As you may be aware, there has been a national spotlight on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and the Kansas Legislature and Kansas Board of Regents have been focused on this issue for the past several months.   

As those conversations have been ongoing, WSU has been working diligently to ensure all our students — regardless of background — are positioned to succeed, graduate and start their careers. To that end, WSU is focusing on using more inclusive terminology, signaling our dedication to holistic and integrated approaches to excellence and inclusivity. You may notice a change in commonly used nomenclatures at WSU, including the re-naming of some offices and strategies to “inclusive excellence” and similar language. Information on other efforts can be found in these frequently asked questions (see below). 

Changes to these efforts have no effect on curriculum, instruction or research, ensuring the preservation of academic freedom.  

“At WSU, we recognize the evolving landscape of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Our focus remains steadfast on providing an inclusive environment where all students can excel,” says Dr. Marché Fleming-Randle, vice president and director of Military and Veteran Programs. “We’re transitioning our efforts to embrace a more integrated approach, ensuring every student has the resources and support necessary to achieve their goals.”  

“WSU is committed to fostering an environment where every student has the opportunity to feel a sense of belonging that allows them to thrive,” says Dr. Shirley Lefever, executive vice president and provost.   

University listening and feedback sessions will be scheduled for this fall and communicated in WSU Today.  

Frequently asked questions:  

  • What happens to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI)? ODI and the Office of Student Engagement Advocacy & Leadership (SEAL) are merging to provide a more comprehensive and expanded effort to enhance student engagement and belonging. The merging of these offices will result in a more sustainable utilization of resources, eliminate redundancy in programs and help develop more comprehensive programs and initiatives for students. Staff positions within ODI and SEAL will become part of Student Engagement and Belonging, providing an opportunity to serve and support students.  
  • What happens to scholarships that address diversity? The university is in the process of reviewing current scholarships to ensure the most inclusive application pool.  
  • What are the changes to state law? State universities, community colleges and technical colleges are prohibited from using diversity, equity or inclusion consideration in their admissions, student aid and hiring decisions.  
  • What are the changes to Kansas Board of Regents policy? KBOR institutions are barred from requiring statements pledging allegiance to, support for or opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in applications for admission, hiring or promotion.  
  • How does this affect academic freedom? Changes to these efforts have no effect on curriculum, instruction or research, ensuring the preservation of academic freedom.  

Shocker Rowing invites all students interested in joining the team to attend its upcoming interest meeting. No experience is necessary. The meeting will happen at 5 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Shocker Rowing Boathouse downtown, 150 N McLean Boulevard.

Visit us in the Milly Marcus Annex at the Marcus Welcome Center

The Shocker Career Accelerator (SCA) is on the move. SCA moved to its new home in the Milly Marcus Annex at the Marcus Welcome Center earlier this month.

The relocation is part of the Marcus Welcome Center’s $5 million expansion and renovation project, infusing fresh, modern Wichita State vibes into the front door experience for future Shockers. The transformation extends to the new Milly Marcus Annex, now housing the Shocker Career Accelerator, facilitating impactful connections between students and employers. Additionally, the expansion introduces employer interview rooms tailored to meet students’ career advancement needs.

Guests visiting the Shocker Career Accelerator can enter through the new south entrance of the Marcus Welcome Center, which offers a direct view of the Innovation Campus. Alternatively, you can use the north entrance of the building.

Alongside the move, SCA is also excited to introduce its brand-new Career Ready Journey website. The website is designed to connect Wichita State students with career resources, empowering them to navigate their career journey confidently.

The SCA can’t wait to welcome campus to its new space in Suite 139 of Marcus Welcome Center, and an open house is scheduled to happen in the fall. Whether you’re a student seeking career guidance or faculty who want to explore its career resources, SCA is here to support you.

WSU will host participants and attendees for the 5A state baseball and softball and state track events starting Thursday, May 23 through May 25. These events bring a large amount of visitors to campus and parking will be congested around Eck Stadium, Wilkins Stadium and Cessna Stadium.

Faculty, staff, students and partners are encouraged to plan accordingly and arrive early if they come to campus during this time frame. Summer parking will be in effect at this time; unless noted with signage, all green lots will be free and open parking.

Online and Adult Learner May Spotlight, Jenea Hulling

Jenae is a fully online RDH to BSDH student who recently graduated with her Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene. She has over 25 years of experience in the field and believes that laughter is the best medicine. With a huge heart and a contagious smile, she’s all about bringing holistic health to her patients and spreading joy.

When she is not brightening up smiles, you will find her chasing adventure outdoors. She enjoys hiking, kayaking and hunting for fossils. And with a bustling blended family of seven, there’s never a dull moment in her household.

Multicolor circle with Conference Title, Date, Location, and Theme: 2024 Tilford Conference October 3-4 | Wichita State University The Harmony of Uniqueness: Advancing Higher Education through Prioritizing Cultural Innovation and Community Engagement

Mark your calendars for Oct. 3-4, 2024. Wichita State hosts the 2024 Michael Tilford Conference, themed around “The Harmony of Uniqueness: Advancing Higher Education through Prioritizing Cultural Innovation and Community Engagement,” promising vibrant discussions, workshops and networking opportunities. Join educators, students and community leaders as they explore innovative higher education approaches.

Dive into cultural innovation and community engagement for an inclusive academic future.

Call for proposals is now open. Submit your proposals until Aug. 30.

The Michael Tilford Conference commemorates the legacy of Dr. Michael Tilford, a respected educator and administrator at Wichita State University. Explore Dr. Tilford’s influential contributions and his unwavering commitment to diversity and equity.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a transformative conversation in higher education. Join the 2024 Tilford Conference to shape the future of academia together.

For questions, contact Tia Owens at tia.owens@wichita.edu.

Ignite your passion, ignite your idea.

The clock is ticking, and essential skills you need to thrive as an entrepreneur are within reach at ignitor 2.0.

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to clarity as you master customer feedback strategies and start developing your business model.

Secure your spot for the June 5, 11, 18 and July 1 sessions and take your startup to new heights. Each session is from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

ARC 2024 Logo

Next week is the May Academic Resources Conference (ARC).

Wichita State’s move to Blackboard Ultra is a large focus of the conference, but you will also find valuable information about AI, Microsoft tools, OER options, syllabus review and more.

Visit the May 2024 ARC webpage to see session descriptions and add sessions to your calendar and find a downloadable PDF schedule.

Congratulations Linda! Please join us for a retirement party for Linda Sims! Celebrating 38 years with the RSC.

Join the Rhatigan Student Center for a come-and-go retirement party for Linda Sims from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 23 in 142 RSC, Harvest Room.

Linda has served as an event coordinator with the RSC Event Services office for 38 years.

The Faculty Senate meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 13 in 110A Woolsey Hall.

To learn more, visit the Faculty Senate webpage or email the Faculty Senate.