Author: Sara Ornelas

In 2020, Wichita State University faculty, staff, administrators, student and community leaders were asked to serve on presidential taskforces as part of a commitment to shared governance and transparency. The findings from these efforts have helped shape and refine the priorities and strategy of the university. 

The work of these taskforces is complete. Their insight may inspire further initiatives that serve Wichita State’s vision and mission.

Access Now, a system that digitally delivers all students’ course materials at a discounted rate, is switching models to increase sustainability and affordability.

Currently, the Access Now program uses an opt-in model, which requires each individual student to purchase a subscription before the 100% refund date to avoid interruption to course materials. Although this model has been effective to date, it is not sustainable as faculty and student demand continues to increase.

Beginning spring 2022, Wichita State will transition from an opt-in model to an opt-out model. For students and faculty, this means no more codes, no more terminations if the student does not purchase the required subscription by the 100% refund date. Students who enroll in an Access Now course will be assessed a course material charge to their student account. Students will then have the freedom to opt-out by the 100% refund date if they wish to not participate in the negotiated discount price for the materials.

Wichita State’s transition to an opt-out model will reduce the hassle experienced by students at the busy time of a new semester.

In addition to the convenience of Access Now, students save an average of 20% on current electronic books and up to 60% of physical textbooks and other course materials with the delivery system.

“We anticipate this pilot program to provide digital course materials as an option for students will result in a cost savings to students, which is in alignment with our commitment to providing an affordable education,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, interim provost of Wichita State. “The added convenience and accessibility are also features that attracted us to this program.” 

For fall 2021, 139 courses use Access Now with 63 on the waiting list to join. Beginning summer 2022, the program will be open to all faculty.

“The response of the program since its inception in summer 2018 has been remarkable,” said Andi Stipp, director of Shocker Stores. “We have grown exponentially with the number of courses and instructors who wish to participate. Students, too, are excited because it takes the thinking out of finding a textbook and it is the most affordable option in the market. Faculty like it because students all have the proper book and courseware, when applicable, to begin without fear of falling behind. Everyone is on the same page from day one.”

Students who wish to opt-out of Access Now course delivery will be able to do so through Blackboard.

The Widener Global Leaders Program, a new, year-long, interdisciplinary program housed in the W. Frank Barton School of Business, has announced its first cohort of students.

The inaugural class will consist of 10 women from the Barton School of Business, the Elliott School of Communication in Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and School of Music in College of Fine Arts.

Beginning in fall 2021, the student participants will begin their transformation into global leaders by developing business skills, communication skills, artistic awareness, a commitment to social responsibility, cultural intelligence, and a global mindset. They will engage in various interdisciplinary experiences embedded in the worlds of business, communication, and music, which reflects the skillset of Peri Widener, who is the inspiration behind the program.

Experience the entire month-long celebration as students return to campus to begin the fall 2021 semester.

Welcomefest takes place during the first four weeks of each semester and features dozens of activities. Popular programs awaiting new and returning Shockers include Back to School Bash, Clash of the Colleges, and Involvement Fair.

Hosted by various student groups and campus departments, most events are free and give all students a chance to get acquainted with each other, learn their way around campus, and find ways to connect with the community.

Dr. Rick Muma, Wichita State University president, will be featured on KMUW’s “Morning Edition” from 7 to 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22.

Muma will be talking about the importance of raising funds for need-based financial aid, which makes higher education more accessible and affordable for low-income students.

During the interview, the president plans to issue a fundraising challenge worth $1,500, which will be funded personally by Muma and first gentleman Rick Case.

Listeners can tune into KMUW at 89.1 on their radios or listen online at www.kmuw.org.

In 2020, Wichita State University faculty, staff, administrators, student, and community leaders were asked to serve on presidential task forces as part of a commitment to shared governance and transparency. The findings from these efforts have helped shape and refine the priorities and strategy of the university.

The work of these task forces is complete. Their insight may inspire further initiatives that serve Wichita State’s vision and mission.

Dr. Charles Burdsal, community psychology Ph.D. coordinator and professor of psychology, passed away on Sept. 10, 2021, in Wichita. He was 77 years old and still actively teaching classes at Wichita State University. Burdsal was born in 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri, and moved to Texas in the 1950s. He earned a bachelor of arts and doctorate from Texas Tech University.

He began teaching at Wichita State in 1972. During the almost 50 years of service to the university, Burdsal worked as department chair in psychology and helped establish the doctoral programs for the department. He was also in charge of the Social Science Research Lab. He loved gardening, traveling, and photography.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Thaddie Burdsal. Charlie is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jeanne Burdsal; stepdaughter, Kristin Morgan (Craig); granddaughter, Kaitlyn Watson.

In this month’s issue of Forward Together, President Rick Muma writes about Digital Transformation and how it’s driving Wichita State University’s research and applied learning initiatives, as well as helping to diversity the Kansas economy. Other topics discussed include the following:

• WSU-NIAR WERX receives 777 aircraft for Kansas Modification Center passenger-to-freighter conversion
• Shocker Promise will cover tuition and fees for eligible Sedgwick County freshmen
• Long-lost sundial finds new home on WSU campus
• T-Mobile internship led to career options for WSU student
• Scholarship aimed at underrepresented students welcomes inaugural class
• NIAR helps South Kansas earn Defense Manufacturing Community designation
• WSU researcher awarded $100K NEH grant for accessibility app
• Wu Crew Reads promotes literacy at Wichita school
• $125K grant will assist WSU in boosting businesses in underserved communities

A precious piece of Wichita State University’s story was almost lost to the dusty shelves of history — if not for the historical instincts of a faculty member.

In 1934, the class of 175 graduating seniors purchased and dedicated a sundial to Wichita State, which was then known as the Municipal University of Wichita; and it was placed at the southwest corner of Jardine Hall.

According to the Sunflower student newspaper, “The dial was made of white granite and is about 3 feet in height. Brass comprises the material of the top, which is approximately 16 inches in diameter.” 

Wichita State University is expanding two programs to incentivize students to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Participation in both incentive programs is completely voluntary.

• Prize incentives: Join your fellow Shocker students and fight the spread of COVID-19. WSU students can visit myShockerHealth portal to submit verification of COVID-19 vaccinations. Once you have submitted your vaccination verification, your name will be entered in a daily prize drawing from Aug. 27 to Sept. 3. Prizes include an iPad, an Apple Watch, airpods, a Keurig coffeemaker, a laptop, and an air fryer. The deadline to submit records for this incentive program is Friday, Aug. 27.
  
• Financial incentives: The newest vaccine incentive program includes a $250 award for fall 2021 for current students who can show proof of vaccination. Participating students may also be eligible to receive one of 20 scholarships worth $5,000 each for the spring 2022 semester, which will be awarded through a random drawing. Students with questions after reading the link abovecan ask them via the myShockerHealth portal. The deadline to submit records for this incentive program is Friday, Oct. 8.

If you have already received your COVID-19 vaccine through Student Health OR have already submitted your vaccination records to Student Health, you do not need to submit them again. You can check the myShockerHealth portal under “Immunizations” to verify if your COVID-19 vaccinations are on file.

Students with questions can ask them via the myShockerHealth portal.

Vaccinations continue to be the best weapon against COVID-19 as we work together to move past this pandemic. We encourage anyone who can to get vaccinated from Student Health or anywhere else where it’s offered.

As a reminder, masks are required in all indoor classrooms and labs at Wichita State and are strongly recommended indoors elsewhere.

“Throughout my medical career as a physician assistant, I’ve never seen a vaccine like the ones we have for COVID-19, which are extremely effective in preventing serious illness or death,” says WSU President Dr. Rick Muma. “By encouraging our students and the rest of our campus community to get vaccinated, it gives us the best odds at keeping our classrooms and campus open — and eventually ending this pandemic.”