It’s been 10 years since Marcell Gardner last attended Wichita State. At the time, he was in a major that wasn’t for him, and he didn’t know how to ask for help. He says he was going to school for other people, not himself. So, he left. But the fact that he never completed his degree ate away at him.
“It felt like unfinished business and a chance to prove to myself that I can do it,” he says. “My mindset and life have totally changed in those 10 years, and I really want this degree bad.”
As soon as Marcell reconnected with Wichita State, he learned about the Shocker Comeback Program — which is new this fall.
Gardner
“It has been great every step of the way,” he says. “The program helped reactivate my account, got into communication with admissions to help release the orientation hold I’ve had for 10 years, and got me into contact with my advisor, another great resource who helped me feel very comfortable about returning. There are so many people who want to see you succeed. This program made me feel welcomed, and I am very grateful it exists.”
The Shocker Comeback Program is designed for all returning students, whether they’ve taken a year break or been away from the classroom for over 10 years. Shocker Comeback students have the support of WSU’s Office of Online and Adult Learning to make sure they persist and receive their diplomas.
The program is committed to assisting students by helping them uncover their strengths, connect with their peers, find ways to pay for college, get career ready and achieve their goals.
Additionally, the program is offering returning students a chance to apply for the Shocker Comeback Scholarship, to be used for the fall 2024 semester. The deadline to apply is fast approaching — Monday, Aug. 12.
Returning adult learners can utilize the adult learning office in the new Shocker Success Center on campus for questions or a place to study between classes, and online learners have access to support staff on the website.
Shocker Comeback students who may feel overwhelmed with Wichita State’s growth since they last attended will have access to on demand videos to learn more about campus, get questions answered, get to know the Office of Online and Adult Learning team and more.
Learn more about the Shocker Comeback Program, and reach out to the Office of Online and Adult Learning for questions.
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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