Author: Caelin Bragg

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.

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.

Wichita State University is committed to the safety of its campus community and provides fire safety resources to help Shockers stay safe on and off campus.

Learn more and find resources on how to stay safe on the Fire & Safety Office webpage, including information on:

• Working with open flames, heat or sparks
• Proper use of extension cords
• Restrictions for potentially dangerous decorations
• Proper use of fireworks and other pyrotechnics
• WSU’s commitment to a tobacco free campus
• How to use fire extinguishers in the case of an emergency
• Filling out a permit to host a grilling activity
• The prohibition on the use of portable space heaters
• The potential fire hazards of battery powered mobility devices
• General advice on fire safety off campus
• Keeping corridors free of storage and equipment for emergency evacuations

For more information or questions, contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

Wichita State University is committed to preserving and supporting freedom of thought, speech and expression on our campus.

Visit the WSU Freedom of Expression web page for more information.

You can also view the Kansas Board of Regents’ Statement on Free Expression here.

Shockers can attend on-campus Wichita State fine arts and athletics events at no additional charge with a Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association.

Support your fellow classmates and faculty while exploring the creative pursuits WSU has to offer and display your Shocker pride at home athletic games.

The Wichita State University campus will remain open on Tuesday, Jan. 21, but due to expected bitterly cold temperatures tomorrow, classes will be held remotely.

Faculty or staff who are unable to safely travel to work or get around on campus should immediately contact their supervisor or department chair to develop an alternative plan that accommodates specific needs and minimizes disruption to operations. 

We appreciate everyone’s flexibility as the Wichita area experiences inclement weather.

Join the Student Government Association (SGA) Student Senate for a meeting at 6:30 p.m. today in 233 Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Trail room. The meeting will be recorded and available on the SGA YouTube by end of day Thursday.

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.

Seeing an opportunity to support partnerships with the Wichita community, Wichita State University has established the new Office of Community Partnerships.

Under the new office, the Community Engagement Institute (CEI) and Public Policy and Management Center (PPMC), alongside other WSU affiliates such as the Small Business Development Center, will seamlessly support collaborations between the university and community partners.

The creation of the office was a joint effort led by Dr. Scott Wituk, CEI executive director, and Misty Bruckner, PPMC director.

Ben Stein, economist, lawyer, actor and prolific author, will speak at the 2025 Craig W. Barton Speaker Series event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 at Miller Concert Hall in Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Seat reservations are required, and the event is free and open to the public.

Stein, a Yale Law School valedictorian, has worked as a speechwriter for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, authored more than 30 books on finance and law, and has become a key figure in exposing the junk bond scandal. Widely recognized for his iconic role in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and for hosting “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” Stein continues to speak on economics and politics.

The Craig W. Barton Speaker Series is an annual Wichita State event established to expose students and the community to differing points of view and encourage critical thinking and conversation. Previous speakers include Robert Gates, 22nd United States secretary of defense (2006-2011), Cody Keenan, former White House director of speechwriting for President Barack Obama, and Norah O’Donnell, anchor for the CBS Evening News and “60 Minutes” contributor.

Ben Stein, economist, lawyer, actor and prolific author, will speak at the 2025 Craig W. Barton Speaker Series event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 at Miller Concert Hall in Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Seat reservations are required, and the event is free and open to the public.

Stein, a Yale Law School valedictorian, has worked as a speechwriter for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, authored more than 30 books on finance and law, and has become a key figure in exposing the junk bond scandal. Widely recognized for his iconic role in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and for hosting “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” Stein continues to speak on economics and politics.

Stay tuned for more information on an exclusive Q&A for students at 2 p.m. March 11.

The Craig W. Barton Speaker Series is an annual Wichita State event established to expose students and the community to differing points of view and encourage critical thinking and conversation. Previous speakers include Robert Gates, 22nd United States secretary of defense (2006-2011), Cody Keenan, former White House director of speechwriting for President Barack Obama, and Norah O’Donnell, anchor for the CBS Evening News and “60 Minutes” contributor.