Author: Sara Ornelas

Wichita State University is seeking student recommendations for future campus speakers. The intended purpose of an upcoming lecture series is to expose our campus community to diverse points of view, provoke critical thinking, and encourage civil discourse and discussion.

Some examples of speakers might include politicians, writers, athletes, reporters, newsmakers, educators, economists, or business leaders.

Submissions are due by Friday, Oct. 8. Click the button below to enter the names of speakers you’d like to see come to Wichita State. 

The School of Nursing has revamped the former Early Admission Option program and launched the new Guaranteed Placement Program for high school seniors. Key changes to the program include an increased number of accepted prerequisite hours, a new, streamlined online application, and the requirement for students to work one-on-one with a College of Health Professions advisor for guidance throughout the professional program.

High school students who are accepted into the program and start their college career at Wichita State are guaranteed entry into the competitive traditional BSN nursing program – so long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements. This popular program appeals to many students because securing a spot in the highly competitive nursing program establishes their higher education path.

“We are very pleased to implement these changes to the program,” said Brandy Jackson, undergraduate director of the School of Nursing. “The updated requirements and processes will provide students with more support and simplify their path as they transition to our program.”

Dr. Masud Chand, professor of international business, was recently featured in WalletHub. Chand was asked to share advice credit card balance transfers.

Wichita State University has formed a provost search committee and requested bids for an executive search firm to lead the process.

Werner Golling, vice president of finance and administration, and Whitney Bailey, of Faculty Senate executive committee, are co-chairs of the committee. Wichita State issued the request for proposal for the position on Sept. 24. Closing date for the bids is Oct. 8, and the firm will be selected shortly after that date.

President Rick Muma, in Friday’s virtual town hall for faculty and staff, said the position could be filled as quickly as Jan. 1. The latest date, Muma said, is July 1.

Shirley Lefever, interim executive vice president and provost, will serve until a new provost is hired. The executive vice president and provost serves as the head of WSU’s academic programs.

Wichita State is also forming a search committee to conduct a national search to select a University Police Department chief of police. Captain Guy Schroeder is the interim chief.

On Friday, Muma said a new chief could be hired by the end of the semester.

Wichita State is partnering with Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in an initiative to increase COVID-19 vaccinations to underrepresented communities across Kansas.

Last week, the governor announced that WSU’s Community Engagement Institute (CEI) will work together on the Increase the Reach initiative, which provides an additional opportunity for community-based organizations to receive funding to continue their vital work in promoting health equity through vaccinations. The program specifically aims to reach socially vulnerable populations and those experiencing low vaccination rates, including racial and ethnic minority populations and rural communities.

“Events over the last few years have brought health disparities into a sharper focus,” said Dr. Lee Norman, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a press release from the governor’s office. “These grants will support the work of community-based organizations in ensuring equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine.”

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.