A message to students
Richard Muma, Provost and Acting President
Dear students:
Rick Muma
Welcome to the spring semester.
You may know that WSU President John Bardo is still recovering from lung surgeries in November and December. Several of us who visit him regularly have seen improvements in recent weeks. At Dr. Bardo’s request, I am serving as acting president during his recovery, while continuing as Provost. I am happy to help out in this way.
The directions I’ve received from Dr. Bardo and the Board of Regents are to continue working with the President’s Executive Team, deans and all of you to keep the university moving forward in his absence.
I’d like to take this opportunity to update you on some additional campus initiatives.
This week you’ll begin to see a lot of activity around the student referendum to support improvements for academic facilities. I hope you’ll choose to participate in one or more of the scheduled town halls. The actual voting will take place online March 4 to 6. You can learn more about it .
College leadership: Dennis Livesay, former Graduate dean, has assumed his new responsibilities as dean of the College of Engineering. Kerry Wilks is serving as interim dean of the Graduate School. Searches are underway for deans of the Graduate School and the Barton School of Business, to succeed Anand Desai, who is retiring this summer.
Strategic plan: Meetings are starting up again to continue the evaluation of our current strategic plan and to determine whether improvements or changes are needed. Kaye Monk-Morgan, assistant vice president for academic affairs, is leading this effort. If you want to find out how you can participate, go to Activation Teams.
Enrollment and retention: Focus will continue on our strategic enrollment plan to better attract, serve, retain and graduate students. Students are encouraged to participate. Carolyn Shaw, Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management, is leading this effort, and more information can be found at .
Construction: A new exterior entrance and learning-and-collaboration spaces are being added to Cohen Honors College within Shocker Hall. The expanded east side of campus has five buildings under construction, or soon to be under construction, this semester: The Suites residence hall, YMCA/Student Wellness Center, NIAR Crash Lab, Partnership Building 3 and Hyatt Place Hotel. The construction north of Wilkins Stadium is a landscaped drainage area to help contain a 100-year rainfall.
Finally, I want you to know that all of us at WSU are committed to making your student experience a successful one that leads to career success. We all are so happy that you are here.
I wish all of you the best for a great semester. I look forward to seeing you around campus.
Rick
Be informed on the Shock the Future Referendum
The Shock the Future Referendum proposes improvements created by students, faculty and staff groups for academic and student success infrastructure needs.
Renderings of the improved environments will be for Clinton Hall, College of Engineering, College of Health Professions, College of Applied Studies and LAS Psychology, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, W. Frank Barton School of Business, Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation, College of Fine Arts, Career Development Center, and University Libraries.
Make sure to examine the posters in the various buildings so that you can have a better understanding of the Shock the Future Referendum.
Join an Activation Team now!
We invite you to join other faculty, staff, students and community members at the Strategic Planning Activation Team (AcT) meetings that will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 29, in the Rhatigan Student Center.
2-3:30 p.m. Activation Team meetings
Applied Learning, 238 RSC 238 Meeker Room
Interdisciplinary, 240 RSC Mayfield Room
Community and Industry Partnerships, 245 RSC, CUW Room
Innovation, 256 RSC Edmiston Room
Campus Culture, 257 RSC Ashton / Bridges Room
Inclusion, 258 RSC Smoky Hills Room
Assessment / Incentives / Awards, 313 RSC, Prairie Room
Activation Teams (AcT) are the foundation of the strategic planning process at Wichita State University. Each AcT is has been assigned one of the on-goals to critically review.
Teams will conduct a SWOT analysis, complete an asset map and host critical conversations related to their assigned goal. Teams will ultimately report their findings to the Strategic Planning Committee for review and consideration.
When possible, ideas will be shared with responsible campus partners in hopes of informing university practice and activities.
Activation Teams will meet monthly throughout the academic year. To join a team, complete the activation team form.
Student Conduct & Community Standards announces updated procedures
Student Conduct & Community Standards has reviewed and updated some of its procedures regarding the student conduct process for individuals and organizations charged with violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
Areas that have been updated include:
- Hearing and Appeal Board Definitions (Section II.)
- Guidelines for Determining Organizational Responsibility for Violations (Section V.E.)
- Formal Resolution Option Procedures (Section VI.D.)
- Student Conduct Board Hearing Procedures (Section VI.D.2.)
- Questioning Procedures in a Hearing (Section VI.D.3.e.)
- Appeal Request Procedures (Section X.B.)
The updated procedure guide is available on the Student Conduct and Community Standards website.
‘Teaching in the American Classroom’
“Teaching in the American Classroom” is for anyone who is currently teaching at WSU or who wishes to teach at WSU in the future, and is not familiar with higher education institutions in the United States. The presenter will be Freh Wuhib in Instructional Design & Access, from noon-1:30 p.m. today (Wednesday, Jan. 23) in 142 RSC. Lunch will be provided for the first 30 students.
Career 101: Career Readiness Workshop today (Wednesday, Jan. 23)
Whether it’s looking for a part-time job to support your classroom experience and get first-hand knowledge about your major and career, or a full-time professional position, the Career Development Center provides a connection to many current employment opportunities. Let us help prepare you for your next step through our career boot camp session. Join us for this exciting workshop from
Co-op and Internship Enrollment Day tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 24)
Walk-in enrollment is available for students currently employed in a field directly related to their major, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, in 262 RSC. Students can enroll in academic or zero credit positions.
Students must meet academic requirements in order to enroll. If you are enrolling using a position that has not yet been approved by the Career Development Center, you will need to bring a copy of your job description, which includes supervisor name, email, phone and work site address. Students working at NIAR must provide a position description.
SGA documents progress in 2018
As a part of SGA’s commitment to putting students first, we are happy to present our fall 2018 Dashboard. SGA has made significant progress in campus health and safety, and we will continue to do so in spring 2019.
Learn how to run for office in SGA
Are you interested in learning more about running for a position on the Student Government Association? The Elections Commission welcomes and encourages any interested student to attend an Election Information Session to learn more about how to run for office in the 62nd Student Government Association. If you have any questions, contact sga.elections@wichita.edu. Please note that declarations will not open until the formal announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 30.
Students need to apply by Jan. 25 to present at Capitol poster symposium
Applications to present at the annual Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol poster symposium are due by Friday, Jan. 25.
For more information about this opportunity to showcase student research to legislators and members of KBOR, visit or email undergraduateresearch@wichita.edu.
Magician Derek Hughes to perform Friday, Jan. 25
Join Student Involvement to see comedic magician Derek Hughes perform a hilarious magic act at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, in the CAC Theater. Tickets are free for students with WSU ID, $3 for faculty / staff, and $5 for general admission.
WSU Weekly Briefing to feature a Shock the Future update from the dean of the College of Health Professions
The WSU Weekly Briefing will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, in the Marcus Welcome Center.
Sandra Bibb, dean of the College of Health Professions, will talk about the potential impact of the Shock the Future referendum on her college.
Tracee Friess, director of communications for research and technology transfer, will provide an overall university update.
The briefing will be livestreamed and available later that day at . There will be time for questions following the briefing.
11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Commemoration
Let us remember Dr. King's legacy by joining the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for the 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Commemoration at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 24) in the Rhatigan Student Center Shirley Beggs Ballroom.
Learn about and reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King and collaboratively envision ways to carry forward his work, as well as participate in an impactful, inclusive and engaging celebration of his life. We will also recognize the 2019 Drum Major Award recipient.
Apply by Feb. 1 for the John A. See Innovation Award
Applications for the John A. See Innovation Award will be accepted until Friday, Feb. 1. The award was established in December 2013 by John A. See to support prototype development, which may include development of products in engineering and science, development of life-enhancing therapeutic products, creation of application of new knowledge and artistic ventures.
Faculty and students are eligible to apply for the Innovation Award. For more information and access to the online application options go to John A. See Innovation Award.
GRASP student abstracts are due by Feb. 18
Graduate Research & Scholarly Projects (GRASP) student abstracts are due by Monday, Feb. 18. View GRASP deadlines and instructions at .
Graduate student research is showcased at a university-wide annual poster symposium on Friday, April 26. Prizes are awarded.
Student input sought on future of Safe Ride program
The Prevention Services Advisory Board requests student input about the future of the Safe Ride program. Please go to /saferide and complete the survey. Thank you for your input!
Emergency need for blood!
Right now, there is less than a three-day supply of most blood types. More than 27,000 pints of blood and platelets have gone uncollected this month because of winter weather and illness. Do your part to help replenish the blood supply by donating next week at the WSU Blood Drive from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, and Thursday, Jan. 31, in the Heskett Center lobby. A free T-shirt will be given to presenting donors.
Make your appointment at and enter sponsor code: ϱ, or call 1-800-Red-Cross.
University Libraries to hold scavenger hunt
How easily can you find an article? Locate online library services? Test yourself with the Library Scavenger Hunt! There are two parts to this scavenger hunt, which is held in Ablah Library during all library hours from 7:30 a.m. (opening) Monday, Jan. 28 to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1.
Locate library sources online, and visit library customer service areas in person during office hours. Play for prizes! Get started online at or pick up play sheets in Ablah Library.
Submit your applications for Senior Honor awards
Applications are being sought for ϱ’s 2019 Senior Honor awards. This is considered to be one of the most prestigious honors a student can receive at WSU. Up to 10 students are chosen for this honor each year. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. To review the eligibility requirements and application process, go to .
Student Affairs invites you to Shockers After Dark
Student Affairs invites students, faculty, staff and friends to Shockers After Dark from 8-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, on the first floor, RSC, and Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes.
Come for a night of fabulous free fun! Activities include an oxygen bar, blackjack tournament, karaoke, a henna artist, trivia, glow-in-the-dark games, table tennis, sign art, make your own mini Wichita flag and more. The first 200 people will receive a free glow-in-the-dark stress ball.
For more information, contact Student Affairs at 978-3021 or visit .
Student Involvement Open House set for Thursday, Jan. 24
Discover how to get involved at ϱ by visiting the office of Student Involvement (SI). SI is home to dozens of leadership programs and opportunities, service experiences, campus events and more than 450 plus student organizations.
Stop by our open house from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 24) in 216 RSC, to meet the staff and student leaders that make this all possible, take a tour, grab some free popcorn and discover what your next experience at WSU will be.
If you have questions about this program, email us at getinvolved@wichita.edu, call 978-3022, or send us a message through social media.
Veterans Administration plans campus visit to provide help with healthcare
Let the VA (Veterans Administration) help you gain access to your VA healthcare and the service that you deserve. VA representatives will visit campus from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, in the Rhatigan Student Center.
Social work, human resources, patient benefits, volunteer services, veteran experience office, public affairs and business development personnel will be on hand to answer your questions.
This event is open to all veterans, dependents, family members using GI benefits and individuals who would like to learn more about veteran benefits, get assistance with enrolling, discuss volunteer opportunities at the VA, and how to apply for federal positions on USA Jobs.
Japanese film and culture class to be offered this semester
JAPN 300B, a course in Japanese film and culture, will be offered this semester at WSU South. The course will cover a variety of movies, from classics such as “Godzilla and Rashomon” to modern movies like “Princess Mononoke” and “Nobody Knows.”
The class is open to anyone with an interest in Japanese film, and knowledge of the Japanese language is not a requirement. Shuttle buses will run to WSU South for students who do not have transportation.
This course will count toward the new minor in Japanese that began in the fall semester.
RSC Unplugged: Adam Capps
Stop by the Rhatigan Student Center every Wednesday for the live music series, RSC Unplugged. Adam Capps will provide music from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today (Wednesday, Jan. 23) in the RSC’s Starbucks Lounger. Grab a cup of coffee and relax with some great music!
lIne C T by Austin Shaw in Cadman Art Gallery – Looking Glass
lIne C T is an art exhibition presented by student artist Austin Shaw. His work will be display now to Friday, Feb. 1, in the Cadman Art Gallery, first floor, Rhatigan Student Center.
This show is about the photos which the artist has taken in Wichita, and all of the cool lines that appear in them. The artists says that he see the world differently than most people and wants to show that through his photographs.
For more information about this exhibit and others, go to .
Check out a Study Abroad information session
If you have not already attended one of our study abroad information sessions, we have the first one on Friday. If you are planning to study abroad this summer or fall semester, then you should plan to join us at our first information session of the year. All information session dates are available Study Abroad.
Please sign up if you plan to attend!
‘There’s No Place Like Shocker Nation’
"There's No Place Like Shocker Nation" is WSU's Homecoming 2019 celebration, taking place Monday, Jan. 28 through Saturday, Feb 2. With events taking place all week, it's a great opportunity for all to show their Shocker Spirit.
There's friendly competition, fundraising, royalty voting, and, of course, Shocker basketball. Details about Homecoming and all event sign-ups can be found at . Follow @shockerhoco on Twitter and like @ShockerSTAT on Facebook to keep up with all things Homecoming!
Let E-Launch help you build your idea
Do you have an idea for a business that you need help getting off the ground? We can help.
Student athlete gains experience through KMUW internship
Student athlete Gertrude "Trudy" Martin is a fifth-year senior at ϱ studying electronic media in the Elliott School of Communication.