WSU Today: Aug. 20, 2020

 

 

FEATURED STORIES

Perspectives on the Pandemic IITalk on COVID-19 and its effect on democracy around the world kicks off second 'Perspectives on the Pandemic' series

Beyond the effects on health, the COVID-19 pandemic has had huge effects on the economy, but also on politics in countries around the world. More specifically, in certain countries, it has impacted democracy in a negative way. This presentation at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, will examine the overall impact of the pandemic on countries with democratic regimes, with emphasis on the democratic backsliding that has occurred in some of them.

The presentation is titled “Democracy in the world in times of COVID-19,” by Dinorah Azpuru, professor of political science.


NAVY funding

What you need to know about Department of Navy SBIR/STTR funding

NAVY SBIR/STTR Program Director Robert Smith will address changes to Navy’s SBIR/STTR program and the $350 million in non-dilutive funds available to small businesses from 10-11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. There is no charge for the event, but registration is required.


Come teach a First-Year Seminar course

Would you like to teach something closer to your research or project you are working on? Want to be more interdisciplinary, or even introduce new students to your department or college? We have something for you!

The First-Year Seminar (FYS) is a growing program at 鶹ƽ State; next academic year all incoming first-year students will be taking an FYS course. Which means now is the time to join the FYS team!

Aaron Rife (FYS faculty coordinator) will hold a at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Take a look at for information about the program and how to create an FYS course.


Purchase Requisition Training scheduled for Aug. 26

Needing to learn how to create a Purchase Requisition or want a refresher on how to enter a requisition in Banner? Plan to attend Purchase Requisition Training scheduled at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Topics will include:

  • WSU Purchase Requisition procedures
  • Banner 9 Purchase Requisition forms
  • Purchasing and Finance Reporting

Please note that training is required for those who are new to entering purchase requisition. Current requestors are welcome to attend as a refresher session.

To view session details and register, go to myWSU > myTraining.

Please note that training will be conducted remotely using Zoom. 

 

NEWS

TIAA Financial Consultants are available to help with virtual meetings

TIAA Financial Consultants are available to help participants in the Kansas Board of Regents retirement plan with virtual meetings to confirm they are on track for retirement, discuss market volatility, and consider recommendations on how to invest their funds.

These virtual meetings are private and secure, with only the employee and the Financial Consultant joining the virtual meeting. Through a computer or tablet, participants are able to see the Financial Consultant as they talk, and the consultant can share information on their screen to create an experience very similar to a traditional face to face meeting. Please to schedule an appointment.

Please email Jeremy Kohn, TIAA Financial Consultant, at jeremy.kohn@tiaa.org if you have problems setting an appointment and need assistance. 


Library Research Skills

Enroll in LASI 170 to enhance your research skills

Our library faculty are here to help you power through the demands of research. Enroll in LASI 170 for a practical, applied class with lifelong rewards that can be used as a student, professional, and consumer!

Visit our to learn more.


Shockers United

Classroom spaces available for student use

Have an in-person class followed by an online class? Classrooms that are not reserved for class may be used by students who need space for remote learning. Check the availability of classrooms on this webpage.  


COVID-19 Form

COVID-19 reporting option for students

Support is available for students who need to be in isolation or quarantine because of COVID-19.

Encourage students to complete the COVID-19 form at  to connect with Student Health Services and other campus resources.


Student Ambassador Society

2019-20 Annual Report: Student Ambassador Society

Each summer, the admissions team takes time to reflect on the previous academic year - noting successes and areas for improvement. Below is a recap over the 2019-20 year for the Student Ambassador Society, a group of about 90 鶹ƽ State student volunteers who assist the Admissions Office with recruitment events and initiatives throughout the year.

Read more
  • Each academic college at 鶹ƽ State was represented within the group.
  • New members attended an 8-week training class to learn best practices for recruiting.
  • 47% of members took Honors courses.
  • 32% of members were first generation students.
  • Student Ambassador Society social media numbers included:
    • 3,420 followers on Twitter (@shockerexp)
    • 790 page likes on Facebook
    • 687 followers on Instagram (@shockerexp)
  • Members presented "Stepping into College" presentations at 17 schools and reached 1,400 prospective students.
  • Four members attended the CIVSA Student Development Institute - the 5th year in a row for SAS to attend. At the conference, 275 other students were in attendance from 89 institutions across the country.

EVENTS

Shocker Vote Roundtable Discussion

Shockers Vote! Roundtable on ‘Local Government's Role in Combating Covid-19’

The Shockers Vote at 鶹ƽ State University Coalition is excited to host its first roundtable on the topic of "Local Government's Role in Combating Covid-19,” at 5:30 p.m. today (Thursday, Aug. 20).

Panel will include:

鶹ƽ Mayor Brandon Whipple, 鶹ƽ Council Member Cindy Claycomb, Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse, and College of Health Professions Public Health Sciences Chair and Professor Nicole Rogers, Ph.D. The panel will be moderated by Student Body President Rija Khan and Speaker of the Senate Olivia Babin.

We will be live streaming this round table from YouTube and will share the link on the Shockers Vote! facebook (@shockersvoteWSU)


Virtual Clash of the Colleges

Sign up for Rocket League Tournament for Virtual Clash of the Colleges!

Interested in getting points for your college for Clash of the Colleges? We will host multiple virtual games! Our virtual games will start on Friday, Aug. 21 and end on Monday, Sept. 14.

One of the virtual games we will host is a Rocket League competition. Registration for e-gaming is open now! You can compete on PC, Xbox, or PS4. There will be tournaments for each level you reach. Points will be given based on the levels you reach.

The final four and championship match will be live streamed on WSU-TV, and also at Fuzzy's! A live bracket of the tournament will be displayed in the Heskett Center.

Registration is open now, and the deadline to register is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21.

Please sign up by clicking on the e-gaming tournament form on our website.

Once you register, you will receive an email soon with the schedule of the tournament and instructions. Let's go Shockers!


Jump-Start Your Business

Jump-Start Your Business with expert advice

Are you interested in starting a business or looking to keep your business on track during the pandemic? Join us online to hear from Kansas experts and discuss ways to help your business succeed. Register at 

QuickBooks Webinars:

Learn QuickBooks to better organize and manage your business. Presenter Heather Denning is a Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumni of 鶹ƽ State University and local business owner.

State Tax Webinars:

Before, during, and after the Covid-19 outbreak, we still need to pay taxes! Join Carl York from the Kansas Department of Revenue to learn what you need to know and get answers to your questions.

What to Do Now Webinar Series:

After feeling the COVID-19 outbreak impact for months, it is time to act. Whether you are in business or thinking of starting a business, these workshops, presented by Kansas SBDC Advisors will suggest things you can do right now.


Fall 2020 Welcomefest events

Check out the Fall 2020 Welcomefest events!

Welcomefest takes place during the beginning of each semester and features dozens of activities. Hosted by various student groups and campus departments, most events are free and give all students a chance to get acquainted with each other, learn campus and find ways to connect with the community. Visit  for a complete list of events! 

KUDOS, PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Deltha Q. Colvin

Colvin named GEAR Up Professional of the Year

The annual GEAR UP Leadership Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals and partners in three categories: Student, Community Partner, and Professional of the Year. The recipients of the 2020 GEAR UP Leadership awards are leaders in their local communities and supporters of the national GEAR UP movement. They have provided support and leadership to GEAR UP colleagues, families, partners, and students – especially during a time where we have all had to pivot to online implementation due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Join us in congratulating these deserving recipients. View their full bios . 

Colvin has been involved with TRiO and GEAR UP for 54 years, and currently oversees Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP and Haysville GEAR UP through 鶹ƽ State University. She is a national advocate and trainer in the development and administration of grants and GEAR UP program evaluations. View Deltha Q. Colvin’s acceptance of the award .

SPECIAL OFFERS

New masks yellow

New mask style available at the Shocker Store

The Shocker Store’s newest mask style is now available in a Shocker yellow! They are for sale for just $6.99 in the RSC store and online at . The new style of mask features three layers of fabric and a flexible nose piece.

 

UNIVERSITY LIFE

Pre-K openings at Child Development Center

Child Development Center has Pre-K openings

The WSU Child Development Center has current Pre-K openings! This would be for children who will be entering Kindergarten in Fall 2021 only. 

Please call 316-978-3109 for more information. This spot will be available after Labor Day.