Shocker Blast: Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Weather Awareness

Kansas participating in Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 4-8

In conjunction with the National Weather Service, the State of Kansas will participate in the Severe Weather Preparedness Week from March 4 to 8. At 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, Sedgwick County Emergency Management Services will sound the severe weather sirens throughout the county.

All personnel — faculty, staff, students and guests — are expected to go to a designated shelter until the all clear is given. This drill will be educational for all involved and provide those overseeing campus safety a way of evaluating the effectiveness of WSU’s emergency preparedness during a tornado. Go to the Wichita State Tornado Shelters webpage to learn more about what to do during a tornado warning and to locate your designated shelter.

For more information, contact Andrew Clem, Environmental, Health and Safety Department director, at 316-978-7904 or email andrew.clem@wichita.edu.

Parking and Traffic

Lot 19E by Eck Stadium to be partially closed March 6

A portion of lot 19E, the parking lot near Eck Stadium, will be closed Wednesday, March 6 for an event. Faculty, staff and students that typically park in this lot will need to park in other lots per their ePermit type in the area of the building. The YMCA lot is not available for faculty, staff or event guest parking and could result in a citation.

The purpose of lot reservations is to help accommodate large groups of guests visiting campus for events or the event itself. Lot reservations are not to be used for WSU affiliates. Remember, visitors to campus can park without an ePermit up to three times each semester.

Red reserved and ADA stalls are not subject to lot closures and proper use is permitted during this time.

Find other parking on campus

Lot 19E by Eck Stadium to be closed March 8-10

Lot 19E, the parking lot near Eck Stadium, will be closed Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10 for an athletics event. Faculty, staff and students that typically park in this lot will need to park in other lots per their ePermit type in the area of the building. The YMCA lot is not available for faculty, staff or event guest parking and could result in a citation.

Red reserved and ADA stalls are not subject to lot closures and proper use is permitted during this time.

Find other parking on campus

News

Aim high, win big: Compete in the Shocker New Venture Competition

Dreaming of launching your own business? The Shocker New Venture Competition (SNVC) is your opportunity to shine.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, SNVC provides the perfect platform to refine your business strategy, network with industry experts and secure up to $25,000 in funding for your venture. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bring your business ideas to life.

Submit your business model video and application by noon March 28 for a chance to win cash prizes and propel your venture to new heights.

Complete the NCHA survey from HOPE Services and enter prize drawing

Enter a drawing to win a prize of either a red parking spot for an entire semester or an Amazon gift card worth $250, among other prizes like free massages and gift cards to the Shocker Store, by completing the confidential National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey sent to your Wichita State email address by WSU HOPE Services.

Regional Institute on Aging request for proposals due April 1

The Regional Institute on Aging (RIA) at Wichita State is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity for graduate student or faculty projects and research, supported by a gift from the estate of Evelyn Cassat, that addresses issues related to facilitating well-being in older adults.

The RIA is currently accepting applications until April 1.

Presentations and Talks

Matthew Howland will give next physics seminar talk March 6

Join the Department of Physics for its next physics seminar talk at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 in 128 Jabara Hall and also on Zoom.

The talk features Matthew Howland, assistant professor of anthropology and director of the Geospatial Archaeology Laboratory.

Learn more about the physics seminar

Dr. Lindsey Churchill to give International Women’s Day Lecture March 7

The Department of Women’s, Ethnicity, and International Studies invites the campus community to the 2024 International Women’s Day lecture from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7 in 305/306 Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom.

Dr. Lindsey Churchill, associate professor of history and geography from the University of Central Oklahoma, will talk on “From Incels to Only Fans: Radicalization, Liberation, Sexualization, and Ambiguity Online and Beyond.”

This event is open to faculty, staff, students and the wider Wichita-area public.

Career Building Opportunities

Join health professions for career fair March 19

Are you eager to begin your career in the healthcare industry? Join the Shocker Career Accelerator from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 on the third floor of the Rhatigan Student Center.

The Health Professions Career Fair is a chance to connect with top employers and explore exciting job opportunities in your field of study. Meet with industry leaders in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, healthcare administration and more.

Don’t miss this chance to jumpstart your future. Dress professionally, bring copies of your resume and be ready to make lasting connections. Business dress is recommended, but scrubs are welcome if you are coming from labs or clinical.

Events and Recreation

ODI celebrates literature by women for Women’s History Month

Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) and student organization Shelf Care in celebrating the women who wrote history from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 8 in 266 Rhatigan Student Center, Pike Room, for Women’s History Month.

Honor women authors from various genres, eras and nationalities with an interactive display and bookmark making. The presentation by Shelf Care is at 4 p.m. with free snacks and a chance to win a prize.

Stay tuned for more Women’s History Month events from ODI.

Attend Financial Wellness workshop March 6

Visit the Shocker Financial Wellness team as it goes over “Spring Break on a Budget” from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center. Enjoy spring break without breaking the bank.

Learn more about Shocker Financial Wellness

Enjoy a night of fun with International Student Union, SGA

Come join the Student Government Association (SGA) and the International Student Union for a night full of fun at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes in the Rhatigan Student Center.

They will provide food, bowling, pool and games at no additional charge, and there is going to be a fun competition for a chance to win an Apple Watch and a $50 Shocker Store gift card.

Learn how to craft an NSF pitch at webinar March 27

Learn about best practices and strategies to help you craft a compelling National Science Foundation (NSF) project pitch from 10 to 11 a.m. March 27 via Zoom.

The workshop will include tips to help you meet requirements of the project pitch’s four key elements: Technology innovation, technical objectives and challenges, market opportunity, and the company and team.

For questions, reach out to WSU Strategic Initiatives at 316-978-5363 or email strategicinitiatives@wichita.edu.

Learn more about register

SAC, ADI and Spectrum are seeking student drag performers for 14th annual drag show

Wichita State students who are interested in performing at the 14th annual drag show in April, sponsored by the Student Activities Council (SAC), Ambassadors for Diversity and Inclusion (ADI) and Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies, can sign up online.

Organizers are seeking student drag artists to perform one or two five-minute sets. This is an opportunity for new and experience performers to showcase their talent. Students will be compensated based on their number of sets. Students can sign up on the website or on ShockerSync.

Get ready to Clash Build Cash, where $6,000 in prizes are on the line

Shockers, it’s time to put your skills to the test and dive into a dynamic multiplayer game and vie for $6,000 in prizes.

Don’t miss out on the chance to win big as you sharpen essential professional skills like strategic decision-making, adaptability and innovative thinking.

Mark your calendars for noon to 5 p.m. March 21 and register to compete.

Before diving in the competition, don’t forget to explore the Venture Valley tutorials. The tutorials aren’t just about learning the basics; they’re a way to master game mechanics, strategic card usage and avoiding costly mistakes.