Author: Caelin Bragg

Combined enrollment by headcount across all Wichita State University locations for fall 2024 is 23,806, according to the annual data released today by the Kansas Board of Regents. This is the largest number of students ever choosing to enroll at Wichita State.

The main WSU campus achieved historic enrollment last year with 17,548 students and exceeded this year with 17,700 students.

At WSU Tech, student headcount increased from 5,655 last year to 6,106 this year — also the highest headcount ever for WSU Tech.

“This record-breaking enrollment is a testament to our steadfast dedication to student success and achievement,” said Wichita State President Rick Muma. “It is a direct result of our relentless focus on access and affordability and our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. By aligning our resources and efforts, we are equipping students with the skills and opportunities they need to lead in their careers and drive progress across Kansas and on the global stage.”

Dr. Scott Hill, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Philosophy in the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will present his paper, “Against Strawsonian Motivations for AI Explainability,” to the University of Neuchâtel in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Oct. 1.

Abstract:

“Consider The Explainability Thesis according to which the use of transparent AI to make high stakes decisions is to be strongly preferred to the use of opaque AI. Most AI ethicists agree that the Explainability Thesis is true. But there is disagreement about how to motivate it. Some philosophers argue that the explainability thesis is true because the use of opaque AI would require failing to regard a person from the Strawsonian participant stance. I argue that this is mistaken. I then present my own motivation for the thesis. In particular, the use of opaque AI is risky and has bad consequences. It is for this reason that transparent AI is to be preferred to opaque AI.”

The African American Faculty and Staff Association (AAFSA) has announced its annual scholarship application for the 2024-25 academic year. Scholarship applications and eligibility requirements can be found on the AAFSA website. Applications for the scholarship open Tuesday, Oct. 1 and close Oct. 31.

Fill out the scholarship application and email it to Karen Wright at karen.wright@wichita.edu.

As part of the Kansas Board of Regents’ Apply Free Days, Kansas residents can submit an application for free to Wichita State now through Wednesday, Oct. 9.

The application is for degree-bound, undergraduate admission. Fill out your application now, or submit a previously started application, to have your application fee waived until Oct. 9.

Learn more about Apply Free Days from the Kansas Board of Regents. The fee waiver is for Kansas residents only.

As part of the Kansas Board of Regents’ Apply Free Days, Kansas residents can submit an application for free to Wichita State next week starting Monday Oct. 7 through Oct. 9.

The application is for degree-bound, undergraduate admission. Applications can be started at any time and saved for completion later, so you can start your application now and wait to submit until the Apply Free Days to have your application fee waived.

Learn more about Apply Free Days from the Kansas Board of Regents. The fee waiver is for Kansas residents only.

JCPenney Suit-Up is back, and it’s a chance to refresh your professional wardrobe. The event is open to all students, faculty, staff and alumni. Whether you’re prepping for interviews, internships or just want to level up your careerwear, the event has you covered with up to 45% off select careerwear, shoes and accessories, with an extra 30% off coupon (Shocker ID required).

Head to JCPenney at Town East Square, 7700 E. Kellogg Dr., from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 or shop online by texting SHOCKS to 67292 for 30% off online.

The Barton School of Business is thrilled to welcome Byron Knight, president of Koch Disruptive Technologies, as its distinguished keynote speaker. This exciting fireside chat, titled “Harnessing Disruption: Pioneering the Future of Innovation and Growth in the Business World,” will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium. The event is open to the public and will include a networking opportunity for attendees afterward.

“Under Byron Knight’s visionary leadership, Koch Disruptive Technologies is at the forefront of investing in groundbreaking innovations that are reshaping industries globally,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “Hearing Byron share his insights on current investments and future industry trends will provide invaluable knowledge for anyone interested in business and the evolving landscape of innovation.”

Get a first look at this year’s men’s and women’s basketball teams at this year’s Shocker Madness, starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 in Charles Koch Arena. And during the event, catch the crowning of this year’s Shocker Royalty.

Watch a parade full of Shocker spirit during the annual Shocktoberfest Parade at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. Grab a spot along Innovation Boulevard, Mike Oatman Drive or Perimeter Road and enjoy a show featuring Shocker Sound Machine, the dance teams and decorated cars and floats from student organizations and the community.

Want to show your family what Shocker life is all about? The Braeburn Square Patio Party is the perfect place to show off Wichita State. From 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, enjoy deals from the vendors and food trucks and partake in a variety of games and music. Once you’ve gotten your fill, head across the street to Eck Stadium for the Shocker baseball scrimmage at 6 p.m.

Finish off the night with an outdoor movie at Cessna Stadium. At 8 p.m., bring your blankets, lawn chairs and watch the movie “Cars” with your classmates and family.