Year: 2024

For the Saturday, Dec. 7 Shocker men’s basketball game, a number of lots in the vicinity of Charles Koch Arena will be reserved for Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization parking beginning at 3 p.m. During this time, signage will be in place alerting drivers of the impending lot assignment changes.

Anyone previously parked in these lots will need to move their cars by 3 p.m. Any unauthorized parking in a game day lot carries a $50 citation fine.

As part of the U.S. Air Force’s Survivable Airborne Operations Center contract, Wichita State University is partnering with SNC to modernize and deliver a new fleet of “Nightwatch” aircraft — the airborne command center for the president of the United States, secretary of defense and chairs of the joint chiefs of staff, ensuring continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies.

It is a critical program that will ensure that the United States is adequately prepared for unfaltering communication during a national emergency.

The contract between WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and SNC, a global aerospace and national security company, is the most significant industry contract in the history of the university.

Approximately 400 Wichita State students and staff are expected to work on this project, which will be conducted at NIAR’s Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility and the Partnership 2 building on WSU’s Innovation Campus.

NIAR’s global experience in composites and advanced materials, digital twin, advanced manufacturing technologies and certification are uniquely positioned to meet the goals of this project to enhance SNC’s ability to deliver a cutting-edge, innovative solution to the USAF. The fleet of aircraft being modernized first entered service in 1974.

One of two 747-8i aircraft recently arrived in Wichita from SNC’s Aviation Innovation and Technology Center in Dayton, Ohio.

The Community Engagement Institute at Wichita State University recently celebrated its 40-year anniversary. President Rick Muma talks with its director, Scott Wituk, about how CEI collaborates with partners to facilitate learning, develop innovative solutions and build capacity to create real change.

Watch the episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts or Apple Podcasts (iTunes).

Subscribe to be notified when new episodes are available.

Have you thought you might try meditation but could never get your mind and body to settle down “enough to do it”? Try Quiet Time. This week, organizers will begin a series of meditations designed just for “fidgety skeptics” using Dan Harris and Jeff Warren’s book, “Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics.”

Starting today and for the next several weeks, meditations from Quiet Time will be inspired by the book. Join every Tuesday online via Teams or in 204 Ablah Library, faculty lounge. All staff and faculty are welcome. Meetings are from 2 to 2:30 p.m., and there will be have two meditations. One starts roughly 2:01 p.m. and the other starts roughly 2:16 p.m. Come for both or stay for just one.

Grab a holiday gift at a great price during Shocker Sleigh Day. Take 40% off one item Wednesday, Dec. 4 at the Rhatigan Student Center Shocker Store.

Not valid with other discounts or promotions, some exclusions apply. Only WSU imprinted items are eligible.

The University Staff Senate invites the Wichita State community to submit nominations for outstanding university staff for the 2025 President’s Award for Distinguished Service and the newly established Staff Excellence Awards. These awards recognize the dedication and excellence of Wichita State staff who have provided exemplary, dedicated and caring service to the WSU community that is beyond the expectations of the duties and responsibilities of their position. Selected honorees are recognized at the annual Shocker Pride Celebration. Nominations can be submitted by anyone from within the Wichita State community.

To nominate a deserving staff member, visit the nomination webpage to learn more.

Nomination materials must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7. Send your nomination electronically to Gabriel Fonseca at gabriel.fonseca@wichita.edu

At the start of January, your employees will be able to view content you entered during the planning and mid-review steps of the evaluation cycle when they go in to complete their self-evaluation. You’ll regain access to their evaluations for the manager review during the month of February.

Managers of non-teaching employees, here’s what you need to know:

Please complete these steps before the winter closedown to prepare for employee self-evaluations:

• Update any of your comments on your employees’ competencies and goals if necessary.
• Save and submit on the summary page to ensure your comments route to your employee.
• Touchbase with your employees about upcoming self-evaluations and ensure they have what they need to successfully evaluate themselves at the start of January.

More information will be available at the beginning of January for the employee self-evaluation.

Managers can access employee evaluations in myPerformance.

For more information (including myPerformance training, quick reference guides and other resources) go to wichita.edu/myPerformance.

To find in-progress or past evaluations in myPerformance, check the small box “Show completed and expired tasks” then click “Search.” Select the evaluation and you’ll have the option to print or save to PDF.

Aracely Martinez is a first-gen student in the United States at Wichita State University. Despite the challenges facing her moving from Paraguay to a new country, she took that as an opportunity to grow. She recommends other students look at the opportunities available to them while still in school to propel themselves into successful careers.

Aracely is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2024 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.

Applications for the 2025 John A. See Innovation Award are now open and are being accepted through Jan. 17, 2025. The award was established in 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 proof of concept award. For more information and access to the online application options, go to wichita.edu/innovationaward.

The ninth annual Strategic Communications marketing and communications seminar for faculty and staff will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 on the third floor of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Attendees may choose to attend up to two sessions. Gain additional insights, tools and tips to help you improve your marketing and communication efforts. And if your team is looking to order promo items for your office, visit the Vendor Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Stay tuned for more information on the sessions and how to RSVP in January.