Category: News

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders has received a gift to create the Audiology Simulation Lab at Wichita State University. The lab contains five state-of-the-art Canadian Audiology simulators for Research and Learning (CARL) manikins and auxiliary equipment — four adult heads and one infant head. Dr. William McCormick donated $25,000 in memory of his wife, Deanne, to start the Audiology Simulation Lab located on the lower level of Hubbard Hall.

The manufacturer of CARL, AHead Simulations, developed the units to decrease the risk associated with students practicing on each other or real patients. The CARL manikins provide Doctor of Audiology (AuD) students the autonomy to practice important procedures such as making earmold impressions and placing behind-the-ear hearing aids. Manikin use standardizes student learning and testing and allows students to gain practical hours through simulation. It also allows students to continue their education if clinics shut down, as they did during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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.”

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.”

WSU Tech student Nolan Oglesby works as an intern in one of Wichita’s most well known aircraft hangars, learning how to trouble-shoot avionics components and systems.

It is his path through Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) to a career as an aircraft mechanic. He works at NIAR’s WERX Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul hangar, which once housed Boeing Air Force One modification facilities.

The season for Glide Fit is coming to an end. Make sure to join us for the last week Oct. 4-8 at the Heskett Center. The next season will begin spring 2021. Glide Fit is available at the following times:

• 5:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday
• noon Tuesdays and Thursdays

Glide Fit is a great way to test your balance, core strength, coordination and more. This 45-minute class welcomes all fitness levels.

Learn more from our exchange students about their experiences at Wichita State by reading Study Abroad Spotlights. This week, read about Julian Pollet’s time as a Shocker and his favorite part about studying at Wichita State.

Wichita State University is committed to assisting all members of the Wichita State University community in providing for their own safety and security. The 2021 annual Security and Fire Safety Report is now available.

The report, which is accessible either at the website or in printed form, contains information regarding campus security and personal safety including topics such as crime prevention, fire safety, university police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures, and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus. The annual report also contains information about crime statistics for the three previous calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on the Main Campus, Old Town, WSU South, and WSU West; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Wichita State University; and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the Main Campus, Old Town, WSU South, and WSU West.

If you would like to receive a printed version of the 2021 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, please stop by the University Police Department (located south of Wilkins Softball Stadium) to request a free copy. You may also request a free copy be mailed to you by calling the University Police Department at 316-978-3450.

Before he could even walk, JW Webster could do something only a handful of other people in the world could do: speak the Cherokee language.

Today Webster is one of only 1,200 people who can fluently read, write and speak the indigenous language — which is ranked as one of the most difficult languages to learn. In August, Webster’s sacred knowledge became part of Wichita State University’s applied linguistics program through a new class, Elementary Cherokee I (LING 590).