Author: Caelin Bragg

At Wichita State, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority. During periods of inclement weather or extreme cold, we closely monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions about campus operations.

Each weather event is different, and decisions require input from many parts of the university. Facilities staff assess whether sidewalks, parking lots and campus roadways can be cleared and maintained. Dining and housing staff evaluate whether they can continue supporting the students who live on campus and rely on university services. Academic leaders consider the implications for course requirements, while Human Resources evaluates employee obligations and safety.

Since no decision can perfectly fit the circumstances of every member of our community, WSU emphasizes shared and personal responsibility. Each individual must evaluate their own situation, prioritize personal safety, and make responsible choices about whether it is safe to come to campus.

Are you ready to start putting yourself in front of employers? Wichita State makes it easy through the Shocker Career Accelerator:

Shocker Central is the hub for internships and applied learning opportunities where you can not only gain valuable experience to enhance your current field of study, you also can earn an income. Sign up and browse full-time and part-time employment opportunities both on and off campus, or register for career fairs, events, workshops and more.

Additionally, GoinGlobal is a market leader in job opportunities worldwide if you are looking to expand your horizons; Buzzfile helps you research virtually every company in Kansas, the United States and beyond; and CareerSpring helps low-income and first-generation students network and learn more about career opportunities. Register using the passcode: WICHITA.

For further assistance, you can always schedule an appointment with an SCA career coach through Shocker Central, emailing sca@wichita.edu or calling the office at 316-978-3688.

With finals around the corner, your instructors may continue using the Student Early Alert System (SEAS) to share feedback and offer support. If you receive an alert, it’s a reminder to check in, refocus and take advantage of campus resources.

Whether you’re catching up or staying ahead, know that progress matters — and support is always available. Instructors, academic advisors and Success Coaches are here to help you finish the semester strong.

Avant-Garde Art, Film, Rock Music and Subcultures (FA 321), CRNs: 30493 and 30494, both online, explores the bold art and film movements that shaped late‑20th‑century music, visual culture and subcultures — from punk and glam to goth, hacker and rave. Includes attendance at exhibitions, film screenings and lectures.

Master the essentials of project management in the fully online course Engineering Management (IME 664), CRN: 30653. Learn how to plan, schedule and control projects; estimate costs; allocate resources; manage risks; and track performance. You’ll also gain hands‑on experience using Microsoft Project to bring real‑world plans to life.

Periodically, information will be posted regarding Watermark’s Course Evaluations & Surveys (CES) tool to help users better understand Wichita State’s course evaluation tool.

Today’s focus is on response rate.

• A response rate widget will appear on the instructor’s dashboard when the semester’s project starts. However, data for a course may not appear until that course evaluation is available to the students.
• In the list below, there are some suggestions to potentially increase response rates and receive useful and constructive feedback.
  • Designate time in class for students to complete evaluations.
  • Add a blurb about course evaluations in the syllabus.
  • Let students know that you value their honest and constructive feedback and tell them how you use their feedback.
  • When evaluations open for the course, remind students that they are available.
  • Remind students that evaluations are completely anonymous, and results are not available until after grades are turned in to the Registrar’s office.
  • It is best to complete the evaluations sooner in the evaluation period rather than later. Blackboard will be affected if the student has not taken some action regarding the evaluation towards the end of the administration period.
• There is a dedicated CES website that includes additional information.

For questions, contact Sandra Ranney at evaluations@ces.wichita.edu.

As the semester comes to a close, take a moment to update student feedback in the Student Early Alert System (SEAS). If a previously flagged student has shown improvement, remove the alert to ensure accurate tracking of progress and impact.

Thank you for supporting student success.

Stop by the Food Truck Plaza on campus to enjoy cuisines from local food truck vendors.

Wednesday:

• OurFolk Coffee: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Thursday:

• La Chonchis: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Schedule is subject to change. Visit the Food Truck Plaza website for the most up-to-date information.

William Ellwood “Bill” Wynne III, registrar emeritus, passed away April 16.

Wynne served Wichita State for over 35 years before retiring from the Registrar’s Office in 2012, where he was given the registrar emeritus designation. He was also recognized with the President’s Distinguished Service Award in 2007.

Service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 21 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 5002 E. Douglas Ave.

Shocker women’s tennis broke the program record win streak following a win against UAB in the quarterfinals of the American Conference Championship and increased its streak to a total of 19 wins in a row after defeating Tulsa in the semifinals.

The team finished the regular season with a 17-match win streak, tying the program record set in 2016, and was ranked No. 28 in the ITA rankings, which earned the team a No. 1 seed for the American Conference Championship and a first-round bye. The team also recorded a perfect 9-0 at home this season.

The Shockers’ run ended in the finals against Rice and the team now awaits a bid for the NCAA Tennis Tournament May 1.