WSU Today: Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023

From the President

Juneteenth becomes official university holiday

Hello, Shocker family. Growing up in Houston and attending college in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth is widely celebrated as a day of remembrance to commemorate the day enslaved people in Texas were notified of their freedom. General Order No. 3 was issued on June 19, 1865, in the City of Galveston informing the people of Texas that enslaved people were free.

In 2021, President Biden recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday; and earlier this year, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced it as a state holiday. Along with other KBOR institutions, Juneteenth (on June 19) will be an official university holiday, starting in 2024.

The university will be closed every June 19. Anyone with questions about how this might affect your work schedule can reach out to their supervisor or read the frequently asked questions.

As we celebrate Wichita State’s first official Juneteenth holiday in 2024, it’s my hope that we reflect on the significance of this day in our shared history.

President Rick Muma

See frequently asked questions

News

President Muma to join KMUW for its year-end fundraising campaign

Tune in to KMUW starting at 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15 to hear President Rick Muma join the station’s end of year fundraising campaign. Catch President Muma on 89.1 FM or listen live on KMUW’s website.

Tom Gentile, inaugural Executive-in-Residence, assumes expanded executive advisor role at Barton School

Barton School of Business is delighted to announce that Tom Gentile, the inaugural Executive-in-Residence back in 2021, will now serve as the executive advisor to the dean. Gentile, a distinguished global leader with a background in top executive roles at Spirit AeroSystems, GE Capital and other esteemed organizations, has also been an engaged member of the school’s Dean’s “Fabulous 50” Advisory Board for the past two years. His commitment extends to lending invaluable expertise and insight, significantly elevating the collaborative endeavors of the board. Gentile earned his bachelor’s degree in economics magna cum laude and MBA from Harvard University and studied international relations at the London School of Economics.

“I’m thrilled to step into an expanded role at the Barton School of Business, building on my impactful journey as the inaugural Executive-in-Residence. Having been part of the dynamic Dean’s ‘Fabulous 50’ Advisory Board for two years, I’m excited about infusing even more energy into providing strategic guidance and elevating the school’s global profile” Gentile said.

Excellence award nominations due date extended to Dec. 15

Nominations for Excellence Awards in research, creativity activity and community research are now being accepted by the Office of Research.

All full-time faculty, including distinguished professors and endowed chairs, who have served at Wichita State for at least three years, are eligible. Faculty who hold an administrative position above that of chair are not eligible.

Previous winners of the award are ineligible to be nominated for a period of five years following the award. Visit the Office of Research website for additional details and electronic nomination forms. Nomination forms (five questions) must be received by Friday, Dec 15. The full applications are due Monday, Jan. 15 (nominees will receive an email outlining the requirements).

Call for fiscal year 2025 Educational Opportunity and student fee funding requests

It’s time to begin the process for submission of funding requests through the Student Government Association for the Educational Opportunity Fund and Student Services Fee for FY 2025. Through the student services fee, these programs provide financial support to facilitate students’ academic pursuits (Educational Opportunity Fund) or the funding of programs/activities delivered directly to students (Student Services).

If you’ve submitted requests in the past, the budget/review officer should have received an email from the Budget Office to kick-off the submission process. If you have not submitted requests in the past, but are considering submitting a new request, contact Lyndsay Pletcher, Jason Post or David Miller in the Budget Office at 316-978-3030 for additional information.

Requests are due no later than Wednesday, Feb. 7.

December’s Teaching Today is all about Blackboard Ultra

Wichita State will offer only the Blackboard Ultra course format after spring 2024 semester, and that’s going to mean a lot of work getting ready for summer and fall for many professors, but the December issue of “Teaching Today” has the basic information needed to get started.

Many professors mistakenly believe they are in Blackboard Ultra but are actually teaching Classic courses. Please have a look at this month’s “Teaching Today” to learn more. For questions, reach out to the Office of Instructional Resources at OIR@wichita.edu.

Events

Tune into live stream of The Toast Dec. 15

Are you an online learner or not able to make it to The Toast? Tune in online at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 to watch The Toast: A Graduation Celebration featuring remarks from President Rick Muma, Teri Hall, vice president of Student Affairs, and Stacie Williamson, vice president of alumni engagement.

Congratulations to the upcoming graduates and enjoy celebrating with family, near and far.

Watch the livestream

Check out the vision for the new Wichita State Connect space Jan. 10

Come see the vision for the new Wichita State Connect space and enjoy drinks and light appetizers from 4:15 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10 at the former Wonder School building, soon to be Wichita State Connect, west of Woolsey Hall.

Wichita State Connect, located in the heart of campus, will provide a gathering space and launchpad for WSU academic colleges and programs to engage with schools, industry and community partners. Wichita State Connect will serve the campus as a hub for preK-12 student field trips to campus, mixers and events, professional development for educators, and an interdisciplinary array of programs and services designed to activate the potential of campus-based experiences at WSU.

RSVP to Karla Jordan at 316-978-3987 or karla.jordan@wichita.edu.

Save the date for the annual Strategic Communications seminar

The eighth annual Strategic Communications marketing and communications seminar for faculty and staff will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Jan. 25 on the third floor of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Attendees may choose to attend up to two sessions. Gain additional insights, tools and tips to help you improve your marketing and communication efforts.

RSVP information coming soon.

Special Offers

Lil’ Shocker growth charts available

Have a lil’ Shocker or adding one to the family? Request a Lil’ Shocker growth chart at no additional charge to track their height as they grow, compliments of the Office of Admissions. Growth charts will be delivered to faculty and staff member campus box numbers and available for student pick-up in the Marcus Welcome Center.

Submit a request

‘Proud to be a Wichita State staff member’ stickers available

The Staff Senate thanks everyone for coming to its staff social and for their support. Those who were unable to attend and would still like to receive a “Proud to be a Wichita State staff member” sticker, email Jacob Mendez at jacob.mendez@wichita.edu to have the sticker mailed.