WSU Office of Research to host research workshop today (Tuesday, Nov. 26) on applying to the NSF Research Traineeship Program
Research Workshop: Applying to the National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program (NSF NRT – NSF 19-522)
The workshop will be held from 1-2 p.m. today (Tuesday, Nov. 26) in 265 RSC, for faculty interested in learning more about the NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) Program.
To RSVP, sign up through myTraining at myWSU, email proposals@wichita.edu, or call the WSU Office of Research at 978-3285.
The WSU Office of Research is hosting a research workshop on applying to the National Science Foundation’s Research Traineeship (NRT) Program. Coleen Pugh, WSU Graduate School Dean and Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development, will share information about this grant program, which supports graduate students. Pugh has more than 30 years of experience in the research field of Polymer Science, and has served on the NSF NRT panel.
Representatives from the College of Engineering Dean’s Office and the WSU Graduate School will be present to brainstorm and collaborate on ways to strengthen collaborative proposals to the NSF Research Traineeship Program. Any team that is interested in submitting a proposal to NSF NRT is welcome to attend this workshop and strategize around this specific NSF opportunity.
Please attend this research workshop to learn more about this funding opportunity, to refine your research ideas, and/or to improve your chances of success in applying to the NSF Research Traineeship Program.
About the National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program*
The National Science Foundation NRT Program is dedicated to supporting highly effective training of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary or convergent research areas through the use of comprehensive traineeship models that are innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs.
The NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program is designed to encourage the development and implementation of bold, new, and potentially transformative models for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduate education training. The NRT program seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based master’s and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers.
Proposals are requested in any interdisciplinary or convergent research theme of national priority, with special emphasis on the research areas in NSF's 10 Big Ideas. The NSF research Big Ideas are Harnessing the Data Revolution (HDR), The Future of Work at the Human-Technology Frontier (FW-HTF), Navigating the New Arctic (NNA), Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (WoU), The Quantum Leap: Leading the Next Quantum Revolution (QL), and Understanding the Rules of Life: Predicting Phenotype (URoL).
Funding is for up to five years in duration, with a total budget up to $3,000,000, inclusive of trainee support.
More Information: *This information has been summarized – .
Limited Submission: Note, this is a limited submission opportunity – ͷ State University can only submit two proposals. Letters of intent are due Friday, Dec. 6 (with full proposals due Feb. 6, 2020). As such, if you are interested in applying to this grant opportunity, you must email proposals@wichita.edu by Wednesday, Nov. 27, in order to express your interest. If more than two WSU teams are interested in applying, an internal competition will be held.
WSU Office of Research announces internal deadline for NSF Research Traineeship Program (NSF NRT – NSF 19-522) Proposals
ͷ may only submit two proposals to the National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program. The NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program is designed to encourage the development and implementation of bold, new, and potentially transformative models for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduate education training. The NRT program seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based master’s and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers.
Letters of intent are due December 6th (with full proposals due Feb. 6, 2020). As such, if you are interested in applying to this grant opportunity, you must email proposals@wichita.edu by tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 27) in order to express your interest. If more than two WSU teams are interested in applying, an internal competition will be held.
Questions? Call 978-3285 or email proposals@wichita.edu
Division of Diversity and Community Engagement receives Business Partner of the Year Award
The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement received the Business Partner of the Year Award on Saturday, Nov. 23, from the Heartland ͷ Black Chamber of Commerce. This award was given in recognition of the community impact that the relationship between ͷ and Heartland Black Chamber have developed over the past couple of years.
The highlight of this partnership includes the Heartland ͷ Football Classic held in September, which returned football to Cessna Stadium after more than 30 years. The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement leadership were proud to accept this award in recognition of the work to ensure ͷ community engagement efforts reflect and support the evolving diversity of society.
Happy Thanksgiving
The last day of classes before the Thanksgiving Recess is today (Tuesday, Nov. 26). While there are no classes, university offices are open tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 27). The university is closed Nov. 28-29.
Classes resume and university offices are open on Monday, Dec. 2.
WSU Today will be published on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and will resume Monday, Dec. 2. The deadline to submit information for the Dec. 2 edition of WSU Today is noon Wednesday, Nov. 27.
The Office of Admissions will be closed from 1-2 p.m. today (Tuesday, Nov. 26)
The Office of Admissions will be closed from 1-2 p.m. today (Tuesday, Nov. 26) for a staff gathering. Normal business operations will resume at 2 p.m.
WSU-RIA Colloquium and faculty networking event
The WSU Regional Institute on Aging (RIA) is hosting a colloquium and networking event in conjunction with its recently released rfp. This opportunity is aimed at facilitating the formation of interdisciplinary teams of researchers interested in similar issues.
The event will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in the RSC Lancelot Room.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Joseph Schlesinger, Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University presenting "The alarmscape in the OR and ICU - Considerations for the aging clinician and patient.”
RSVP for the University Holiday Reception by Wednesday, Dec. 4
Join the President's Executive Team during the University Holiday Reception to thank Interim President Andy Tompkins, and celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of 2019 on Friday, Dec. 6.
The University Holiday Reception will be held from 3-5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in Shirley Beggs Ballroom, third floor, Rhatigan Student Center. Remarks are at 3:15 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and engage with colleagues in various games and activities.
Confirm attendance by Wednesday, Dec. 4, at .
Everyone is invited to bring a hygiene or baby product donation for the Shocker Support Locker. A list of suggested items is included below.
Hygiene products
Shampoo / conditioner
Soap / body wash
Face wash
Hand soap
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss
Deodorant (men’s and women’s)
Razors, shaving cream
Tampons, pads, menstrual cups
Tissues
Toilet paper
Combs / hairbrushes
Make-up / moist wipes
Hand sanitizer
Band-Aids
Basic over-the counter medication (i.e. ibuprofen, Tylenol, Tums, Midol, Excedrin, Imodium, etc.)
Eyeglass cleaner / contact solution
Condoms
Baby Products
Diapers of all sizes
Baby food (vegetable and fruit)
Pouches of squeezable baby food
Baby wipes
Burp cloths
Baby clothes
Picture books
Shampoo / baby wash
Baby lotion
Diaper cream
Baby formula
Baby bottles / sippy cups
Pacifiers
Banner 9 Scheduling Building Training – Dec. 11-12
New and experienced Banner Schedule Builders and Department Chairs are invited to attend the upcoming summer and fall 2020-21 Schedule Building Training sessions presented by the University Registrar’s Office and Applications Training on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and Thursday, Dec. 12.
Both Sections 1 and 2 are required for new schedule builders. Attendees will learn to enter the course schedule and view information using Banner 9, Self Service and WSU Reporting. Registration is required, sessions are posted on myWSU > myTraining.
Please contact Applications Training if you have questions at 978-5800 or training@wichita.edu.
**Please note: Current Schedule Builders are encouraged to attend the Banner 9 Schedule Building Overview Session posted in myTraining.
Understand Blackboard Ally
WSU has invested in digital accessibility by making the Blackboard Ally tool available to faculty and staff. Understanding Ally will help it work even harder for you.
- Ally is on and running in all Blackboard classes, even ones from previous semesters.
- Ally generates alternative formats for students to download and will remediate some inaccessible material to improve its accessibility. Alternative formats often include an MP3 ofdocuments so any student can listen to certain documents instead of needing to read thecontent with their eyes.
- Ally shows professors colored dials to indicate the accessibility of many kinds of content in Blackboard. Colors range from red (inaccessible) to dark green (very accessible).
- Ally is still in development and is improving regularly. Over time it will be able to assess most content in a Blackboard class.
If you would like more information about Ally, . If you need assistance making your Blackboard content accessible, contact Instructional Design and Access at IDA@wichita.edu.
WSU News page has the latest campus news and highlights
Did you know Strategic Communications has a web page dedicated to WSU news, student success stories, campus life and research highlights? And nearly all of the content is produced by our amazing student interns. Check out our latest stories at .
Early deadlines for employee hiring prior to 2019 Holiday Shutdown
In preparation for the 2019 Holiday Shutdown, the HR Talent Acquisition team will implement early deadlines related to hiring. This will provide a more positive experience for candidates, while ensuring positions are posted and employees are hired successfully prior to the shutdown. Additional information and details are found below.
Deadline for Benefit-Eligible Positions:
- Postings: Position description must be completely approved in the PeopleAdmin routing process by noon on 12/18/19 to be posted prior to the shutdown.
- Hiring: The first New Hire Orientation (NEO) in 2020 will be held on 1/03/20. To start on this date and attend that NEO session:
o The verbal offer must be accepted by the selected candidate by the close of business on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019.
o The candidate must be cleared for hire by HR (i.e. successful background check completed, new hire paperwork completed, hiring proposal approved in PeopleAdmin) by noon Friday, Dec. 20, 2019.
Note: Candidates who have not accepted an offer or are not cleared to begin work by the deadlines above, will be scheduled to start at a later date.
Deadline for Non-Benefit Eligible Positions (i.e. Student/Grad, Lecturer, Temp):
- Non-Benefit Eligible Hire Request forms must be submitted to employment@wichita.edu by the close of business on 12/18/19 to be processed prior to the shutdown.
- Onboard checklists and ePAFs must be completely approved by noon on 12/20/19 to be processed prior to the shutdown.
- ePAFs for employees who have not completed the hire process by noon on 12/20/19 will be returned and departments will be asked to resubmit the ePAF for the next payroll period.
If you have any questions, email the Talent Acquisition team at employment@wichita.edu.
Join us for the Annual Christmas Organ Concert in Wiedemann Hall
Please join us for the Annual Christmas Organ Concert as part of the Wednesdays in Wiedemann with Lynne Davis at 5:15 p.m. today (Tuesday, Nov. 26).
Come hear festive music for Thanksgiving and sing well-loved Christmas songs and carols with the beautiful Marcussen organ in Wiedemann Hall. Admission is free!
Please note that this is on Tuesday, not Wednesday, because of the Thanksgiving break.
Learn more about the organ series.
Nominations are open for outstanding adult learner
In March of 2020, the Office of Adult Learning will host the inaugural Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY) awards ceremony. In this awards ceremony, the Office of Adult Learning will celebrate five years as an office and name an ALOTY.
The Office of Adult Learning needs the WSU community to help find an adult learning deserving of the title. The criteria for ALOTY is below.
- 3.25 GPA at WSU
- Displays perseverance in obtaining a degree
- Demonstrates Shocker pride
- Possesses leadership qualities
If you know anyone who meets the criteria, nominate them using the link below. If you have any questions, contant Pamela O'Neal at 316-978-8313 or email pamela.oneal@wichita.edu
Help us reduce WSU’s carbon footprint; we need your help!
As part of the effort in Sustainability Plan at WSU, we are currently researching the amount of CO2 we are emitting on ͷ. However, we need to obtain data from everyone on campus. It will only take about five-to-10 minutes to fill out the survey.
If you have question, contact Dakota Blair at drblair@shockers.wichita.edu, or Ikram Ahmed at ikram.ahmed@wichita.edu.
The survey response is anonymous. If you have taken the survey before, we would like to express our gratitude. You don't have to fill out the survey again. Help us by .
Submit your spring events for the Welcomefest listings
Welcomefest takes place during the first two weeks of classes each semester and features dozens of activities. Popular programs awaiting new and returning Shockers include the Springfest, Shocker Resource Fair, Syllabus Party, RSC Unplugged and more!
You can submit your department or organization events to be included in the Welcomefest marketing, including a printed guidebook. The deadline to submit events for inclusion in all Welcomefest marketing is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.
Please note, Student Involvement reserves the right to deny or terminate any events that are not planned completely or are deemed inappropriate for Welcomefest and/or the people in attendance.
To register your event, please visit wichita.edu/welcomefest. If you have questions, please contact Student Involvement at 978-3022 or getinvolved@wichita.edu.
Springfest registration now open!
Springfest is a kick-off for the spring semester for both student organizations and university departments. Located in the Heskett Center Gym, this event acts as a way for WSU students to check out the many different organizations we have on campus, as well as discover the amazing resources this campus offers. Along with informational tables, Springfest includes music, inflatables, food, prizes and contests for all students to participate. Registration is taking place now until 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27. For questions, contact Maggi Hole at student.orgs@wichita.edu
Tuition Assistance deadline approaching
The HR Total Rewards Team reminds staff and faculty that the deadline for spring 2020 Tuition Assistance applications is Monday, Dec. 2.
A fillable PDF application can be found online here. For more program information, visit .
Applications with incorrect or incomplete information, including missing signatures, will be returned to the applicant for completion, and will be considered submitted as of the date of submission of the fully completed form.
Applications returned for completion will be denied if they are not submitted with all complete and accurate information prior to the deadline. Due to the volume of applications received each semester, late applications will be automatically denied. There will be no exceptions.
Questions may be directed to TuitionAssistance@wichita.edu.
Santa letters available at WSU Post Office
WSU Postal Services is selling letters to Santa now to Friday, Dec. 13. The letters will be sent to Santa Claus, Indiana, and will receive a pictorial cancellation when sent to the recipient. The cost per letter / envelope is $1.50, and covers all postage.
Ugly sweater tees at the Shocker Store
Get in that festive, Shocker spirit with some Shocker ugly sweater tees from the Shocker Store! There is a different long-sleeve tee option at the RSC location and the Braeburn Square location. All options are available online at shockerstore.com. Sizes are small-3XL. Make sure you are decked out Shocker-style for the holidays!