2021 Benefits Open Enrollment starts now!
All benefits-eligible state employees must participate in Benefits Open Enrollment.
Upcoming Events:
Today (Thursday, Oct. 1): SEHP will begin opening throughout the day. All benefit-eligible employees should have access to their open enrollment portal by close of business on Oct. 1.
Thursday, Oct. 1: Presentation on Optional Life Insurance Open Enrollment Webinar by The Standard @ 10:30 a.m., .
Monday, Oct. 5: Online Open Enrollment Presentation @ 3 p.m. Register online in myTraining for the 鈥�2021 Benefits Open Enrollment Presentation.鈥�
The Total Rewards Team is not available for walk-in traffic or to make individual appointments regarding open enrollment. Please take advantage of the scheduled live virtual presentations and on-demand options. For additional information, visit the Open Enrollment Website. Any questions should be directed to TotalRewards@wichita.edu.
CORRECTION: SEHP originally communicated that medical rates for Employee+Spouse and Employee+Family tiers were decreasing 2.5%, but they have since corrected it to 2.0%. This correction was made after emails were sent out last week and open enrollment flyers were printed.
ITS Procurement Website Launch
We are excited to announce the launch of our new ITS Procurement website.
The goal of this new site is to provide our clients (Faculty / Staff) an easier way to view our standard hardware configurations and end-user software catalog, as well as provide an easier way to make requests for hardware / software quotes and purchases. The ITS Procurement website also provides more information on Who We Are, What We Do, and Our Services. We highly encourage our faculty / staff to visit the ITS Procurement site and submit any requests for computer hardware and software using this process.
Tuition Assistance applications for spring 2021 now being accepted
Tuition Assistance applications for spring 2021 are now being accepted through the . The online application will be available through Dec. 1, 2020, and will close at the end of this application period.
The fillable PDF form will no longer be accepted. Due to the volume of applications received each semester, requests to submit late applications will be automatically denied. There will be no exceptions.
Full program details can be found at www.wichita.edu/tuitionassistance.
Questions may be directed to TuitionAssistance@wichita.edu.
Video files need to be hosted in Panopto or YouTube before being linked in to Blackboard
If you are creating videos or PowerPoint presentations with audio and/or video for your remote classes, please be aware that those files are very large and need to be hosted in a video hosting platform like Panopto or YouTube before they are linked into your Blackboard class.
If you upload MP4/MOV files and large PowerPoint files directly to Blackboard, your students will have many more technical issues, and your class will take up a great deal of space in our Blackboard environment.
If you are not sure how to get your videos hosted, a good first step is to download the Panopto recorder and learn about how that system works. You can learn about Panopto at https://wichita.edu/Panopto and you can get your questions answered at IDA's labs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Zoom from 1-3 p.m. You can also send questions to IDA at IDA@wichita.edu.
麻豆破解版 State to hold Memorial '70 ceremony at Cessna Stadium
The annual ceremony of remembrance for those who died in the 1970 麻豆破解版 State University plane crash will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Cessna Stadium.
There will be a reception immediately following the remembrance on the Cessna Stadium concourse. The audience will be seated on the west side of the stadium.
Enhancements have been made to Memorial 鈥�70, located near the 18th Street and Hillside entrance to the university. Those additions to Memorial 鈥�70 will officially be revealed on Oct. 2.
The ceremony is open to the public. Attendees may visit the memorial near 18th and Hillside at their leisure.
The ceremony will honor the 31 people - WSU football players, administrators, supporters and flight crew - who died in the crash in the Rocky Mountains.
For those who cannot attend in person, the ceremony will be available by livestream at www.麻豆破解版.edu/memorial70 and later on demand on the .
Face coverings are required, and social distancing, when possible, is expected. Please note: Face coverings must properly be worn over your nose and mouth when in public spaces, or outdoor settings on campus when six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Those interested in making a tax-deductible contribution in memory of the crash victims can give to the Football '70 Memorial Scholarship, the only endowed scholarship at WSU dedicated in collective memory to those who died in the tragedy.
The scholarship is awarded each year to a student of any major with at least a 3.0 GPA who demonstrates financial need.
Contributions can be made through the WSU Foundation, 1845 Fairmount St., 麻豆破解版, KS 67260-0002, for the Football '70 Memorial Scholarship.
Changes to logging in to WSU Reporting
now has additional information on how to login, and if you have questions please reach out to helpdesk@wichita.edu.
The 2021-22 FAFSA is now available!
Who: You can act upon this today.
What: Complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA.
When: Now/Today
Where:
Why: To be considered for grants, work study, and loans for the 2021-22 academic year.
How: Laptop, desktop, or mobile device (myStudentAid application for cellphones, tablets)
Register now for the 2020 Kansas Prevention Virtual Conference in October!
Join the Community Engagement Institute on Oct. 14-16 for the 3rd annual Kansas Prevention Conference!
This virtual conference is an amazing opportunity to learn ways to elevate prevention work in your community, connect with other prevention professionals, and discover the work being done in communities around Kansas.
You'll be able to choose from a long list of excellent workshops as well as learning from our two keynote speakers, Earl Greene, M.A., CAMS-1/Fellow and Alex Elswick, MA, BA, PhD.
Registration for this year's conference is $75.
Social Work professionals can receive 10.5 CEUs and Nursing professionals can receive 12.6. That's only $5.95-$7.14 per credit hour!
Register today to receive the conference swag items in the mail before Oct. 14.
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 wichita.edu/pass!
Register for E-Launch now!
E-Launch aids entrepreneurs with early-stage ideas in discovering their customers and validating their value proposition.
Use a smartphone? Want to be in a research study? We need participants!
We are looking for participants who want to be in a research study examining cell phone usage and the neck. The best part? It won't take weeks and weeks of exercises or participation on your part, actually less than 30 minutes!
The study is being sponsored by students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The principal investigator is Barb Smith.
If you are interested, please click the to see if this study is right for you!
Introduction to WSU Office of Research Workshop is Friday
Join Fran Cook of the WSU Office of Research for a one-hour Zoom workshop on Friday, Oct. 2. Topics will include 1) WSU research office resources and contacts, 2) finding funding, 3) project budgeting, and 4) grant-writing tips with time for questions and answers.
Two workshops will be held -- choose either 1:30-2:30 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.
Email proposals@wichita.edu to receive login information.
Title IX Virtual Town Hall meeting coming Oct. 6
The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance will host a virtual Title IX Town Hall meeting at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, to discuss the new Title IX regulations and the changes to university policy on sexual harassment and discrimination.
Faculty Senate President Aleksander Sternfeld-Dunn and Student Body President Rija Khan will moderate the discussion with Sara Zafar, Title IX Coordinator. The event will be livestreamed on the WSU YouTube channel.
To submit questions ahead of time, please email oiec@wichita.edu.
Friday's ISME Colloquium presentation features Kim Patterson, VP of Premier Food Services
Kim Patterson
Industrial, Systems, and Manufacturing Engineering invites you to a colloquium presentation from 11 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 2, via Zoom. The presenter will be Kim Patterson, vice president of Premier Food Service.
Abstract
The closure of businesses and shift to remote working due to COVID-19 has created unpredictability in the Food Service Industry. Premier Food Service has had to quickly adjust our methods of operation to maintain our high level of customer service. I鈥檇 like to share with you the approach that we鈥檝e taken and how we have used Control Limits, Root Cause / Corrective Action and Rolling Action Item Lists to help guide our business recovery.
Kim Patterson is the Vice President of Premier Food Service (PFS). PFS provides breakroom services to companies throughout Kansas. Kim started her career at PFS in 1995 working part-time while in high school. She continued to work for PFS while in college as a route driver during the summers and bookkeeper during the school year.
Kim earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in Industrial Engineering in 2004 from 麻豆破解版 State University. She began her career as an Industrial Engineer working for Cessna Aircraft. During her first years as an Industrial Engineer, Kim learned that she had a passion for project management and continuous improvement. In 2008, Kim completed her master鈥檚 degree in Business Administration from 麻豆破解版 State University.
In 2010, Kim was promoted to Continuous Improvement Manager. In this role, Kim was successful at using a combination of Statistical Analysis, Lean Six Sigma and Change Management to reduce production costs by $1.5M annually.
During the merge of Cessna and Beechcraft, Kim was asked to take over leadership of Environmental, Health and Safety for Beechcraft. It was in this role that Kim earned her Master Blackbelt Certificate in 2015.
In 2016, Kim was promoted to Director of Environmental Health and Safety. Using tools from Lean Manufacturing, Kim setup a network of over 7000 safety initiatives run across Textron Aviation鈥檚 15 locations worldwide. The initiatives targeted preventative measures and resulted in a 10% reduction in injuries.
In 2019 Kim was asked to lead PFS. In her current role as Vice President, Kim regularly uses Industrial Engineering applications to continuously improve the processes at PFS. Most recently, she has used Control Limits, Root Cause/Corrective Action and Rolling Action Item Lists to help the PFS team navigate the disruptions of business resulting from COVID-19.
October HealthQuest upcoming events
Employees enrolled in 2020 coverage through the State Employee Health Plan can earn a premium discount worth $480 annually and HSA/HRA rewards dollars up to $500 per year for each employee and covered spouse, just by participating and logging healthy activities throughout the year!
In June, the Health Care Commission (HCC) voted to reduce the number of HealthQuest credits required to receive the 2021 premium incentive discount. The credit requirement was reduced from 40 points to 20 points, due to the exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19.
In addition, the HSA/HRA Dollars awarded for each HealthQuest credit completed has been increased from $10 to $20 per credit, up to the maximum of $500 per member. This change applies only to the 2020 plan year and is retroactive for credits earned since Jan. 1.
In October, there are four events currently scheduled, worth up to 28 points total. There are also a variety of On-Demand or online options with up to 46 points available!
- Tuesday, Oct. 20, on-campus Biometric Screening by appointment only in 266 RSC. Schedule your appointment today in the , or by calling 1-888-275-1205, Option 3 (Up to 23 points)
- Tuesday, Oct. 27, on-campus Biometric Screening by appointment only in 266 RSC. Schedule your appointment today in the , or by calling 1-888-275-1205, Option 3 (Up to 23 points)
- Thursday, Oct. 22, 3-4 p.m., 鈥淟et鈥檚 Talk Politics: How to Have Impassioned Disagreements Without Damaging Relationships鈥�, EAP webinar. . (1 point)
- Heskett Center members who attend 40 fitness classes between Aug. 17-Nov. 25 will earn 4 points.
Now is good time to take advantage of some of the On-Demand and online options to earn HealthQuest points.
- Virtual Health Coaching Sessions: You can earn up to 15 points (max 1 health coaching per day, 1 point each) by scheduling Health Coaching Sessions. You can choose a health coach who is a nurse (RN), a dietitian or a trainer when scheduling sessions.
o Earn DOUBLE credits for Health Coaching appointments completed Sept. 8-Oct. 9.
- Learning Modules: You can earn up to 5 points by completing on-demand learning modules in the HealthQuest portal. There are 18 different topics to choose from.
- EAP On-Demand Trainings: You can earn up to 8 points (max 1 point per day) by completing EAP On-Demand trainings and webinars that you can access through the HealthQuest portal. There are 32 different topics to choose from.
- HealthQuest Financial Wellness Learning Module: You can earn 5 points by completing this four-week learning module.
- Online Wellness Assessment: You can earn 10 points for completing this assessment.
- 2020 HealthQuest Program Overview Video & Quiz: You can earn 3 points for watching this video and completing the short quiz.
We鈥檒l be publishing upcoming events each month, but if you鈥檇 like to plan in advance, check out all currently scheduled HealthQuest events.
Remember, the deadline to earn points towards HSA/HRA Reward Dollars is Nov. 18, 2020, and the deadline to earn points toward your 2021 Premium Discount is Dec. 31, 2020.
Access the HealthQuest portal at .
Join the ODI for Hispanic Heritage Month on the Go!
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion invites you to partake in a festive celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today (Thursday, Oct. 1)! National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latinx Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. We will be providing free transportation to two amazing local restaurants in the City of 麻豆破解版, Saz贸n Mexican Restaurant* and Molino's Taqueria**.
Our buses will be available to transport students, faculty, staff and even community members to and from these restaurants, allowing you the opportunity to support these local businesses. Limited spaces on the bus. You must wear a face mask and practice physical distancing. The ODI and bus driver reserve the right to ask you to get off the bus if attendees do not follow the guidelines.
The buses will pick you up at the following shuttle stops:
- Shuttle Stop: Elliott Hall
- Shuttle Stop: Marcus Welcome Center
The buses will run every 30 minutes, transporting individuals to the two local restaurants, allowing you the opportunity to order your food and drinks and return safely to campus.
* Saz贸n Mexican Restaurant will offer a Shocker discount, so make sure to bring your Shocker card!
** Molino's Taqueria is offering free chips and queso with a coupon. Pick this coupon up at the front desk in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, located in 208 Rhatigan Student Center before you go!
It's National Taco Day on Oct. 4!
Clear your schedule for Sunday, Oct. 4! It's National Taco Day, and we're serving $1.50 tacos all day long. Available for dine-in and online orders. Excludes Fajita, Shrimp, Mahi, Cali Heat, and Citrus Mahi tacos.
Pink merchandise from the Shocker Store to benefit Victory in the Valley
The Shocker Store is selling new pink merchandise starting today (Thursday, Oct. 1) during Breast Cancer Awareness Month! For each item sold, $1 will be donated to Victory in the Valley, who provides support to cancer patients, survivors and their families in the area.
There is a short sleeve tee ($10), a long sleeve tee ($12) and pajama pants ($20). This offer is good while supplies last and valid at both the RSC and Braeburn Square locations, and online at shockerstore.com. No discounts accepted on this merchandise.
Vote online for your favorite art in this year's Edible Book Festival
Voting is now open for the Edible Book Festival, and we invite all to 鈥渢reat yo-self鈥� by picking the winners of this year's virtual contest! Voting is quick, easy, free, and anyone can do it from wherever they are.
Go to or to vote for your favorite culinary creation. Voting ends today (Thursday, Oct. 1).
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.
Read the newest edition of the Omega Gazette!
Fraternity and Sorority Life is excited to publish our first fall 2020 edition of the Omega Gazette. The Omega Gazette is a publication that we use to highlight our chapters and what they are working on, highlighting the accomplishments of our members, advertising upcoming events, and so much more. Our September 2020 edition is live on our website, as well as our spring 2020 Graduation Edition, and our Annual Report for FY20.
Registration open for third annual 3MT competition
It's time for the third annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition at 麻豆破解版 State. This year's event will be virtual. The website has been updated to assist students with the new format. Please encourage graduate students to participate in this world-wide event, which is part of the Graduate School's Professional Development Series.
There are many benefits with participating in this event, including the more obvious benefit of working on soft skills, that is targeted with the oral presentation. There is also tremendous benefit in honing the ability to distill a research elevator pitch. As the name suggests, they only have three minutes to summarize their research. Participants have until Oct. 5 to , and those who register will need to submit their videos by Oct. 26.