Author: Caelin Bragg

This is once again an active enrollment, meaning that all covered state employees must participate, or be enrolled in a default plan. 

Events next week:

Tuesday, Oct. 1:  SEHP will begin opening enrollment portals throughout the day. All benefit-eligible employees should have access to their benefits open enrollment portal by close of business on Oct. 1^.

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.

Faculty in mathematics and statistics authored a record number of research publications within the department’s last 25 years in 2023. The average number of individual publications by each faculty member has also seen record highs, approaching two research publications a year per faculty member.

These developments highlight the extraordinary efforts by the faculty to heighten the collective scientific understanding of mathematics and statistics and to propel Wichita State as a leading research institution.

Wichita State University invites the entire community to join in its Shocktoberfest celebrations in a week full of tradition and Shocker spirit. Shocktoberfest, which runs Sept. 30 through Oct. 5, is the university’s biggest annual event and will include a brew garden, bonfire, an entrepreneur’s market, parade and athletic events.

Shocktoberfest has been a Wichita State tradition since 1991 and offers something for everyone, with a variety of events that cater to students, alumni and the greater Wichita community. The weeklong celebration is designed to showcase the vibrant, inclusive culture of Wichita State. Some of the week’s highlights include the following:

• Bonfire – 7:30-9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30 at Braeburn Square – Stay warm by the fire, and revel in the spirit of Shocktoberfest with WSU cheer, marching band and a few of your favorite athletes. This event will be on the lawn east of Braeburn Square near Oliver. Access the event from the bridge between Fuzzy’s and Social Tap.
• Shocker Softball v. Butler Community College – 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 at Wilkins Stadium
• Patio Party – 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5 at Braeburn Square – This casual gathering promises an unforgettable evening to connect with Shocker Nation. Enjoy deals from our vendors, food trucks, games and music.
• Shocker Baseball Fall Scrimmage – 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at Eck Stadium.
• Outdoor Movie: Disney’s “Cars” – 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at Cessna Stadium — Join us at the historical Cessna Stadium for a free viewing of Disney Pixar’s family classic “Cars.” Bring your blankets, camp chairs and make yourself comfortable on the field. Popcorn is provided and outside snacks are welcome.

The big day:

Shocktoberfest culminates with a full day of festivities on Saturday, Oct. 5, offering a mix of events that bring together Shocker spirit, local entrepreneurs and family-friendly fun.

• The inaugural Entrepreneur Market – from 9 a.m.-noon on Oct. 5 at Woolsey Hall – will highlight the many diverse small businesses created by alumni, the community, friends of the university and students.
• Wichita State’s inaugural Shocktoberfest Brew Garden + Fan Fest is in partnership with Shocker Athletics and runs from 2-6 p.m. on Oct. 5. WSU will transform the alley and parking lot east of Charles Koch Arena for a fun-filled afternoon with music, food, drinks and fun for the whole family.
• The Shocktoberfest Parade, which begins at 4 p.m. Oct. 5, is the highlight of the weeklong celebration. Participants will enjoy entertainment from the Shocker Sound Machine marching band, dance teams and decorated cars and floats from student groups and community members. For the best parade experience, grab a spot along Innovation Boulevard, Mike Oatman Drive or Perimeter Road. These locations offer great views and are easily accessible.
• Shocker fans are invited to a free a sneak preview of the Wichita State men’s and women’s basketball teams at the annual Shocker Madness season kickoff event at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 in Koch Arena.

The 2024 CyberCorp Scholars at Wichita State have been announced. The scholarship aims to increase the workforce of cybersecurity professionals in government.

The scholars receive scholarships that cover tuition, a bi-monthly stipend and professional development expenses. This year’s scholars:

• Daniel Halbleib, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity
• Alexander Pickett, Mill Valley High School, Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity
• Jessica Methman, Southeast High School, Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity
• Hyacinthe Howell, Southeast High School, Master of Science in computer science

Wichita State students now have access to cutting-edge virtual production technology at Shocker Studios with the addition of Synthetic Scenes — a 35- by 11-foot digital wall that will give digital arts students and professionals more tools to create innovative productions.

The digital wall allows actors and other performers to be filmed against any backdrop, and unlike a green screen, the digital wall is live and can be interacted with in real time, meaning performers can react organically, and post-production time is greatly reduced.

Kristyn Waits, a Wichita State alumna, reflects on her journey from an undergraduate student to graduate student. Through transformative experiences like international travel, interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, Kristyn shares how Wichita State shaped her career and continues to inspire her today.

Come hear from experts about the different ways that AI can impact our electoral system at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 in 209 Hubbard Hall. The panel consists of Dr. Alexandra Middlewood, associate professor of political science and department chair; Dr. Shruti Kshirsager, association professor of computer science; and Dr. Justin Keeler, clinical associate professor in business analytics.

Join Campus Recreation in welcoming NCAA/NJCCA sport official and Wichita State alumnus, John Blazek, as he shares how to make officiating a lucrative business and where it can take you. All are welcome to hear him speak at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 in 218 Hubbard Hall.

Blazek will talk about how officiating is a business, not a hobby, and is centered around people, and how Shockers can start officiating now through WSU intramural sports.

Blazek, who was the starting LB and 1975-76 MVP for the Shockers, is also the supervisor of officials for the D1, D2 National Junior College Basketball Tournament; current NCAA DII National coordinator and NJCAA National official consultant; and the former KCAC and KJCCC men’s basketball supervisor of officials.

The WSU chapter of the Mortar Board Honor Society is partnering with local elementary schools for its next event, a book drive where the chapter will accept donations of elementary-level books to send to Wichita elementary schools and put them into the hands of young readers. 

“Our organization strives to give back to Wichita and its community when and where we can,” said Aiden Holt, president of WSU Mortar Board Honor Society. “In this age where social media is drowning out almost everything, I would love for Mortar Board to be able to bring a love for reading back into grade schools, and maybe even help a child find the perfect book.” 

Students and the rest of the campus community can join the cause by donating any elementary-level books they still have that they are not using anymore. To get more information on our organization or drop off books, find the Mortar Board Honor Society between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 in the Rhatigan Student Center.

Wichita State Opera Theater, under the direction of Alan Held, professor of voice and director of opera studies, will present the annual “Scenes and Songs” performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 in Wiedemann Hall. WSU students can receive one ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association.

“Scenes and Songs” has become a favorite on the yearly opera calendar since its inception in 2018. This year, the sixty minute performance features short vignettes from multiple opera classics including “The Student Prince” “Les contes d’Hoffmann,” “L’elisir d’amore,” “Die Zauberflöte” and “Little Women.”

Unique to the WSU opera program, “Scenes and Songs” — accompanied by WSU graduate Bridget Hille — fosters the talents of all opera students at WSU. Students, even in their freshman year, are given roles to be featured along with their older colleagues. Following the progress of the singers through the annual program has become interesting and rewarding for the audience as well as for the young artists. This performance is appropriate for all audiences and can be an introduction to music theater for all ages.

This year will also feature multiple “mystery artists” which will provide extra enjoyment. Tickets are available by contacting the College of Fine Arts Box Office at 316-978-3233 or through the online box office. Discounts apply.