President Muma speaking into microphone. A message from President Muma.

Hello, Shocker family!

Even though it’s only October, I’m likely not the only one who is thinking ahead to the upcoming holiday season. Having a break to rest and refresh — as well as spend time with loved ones — is one of the many perks of working at Wichita State.

And on that note, I’m happy to announce that for this year’s winter break — in alignment with other Regents universities — benefits-eligible WSU employees will also be given Dec. 26-29 without having to use accrued leave time, in addition to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The winter break will look like this:

  • Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 (accrued leave)
  • Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 (accrued leave)
  • Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 (accrued leave)
  • Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 (accrued leave)
  • Monday, Dec. 25, 2023 (paid holiday)
  • Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023 (paid day)
  • Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023 (paid day)
  • Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023 (paid day)
  • Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 (paid day)
  • Monday Jan. 1, 2024 (paid holiday)

Please refer to these frequently asked questions for more information on your leave days and what to do if you work during the winter break.

Thank you for all you do to make Shocker Nation what it is. Your efforts, enthusiasm and dedication are truly appreciated.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the semester and are looking forward to an enjoyable and relaxing winter break.

Go Shockers!
President Rick Muma

Hello, Shockers,

Whether you’re new to Wichita State or a returning Shocker, I welcome you to the start of the fall semester here at WSU. I hope you enjoyed your summer and are refreshed and ready to dive right in.

To our faculty and staff, your dedication to the growth of our students and support of our community inspires me every day.

My hope is that each of you will take with you the excitement and energy that comes with the start of this school year and use that to push you forward throughout the semester.

Go Shockers!

Hello, Shockers,

Whether you’re new to Wichita State or a returning Shocker, I welcome you to the start of the fall semester here at WSU. I hope you enjoyed your summer and are refreshed and ready to dive right in.

Students, you are the heartbeat of our university, and I can’t wait to see what you do this year as you pursue your passions.

My hope is that each of you will take with you the excitement and energy that comes with the start of this school year and use that to push you forward throughout the semester.

Go Shockers!

President Muma speaking into microphone. A message from President Muma.

Dear colleagues,

I wanted to provide an update on pay and benefits. As you may remember, we communicated earlier in the semester about the possibility of a 4-5% pay increase for university employees, however, what was signed into law only allows for a 2.5% across-the-board pay raise for benefits-eligible employees starting July 1. (Areas that are funded by external sources, such as contracts and grants, may be handled differently and as appropriate in affected departments.)

It is a cornerstone of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan that we invest in our faculty and staff by providing a fair and competitive compensation program for WSU employees. That includes not only this upcoming raise, but also our continued investment in Wichita State’s Market-Based Compensation (MBC) initiative – a comprehensive compensation plan focused on creating internal and external pay equity. This year, one of our MBC goals was to bring all staff who were not already at the minimum of their pay range to the minimum of that range. Our other MBC goal was to re-analyze pay for our faculty who had previously earned a Professor Incentive Review (PIR) and apply pay adjustments as needed based on the results of the analysis. Managers will communicate the details of these pay changes to their respective employees throughout June.

In addition to pay, WSU is committed to consistent improvement to health benefits for all employees. To that end, we have covered increases in health benefits for the past four years, resulting in no increase to employee premiums.

As we look back on this academic year, I want to thank each one of you for your hard work and commitment to our students and the success of every aspect of the university you touch.

Go Shockers!

President Rick Muma

Image of President Muma speaking into microphone and text A message from President Muma.

Hello, Shocker graduates. I speak on behalf of everyone at Wichita State University in offering our sincerest congratulations. Your hard work and determination have paid off, and I can’t wait to see how well you’ll change the world.

We’re all so very proud of your accomplishments. As you make plans for your future, be sure to stay connected with your Shocker roots.

The spring 2023 commencement ceremony is Saturday, May 13 in Charles Koch Arena, and this is the 125th spring commencement ceremony at Wichita State.

It’s a new year and a new semester at Wichita State University, and our campus is alive with innovation, opportunities and Shocker spirit.

Image of President Muma speaking into microphone and text A message from President Muma.

Hello, fellow Shocker family! 

Earlier this fall, I announced that all benefits-eligible employees were being provided with two personal days to use during the upcoming campus shutdown. 

I’m pleased to now announce that — in alignment with the other Regents universities — WSU is providing benefits-eligible employees with two more personal days away from work, for a total of four. 

The two new days — as well as the two previously announced days — can be used any time between now and Jan. 31, 2023.  

Please note this is a change from the previous announcement, meaning you have four personal days now to use for either the campus shutdown or another time in the month of January. 

The days will be listed as “Additional Personal Days-2022” when you complete your payroll. 

See these frequently asked questions for more information on your leave days

I hope you enjoy this extra time, which is no doubt well-deserved! 

Thank every one of you for all you do. 

Go Shockers! 

As the year draws to a close, Wichita State has so much to celebrate, including each of you. I want to thank all of you for everything you do each day and your commitment to Shocker Nation.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy your time off and come back next year rested and invigorated.

Go Shockers!

President Rick Muma

As the year draws to a close, Wichita State has so much to celebrate, including each of our amazing students. I want to thank all of you for choosing WSU and for all your hard work this year.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy your time off; and if you’re graduating this week — please accept my heartfelt congratulations. You did it! I can’t wait to see what you do in the future.

Go Shockers!

You're invited to the president's winter holiday party. Come and go, 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1; Beggs Ballroom, Rhatigan Student Center

President Rick Muma and First Gentleman Rick Case cordially invite all faculty and staff to the Wichita State Winter Party from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 in the RSC Shirley Beggs Ballroom (third floor).

The President’s Executive Team will be there to greet attendees. Party attendees will receive a complimentary holiday glass — the first in a yearly series of vintage WuShock glasses — while supplies last. One per person.

Please RSVP for one of three time slots by Nov. 23.