Shocker Pre-Season programs build social and academic connections to help students succeed

As August approaches, it’s a great time for students to consider investing in a successful school year. Shocker Pre-Season programs are a proven way to get connected to campus and start the academic year with a good vibe. 

“The data shows Shocker Pre-Season programs make a significant impact on student success,” said Brett Bruner, assistant vice president student success and persistence at Wichita State. “Our Shocker Pre-Season programs are events that prepare new Shockers for the academic year. We focus on building social and academic connections and building resource awareness.” 

The programs give students an opportunity to work on skills such as college-level writing, presentations and research. They also help familiarize students with the campus and the people and offices available for information and guidance. 

Shocker Pre-Season programs run Aug. 5-15 and offer a wide range of topics. New this year are the School of Performing Arts Orientation, Math Launch, Shocker Rowing and a one-day program for new students in the Sport and Leadership Studies department. 

“It’s a great way for students to start making connections, learning valuable resources and getting to know faculty and staff,” Bruner said.  

Programs come in a range of time commitments. Some are free and some offer college credit. 

Both the Pre-Nursing Success Academy and The Immersive Leadership Institute help students build relationships on campus and practice leadership skills. First-Steps is a free program targeted at first-generation students, in any major, on Aug. 13. 

“It focuses on all the resources that first-gen students might need, as well as helping students build community,” Bruner said. 

Full list of Shocker Pre-Season programs 

  • Shocker Promise Academy
  • Passage 2 Success
  • Shocker Engineering Academy (full)
  • Pre-Nursing Success Academy
  • Immersive Leadership Institute
  • First-Steps
  • "When Everyone Leads...in sport!"
  • Shocker Rowing
  • Math Launch
  • School of Performing Arts 

  Learn more about these programs and how to get signed up


About Wichita State University

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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