Category: News

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).

What is a first-gen Student? A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parents/legal guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree. A student who is the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

• Faculty and staff help spread the word, there is an all-call for first-gen artists to apply for a chance to exhibit in the second annual First-Gen showcase, “Identity.” Applications will be accepted through Oct. 9.
• The First-Generation Honor Society, Tri-Alpha (Alpha Alpha Alpha) is now accepting applications from all first-gen Wichita State faculty, staff, alumni and students. The intent of membership is to build support and advocate for the academic excellence of first-generation college students.
• FOCUS ON FIRST-GEN: This week we highlight Aaron L. Austin, Ed.D., Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
• F1RST-GEN T-Shirts are available in the RSC Shocker Store for $12.

A live faculty and staff town hall will be held 2-3 p.m. today, Oct. 1 via YouTube. This event is an opportunity to listen to and interact with President Rick Muma and Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Shirley Lefever. The event will be moderated by Gabriel Fonseca, University Staff Senate president; and Whitney Bailey, Faculty Senate president.

Faculty and staff who participate can ask questions during the live chat YouTube stream. For participants who don’t have a YouTube account, follow the link below to create one. Creating an account will help facilitate questions in the live chat section of the Virtual Town Hall.

Six outdoor classroom spaces are now available for reservation Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. These spaces have been upgraded with 25 permanent Adirondak chairs.

For portable amplification, contact 316-978-7058.

Wichita State’s Student Involvement staff will be out of the office Thursday, Sept. 30 for professional development. The student involvement front desk staff will still be available for customer assistance during this time.

For more information, contact 316-978-3022, getinvolved@wichita.edu or stop by Rhatigan Student Center (room 216).