WSU Today: Friday, Jan. 28, 2022

COVID-19 Updates

Instructor reminders for COVID communication with students

Instructors: Please post the information below in a prominent location such as your syllabus or on Blackboard:

Students, if you are not feeling well or test positive for COVID-19, please follow the guidelines below:

Do not attend class.
Contact Student Health Services and complete the www.wichita.edu/reportit form.
Refer to the (syllabus/Blackboard announcement) for instructions on making up missed assignments and/or lectures.
When determining when to return to class, follow CDC guidelines.

Employee COVID testing options

All faculty and staff have access to free COVID-19 testing through Student Health Services. You no longer need an appointment to be tested. The Student Wellness Center inside the Steve Clark YMCA is open for walk-in testing 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. See what else you need to know for walk-in testing. You can also see other testing options by visiting the Sedgwick County testing website.

SUPERVISORS: If you are interested in getting trained to provide your department with COVID saliva specimen collection with 24-hour test results from the Wichita State Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, please fill out this form, and you will be contacted with next steps. Testing is strictly voluntary and cannot be required by supervisors.

News

President Muma rewards SEM

The members of the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) received cookies as part of the Rick Rewards Presentation on Wednesday, Jan. 26.

Rick Rewards is a new program by President Rick Muma that launched in December 2021. The program allows President Muma to show his appreciation for the efforts of a member, or members, of the campus community.

SEM was selected because of its continued commitment to WSU’s strategic plan to grow enrollment. SEM’s ongoing efforts to make people aware of opportunities at WSU. including quality educational programs coupled with applied learning, have continued to help WSU prosper.

The SEM group is made up of various offices and departments including admission, financial aid, strategic communications, registrar and others that is charged with creating unique strategies to help grow WSU’s student body. It provides prospective students a seamless transition to Shocker Nation.

F1RST-Gen Friday: Marco Hernandez

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 Marco Hernandez, assistant professor, School of Art, Design and Creative Industries.
Sign-up to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers: The group fosters a community of first-generation professionals and offers professional development and networking opportunities for first-gen professionals as they navigate Wichita State University.

President Muma hosting town hall for College of Applied Studies faculty, staff today

College of Applied Studies faculty, staff are invited to a town hall with President Rick Muma 9-10 a.m. today, Jan. 28 via Zoom. Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Shirley Lefever will also be a featured guest.

Join town hall for College of Applied Studies faculty, staff

HR Office temporarily closing front lobby

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Human Resources (HR) Office front lobby will close for unscheduled walk-in traffic through the end of the business day Friday, Jan. 28. If you have a scheduled appointment with an HR team member, they will meet you in the HR vestibule at your scheduled time.

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 Monday, Jan. 31, and will resume normal business hours.

View parking availability for upcoming basketball games

For the remaining Shocker Men’s Basketball games of the season, several lots in the vicinity of Koch Arena will be reserved for Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization parking three hours before game time. To help avoid confusion, a sign will be in place the day of the game alerting drivers of the impending lot assignment changes. Anyone previously parked in these lots will need to move their cars at that time.

View parking availability for Shocker Men's Basketball

Events and Recreation

Wichita State Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Council hosting Black History Month athlete panel

Wichita State’s Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Council is hosting a Black History Month panel with former student-athletes 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3 at Koch Arena. The panel will include Dr. Eric Sexton, WSU golf (1983-1986) and athletic director (2008-2015); Angela Buckner, WSU’s women’s basketball (2000-04); and DePaul Brewer, WSU men’s track and field (2004-2007).

These former student-athletes will share their experiences, lessons and advice. The event will be moderated by Braxton Jones, KWCH anchor and reporter.

RSVP for the virtual annual Strategic Communications Seminar Feb. 3

The sixth annual Strategic Communications marketing and communications seminar for Wichita State faculty and staff will be held 10 a.m.-noon, Thursday, Feb. 3 via Zoom. Attendees may choose to attend three of six sessions. During the event, participants will gain additional insight, tools and tips to help them improve their marketing and communication efforts.