WSU Today: Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022

COVID-19 Updates

Spring 2022 COVID-19 reminders

Welcome back for the spring semester. As has been the case since the beginning of this pandemic, our top priority and focus is the health, safety and well-being of our campus community while delivering a high-quality learning environment. Wichita State has been and will continue to closely monitor COVID, its spread and its impact on our campus community.

Below are some reminders regarding COVID-19 safety practices and university operations. See the employee COVID guide for more details.

The semester has begun as scheduled as listed in the spring schedule of classes. Faculty are expected to deliver courses in the format assigned to the course in the course catalog. However, we also realize these are extraordinary circumstances and anticipate that there will be situations throughout the semester that will require adaptation and temporary changes. Those situations should be addressed as they arise.
Masks continue to be required for the entire campus, which includes students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Vaccinations continue to be the best weapon against COVID-19 as we work together to move past this pandemic. I encourage everyone to get a vaccine, including a booster, if you are able. Vaccines are available through the Sedgwick County Health Department and several pharmacies and clinics. To learn more about vaccine locations, visit the CDC vaccine finder.
All students, faculty and staff have access to free COVID-19 testing through Student Health Services. You no longer need an appointment and instead can receive a walk-in test from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Student Health Services. Get more information on walk-in testing. You can also see other testing options by visiting the Sedgwick County testing website.
WSU is following updated CDC guidance for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine measures for employees and students.
To help support and remind the Shocker community about masking, vaccines and other safety practices, a digital toolkit is available for print and download for any office or building use.

Thank you for your flexibility and grace as we work together during this pandemic.

News

View KBOR Mandatory and Voluntary Retirement Plan 2022 Q1 newsletter

The Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association and Voya Financial have created joint quarterly newsletters designed to communicate information about both the KBOR Mandatory and Voluntary 403(b) Retirement Plans.

These newsletters are designed to help benefit-eligible employees become more aware of the plans, the expertise that goes into managing and administering the plans and the benefits the plan provides with each newsletter touching on various topics of importance.

Access the 2022 Q1 Newsletter View more information on the retirement plans, financial counseling and retirement

Instructor FAQs updated for spring 2022

As we begin a new semester, Wichita State’s COVID frequently asked questions (FAQs) for instructors have been updated for the spring 2022 semester. The page includes information about hybrid classes, current classroom capacities and safe behaviors that comply with campus policies.

View current Instructor FAQs

W-2 information available online

W-2 forms for calendar year 2021 are now available. A list of step-by-step instructions is also available. The steps also help with accessing electronically through the State of Kansas Employee Self Service (ESS) Portal.

Employees who have previously consented to receive the W-2 electronically will still be in
effect for this year. Employees who would like to sign up for the electronic copy must log on to the ESS Portal and consent to receive this information electronically.

For more information about W-2s, you can visit the Wichita State W-2 Information website.

View WSU W-2 Information website

Events and Recreation

Abstracts, proposals requested for 2022 Diverse Women’s Summit

Individual students, student groups, faculty, staff and innovation partners are invited to submit abstracts or proposals to present at the 2022 Diverse Women’s Summit (DWS) 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. March 7 via Zoom. DWS is a meeting of individuals and groups from different backgrounds on local, regional, national and global issues affecting women. The theme of the 2022 DWS will be Intersectionality at Wichita State University.

Proposals should include 100-200 words describing the presentation (type, subject, theme and purpose). Presentations that focus on the following topics will be given priority:

Intersectional research
Citizenship and special populations
Women, gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality and ability
Social justice and the future

Proposals and abstracts will be accepted until Feb. 15 and should be submitted to chinyere.okafor@wichita.edu.

For more information, contact (316) 978-3358 or joyce.dalporto-ward@wichita.edu.

Join KMUW’s Literary Feast to discuss ‘Address Unknown’ by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor

The next KMUW Literary Feast will take place 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19 via Zoom. Literary Feast is KMUW’s monthly book club, featuring selections made by KMUW staff. For January, KMUW has selected “Address Unknown” by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor. To join, reserve a free spot at the link below.

Reserve spot for KMUW Literary Feast

RSVP for next Shocker Legacy Day Feb. 5

The sixth annual Shocker Legacy Day will take place 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Rhatigan Student Center (Room 233). This event is for high school-aged or transfer students of Wichita State faculty and staff. Children of Wichita State alumni are also invited.

During Shocker Legacy Day, attendees will hear from admissions, take photos with WuShock, ask questions of current Wichita State students and go on a tour of the main campus featuring on-campus living options.

Tickets to the Shocker men’s basketball game versus Southern Methodist University that evening are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To attend Shocker Legacy Day, RSVP by Jan. 31. Reservations will be unavailable once when the event reaches capacity.

For more information, contact Lauren O’Donnell, events and marketing intern, at admissions.intern2@wichita.edu.

RSVP for Shocker Legacy Day

Update your wardrobe at JCPenney Suit-Up Event Feb. 6

Students, faculty and staff are all invited to join Wichita State’s Shocker Career Accelerator for its JCPenney Suit-Up event 4-7p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6 at the JCPenney located in Towne East Mall (7700 East Kellogg Drive). A valid WSU ID is required for participation.

Learn more about JCPenney Suit-Up Event Feb. 6

Encourage students to attend SCA Virtual Business, Engineering and Technology Career Fair Feb. 8

Shocker Career Accelerator (SCA) is excited to host the Virtual Business, Engineering, and Technology Career Fair 1-5 p.m., Feb. 8, via Handshake. To double our employer network and reach, SCA has partnered with Fort Hays State University, Butler Community College and WSU Tech for this event.

Encourage your students to register on Handshake and attend. All majors are welcome.

Thirty-two employers are attending, and the list growing every day. Students can speak with employers from BG Products, Building Controls and Services Inc., Evergy, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-FDIC, Koch Industries, Inc., Kohl’s Corporation, K-Coe Isom, NetApp, Textron Aviation and more.

Learn more, register for SCA Career Fair

Technology

Empower your teaching with spring 2022 Classroom Media Training

The schedule for the Campus Media Service (CMS) spring 2022 In-Person Classroom Media Training Schedule is now available at the Wichita State Classroom Media Training Schedule website.

CMS supports the technology in five primary classroom types plus several bespoke classrooms with customized technology fit for any occasion. Access to classroom technology is available to faculty and staff with consistent keys for most classrooms that are issued during a short training session. If you have a key but aren’t sure if it will work in your new classrooms, check out the CMS FAQ page. Faculty are encouraged to verify that their assigned classrooms have the technology they need before the start of the semester.

Training is by appointment only. To apply, email glenn.gunnels@wichita.edu. For more information, contact 316-978-3588.

View classroom media training schedule View online classroom media training