WSU Today: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025

Required Training

Title IX & Civil Rights Training required for students, faculty, staff

At WSU, we believe in the importance of creating a safe and healthy environment for all of our community members. To that end, we have partnered with Catharsis to provide Title IX & Civil Rights Training. This training is highly interactive and engaging and is based on research around best practices for healthy communities. As you complete your training, we invite you to reach out to the many referenced resources in order to join the larger discussion of these topics on our campus. The training deadline is Feb. 2, 2026.

Job Openings

Applications being accepted for the associate vice provost for faculty affairs position

Wichita State is seeking a visionary academic leader to serve as associate vice provost for faculty affairs. This strategic position plays a central role in advancing faculty excellence, development and retention across all academic units.

In this role, you will serve as a key advisor to the provost and lead the Office for Faculty Affairs. You will guide the development and implementation of faculty-related policies, programs and initiatives that promote equity, engagement and academic excellence. Your leadership will shape the faculty experience — from hiring and onboarding to evaluation, recognition, workload and career advancement.

To see the full description and to apply, go to jobs.wichita.edu and click on “Internal” at the top of the page. Review of applications will begin Oct. 13 and will continue until the position has been filled.

Human Resources

University announces schedule for winter break 2025

To help employees plan their work schedules and time-off usage throughout the year, Wichita State is happy to share the winter break schedule has been approved this year, which will commence at the end of the day Friday, Dec. 19, with the university reopening Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. The break is 10 business days, two of which are paid holidays. Thanks to President Muma, employees may use four “Additional Personal Days” to remain in pay status during winter break. Classes will not be in session during this period.

Learn more about winter break

News

Barton School launches ‘Barton Foresight: AI Outlook’ publication

The Barton School of Business today launches “Barton Foresight: AI Outlook,” a new publication exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping business, education and society. As the first in a series of Barton Foresight initiatives, “AI Outlook” underscores the school’s commitment to equipping its community — and the wider region — with tools to anticipate change and act on it.

In 2022, the Barton School introduced the Bloom Plan, a living framework designed to accelerate enrollment growth, improve retention, raise the school’s profile and expand its impact across research, fundraising and workforce development. With the Bloom Plan in place, the school established Barton Foresight to extend this momentum by helping organizations anticipate future trends and prepare practical responses. Barton Foresight also works inwardly, supporting Barton’s faculty, staff and students in developing the capacity to navigate and shape emerging market shifts.

Learn more about "Barton Foresight: AI Outlook"

Graphic with a black background and text that reads: ‘Nominate a student to be a Transition Mentor. wichita.edu/TM.’ The word ‘Transition Mentor’ is in glowing yellow script.

Nominate a future transition mentor

Do you know a student who would make a great leader and role model for their peers? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Transition Mentor team. Transition mentors play a vital role in supporting new Shockers during their first year at Wichita State.

Faculty, staff and community partners are invited to submit nominations now through midnight Sept. 30. Nominated students will receive an invitation to apply in October.

Submit your nomination at wichita.edu/tm or scan the QR code in the graphic. Email Kaelyn Hannah at kaelyn.hannah@wichita.edu for any questions or concerns.

Events and Recreation

Cartoon illustration of men fishing in boats

Explore this year’s Common Read: ‘Eat Like a Fish’

This year’s Common Read, "Eat Like a Fish" by Bren Smith, challenges readers to think about the future of food, the environment and sustainability. Common Read invites all members of the campus to participate in a series of events that bring these themes to life.

Garage Sale | Sat, Sep. 27 | 8am - 11am | Aetna Multi-Purpose Center

Shop deals on apparel and more at annual Shocker Athletics garage sale

Shocker Athletics is hosting its annual garage sale from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 inside the Aetna Multi-Purpose Facility, located on the east side of Charles Koch Arena. Score exclusive Shocker gear at unbeatable prices.

Items available include game-worn jerseys and uniforms, shoes (including big sizes), assorted apparel and bags, coolers and equipment, and more. Everything is first-come, first-served — so arrive early for the best finds. Cash is preferred, but cards are accepted.

Learn more about the garage sale

Parking and Traffic

Lot 41 by Woolsey Hall to be partially closed Sept. 26

Approximately half of Lot 41, the lot near Woolsey Hall, will be closed Friday, Sept. 26 for an event in the building. Faculty and staff that typically park in this lot will need to park in other yellow lots during this time. 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.

Parking at Lot 21W, near Marcus Welcome Center to be closed Sept. 26

Lot 21W, the lot near Marcus Welcome Center, will be closed Friday, Sept. 26 for an event in the building and is scheduled to reopen in the early afternoon. Faculty and staff that typically park in this lot will need to park in other yellow lots during this time.

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