Author: Sara Ornelas

Join our podcast crew as they traverse the cosmos — and the Libraries’ vast resources — for info on UFO research. Kerry Majher, WSU program coordinator for NASA in Kansas, drops in as well. Listen to “That’s A Shocker.”

• Anchor FM
• Breaker Audio
• Google Podcast
• Apple Podcasts
• RadioPublic
• Spotify

This issue covers what you need to know about the change from Blackboard Learn to Blackboard Ultra, and what you need to prepare to see after May 29. We also talk about the Academic Resources Conference week in May, when we will be focusing on more advanced topics and material than usual to give everyone something to think about as they move into summer. We wrap up the issue with an essay from Aaron Rife, the First Year Seminar faculty coordinator on the topic of “thinking during a pandemic.” 

The Student Government Association is excited to announce that we will designate Sept.13-17 as SGA Diversity Week. There will be student and department-led programming, events and discussions highlighting the diverse student experience on our campus.

Calling any departments, student organizations, or individuals who would like to host an event during Diversity Week. Fill out this application to be considered.

Any and all experiences are welcomed. For more information, please contact sga.pubrelations@wichita.edu.

The Steve Clark YMCA on campus is set to begin offering the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. This free 12-week program focuses on healing the whole person. With LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, cancer survivors — whether it is a recent diagnosis, finished treatment, or in remission — work with trained Y staff to build strength and muscle mass, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability while providing a supportive community to enhance their emotional well-being. LIVESTRONG is available for any Wichita State students, faculty, staff, Y member or community participant. Beginning on May 3, the group will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the YMCA for exercise and community time. For more program details or if you or someone you know are interested in enrolling, please contact Debbie Cruz by email at debbie.cruz@ymcawichita.org or by phone at 316-776-8178.

Is sexual harassment problematic in your public service organization?

Important public conversations about workplace sexual harassment have been taking place nationally and locally. Women in Public Service wants to know how the issue affects public service organizations in Kansas. WPS invites you to participate in a brief, anonymous survey.

Responses are confidential and are part of a broad gathering of data, which will only be shared as part of consolidated findings during the WPS conference on July 29.

Which new dining concept do you want to see in the Rhatigan Student Center starting Fall 2021? Learn about your options and then vote!

On June 1, 2021, the university will continue the Shockers United campus reintegration plan. This will include rescinding or revising a number of temporary policies and procedures, and reorienting our plans and protocols, as we transition over the summer toward a return to in person operations for fall 2021. The university’s plans, policies, and protocols implemented in response to COVID-19 supplement other existing university policies and procedures. These COVID related policies and procedures are contingent on current conditions and health guidance and are subject to change as deemed necessary by the University.

As we move forward, we should remain mindful of the guiding principles and public health considerations that have provided a framework for our response from the start of the pandemic. We should also continue to leverage technology enhancements (Zoom, Microsoft Team’s, and other virtual formats) and encourage basic health and safety practices that have served us well during the pandemic.

Health and Safety Practices

The university strongly encourages all employees to consider getting vaccinated.

During the reintegration phase, the university will modify the following health and safety measures:

• Face Coverings – Face coverings are encouraged, but not required. In limited circumstances, face coverings may be required.
• Social Distancing – Physical distancing is still encouraged where possible, but not required.
• Personal Health Screening – Individuals are responsible for screening their personal health, staying home if sick, and seeking medical advice as appropriate. Individuals subject to any isolation or quarantine requirements imposed by the local health department remain responsible for complying with such requirements.
• Cleaning and Disinfecting – Individuals should continue to keep the areas in which they personally work or are assigned to monitor sanitized. The University maintains a significant inventory of cleaning and disinfecting supplies. Supervisors may utilize the facilities work order system to request personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face coverings and disposable masks.
• • Practicing Personal Hygiene – Individuals should continue to wash their hands often and use hand sanitizer when washing isn’t practical. Avoid touching your face, eyes, or nose, and use good respiratory etiquette like covering your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

Remote Work

• Starting June 1, 2021, the university will resume business operations which generally requires in person work. Exceptions to a return to previous work arrangements such as requests for remote work, will be made on a case by case basis and discussed with the supervisor. Such requests should follow the Remote Work Guidance.

For the 10th year straight, Wichita State University has been named as the top transfer destination for Kansas community college students.

About 900 Kansas community college students transferred to Wichita State, and one in every four students who choose to transfer from a Kansas community college to a four-year school chose Wichita State in 2019, the most recent data available.

Learning the signs of digital distress can help you recognize when students or friends might be struggling.

• Change in tone: If someone you know suddenly changes their general tone or expresses hopelessness, it may be a sign of distress, especially if they starting talking about death or disappearing.
• Change in frequency: If someone suddenly changes the amount they post or talk — either notable increase or decrease — it may be important to reach out.
• Change in amount appearing on camera: Not appearing in a Zoom class or an online hangout isn’t always indicative of distress, but someone changing the amount they appear could be.
• Distressing environment: If it appears from video calls or online classes that someone’s environment is chaotic or distressing, consider reaching out or connecting them to resources.
• No show: Someone not showing up for class or online hangouts without letting others know could be a sign of distress.
• Unresponsive: Not replying to the group chat isn’t necessarily a sign of distress, but a sudden change or going completely unresponsive could be a sign of distress.
• Disengaged: While on a video call, someone appearing disengaged could be a sign of distress, especially if that’s a sudden change.

Here are five tips from Student Health Services to make your COVID-19 experience fast and efficient: 

1. Appointments are required. Schedule at myWSU webpage under the “Home” tab.
2. Always bring your Dispense Assist form. For both the first and second vaccines. Complete, print and sign this form to bring with you.
3. Bring your COVID-19 vaccine card. For your second appointment, bring this card to be completed.
4. Be on time for your appointment! Vaccines are time-sensitive. If you’re late, your vaccine may be given to someone else.
5. Be prepared to wait 15-30 minutes after your vaccine. This is for both first and second vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccines are available to all students, faculty, and staff at Wichita State University.