Category: News

If you have not already done so, submit your fall 2025 textbook requests to the Shocker Store. The latest Access Now requests will be accepted is Monday, June 30.

Requests for course materials to be in Access Now will be accepted via email (lisa.fitzsimmons@wichita.edu), in person (RSC Shocker Store) or campus mail (box 55). For any questions or concerns, contact the Shocker Store at shockerstore.books@wichita.edu or 316-978-7032.

Wichita State University celebrated 126 graduates of its Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP), which helps paraeducators become licensed teachers while continuing to work. Most are first-generation college students, now moving from earning about $11,000/year to starting salaries around $40,000.

The ceremony included starfish pins and TAP stoles, symbolizing the impact educators make. “The Teacher Apprentice Program provided me with the support, tools, and coaching I needed to grow into the educator I am today,” said graduate Janete Hernandez. “I’m proud to have completed this journey and excited to continue making a difference in the classroom.”

TAP also helps fill critical teacher shortages in Kansas – nearly 200 positions this year alone.

Dr. Linnea GlenMaye, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, has announced that she will retire Aug. 16.

In 1998, GlenMaye came to Wichita State after completing her dissertation in social welfare at the University of Washington in Seattle. In 2004, she was appointed as director of the School of Social Work, and in 2011 she moved into her current role as associate vice president for Academic Affairs. She also served as the acting dean of the College of Health Professions in 2020.

GlenMaye has been instrumental in developing the Master of Social Work program and has contributed significantly to academic affairs and faculty development.

“Dr. GlenMaye has been a steady, thoughtful presence at Wichita State for more than two decades. Her ability to lead with intellect and empathy has made this university better,” said Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost.

Details regarding the search for her successor will be shared in the coming months.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve Wichita State in several roles over these 27 years. Over that time, I’ve seen so much change and growth, but one thing never changes and that is the importance of relationships built across the campus. I will dearly miss the outstanding faculty, staff, and students who have enriched my life both personally and professionally,” GlenMaye said.

There will be a reception to honor GlenMaye’s service to the university and to celebrate her retirement from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 in Woolsey Hall’s Fidelity Ballroom.

Wichita State’s Public Policy and Management Center (PPMC) recently concluded a report done at the request of the Wichita/Sedgwick County Homelessness Task Force, looking at the economic impact of homelessness in the city and county.

The study is the most comprehensive local effort to date to quantify the financial effects of homelessness across public, nonprofit and private sectors.

“Homelessness impacts our entire community. That’s why this City Council took action, including revising the camping ordinance and making an unprecedented investment in Second Light, a new shelter with comprehensive services,” said Wichita Mayor Lily Wu. “This study provides a foundation as we work to implement those efforts and pursue real, lasting solutions.”

The lower-bound documented impact includes:

• At least $11.3 million in public sector costs such as police response, code enforcement and parks maintenance
• At least $8.9 million in nonprofit sector costs, including healthcare and shelter services
• $35,000+ in direct private sector costs to a single establishment, such as cleanup and property damage

The PPMC report also includes a housing needs assessment, revealing a shortage of both very low-income rental units and high-end homes. The assessment found that single-person and large households face the greatest difficulty securing affordable housing. Data also suggest that suppressed household formation — when individuals delay moving into their own homes — could represent at least 2,600 potential new households, especially among adults aged 18 to 34.

The full study identifies several next steps to improve local data and planning:

• Develop standardized tracking systems across public departments
• Expand private sector research to quantify broader economic impacts
• Improve cost-measurement tools for both direct and indirect homelessness-related expenses

Starting July 1, 2025, new request procedures and rental/delivery charges will be in place for additional table and chair deliveries from University Event & Meeting Services and Facilities Services.

The procedures and fees are for additional tables and chairs that are delivered by facilities services. It does not affect furniture that is already in a space.

For more information and to view the updated procedures and charges, visit the University Event & Meeting Services website. Questions? Email myevent@wichita.edu.

The first annual SELebration conference took place June 2 at the Maize Performing Arts Center, bringing together educators, counselors and school community members for a full day dedicated to social-emotional learning (SEL).

Organized by Drs. Lyndsey Brown, Christie Henderson, Jill Wood and Kimberly Moody — all from the College of Applied Studies — the event featured 20 breakout sessions, more than $500 in SEL-focused giveaways and a keynote by Hanna Kemble Mick that explored the connection between SEL and artificial intelligence.

Participants left feeling both inspired and equipped, with many sharing how they planned to apply new strategies in their schools and communities.

Special thanks to the College of Applied Studies, Maize USD 266, Project Teacher, Le Luci Lighting and Design, Hope Bunker and Credit Union of America for making the event possible.

“SELebration was more than a conference,” Brown said. “It was a powerful reminder of why we do this work. And we couldn’t be prouder of what we created.”

Historically, the month of May brings a wave of academic stress for students, and spring 2025 was no exception. As final exams approached and students worked to finish the semester strong, the CARE Team remained actively engaged, supporting 52 new students facing a range of academic challenges.

The most common concerns reported included academic distress related to final exams, coursework submissions, graduation requirements and GPA maintenance. These issues reflect the ongoing pressures students face at the end of each academic term.

Looking ahead, the CARE Team anticipates a shift in student needs during the summer months. Based on trends from the past two years, we expect to see a rise in concerns related to housing instability and food insecurity throughout June and July.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to remain vigilant and refer students who may be struggling. Submitting a report through the website allows a CARE Team case manager to connect with the student, offer essential resources and provide emotional support as they navigate these challenges.

Due to the fiscal year-end budget load, timesheets and leave reports for Pay Period 14 (June 8-21) will not open until week two of the pay period. A notification will be sent out once it is available to access.

Juneteenth (Thursday, June 19) is a holiday and will automatically populate on timesheets for benefit eligible hourly employees who have a set schedule.

Time sign-off for Pay Period 14 will be at noon Monday, June 23.

Wichita State University will be closed Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly declared it a state holiday in 2023.

Last month’s edition of President Rick Muma’s Forward Together newsletter focused on the past year of Wichita State, including:

• Our spring 2025 class of Shocker graduates
• President’s Distinguished Service Awards and University Faculty Awards
• The recent groundbreaking of the new Internet Exchange Point
• A look back at the entire academic year, through photos