August 8, 2017
Upcoming Events:
Tues-Friday, Aug. 8-11
Pneumatic Conveying of Powders & Bulk Solids course at BSIC

Monday, Aug. 14
Fall Kickoff for faculty and staff from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the CCCR

Friday, Aug. 18
Residence Halls Move In Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 19
UBelong, or new student orientation, throughout the day

Welcome Back Bash for military-connected students at 4 p.m., location TBD

Sunday, Aug. 20
Student Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria

Student Clubs & Organizations Fair from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the CCCR

All Student Meet & Greet from 4 to 5 p.m. in the CCCR

Student Dinner from 5 to 6 p.m. in the cafeteria

Rocketry Club event from 6:30 to 7 p.m. on the Tech Center lawn

Monday, Aug. 21
Fall classes begin

Lights On Salina from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Tech Center lobby

Solar Eclipse Viewing from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the Tech Center lawn (safety glasses available)

Capture the Hill/Battle of the Colors at 7 p.m. in the field between the SLC & Welcome Center

Women in Aviation ice cream social at 8 p.m. on Kuhlman Square
Quick Links
Editor's note: Wildcat Weekly will have limited summer schedule
During the summer semester, the Wildcat Weekly will be on a limited publishing schedule. It will be available once a month - June 6, July 11 and August 8 - until the start of the fall semester, when it will resume on August 22. Please continue to submit announcements and news items for the Wildcat Weekly via the "Project Requests" tab on the Marketing & Communications webpage.
Summer Discover Programs wrap-up: New statistics demonstrate impact of PEO's youth outreach
Celebrating 10 years since the inception of its Discover Programs, the professional education and outreach office, or PEO, is excited about the growth of their connection with area youth. After a summer filled with a record number of programs - seven total, including new offerings like iVideo Mania and Robotics Master - PEO has pulled their statistics and are sharing the impact the Discover Programs have made. 

Their seven programs, which took place over the course of June and July, also had a record number of attendees at 127. Breaking that number down further, the highest percentage of participants came from the 6th grade at 26%, followed by 7th grade at 23% and then 8th grade at 18%.

As far as location goes, attendees overwhelmingly came from in town, at 55%. Other notable Kansas cities that students traveled from include as far away as Olathe, Hays and north Newton as well as Solomon and Manhattan, which had the second and third largest number of students respectively. The Discover Programs also welcomed six students from out of state - Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and New Mexico - for Fly K-State Academy, which was offered to high school students.

Along with participant statistics, it is important to mention the involvement of K-State Polytechnic's faculty, staff and undergrads. In order to offer successful educational programming, 12 college students and eight faculty and staff were needed in addition to those in PEO.

For more information on this summer's Discover Programs or any other courses offered by PEO, contact Kirsten Zoller at kzoller@k-state.edu. And to drop the office a note of appreciation for their work in education, email profed@k-state.edu.
Be kind, rewind? Information Systems, library offering digital conversion of professors' VHS tapes and DVDs
It's likely that many of the campus's incoming freshmen will have no frame of reference for the advice to "be kind, rewind." 

For those that do remember VHS tapes and still use them to present video in the classroom, upgrading to a digital format isn't as hard as you might think. K-State Polytechnic's Information Systems and the Polytechnic Campus library are offering to assist faculty with converting both VHS tapes and DVDs into digital format for archival and use on K-State's Mediasite (http://www.k-state.edu/mediasite/).

To request help or get additional details, please contact one of the following addresses:

Information Systems
785-826-2666 (Front Desk)
785-826-2628 (Media Services)
issal@k-state.edu

K-State Polytechnic Library
785-826-2636
sallib@k-state.edu

*Fun trivia:  Japan's Funai Electronics was the last commercial manufacturer of VCRs, and has now ceased production.
Campus's Career Closet now accepting donations

Do you have any business formal clothes at home that you never wear? Instead of letting them lay dormant in your drawers or throwing them away, consider donating your workplace threads to the Polytechnic Campus Career Closet.

Many students who are preparing to interview for an internship or first job do not have money to buy the appropriate clothing necessary to look professional. The Career Closet is in search of suit  jackets, ties, dress shirts, dress pants, belts, professional dresses, slacks and blouses, shoes, scarves, and jewelry that students can look through and use during an important business interview or meeting.

If you have a donation, either bring it to the College Center, room 208, or contact Julie Rowe to make other arrangements. Her office number is  785-826-2674.
K-State's Weapons Policy is revised to include concealed carry

The university's exemption from the concealed carry requirements of the Personal and Family Protection Act expired on July 1, meaning that the concealed carry of handguns will be allowed in university buildings at Kansas State University, including the Polytechnic Campus, and other state universities.

As K-State continues its commitment to the safety of students, faculty and staff and all members of the K-State community, information about concealed carry on campus has been updated in the university's Weapons Policy and training on the new requirement is being offered. 

To view the university's Weapons Policy, click here. To go through the concealed carry training, click here.

It is important to remember that the open carry of firearms continues to be prohibited on grounds and buildings of K-State campuses.
Save the date: Faculty, staff needed for 'Movers and Groovers' Aug. 18
In less than two weeks, students will be back on the Polytechnic Campus for the start of another new school year. Those who are living in the residence halls are allowed to move in beginning Friday, Aug. 18, and residence life coordinator, Shawn Mallory, is looking for support from faculty and staff to help students carry in their luggage and large items.

Dubbed "Movers and Groovers," Shawn is needing volunteers between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Aug. 18 to assist students moving in. Generally, cars pull into the circle drive or park in the lot behind the residence halls and the Movers and Groovers work with the parents or students to load up their items and help them find the hall in which they are staying.

Contact Shawn Mallory at smallory@k-state.edu if you would like to sign up. Also, be on the lookout for an email from him asking for your T-shirt size - all Movers and Groovers should wear this shirt on Aug. 18 so they are easily identified by students and parents.
Library offering hands-on technology workshops for students in Office 365, Canvas and Google Drive
Students: If you need extra assistance understanding how to use Office 365, Canvas and Google Drive, the K-State Polytechnic library is here to help. 

Starting Aug. 28, a new set of technology workshops will be held in the Technology Center, room 115, to give students an opportunity to learn about and more effectively use programs they may need for academics. Below is the schedule for each workshop, however, if you have questions, contact Katherine Jones at  kathjones@ksu.edu.

Mon. 8/28, 3:30-4 PM - OFFICE 365
Wed. 8/30, 3:30-4 PM - CANVAS
Fri. 9/1, 3:30-4 PM - GOOGLE DRIVE

Mon. 9/11, 11:30-12 PM - OFFICE 365
Wed. 9/13, 11:30-12 PM - CANVAS
Fri. 9/15, 11:30-12 PM - GOOGLE DRIVE
Kansas State Polytechnic, Geary County USD 475 team up to improve STEM education with technology grant
With jobs in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, some of the most in-demand in today's work force, coupled with an expanding focus put on STEM curriculum in the classroom, Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus and Geary County USD 475 have joined together to enhance technology education for elementary, middle and high schools in  Junction City Milford Grandview Plaza  and  Fort Riley.

Kansas State Polytechnic and USD 475 have been awarded a more than $160,000 Title II grant that will help 12 schools in Geary County implement adequate technology training for teachers, specifically in computer science and robotics, and increase STEM-related learning opportunities for underrepresented students. The grant, "Enriching and Integrating 21st Century Science and Technology Knowledge and Skills into Today's Classroom Through Effective Partnerships," also provides for the purchase of new technology pieces for each classroom, such as a 3-D printer, Osmo kits, a Circuit Playground and Edison robots.

"The primary goal of the grant is to get new technology in both the hands of the teachers and the students through experiential and engaged learning, which is the polytechnic approach that this campus is passionate about," said Terri Gaeddert, director of academic operations for Kansas State Polytechnic. "We have a rich history that is rooted in technology education, so Kansas State Polytechnic is proud to be collaborating with USD 475 on this vital effort to grow STEM curriculum in the school district's classrooms and help create a more viable pathway to future STEM careers."

To continue reading, click here.
Harding receives Kansas State Polytechnic's 2017 McArthur award
Troy Harding, computer systems technology professor at  Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus, has been named the recipient of the 2017 Rex McArthur Family Faculty Fellow Award.
The McArthur distinction annually recognizes a Kansas State Polytechnic professor for teaching excellence, a commitment to research and honorable services to the university, college and community.
Harding grew up as the son of two educators. Although following the path of his parents was not his original intention, he discovered an interest in computers in high school when he helped program the school's two new computers. This interest led him to double major in computer science and chemistry at Bethany College.
A professor at Kansas State Polytechnic since 1999, Harding has taught classes in programming, system and data administration, web development and IT support. He also created a class on the development of mobile apps after researching the topic for the university.
To continue reading, click  here .
Gross named Kansas State Polytechnic's 2017 Marchbanks award recipient
Bill Gross,  Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus aviation professor who has received certification as a master flight instructor, has been named the 2017 Marchbanks Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence recipient.
The award was established more than 30 years ago to commemorate a faculty member's commitment in the classroom, service to students and overall merit as a teacher.
Growing up on a farm in the  Garden City  area led Gross down the natural career path of pursuing an animal science and ag education degree at Kansas State University in Manhattan. But Gross just couldn't forget his childhood days of accompanying his best friend's father up in his plane. After teaching high school vocational agriculture for a few years, Gross and his wife decided he should get his flight instructor rating. That decision led to a career educating and mentoring future pilots at Kansas State Polytechnic.
Gross has been a professor with Kansas State Polytechnic since fall 1987 when it was called the Kansas Technical Institute and then briefly the Kansas College of Technology. Currently, he is the chief flight instructor, overseeing 30-40 flight instructors and classroom instruction, and providing aviation transportation for university faculty and staff.
To continue reading, click here.

A high-five is one of the most recognizable ways two people can share excitement or celebrate a job well done. Kansas State Polytechnic's CEO and Dean Verna Fitzsimmons awards her high-five each week to honor faculty, staff and students for their dedication to the university.
Link
Thank you to those involved in the grant project with Geary County schools!
While the work we do for students on the Polytechnic Campus and the goals we achieve for K-State as a whole are vitally important, it is also imperative that we spend time connecting with organizations outside the Wildcat family. As part of our land-grant mission, we aim to " i mprove the quality of life of all Kansans" through a few different areas, outreach being one of them. And the recent collaboration between some of our faculty and USD 475 is a prime example of this.

I would like to recognize Dr. Terri Gaeddert, professor Troy Harding, associate professor Tom Mertz, associate professor Tim Bower and Dr. Bill Genereux for spearheading the effort to secure a Title II grant with Geary County Schools and working to create a plan that best utilizes those funds to help grade, middle and high school students in 12 USD 475 schools. The time commitment you have made to this project and your passion for educating our youth should be applauded. Thank you for your work on this collaboration!
Summer Financial Aid
Will you be attending Kansas State Polytechnic this summer and are in need of financial aid? First enroll in your summer classes and then complete the Summer Financial Aid Application. Cindy Newell, financial coordinator located in the College Center's room 209, can check to see if you have any financial aid available for the summer classes you are taking. The form can be found at

Loan Repayment Option for Graduating Students
The state of Kansas is offering up to $15,000 in student loan repayment and up to a 5 year state tax waiver for graduates who establish residency in one of the 77 Kansas counties designated as a rural opportunity zone. For more information, visit the link below:

Employee Tuition Assistance and Spouse/ Dependent Grant
1.  Employee Tuition Assistance

Award amount is for tuition only in a K-State course for up to 3 credit hours per term. 

The maximum award amount will not exceed the value of 3 hours at the in-state Manhattan/Salina tuition rate (ie. campus fees, other institutional fees, etc. are the responsibility of the employee). 

2.  Spouse/Dependent Grants (Only REGULAR employees are eligible.  If you are unsure if you are REGULAR or TERM, check your contract or with the HR office.)

For Dependents or Spouses that are enrolled full time in a degree terminating undergraduate program, the award will be the equivalent of the regular, resident on-campus tuition rate for 7 undergraduate course credits, where full-time for an undergraduate is defined as at least 12 enrolled credit hours per regular fall/spring term.

For Spouses that are enrolled part-time in a degree terminating undergraduate program the maximum award will be the equivalent of the regular, resident on-campus tuition rate for 3 undergraduate course credits, where part-time for an undergraduate is defined as less than 12 enrolled credit hours per regular fall/spring term. (Enrollment of less than 3 credit hours, will result in the proration of the award i.e. 2 credit hours enrolled = the equivalent of the regular, resident on-campus tuition rate for 2 credit hours - or - 1 credit hour enrolled = the equivalent of the regular, resident on-campus tuition rate for 1 credit hour. )

Dependents that are enrolled less than full-time in an undergraduate program are not eligible for the K-State Dependent/Spouse Grant.

For Dependents or Spouses that are enrolled in a degree terminating graduate or veterinary medicine program the maximum award will be the equivalent of the regular, resident on-campus tuition rate for 3 course credit hours as indicated by the student's degree program, graduate or veterinary medicine. (Enrollment of less than 3 credit hours, will result in the proration of the award i.e. 2 credit hours enrolled = the equivalent of the regular, resident on-campus tuition rate for 2 credit hours - or - 1 credit hour enrolled = the equivalent of the regular, resident on-campus tuition rate for 1 credit hour.)

Aviation Scholarships
Globalair.com is offering a number of $1,000 scholarships to students majoring in aviation-related fields. DEADLINE: August 14th. Visit:  https://www.globalair.com/
All jobs, both part-time and full-time as well as internship opportunities, are listed on the Kansas State University CES account. Access your CES account by logging into: 
 
 
For more information about this resource or additional employment resources, or for CES search assistance, please contact  Julie Rowe by email at  jarowe@k-state.edu, by phone at  (785) 826-2971, or in person on the first floor of the College Center.
 
To post a position on the CES system, please send your job descriptions and employer contact information by email to Julie Rowe at jarowe@k-state.edu for immediate posting.