Category: News

Wichita State students are invited to fill out the Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) survey now through Feb. 25. All responses will be kept confidential, and all identifying information will be removed.

In fall  2019, Wichita State began pursuing the IEP designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU).

The IEP designation program helps higher education institutions better know, measure, tell and enhance their economic and community development impact while recognizing institutions that have demonstrated a substantive, sustainable and institution-wide commitment to and strategy for regional economic engagement, growth and economic opportunity. In Kansas, both Kansas State University and the University of Kansas have received this designation, as well as 70 other universities across the country.

WSU’s APLU IEP submission will be based on our Strategic Plan Goals and documented activities through the Strategic Planning Dashboard Submissions. It aligns with what higher education institutions have been tasked with by the Kansas Board of Regents through their Building a Future strategic plan and the Department of Commerce Framework for Growth plan, as well as President Rick Muma’s goals and priorities.

At the heart of the IEP Universities program is promoting institutional change to maximize the impact of research, learning and engagement on the regional economy and society, and that’s where we need the help of Wichita State students.

The WSU IEP team wants to hear from students to get their feedback about where WSU needs to go from here, what direction the university needs to go in, what WSU needs to get done to move in that direction and what solutions does the university need to have to move forward.

For more information, please contact diane.tinker-hurst@wichita.edu.

What is a first-gen student?

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) 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.

• Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Cheyla Clawson, director, School of Performing Arts, assistant professor of dance.
• Sign-up to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers—Designed to foster a community of first-generation professionals to build a group that offered professional development and networking opportunities where common experiences could be shared and address the needs of first-gen professionals as they navigate Wichita State University.

What is a first-gen student?

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) 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.

First-gen students are encouraged to sign up to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers. The group is designed to foster a community of first-generation professionals to build a group that offered professional development and networking opportunities where common experiences could be shared and address the needs of first-gen professionals as they navigate Wichita State University

Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Natanya Ordoñez, majoring in pre-dentistry.

How does it feel to be the first member of your family to attend college?

It is very exciting and overwhelming as I have a lot to learn, not only for my degree but about myself. Overall, I am proud of all my achievements and hard work to get me to this point in my life.

What piece of advice would you share with an incoming first-generation college student?

Be curious and open-minded. Allow space for growth and experience. Most importantly, give yourself grace. You are your biggest critic but also your biggest cheerleader.

Any advice you would share with the Wichita State community working with first-generation students?

Every interaction matters when it comes to dealing with students, especially those who identify as first-generation. No matter how big or how small the interaction is, let it leave a positive and lasting impact on their journey here at WSU.

What do you hope to do after you graduate from Wichita State?

I plan to attend dental school I hope to specialize in endodontics. I want to be able to give people a smile worth smiling.

The Widener Global Leaders Program is now taking applications for the 2022-2023 class. Applications are open from Feb. 1-March 1. The program is looking for 10 women undergraduates who are eager to learn and want to develop personally and professionally.  

The Widener Global Leaders Program is an immersive, multidisciplinary approach to prepare Wichita State women scholars majoring in business, communication, or fine arts for leadership roles. The year-long program incorporates concepts from business, communication and music to develop a unique global perspective with an innovative mindset. It is designed to create a transformative experience while fostering an inclusive community and extended network. 

Participants will benefit from counsel and coaching from faculty leads in each of the areas, as well as individual consultations from a personal branding coach. The program also merges education and practical experiences with mentoring opportunities from a unique advisory board of distinguished women leaders from various industries, providing enviable one-on-one connections with and lessons directly from those who have walked the walk.

For more information about the Widener-GLP, please visit Wichita State’s Widener Global Leaders Program website.

The Barton School of Business Student Success Center will close for an all-campus advisor retreat today, Feb. 9. Regular hours will resume Thursday, Feb. 10.

Fore more information, contact business.advisor@wichita.edu.

The Office of Adult Learning is now accepting applications for the Osher Reentry Scholarship. To qualify, students must be fully enrolled at Wichita State, pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, have a cumulative gap in their education of at least five years and only 50% of their classes can be online. The application for the fall 2022 Semester contains one essay question. To view the full list of requirements and access the application, visit the Osher Reentry Scholarships Program.

For more information, please contact 316-978-8325 or adultlearning@wichita.edu.

Student Perception of Teaching Effectiveness (SPTE) Request forms will be distributed in the next couple of days. Faculty can choose to complete a fillable PDF request form at the Social Science Research Lab website.

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Human Resources (HR) Office front lobby will close through the end of business day for non-scheduled walk-in traffic today, Feb. 4.

If you have a scheduled appointment with an HR team member, they will meet you in the HR vestibule at the scheduled time.

If you need to schedule an appointment during this time, please contact 316-978-3065 or email the HR Service Center. The HR Office front lobby will reopen and resume normal business hours Monday, Feb. 7.

Larry Drake, an Air Force Reservist and Wichita State Student, presented a framed U.S. flag with a certificate to Wichita State’s Military and Veteran Center last week. The flag was flown over of Syria and Iraq in an Air Force F-16 C+ Viper for the university.

Drake deployed to Syria and Iraq in 2021 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He presented the flag to the center to show appreciation for the work they do to support military students and veterans in their pursuit of higher education. Drake attended WSU using the GI Bill.

Upon receiving the flag, Larry Burks, director of WSU’s Military and Veteran Center said, “Student veterans are great Americans, and we are proud for their service to our country and for their support of our university.

“The flag and the certificate are now displayed prominently at the center as a sign of appreciation for Drake’s gesture. The display also honors the service of all of WSU’s military and veteran students.

Thank you for registering for the sixth annual Strategic Communications marketing and communications seminar for WSU faculty and staff to be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon, today, Feb. 3, via Zoom.

Here are a few things you need to know:

• The keynote speaker is Misty Bruckner, director for the Public Policy Management Center. Bruckner will provide an overview of Market Research and outline future research on the I-70 and I-35 corridors
• Choose to attend three of five sessions.
• The web session, “Let’s get personal,” will be recorded and available later
  
  If you have not yet RSVP’d and would like to attend, reach out to Carmen Hytche at carmen.hytche@wichta.edu.