Family with Wu

Family Weekend

September 22 - 23, 2023

Wichita State University Student Engagement, Advocacy and Leadership invites you to attend the annual traditions celebrated by hundreds of family members, Family Weekend.

Bring your families to campus for a fun filled weekend at Wichita State University! Family Weekend includes events and activities that family and friends can choose to participate in at their own leisure. Everyone participating in any Family Weekend events must be registered. For questions, please contact the SEAL Office at (316) 978-3022.

Register is Closed

Schedule

Wichita State University has a wide range of events and programs planned for your family. Through family weekend we want you to experience all WSU has to offer and experience the Wichita community. Below is a snapshot of some of our program offerings.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Check-in & Family Fest
4:30 – 7 p.m. | Braeburn Square
Registered families will receive a custom Family Weekend shopping tote filled with Shocker swag, maps, schedules, and event passes.

Faculty Artist Series
7:30 p.m. | Weidemann Hall
Timothy Jones, violin, Catherine Consiglio, viola, and Leonid Shukaev, cello, comprise this group and will perform at 7:30 p.m. in Wiedemann Hall.  Tickets can be purchased through the Fine Arts Box Office in-person or online at Fairmount Trio Tickets.  WSU students are admitted free with student ID.


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Check-in & Information Center
8:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Rhatigan Student Center – Information Desk
Need to check-in or have questions about an upcoming Family Weekend activity? Stop by the RSC Info desk for help.

Parent & Family Meeting
9-10:30 a.m. | RSC 142, Harvest Room
Not sure what resources are available to your student? Want to learn how to get connected? Stop by the Parent and Family Meeting for information on how WSU Serves Your Shocker! The meeting is hosted by Alicia Newell, Assistant Vice President for Retention & Assessment.

Wu’s Waffle Feed
10 a.m. – noon | RSC 3rd Floor, Beggs Ballroom
Join WuShock, President Muma, First Gentleman Case, Vice President Hall and Shocker Nation at this come and go event featuring an amazing breakfast buffet assembled by the WSU Dining Services Team.

On Exhibit at the Ulrich
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Ulrich Museum of Art
The Ulrich Museum has four exhibits on display in their galleries. Exhibits range from new-age paper dolls to the stories of refugees in Wichita. Admission is free. While at the Ulrich, pick up a map and explore the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection that includes 86 global works spread throughout campus.

College of Engineering Expo
Noon - 2 p.m. | John Bardo Center
Calling all College of Engineering Families! Join current students, faculty, and staff for family fun at the John Bardo Center! The expo will include fun hands-on engineering activities for family members of all ages, and tours of the John Bardo Center, which is home to many of our state-of-the-art labs. Light refreshments will be provided.

Honors Induction Ceremony
12:30 p.m. | Wiedemann Hall
New students and families are invited to celebrate joining Honors this year in a ceremony led by current students. Dress is comfortable, not formal! Shocker colors are encouraged.
 
Honors College Open House
1:30 - 3 p.m. | Honors College - Shocker Hall Building A
All Cohen Honors College Families are invited to meet and mingle with our Faculty & Staff. We will have music, games, prizes, and light refreshments. 
 

President's Garden Tour
2-4 p.m. | The President's Residence
Join us at the residence of President Richard Muma and First Gentleman Rick Case for light refreshments and a self-guided walking tour of the properties gardens. Enjoy walking on the grounds of this home built in 1939. The front lawns have been the site of many university outdoor events throughout the years. President and First Gentleman enjoy gardening and hosting visitors in the beautiful, landscaped areas around the residence. 

Pizza & Bowling
2-4 p.m. | Rhatigan Student Center, Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes
Take a break from the heat and enjoy a few games of bowling or billiards at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes. Registered families can enjoy pizza and bottomless fountain drinks. Included in registration.


Shocker Family Night at Chicken N Pickle 
6-8:30 p.m. | Chicken N Pickle (1240 N Greenwich Rd, Wichita, KS 67206)
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Browse our list of restaurants participating in the Shock Stop Program. Each offer a 10% discount with your Students WSU ID.

Shocker Women's Volleyball v. Charlotte
7 p.m. | Charles Koch Arena
Students get in free to all WSU Athletics events with their Shocker ID. Half price tickets are available to all family members. Use promo code FAMILY at goshockers.com/redeempromo.

Accommodations

If a guest attending Family Weekend requires specific accommodations such as a wheelchair please contact our office to work through arrangements.

We strive to ensure there are ample options for various dietary needs at Family Weekend events. Dining menus and options on campus generally include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free food options. Please contact us for additional meal accommodations.

Contact us for accommodations

Additional Information

toilet graphic
Wichita State has many single-occupancy restrooms and lactation rooms available throughout campus. 
photo of Freddy's in the RSC
At Wichita State, dining is as diverse as it is delicious. With options available on and off campus—early or late—a meal, snack or caffeine fix is always within reach.
photo of the Shocker Store
Grab everything you need for every generation of Shocker Nation!
Shock Stop graphic
Wichita State University has teamed with local businesses to form Shock Stop, a university discount program. Students, faculty, staff and innovation partners with a valid Shocker ID can receive a minimum 10 percent discount at participating merchants.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport terminal

Flying
The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport is the closest commercial airport to WSU. All necessary hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests should be made early to guarantee reservations.

Driving
Wichita is centrally located in the State of Kansas and is located off of I-135, I-35, and K-96.

Rendering of the Hyatt Place Hotel at Wichita State University

The Hyatt Place at Wichita State University is a brand new facility with over 100 guest rooms including standard king and double rooms, suites with kitchenettes and accessible accommodations located on the 1st floor. Reach out to Hyatt Place at Wichita State University to arrange your families stay.

Parking

Registered guests of Family Weekend will receive a weekend parking pass with their registration. Learn more about where to park using the on-campus parking maps below. 

Newsletter

Shocker Family Programs partner with students’ families to help them thrive at WSU, on campus and in life. We strive to welcome, connect, and refer families to the resources they need to ensure their students succeed.