Shocker Blast: Oct. 5, 2020

 

FEATURED STORIES

SEM Tip 10520

Need some academic assistance to maximize your success? Act now!

Now is the time of the semester when you should be completing your own grade checks. Login to Blackboard or revisit your own records to see how well you are performing academically.

If you are interested in maximizing your academic success, take advantage of free resources like Supplemental Instruction, tutoring, GEEKS (for engineering majors), the Math Lab or the Writing Center. These resources will remain available to you throughout the semester. Don’t wait before it’s too late to make improvements to your academic work.


Title IX Virtual Town Hall 10620

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.


Concern about a class

What should I do if I have a concern about my class?

Learning in the middle of a pandemic is full of challenges. When students have a concern about their classroom experience, the first step they should take is to have a conversation with their instructor.

Tips for speaking with your professor

If you are not able to resolve your concern with your instructor, contact the department chairperson for the department where the course is offered to share your concerns.

These steps should help address classroom concerns.

Department Chairs


SGA Elections Commission

SGA Elections Commission positions now open ... Apply today!

Do you want to get involved with the Student Government Association General Election? Become an Elections Commissioner to help with the behind-the-scenes work for the 2021 Election. These are paid positions that only require 10-15 hours per week. Go to  to apply and learn more today!


Talk with Police

Your WSU Police Department wants to hear from you

In these challenging times throughout the country we have seen a division among some police agencies and the communities they serve. The WSU Police Department wants to take this as an opportunity for growth and outreach. They would like to hear from you about the questions, concerns, and thoughts you have. 

You are invited to an open discussion with the WSU Police Department at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Shirley Beggs Ballroom, third floor, Rhatigan Student Center. Come and share your experiences and thoughts. The best way to grow and to move forward is together.


See something Title IX 10520See something, say something - Title IX / discrimination

As members of the ͷ State community, it is everyone’s responsibility to bring attention to anything that may be concerning. This could be about yourself or others that you feel is connected to the ͷ experience.

WSU is committed to providing an educational and working environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex and all forms of protected characteristic discrimination. The gives you the opportunity to report any instances of this discrimination.

For more details, please refer to .

NEWS

Hacking 4 Defense

Earn credit for solving national security issues!

Hacking for Defense™ (H4D), is a new course designed for ALL undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines and programs. It takes an entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary approach to America’s hardest national security challenges. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team to research, design, and propose a solution for a real national security challenge.

Hacking for Defense


KMUW Pledge Drive

Join Acting President and Provost Dr. Muma in supporting KMUW

The need for quality reporting and insight about the world we live in is more essential than ever. KMUW's fall pledge drive is underway, and we need your help in fueling the future of trusted local journalism.

Acting President and Provost Dr. Richard Muma will join us on-air via Zoom from 7:20-8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. We encourage all Shockers to tune in and make their donations by calling 316-978-6700 or going to KMUW.org.


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 ! 


Technology Takes the Wheel

Technology Takes the Wheel event on Oct. 16

AAA Kansas and ͷ invite you to attend our third FREE Technology Takes the Wheel® event, mapping our transition to autonomous vehicles from 9-11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16,

Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges regarding connected and self-driving vehicles involving the vehicle-infrastructure relationship, safety and security. Will Kansas be ready? Will you?

Please mark your calendar as we examine the new technologies and the requirements of transportation and security infrastructures for AV systems and what is being done to bring this future of transportation to reality.


Are you registered to vote?

Deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, Oct. 13. Are you registered?

Shockers! Are you registered to vote? Has your address changed since the last time you registered? Do you need to request a mail-in ballot?

All of this can be done at  or scanning the QR code in the attached graphic.

The deadline to register is Tuesday, Oct. 13!

Loud Light loves .  

STUDENT NEWS

FAFSA 10120

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) 


Homecoming 2020

Build a team and compete in Homecoming 2020!

Homecoming 2020 is just around the corner! From Oct. 19-24, all ͷ State students and student organizations are invited to compete for individual and overall competition awards! WSU students and student organizations are welcome to build teams and register online to compete throughout Homecoming.

Teams can register to compete in one of our three Co-Ed divisions, the Yellow, Black or Wheat Division. The Yellow Division teams are made up of one or more student organizations and must compete in 100% of the competitions. The Black Division teams are made up of one student organization and affiliated student groups and must compete in four out of six competitions. The Wheat Division teams are created by groups of WSU students and can compete for first place in any signature Homecoming competition.

The Homecoming Committee cordially invites you and students you know to form a team and be part of Homecoming 2020. For more information about Homecoming 2020, the Homecoming Competition, or to register a team, go to wichita.edu/homecoming or email traditions@wichita.edu. Team registration will be closed by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7.

We look forward to having you as part of Homecoming 2020!

ͷ State Homecoming


3MT registration closes today

3MT registration closes today!

Registration for the Third Annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) closes today!

Are you a graduate student conducting original research as part of your plan of study? Take this opportunity to show 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 Nov. 6. The winner will go on to represent ͷ State at a regional competition. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5. For more information or to register, click here.


Join Student Senate

Join the Student Senate

There is still a chance for you to use your voice and represent your fellow Shockers on the Student Senate. We still have a couple more seats open for you to apply for. Visit  to apply today! 


 

E-Launch

Register for E-Launch now!

E-Launch aids entrepreneurs with early-stage ideas in discovering their customers and validating their value proposition.

Information on E-Launch


Spanish conversations

Come join us for a little Spanish Zoom!

Join us for an hour of informal conversation in Spanish! Open to anyone in the WSU community who would like an opportunity to practice speaking Spanish. All levels welcome, from beginners to fluent speakers.

We meet on Zoom from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Please contact Julie Henderson at julie.henderson@wichita.edu for the link to meetings. ¡Nos vemos!


Rowing Team

Want to join the Rowing Team?

Want to be a part of the Shocker Rowing team? Rowing for ͷ does not require any previous experience. You will be meeting people who are also experiencing a new sport, people who like the challenge of learning something new, and people who want to win. Our program has a lot to offer athletes who want to continue rowing at a collegiate level, whether they are male or female.

If interested, or if you want more information, contact Rachel Tuck at rachel.tuck@wichita.edu or 316-978-3465.


Ask an International Shocker

‘Ask an International Shocker’ with ͷ State’s Cultural Ambassadors!

ͷ State’s Cultural Ambassadors present a new series called “Ask an International Shocker.” During this series ambassadors will answer questions they are commonly asked as international students. This series premieres on our .

Be sure to like and follow to keep up with the series and learn more about the diverse cultures represented here at WSU. Have a question you want to ask? Feel free to leave us a comment our message us directly through Facebook! You can also learn more about us by visiting .


Shockers Abroad 10520

Shockers Abroad Series

Shockers Abroad Video series presents testimonials from our study abroad alumni. Check out their videos to learn more about their experiences. We will share these new videos from Oct. 5-16.


In-person service-learning

Enroll for an in-person service-learning course in psychology!

The INSPYRE research lab, directed by Dr. Samantha Gregus, is currently recruiting undergraduate mentors for a 3-hour service-learning course in psychology (PSY 416) for the spring 2021 semester!

Prior to enrolling in PSY 416 (Psychology and Problems of Society) mentors are required to: pass an interview and background check, have reliable transportation, lunch availability from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at least twice a week, and attend class on Mondays from 3:30-6 p.m.

We have a course syllabus, class readings and paper assignments. Mentors will receive training at the beginning of the course and a grade at the end based on attendance and completion of assignments. We are interested in recruiting mentors from any college and major.

For more information, please contact the INSPYRE research lab at inspyre@wichita.edu ASAP.


LAS undecided

Are you a LAS student who is undecided about your major? Allow us to help!

Dear LAS Student,

Happen to be undecided about the major you’d like to pursue? We’d like to help!

Are you interested in expressing your compassion towards acting or being the very change, you wish to see in the world?  If so, a Social Work Degree may be a perfect fit for you! To learn more, see our attachment crafted just for you!

We look forward to having the possibility of helping you discover true selfless influence!

Best regards,

School of Social Work

BSW Program


Drag Show auditions

Drag Show Auditions

The Drag Show Committee is currently searching for performers for the Virtual Drag Show on Nov. 13. To submit your interest, please provide the following by Wednesday Oct. 7 to sac@wichita.edu:

- A short two-to-three minute video (can be in or out of drag) that contains the following: Name, why you want to be in our Virtual Drag Show, and how long you’ve been doing drag.

- A clip of you performing (if you do not have this, please let us know in your submission.)

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at sac@wichita.edu.

RESEARCH

Funding available for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity 

The Undergraduate Student Research and Creative Activity Grants Program is now accepting applications for grants of up to $1,000 for undergraduate students pursing research or creative projects.

Students who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a GPA of at least 2.5 and at least two semesters remaining at WSU (including the semester in which you apply), are full time and have a faculty research mentor are eligible. Preference is given to projects not otherwise funded and previous awardees are not eligible.

Please visit  or email undergraduateresearch@wichita.edu for more information. Deadlines to apply in fall 2020 are Oct. 7 and Nov. 11.

EVENTS

Criminal Justice Student Meetings

Join the Criminal Justice Student Association for our exciting October meetings!

Our first special guest in October will be a K9 dog and his handler Officer Nail. This meeting will be in-person and we will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at the side entrance to the Law Enforcement Training Center on campus. The demonstration will take place outside between the LETC building and the Pizza Hut Museum. Please note this meeting may change due to the officers' duties.

For the second meeting in October, there will be a panel discussion with four special guests from the ͷ Police Department. Our guests will talk about the job of police officers in ͷ, recruitment, training, and internship opportunities with the department. This meeting will be both in-person, and via zoom. We will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the Law Enforcement Training Center, room 337.


Trivia Tuesday 10620

Trivia Tuesday coming Oct. 6

Gone are the days of joining HQ trivia only to get booted on the fifth round. Join SAC on the first Tuesday of every month for a quick HQ/Kahoot style trivia game for the chance to win some awesome e-gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, and event Visa gift cards! $100 and $50 prizes will be given out each game to first- and second-place finishers, respectively.

Log in from a smart device at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, by going to . Anyone can play, but only WSU students are eligible to win.


Debates on KMUW and KWCH

KMUW and KWCH Channel 12 are partnering to present two Kansas candidate debates

The 4th Congressional District Debate between Republican Rep. Ron Estes and Democratic candidate Laura Lombard is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The US Senate Debate with Republican U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall and Democratic Kansas state Sen. Barbara Bollier will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.

Live coverage of both debates will be broadcast on KMUW and KWCH. An analysis will follow at 7 p.m. after each debate, as part of KMUW's Digital Democracy on Tap. The conversation will be streamed live on KMUW's Facebook page and at .


Join us for the BMES Mini Symposium

BMES

 

Hear student research presentations and get caught up on the latest research at the Biomedical Engineering Society mini symposium at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the Rhatigan Student Center Shirley Beggs Ballroom.

 

 


Researching the Pandemic Series

Virtual panel series seeks to identify critical conversations surrounding the pandemic

How are "expert" perspectives formed in relation to the pandemic? How is research done and what resources are needed?

In this series, library and departmental faculties will explore approaches and methodologies for researching the impacts of COVID-19, as well as issues relating to the disruption and potentials of academic research during a pandemic.

Go to  for a full list of expert panelists, event descriptions, and direct Zoom links for this virtual series.

Questions? Message meghann.kuhlmann@wichita.edu.


Outdoor Movie – ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’

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

“Jumanji: The Next Level” will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at the CAC Theater, Due to limited seating capacity, tickets for the theater will need to be reserved in advance using this link: .

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 “Jumanji The Next Level:” The gang is back but the game has changed. “Jumanji: The Next Level” stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black. Rated PG-13 for adventure action, suggestive content and some 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

Campus survey Boppre

We want to hear from WSU students: Participate in our campus survey

Dr. Breanna Boppre is an Assistant Professor in the School of Criminal Justice at ͷ. Boppre and her students in CJ 407: Introduction to Research Methods are conducting a survey to assess students' experiences and perceptions related to COVID-19 and inclusivity on campus.

You are not required to participate. The online survey should take 15-30 minutes to complete. Your responses will remain confidential and cannot be linked to your name. The full results will be used for hands-on activities in the class. A final report will be generated to inform practices and resources at ͷ.

If you are interested, please .

If you have any questions, contact Dr. Breanna Boppre at breanna.boppre@wichita.edu.


2020 Edible Book Festival winners announced

Take a look at this year's prize winners for the Edible Book Festival! University Libraries wants to extend a thank you to all of our participants and everyone that helped make this year's virtual event a reality. We are already excited to see all of the creations for next year's contest!


Wellness programs

Join in this week's wellness programs

WSU Wellness Services is bringing you five great programs this week.

Join Student Health for Tuesday Talks and Pee for Pizza.

Counseling and Preventative Services is focusing on mental health with Keep Calm and Breathe and Grad Student Support.

Campus Recreation wants to help your health with a Core Exercise discussion.


Shocker Support Locker

The Shocker Support Locker is open for the academic year

The Shocker Support Locker is open to all ͷ students, faculty and staff and offers anyone who needs it access to food, clothing, toiletries, and baby/family products. The Shocker Support Locker is coordinated and managed by the Student Government Association.

To limit the spread of COVID-19, all students, faculty or staff are asked to complete the Shocker Support Locker Order Form to request items from the Shocker Support Locker until further notice. Locker staff will contact the user to coordinate a pick-up time between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday for the fall semester.

Questions? Please contact sga.supportlocker@wichita.edu.


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 updated Oct. 6, 2020

Interested in Free STI Testing? Watch Oct. 6 Tuesday Talks for more information

Interested in free STI testing? At 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, on Facebook Live, join Student Health Services and Positive Directions for a conversation about the services they will provide for WSU students to receive easily accessible STI testing.

SPECIAL OFFERS

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.


The 2020-21 Koplik Memorial Scholarship is available for you to apply through Oct. 30

Koplik Memorial Scholarship applicants will be reviewed on the following:

  1. Recipient of this scholarship shall be a junior or senior full-time student with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Award is for the 2020-21 academic year.
  2. Applicants are requested to submit a 500-word essay stating their educational goals and how scholarship assistance would be important to them.
  3. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Please complete the 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you have not already done so.
  4. Preference shall be given to Kansas residents.
  5. The scholarship is to be used for tuition and/or other related educational expenses.
  6. Return this application form and essay (item 2) to: Office of Financial Aid, 1845 Fairmount, ͷ, Kansas 67260-0024, via email to finaid@wichita.edu or online drop box via myWSU, no later than 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

Koplik Memorial Scholarship


Shocker Strong Growth Mindset

This week Shocker Strong is focusing on Growth Mindset

This week's Shocker Strong topic is Growth Mindset. When you experience challenges, it can help to think of difficulties and setbacks as learning opportunities.

Eligible students who complete eight weeks' worth of Shocker Strong material will be entered to win the Shocker Strong Prize Drawing to receive one of five prizes, including two book scholarships worth up to $500. Join the program at wichita.edu/SSjoin, or learn more about the drawing at wichita.edu/SSdrawing.


Wild West Burger

Try the Wild West Burger at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes

Stop by the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes in October to try their Burger of the Month, the Wild West Burger! It’s topped with your choice of cheese, a crispy onion ring and BBQ sauce.


Alumni merchandise sale

Save on Alumni Merchandise at the Shocker Store

This week take 20% off alumni merchandise at the Shocker Store! Sale is valid at both the RSC and Braeburn Square locations.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Community Service Board meetingsCommunity Service Board (CSB) membership meetings

Have you ever thought about volunteering? Join the Community Service Board for our virtual meetings every Thursday from 3:30-5 p.m. During meetings you will have a chance to learn about CSB's service events and about ways you can become involved. All meetings will be held virtually; sign-up at ͷ.edu/CSB.

Still have questions? Email CSB@ͷ.edu.


Lord's Diner

Volunteer opportunity with The Lord's Diner

Join the Community Service Board serving hot meals with the Lord’s Diner from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14. For more information, go to .


Donations needed for nursing home residents

Covid Comfort for Senior Citizens is a community service class project for Building Effective Work Teams. We are teaming up with Gran Villas retirement home to provide their 47 residents with personalized baskets and create a pen pal system with a local high school. Check out our Facebook page for more information and links to our GoFundMe and Amazon wish list.