Year: 2024

Spring 2024 graduates may find information regarding their diplomas on the Registrar’s Office webpage (wichita.edu/diplomas). 

• The deadline to submit a name change on diplomas is the last day of classes, May 2.
• The diploma distribution date for the spring 2024 semester is July 1. Diplomas can be picked up at the transcript window on the first floor of Jardine Hall, and graduates must show identification.
• Graduates can request to have the diploma mailed to them for a fee through myWSU under the myClasses tab, clicking “Graduation Links” and “Request for Diploma Mailing.”
• Undergraduate students who wish to take courses after graduation need to reactivate their record after receiving their diploma.

Join the Industrial, Systems and Manufacturing Engineering Department for a seminar by Harsha Abeykoon, Plymouth State University, from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. Tuesday, April 16 in 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room, on “Touching Remotely? a reality for Virtual Reality (VR).” Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

Seminar abstract:

The sense of touch stands out as unique among human sensory capabilities. For effective transmission, actions initiated by an individual and corresponding environmental reaction must be conveyed in a two-way (bilateral) manner. Bilateral tele-operation is realized using an acceleration-based controller. Evolution of the tele-operative technologies will be presented. If tactile sensations are transmitted, archived and replayed, virtual objects can be created for VR environments.

Instead of traditional force sensors, an innovative observer method is employed to grasp the subtle dynamics of interaction. The seminar will delve into the intricacies of reaction torque observer and its variant, the disturbance observer. The range of applications is broad, extending from remote surgical procedures and patient rehabilitation to advanced tele operative systems.

Moreover, the presentation will highlight the technical advancements while offering a deeper understanding of how collaborative projects within academic institutions contribute to the field of haptic technology. It will also demonstrate a few other student projects ranging from sound source localization, field-based navigation, vision and to gait pattern generation using reinforcement learning.

Speaker bio:

Harsha Abeykoon obtained his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, and went on to complete his master’s degree in mobile robotics and his doctorate in motion control of robots at Keio University, Japan. He has served as an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial Systems Engineering at the Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand) and was a senior lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. He is currently affiliated with Plymouth State University and holds positions as the vice chair of the IEEE New Hampshire section and the secretary of its Robotics and Automation Society.

The Global Workplace MBA Initiative, a collaborative effort between the Barton School of Business and the Berlin School of Economics and Law, proudly celebrates its 20th year of partnership. Launched in 2004, this initiative is designed to offer U.S. and German MBA students immersive real-world international collaboration teams and intercultural communication experiences. Widely acclaimed, it stands as one of the most distinctive international MBA programs in the United States.

“For two decades, the Berlin Experience has created an opportunity for students to collaborate, network and build their professional skillsets,” said Wichita State President Rick Muma. “This is an invaluable experience for our students and more than 125 companies — many of which are in Wichita — who have benefited from the strategic guidance and insights offered by students in the program.”

University Libraries invite faculty and staff to attend its READ poster event from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 18 on the first floor of Ablah Library.

By participating, you’re not only showcasing your passion for reading but also inspiring others to explore new books and ideas.

Remember, each session is quick, lasting no more than 10 minutes, and there’s no need to worry about what to wear — just leave the green at home. You will be provided a digital copy.

The Faculty Senate is seeking interested faculty from across campus to fill important openings on its standing committees.

If you are a 0.5 FTE or greater faculty member with teaching, research or library responsibilities of 50% or more, take 15 minutes to complete the survey.

As Wichita State University strives to reach our potential, your input is vitally important. Your insights help us identify the strengths and challenges in our institution so that, together, we can best serve our students and our community.

To this end, we’d like your feedback on what sets WSU apart and how we can further enrich our community. Your perspectives will help define who we are and steer our path forward. Through the Brand Perception Survey we can help ensure that every member of the Shocker family feels acknowledged and empowered. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to propelling Shocker Nation to excellence.

The next University Staff Senate meeting is schedules from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center, Harvest Room, and via Teams.

All USS meetings are open to the Wichita State campus community. Learn more about University Staff Senate meetings, access meeting zoom links and previous meeting minutes on the University Staff Senate webpage  

Join Phenomenal Women, a program within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 in 208 Rhatigan Student Center for a friendly conversation as participants reflect on meaningful aspects of the book, “For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts.”

Starting April 14 is Telecommunicators and Dispatch Week, and everyone is encouraged to celebrate telecommunicators and dispatchers for their work behind the scenes keeping campus informed and safe.

The campus community is invited to share their stories of how they’ve made a difference, or simply drop a note of appreciation, at police@wichita.edu.

The Sunflower is hosting a comic contest. Students are welcome to send in any comic related to Wichita State, student life, etc.

The winner will have their comic published in the newspaper’s Graduation Edition on May 2, as well as receive some Sunflower-themed goodies, like a T-shirt, tote bag and more. Submissions are due April 28 and can be sent to editor@thesunflower.com.