Shocker Blast: Feb. 26, 2020

New President’s Convergence Sciences Initiative offers more than $1 million in research awards to Wichita State faculty, staff and students

The deadline has been set for May 1 for the first round of proposals for the new President’s Convergence Sciences Initiative.

Successful proposals will be funded for three years, with a budget not to exceed $100,000 per year.

Proposals are especially encouraged from researchers working together across academic disciplines, at different points in research careers, and including students.

The focus is on research that addresses societal problems. Broadly defined themes are:

  • Health disparities and health delivery
  • Digital transformation
  • Sustainability
  • A theme you propose

 for more information about the President’s Convergence Sciences Initiative.


Alex Roberts Feb. 26, 2020

HCEA Cybersecurity Speaker Series presents Alex Roberts today

Join the Hub for Cybersecurity Education and Awareness from 2-3:30 p.m. today (Wednesday, Feb. 26) in Partnership 2 Building, Room A131, to hear Alex Roberts from the AGCO Corporation and learn more about threats to connected agriculture and what it’s like to hack a tractor. Find out more and register at .

Cybersecurity Speaker Series


Francis Connor

Talk in the Language and Linguistics Colloquium Series features Francis Connor

We invite all of you to the first talk in the spring 2020 Language and Linguistics Colloquium Series. Dr. Francis Connor, associate professor and Interim Chair, Department of English, will give a talk at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in 208 Hubbard Hall. The talk is titled "Shakespeare's Imperfect Verses." This event is free and open to the public.

You’ll find an unfamiliar version of a famous William Shakespeare poem in a forgotten seventeenth-century book. Is it Shakespeare's first draft, a revision by another writer, or something else? My colloquium presentation will use such a poem as a case study to consider different language-based approaches to authorial attribution, focusing particularly on ways that digital corpora such as EEBO-TCP have changed how we approach questions of authorship.


Take the CLA and receive a $25 QT card or Shocker Dollars!

Take the Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA) and receive a $25 QuikTrip Card or Shocker Dollars. If you are ready to sign-up, go to  and click on “Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA) – University Students.


Grad Weekend March 2020

Higher Education / Student Affairs assistantships at 鶹ý

Interested in graduate assistantships in higher education? Grad Weekend at Wichita State University on March 13-14, is a weekend-long chance to find your perfect assistantship match. Those who attend will have the opportunity to explore 鶹ý’s beautiful campus, meet and interview with Student Affairs staff (and potential employers), ask current graduate assistants about their experiences, and learn more about the graduate assistantships that will be available for the 2020-21 academic year.

Registration is due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 8.

For more information, go to .


Dockum Sit-in Feb. 26, 2020

Galyn Vesey to present ‘People, Pride, and Promise: The Story of the Dockum Sit-In’

Galyn Vesey will present the story of a powerful and successful civil rights event that took place in Wichita - the Dockum Sit-In. Enjoy the exhibit and reception at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday, Feb. 26). The talk will begin at 1:30 p.m. The event will be held in the lower level of Ablah Library. It is free and open to the public.


400 Years of Inequality Feb. 26, 2020

Lean into discomfort as we engage in a discussion around the 400 years of inequality

A 400 Years of Inequality workshop will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. today (Wednesday, Feb. 26) in 208 RSC.

Join us at 6:30 p.m. in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion as we review the 400 years’ timeline. We will engage in tough, but necessary dialogue. 2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival in 1619 at Jamestown of the first Africans to be sold into bondage. These Africans were the first of millions who followed as slaves to work on plantations established on land stolen from the indigenous peoples of the continent.

Colonialism and slavery were soon codified into laws promoting inequality and legitimating oppression and terror. These laws and the practices they encouraged were and remain formidable barriers against efforts by Native Americans, African Americans, poor whites, and numerous other groups, to unite against the dispossession and occupation of lands, and exploitative and oppressive life and work conditions.

We need desperately to link arms in radical equality. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion asks attendees to lean into discomfort and go through the 400 years’ timeline with reflection, discussion, and a call to action.

For more information go to  or contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 978-3034.


Focus group participants needed for study on swearing and credibility

Ever wondered how swearing affects your credibility? A graduate student in the Elliott School of Communication is looking for focus group participants to discuss the use of swear words in the classroom.

The purpose of this research is to provide information on the positive and negative effects swearing has on the credibility of college instructors. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

For more information, and to RSVP, email Emily Mullins at exmullins@shockers.wichita.edu.


Night at the Arcade Feb. 27, 2020

Spend a night at The Arcade with SAC

Join SAC for a retro filled night from 6-9 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 27) at The Arcade, 139 N. Mead St. Bring your friends and battle it out on the PAC-Man Battle Royale, play unlimited pin ball games, and enjoy some food. This is a night that you won’t want to miss. For more info go to Wichita.edu/sac.

Students w/ 鶹ý ID | Free

Faculty/Staff w/ 鶹ý ID | $3

General Admission | $5


鶹ý Symphony Orchestra Concert Feb. 27, 2020

鶹ý Symphony Orchestra Concert features student soloists

Four student soloists will be featured at the 鶹ý Symphony Orchestra Concerto-Aria Honors Concert at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 27) in Miller Concert Hall. Mark Laycock, director of orchestras, will lead the program.

For tickets, go to  or call 978-3233. Admission is free for students with a 鶹ý ID.


Journey East Asian Grill special

鶹ý students enjoy $1 off any bowl at Journey East Asian Grill

Wichita State students are invited to Journey East Asian Grill in Braeburn Square to enjoy a Happy Bowl ($1 off any bowl). Offer valid for a limited time, weekdays from 2:30-5 p.m. only. Bring your Shocker ID.


SGA elections

Declare yourself a candidate for Student Government elections

The time is now! We want you to run and serve on the Student Government Association!

What does SGA even do? SGA serves as the voice of students to the university and college administration, local, state and federal representatives. SGA also manages the allocation of over $10 million in student fees, governs over all recognized student organizations, provides funding to student groups and individuals, and awards several thousands of dollars in scholarships annually.

Sound like something you want to do? Then declare today for your chance to ensure all voices, thoughts, opinions and students are heard!

Questions? Email sga.elections@wichita.edu! Hope to see you on the campaign trail!

Student Government Association


Call for posters for Analytics Showcase

The 鶹ý Analytics Showcase invites students to submit a poster for presentation at the first 鶹ý Analytics Showcase from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Hughes Metropolitan Complex. This event is a great opportunity to present your data analytics research or applied project to 鶹ý community, Industry and other stakeholders.

The 鶹ý Analytics Showcase will deepen your understanding of accomplishments in the field of analytics in terms of research advances, curricular programs, analytics software, hardware, and skill-building, and it is a great opportunity to interact with other data analytics researchers and practitioners.

The deadline for submission is Friday, March 6.

Click here to submit the poster.


Free academic resources are available through TRIO Student Support Services

Student Support Services (SSS) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide free academic services to students from First-Generation (FG) and Limited- Income (LI) backgrounds, as well as students with disabilities.

The free services include individualized tutoring, academic advising, textbook loans, assistance completing financial aid applications, and scholarships exclusively for student participants.

We are located on the third floor of Grace Wilkie Hall, in suite 309. For more information, visit our website or contact our offices at 978-3715.

Student Support Services


Keep Calm and Breathe On Spring 2020

Join CAPS this semester for Keep Calm & Breathe On

Join Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) again this semester for Keep Calm & Breathe On!

Drop in to build structured relaxation time into your life and learn techniques to do relaxation on your own. You will be led in meditation, mindfulness and relaxation practices. The meetings are every Wednesday from 12:15-12:45 p.m. in 257 RSC.


Financial Aid Feb. 26, 2020

The Office of Financial Aid presents Yoga, in support of financial wellness

The Office of Financial Aid invites you to join them as they end the celebration of Financial Aid Appreciation month with Yoga, in support of financial, physical, and mental wellness. Bring your mat and experience the tranquility reached during each offered session from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today (Wednesday, Feb. 26) in 142 RSC.


Career REady Feb. 27, 2020

Join the Career Development Center to become Career Ready

Employers are looking for Wichita State graduates to be Career Ready — meaning you know how to use your talents, strengths, and interests. Being Career Ready means, you can recognize and demonstrate the competencies identified by employers that are crucial to a successful transition into the workplace.

Join the Career Development Center from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in Brennan III for the Critical Thinking and Teamwork/Collaboration workshop.


Bollywood Night with AHINSA

Attend Bollywood Night with AHINSA

Bollywood Night is all about having fun, socializing and dancing to the latest dance tracks. Join the Association of Hindu Students in America (AHINSA) from 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, in the RSC Beggs Ballroom. Everyone is invited. Drinks will be served. The cost is $5 at the door. A limited number of free tickets are available at the AHINSA table in the RSC today and tomorrow (Feb. 26-27). Dress code is smart casual.


Course Materials Affordability Forum

Attend the Course Materials Affordability Forum

Plan to attend the Course Materials Affordability Forum, hosted by the Shocker Store! It will occur on Monday, March 2 on the RSC 3rd floor, with two sessions to choose from- 9:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. or noon-3 p.m. Come-and-go as you please. Meet and talk with course materials representatives, hear firsthand from students and faculty on what Access Now looks like at 鶹ý, enjoy a live demo from RedShelf and more.

For more information and an agenda, go to or email shockerstore@wichita.edu.


Shocker Strong

Join Shocker Strong and learn how to maximize your strengths

The Shocker Strong Resilience Program will meet from 3-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, in RSC 265. Join us for the opportunity to discuss your strengths and how to maximize them in your education, your career and your personal life!

To those interested in attending, please email Kennedy Rogers at kennedy.rogers@wichita.edu to receive your free Clifton StrengthsFinder passcode and complete the StrengthsFinder assessment before the meeting. The assessment usually takes 35-45 minutes to complete.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Shocker Strong Resilience Program


Capitol Building

Gearhart to give legislative update Friday

Zach Gearhart, director of Government Relations, will provide a legislative update at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28 in the Morrison Hall boardroom. Interested faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend.


CMD workshop March 11-12, 2020

Balancing budget and schedule to come out successful

“Project Scheduling and Cost Management” will be led by DeAnn Sullivan, PMP, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, and Thursday, March 12.

A project’s schedule brings the entire picture of the project life cycle into focus, giving clear and concise expectations of project milestones and completion date. Managing costs is more than tracking expenses; it considers how much work was done for the amount spent.

This two-day program will equip you with the critical, working knowledge you need to put together winning projects that meet the constraints of your time and budget.

The cost is $899, with a 20% discount for 鶹ý faculty, staff and students. Some restrictions apply.

For more information go to  or register at 978-3118.


Register to vote with 鶹ý College Democrats

Register to vote Friday with the 鶹ý College Democrats

Stop by the 鶹ý College Democrats' table from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, on the first floor of the RSC and register to vote. It is the first step to getting involved in their election year. Claim your voice!


Women Empowered Market March 5, 2020

Celebrate and shop the Women Empowered Shocker Market

Join us as we celebrate Women's History Month at 鶹ý! The Women Empowered Shocker Market is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, March 5, on the first floor, Rhatigan Student Center. Learn about programs that empower women locally and globally, and to shop beautiful handmade products for your home and life.

This event will feature local causes, global causes, and women-owned small businesses. Products for sale will be handmade, empowering to women economically, and ensure a fair wage was paid to the makers.

This event is in collaboration with the 鶹ý Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Alegria Fair Trade, SheHopes.org, and Filigrana Artisans.


Autism support group

Join Counseling and Prevention Services and Disability Services for the Autism Spectrum Support Group

For students who self-identify with the autism community or who may be questioning if they fall on the spectrum, join Counseling and Prevention Services and Disability Services for the Autism Spectrum Support Group. In this group you can connect with other students on the spectrum, build a social group, make friends and learn skills to support your social and academic success.

Call 978-4SWC (4792) for more information.


Nike Gameday Sale Feb. 27, 2020

Save on Nike for Shocker Gameday

For every home men’s basketball game, the Shocker Store will have a sale for Shocker fans. For the game against Temple tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 27), enjoy 20% off Nike apparel. Sale is valid at Braeburn Square location and at shockerstore.com, on game day only. Some exclusions apply. Not valid with other discounts or promotions.


Shocker Store hat sale Feb. 2020

Sale this week at the Shocker Store

Save on hats this week at the Shocker Store. Through Saturday, Feb. 29, take 20% off all hats in the RSC Shocker Store. Not valid with other discounts or promotions.


We Can Do It for Women's History MonthSAC presents We Can Do It for Women's History Month!

Come celebrate female empowerment with the Student Activities Council from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, on the first floor, RSC. Take pictures in our photo booth and tell us what makes you proud to be a female or proud to know the strong females in your life.

For more information about SAC-sponsored events, go to or contact us at sac@wichita.edu.

Sponsored by Student Activities Council.