Access Now, a system that digitally delivers all students’ course materials at a discounted rate, is switching models to increase sustainability and affordability.

Currently, the Access Now program uses an opt-in model, which requires each individual student to purchase a subscription before the 100% refund date to avoid interruption to course materials. Although this model has been effective to date, it is not sustainable as faculty and student demand continues to increase.

Beginning spring 2022, Wichita State will transition from an opt-in model to an opt-out model. For students and faculty, this means no more codes, no more terminations if the student does not purchase the required subscription by the 100% refund date. Students who enroll in an Access Now course will be assessed a course material charge to their student account. Students will then have the freedom to opt-out by the 100% refund date if they wish to not participate in the negotiated discount price for the materials.

Wichita State’s transition to an opt-out model will reduce the hassle experienced by students at the busy time of a new semester.

In addition to the convenience of Access Now, students save an average of 20% on current electronic books and up to 60% of physical textbooks and other course materials with the delivery system.

“We anticipate this pilot program to provide digital course materials as an option for students will result in a cost savings to students, which is in alignment with our commitment to providing an affordable education,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, interim provost of Wichita State. “The added convenience and accessibility are also features that attracted us to this program.” 

For fall 2021, 139 courses use Access Now with 63 on the waiting list to join. Beginning summer 2022, the program will be open to all faculty.

“The response of the program since its inception in summer 2018 has been remarkable,” said Andi Stipp, director of Shocker Stores. “We have grown exponentially with the number of courses and instructors who wish to participate. Students, too, are excited because it takes the thinking out of finding a textbook and it is the most affordable option in the market. Faculty like it because students all have the proper book and courseware, when applicable, to begin without fear of falling behind. Everyone is on the same page from day one.”

Students who wish to opt-out of Access Now course delivery will be able to do so through Blackboard.

Picture of Wichita State Junior Maria Jimenez.

A Wichita State University student has wielded her love of nature into an internship with one of the nation’s leading outdoors companies.

Maria Jimenez — a junior studying industrial engineering in Wichita State’s Industrial, Systems and Manufacturing Engineering Department — spent her summer interning with White River Marine Group, a co-op of Bass Pro Shop. For her, the chance to work for the company was an extension of not only her skills, but also her love of all things outdoors.

Shocker Profile Headshots. 2021 Format Continues. Scheduled over two days at the Rhatigan Student Center by appointment only.

The Office of Strategic Communications offers headshots for WSU faculty and staff at no charge. Headshot events will be scheduled twice a semester over two days in the Rhatigan Student Center (room 142).

Headshots are available by appointment only and are now open for Oct. 4-5.

  • 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct 4
  • 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 5
A physician assistant student practices on a simulation mannequin.

The College of Health Professions at Wichita State University has reorganized its general health science courses into the Scientific Foundations Division.

The restructuring is intended to expand student exposure to clinical expertise of the college’s faculty, as well as the unique facilities within the college. The new divisional structure will build on the college’s nationally recognized educational experience for students in the health professions.

Parking Services will close two parking lots to accommodate events on campus Sept. 24 and Sept. 26.

Parking lot 7 (located outside the Rhatigan Student Center) and parking lot 20 (located behind Wilner Auditorium) will close all day Friday, Sept. 24. Parking lot 1 (the student lot located along Hillside Avenue) will close Sunday, Sept. 26 for the Show-N-Shine car show. Lot 1 will need to be empty before Sunday morning.

Picture of Dr. Eva Gartnerová, at her desk.

The Ulrich Museum at Wichita State University is hosting Dr. Eva Gartnerová, a scholar from the Czech Republic, for the 2021-2022 academic year as a Fulbright visiting scholar. While here, Gartnerová will study the university art museum and learn how it engages with its various communities, including people on campus, local school children, and the public at-large.

Gartnerová hopes to apply what she learns here back in the Czech Republic, where universities are just now looking into setting up art museums. Though the Czech Republic does have galleries, none of them host permanent collections, nor do they typically host programs. She said she chose to observe the Ulrich because it excels in both of those areas.

“You have a wonderful collection and a large schedule of programs, working with the community,” said Gartnerová. “Your museum is part of the national networks.”

Along with taking field notes at Museum programs, Gartnerová will develop a questionnaire she hopes to share with visitors, and she also has plans to conduct focus groups.

Ulrich Director Leslie Brothers said she was excited to have the Fulbright scholar at the museum.

“We are thrilled to be hosting Dr. Gartnerová as she researches how American university art museums are valued, and the role they play on college campuses and in their communities,” Brothers said. “We look forward to working with her.”

Although Wichita and the Ulrich will serve as Gartnerová’s base location throughout the year, she will also spend time observing other art museums, including the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma.

Gartnerová says she’s happy to get settled in Wichita and begin observing the museum’s practices. She also believes there is a potential to develop an art tourism market in the Midwest for Europeans interested in getting off the beaten path of the usual museums on both U.S. coasts.

“It’s a huge campus and everyone has been so nice, so hospitable,” Gartnerová said.

Picture of Wu Wu waiting at a shuttle stop.

To better assist students living at 21W and Somerset Apartments, Wichita Transit will add another loop beginning Monday, Sept. 20. The new loop, which takes place after the 10:20 p.m. stop at the metroplex, will travel east on 29th to Woodlawn, south to 21st, and then travel west on 21st street to include stops at these apartments.

Route 202 makes its final campus stop at Hubbard Hall at approximately 10:15 p.m. and ends its route at 10:20 p.m. at the Metropolitan Complex. Students using the transit service are encouraged to download the MyStop app to follow the buses in real-time.

The Wichita State University College of Applied Studies announced today the launch of Men of Color: Educators of Tomorrow, a new mentor education program for young men of color interested in pursuing careers in teaching and other education-related paths.

The launch is focused on high school students — particularly freshmen—in Wichita Public Schools, as well as male students of color majoring in education-related programs at Wichita State. Participants will have the opportunity to work with a mentor or success coach, engage in career exploration along with their families, and participate in service-learning projects.

Picture of John Lee, director of Campus Recreation, holding pickleballs in front of sign that reads 'Renovation Notice-Pickleball Courts and Tennis Courts Coming Soon-We apologize for any inconvenience caused.'

As interest in pickleball grew, John Lee’s Campus Recreation staff drew chalk lines on tennis courts to modify the space for the sport.

Later this fall, pickleball becomes permanent on campus at the Heskett Center’s Outdoor Sports Complex.

Graphic featuring yellow and white text bubbles.

Did you know Wichita State offers Shocker Parking text alerts?

Members can receive text notifications about street and lot closures, athletics parking and more sent on their smartphone.