Category: News

WSU Private data is information that has a low to moderate sensitivity and is intended for internal university business use only, with access restricted to a specific workgroup, department, group of individuals or affiliates with the legitimate need to use or access the information. A few examples include myWSU ID’s, information technology transaction logs and non-directory information or student records that are protected under FERPA. See WSU policy 19.20 / Data Sensitivity Classification for more specific information about WSU Private data.

WSU Private data is information that still warrants careful handling through use of privacy principles such as data minimization, storage limitations and purposeful use. Finding out what these principles are and how you can apply them is easy, just visit the Privacy SharePoint Site. Using these guiding privacy principles can help to protect the privacy of the students and other members of the WSU community we serve. Check back tomorrow for information on what is considered Restricted data at WSU. For more information about data labeling and how to apply labels, visit the Data Labeling Guide on the Information Security website.

The Office of Student Accommodations and Testing (OSAT) Testing Center will need you to fill out the Test Information Form to enable scheduling through Register Blast for each course. OSAT offers proctoring for all WSU students. The faster OSAT has testing details, the faster students will be able to schedule and take their exams.

The Testing Center’s testing hours are 8:15 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For questions, email testingcenter@wichita.edu or call 316-978-8378.

Public information doesn’t usually require privacy protections, but it still must remain accurate and maintain its integrity — both key privacy principles. Let’s take a closer look at the WSU Public label and the types of information it includes.

WSU Public data generally has a low sensitivity but still warrants protection in order to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the data. This type of data is explicitly or implicitly approved for distribution to the public without restriction. A few examples include information that is provided on the university’s public website, semester course schedules or information that has been approved for release by the Registrar’s Office. See WSU policy 19.20 / Data Sensitivity Classification for more specific information about WSU Public data.

Inaccurate personal information about an individual can still be harmful to them or to the organization. Check back tomorrow to learn about WSU Private data and how it differs from public data. For more information about data labeling and how to apply labels, visit the Data Labeling Guide on the Information Security website.

Make a book with the new Robert L. Cattoi Book Technologies Lab, located in the English department in 601 Lindquist Hall. The new lab will hold open hours this semester from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays.

Come by the lab during these times to learn about letterpress printing, bookbinding, zine making and other book-production techniques. Learn more about the space at wichita.edu/booklab.

Did you ever wonder what your role is in protecting the privacy of individuals whose personal information you manage? A great way to start is by understanding the data sensitivity classifications and labeling the personal information contained in documents and emails in our WSU system. To increase your knowledge in this area and in honor of Data Privacy week, learn more about data labeling.

WSU has four different categories of labels for data. They are WSU Public, WSU Private, WSU Restricted and WSU Proprietary. Check back each day this week to learn more about how to select and apply these labels. For more information about data labeling and how to apply labels, visit the Data Labeling Guide on the Information Security website.

Do you want to be the star of your own video feature for Wichita State’s social media? Video introductions are now being accepted from students just like you.

You can submit your video through the online Student Stories form. Videos should be under two minutes long and briefly showcase your story and personality. If selected, Wichita State will produce a short feature video to be posted on WSU’s social media.

The following are a few examples of similar features created by WSU:

• From WSU to NASA: My Journey Into Space Innovation
• This Shocker Followed His Passion at Shocker Studios
• This Shocker Made Wichita State University His Home

For questions, contact Marcus Wright, director of videography in the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, at marcus.wright@wichita.edu.

Starting Feb. 3, all browser extensions on WSU-managed devices will be blocked, except for a specific list of approved extensions. This change will enhance the privacy and security of WSU data by preventing the unwanted collection of sensitive information and conflicts with enterprise applications or technology policies. Most extensions currently in use across campus are already approved, and a majority of users will experience no disruption in their day-to-day internet browsing.

If you notice a browser extension that you need for your job no longer works after Feb. 3, submit a Desktop Support – Help Me Fix ticket. Under “What needs to be fixed?” select “Defender Block Exception,” and then select “Browser Extension” as the exception type. Learn more about the new policy and exemption process.

Teaching Tomorrow’s first issue of 2026 is out now. Classes are underway and campus is humming with students again. This issue provides some resources and links you may find yourself visiting as the semester begins.

One of the goals with this issue is that it provides support and tools for you to use as another busy semester begins. If you would like to get Teaching Tomorrow sent right to your email inbox, email oir@wichita.edu to get added to the mailing list.

Behind every student success story is someone who believed in them. Skylar Eikhoff-Fleeman, a student of the Elliott School of Communication, and her professor, Kevin Hager, share a mentorship that goes beyond the classroom. Whether they are producing media at Shocker Athletics events together, chatting during office hours or learning in the classroom, Skylar’s time with Kevin is marked by support, guidance and genuine care.

This video was produced by students in the fall 2025 Corporate & Commercial Video Production course.

As you come back to campus for the spring semester, you will notice ongoing and new construction across Wichita State University’s 330 acres and beyond.

Wilkins Stadium

Construction is complete on the indoor softball practice facility adjacent to Wilkins Stadium. Inside the building is a netted softball infield that is divisible into batting and pitching practice areas.

Construction of the softball team and operations building to the south of the new indoor facility is anticipated to start in early March. Construction staging will be in the north section of parking lot 15. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2027.

University Stadium Phase 1A/1B

The renovation of Wichita State’s Cessna Stadium into University Stadium (formerly Cessna Stadium) took a big step forward Jan. 8 when the WSU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to invest $38 million into Phase 2 of the project.

Phase 2 will begin after the KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships May 29-30 with demolition of the west grandstand in June. Construction of the new west stadium will be phased to ensure that seating is available for the 2027 KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships. Construction is scheduled to be complete before the 2028 KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships.

Construction continues for Phase 1B. This phase of construction consists of widening the field to hold a regulation-sized artificial turf soccer field and installing a nine-lane track and internal stadium sidewalks that will connect the east and west sides of the facility inside of the fence.

Improvements to the throwing area south of Charles Koch Arena are also underway. A storage building is under construction. Additions also include a longer javelin runway and warmup lanes. Shot put competition will move to this area from inside the stadium.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in April ahead of the KSHSAA State Track and Field Meet on May 29-30.

Ablah Library

Construction is underway on the second floor of the library for a project to relocate the Lowell D. Holmes Anthropology Museum from the current location in Neff Hall. The project is anticipated to be completed in early summer 2026.

The museum relocation is the first step to vacate the building in preparation for demolition of Neff Hall. The anthropology department will relocate to the Geology Building in early 2027 following a renovation in the Geology Building anticipated to begin in summer 2026.

Brennan I, II and III demolitions

Demolition of the three buildings is complete. TRIO/Upward Bound staff have relocated to their new home in Grace Wilkie Hall/Grace Wilkie Annex.

Henrion Hall HVAC Improvements Phase 3 and 4

Construction is underway in Henrion Hall for a project to provide air conditioning to the remainder of the building following recent projects in the sculpture and ceramics classroom areas as well as relocating and expanding the wood shop.

The project will be phased to allow the building to remain occupied but will affect building entrances throughout the year. Construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026.

Morrison Hall

Construction is underway in Morrison Hall on a project to replace the elevator and update the finishes/ceiling/lighting on the first floor of the building. The first floor and elevator are anticipated to be open to the public in February 2026.

NIAR Hub for Advanced Manufacturing Research

Construction on the NIAR HAMR building continues to progress. Construction is expected to be complete by the early 2026.

The 170,000-square-foot building is partly funded by an EDA grant and will house advanced manufacturing research labs and associated offices.

The building is located on Innovation Boulevard between the Partnership Building 1 and The Suites. The first floor is primarily labs with offices on the second floor.

Partnership Building 3B

Partnership Building 3B is under construction. It will house the Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The building is expected to be complete early in spring 2026.