WSU Today: Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024

Featured Stories

Black History Month faculty profile: BreAnn Gilkey

BreAnn Gilkey is an associate clinical professor, field practicum director and undergraduate coordinator in WSU’s School of Social Work. She says her experience as a Black woman lets her know it’s imperative that she shows up for all her students. Read more about BreAnn’s experience.

“Representation matters, and it helps to be a face out there that looks like some of the students that come through the social work program,” BreAnn said “However, I am here for all of my students.”

Black History Month provides an opportunity for contemplation, learning and raising awareness about the extensive and varied history of the Black community. Wichita State is embracing the rich tapestry of history and heritage by highlighting some of the amazing Black educators who make a difference in students’ lives every day.

Wichita State announces $15,000 raised for United Way literacy fundraiser

Our community helped raise $15,000 toward alleviating illiteracy in Shocker Neighborhood through United Way’s Champions of Literacy initiative.

The total amount raised was announced at the Feb. 7 Shocker men’s basketball game against UTSA, where United Way alongside President Rick Muma and Kevin Saal, director of athletics, presented the money raised.

Shockers can still donate to the campaign through the following teams:

Reading helps children build cognitive skills, gain a deeper understanding of the world, improve their concentration and fuel their imagination. As an educational driver for the state of Kansas, Wichita State is committed to helping students of all ages achieve success and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Learn more about Champions for Literacy

Required Training

Updated access to annual Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance Training

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.

Human Resources

Remember to complete manager review in myPerformance by Feb. 29

Annual non-teaching employee performance evaluations for 2023-24 are now accessible to managers to complete the manager review step of the myPerformance evaluation cycle. Managers, go to myPerformance to access and complete performance evaluations for your non-teaching employees which are due by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 29.

News

Trailblazers revealed: The founding members of the Barton School’s Cummings Student Managed Investment Fund

The Barton School of Business has finalized the inaugural group for the Erin and Kyle Cummings $500,000 Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF). The class consists of 30 students from across the world representing 10 majors.

“This represents the epitome of applied learning. The unmatched experiences and opportunities to invest real money will be a substantial asset, fostering the growth and knowledge of each participant.” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School.

In February, SMIF students will embark on a historic venture, collaboratively investing $250,000 in stocks, bonds and more — the first opportunity of its kind in school history. Guiding and inspiring them will be Paul Attwater, a seasoned industry executive boasting over 40 years of experience in investing and wealth management.

The proceeds from the portfolio will be reinvested into the program, allocating a percentage to bolster Barton School’s student experience and support initiatives aimed at enhancing their success.

Learn more about the SMIF founding students

Promotional items and logo apparel contracts now available

The Office of Purchasing has finalized its award for the Promotional Items and Logo Apparel Contract and are welcoming back some commonly known vendors and introducing some new ones.

Reference the promotional items contract posted to the Purchasing Contracts Award page for additional information.

Technology

Use Jamf Connect to prevent your Mac Password from being out of sync

Wichita State’s Information Technology Services (ITS) has recently deployed Jamf Connect for WSU owned Mac devices.

By utilizing this software, Mac users will have the following benefits:

After logging into Jamf Connect, it will verify that your login password is current. If not, it will ask to sync/update your password.
Users will have access to a live countdown on the number of days remaining before their myWSU password expires.

Visit the ITS Resources website (wichita.edu/jamfconnect) for more information and instructions on how to log into Jamf Connect.

For questions, contact ITS Help Desk at 316-978-4357, option one or email helpdesk@wichita.edu.

Presentations and Talks

Gene and Yolanda Camarena entrepreneurship keynote set for Feb. 22

Yolanda and Gene Camarena — the dynamic Entrepreneurs-in-Residence duo at the Barton School of Business for the spring 2024 semester — will provide a keynote presentation as part of the James Schwartz Lecture Series, “Unlocking Success: Key Insights from Visionary Entrepreneurs on Building, Innovating, and Transforming Futures.”

Gene is the president and CEO of La Raza Pizza, Inc., and Yolanda is a dedicated leader in social justice and equity advocacy in education, bringing unparalleled expertise and insights to our academic and entrepreneurial community.

The keynote event is at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 in the Woolsey Hall Auditorium.

Doors open at 9 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event.

RSVP now

Events

ODI hosts Embracing Black Love for Black History Month Feb. 8

Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) for Embracing Black Love, an enlightening and empowering panel of discussion dedicated to fostering healthy relationships among black college students while honoring the diverse spectrum of sexual identities within the black community, at 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 in 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room.

ODI to celebrate Lunar New Year Feb. 9

Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) for its Lunar New Year celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center, as it commemorates the arrival of the majestic Dragon,

The event will be filled with cultural activities, performances and delights as everyone gathers to celebrate the spirit of unity, joy and renewal during this auspicious Lunar New Year. ODI hopes the Year of the Dragon brings prosperity, success and happiness to all.

Join Silent Headphone Disco at Shockers After Dark Feb. 9

Shockers After Dark features silent headphone disco from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 on the second floor of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Two DJs will mix music as you switch between songs using provided headphones. The dance party will have additional activities like an arcade, bingo, karaoke, bowling and billiards. And take a break at the nugget and fry bar.

Prize Drawings will be held throughout the evening and Shockers can win an iPad, Beats Headphones and VR Headset.

Shockers After Dark is coordinated by Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership (SEAL) with the support from Student Affairs.

WSU Math Circle resumes regular meetings for spring semester

WSU Math Circle kicks off its meetings for the spring semester at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 in 372 Jabara Hall with a presentation from Dr. Robert Fraser, assistant professor of math, for middle school students.

Math Circles are education enrichment and outreach groups that bring mathematicians and mathematical scientists into direct contact with pre-college students. These students meet with math professionals in an informal setting, after school or on weekends, to work on interesting problems or topics in mathematics. The goal is to get the students excited and passionate about mathematics.

Middle school students should bring a completed registration and consent form from the Math Circle website.

Participate in active threat training in the Rhatigan Student Center Feb. 21

The University Police Department is offering active threat and medical training from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 in 261 Rhatigan Student Center, Olive Room.

This training is open to anyone who wishes to attend at no charge. It is comprised of a PowerPoint lecture and a hands-on skill lab.

Job Openings

College of Engineering seeking project and office coordinator for Office of the Dean

The College of Engineering is hiring a project and office coordinator for its Office of the Dean. The role includes project-related tasks, such as coordinating and managing specified events, and administrative-related tasks, such as coordinating and scheduling arrangements for meetings and conferences. The new project and office coordinator will also oversee office supplies, office maintenance and several front desk student assistants.

The position is open to both internal and external candidates. Applicants should have at least 60 hours of related college coursework, although a bachelor’s degree is preferred, and three years of relevant work experience.

Learn more and apply