Year: 2024

Administrative support staff have a valuable resource for connecting with one another through the Admins Coming Together (ACT) initiative, sponsored by the University Staff Senate and led by Angela Linder, office manager in the Office of Financial Aid.

The group’s October meeting focused on Breast Cancer Awareness Month and featured a discussion led by Renée Means, a support group coordinator, who shared her experiences and the support available through Victory in the Valley. You can read more about the October meeting of the group in the Sunflower.

The next ACT meeting will take place in January 2025, with the date and topic to be announced. Staff who are interested in attending or would like to suggest a topic for ACT meetings can contact Angela Linder at angela.linder@wichita.edu. Learn more about the Admins Coming Together initiative on the Admins Coming Together webpage.

Attend an informational meeting about Shocker Pre-Season Programs from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 in 245 Rhatigan Student Center, CUW Room, to learn how your office, unit or department can develop a Shocker Pre-Season Program for fall 2025.

Shocker Pre-Season Programs provide an opportunity to assist incoming students transition smoothly into college life at WSU. These programs are a key part of WSU’s student success and persistence initiative as they provide intentional pathways to help students learn about, select and transition between majors. For more information or questions, contact Brett Bruner, assistant vice president for Student Success & Persistence, at brett.bruner@wichita.edu.

People with disabilities are frequently the subjects of research, with much of that focus on their health challenges and the obstacles they face in navigating society.

PhotoVoice changes those dynamics by offering adults with disabilities a chance to show what makes their life enjoyable.

Wichita State University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is partnering on the PhotoVoice research project with AbilityPoint, an organization focused on the needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Participants are given a digital camera and memory card to take 50 (or more) pictures of the people, places, things and activities that bring them joy.

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids. Health, Outreach, Prevention and Education (HOPE) Services is presenting DCCCA’s one-hour naloxone administration course from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 in 203 Rhatigan Student Center, Lancelot Room.

This training equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and respond to an overdose crisis using naloxone and other available resources. Students can sign up online on the HOPE Services website and staff/faculty can register via myTraining.

Heading to Charles Koch Arena for a Shocker men’s basketball game? Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has you covered with new free shuttle services to and from all men’s home basketball games. Park conveniently and for free at Braeburn Square and let Fuzzy’s do the driving.

The next game is at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 against Montana State, so come early, grab a dinner and enjoy a round of drinks with friends before hopping on the shuttle to kick off game day.

Stop by from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 6 in the Rhatigan Student Center atrium to visit with your fellow Shockers and grab free donuts and coffee with the Shockers Vote Coalition. The Prevention Ambassadors will also be available to provide information about counseling and mental health services provided on campus. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Join the College of Applied Studies to celebrate Sheri Barnes’ retirement at a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 in the Heskett Center lobby. She has put in many years of service and dedication to WSU students, faculty and staff. Enjoy some refreshments as you celebrate her accomplishments.

Join the students and faculty of HIST 519 and the Society of Public Historians for an evening event focusing on south Wichita history and at-home research methods at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at MakeICT, 5920 E. Mount Vernon St. Light food and drinks will be provided.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from Dr. Jay Price and his students on the rich history of south Wichita and hands-on sessions providing interactive insights into research techniques, archival exploration and more.

The Ulrich Museum will host an artist talk at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 in the Beren Gallery featuring Ghanaian-Moroccan multidisciplinary artist, David Alabo. The artist will discuss his inspirations, creative process and deep connection to Afrofuturism and Afro-Surrealism, as both historical movements and stylistic modes.

Alabo’s work is featured in the fall exhibition, “Dream Machine: Fantasy, Surreality, and Play,” on view through December 7. Join a reception at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to this free event.

Bring your laptop and join the Retention Faculty Fellows for an interactive workshop led by Kim Sandlin, director of the Office of Student Success, from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15 in 226 Woolsey Hall. If you are unable to join in-person, you may join through Microsoft Teams. Together, participants will learn some ways to utilize the Navigate platform to increase student retention. You don’t have to be familiar with Navigate to participate in this workshop. For questions or more information, contact Cindi Mason at cindi.mason@wichita.edu.

Teaching Matters is a monthly session open to faculty, staff, and students involved in teaching. The sessions are hosted by the Retention Faculty Fellows to promote student success and retention through a community of knowledge sharing.

Light refreshments will be provided and prizes will be awarded.