WSU Today: Friday, Sept. 22, 2023

Shocktoberfest

Shocktoberfest competition registrations are live

Shocktoberfest 2023 is fast approaching and registration for the individual events and the Spirit Competition are live. Join the Shocker community in showing your Shocker pride by participating in events like the Banner Competition, Door Decorating, parade and more. Events and activities are available for individuals, departments, and student groups.

Student groups competing in the Spirit Competition have a chance at winning a cash prize of up to $1000. Groups must have at least eight current Wichita State students on their team, participate in the parade and share their love of WSU through participation in a variety of events. The $25 registration fee for the parade will be covered by Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership. Additional participation in competitions and events increases a group’s chances of obtaining points toward the Spirit Competition.

To participate in the Spirit Competition, a group must

Designate a captain – a student representative communicating on behalf of the group
Have a team roster of at least eight current Wichita State students
Complete the registration form
Determine what events they are participating in using the Shocktoberfest roster template
Represent themselves in a positive manner
Have fun

Trophies, awards and monetary prizes are awarded at many of the Shocktoberfest events. All participating groups are eligible for any of the awards that are provided by participating sponsors at individual events.

Banner Competition winners will receive a $100 prize towards their group
Individual students living on-campus and faculty/staff can compete in the Door Decorating Competition, winners receives a $50 Shocker Store gift card
The winning departments of the Door Decorating Competition receives a catering award valued at up to $100
Winning entries at the parade receive $500
An attendance competition for student organizations at the Shocker volleyball game against Temple can result in a party at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes valued at $200

Competing in more than one event increases your chances of winning the Spirit Competition. The top three Spirit Competition Teams are awarded

First place: $1000
Second place: $500
Third place: $250

Learn more about Shocktoberfest and register

Featured Stories

$1.5 million gift will support WSU’s Wilkins Softball Stadium renovation

John and Gail Wadsworth have given a lead gift of $1.5 million to Wichita State University and Shocker Athletics, earmarked for the Softball Team Operations Facility at Wilkins Stadium. The building is a part of the $9.65 million Phase 1 of the stadium renovation plan, which will begin development in the spring of 2024.

“Gail and I feel so fortunate to be able to support the Shocker Softball program at Wichita State and elevate their facilities to match the caliber of the program,” said John Wadsworth. “Student athletes work incredibly hard to succeed in all aspects of their collegiate experience, and supporting projects that will benefit their development is something we encourage everyone to consider.”

John and Gail are both 1979 graduates of Wichita State University with degrees in mechanical engineering and elementary education, respectively.

Wichita State receives SBA funding to assist STEM-focused small businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) awarded $150,000 to Wichita State University to assist in providing resources and support for small businesses and start-ups focused on STEM and research and development.

The SBA’s 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition Stage Two funded 35 accelerator partnerships to foster a thriving national innovation ecosystem that advances equitable investment in innovative startups and high growth small businesses.

News

Student Affairs highlight: Student Outreach & Support (SOS)

Student Outreach & Support (SOS) is a new office within student affairs that is the first face of CARE Team that a student would come in contact with if a Care Report is submitted for that student. The office is a team of five, consisting of a director and four fulltime case managers.

SOS works hard to get students connected to the appropriate resources whether that is on campus or off campus and within their respected communities. SOS works with students facing concerns ranging from mental health, homelessness, food insecurities, transition issues/student belonging, being overwhelmed and grief/loss just to name a few.

All of the office’s services are free and voluntary. To learn more about WSU’s Care Team and the services SOS offers, visit the CARE Team webpage. Those interested in having the SOS team present to their department, class or organization about CARE Team and how to submit Care Reports, can file an inquiry online.

Barton School showcases third art installation from Envision Arts

Woolsey Hall, the home of the Barton School of Business, has a new art installation in partnership with the Envision Arts Program. Patrick McCowan is the third artist who is visually impaired to be featured on the third floor of the Barton School.

“Students, faculty, staff and visitors to the Barton School have found a lot of joy, perspective and inspiration from our Envision Arts installation,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean, Barton School. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Envision by showcasing Patrick’s work.”

Send in recipes for the Adult Learning Cookbook

The Office of Online & Adult Learning welcomes adult learners to participate in the making of its cookbook. Send in your favorite recipes, tips and tricks to be featured in both the online and print versions of the book.

All recipes sent in are appreciated, however, to match the busy, diverse lifestyles of adult learners, quick, easy and healthy recipes are recommended. Those who submit a recipe will also be entered in a raffle to win a hard copy of the cookbook.

Reach out to Online & Adult Learning for questions at adultlearning@wichita.edu or 316-978-8325.

Submit a recipe for the cookbook

Job Openings

The College of Engineering is seeking an associate dean for research

Working closely with faculty, students and administrators enhancing research initiatives, the associate dean for research in the College of Engineering will foster collaborations, secure funding and facilitate the dissemination of research outcomes.

The ideal candidate must have a deep understanding of research methodologies, a strong track record of scholarly accomplishments, success in winning extramural research funding and the ability to cultivate a collaborative environment conducive to research excellence.

Learn more and apply

Graduate School is hiring a student success specialist

The Graduate School is looking for a graduate student success specialist to join its team.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for the success of students. In this role, you will assist with developing, implementing and executing all programs, events and services for students.

Learn more an apply