WSU Today: Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Student Success and Persistence

Student success spotlight: Mercy Umeri

This week's Student Success and Persistence highlight comes from Dr. Mercy Umeri, assistant teaching professor and MiniMPA coordinator in Fairmount College's Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs.

Dr. Mercy Umeri stands on a gray background

This week’s Student Success and Persistence highlight comes from Dr. Mercy Umeri, assistant teaching professor and MiniMPA coordinator in Fairmount College’s Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs.

What role do you think faculty and staff play in a student’s success and persistence?
“As a faculty member, the core of our work is to ensure the success of students beyond the classroom. We must believe in the ability of our students to succeed. We must let our students know that they are co-producers of their knowledge and that we are the facilitators. We can empower them, even if they are still figuring out their career paths. This shift in mindset encourages students to stay engaged and committed to their studies and to know that they have what it takes to succeed. We must take time out to walk them through the difficulties they’re facing and point them to other resources that will help them succeed. As a first generation college student, I understand firsthand the importance of having faculty members who believe in you and push you to succeed.”
What is one small thing any faculty and staff member can do to make a student’s day or let them know they’re cared for?
“We can all do better with listening to our students more. Our students are doing their best to combine life and studies and sometimes, they may get overwhelmed. I try to come to class a little early so I can chat with my students before class. I have my office hours, but I always want my students to know that they can always talk to me, not just when they have challenges with my course. Listening to them in a ‘non-formal’ setting helps you listen to some of the challenges they face, ones they may not ordinarily share. Sometimes, after listening to them, all they need is a little nudge and encouragement to continue to stay engaged.”

Do you know of a faculty or staff member who promotes student success, or a student who has been helped by a faculty or staff member, that should be highlighted in WSU Today? Email your ideas to Caelin Bragg, newsletter editor with the Office of Strategic Communications, at caelin.bragg@wichita.edu.

Human Resources

Take advantage of HealthQuest events

Employees enrolled in 2023 coverage through the State Employee Health Plan can earn a premium discount worth $480 annually and HSA/HRA rewards dollars up to $500 per year, just by participating and logging healthy activities throughout the year.

Read more of Take advantage of HealthQuest events

Access the HealthQuest portal

News

Barton School launches innovative Executive MBA program with executive coaching emphasis

The Barton School of Business has launched a new, industry-aligned Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program. The innovative curriculum will be taught by top faculty members and focused on the latest industry trends and content to more effectively prepare students for greater responsibilities at the executive level.

The 30-credit hour program spans 18 months and will begin October 2023. A key feature of the new EMBA program is students will be paired with a personal executive coach. Their coach will guide them to discover their unique talents and develop a strengths-based approach to solving current and future leadership and business challenges.

Learn more about the new EMBA program

Tilford Conference extends deadline for proposals

The deadline to submit proposals for the 2023 Tilford Conference has been extended to Saturday, July 15.

The Kansas Board of Regents’ Michael Tilford Conference on Diversity and Multiculturalism Program Committee seeks submissions for the annual conference to be held Oct. 5 and 6 at Washburn University in Topeka.

The 2023 Tilford Conference theme is “Living into Brown: Staying the Course Toward Inclusion and Belonging.”

Notices of acceptance or decline will be sent by Aug. 1. Conference registration will be available beginning July 15.

Submit a proposal for the conference

Job Openings

College of Health Professions seeking applicants for scholarship and events coordinator

The College of Health Professions dean’s office is seeking applicants for its scholarship and events coordinator position.

The position will be responsible for coordinating and hosting various events that promote the college and its programs to prospective and current students, such as the annual CHP week, Clash of the Colleges and high school recruiting events. They also manage the scholarship program communications and fund administration for the college, ensuring that eligible students receive the financial support they need to succeed academically. Additionally, this position oversees the compliance and progress of scholarship recipients, coordinates with other departments to enhance recruitment and outreach efforts, and collaborates with university staff and students to foster academic success.

Learn more and apply

Training Opportunities and Workshops

Sign up now for Banner Scheduling Building Training

New schedule builders and department chairs are invited to attend the upcoming Banner Schedule Building Training sessions with ITS Applications Training and the Registrar’s Office on July 18 and 19. Attendees will learn to enter the course schedule for spring 2024 and view information using Banner 9 and WSU Reporting. Those who are new to schedule building are required to attend both Section 1 and Section 2 of the full training.