Author: Caelin Bragg

The Association of Public & Land-grant Universities (APLU) featured Wichita State as one of the finalists for its Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) University Awards.

The APLU highlighted the benefits WSU’s Innovation Campus provides to both students and industry, and some new expansions coming. The IEP Award winners will be announced at the APLU’s annual meeting Nov 12-24 in Seattle, Washington.

2023-24 seasonal influenza vaccines and updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccines have arrived at Student Health Services. WSU faculty, staff and students — make your appointment now, while supplies last.

Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to receive one dose of updated influenza and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The new COVID-19 vaccine formula targets the variants that are currently circulating in the United States. Who is eligible for the Flu and COVID-19 vaccines at Student Health Services?

• Ages 18 and over
• Currently enrolled WSU students
• Current WSU employees
• Must be at least 10 days past a positive COVID test or COVID-19/influenza-like symptoms.

How to get your vaccination?

• Appointments are required. Call 316-978-4792 to schedule.
• Bring your current health insurance card to use your possible free immunization benefits. If SHS is considered out of network with your insurance, you may have out-of-pocket costs.
• Allow 15 minutes to sit and wait after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.

How much do the vaccinations cost?

• Flu Vaccines – $25, plus administration fee
• 2023-24 COVID booster vaccine – Pfizer Comirnaty – $125, plus administration fee

Other COVID-19 vaccination locations in the Wichita Community: vaccines.gov/search

• When searching on the site, uninsured or underinsured persons should be sure to click the box for “Bridge Access Program Participant” while searching for a vaccine using this site. This program provides no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. There are 19 pharmacies or health departments in the Wichita area that are authorized participants of this program.

The Wichita State Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA) has launched a GroupRaise-Krispy Kreme Digital Dozens fundraising campaign.

From now until Nov. 1, 50% of proceeds from orders will be donated to the WSU CJSA when purchases are made using the fundraising sales page.

Cessna Stadium opened in 1969 as a place meant to propel Wichita State football into a new era.

A crowd of 28,245 watched the Shockers defeat Utah State 17-7 on Sept. 13 of that year. The stadium featured stands that expanded the capacity to 31,500 from 12,500. A year-long fund-raising effort for $1.5 million resulted in “lush, green synthetic grass” known as Poly-Turf, a two-level press box with private boxes, covered seating for the 220 Turf Club members and a new running track.

“It was so cool – I was from back East and the stadiums held maybe 3-4,000 people,” said Ed Plopa, a freshman defensive back in 1969. “When we played Utah State, that place was going nuts.”

This Monday, as part of the Memorial ’70 ceremony, football players, friends and families from those years received a piece of Cessna Stadium seating.

Wichita State University has announced the creation of the WSU Retirees Association (WSURA), aimed at providing new paths for Shocker faculty and staff retirees to continue active engagement with the university. The new association adds to the existing array of perks available to retirees. 

The association was announced Oct. 4 at Wichita State’s annual Retirees Breakfast.  

Anyone who is officially retired from WSU is automatically a member of the association. The association is organized and led by retirees and will provide new opportunities for members to connect not only with other retirees but also with the wider WSU community. This association contributes to WSU’s strength as the only Kansas member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network and as an age-inclusive campus.  

Shockers, you can now view the schedule of courses available during the spring 2024 semester.

Find the course schedule in the myChannel tab of your myWSU portal under “Student Registration (Banner 9),” or use the course search functionality on the website.

Plan ahead and schedule an appointment with your academic advisor now so you’re ready to register in your classes when spring 2024 registration opens the week of Nov. 13.

Happy 75th birthday to Shocker Nation’s own WuShock! Wu, who has been Wichita State’s mascot since 1948, is a friend to every Shocker fan and is the number one supporter of all things Wichita and Wichita State.

Stay tuned to WSU’s social media accounts Saturday, Oct. 7 for a celebratory video from the campus community, and join us by sharing your own birthday wishes to Wu with the hashtag #ShockersUp.

Wichita State University Math Circle resumes its meetings every Sunday for the fall semester. The next meeting is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 in 101 Lindquist Hall with speaker Dr. Buma Fridman, professor of mathematics, discussing the many kinds of infinity and how mathematicians can measure them.

Math Circles are education enrichment and outreach programs that bring mathematical professionals and pre-college students together to work on interesting problems or topics in mathematics, with the goal of getting students excited and passionate about math. Sessions are designed for middle school students, but all students K-12 are welcome to attend and learn.

Students should bring a completed registration and consent form to the session. Like WSU Math Circle on Facebook to stay up to date on meetings every week.

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:

• 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 in 266 RSC, Pike Room
• 3-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct 5
• 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10
• 9-10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19
• 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24

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. Please 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.

The merger of a nonprofit project and local history is a perfect fit for Wichita State University junior Kian Williams. 

“History runs in my family,” Williams said. “I was immediately hooked.” 

Wichita State’s Public Policy and Management Center is working with the Kansas Aviation Museum on strategic planning. Williams, a junior majoring in political science and international studies, is an undergraduate student research assistant assisting PPMC program manager Kate Young. 

The research and writing Williams does to help the museum chart its future connects with the background that shaped a love for history. Williams, who uses they/them pronouns, volunteered at the Reno County Museum to help Ceeley Williams, their mother, who worked as the museum’s archivist.