Category: News

Have a book that you would like to suggest for consideration for the Wichita State Common Read program? Send in your nominations for the next common read book for the 2026-27 school year.

Wichita State Common Read is the university’s common read program designed to spark conversation between students across majors on campus. The program strives to take educational concepts learned in the classroom and provide meaningful connections with out-of-the-classroom programs and activities. The WSU Common Read Committee will be convening in spring to review nominations.

Track and field coach John Wise sits down with Shocker play-by-play man Mike Kennedy for an interview. They talk about his entire career from the early days working as a student on campus to today where he is still making memories over 40 years later.

He talks about his job during the football plane crash in 1970, the baseball team’s national championship in 1989, going to the Final 4 with men’s basketball in 2014 and his recent battle with cancer.

The AI boom has brought about many new, free products to the community. Information security has been investigating these AI driven products and how they represent themselves is not always what you expect.

Examples include:

• When you accept the terms and conditions to use the free model, any emails, text or chat messages, pictures and videos on the device can be collected and used to train, regardless of the sensitivity.
• Messaging, audio and video is being used to infer and report out a possibly inaccurate picture of an individual’s engagement and participation in meetings.
• Personal information collected in these systems is being sold to outside entities or reused without consent.

Is there an AI assistant you want to use? If so, reach out to the to the Data Management Committee by email at DataTransferReview@wichita.edu before engaging with free services. “Free” often means data, sensitive or not, becomes their data. Often times, ITS has cheaper, better and safer integrated solutions.

For more information on the safe and ethical use of generative AI, visit WSU Generative AI Guidelines.​

The Wichita State Accounts Receivable Office would like to inform students that the IRS requires WSU to report all tuition charges with a valid social security number and legal name. To be eligible for the 2024 Higher Education Tax Credit, you must have your SSN on file with WSU by Dec. 31, 2024.

Please complete the W-9S form by logging into your myWSU portal, going to myFinances tab, under Accounts Receivable Links click on “Provide your SSN to WSU with the W-9S form.” Please return within seven days by mail to: WSU Accounts Receivable, 1845 Fairmount Box 38, Wichita, KS 67260-0038. Accounts Receivable recommends students protect their private information by not emailing this form.

For questions, contact Accounts Receivable at wsuaccountsreceivable@wichita.edu or call 316-978-3333 for assistance.

The University Staff Senate invites the Wichita State community to submit nominations for outstanding university staff for the 2025 President’s Award for Distinguished Service and the newly established Staff Excellence Awards. These awards recognize the dedication and excellence of Wichita State staff who have provided exemplary, dedicated and caring service to the WSU community that is beyond the expectations of the duties and responsibilities of their position. Selected honorees are recognized at the annual Shocker Pride Celebration. Nominations can be submitted by anyone from within the Wichita State community.

To nominate a deserving staff member, visit the nomination webpage to learn more.

Nomination materials must be received by 5 p.m. Feb. 7, 2025. Send your nomination electronically to Gabriel Fonseca at gabriel.fonseca@wichita.edu

Applications for the 2025 John A. See Innovation Award are now open and are being accepted through Jan. 17, 2025. The award was established in 2013 by John A. See to support prototype development, which may include development of products in engineering and science, development of life-enhancing therapeutic products, creation of application of new knowledge and artistic ventures.

Faculty and students are eligible to apply for the proof of concept award. For more information and access to the online application options, go to wichita.edu/innovationaward.

Applications are now open for the Wichita State Mortar Board Honor Society. Accepted juniors and seniors can creative positive change on campus through scholarship, leadership and service.

Since its founding in 1918, Mortar Board has recognized students who exemplify excellence and dedication to helping others. The WSU chapter has been active since 1954, with over 1,590 WSU alumni who have embraced this legacy. Becoming a member of Mortar Board comes with many benefits, including recognition for achievements and leadership abilities, development for the Wichita community and fellowship and scholarship opportunities.

Don’t miss this chance make the most of your impact on campus. Apply by Jan. 17, 2025.

Faculty, review the final exam schedule available on the Registrar’s website.

Final exams should be held in the same room assigned to the class during the time slot listed on the final exam schedule. Any deviation from the room or time should be coordinated with the Registrar’s Office ahead of time to avoid conflicts with other classes. Contact michele.august@wichita.edu if you have any questions or need to make alternate arrangements.

In November every year, the Teaching Today newsletter takes a moment to give thanks and recognize the value of connection. In this year’s Thankful edition, OIR staff shares what they’re thankful for at Wichita State. You will also find a piece on connection and loneliness that encourages you to think about how you are connecting with others. There is also a piece on Blackboard Annotate and all of the tools available for instructors to use there

The December 2024 Food For Fines will take place Dec 2-6. Food for Fines is an initiative to support the Shocker Support Locker while providing a cheaper alternative to pay parking citations. All donations for Food for Fines can be dropped off at the Student Government’s Office in 219 Rhatigan Student Center or the Parking Services building.

Note that donations can only be accepted during the donation period and that citations can not be more than two months old. Questions can be directed to sga@wichita.edu.