Year: 2024

Less than two weeks remain to enter the Shocker New Venture Competition by Thursday, March 28. It’s time students showcased their entrepreneurial talents, gain valuable feedback from industry experts and compete for up to $25,000 to fund their business ideas.

Empower your students to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations and succeed in their ventures. Encourage them to apply.

The United States is the foremost producer of shale gas, but new National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded research (NSF grants #1661733 and #1911289; Usha Haley, sole principal investigator) from Wichita State suggests that China’s substantial investments in U.S. shale gas producers, refiners and distributors has hindered and disrupted American innovation in the field.

The researchers gathered and analyzed data covering two decades. They found that despite more environmental regulation, Chinese-funded operations shifted away from environmentally-friendly production and led to greater methane pollution, while innovation from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) plummeted.

More on the research is available to read online, with a PDF available to download as well.

Join the Market Research for Startups workshop from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 22 at Ablah Library in the Digital Learning Commons (in-person and online). Gain valuable skills in deciphering market trends and analyzing competition — skills applicable to your projects and presentations.

Whether you’re a business major crafting strategic plans or an arts student exploring startups, this session will boost your skills. Enhance your class projects, shine in presentations and save the date for the Entrepreneurship Research Lunch and Learn.

Bring your lunch for a productive break! Open to all, with no cost to attend.

Join the free Mental Health and Movement Class starting Thursday March 21 in the Steve Clark YMCA Studios, where participants will create safe spaces for people to explore movement, the benefits of moving one’s body and how to use the resources at the Y. The six week class is open to anyone and sponsored by the YMCA and HOPE Services. Wear whatever clothing you prefer for this activity.

Each week will have a different focus, come to any or all:

• Week one: At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21 – How the Y works and countering main stream gym culture
• Week two: At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28 – Stress management
• Week three: At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4 – Stretching and yoga
• Week four: At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11 – Group movement class
• Week five: At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 – Mini-personal trainer session with equipment
• Week six: At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25 – Circuit training, Y 360 and keeping moving

The Office of Human Resources has launched a new professional development website as part of its continued focus on generating easier employee access to HR information, tools and resources.

Designed as a central hub for employees interested in professional development, it provides available resources including information needed to use them and course recommendations for developing the knowledge and skills most critical to fostering a culture of empowerment, leadership and ownership here at WSU.

The HR team would love to hear any feedback employees have as it continues to curate more resources and develop learning paths. Go to the professional development website to look around and explore any resources or curated content that interests you.

Email the HR Organizational Development team at hr.organizationaldevelopment@wichita.edu to share any feedback on the usability of the site or if there are other resources or content you would like to recommend.

All spring and summer 2024 eligible graduates must RSVP for commencement by April 12. Spring 2024 commencement will take place Saturday, May 11.

Students with an application for degree on file should have received an email from Marching Order instructing them how to RSVP.

For more information, visit the WSU commencement website.

All faculty and staff are invited to a workshop to discover how to support and elevate first-generation students from 3 to 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 in Wichita State Connect or via Zoom.

The workshop will be led by Dr. Brett Bruner, associate vice president of Student Success and Persistence; Dr. Sara Mata, executive director of Hispanic Serving Institution; Ashley Cervantes, College Readiness and Retention Program director; and Dr. Bobby Berry, assistant dean for diversity and outreach in the College of Applied Studies. Join them for an insightful session to gain valuable knowledge and strategies to empower first-generation students on their academic journey.

RSVP online to attend the First-Generation Students: Exploring Teaching and Learning Implications workshop. Participants will explore data, systems of support and promote inclusive classroom cultures and navigating first-generation intersectionality.

Immediately following the workshop, enjoy the Provost’s Pedagogy Happy Hour with drinks and light appetizers from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Wichita State Connect, introducing a new space for preK-12 student, family and community engagement. RSVP for the mixer.

University Libraries invites Shockers to participate in the WSU Library Photography Contest.

It is accepting photo submissions of Ablah Library until March 31 as it celebrates the 35th anniversary of the addition. Showcase your creativity for a chance to win prizes, including a $300 cash gift card, Shocker Dining meal vouchers, a Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes party package and a Shocker Store gift card.

Submissions will be featured at an on-campus exhibit and online, giving valuable exposure to entrants’ work.

The contest is hosted by Ablah Library and the ADCI Photo Guild.

To submit an entry, send the photos in JPEG format to Kendra Cremin at kendra.cremin@wichita.edu. For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Kendra via email.

The Community Service Board is seeking new executive members for all of its chair, VP and presidential positions for the 2024-25 school year.

Applications will close Thursday, March 21. Board members receive a scholarship each semester.

For questions, applicants may reach out to csb@wichita.edu or bshollingsworth1@shockers.wichita.edu.

Visit the Shocker Financial Wellness workshop to learn the true cost of adopting a pet from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center.

And enjoy the company of dogs at the workshop.