Author: Caelin Bragg

Young Adult Literature (ENGL 332), CRN: 22888, is for anyone who has ever stayed up way too late reading “just one more chapter.” Dive into YA stories across all types of genres.

With artificial intelligence rapidly reshaping the landscape of higher education, both how students learn and how staff and faculty conduct research and tasks, it’s important to prepare ourselves for this new paradigm by clarifying where AI helps and where it doesn’t, protecting academic integrity and data, and making support accessible across disciplines.

That’s why Wichita State would like your perspective — whether you use AI daily, avoid it on principle or feel uncertain about the technology — so the university can aim support where it matters most. To do so, WSU needs your input on two short surveys, open to all faculty and staff:

• AI Inventory (5-10 minutes) – What’s happening now? This gives the university a reliable, campus-wide picture of current AI use (courses, research, tools, needs and contacts) so it can quickly remove friction, expand access and highlight promising practices.
• Optional AI Literacy Baseline (5-10 minutes) - What would help you next? This establishes starting points for confidence, training priorities and policy clarity. It helps the university tailor workshops, micro-credentials and just-in-time resources, and strengthens upcoming grant proposals.

Why this matters:

• Faster enablement in tools you already use (e.g., Blackboard, M365/Copilot)
• Targeted training and clinics aligned to your discipline and schedule
• Clear, teachable guardrails (data/privacy, academic integrity)
• Visibility and support for pilots that improve learning and research outcomes
• Stronger proposals and resource cases grounded in real campus needs

These surveys are not an evaluation of individuals or programs, and results will be reported in aggregate. Survey responses will be accepted through 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30.

For questions or accessibility needs, contact Academic Affairs at provost@wichita.edu.

Thank you for helping the university build the support you want to see.

The Wichita State University Craig W. Barton Speaker Series cordially invites you to save the date for an evening with Lieutenant General (Ret.) H.R. McMaster, 25th U.S. national security advisor, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at Miller Concert Hall in Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

Additionally, an exclusive student event with McMaster will be held at 3 p.m. April 8 in 264 Rhatigan Student Center, Spencer Room. RSVPs for the student event and your free general admission ticket for the main event will open March 4.

The Craig W. Barton Speaker Series is an annual event established to expose students and the community to differing points of view and encourage critical thinking and conversation.

Black holes, quasars, distant stars: There’s a whole lot of drama happening in the skies above us, and Introduction to Modern Astronomy (PHYS 195), CRN: 22070, attempts to make sense of it. Students can enroll in full-term spring classes until Monday, Jan. 26.

Looking for a fun, one credit hour course to ROUND out your spring semester? Enroll in Bowling (HPS 102C), CRN: 20747, now. This class meets at the RSC, and it’s a great way to get in some light exercise between your more intense classes.

Join the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing for the ninth annual Strategic Communications marketing and communications seminar for faculty and staff from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 29. And if your team is looking to order promo items for your office, visit the Vendor Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The opening session, breakout sessions and Vendor Fair will all be held on the third floor of the Rhatigan Student Center. Gain additional insights, tools and tips to help you improve your marketing and communication efforts. Attendees may choose to attend two of five sessions.

Fueled by a boost in contracts from federal agencies and various military branches, Wichita State University continues to hold strong in its standings in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Higher Education Research and Development Survey, reporting $392 million in research expenditures in the latest survey. This marks a 7% increase over the previous year’s $366 million, reinforcing WSU’s position as a leading research institution.

Specifically, Wichita State ranks No. 1 in aerospace engineering research and development (R&D) from all funding services with a total of $350 million, No. 2 in engineering R&D funded by industry and defense with $283 million, and No. 9 in engineering R&D from all funding sources with $360 million.

“The dedication and expertise of our researchers make these rankings possible,” President Rick Muma said. “Our consistent performance in research rankings continues to attract top talent and strategic partnerships to our university and state, continuing to position Wichita State as an economic driver for the state.”

Join Zach Gearhart, chief of staff and executive director of government relations, for updates on the legislature relevant to Wichita State. The next meeting for the legislative session is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 in 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room. The meeting is open to all faculty, staff and students.

Join President Rick Muma and his team as they prepare future Shockers for a lifetime of success. The President’s Team is raising money for the United Way’s Champions for Literacy initiative, which puts books and supplies into the hands of students in the Shocker Neighborhood.

Reading helps children build cognitive skills, gain a deeper understanding of the world, improve their concentration and fuel their imagination. As an educational driver for the state of Kansas, Wichita State is committed to helping students of all ages achieve success and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Students not reading proficiently by the fourth grade are four times more likely to drop out, and illiteracy often continues into adulthood. Donations to the campaign stay local to the Shocker Neighborhood through United Way of the Plains to alleviate illiteracy in the community.

Dr. Ali P. Gordon has been named as the next dean of the Wichita State University College of Engineering, effective June 7.

Gordon currently serves as a professor and the associate dean of graduate affairs at the University of Central Florida’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, a role he took as interim in 2018 before being appointed in 2019. During his tenure, Gordon has overseen over 30 graduate programs and 2,500 graduate students, and he architected the college’s strategic internationalization plan.

“Wichita State University is already a recognized powerhouse for engineering, computing, applied learning and research,” Gordon said. “As we strive for R1 status, the College of Engineering will be a key contributor to the transformation. With our talented students, distinguished faculty, dedicated staff and fully engaged industry partners already in place, achieving a bold new vision for this college is well within our reach. It is a privilege to lead the College of Engineering, and together we will author its next great chapter.”