WSU Today: Sept. 11, 2018

Grant funding opportunity from WSU's Regional Institute on Aging

Regional Institute on Aging

The Regional Institute on Aging at ϱ is pleased to announce a new competitive funding opportunity for interdisciplinary faculty research. Two $20,000 grants will be awarded for two interdisciplinary research projects at WSU that contribute to new knowledge and practice related to well-being in older adults.

This funding opportunity advances two goals of the university's strategic plan: Goal 1 - Guarantee an applied learning or research experience for every student by each academic program and Goal 4 - Accelerate the discovery, creation and transfer of new knowledge. 

Proposals must actively involve faculty members at WSU from at least two distinct disciplines and more than one college.  For more information go to .


Are you getting the most out of your health insurance benefits?

Health Insurance webinar Sept. 12, 2018

To help employees understand their benefits as we approach Open Enrollment, the Total Rewards team will host a webinar titled, “Getting The Best Value out of Your Health Benefits,” at 1 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 12). This webinar will provide valuable information for employees on how to evaluate different health plan options, and how to select which health plans are the best choice for their family. The presentation will be about one hour, and attendees will be awarded one HealthQuest credit upon completion.

Because of limited space, registration is required. To register, email your name and myWSU ID to TotalRewards@wichita.edu. You will receive a confirmation of your registration within one university business day.

Note: This webinar will present general knowledge, and is not specific to 2019 plan changes.


NASA research opportunity

NASA research

The Kansas NASA EPSCoR Program (KNEP) is seeking pre-proposals for eventual submission to a NASA Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN). The CAN opportunity includes up to $750,000 in funding for three years. All NASA EPSCoR monies must be cost-shared at a level of at least 50 percent with non-federal monies. 

 The CAN efforts must:

  • Contribute to and promote the development of research capability in NASA EPSCoR jurisdictions (e.g., Kansas) in areas of strategic importance to the NASA mission;
  • Improve the capabilities of the NASA EPSCoR jurisdictions to gain support from sources outside the NASA EPSCoR program;
  • Develop partnerships between NASA research assets, academic institutions, and industry;

Pre-proposals must follow the guidelines outlined in the and . Pre-proposals should not exceed 20 pages and must be submitted to the KNEP director via email (scott.miller@wichita.edu) by noon Friday, Oct. 12. Questions may be directed to nasainkansas@wichita.edu


There's still time to enroll in a badge course

It's not too late to enroll in a fall badge course! The university is offering a scholarship for employees who are interested in taking a badge course as a nondegree bound student. Badges are designed for working professionals in a wide array of subject areas.

Go to for the complete badge catalog. To receive the scholarship, employees must submit a completed Badge Interest Form at , and be admitted and enrolled by Friday, Sept. 14.


Space is available in Employment Relationship Training class on Tuesday, Sept. 18

Space is available in an Employment Relationship Training class from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, in 142 RSC. To register for training, go to myTraining through myWSU.

This course is provided for leaders who supervise employees (UP, USS, students), and will focus on the overall employment relationship. It will provide guidance on managing performance, setting expectations, how to identify when an employee has not met expectations and how to effectively address those concerns. This could include concerns with attendance, job performance, conflict with coworkers, etc. This training will also introduce you to tools to use to effectively document an unmet expectation. If you have questions, contact mytraining@wichita.edu.


Jim Swisher returns to woodworking at GoCreate

Swisher and Go Create

Jim and Kim Swisher make wood cutting boards and jewelry at GoCreate. Read how the equipment and cooperative spirit at GoCreate help the Swishers with their projects.


Safe Zone Training today (Tuesday, Sept. 11)

Safe Zone Training

Safe Zone Training will be offered from 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. today (Tuesday, Sept. 11) in 264 RSC.

The goal of Safe Zone LGBTQ Training is to educate as well as create and sustain a welcoming and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ campus community. This training establishes an identifiable network of supportive people who can provide support, information and a safe place for LGBTQ persons within the ϱ community. This training is a dynamic and interactive session that covers topics including inclusive language, coming out, the importance of being an ally, and understanding sexual identity. To get more information and register for this training session, go to Safe Zone.


Largest group of Osher Scholars announced since the inaugural class in 2012

Osher Scholars

The Office of Adult Learning is proud to announce the largest group of Osher Scholars since its inaugural class of 21 in 2012. The scholarship, which is awarded to students who have experienced a five-year gap in their education, gives students up to $2,500 per year for full time status and up $1,250 for students attending school part time.

Susan Norton, director of the Office of Adult Learning and sponsor of the Osher Scholarship at WSU, explains why this scholarship is so important. “These students work hard 24/7.” She added, “When they are not in class studying, they are often holding down full time jobs, taking care of their children, and sometimes even caring for their parents.” Norton also explained that if it wasn't for the scholarship, some of these students would not be able to afford a college education.

ϱ is the only university in Kansas to offer the Osher Reentry Scholarship program. Since 2012, 43 students have walked across the stage as Osher Scholars.


Research opportunity for first year undergraduates

FYRE logo

The Cohen Honors College in partnership with the Department of Chemistry are excited to announce the launch of the First Year Research Experience (FYRE) pilot program. The mission of this first FYRE program is to introduce research to first-year undergraduates in a practical and accessible way.

We will have an informational session at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, in the Shocker Hall Multipurpose Room. Students interested in applying to the FYRE in program should go to .

Questions may be directed to Heidi Bell at heidi.bell@wichita.edu or call 978-3315, or Abby Jurgensmeier at aljurgensmeier@shockers.wichita.edu


Come to the second annual Chartwells Catering Grand Showcase

Chartwells Showcase Sept. 20, 2018You're invited to the Second Annual Chartwells Catering Grand Showcase from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, in the third floor, Shirley Beggs Ballroom, RSC.

This free event, open to faculty and staff, will feature a preview of our updated menu for the fall semester.

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a dessert station, a hosted bar and five different action stations. We'll also have a live disc jockey and photo booth for your enjoyment.

There is no need to RSVP to this event. The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary grab bag and catering coupon.


Keep Calm & Breathe On invitation

Keep Calm & Breathe On

Join the Counseling and Testing Center again this semester for Keep Calm & Breathe On. Drop in to build structured relaxation time into your life and learn techniques to do relaxation on your own. You will be led in meditation, mindfulness and relaxation practices. The meetings are from 12:15-12:45 p.m. every Wednesday starting tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 12) In 257 RSC. Drop in or contact the Counseling and Testing Center for more information at 978-3440.


‘Speak for Success: Presentation Skills'

Graduate Studies Speak for Success, Sept. 12, 2018

The Graduate School Professional Development Series invites you to “Speak for Success: Presentation Skills,” from noon-1:30 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 12) in 142 RSC. Lunch will be provided to the first 30 people who attend.

In a competitive world, knowing your audience and speaking effectively is key. Learn how to synthesize your research, speak persuasively and explain the significance of your findings to different audiences.

Learn overall presentation skills and how to give an effective elevator speech.

** Recommended for anyone interested in a proposal submittal to the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) oral presentation competition **


Graduate School Professional Development Series on Thursday, Sept. 13

Graduate School event Sept. 13, 2018

The Graduate School Professional Development Series presents “Preparing a competitive NSF-GRFP application,” from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, in 202 RSC. Snacks will be served.

The National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF-GRFP) is open to undergraduate seniors and first-year graduate students in a STEM discipline who are (or will be) pursuing a research-based master's or doctoral degree.

Dennis Livesay, dean of the Graduate School, will provide an overview of the program and give tips for submitting a successful application. One of the most prestigious programs to recognize and support outstanding graduate students, NSF-GRFP awardees receive a lucrative annual stipend and education allowance for three years.


Save the Date: Black & Yellow Scrimmage + Sale

Black & Yellow Scrimage Oct. 6, 2018

Combined, the 2018-19 ϱ men's and women's basketball rosters will feature 21 newcomers. Early next month, fans can begin the process of connecting those names with faces during a special sneak-peek event.
 
The Black and Yellow Scrimmage, which replaces the annual Shocker Madness night, is set for Saturday, Oct. 6, in Charles Koch Arena. The two squads will play an intersquad doubleheader, beginning at 2 p.m.
 
Fans are also invited to stop by the athletic department's annual garage sale that afternoon between Noon and 3 p.m. inside the Aetna Multi-Purpose Gym (enter through the exterior doors on the east side of Charles Koch Arena).
 
Items are available on a first-come, first-served basis and include: men's basketball jerseys and game shorts, practice jerseys and shorts, shoes from various sports, cheerleading and dance uniforms, tennis racquets and an assortment of shirts.
 
Prices listed are non-negotiable. Customers are encouraged to pay with cash, however, credit cards will also be accepted.


Fresh Mex coming soon

Fresh Mex in SSGL

In October, the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes will add Fresh Mex to its menu. Soon, you will be able to enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine including freshly made tacos, burritos, sanchos and more! Our existing menu will remain intact as well, with all of your sports grill-style favorites. Fresh Mex will be in addition to our regular menu and be made available Monday to Friday.


Join SAC in road trip to KC Chiefs football game

Chiefs Road Trip Fall 2018

Join SAC as we take a Road Trip to a Kansas City Chiefs home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars! Tickets are $40 for WSU students, $50 for faculty and staff, and $55 for general public. The price will include your ticket and transportation. Register for the Road Trip at .