Dear Colleagues,
As we move further into the semester, I want to take a moment to highlight two opportunities that reflect our shared commitment to student success.
First, I invite you to join us on Wednesday, October 15, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Student Success Center. This celebration honors a decade of transformative support for our students, made possible in part by the generosity of the Mathile Family Foundation and the Berry Foundation. A brief program at 3 p.m. will feature student speakers and foundation representatives. I hope you’ll stop by to explore the space and connect with colleagues who help make this work possible.
Second, I encourage you to consider supporting the Academic Success Centers’ Student Supply Closet, which is experiencing increased demand for basic school supplies. Many of our students are Pell-eligible and access to essential materials can make a meaningful difference in their academic experience. Donations may be dropped off in 122 Student Success Center, contributed via the center’s Amazon wish list, or placed in the bins now available in your dean’s office. A list of supplies and additional information is available.
Your participation, whether through celebration or contribution, helps us continue building a campus where every student has the tools and support they need to thrive.
Midterm Grading Underway, Open Labs Available
Midterm grade reporting is open for all full-semester fall classes. Midterm grade reporting is required by all undergraduate-level classes, with some exceptions.
The Office of the Registrar is offering faculty Open Lab times to assist with submitting midterm grades. This is an opportunity for faculty to ask questions about the new version of services in the WINGS faculty menu as Banner 9 is finalized.
Open Labs will be held in 170 Mathematical and Microbiological Sciences on:
- Wednesday, October 8, from 2:30 to 3:25 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 14, from 2 to 3:20 p.m.
Midterm grades are due by noon on Wednesday, October 15. Detailed instructions for posting grades can be found on the Registrar’s grading webpage.
For technical questions about reporting grades (such as reporting from Pilot), contact the CaTS Help Desk at 937-775-4827 or helpdesk@wright.edu.
For additional grading questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 937-775-5200 or wsu-registrar@wright.edu.
Teaching Excellence: Weekly Coursera Feature
As part of our partnership with Coursera Career Academy, faculty have access to high-quality online courses and professional certificates from leading organizations such as Google, Meta, and IBM. Each week, we’ll highlight a recommended course designed to support your professional growth and instructional practice. These courses are available at no cost and can be completed asynchronously — whenever your schedule allows.
Uncommon Sense Teaching: This foundational course introduces practical, neuroscience-informed strategies to help students learn more effectively and inclusively. You'll gain insights into how to motivate learners, reduce procrastination, and support diverse learning needs. Designed for educators across disciplines, this course offers a fresh perspective on how to elevate your teaching practice.
This is the first course in the Uncommon Sense Teaching Specialization, which explores how cognitive science and classroom experience can inform innovative teaching approaches. Future features will highlight additional courses in the series, including strategies for online instruction.
This course is part of our Career Academy+ offerings. Wright State has 100 licenses available, and interested faculty should email Provost@wright.edu to request access. Licenses will be granted as available to complete this course.
Faculty Resources: Supporting Students with Disabilities
Wright State is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment, and faculty play a vital role in ensuring access for students with disabilities. The Faculty Procedures and Best Practices Guide from the Office of Disability Services offers practical guidance on implementing accommodations and supporting students effectively.
Key topics include:
- Understanding Accommodations: Learn how to facilitate academic adjustments that provide access without compromising course integrity.
- Using the AIM Portal: View accommodation requests, upload syllabi and exams, and manage accessibility needs for your courses.
- Talking About Disability: Explore respectful and effective ways to address disability-related needs in the classroom.
- Technical Standards: Understand how accommodations intersect with essential course requirements.
Faculty are encouraged to include the suggested syllabus statement in future semesters to inform students of available support:
“Wright State University is committed to ensuring all students have equitable access to their academic experience. If you anticipate or experience disability related barriers, please contact the Office of Disability Services at disability_services@wright.edu or 937-775-5680 or visit wright.edu/ods to explore solutions and develop a College Accommodation Plan.”
Events
True Stories About Love and Disability — Nationally recognized relationship vloggers Shane and Hannah Burcaw, known as Squirmy and Grubs, will share their experiences as a couple in an inter-abled relationship on Thursday, October 16, from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Apollo Room in the Student Union.
Their talk will explore the realities of love and disability, aiming to challenge common misconceptions and societal stigmas. A book signing will follow.
This free event is open to the public and hosted by Wright State’s Office of Disability Services. Faculty and staff are encouraged to share this opportunity with students and colleagues, as it promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking experience.
Raider Productivity Week
The Academic Success Center will host Raider Productivity Week from October 13 to 17, offering a series of events designed to help students, faculty, and staff boost productivity, manage time effectively, and stay organized mid-semester.
Student Sessions
Union Study Time: Drop in to study between classes. Group workspace and study supplies will be available.
- Monday, October 13, to Friday, October 17, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m., 019 Student Union
Time Management Brown Bag Workshop: This interactive session will introduce practical tactics for time management and motivation. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch.
- Monday, October 13, 3:30–5 p.m., Atlantis Room A, Student Union
- Tuesday, October 14, 3:30–4:30 p.m., 205 Student Success Center
- Friday, October 17, 12:15–1 p.m., 205 Student Success Center
Study in the Sun: Outdoor study session to improve focus and well-being
- Friday, October 17, 2–4 p.m., Student Success Center patio
Faculty and Staff Sessions
Faculty and Staff Writing and Work Time: A dedicated session to focus on a specific project in a refreshed workspace. Drop in briefly or stay the full 90 minutes.
- Thursday, October 16, 3–4:30 p.m., 216 Medical Sciences
Time Management Brown Bag Workshop: This interactive session will introduce practical tactics for time management and motivation. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch.
- Tuesday, October 14, 3:30–4:30 p.m., 205 Student Success Center
Faculty are encouraged to share student events with their classes and consider participating in the faculty session to carve out time for focused work in a distraction-free setting.
More information is on Engage.
Explore Wright State Day — Saturday, October 18
Wright State will welcome prospective students and their families to campus for Explore Wright State Day, a personalized open house experience from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will tour campus, meet current students and faculty, and learn more about academic programs, financial aid, and campus life.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to help promote this event to prospective students and families in their networks. Your support in spreading the word helps showcase the vibrant, welcoming community that defines Wright State.
When a Student Needs Support
Wright.edu/help is a great resource for helping students or making referrals. This site contains contact information for emergency or essential departments that can assist your students all in one location.
The Student Success Navigator showcases the wide range of resources designed to support our students. Whether students are interested in joining a student organization, looking for access to mental health services, playing a sport, or finding a job, all information is available in one central location.
