October 22, 2014

Reminders

* Open enrollment closes Friday, Oct. 31. Until then, all benefits-eligible employees are allowed to select new benefits options for Plan Year 2015. Human Resources is hosting multiple informational meetings on campus. The state will also present webinars to inform you of the changes. You're encouraged to attend one of these sessions. Remember, all changes will be effective Jan. 1, 2015. To complete your open enrollment election, go to https://sehp.member.hrissuite.com/

* Beginning today (Monday, Oct. 20) the Graduate School office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students needing assistance between 5-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday can visit the on-campus OneStop location in 122 Jabara Hall, to ask many of the same questions they would have asked the Graduate School staff. Go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?3391 for more information.

* The Knight Cities Challenge is seeking ideas to improve 26 U.S. cities, including Wichita. WSU faculty and staff are encouraged to submit their best ideas in 150 words or less, plus a single tweet. Do you have a great idea for making Wichita a more vibrant place to learn, work, live and play? The deadline is Friday, Nov. 14. There will be an information session in Wichita 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Loft 150, 150 N. Mosley Street in Old Town, above River City Brewery. For more information, go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?3394

* Faculty and staff who wish to rent regalia for the fall 2014 commencement need to do so by Friday, Oct. 24. Please come to the bookstore or call Julie Hejtmanek at 978-7021 between 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to place your order. If you are interested in purchasing a set, CB Grad will be in the University Bookstore from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, to take orders. There will be a special discount if you purchase at this time, and payment will be required.

* China Lake Technologies of Ridgecrest, Calif., is seeking technology briefings from companies and academic institutions working on leading-edge bio-inspired/biomimetic technology of possible interest to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD). Any innovative bio-inspired/biomimetic technology, from concept stage all the way through to fielded products, is of potential interest. The deadline for responding is Tuesday, Oct. 21. For more information, visit http://www.chinalaketechnologies.org/rfi-bio.html or contact Becky Hundley at becky.hundley@wichita.edu or 978-5199.

* Join faculty and staff and continue discussions and provide feedback on service-learning at an Assessment Symposium from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, in 266 RSC. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Lee Ann Birdwell at leeann.birdwell@wichita.edu by noon Monday, Nov. 10. For more information, go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?3387

* The Office of Research and Technology Transfer will hold a workshop for WSU faculty and staff on "Funding Opportunities: Come Discover the Possibilities," from 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, in 262 RSC. The research office will hold additional workshops throughout the year including Developing Budgets on Thursday, Dec. 11, and Cayuse 101 on Thursday, Jan. 22. For information on these workshops and how to register, go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?3392

* Each year, students design a T-shirt that encompasses Shocker pride, and students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to vote one time on their favorite among the top three designs. Vote between now and 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at http://www.wichita.edu/sac to help decide the next T-shirt that will be sold in the University Bookstore.

* Shocker Blast is the twice weekly email newsletter for WSU students. Go to http://www.wichita.edu/shockerblast to see the current edition.