Author: Caelin Bragg

Suspenders4Hope, a program developed at Wichita State University, is highlighting different departments and individuals on campus who are advocates for mental health in hopes that their stories will inspire others to continue supporting one another in the community.

Military and Veterans Services is being recognized for its work in supporting our campus’ military service members and veterans, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. Hear from Larry Burks, LTC (R) – US Army, director of Military and Veterans Services, on how the office is supporting mental health.

Open enrollment for 2025 closes later today at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31. If you have not yet submitted your enrollment by that time, you will be enrolled in a default medical plan. Members who waived medical coverage in 2024 will continue to be waived in 2025 if they do not submit an enrollment.

Still need help making your 2025 election decision? Don’t worry, just ASK ALEX.

The Total Rewards team has created multiple instructional documents with images of the portal and step-by-step instructions. Get help with:

• Logging in/registering your account
• Adding a new dependent to coverage
• Making your online elections

And 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.

The University Police Department wants to remind students about the appropriate channels for reaching emergency services while they’re on campus.

If you are on campus with a phone:

Calling UPD directly at 316-978-3450 is ideal for getting immediate assistance. Calling 911 will connect you with Sedgwick County and could result in longer wait times for responders.

If you are on campus without access to a phone:

Use one of the many emergency telephones across campus, which are identifiable by the blue light located atop them. These phones connect straight to UPD, and even if you are unable to talk to the dispatcher, an officer will be sent to the location. You can view the locations of all emergency phones on campus through the campus map (wichita.edu/map) under “Campus Safety.”

Other resources:

• Dial 988 or text 741-741 to be connected to the suicide and crisis lifeline.
• Submit a CARE Team report for potentially concerning, but non-emergency, behaviors.
• Counseling and Psychological Services provides mental health treatment to students. Learn more about Counseling Services.

Open enrollment for 2025 closes at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31. If you have not yet submitted your enrollment by that time, you will be enrolled in a default medical plan. Members who waived medical coverage in 2024 will continue to be waived in 2025 if they do not submit an enrollment.

Still need help making your 2025 election decision? Don’t worry, just ASK ALEX.

The Total Rewards team has created multiple instructional documents with images of the portal and step-by-step instructions. Get help with:

• Logging in/registering your account
• Adding a new dependent to coverage
• Making your online elections

And 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.

Tariq Shamim, professor and chair of mechanical engineering at Northern Illinois University, is the final candidate for the associate dean of research position in the College of Engineering.

He will be on campus for an open forum at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 in 264 Rhatigan Student Center, Spencer Room, and for a meet and greet at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 in 203 RSC, Lancelot Room.

Dr. James Rhatigan’s, who passed away earlier this week on Oct. 27, memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the University Congregational Church with a reception later that day from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Rhatigan Student Center.

Memorials may be made to University Congregational Church — where Rhatigan and his wife, Beverly, were charter members — and the Rhatigan Emergency Fund at WSU. The Rhatigans established the fund in the 1960s to help students in crisis.

Stop by the Rhatigan Student Center information desk to view the memorial wreath in honor of Dr. James Rhatigan, professor of education and senior vice president emeritus, who recently passed away on Oct. 27.

Dr. Rhatigan came to Wichita State in 1965 as WSU’s first dean of students at just 30 years old — the youngest in the country. Six years later, he become the vice president for student affairs until 1997 when he was named senior vice president. The Rhatigan Student Center was renamed after Dr. Rhatigan in 1997 to honor his dedication to students and Wichita State.

In the event of inclement weather and/or an emergency event, the university shall take all reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of students, faculty and staff.

Should such an event occur, the university may implement a temporary adjustment to its class and/or operations, including late start and moving class instruction and non-critical operations to remote delivery, where possible. Critical campus operations will continue to operate on-campus to the fullest extent possible.

For changes to normal campus operations, Wichita State will consider the safety of faculty, staff, students and visitors; the snow and ice removal needs of the campus; the closure of local school districts and related childcare challenges faced by faculty, staff and students; and the business needs of the university.

See the full WSU inclement weather guidelines. In the event of a weather emergency, refer to the list of tornado shelters on campus.

Please take a moment to read how you will be informed of changes to normal on-campus operations:

• We strongly encourage you to sign up for the ShockerAlert System, which will send weather and class alerts to your phone and email.
• In the event of a change to normal on-campus operations, you will also receive a message to your WSU email account.
• The Wichita State website will be updated with a warning message during a inclement weather or emergency situation that impacts classes or activities on campus.
• WSU’s official X account and Facebook page will be updated with pertinent information.

For more information about the weather outlook at any time, consult the National Weather Service forecast for Wichita.

Remember that the University Police Department is available 24/7 on campus during emergencies. If you see something, say something by calling UPD at 316-978-3450.

Add the number to your contacts list so you always have immediate access to emergency services.

The University Police Department is here to support students and ensure they feel safe and supported on campus.

Remember that the University Police Department is available 24/7 on campus during emergencies.

See something? Say something: Call UPD at 316-978-3450 for emergencies on campus. Calling 911 while on campus will connect you to Sedgwick County dispatch, which could result in delays from responders. Add 316-978-3450 to your contacts list so you always have immediate access to emergency services on campus.

If you are away from a phone, you can use one of the many emergency phones on campus, which you can find the locations of through the campus map (wichita.edu/map) under “Campus Safety.”

The University Police Department is here to support students and ensure they feel safe and supported on campus.