Author: Caelin Bragg

Shockers are invited to attend the annual Ad Astra Technology Summit, featuring Bill Nye the Science Guy, Wednesday, Oct. 2. And WSU students can use code UN-BILL-EIVABLYSMART at checkout and get nearly 70% off their tickets.

Wichita State is a sponsor for this year’s Ad Astra Technology Summit, a yearly event that showcases, promotes and has break-out sessions for technology entrepreneurship and innovation in the state. And this year, WSU’s very own Troy Tabor, director of innovation intelligence in the College of Innovation and Design, will chat on stage with Bill Nye the Science Guy as the keynote.

U.S. households will be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov. The COVID-19 tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year. The site will also provide instructions on how to read COVID at-home tests and finding COVID tests in your community.

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

Virtual and in-person presentations will be offered:

• 9-10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, online
• 3-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, online
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, 256 RSC, Edmiston Room
• 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 258 RSC, Smokey Hills Room
• 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, online
• 10-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, online

This is a very busy time, so the Total Rewards Team is not available for walk-in traffic or to make individual appointments regarding open enrollment. Take advantage of the scheduled virtual and in-person presentations, as well as on-demand options. For additional information, visit the Open Enrollment Website. Any questions should be directed to TotalRewards@wichita.edu.

All benefits-eligible state employees must participate in benefits open enrollment, which starts tomorrow, Oct. 1.

Upcoming events:

• Tuesday, Oct. 1: SEHP will begin opening enrollment portals throughout the day. All benefit-eligible employees should have access to their open enrollment portal by close of business on Oct. 1
• Thursday, Oct. 3: At 9 a.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

The Total Rewards Team is not available for walk-in traffic or to make individual appointments regarding open enrollment. Take advantage of the scheduled virtual and in-person presentations, as well as on-demand options. For additional information, visit the Open Enrollment Website. Any questions should be directed to TotalRewards@wichita.edu.

This is once again an active enrollment, meaning that all covered state employees must participate, or be enrolled in a default plan. 

Events next week:

Tuesday, Oct. 1:  SEHP will begin opening enrollment portals throughout the day. All benefit-eligible employees should have access to their benefits open enrollment portal by close of business on Oct. 1^.

Take advantage of the scheduled virtual and in-person presentations, as well as on-demand options. For additional information visit the Open Enrollment Website. Any questions should be directed to TotalRewards@wichita.edu.

Faculty in mathematics and statistics authored a record number of research publications within the department’s last 25 years in 2023. The average number of individual publications by each faculty member has also seen record highs, approaching two research publications a year per faculty member.

These developments highlight the extraordinary efforts by the faculty to heighten the collective scientific understanding of mathematics and statistics and to propel Wichita State as a leading research institution.

Wichita State University invites the entire community to join in its Shocktoberfest celebrations in a week full of tradition and Shocker spirit. Shocktoberfest, which runs Sept. 30 through Oct. 5, is the university’s biggest annual event and will include a brew garden, bonfire, an entrepreneur’s market, parade and athletic events.

Shocktoberfest has been a Wichita State tradition since 1991 and offers something for everyone, with a variety of events that cater to students, alumni and the greater Wichita community. The weeklong celebration is designed to showcase the vibrant, inclusive culture of Wichita State. Some of the week’s highlights include the following:

• Bonfire – 7:30-9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30 at Braeburn Square – Stay warm by the fire, and revel in the spirit of Shocktoberfest with WSU cheer, marching band and a few of your favorite athletes. This event will be on the lawn east of Braeburn Square near Oliver. Access the event from the bridge between Fuzzy’s and Social Tap.
• Shocker Softball v. Butler Community College – 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 at Wilkins Stadium
• Patio Party – 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5 at Braeburn Square – This casual gathering promises an unforgettable evening to connect with Shocker Nation. Enjoy deals from our vendors, food trucks, games and music.
• Shocker Baseball Fall Scrimmage – 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at Eck Stadium.
• Outdoor Movie: Disney’s “Cars” – 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at Cessna Stadium — Join us at the historical Cessna Stadium for a free viewing of Disney Pixar’s family classic “Cars.” Bring your blankets, camp chairs and make yourself comfortable on the field. Popcorn is provided and outside snacks are welcome.

The big day:

Shocktoberfest culminates with a full day of festivities on Saturday, Oct. 5, offering a mix of events that bring together Shocker spirit, local entrepreneurs and family-friendly fun.

• The inaugural Entrepreneur Market – from 9 a.m.-noon on Oct. 5 at Woolsey Hall – will highlight the many diverse small businesses created by alumni, the community, friends of the university and students.
• Wichita State’s inaugural Shocktoberfest Brew Garden + Fan Fest is in partnership with Shocker Athletics and runs from 2-6 p.m. on Oct. 5. WSU will transform the alley and parking lot east of Charles Koch Arena for a fun-filled afternoon with music, food, drinks and fun for the whole family.
• 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.
• Shocker fans are invited to a free a sneak preview of the Wichita State men’s and women’s basketball teams at the annual Shocker Madness season kickoff event at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 in Koch Arena.

The 2024 CyberCorp Scholars at Wichita State have been announced. The scholarship aims to increase the workforce of cybersecurity professionals in government.

The scholars receive scholarships that cover tuition, a bi-monthly stipend and professional development expenses. This year’s scholars:

• Daniel Halbleib, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity
• Alexander Pickett, Mill Valley High School, Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity
• Jessica Methman, Southeast High School, Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity
• Hyacinthe Howell, Southeast High School, Master of Science in computer science

Wichita State students now have access to cutting-edge virtual production technology at Shocker Studios with the addition of Synthetic Scenes — a 35- by 11-foot digital wall that will give digital arts students and professionals more tools to create innovative productions.

The digital wall allows actors and other performers to be filmed against any backdrop, and unlike a green screen, the digital wall is live and can be interacted with in real time, meaning performers can react organically, and post-production time is greatly reduced.

Kristyn Waits, a Wichita State alumna, reflects on her journey from an undergraduate student to graduate student. Through transformative experiences like international travel, interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, Kristyn shares how Wichita State shaped her career and continues to inspire her today.