are very important for your success on future assignments, but sometimes they can be hard to find in Blackboard. To be sure you are finding all the comments on your submitted work, make sure to review this short how-to video at . For more how-to videos, .


3M participation

Registration for 3MT is open!

Registration for the Third Annual Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition is open!

Are you a graduate student conducting original research as part of your plan of study? Take this opportunity to show off your work at the Graduate School’s first research competition of the year.

Polish your presentation skills to record and submit a three-minute video in this year's virtual competition. You will be developing critical soft skills while you compete for awards!

Finalists' videos will be shown at a live Zoom event on Friday, Nov. 6. The winner will go on to represent 鶹ƽ State at a regional competition. Registration closes Monday, Oct. 5. For more information or to register, click here.


Pandemic Talk Fine Arts

COVID-19: Its impact on the performing arts and its audiences

The disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on the events industry, of which the performing arts is a significant portion, is devastating. It was the first industry to close down and will be the last to fully open back up. This industry supports 11 million jobs and generates over $1.75 trillion a year in direct, indirect and induced spending—greater than agriculture, broadcasting and telecommunications, auto manufacturing, truck and rail transportation, and computer systems design and related services.

The arts, particularly the performing arts, constitute a majority of this gross domestic product–over 4.2% of the national GDP. In Kansas alone, the arts constitute around 3% of the state’s GDP ($4.2 billion), employing about 50,000 Kansans and representing $2.5 billion in salaries alone. When shutdowns occurred in March, this vital aspect of the American economy essentially ceased to exist. It ceased to exist on college campuses as well, according to 鶹ƽ State College of Fine Arts Dean Rodney Miller.

But we need what the arts bring us now more than ever. How do we, as artists, respond to those needs in the middle of a pandemic? How do we mentor / educate our students? How do we engage our audiences in new and innovative ways? When will we return to normal, and what will the new normal look like?

Rodney Miller, dean of the College of Fine Arts, will moderate this panel at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Impact on the performing arts


Emily Christensen

鶹ƽ State writer sees criticism as a way to get at the truth about the arts

  • 鶹ƽ State's Emily Christensen participated in the National Critics Institute in July, along with writers from across the country.
  • Participants reviewed food, dance, theater and movies during the five days of Zoom meetings.
  • She is inspired to write in different ways about 鶹ƽ and 鶹ƽ State arts to chronicle progress.

Pictured above: Emily Christensen, coordinator of external affairs for 鶹ƽ State University’s School of Art, Design and Creative Industries, participated in the National Critics Institute, a program of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut, in July.


Calling curious nerds

Calling curious nerds!

Are you a nerd? Are you an individual who equates sharing knowledge to giving a gift? Are you excited about learning? Does the world you have found yourself in fascinate you every day? Is your curiosity - in an array of subjects and topics - unmatched with those around you? Are you worried about the future of humanity as a whole more than what lies before you specifically? Are you interested in living and working on projects with individuals who match the descriptions above?

 to see if you can join a group who will partake in projects of learning, exercising ideas, and innovation.


No-cost business webinar 92220

Get ahead with a no-cost business finance webinar today

Do you own a business or are you thinking of starting a business? Whether you want a basic understanding of cash flow as you start a new business or you want to adjust your cash flow in the wake of COVID-19 impact, this workshop will give you tools and knowledge to help you focus and move forward. We hope to see you virtually from noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.  

Register for this no-cost webinar at .


No-cost webinar 92320

Start your business in 10 steps webinar

Are you interested in starting a business, but have no idea how to get started? This webinar will cover the 10 steps to start your business. Learn about licenses and permits, federal and state tax IDs, business structure, funding, marketing and other essentials.

Register for this no-cost webinar from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at .


Get involved

Get involved on campus!

Feeling lost on campus? Schedule a time to meet with a Student Involvement ambassador to get involved at 鶹ƽ State. Our ambassadors will meet with you one-on-one and provide recommendations based on your interests, schedule and availability. Expand your network, make new friends and have a blast at 鶹ƽ State! Visit  to make an appointment!


Free tutoring

Free tutoring and academic mentoring for diverse Shockers!

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is offering free tutoring and academic mentoring!

Our tutors help students develop a deeper understanding of class material and gain successful skills that can improve their overall GPA.

Our academic mentors offer biweekly meetings to help you with academic success skills, such as time management, effective studying and note-taking, test preparation and more!

You can drop in any of the listed times or schedule an appointment. See when we are open, what classes are offered, and how to request appointments at !

JOB OPENINGS

McNair hiring a tutor

We're hiring! Writing Tutor / Student Assistant

The McNair Scholars Program is looking for a Writing Tutor / Student Assistant. Must have at least a 3.25 GPA, strong writing and editing skills.

If qualified, please see Handshake job #3956015 Writing Tutor / Student Assistant and upload a Student Application, Resume, and a Writing Sample.

For more information, contact Neshia Greene 316-978-3139 or neshia.greene@wichita.edu.

STUDENT NEWS

Homecoming nominations

Final day to nominate outstanding Shocker seniors!

Today (Monday, Sept. 21) is the last day to submit nominations for WSU Homecoming Court! Nominees must be a current undergraduate student with senior status and good academic standing as of spring 2020 and must not have previously been a Homecoming candidate. Individuals are welcome to self-nominate, or may be nominated by a WSU student, faculty or staff member.

Homecoming Court nominations will close the end of today (Monday, Sept. 21).

鶹ƽ State Homecoming will be held Oct. 19-26.

 to make a nomination.


First Gen Check-In

First-Gen students are invited to check in with Student Services Coordinators

Calling all First-Gen students! Join us for the opportunity to chat with student service coordinators about any questions or concerns that might have come up this semester.

Academic, personal or interpersonal, we’re here to make sure you have the tools you need for success! Learn more and RSVP at 

Event information -- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, in 266 Rhatigan Student Center; virtual link to be sent out

Participants will receive a free planner.


I-Corps fall 2020Now accepting fall 2020 I-Corps applications

鶹ƽ State University is a National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps site. The Shocker Innovation Corps nurtures and supports 鶹ƽ State entrepreneurial teams interested in accelerating their STEM ideas, research, and product commercialization. Ideas / projects can originate from student or faculty work, research and institutional/industrial projects.

I-Corps


Lacrosse meeting 92420

Lacrosse inaugural information meeting

A new Lacrosse Club inaugural informational meeting is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in the Heskett Center lobby. No experience needed. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

For more information, contact John Lee at john.lee@wichita.edu or 316-978-5290.


Pumpkin Run 2020

Sign up today for the Pumpkin Run

Hello runners and walkers from around the world!

The race this year is different – we are going virtual! With the hopes to reunite in person next year.

What are the positive outcomes of running with us virtually? You pick the day that you feel the best to run between Saturday, Oct. 10-24. No worrying about parking, weather, or if you brought your headphones. No matter where you are, US, Asia, Canada, Australia, you can still participate in our race.

As a Pumpkin Run participant, you will receive a customized T-shirt, special edition face mask (pick from three designs), and a finisher medal.

NEW this year: We have launched a referral program. Invite friends to run with you using your personalized link/code. When five or more friends have registered with your code, you will get $15 off your registration. That means that your registration is just $10! We will reward you with a fabulous registration price and maybe even something special in your packet.

Sign up today at .


Tuesday Talks 92220

Looking for Dental Care? Sept. 22 Tuesday Talks will discuss resources available to students

Our Tuesday Talks: Mini Wellness Fair Version continues at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, on Facebook Live. Join Student Health, representatives from the AEGD program and the WSU Dental Hygiene Clinic for a conversation about the dental care resources available to WSU students.

Don't forget to subscribe to Student Health's YouTube channel! When we reach 100 subscribers, we'll enter you to win a prize.


Physics Seminar Series features Dr. Thayne Currie on Wednesday via Zoom

The next Physics Seminar will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, via Zoom. This week's talk features Dr. Thayne Currie, NASA Ames, Subaru Telescope Project from Sunnyvale, California. The title of this talk will be "Directly Imaging Extrasolar Planets from Kauna Kea."

Physics Seminars

EVENTS

International Day of Peace 92120

Celebrate International Day of Peace today

Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for International Day of Peace and an event from noon-1 p.m. today (Monday, Sept. 21). Hear from Shana Stephens and Naquela Pack on wellness, being mindful, and harnessing peace.

International Day of Peace is an international event that is observed each year by nations all across the world. Register at .

The event is commemorated on the 21st of September each year. It is a day that was set aside by the General Assembly of the United Nations for everyone around the world to devote to keeping the peace, despite any differences they may have, as well as play a part in building a peace culture that will last for generations to come.

Take part in promoting the day with your home away from home. Learn more about International Day of Peace at .

For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034, diversity@wichita.edu, or go to .


Bloomfield Organ Series 92220

Bloomfield Distinguished Guest Artist, Damin Spritzer, performs in Wiedemann Hall

The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series welcomes distinguished guest artist Damin Spritzer in concert at the great Marcussen organ at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Wiedemann Hall. Contact the WSU  for a ticket - 77 seats are available - or watch in our live stream on the WSU School of Music Facebook page.

Tickets for WSU students are free if seats are available. 

Don't miss the "Conversation with the Artist" following intermission! The artist is interviewed onstage by Lynne Davis and gives details about her professional career and her program. Works by Bach, Grigny, Tournemire, and Howells.


Grad School and COVID 92320

Join the Graduate School to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting the 21st century workplace

COVID-19 has upended the way we shop, attend classes, socialize, and do business. Join the Graduate School with presenter Dr. Carolyn Speer, Manager of Instructional Design and Technology, as we examine the ways that COVID has impacted the modern workplace and shifted the way we think about remote work from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, on Zoom.

For more information, go to visit the Graduate School's professional development schedule or request the .


Savvy Scholar Workshops Sept. 23 and 25

Savvy Scholar Workshops strengthen Shocker research

Savvy Scholar Workshops continue with more ways to strengthen Shocker research! Register for free and/or discover the full schedule at .


Ulrich event with Terry Evans 92220

Register for free Ulrich Virtual program on Tuesday featuring Midwest-based photographer Terry Evans

The Ulrich Museum of Art is excited to offer a free virtual program with Chicago-based artist and Kansas native Terry Evans at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. Like all Ulrich Virtual programs, it is free and open to the public, but registration is required to get the Zoom link. 

Evans is known for her photographs of the people and landscapes of rural America and the Great Plains, particularly her native Kansas. Her billboard in the Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard Project is currently on display at 1101 N. West Street in 鶹ƽ.


Bring it on movie 92420

Outdoor movie: ‘Bring It On’

Flicks on the Field is an outdoor movie series occurring every-other Thursday now through Oct. 22. Movies will be shown at Cessna Stadium. Students are encouraged to bring blankets, snacks, and their friends for this fun series. Concessions and restrooms will be available. Students must enter at the northwest corner of the stadium.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held in the CAC Theater, Because of limited seating capacity, tickets for the theater will need to be reserved in advance .

In accordance with university policy, all guests are required to social / physical distance and wear masks. Event staff reserve the right to ask individuals to leave for failure to follow policy.

About “Bring It On:” A champion high school cheerleading squad discovers its previous captain stole all their best routines from an inner-city school and must scramble to compete at this year's championships. “Bring It On” stars Kirsten Dunst, Gabrielle Union-Wade, and Jesse Bradford. Rated PG-13 for sex-related material and language.

Flicks on the Field is coordinated by Student Involvement. For questions about this event or others, contact Student Involvement at getinvolved@wichita.edu or call 316-978-3022.

Student Involvement calendar 

UNIVERSITY LIFE

Scavenger Hunt

Student Activities Council Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Join SAC for a live virtual scavenger hunt on Monday, Sept. 28! Teams will join over Zoom and participants will scour the internet to find items based on clues given. The first team to collect all items will win the grand prize.

Register to reserve your spot at this event at. Registration closes at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25.


adjusting to college

'Adjusting to College' Drop-In Session on Sept. 23

Attend our Adult Learner Drop-In Session from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. This time, we are focusing on “Adjusting to College,” where we will discuss:

- Advice from Adult Learners

- Key factors in semester planning

- Resources to support you

- Adult Learning community networking


Edible Book Festival

Virtual Edible Book Festival combines artistic / culinary talent for prizes

This year's Edible Book Festival presented by University Libraries is a go, and those interested can participate just about anywhere!

Register now for awesome local prizes won by showing off your culinary creations inspired by literature. Registration ends Thursday, Sept. 24. See the full event description at .


Wellness Services are virtual

Wellness Services are virtual, too

Please join us for this week's virtual wellness events on Facebook live: Nutrition Talks with Campus Recreation, Mini Health Fair with Student Health and Keep Calm and Breathe with Counseling and Prevention Services.


TurboVote

Are you ready to vote?

Your vote makes all the difference in the world! Be sure you are registered to vote. Get started today by visiting  to register here in Kansas or back in your hometown.

Sign up today to receive election reminders, get registered to vote, and apply for your absentee ballot. Let's show them that #shockersvote.

Questions? Contact gabriel.fonseca@wichita.edu for more information.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Journey East Asia Grill

Feeling hungry? Join us at Journey East Asian Grill!

Be one of the first two customers at Journey East Asian Grill located in Braeburn Square and receive a FREE Bowl. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. every day. Limit one free bowl per the first two customers per day.


Pee for pizza 10720

Free STI Testing on Oct. 7 at Student Wellness Center

Positive Directions, ODI, and SHS will host Pee for Pizza from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. Reserve your spot now for free STI testing!

Call 316-978-4792 to schedule an appointment, no walk-ins will be accepted. Masks will be required at this event.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Dollar Drive

Please consider donating to the Pando Initiative

Due to COVID-19, kids are short on school supplies and other items. Collect your dollars and spare change to donate to our dollar drive today! All proceeds will go to the Pando Initiative agency for K-12 children towards their school supply funds, clothing, and other necessities. Funds will be distributed among 鶹ƽ USD 259, Derby USD 260, and Haysville USD 261.

We will also accept cash donations outside the RSC all week from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

You can also contact a member of Kappa Delta Chi or Lambda Pi Upsilon for more details.


Are you a parent of a teenager?

Are you a parent of a teenager? If so, this may be a great opportunity for your child to experience what it is like being a part of an online research study.

The INSPYRE Research lab at 鶹ƽ State University is conducting a study to explore what makes relationships healthy or unhealthy in teens. The survey will only take about 20 minutes to complete, and a small prize will be given for participation.

Teens must be between the ages of 13-19 and be fluent in English. For easy access, teens can complete this study online, but they need their parent’s permission first.

For more information, click the to find the Parent Permission (Consent) Form.

If you have any questions, email Dr. Samantha Gregus, director of the INSPYRE lab at inspyre@wichita.edu, or give them a call at 316-978-6180.

INSPYRE