Reminders, deadlines and events
* This summer KPERS moved to a new insurance provider -- Standard Insurance Company. KPERS provides all eligible university employees with basic life insurance at 150 percent of your pay, paid for by the university. You can also get extra protection with KPERS' optional life insurance. With this change, employees will have lower rates, increased coverage potential of up to $400,000 and a new certificate of coverage. What doesn't change? Your coverage level stays the same, annual open enrollment will still be in the fall (with guaranteed coverage options) and you can apply for new coverage at any time. Contact KPERS at 888-275-5737 or email them at kpers@kpers.org for more information.
* The Office of Adult Learning recently set up pamphlet displays outside its office, and we are looking for brochures or pamphlets to fill it. We would like information that may be especially pertinent to adult students. We have room for trifold pamphlets (about 4 1/2-inches-by-8-inches) and request any brochures you have to offer. If you want to display your information, send it to the Office of Adult Learning, campus box 208. Contact us prior to sending if you have questions at 978-8325 or pamela.oneal@wichita.edu.
* New parking signs are being installed. All signs say that an ePermit is required, although current hangtags are good through August. Faculty, staff and students may purchase virtual parking permits (ePermits) for the 2016-17 academic year. The new system features license plate recognition (LPR) technology and that eliminates the need for color-coded hangtags and stickers for parking enforcement. A single ePermit can be used for up to five vehicles, including motorcycles and rental cars, as needed, provided only one of the vehicles is on campus at a time. Go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?4873 for more information.
* Help deserving children start the school year off right by contributing school supplies now through tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 12). Supplies can be dropped off at the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in 208 RSC.
* As you prepare your Blackboard course areas for fall, you will notice some changes. The menu items on the left have been scaled back to make your Blackboard class easier for you and your students. Learn about the changes at http://blogs.wichita.edu/idtgroup/?p=3833. If you need on-demand Blackboard training as you build your class, consult this index of short videos: http://blogs.wichita.edu/idtgroup/?page_id=1564. As always, if you have a technical problem, submit a ticket through OneStop.
* Join fellow faculty and staff at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, in the RSC Beggs Ballroom for a student centered and innovation driven event. Reconnect with colleagues, meet new ones and hear from President Bardo about the issues and opportunities WSU is facing in the new academic year. The formal session will last an hour, followed by an hour to share ideas, socialize and snack.