Shocker Blast: Friday, Sept. 29, 2023

Shocktoberfest

Enjoy breakfast with your dean

Stop by for a light breakfast and conversation with the dean of your academic college at Dine with the Deans from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center, Harvest Room.

Learn about what new initiatives are occurring, ask questions and share knowledge. Dine with the Deans is a signature experience of Shocktoberfest and is coordinated by the Student Activities Council.

For more information on Dine with the Deans, contact Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership at 316-978-3022.

Learn more about Shocktoberfest

Celebrate Wu’s 75th birthday at Wu’s Birthday Bash Oct. 2

WuShock has reached another milestone in Shocker history. Celebrate Wu and 75 years of bringing Shockers together at Wu’s Birthday Bash from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2 on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Wu’s Birthday Bash features music, games, snacks, cakes and a chance to congratulate Wu in person. Wu will be present at Wu’s Birthday Bash from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students with Shocker ID can stop by for an official Shocktoberfest T-shirt while supplies last.

Wu’s Birthday Bash is a signature experience of Shocktoberfest and is coordinated by the Student Activities Council. For more information on this event, contact Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership at 316-978-3022.

Learn more about Shocktoberfest

News

2024-25 FAFSA form opens December 2023

There are major changes and improvements coming to the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. As a result, the new form will be available in December 2023, not the usual Oct. 1 date.

The launch date will apply only for the 2024-25 FAFSA form.

The changes to the FAFSA form for the 2024-25 aid year include:

Expanded eligibility for federal student aid
A more streamlined application process

For more information, visit studentaid.gov

Donate food, pay off fines with October Food for Fines

Food For Fines is an initiative to serve the population of Wichita State while supporting the Shocker Support Locker. During the week of Oct. 2-6, certain parking and traffic citations can be forgiven with a designated donation to the Shocker Support Locker.

Donations can be dropped off at the Student Government Association office in 219 Rhatigan Student Center or the University Police Department.

For more information and details about the program and donation eligibility, visit the Student Advocate webpage or email our student advocates at sga.gradadvocate@wichita.edu or sga.ugadvocate@wichita.edu

WSU Esports director nominated for ‘Scholars – Collegiate Gaming Program Director of the Year’

The College of Applied Studies announced that Travis Yang, director of Shocker Esports, has been nominated for the Scholars – Collegiate Gaming Awards Program Director of the Year.

Since joining Wichita State in 2021, Yang has played a pivotal role in driving the growth and success of the university’s Esports program. Public voting is open for, which is open daily until Nov. 20.

Cast a vote for the award

Presentations and Talks

Attend writing fluency, productivity workshop

Dr. Peg Boyle Single will present her streamlined system for academic writing from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 via Zoom.

Organized by the Graduate School, the presentation is ideal for anybody who wants to become a fluent and productive writer using easy-to-follow steps and proven techniques. Also recommended for faculty members working with students that struggle completing their papers, theses or dissertations.

Find the Zoom meeting link

Mathematics lecture series presents Dr. Jiaping Wang, University of Minnesota

Join the Department of Mathematics and Statistics for a public lecture by Dr. Jiaping Wang from the University of Minnesota.

The lecture, titled “Spectrum and Curvature,” will take place at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 in 372 Jabara Hall. Refreshments will be available at 2:30 p.m. in 353 Jabara Hall.

Find the abstract of the lecture

Biological sciences seminar series continues with Dr. Jonathan Conard

The Department of Biological Sciences’ fall 2023 seminar series continues from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2 in 218 Hubbard Hall. Join Dr. Johnathan Conard, Ph.D., from Sterling College for his talk, “Patterns of association between white-tailed deer: Assessing the risk for chronic wasting disease transmission.”

Seminars are open to the public and undergraduates are encouraged to attend.

Learn more about biological sciences

Watkins Visiting Professor to discuss quantum technologies

Gregory D. Fuchs, professor of applied and engineering physics at Cornell University, kicks off the Watkins Visiting Professors schedule with scheduled talks on quantum technologies. Join Fairmount College for his public seminar, “Can we control the quantum state of a magnet?” at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3 in 231 Hubbard Hall. His technical seminar, “Imaging the switching of antiferromagnetic and multiferroic devices using a single spin microscope,” will be presented at 2 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 4 in 209 Hubbard Hall.

The Watkins Visiting Professorship was created in 1974 by the Watkins Foundation. The grant is now provided through the Watkins fund, a part of the Wichita State Foundation and Alumni Engagement’s endowment. For more information about the lecture series, contact Dr. David Eichhorn at 316-978-6659.

Actor Barry Corbin to give presentation at Wichita State

Veteran actor Barry Corbin, known for his roles in “Urban Cowboy,” “Stir Crazy” and “Lonesome Dove,” is coming to Wichita State as a featured speaker. He will present “Barry Corbin: From Shakespeare to Cowboys,” noon-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 in 200 Ahlberg Hall. Anyone is invited to attend at no addtionial charge.

A native of Texas, the classically trained actor has been a fixture of movies and television since the late 1970s. Additional credits include “Better Call Saul,” “Northern Exposure,” “War Games,” “The Closer” and “No Country for Old Men.” A Marine Corps veteran, Corbin studied theater arts at Texas Tech University

Corbin’s appearance is sponsored by the Department of History and the Society for Public Historians.

Performances

School of Performing Arts presents Bela Kiralyfalvi National Student Playwriting Competition winner, ‘Mama Bushwick is Dead’

The School of Performing Arts presents “Mama Bushwick is Dead” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 through Oct. 7 in the Welsbacher Theatre in the Eugene M Hughes Metropolitan Complex.

Ticket prices are $15, and Wichita State students receive one ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID thanks to the support of the Student Government Association.

Written by Elizabeth Shannon, the show is about five estranged siblings, Bard, Joyce, Robin, Scott, and Jo, who return to their recently deceased mother’s home. They must prepare for her funeral, clean her duplex, and decide who will give her eulogy. Filled with grief, trauma, childhood memories, and dolls, “Mama Bushwick is Dead,” explores the complex family dynamics present regardless of place and time. This show is rated PG-13 for language and adult themes that may not be suited for children under 13.

Purchase tickets from the box office online or call 316-978-3233.

Events

Shop the Shocker Athletics Garage Sale Sept. 30

Shocker Athletics is hosting its annual garage sale from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 inside the Aetna Multi-Purpose Facility (enter through the exterior doors on the east side of Charles Koch Arena).

Items are available on a first-come, first-served basis and include jerseys and uniforms, assorted apparel, bags, and equipment. Prices listed are non-negotiable. Customers are encouraged to pay with cash, but credit cards will also be accepted.

Shockers invited to Safety Circus Sept. 30

The Safety Circus from the University Police Department is from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. The circus will be outside with the inside open for restrooms, vendors and food/drinks (pizza, subs, coffee, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, etc.) at no additional charge.

Some of the attractions include Tipsy Trials (riding on tricycles with drunk goggles through a course), cornhole with drunk goggles on, how to properly go through a four-way stop, a semi-truck so people can view blind spots, how to change a tire, a seatbelt conveyer that simulates what it feels like to be in a crash, information about riding motorcycles amongst other stations.

Women of WSU to hold membership drive, fundraiser Oct. 3

Women of WSU will hold its annual membership drive from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3 at the President’s Residence. All women are welcome to join.

In addition to the Membership Drive, WWSU is holding its annual fundraiser, a vintage market featuring items donated by fans, alumni, faculty and staff. The auction is open to everyone. All proceeds raised will be awarded as scholarships to WSU students.

The online silent auction is open until 1:30 pm on October 3.

ODI hosts lunch, seminar embracing cultural diversity in LGBTQIA+ community

Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) for a thought-provoking and empowering lunch seminar from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center tailored for LGBTQIA+ students representing under-represented cultures.

At the inclusive gathering, participants will celebrate the richness of the community while addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Together, participants will explore the intersectionality of experiences and discuss ways to foster understanding, respect and unity among all cultures and identities at Wichita State and post-graduation.

Former president of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, engineer in residence to speak on campus

Leanne Caret — former president of Boeing Defense, Space & Security and the 2023 engineer in residence for the College of Engineering — is visiting Wichita State again from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 and Friday, Oct. 6 in 209 Hubbard Hall.

Caret will participate in two interviews, have a private lunch with engineering students and be featured at a speaking event that students, staff, faculty, alumni and industry partners are invited to attend.

The speaking event, “Getting Real About Leadership,” will be a 30-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session with the audience. Light refreshments will be served.

Campus community invited to United Nations Day dinner

Enjoy the generosity of WSU alumnus John McGuire and join the United Nations Day dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 at the Marcus Welcome Center.

Everyone from the community is welcome to enjoy the WSU catered dinner at no additional charge with a Shocker ID.

Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to celebrate flavors of Latin America

Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in celebrating the rich and diverse cultures, traditions and flavors of the Hispanic and Latinx communities.

Visit Flavors of Latin America from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9 at the Echo Circle, just east of Duerksen Fine Arts Center, where ODI’s student organizations will sell food, from pan dulce to churros.

Join University Libraries for Savvy Scholar workshop on data visualization in ArcGIS

Enhance your research skills by mastering the art of data visualization. Join University Libraries from 3 to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 in Ablah Library’s Digital Scholars Commons or participate online in the Data Visualization in ArcGIS workshop.

Led by experienced presenters, the workshop will equip students with the tools they need to create compelling visualizations using ArcGIS. Whether you’re new to the software or seeking to refine your skills, the session offers valuable insights into transforming complex data into clear and insightful visuals.

Learn more about Savvy Scholar