Author: Abigail Klein

Wichita State University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan (DEI) includes efforts to promote student success, increase sponsored research funding for diversity and inclusive excellence, and empower the campus community to create a culture and experience that meets its ever-changing needs.

The College of Health Professions (CHP) has initiated a major expansion to its clinical simulation capabilities. Students across the CHP’s clinical degree programs will have increased exposure to high-tech robotic simulated patients in preparation for treating humans.

Warm wishes for a happy and safe holiday, Shockers! A message from first gentleman Rick Case and President Muma.

In light of today’s federal court injunction, a previous announcement regarding Executive Order 14042 has been removed from the Dec. 7 issue of WSU Today to avoid confusion.

For the most updated information, read below:

Earlier today, an injunction was issued by a federal judge in Georgia halting the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal government contractors and subcontractors. Because of this injunction, Wichita State University is suspending the employee vaccine mandate requirement and process, effective immediately. Employees are not required to be vaccinated as a condition of employment at the university.  

We have all become accustomed during this COVID-19 crisis to adapting and pivoting quickly when needed. This is yet another example where our university community continues to demonstrate their commitment to compliance, the health and safety of our community, and adjusting when necessary. We will continue to monitor and communicate any further changes on this and other COVID-19 related requirements. 

In the meantime, we encourage everyone to continue to take all reasonable steps to protect your health and to combat the spread of COVID-19. We encourage everyone to be vaccinated and to get the vaccine booster. Vaccines are readily available at no charge by appointment at the WSU Student Health Center to WSU employees and students, and at most major pharmacies. Employees may also explore options near them at vaccines.gov. 

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our university! 

President Rick Muma   

Arts at Wichita State University benefit the city and state in ways that range from tourism to education to mental wellness.

People enjoy the university’s arts and culture community when they visit the Ulrich Museum of Art and benefit when a child participates in a class taught by Wichita State graduates. The Wichita Symphony Orchestra is staffed by many Wichita State professors and alumni, another example of the numerous interactions between the university and community.

Jessica Provines, chief psychologist and assistant vice president for wellness at Wichita State, was quoted in a Chronicle of Higher Education article about counselor staffing during the pandemic.

For decades, a growing number of students with psychiatric and neurodiverse histories, conditions, and medications have been enrolling in college. From an access standpoint, that’s been terrific. From a counseling standpoint, however, it has meant a professional state of siege.

Since its inception, the National Institute for Aviation Research’s digital twin program has been rife with opportunities to progress research, digital transformation, engineering technology and sustainability efforts. It’s also been an important career steppingstone and training ground for more than 250 Wichita State University students, who have gained valuable applied learning experiences while working on the project.

The same data, software and tools used by the world’s leading business and financial decision-makers can now be accessed in the Koch Global Trading Center of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University.

Hello Shockers, 

As we begin closing out the year and begin planning for a new semester, we also look ahead to positive changes at Wichita State. One area of growth we’re pleased to share is being led by our Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC).  

The goal of this work is to increase education and awareness of federal non-discrimination laws, sexual and campus safety, and to expand the accessibility and transparency of OIEC resources and processes.   

A recent survey aimed at gauging Title IX awareness and prevention indicated that 70% of employees and 63% of students feel discrimination and harassment training should be mandatory. Based on those survey results, we will now require all faculty and staff to complete discrimination and harassment prevention training annually.  

Starting today, Dec. 6, the “Preventing Harassment and Discrimination” training will be accessible on the Faculty/Staff tab on the myWSU page under “Employee Required Training.” Student employees can access the training on the myFinances tab under “Student Required Training.”

Employees are required to complete this training once every academic year. The completion deadline for all current employees is Feb. 1, 2022.   

Consistent with the survey and the Student Government Association’s resolution supporting mandatory Sexual Assault Prevention training, a student version of this training was made mandatory for all WSU students this past fall. 

About the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance  

OIEC is committed to ensuring a work and educational environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.  OIEC is a university resource and encourages Wichita State community members to reach out with any questions about related policies and processes.    

Thank you for your cooperation and support for this important initiative. 

Dr. Rick Muma, president  
Mike Irvin, interim executive director of Institutional Equity and Compliance   

While COVID-19 seems to be dominating just about everything, it’s not the only virus infecting Wichitans. Influenza and RSV seasons are beginning to ramp up.

In an effort to meet community needs, Wichita State University’s Molecular Diagnostics Lab (MDL) has developed a test to detect all three viruses — RSV, influenza and COVID-19 (RIC) — from one nasal swab. The RIC test is available to all individuals and partners who test via the MDL.