WSU Today: Monday, April 18, 2022

Featured Stories

Wichita State’s MagicHand team takes project to NSF Innovation program

MagicHand, an anthropomorphic robotic hand designed by a Wichita State University engineering team, is participating in the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program.

The MagicHand is designed to achieve various dexterous object manipulations, including object sorting, arranging and packaging. The MagicHand team began the seven-week path to commercialization in March.

Learn more about MagicHand.

WSU business school surpasses $1 million scholarship landmark

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has surpassed seven figures in annual scholarships for its students, with funds being distributed throughout the 2021-2022 season.

It’s the first time the Barton School has reached this major milestone, which was made possible by a collection of substantial funds given to the Barton School by generous donors and supporters.

This achievement is another example of how Wichita State prioritizes the goal of providing an accessible, affordable and impactful higher education for all students.

News

Participate in university climate survey

Wichita State will launch a campus-wide university climate survey today, April 18. The survey will be sent to official university email addresses. All students, faculty and staff are asked to participate in this confidential survey about the campus environment. This survey will guide Wichita State University as it works to continue its mission of inclusive excellence – a commitment to being an inclusive campus that reflects and promotes – in all community members – the evolving diversity of society. Every member of the campus is encouraged to participate. Students who participate in the survey will be entered into a giveaway … Continue reading "Participate in university climate survey"

This survey will guide Wichita State University as it works to continue its mission of inclusive excellence – a commitment to being an inclusive campus that reflects and promotes – in all community members – the evolving diversity of society. Every member of the campus is encouraged to participate.

Students who participate in the survey will be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win one of 10 $50 gift cards.

Wichita State University is embarking on a campus-wide university climate survey. This is an important opportunity to share your perspective and your voice. Climate surveys are key in the journey to establishing equity and inclusivity for any university, and it is critical we are conducting this again. Effecting change requires each member of our community to participate in efforts to build a community where all are welcomed and valued.

How the survey will work
On Monday, April 18, a survey invitation will be emailed directly to all active students, faculty and staff official university email addresses from Hanover Research, an independent market research and analysis surveyor. The survey will be live through April 30. You will be asked direct questions, and you can also fill in open-ended answers of your campus experiences and your thoughts. The study is for research purposes only; all information you provide will be maintained on a confidential basis by Hanover Research and will only be reported to Wichita State University. The survey should only take 20-25 minutes of your time.

The survey will enable WSU to elevate and accelerate the university’s work to ensure we are an equitable, diverse, accessible, and inclusive community. The university encourages you to participate thoughtfully. We are making great strides in inclusive excellence – a commitment to being an inclusive campus that reflects and promotes – in all community members – the evolving diversity of society. Wichita State believes that diversity and inclusion efforts are not complete until it addresses the current state of the climate. This survey will help us in our continuous efforts to ignite change and showcase our work. As we get more responses, we will get better results in representing our community. Please check your emails in the next few days for your individual link and take the time to complete the survey.

What staff members should note
On April 6, The Docking Institute of Public Affair sent out a survey to all University Support Staff (USS) and Unclassified Professional Staff (UPS) and representatives with the subject: USS-UPS Staff Climate Survey 2022 a few weeks ago. While they are seeking input on climate, their survey does not talk about the climate on campus. Instead, it discusses the climate of working with the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) system.

For more information, contact the Climate Survey representative at climatesurvey@wichita.edu.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions launches blog

Do you know a prospective Wichita State student? Let them know about the new Admissions blog. The blog will serve as a one-stop-shop and a resource for future Shockers.

In the first blog, Bobby Gandu, assistant vice president of strategic enrollment management, shares his expertise on the topic of best cookies on campus.

For more information or to get a department or college in the blog, contact Will Miller, marketing coordinator, at william.miller@wichita.edu.

View first issue of Undergraduate Admissions launches blog

Events and Recreation

GSC hosting Puppy Days

The Graduate Student Council (GSC) is hosting a Puppy Days event 10 a.m.-1: 30 p.m. April 18 and May 4 outside of the east side of Rhatigan Student Center. The May 4 event will also include a yoga hour hosted by Counseling and Prevention Services at 10 a.m.

Participate in Recycled Art Contest for Earth Day

NetApp and Wichita State’s Green Group are hosting a recycled art contest for Earth Day 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 22 at the north side of the Geology Building. All Wichita community members are welcome to participate. The nine submissions selected will win $100.

The winners will be selected by category: static art, dynamic art, and wearable art. Artists have the opportunity to win multiple categories. All submissions must be made of reused or recycled material.

All participants must register by 11:59 p.m. April 21. For more information, contact greengroupwsu@gmail.com or amfitzgerald1@shockers.wichita.edu.

Psychology’s annual Research Roundup scheduled for April 20

The Department of Psychology will host its 18th annual Research Roundup Wednesday, April 20 at the Rhatigan Student Center (RSC). The schedule will include the following:

Poster Presentations: 1:30–3 p.m. RSC (Room 265 and Pike Room 266)
Oral Presentations 3:15–4 p.m. RSC (Room 142)

Research Roundup is a department-wide, annual event where graduate students and research labs in our three doctor of philosophy programs (human factors, clinical-community and community psychology) present their research to a wide audience across campus.

For more information, contact Dr. Quan Lei at quan.lei@wichita.edu.

Pee for Pizza Event scheduled for April 21

Miss the last Pee for Pizza event? Don’t worry the next one is Thursday, April 21. To participant, take an appointment at the Student Health Portal and swing by to submit a urine sample and get free pizza.

WSU alumnus and technology executive returning as Barton School of Business keynote speaker

The W. Frank Barton School of Business is hosting a keynote speaking event featuring Sunil Srivastava, senior vice president (SVP) of core technology at Pandora11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 27 via Zoom. Sunil, a Wichita State alumnus, will speak from Pandora’s headquarters located in Copenhagen, Denmark. Sunil will discuss the “Digital Transformation in Retail.” The event is open to the public.

“It’s been more than 20 years since my last engagement with the university and I’m so excited to be back,” Srivastava said. “Thank you to the Barton School for giving me the opportunity to discuss such an important topic with students, faculty and the Wichita community.”

Pandora is a Danish jewelry manufacturer and retailer that was originally founded as a family-run shop in 1982. It is known for its customizable charm bracelets, designer rings, earrings, and necklaces. Today, Pandora has a presence in more than 100 countries on six continents, 26,000 employees worldwide and a market cap of $9.5 billion. As the SVP of Core Technology, Srivastava leads Pandora’s engineering and technology culture to support its growth ambitions and deliver on digital transformation.

“Sunil has a wealth of knowledge about the retail world and the constant digital evolution it’s undergone,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “His keynote will be a powerful and eye-opening conversation for all attendees.”

After graduating from WSU, Sunil received a Master of Engineering in Computer Science from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Washington. He has also worked for other prominent retailers, including Nordstrom where he serves as its senior director of customer technology.

“Our alumni are doing some amazing, game-changing things in their fields all around the world,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever, WSU interim executive vice president and provost. “I look forward to Sunil’s return as he shares his wisdom and inspires the next generation of Shockers.”

For more information or to attend the “Digital Transformation in Retail” event, contact jenn.lopez@wichita.edu.

Environmentalist to speak at next Diversity Lecture

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host the next edition of Diversity Lecture Series at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 14 via Facebook Live. The Diversity Lecture Series features distinguished leaders and experts to help inspire campus dialogue, community engagement and learning about the national narrative on diversity and inclusion. Leah Thomas is an environmentalist with a love for writing and creativity. Thomas is passionate about advocating for and exploring the relationship between social justice and environmentalism.

Preview New Master Classroom User Interface at feedback session

Campus Media Services will host a provide a preview and feedback session for the new Master Classroom User Interface 1:30-3:30 p.m. April 22 at the Heskett Center (Room 105). This interface will launch during summer 2022 and will be available for all Master Classrooms on campus.

Steve Durst speaking at Interstellar event April 21

The Wichita Space Initiative will host a space seminar, “Introduction to the Interstellar Community and an Interstellar University in Kansas” at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 21 at 3 p.m. at Hubbard Hall (Room 231). This is event is free and open to the public.

The event will feature Steve Durst, whose 46-year career in the space field as a publisher and businessman informs his observations of the rapid growth of the interstellar phenomenon and its potential benefits to Kansas. This event is co-hosted by the Ad Astra Kansas Foundation.

Learn more about Wichita Space Initiative

Join SEM for spring 2022 highlights event

Faculty and staff are invited to join the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) group for their spring 2022 campus highlights brunch event beginning at 9 a.m. April 28 at the Rhatigan Student Center (Beggs Ballroom). During the event, join the SEM group as they present SEM recognitions and announce the winner of the SEM Project Award.

The SEM Project Award will be given to the team or teams, faculty, staff, or both, who have made a notable contribution to meeting SEM goals. Registration is required to attend.

Dispose of your unused medications at WSU’s YMCA

In honor of the 2022 National Take Back Day April 30, Student Health Services (SHS) at the Steve Clark YMCA will collect any unused prescription or over-the-counter drugs 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 18-28. The event is sponsored by SHS and the Wichita State Police Department and provides a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs.

Undergraduate Admissions to host Black and Yellow Day April 22

On Friday, April 22, the Office of Admissions will host Black and Yellow Day, when they invite high school juniors, seniors and college transfer students to experience Shocker Nation. Encourage prospective students you know to register at the Visit Wichita State website and click on “Admissions Events.”

Prospective students in attendance will have several opportunities:

Explore academic and student life opportunities.
Hear from current Wichita State students.
Take a walking tour of campus.
Check out on-campus housing options.

The event is $15 per student and $5 per guest and includes lunch in Shocker Hall Dining.

For more information, contact Sarah Brill, Event Manager, and SAS Advisor, at 978-3638 or Sarah.Brill@wichita.edu.

Sustainability

Student Green Group receives Evergy Grant

In honor of Earth Day April 22, Wichita State is highlighting several sustainability programs available at the university.

In 2021, Wichita State’s Green Group applied for a $5,000 grant from Evergy to supply recycle bins for every room in the Flats and Suites. These bins have made it easier for students to recycle and reduce waste going to Wichita landfills.

WSU has also recycled more than 19 tons of material and Reusable water flasks were also purchased to distribute to students to reduce reliance on single-use plastic water bottles. The Green Group has received a second grant for the coming that will be used to support further sustainability education initiatives.

Volunteer Opportunities

Presentations, panels and workshops requested for Michael Tilford Conference

The Kansas Board of Regents’ Michael Tilford Conference on Diversity and Multiculturalism Program Committee seeking submissions for the annual Tilford Conference Oct. 6 and 7 at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. The theme for the conference is “After Brown v. Board, No Turning Back: The Future of Diversity and Multiculturalism.” Notices of acceptance or decline will be sent by Aug. 1.

Proposals will be accepted until 5 p.m. July 1.

Submit for Michael Tilford Conference

Volunteers requested for Expanding Your Horizons STEM Conference for middle school girls

The ninth annual Expanding Your Horizons Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Conference for middle school girls will take place 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at Hubbard Hall. Volunteers will assist in hands-on activities, but need no prior experience. All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and lunch.

Volunteer for Expanding Your Horizons STEM Conference

Training Opportunities and Workshops

Attend budget system and review officer training

The TM1 Budget System will open for Fiscal Year 2023 budget requests beginning on April 25. To aid with this, training for budget and review officers exists through multiple options.

First, a training video titled “TM1 Training Video” is posted in the Employee Toolbox in myWSU, below the link to access the budgeting system. You will not need to sign up for a class to access the training video. The video will be available at an ongoing basis.

Second, a TM1 training guide is available in the Employee Toolbox for your reference under “TM1 Training Guide” in PDF form.

Finally, the University Budget Office will host Open Training Labs (schedule below) for in-person training and assistance. Budget and review officers can register for the sessions through myTraining. If you are an experienced budget or review officer, you are likely to find the video training sufficient as a reminder of how the budgeting system works.

For faculty and staff new to the process, the Open Training Lab is likely to be beneficial in addition to the video training.

Open Training Lab dates include the following:

9 a.m.-11 a.m. April 28, Open Lab in Jabara Hall, Room 124. Register through myTraining
3 p.m.-5 p.m. May 4, Open Lab in Jabara Hall, Room 124. Register through myTraining
10 a.m.-noon May 11, Open Lab in Jabara Hall, Room 124. Register through myTraining.

Please keep in mind that one of the most significant components of the budget are changes to existing positions. As always, changes to filled positions have to be made through the regular Human Resources (HR) form process. HR forms impacting FY ’23 must be submitted no later than May 20. Submissions after this date will not be incorporated into your FY ’23 adopted budget.

Planned dates for the budget calendar are outlined below:

April 25 – Budget system opens for changes.
May 20 – Final day for budget officers and review officers to complete budget requests within TM1 prior to VP review. Last day to submit HR forms.
May 27 – Final day for vice presidents to review requests and enter changes in TM1.

If you have difficulty logging in to the system (the link is found in the Employee Toolbox under “TM1 Fiscal Year Budget System”), contact Lyndsay Pletcher or Jason Post. Please note, in order to access the TM1 system off-campus, you need an active VPN connection.

For more information, contact the Lyndsay Pletcher at 316-978-5826 or lyndsay.pletcher@wichita.edu, Jason Post at 316-978-6532 or jason.post@wichita.edu, David Miller at 316-978-5821 or david.miller@wichita.edu.