Author: Caelin Bragg

Shocktoberfest officially kicks off today at 11 a.m. just north of the Rhatigan Student Center. Stop by to get the official Shocktoberfest T-shirt, grab a lunch and sample smoothies from Smoothie King. And starting at noon, enjoy live performances from Shocker Sound Machine and Shocker Cheer, with special guest WuShock.

Hey, Shockers! Today starts Wichita State’s annual Shocktoberfest celebrations, a week full of tradition and Shocker spirit.

Shocktoberfest’s week of fun activities is one of WSU’s longest-standing traditions.

Below are the details of the biggest events that you won’t want to miss, all of which are free to students with their Shocker IDs:

If you are using or would like to use Open/Alternative Texts in your course, fill out the OAT-Z (zero cost) form or OAT-L ($50 or less) form. Students will be able to see your OAT designation in the schedule.

According to a study published in Psychology Learning & Teaching, open-source textbooks have been found to increase both engagement and satisfaction for students, while lowering their financial burden. 

Open-source course materials include:

• Open-access textbook
• Library resources
• Open educational materials
• Multimedia resources
• Faculty-authored materials

For more information on OAT courses and materials, visit the Open/Alternative Textbook Initiative.

Deadline to submit OAT designation request forms for spring is today, Sept. 30.

Join the Hugo Wall School at its annual Hugo Wall Day 2024 starting at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18 at the Marcus Welcome Center. Registration is $20.24 and includes a light breakfast and lunch, and students can attend for free.

The occasion presents a unique learning opportunity, bringing Hugo Wall School’s constituencies together to glean insights from public administration leaders in academia and practice. Participants will reflect on some of the monumental challenges affecting public confidence in government, the public service delivery of vital programs and resources, and fiscal barriers to meeting the responsibilities of a myriad of public organizations at all levels of government.

The day will be filled with networking and public administration research insights, and don’t miss the chance to meet and hear from the new school director, Dr. Stephanie Newbold.

U.S. households will be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov. The COVID-19 tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year. The site will also provide instructions on how to read COVID at-home tests and finding COVID tests in your community.

Wichita State’s School of Nursing has launched a new Licensed Mental Health Technician (LMHT) pathway. This pioneering program, the first of its kind in the state, will address the growing need for mental health care professions in Kansas.

Key features of the LMHT pathway:

• Coursework is completely online, making the curriculum accessible to individuals across the region.
• All credit hours earned through the pathway can be applied toward a health care degree program for students pursuing further education.
• The School of Nursing is establishing clinical partnerships in rural areas, with the goal of allowing rural students to complete their clinical requirements close to home.

Shockers are invited to attend the annual Ad Astra Technology Summit, featuring Bill Nye the Science Guy, Wednesday, Oct. 2. And WSU students can use code UN-BILL-EIVABLYSMART at checkout and get nearly 70% off their tickets.

Wichita State is a sponsor for this year’s Ad Astra Technology Summit, a yearly event that showcases, promotes and has break-out sessions for technology entrepreneurship and innovation in the state. And this year, WSU’s very own Troy Tabor, director of innovation intelligence in the College of Innovation and Design, will chat on stage with Bill Nye the Science Guy as the keynote.

U.S. households will be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov. The COVID-19 tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year. The site will also provide instructions on how to read COVID at-home tests and finding COVID tests in your community.

All benefits-eligible state employees must participate in open enrollment. Log in to the Member Administration Portal to make your elections.

Virtual and in-person presentations will be offered:

• 9-10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, online
• 3-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, online
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, 256 RSC, Edmiston Room
• 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 258 RSC, Smokey Hills Room
• 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, online
• 10-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, online

This is a very busy time, so the Total Rewards Team is not available for walk-in traffic or to make individual appointments regarding open enrollment. 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.

All benefits-eligible state employees must participate in benefits open enrollment, which starts tomorrow, Oct. 1.

Upcoming events:

• Tuesday, Oct. 1: SEHP will begin opening enrollment portals throughout the day. All benefit-eligible employees should have access to their open enrollment portal by close of business on Oct. 1
• Thursday, Oct. 3: At 9 a.m., attend the Online Open Enrollment Presentation. Registration is not required, Zoom link to join and additional presentation times can be found at wichita.edu/openenrollment

The Total Rewards Team is not available for walk-in traffic or to make individual appointments regarding open enrollment. 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.