Shocker Blast: Sept. 4, 2020

 

 

FEATURED STORIES

Drop / refund date extended to today for full-term courses

continues to make every effort to promote student success in these unprecedented times. In recognition of the unique challenges this fall semester brings for our students and faculty, an adjustment is being made to the drop / refund date for full-term courses.

Students will have through today (Friday, Sept. 4), to drop a class without it appearing on their transcript and with a 100% refund.

If you are a federal aid recipient, you should contact the Office of Financial Aid (316-978-3430) before dropping to see how it could impact your financial aid.

To verify if a refund can be given for a book, contact the Shocker Store (316-978-3490). All terms and conditions for financial aid will remain the same for fall 2020.

 


Leadership Program Applications NOW OPEN

Applications now open for Emerging and Evolving Leaders!

Emerging Leaders: ATTN First Year Students -- This is a great opportunity to continue or start your leadership journey here at . This program is interactive and an awesome introduction to leadership opportunities on campus. Apply and get more info at .

Evolving Leaders: Learn about your leadership styles, behaviors, and skill sets. Through this program, students complete inventories such as CliftonStrengths, Myers-Briggs, and others. These inventories typically range is $15-$40 per person, and we offer them for FREE! Apply and get more info at .

Apply now. Applications are due on Sunday, Sept. 6.


New hours for ITS Help Desk

In the face of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak, 's first priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our entire Shocker community. The Office of Technology Help Desk is taking many sensible steps to follow State of Kansas, Sedgwick County, and federal government guidelines for protecting the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff while continuing to provide support.

Our staff members will be working both physically and remotely to ensure that students, faculty, and staff are receiving the necessary support during this unprecedented time. Please be aware that all in-person appointments must be scheduled in advance.

Our hours of operation for the fall 2020 semester are:

  • Monday- Thursday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. - Remotely
  • Monday – Friday: 8 a.m.-noon - In the office
  • All in-person appointments must be scheduled in advance through the 
  • Friday: 8.a.m.-5.p.m.- Remotely
  • Saturday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.- Remotely

Golden Town Hall with LAS students

Dr. Golden wants to meet with you, Fairmount College students!

President Jay Golden would like to hear from Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences students at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8, during a Town Hall meeting.

Dr. Golden is student-centered and is truly interested in hearing about your experiences and your opinions. Please take advantage of this opportunity and bring your friends.

Zoom information:

Meeting ID: 932 4909 0827 Passcode:766781

Dial: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 (Chicago) or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592


 Police Car

Lock your car doors and protect your belongings

police report that multiple cars have had things taken where students park late at night. All of those cars had been left unlocked.

Please lock your car doors, hide your belongings, put them in the trunk, or take your belongings with you.

Don’t give a thief an opportunity to make you a victim. The PD takes great pride in keeping the campus safe, but we need your help to accomplish that.

Please, if you see something, say something!

NEWS

Clash of the Colleges Virtual Games

Join Clash of the Colleges Virtual Games

It's on! This event is a competition between academic colleges to determine who rules the school. This year we are also hosting Virtual Games! Minute-to-win-it home games, talent showcase, e-gaming, scavenger hunts, virtual escape rooms and more.

Want to earn points for your college? Participate in these games from now to Monday, Sept. 14 in the comfort of your own home and make your college proud! Visit  for more information and to register.

If you have any questions, email tahrima.musa@wichita.edu.


Diversity Lecture Sept. 10

Hear from Mark McCormick the next ODI Diversity Lecture Series speaker

The Diversity Lecture Series presents Mark McCormick at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. He will present, “Some Were Paupers, Some Were Kings: Dispatches From Kansas.”

This digital event will be available via Livestream.

Wichita's very own local author, Mark E. McCormick writes and shares from the heart about the lives of ordinary and not-so-ordinary people across the nation and in Wichita in the 2020-21 Reads Book, “Some Were Paupers, Some Were Kings: Dispatches from Kansas.” He talks about social, political, and personal issues regarding history and current events.

You must register for the free event at . This program is free and open to the public. For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034, diversity@wichita.edu, or go to .


 Blood Drive

Discover your antibody test status when you give blood

As an additional health service to our donors, the American Red Cross is testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Red Cross donors can expect to receive their antibody test results within 7-10 days through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or the donor portal at .

 for more information,

The next Blood Drive will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Heskett Center lobby.

Schedule your appointment now at ; enter or call 1-800-Red-Cross.


Academic Convocation 91020

Join virtual Academic Convocation

Academic Convocation is an exciting event that blends our Common Read program with other student learning and engagement opportunities. Winners of the 2020 University Faculty Awards will be recognized, and the event will feature presentations from SGA Vice President Mackenzie Haas and a special keynote address.

This year's guest speaker is Mark E. McCormick, author of Some Were Paupers, Some Were Kings.

Please join us virtually as we celebrate ’s 125-year history at Academic Convocation at 9:30 a.m. Thursday Sept. 10!

You can find out more and watch the event live on the link at .


Join fraternity or sorority

Interested in joining a fraternity or sorority?

The Fraternity and Sorority community at is full of tradition, brotherhood / sisterhood and pride. The decision to join one of our 25 chapters is one that will not only enhance your experience as a Shocker, but will positively impact your life long into the future!

Fraternity and Sorority membership is an incredible way to meet friends who become family and to challenge yourself to be the best you can be! For more information about our chapters, go to .

To receive more information about how to get connected to our community this semester, complete an interest form at wichita.edu/FSLInterest, and we will reach out to you with more information. For questions, email us at greeklife@wichita.edu.


Edible Book Festival

Virtual Edible Book Festival combines artistic / culinary talent for prizes

This year's Edible Book Festival presented by University Libraries is a go, and those interested can participate just about anywhere!

Register now for awesome local prizes won by showing off your culinary creations inspired by literature. Registration ends Thursday, Sept. 24. See the full event description at .

STUDENT NEWS

MSW Info Sessions

Check out the MSW Program at !

Are you looking at grad school programs? The School of Social Work invites you to join us! We are hosting three fall “MSW Info Sessions” to help prospective students discover more about us at , and you don't have to be a social work major to apply.

Join this virtual opportunity to discover more about the field, meet faculty, and learn how to apply as a regular program or advanced standing student. The priority deadline to apply is Jan. 8, 2021, if you hope to enter in the 2021-22 school year.

If you have questions or would prefer to speak one-on-one, talk to Shaunna Millar, MSW Program Director and Clinical Professor, at shaunna.millar@wichita.edu.

The Zoom log in information for the 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 session is  and the password is socialwork.

We look forward to seeing you there!


Anxious

From one student to another: Feeling anxious about fall semester? We can help!

After what has felt like years, universities across America are starting school again. I have gone through so many highs and lows that if they were represented by dots and connecting lines, I would have a decent looking drawing of a mountain range.

I bet many of you are feeling a whirlwind of emotions. You’re excited to be on campus and safely interact with friends, but you might also have concerns.

How will I remain safe while on campus?

Will I receive the same quality of education?

Will I succeed in my online classes?

The good news is there are answers to all of these questions. My hope is that they will help you manage your anxiety.

Read complete story. 


ShockerConnect

ShockerConnect provides mentors for students interested in becoming involved on campus

ShockerConnect is a resource for current students to get connected with a student organization leader for peer mentoring, guidance, and support through Student Involvement!

If you are interested in learning more about getting involved or in joining one of our organizations,  and submit it by Friday, Sept. 18. We will be in touch with you in early October about your Shocker Connection!


Emily Schlenker

Visually impaired Shocker busts through barriers to achieve STEM aspirations

Emily Schlenker has a gift for all things science. 

“I know that I was born to do STEM. I've known that from a very young age,” said Emily, who graduated from in 2020 with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. “I love it. I love calculus. I love organic chemistry.”

Emily was also born blind. She was born with a retinal impairment that only allows her to perceive light and shadow.

She says, because she’s blind, a lot of people tried to dampen her spirit for STEM.

Pictured above: Emily Schlenker peeks out between stacks of materials created by the Media Resources Center so that she could earn degrees in biology and chemistry.

EVENTS

Industrial, Systems, and Manufacturing Engineering (ISME) colloquium presentation today

Guest Speaker: Ramkumar Harikrishnakumar, Ph.D. Candidate

Title: Introducing Quantum Computing Techniques in Transportation and Logistics

11 a.m.-noon today (Friday, Sept. 4)

: ID: 988 9885 1927, Password: 638536

Abstract

Quantum computing has seen immense growth in recent years, opening the door to solve novel problems in prediction, control, and complex optimization problems under the umbrella of Data Science. In this talk, we will mainly focus our attention on solving the complex combinatorial optimization problem in a courier collection marketplace- by considering both static and dynamic scenarios in Multi-depot capacitated vehicle routing problem (MDCVRP). We will highlight the solution of these problems by using quantum computing techniques.

Speaker biography

Ramkumar Harikrishnakumar is a Ph.D. student in the Industrial, Systems, and Manufacturing Engineering department by specializing in the area of supply chain analytics. He has a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from and a Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology, India. He has also worked as Industrial Engineer in Milacron, McPherson, Kansas. His research interests include transportation systems analysis using Quantum computing, intelligent transportation systems, and modeling resilience in the digital supply chain system.


First-Gen meeting 090420

First-Generation Student Organization - Struggles and prevention

Come join the First-Generation Student Organization as we discuss challenges when it comes to education and ways to prevent them.

We will also have the pleasure of Mrs. Soutdaly Sysavath MSW from the Wichita Children's Home (WCH) here to share resources that many students can access with the Wichita community. She will have some valuable information to share, so do not miss out.

Students are welcome to join either in person in 262 RSC, or via ZOOM at 1 p.m. today (Friday, Sept. 4). Please wear your masks if you plan to be on campus.

First-Generation Student Organization


Pandemic Talk 9920

Perspectives on the Pandemic examines impacts of COVID-19 on incarcerated people and their families

Breanna Boppre, assistant professor of criminal justice, will discuss the implications of COVID-19 for correctional agencies nationwide and in Kansas at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. She will provide preliminary results from her ongoing mixed-methods study that examines families' experiences of having a loved one incarcerated during the pandemic.

Boppre is an assistant professor in the School of Criminal Justice at University. Her research examines correctional policies and practices, women's system-involvement, and the impacts of incarceration on families. She uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to amplify the voices of individuals impacted by the legal system. Her work appears in top peer-reviewed outlets including Justice Quarterly, the International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, and Feminist Criminology.

Her lecture will be delivered via Zoom at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. For more information about the “Perspectives on the Pandemics: Part II” series and how to join by Zoom, click here.  /Pan2


Somos De Wichita

Come join the discussion about Somos De Wichita

Join University Libraries in kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with a Zoom-based discussion of the new Somos De Wichita project starting 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9! This bilingual web exhibit, funded in part thanks to the Kansas Humanities Council, can be viewed at somos.wichita.edu. For more info visit wichita.edu/somos

The zoom address for this event is 942 9795 6429, Password 064861.

Comience el Mes de la Herencia Hispana uniéndose a una discusión en lnternet (via Zoom) sobre el nuevo proyecto Somos de Wichita. Esta exposición web bilingüe, financiada en parte gracias al Consejo de Humanidades de Kansas, reflexiona sobre cómo las familias latinas en Wichita han lidiado con su identidad y aceptación durante el siglo XX. Si lo desea, usted puede compartir sus fotografías familiares con el proyecto Somos de Wichita. Estas fotografías se conservarán para generaciones futuras en el Departamento de Colecciones Especiales de la Biblioteca de la . Durante la discusión ofreceremos información a los participantes sobre cómo compartir sus imágenes. Para obtener más información, consulte . ¡El evento tendrá lugar el miércoles 9 de septiembre a las 5:30 e incluirá comentarios de los miembros del proyecto del equipo!


Opera Theater to present free outdoor concert 

The Opera Theater will present "A Cosi Concert" on the grounds of the amphitheater (behind Duerksen Fine Arts Center on the campus) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. Admission is free. The concert, open to the community, invites attendees to bring lawn chairs or blankets and be comfortably socially distanced on a beautiful Kansas evening.

The concert will feature highlights from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's masterpiece, "Cosi fan Tutte," as well as other great opera arias.

Opera Theater is under the direction of College of Fine Arts Professor Alan Held. The pianist for the evening will be alumna and accompanist Bridget Hille. 


Trivia Tuesday 9820

SAC Trivia Tuesday

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! This month’s game will be Tuesday, Sept. 8. Prizes of $100 and $50 will be given out each game to first- and second- place finishers, respectively.

Log in from a smart device by going to bkquiz.com/wsutriv. Anyone can play, only students are eligible to win.

For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to  or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.


Tuesday Talks 9820Sept. 8 Tuesday Talk will discuss Campus Recreation and resources available to students

Join SHS and Campus Recreation at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, on Student Health's Facebook Live for a conversation about the resources available to students. Don't forget to subscribe to SHS on YouTube! If we reach 100 subscribers, we'll enter your name for a chance to win a prize! 

UNIVERSITY LIFE

Thrilled to Announce

Theatre and Filmmaking produce a sitcom

Theatre and Filmmaking collaborated this past February to create a three-episode sitcom titled "Thrilled to Announce." Bret Jones, director of filmmaking, wrote and was showrunner for the project.

"We had never tackled something like this but wanted to give it a try as an experiment in educating our students," Jones said. "We filmed one episode per week, which included rehearsal, work with cameras, and in front of an audience."

“Thrilled to Announce” deals with the lives of four actors living in Chicago trying to "live the dream" as they face challenges of no wifi, bad auditions, and love in the apartment. The project involved students, faculty, and staff from the Theatre and Filmmaking departments.

The episodes are on YouTube.

         


Heskett Center Labor Day hours

Heskett Center Labor Day weekend hours

The Heskett Center will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7 for Labor Day. We will be open from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6.


RSC Labor Day hours

Labor Day weekend hours for the Rhatigan Student Center

The Rhatigan Student Center and some of its departments will have altered hours for Labor Day weekend. Altered hours for Friday, Sept. 4 and Saturday, Sept. 5 can be found at . The building and all departments will be closed on Sunday, Sept. 6 and Monday, Sept. 7.


TurboVote

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.


KMUW Hindsight

A new episode of the podcast ‘Hindsight: Looking Back at 100 Years of Women's Suffrage’ is available now

KMUW's Hindsight podcast looks back at the history of the 19th amendment. On the latest episode, 's Dr. Robin Henry explores what it took to get the suffrage amendment through Congress and out into the states for ratification. Episode 4: The Vote And Beyond is available at KMUW.org and wherever you listen to podcasts.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Free pool for Rewards Members

Free pool for Rewards Members in September

Members of the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes Eat.Drink.Pay. Rewards program can enjoy free pool in the month of September from 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday! Not a rewards member? Joining is free and easy; simply visit today and inquire!


Turbo Vote Competition2020 Shockers Vote! Turbo Vote Competition

The Shockers Vote! Coalition invites your organization to participate in the 2020 Shockers Vote! Turbo Vote Competition. Registration for the competition is open now on .

The competition will run from Sept. 7-21. Each group will be given a unique URL to track how many students you are able to enroll in Turbo Vote as they register to vote. The group with the most voter registrations will be given a cash prize of $500. The application for your organization to compete is 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6.

Questions? Contact Maggi Hole at student.orgs@wichita.edu.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Bike count

Wanted: Volunteers to help with 2020 bicycle and pedestrian count event

Volunteers are needed to help manually count bicycle and pedestrian activity across 35 sites in the Wichita Metro area.

The annual event, sponsored by the  will be held Sept. 24 and 26.

This important event relies heavily on the commitment of community volunteers to gather data about how our network of paths and lanes are being used.

According to Tricia Thomas, WAMPO Communication’s Manager:

“One of the greatest challenges facing the bicycle and pedestrian field is the lack of documentation on usage and demand. Without accurate and consistent demand and usage figures, it is difficult to measure the positive benefits of bicycle and pedestrian investments, especially when compared to the other transportation modes such as the private automobile.”

As such, this event is the only source for regional-scale bicycle and pedestrian data. The results of this data are then used to guide investments throughout the regional transportation system.

So please consider volunteering! This annual event is a real opportunity for local residents to become involved in a piece of the regional transportation planning process. As we know, bicycle and pedestrian investments stimulate the economy, public health, and the overall quality of life in a variety of ways. Communities that invest in these facilities inherently attract people and businesses so it’s good for everyone!  Register to volunteer here! 


volunteerICT

volunteerICT

Have you ever thought about volunteering? volunteerICT provides students, staff and faculty with volunteer opportunities throughout Wichita both virtually and in-person. Log in today to  to find out more!

For questions email volunteerICT@wichita.edu. 


Volunteer at warehouse

Volunteer opportunity with the United Way GIV Warehouse

Join the Community Service Board volunteering at the United Way GIV Warehouse. For more information, go to .


Volunteer with Meals on Wheels

Volunteer opportunity with Meals on Wheels

Join the Community Service Board delivering meals with Meals on Wheels. Learn more at .


Wichita Clean Streams

Volunteer opportunity with Wichita Clean Streams

Join the Community Service Board and Wichita Clean Streams on Saturday, Sept. 12 picking up litter around the Arkansas and Little Arkansas River. More information may be found at Wichita.edu/CSB.