Author: Caelin Bragg

When Rob Gerlach joined the Office of Tech Transfer and Commercialization at Wichita State in 2018, he noticed a gaping hole in the community: For a city that prides itself on its entrepreneurial spirit, Wichita was severely lacking in people to protect and manage its innovations.

In fact, a quick database search revealed that there were only a handful of patent practitioners in Wichita.

So Gerlach created the Gateway to IP program “with the purpose being to increase Wichita’s IP IQ.” Through the program, Gerlach and his team in the TTC office mentor students and introduce them to the pathway to becoming a patent agent.

In the most recent graduate school rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Wichita State University’s College of Engineering continued its steady ascent, landing in the 47th spot for the 2023-24 academic year. Additionally, the College of Health Profession’s physician associate program is debuting in the rankings, at No. 65.

In both lists, Wichita State is the highest ranked university in Kansas and the only one in the top 100.

In the past four years, WSU’s College of Engineering’s graduate program has consistently climbed the charts from No. 94 to 77 to 59 in 2022, and now this year at No. 47 — the highest yet.

Join the Student Government Association (SGA) Student Senate for a meeting at 7:30 p.m. today in 233 RSC. There will also be a livestream available on the SGA YouTube.

The Wichita State SGA is the governing entity for the student experience at the university. SGA is charged with promoting and stimulating student participation in the university’s activities and providing an official channel of communication between the students, faculty, staff and administration.

Do you know of a faculty or staff member who promotes student success, or a student who has been helped by a faculty or staff member through the initiative, that should be highlighted in WSU Today? Email your ideas to Caelin Bragg, newsletter editor with the Office of Strategic Communications, at caelin.bragg@wichita.edu.

Hello, Shocker graduates. I speak on behalf of everyone at Wichita State University in offering our sincerest congratulations. Your hard work and determination have paid off, and I can’t wait to see how well you’ll change the world.

We’re all so very proud of your accomplishments. As you make plans for your future, be sure to stay connected with your Shocker roots.

The spring 2023 commencement ceremony is Saturday, May 13 in Charles Koch Arena, and this is the 125th spring commencement ceremony at Wichita State.

Student Health Services is experiencing technical difficulties with the myShockerhealth patient portal. To make appointments and for other questions or concerns, call 316-978-4792.

Zach Gearhart, chief of staff, will update faculty and staff on legislative issues raised related to Wichita State from the Kansas state government.

The meeting is open to all faculty and staff every other Friday in the Morrison Hall board room. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 2.

Over the weekend, Wichita State University took proactive measures and disconnected several University systems to isolate an unauthorized attempt by a third party to access the University’s systems. Most of the University system access has been restored and there has been no indication that any of the University’s secure data or information has been compromised. The University will continue to engage its security protocols in restoring full availability of all networks and systems, prioritizing student needs.

At this time, we anticipate that the University will have restoration of all networks and major systems by tomorrow but are also mindful that these incidents often create residual issues and future interruptions may occur. Cyber incidents have unfortunately become more common, especially in large organizations like WSU. The University has and continues to devote the necessary resources to its digital infrastructure to guard against unauthorized access. We appreciate the Shocker community’s continued patience.

All graduating students are invited to take part in Commencement Cruise at 3 p.m. Friday, May 12 beginning in the parking lot on the west side of campus, Lot 1, to represent their college.

Commencement Cruise is pre-commencement celebratory walk featuring decorated vehicles and groups of graduates following behind on foot from each college. Colleges will decorate their cars at 2 p.m. and line up at 2:30 p.m.

The order of colleges:

• College of Applied Studies
• Barton School of Business
• College of Engineering
• College of Fine Arts
• College of Health Professions
• Cohen Honors College
• College of Innovation and Design
• Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• WSU Libraries

Graduates should RSVP to walk during the Commencement Cruise by Wednesday, May 10. Graduates can also invite friends and family to cheer them on during the walk.

Following the Commencement Cruise, graduates can attend The Toast at 5 p.m. on the Hubbard Hall east lawn. Registration is required to attend.

Any questions can be directed to the Academics Affairs Office at 316-978-3010.

Faculty and staff are invited to participate in Commencement Cruise at 3 p.m. Friday, May 12 beginning in the parking lot on the west side of campus, Lot 1, to support their graduates.

Commencement Cruise is pre-commencement celebratory walk featuring decorated vehicles and groups of graduates following behind on foot from each college.

RSVP to walk with your college’s graduates at the Commencement Cruise by Wednesday, May 10, and faculty can encourage their graduating students to RSVP to walk as well. All are welcome to stand along the parade route to cheer on the graduates.

Any questions can be directed to the Academics Affairs Office at 316-978-3010.