Rie Bloomfield Organ Series Marcussen organ in Wiedemann Hall 2024-2025 season.  Distinguished Guest Artists.  James O'Donnelll Professor of Organ at Yale University and former organist-choirmaster at Westminster Abbey, London. Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 7:30pm

The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series is presenting its second Distinguished Guest Organist, James O’Donnell, in its 2024-25 season at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 in Wiedemann Hall. WSU students can get a ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker IDs, thanks to the Student Government Association.

O’Donnell will be performing a recital of English, French and German organ music, particularly Franz Liszt’s epic on “Ad nos ad salutarem nostram.” Don’t miss the Conversation with the Artist following the intermission in which Professor Lynne Davis interviews Dr. O’Donnell about his many experiences.

O’Donnell, currently professor of organ at Yale University, is the former organist and music director of Westminster Abbey in London. His last duty there was to organize the music for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

Review the policies for Veterans Day compensation hours below or consult the Veterans Day FAQ.

Non-exempt employees:

  • The “Holiday Pay Non-Exempt” earn code is defaulted on your timesheet. Do not remove or adjust this.
  • If you work on Veterans Day:
    • Select “Holiday Worked Comp Earned 1.50” for comp time earned and enter the number of hours worked. There will be two entries for Nov. 11.
    • Or select “Holiday Worked Paid 1.50” for overtime paid and enter the number of hours worked. There will be two entries for Nov. 11.
  • If you did not work on Veterans Day, no further action is needed.

Exempt employees:

  • If you worked on Veterans Day, no action is required on your leave report. You will have eight hours of Veterans Day to use until the end of the fiscal year, June 7, 2025.
  • If you did not work or worked a half day on Veterans Day, select “Veterans Day Exempt Holiday” on Nov. 11 and enter hours in half-day or full-day increments.

For additional questions regarding Veterans Day, email timekeeping@wichita.edu.

Shocker Blast has a new look in your email. Make sure to check your student email every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to learn about the latest events and news at Wichita State.

Remembering the life of Dr. James J. Rhatigan; Sept. 6, 1935-Oct. 27, 2024

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.

Find the livestream of the memorial services.

Cohen Honors College students study for a class assignment

The Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College has been named a Partners in Peace institution, a new distinction awarded in partnership with the Nobel Peace Center in Norway and the National Collegiate Honors Council. This recognition highlights the college’s commitment to fostering global citizenship, peaceful dialogue and leadership among its students, and it places Wichita State among a select group of institutions that champion peace-focused education.

The Partners in Peace initiative celebrates honors programs and colleges that illuminate the work of Nobel Peace Prize laureates through dedicated curricula and hands-on learning experiences. By examining the lives and accomplishments of individuals and organizations that have promoted peace since the Nobel Peace Prize was first awarded in 1901, students are encouraged to engage with both historical and contemporary issues impacting peace.

Mark your calendars for a musical event with the Wichita State Wind Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 in Miller Concert Hall. This evening promises a captivating lineup of compositions that explore diverse emotions, themes and histories through the power of live music.

The program will open with “Nobunaga – A Shaft of Light in the Renaissance” by Eiji Suzuki, setting a dramatic and historical tone. Lee Gannon’s “Symphony No. 1” will follow, offering a compelling symphonic journey. Audiences will also experience “I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold” by James David, a vibrant tribute inspired by a renowned piece of modern art, and “A deep reverberation fills with stars” by John Mackey, a piece filled with wonder and celestial imagery.

Tickets are available now. Secure your seats through the Fine Arts Box Office and join the WSU Wind Ensemble for a powerful and inspiring performance.

Photo of staff at the Military and Veterans Services at Wichita State University wearing their Suspenders4Hope T-shirts

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.

Three cartoon ghosts. What could be scarier...than missing Open Enrollment?

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:

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.

Graphic showing the numbers to call in different situations during emergencies

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:

Three cartoon ghosts. What could be scarier...than missing Open Enrollment?

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:

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.