Author: Caelin Bragg

Kansas is home to more than 15,000 archaeological sites containing arrowheads, ceramics and bison bones. Some of those sites, and people’s ability to learn their stories, are in danger.

Dr. Matthew D. Howland, assistant professor in Wichita State University’s Department of Anthropology, is in the early stages of modeling risks posed by erosion caused by rivers, flooding and agricultural plowing.

Funded by a $49,955 grant from the University of Kansas Center for Research and the Kansas Board of Regents, Howland is first modeling erosion risk at every archaeological site in the state, including Etzanoa near Arkansas City, using satellite imagery and spatial analysis. Kansas is home to 15,835 archaeological sites, according to the Kansas Historical Society.

“How many of these sites are at risk, and what’s the level of risk from these factors? That’s the goal of the project,” Howland said. “When you look at (Kansas), we have a whole lot of agriculture, and we have a whole lot of rivers that are crisscrossing the state. It leads self-evidently to try to understand the impact of erosion on the archaeological record.”

Join Airbus for its come-and-go Volunteer Marketplace from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16 in the first floor atrium of Partnership Building 1 on the Innovation Campus.

Visit with local organizations to learn more about their work and discover what volunteer opportunities are available to give back to the community, including:

• Cosmosphere
• Exploration Place
• Freedom Hooves
• Kansas Aviation Museum
• Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Society of Women Engineers
• The Pando Initiative
• Wichita Children’s Home
• Wichita Habitat for Humanity

Are you nearing publication of your research or has your research been recently published? Let the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing know for consideration in WSU Today and Research & Innovation News, WSU’s bi-monthly research newsletter that is sent out to WSU’s peer research universities.

If you’ve had your research published within the last six months, or expect to be published soon, email the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at strategic.comm@wichita.edu with the subject “Research,” and include:

• The title of your research
• Publication date
• A brief description of your research/abstract
• A link to where readers can find it online or a citation

Shockers, you can now view the schedule of courses available during the spring 2025 semester. Plan ahead and schedule an appointment with your academic advisor now so you’re ready to enroll in your classes starting Nov. 11.

Jeremy Kohn, ChFC, TIAA financial consultant, will be available for in-person meetings at Wichita State Oct. 15 and 16. At these meetings, Jeremy can help you confirm that you are on track for retirement and provide specific investment recommendations for your TIAA accounts.

If you are interested in meeting with Jeremy, schedule a time to meet, and have your TIAA login credentials handy. If you need scheduling assistance, you can call the TIAA scheduling team at 800-732-8353.

If you are not able to schedule a meeting with Jeremy because appointments have filled and you do not see a virtual option on another day, you can email Jeremy directly at jeremy.kohn@tiaa.org to schedule another appointment and his team will assist you.

The inaugural Entrepreneur Market will highlight the many diverse small businesses in our community run by alumni, students and friends. Browse market stalls from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 5 in Woolsey Hall to explore unique creations while supporting local businesses.

The Shocktoberfest Parade, which begins at 4 p.m. Oct. 5, is the highlight of the weeklong celebration. Participants will enjoy entertainment from the Shocker Sound Machine marching band, dance teams and decorated cars and floats from student groups and community members.

For the best parade experience, grab a spot along Innovation Boulevard, Mike Oatman Drive or Perimeter Road. These locations offer great views and are easily accessible.

All benefits-eligible state employees must participate in open enrollment. Log in to the Member Administration Portal to make your elections.

Events occurring this week:

• 3-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7 (online)
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 in person in 256 Rhatigan Student Center, Edmiston Room
• Monday, Oct. 7: At 3 p.m., attend the Online Open Enrollment Presentation. Registration is not required. Zoom link to join and additional presentation times can be found at wichita.edu/openenrollment

Take advantage of the scheduled virtual and in-person presentations, as well as on-demand options. To add meeting reminders to your calendar or for additional information visit the Open Enrollment Website. Any questions should be directed to TotalRewards@wichita.edu.

With the permanent closure of Lots 3N and 3S, the parking lots nearest Shocker Hall, Parking Services will restore Lot 1 as an option for Shocker Hall students beginning Monday, Oct. 7. Lot 1 runs along Hillside between Alumni Drive and Memorial Drive.

Shocker Hall students choosing to park in Lot 1 will be subject to game day parking rules and must remove their cars from Lot 1 three hours prior to the start of Shocker men’s basketball games. Parking in a reserved game day lot will result in a $50 citation. Students may sign up to receive text reminders about game day parking.

Wichita State’s Wu and Shocker Choirs invite you to “Story Time,” an evening of music and narrative at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 in Wiedemann Hall.

Each song presents its own unique story, taking audiences on a journey through legend and mythology with “The Kracken,” social justice with “Warrior,” and even humor with P.D.Q. Bach’s “The Art of the Ground Round.” Audiences will also experience heartfelt melodies, like the South African hymn “Indodana” and folk songs like “Vichten” from Canada. The diverse repertoire includes poetic pieces such as Langston Hughes’ “I Dream a World” and the cinematic “Ripple.”

The Goddard High School Concert Choir will be featured as special guests for the evening. Tickets are available at no additional charge to Shockers with their Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a musical tapestry of stories.