November 15, 2016

Reminders, deadlines, events and Shocker Blast

* Colonial Life will provide free benefit counseling sessions to all employees to discuss the new 2017 health benefits and give you an opportunity to learn about open enrollment (ending Wednesday, Nov. 30) for our new accident, cancer, critical illness and hospital confinement insurance benefits. Personal sessions will be available from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. today (Wednesday, Nov. 9) in 314 RSC. To make an appointment with a benefits counselor or to find out more, go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?5180

* The Fall 2016 Chemistry Department Colloquium continues with a Watkins Lecuture at 3:30 p.m. today (Wednesday, Nov. 9) in 224 McKinley Hall, with guest speaker Brian Kuhlman, professor from the UNC School of Medicine. Kuhlman will present "Computer-based Design of Novel Protein Interfaces and Switches."

* The Office of Financial Aid will host two Student Loan Repayment Workshops from 1-2 p.m. today (Wednesday, Nov. 9) in 301 RSC, and 6-7 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 10) in 204 McKinley Hall.

* Join us from noon-1 p.m. today (Wednesday, Nov. 9) in 262 RSC, to learn more about the Congo from Christel Gipangu. Discover this big country that has many natural resources such as gold, diamond, Coltan and more. Bring your lunch and travel the world without leaving WSU.

* Wage & Hour training will be held at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 10) in 262 RSC. There have been some changes in the FLSA rules that all supervisors, timekeepers and administrative assistants need to know. Go to the MyTraining link on the MyWSU faculty and staff page to enroll.

* WSU business and engineering majors have an opportunity to network with recent WSU alumni currently working in business and engineering positions from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, in 142 RSC. Dress is business casual. Students should bring their WSU ID. Spaces are limited, so students should RSVP today at http://www.wichita.edu/ShockerConnect.

* The Academy for Effective Teaching is an organization of retired faculty members who distinguished themselves in their teaching careers. Seven new members will be inducted into the academy at a reception from 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in the Armstrong Room, Marcus Welcome Center. You are invited to the reception honoring the inductees. Please RSVP by Tuesday, Nov. 15, to janis.hudson@wichita.edu.

* Be sure to complete your Required Health Assessment and earn a total of 30 credits by 11 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, in order to earn your $240 premium discount next year. Verify your status by logging in to http://www.kansashealthquest.com. For more information about the 2016 HealthQuest program go to http://www.kdheks.gov/hcf/healthquest/rewards.html

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