WSU Today: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024

Human Resources

Remember: University schedule for the winter closedown 2024

The winter closedown will commence at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, and the university will reopen Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. The closedown is 10 days, two of which are paid holidays. In addition, benefit eligible employees may use Presidential Administrative Days to remain in pay status for the four days between Christmas and New Years Day, thanks to President Rick Muma.

Classes will not be in session during this period. Employees who are required to work during the winter closedown will be allowed to use their four Presidential Administrative Days anytime from Monday, Dec. 23 through Jan. 31, 2025. We appreciate your dedication and service to the university.

More information about the winter closedown can be found here:

Meet a Shocker

Bryan Mitchell, College of Applied Studies

For grad Bryan Mitchell, graduation is more than a celebration — it’s proof that perseverance and support can overcome any challenge. Thanks to his family, fraternity brothers and Dr. Pamela O’Neal’s guidance, Bryan is ready for what’s next. His advice? “Do not give up. Don’t quit.”

Javier Martinez, College of Engineering

Javier Martinez received the Mark and Stacy Parkinson Scholarship, which, alongside Wichita State University’s closeness to home and mechanical engineering program, made it a no-brainer for Javier to attend WSU. He used the opportunities available to him as a Shocker to stay up on his studies and now joins his peers in graduating with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering.

Roman Campa, College of Fine Arts

Roman Campa is one of the over 1,200 Shockers who were eligible to graduated in fall 2024. While earning his bachelor’s in media arts, Roman made the most of his time at KWCH 12 News. From producing to reporting, he’s grateful for the experience he gained.

Faculty and Staff Resources

Professional development opportunity available through the Kansas Leadership Center

Human Resources and Staff Senate are excited to continue to offer faculty and staff a professional development opportunity made possible through a grant they wrote and were awarded by the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC). The grant provides a select number of seats for their leadership development path that consists of three steps and starts with step one, When Everyone Leads.

Based on KLC’s bestselling book, “When Everyone Leads,” this six-hour course makes leadership radically accessible and inclusive, unleashing capacity for collective leadership in teams, organizations, coalitions and communities.

All faculty and staff are invited to go to the HR professional development website to learn more and find instructions for submitting an interest form.

Applied Learning

Read about Daysha Bullocks’ applied learning experiences at the NFL, NHL and more

Daysha Bullocks earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2020 and her master’s degree in sport management in 2021. During her time at Wichita State, she excelled not only academically but also athletically, competing in track and field. Daysha’s exceptional time-management skills allowed her to seize a variety of applied learning opportunities that paved the way for her future success.

One opportunity came through the Living Sport program, which enabled Daysha to participate in the NHL All-Star Weekend in 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through this experience, Daysha engaged with fans, distributed merchandise and facilitated hockey-related games. Her journey continued in Las Vegas working as a Raiders ambassador. Describing this role as the highlight of her career, Daysha fondly recalls assisting with Raiderettes tryouts, organizing community events and working at the 2022 NFL Draft.