Category: From the President

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!

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.

Hello, Shocker family!

The leaves are turning, the weather is getting colder and before we know it, the winter holiday season will be upon us.

It’s been a wonderful year so far at Wichita State — and that’s because of all the hard work and dedication from you, my fellow Shockers.

As a token of my appreciation for all that you do, WSU is providing all benefits-eligible employees two personal days away from work during the upcoming campus shutdown. Employees will not have to use accrued leave for these two days during shutdown and may only use them from Dec. 21, 2022, to Jan. 2, 2023. The two holiday personal days will not be available except during the upcoming campus shutdown.

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

Finally, you’re all invited to our annual tradition — the Winter Holiday Party — from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 1 in the RSC Beggs Ballroom. More details to come soon in WSU Today.

Thank you once again for all you’ve done this year for our students, your colleagues and all of Shocker Nation.

Go Shockers!

President Rick Muma

Make sure to catch the latest episode of my “Forward Together” podcast, where I talk with Athletic Director Kevin Saal about all things Shocker Athletics and NIL. Watch it here — https://wsu.news/FTWSaal — or listen at https://wsu.news/ftpodcast or on Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts and Apple Podcasts (iTunes).

The next episode will focus on Wichita State as a driver for education in Kansas. Subscribe here and be notified when new episodes are available.

Dear faculty and staff, 

One of our fellow Regents institutions announced an organizational restructuring using, in part, a policy issued by the Kansas Board of Regents in response to the financial pressures created by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

This announcement may cause you to wonder if Wichita State will also be availing itself of this temporary policy. That answer is simple: no.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced institutions across the country to rethink how they do business: financially, programmatically and operationally. Wichita State is no exception.  

We have had to make our own difficult, strategic decisions to navigate these uncharted waters (i.e., voluntary retirements, hiring freezes, restrictions on discretionary spending, etc.) and it is through your hard work, dedication and sacrifice that we have been successful in raising revenue while reducing costs to preserve the policies and past practices of our institution.  

Thank you for your continued support of Wichita State University. 

Have a great semester, 

President Rick Muma 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. To highlight the importance of this month, President Rick Muma is encouraging students, faculty and staff to engage with Wichita State’s nationally recognized Suspenders4Hope Preventing Suicide training. The training helps amplify efforts at WSU to reduce the stigma around mental health and to normalize treatment.

Watch the video to learn more about the benefits of the Suspenders4Hope training

Shocker family,

Wichita State University has a long history of individuals committed to making it a place where students and our entire community can learn and grow. This year, the WSU Foundation is hosting the first annual Founders’ Day of Giving to honor the legacy that was begun in September of 1895, which we continue to build today.

This giving day will be held Sept. 14, and is a chance for all of us to come together with students, alumni and friends of the university to celebrate our past and invest in our future. You can easily support this day, whether through donating personally or advocating for a program, college or organization important to you.

As a member of the Wichita State community, I know you care deeply for this university and the students we serve. Together, we will continue to make a difference in their lives and the greater Wichita community.

Learn more about Founders’ Day of Giving and help us invest in the future of Wichita State.

With Shocker Pride,

Rick Muma

Hello, Shockers. As we begin a new academic year, it’s my pleasure to welcome you home to Wichita State University. Everyone in our Shocker family is dedicated to your success, so don’t hesitate to reach out to faculty or staff. We’re all here for you.