Fall commencement deadline for graduating student tickets is Nov. 2
Wichita State University will celebrate its fall 2020 commencement ceremonies on Sunday, Nov. 22 at Charles Koch Arena. Approximately 1,200 students are eligible to participate.
The fall ceremonies are being held earlier than in previous years to accommodate students who will not return to campus after the Thanksgiving break. The change to the academic calendar was made to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
To allow for adequate social distancing during the ceremonies, a decision was made to hold two ceremonies at Koch Arena to safely accommodate students and their guests:
- The first ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Nov. 22. Students will check in at the Rhatigan Student Center from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- The second ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. Students will check in at the RSC from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
To further ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and guests, face coverings are required, and social distancing will be in place.
This is a ticketed event. Students must RSVP by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2 to participate.
Each graduate will receive two guest tickets. Graduate and guest seating are assigned and there will be no admittance without a ticket.
Student check-in will be at the RSC on Nov. 22. Students will receive their tickets from their college at check-in.
Guest tickets will be available for pickup at the Koch Arena ticket office beginning Monday, Nov. 9. Students unable to pick up guest tickets at the arena can request their tickets be mailed to them by clicking fall commencement.
The Cohen Honors College will improve your college experience -- apply today!
Honors applications are reviewed monthly November through August. All current students are eligible to apply. Smaller class sizes, free printing, and scholarship opportunities are just a few of the many benefits that Honors students receive.
Starting this year, there are no minimum ACT / SAT or GPA requirements. Applicants are evaluated on their preparation for challenging academic and professional work as well as creative approach to solving problems, urge to make a positive impact on the community and in the world, and open-minded embrace of diversity in backgrounds, values and perspectives.
Click here to learn more and start your application.
Discover how spring classes will be taught
The newest course schedule is now available for students to start picking their spring classes. Courses will be offered similarly to fall classes, with some fully online and others as hybrid classes. For more information about the different types of classes, see www.wichita.edu/codes.
Instructors have been asked to submit information about how they plan to teach their courses. You can see their details for instruction, testing, and what to do on the first day of class. See www.wichita.edu/spring2021. If you have additional questions, faculty contact information is provided or you can reach out to an advisor at www.wichita.edu/advising.
Free tutoring and academic mentoring for diverse Shockers!
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is offering free tutoring and academic mentoring!
Our tutors help students develop a deeper understanding of class material and gain successful skills that can improve their overall GPA.
Our academic mentors offer biweekly meetings to help you with academic success skills, such as time management, effective studying and note-taking, test preparation and more!
You can drop in any of the listed times or schedule an appointment. See when we are open, what classes are offered, and how to request appointments at wichita.edu/pass!
All students are welcome to attend Honors Hour: The Goldwater Scholarship & Writing Personal Statements
All students (not just Honors students) are invited to the virtual Honors Hour from 11 a.m.-noon Friday, Nov. 6. Dr. Coleen Pugh and Aaron Coffey will present information about the Goldwater Scholarship, as well as offer guidance on writing personal statements for competitive scholarships and graduate programs.
The Goldwater Scholarship Program supports college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming the nation’s next generation of research leaders in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
Join here from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android -- Password: 149314
What should I do if I have a concern about my class?
Learning in the middle of a pandemic is full of challenges. When students have a concern about their classroom experience, the first step they should take is to have a conversation with their instructor.
Tips for speaking with your professor
If you are not able to resolve your concern with your instructor, contact the department chairperson for the department where the course is offered to share your concerns.
These steps should help address classroom concerns.
Are you a LAS student who is undecided about your major? Allow us to help!
Dear LAS Student,
Happen to be undecided about the major you’d like to pursue? We’d like to help!
Are you interested in expressing your compassion towards acting or being the very change, you wish to see in the world? If so, a Social Work Degree may be a perfect fit for you! To learn more, see our attachment crafted just for you!
We look forward to having the possibility of helping you discover true selfless influence!
Best regards,
School of Social Work
Students and faculty - get up to $20,000 from the John A. See Innovation Award
The John A. See Innovation Award is to be applied directly to advancing the technology. Ideally, this will support additional investment by others. Examples of supported costs are prototype development, product testing, and marketing analysis. The award cannot be used for faculty salaries but may be used to pay for external consulting fees. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $20,000.
SBA webinars teach you how to get the most for your business
The Kansas SBDC will present the following no-cost webinars:
Is Your Company Ready to Achieve SBA's 8(a)/BD Program Certification?
9 a.m.-10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30
Join Teri Taylor with the Small Business Administration for an in-depth discussion about the SBA 8(a)/BD certification program requirements. This program is designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged firms in their attempts to grow and succeed, including potential access to government contracting.
Located in a HUBZone — Get Certified!
10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30
Join Teri Taylor with the Small Business Administration for an in-depth discussion about the HUBZone program requirements. If your principal office is located within a HUBZone, the SBA's HUBZone certification program may benefit your company in seeking Federal contracts or subcontracting efforts.
You can register online.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Leadership opportunity: Catalyst on Nov. 14
CatalystTM is a one-day program designed for anyone who is interested in starting something extraordinary. Participating in Catalyst is a first step in the life-long process of learning, exploration, and action.
We will be limiting spaces due to social distancing restrictions. This event will be held in person and participants are expected to follow all guidelines pertaining to in-person events (masks, social distancing, etc.)
When: Wednesday, Nov 14
Deadline to register: Sunday, Nov. 8
For more information, go to www.wichita.edu/catalyst.
Mid-West Air Force Collider event on Dec. 3 and 4
This virtual Collider event on Dec. 3 and 4 brings the United States Air Force and the small business community together to connect and collaborate. This enables the opportunity for small business innovation to quickly deliver advanced technologies to the Air Force.
Students can vote for a WSU tartan!
As part of the 125th anniversary of Wichita State, WSU students will receive an email
asking them to vote for a WSU tartan. A tartan is a distinctive pattern of lines and
checks found on kilts and is usually associated with Scottish clans. However, communities,
states, and even universities can have tartans. With so many activities for the 125th
changed or put on hold, here is a chance to show school pride!
Students from Dr. Chris Parks’ art class, in conjunction with Dr. Jay Price in history,
came up with four different designs for a possible tartan. Some designs emphasize
the yellow of the school colors while others highlight the black. Now it is up to
the students to vote which design they like best. Students are asked to select your
first, second, and third choice. When completed, Price will work to get that design
listed in the Scottish Register of Tartans.
The voting will last until Thanksgiving break. One email has already gone out and another reminder will go out later in November. If there are questions or ideas, please contact Jay Price at jay.price@wichita.edu for more information.
After that, don’t be surprised to find WuShock in a kilt some time!
TRIO DSS supports students with disabilities - applications open!
WSU's TRIO Disability Support Services (DSS) Program is excited to enroll students with disabilities for this academic school year. They offer numerous free services such as academic advising, career development, study skills assistance, financial literacy assistance, tutoring, and more. Many DSS graduates cite DSS as a critical program on campus that provided the support, university connections, and resources necessary for their success.
Quotes from DSS graduates and more information
I will apply what I have learned through TRIO DSS to the next chapter of my life - completing a Master's Degree! I am really thankful for the relationships that I have formed through TRIO DSS and look forward to what new challenges there are to conquer in my near future.
-Tiffany H.
My advisor believed in me when everyone wrote me off. That kind of belief and caring is so strong, it turned a college dropout into a student with a WSU GPA of 3.8 who is going to graduate in a month. I was able to get my first all “A” semester last fall because of their encouragement. Without my advisor’s support, I do not think I would be graduating at all.
-Ben L.
For more information, or to apply, go to www.wichita.edu/dss or call 978-5949. TRIO DSS is located in 158 Grace Wilkie Annex.
Student Support Services is accepting applicants for the Martinez Inspire Scholarship
Calling all first-generation students, limited-income students and students of disability status: we are looking for you who want to be served by a program who recognizes and empowers first-generation and limited-income students and students of disability status to achieve their higher-education aspirations. TRIO Student Support Services offers academic advising, individualized tutoring, scholarships exclusively for SSS participants and much more.
Please share this scholarship opportunity with students who may qualify.
As a new participant, we are excited to offer the Student Support Services Martinez Inspire Scholarship. For the fall 2020 semester, we are offering $150 to students committed to joining our program and being an active participant.
In order to be eligible for this opportunity, we want you to apply to be a Student Support Services participant and let us help guide your academic life at WSU. This can be done by completing the SSS Application Form available in the SSS office or online. The first 15 students to complete the application form, get accepted and attend their first advising appointment (in-person or virtual), will be eligible for the $150 SSS Martinez Inspire Scholarship.
National Student Exchange is perfect for students who want to study and live in a new city!
Ever wonder what it would be like to hit the books in the morning and hit the beach in the afternoon? Thanks to National Student Exchange (NSE), you can. NSE allows undergraduate, domestic students the opportunity to study at one of nearly 200 universities across the United States and Canada – while paying regular WSU tuition and earning credit toward your degree.
The application materials for exchange during fall 2020 and spring 2021 are available at wichita.edu/nse and are due Feb. 1, 2021. If you have questions, please contact Trish Gandu at trish.gandu@wichita.edu.
Deciding on a major?
Choose Criminal Justice. Help others - affect your community - bring about change.
All this is possible in the many career paths available to you with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
Declare Criminal Justice as your major. Declare that change starts with you.
For more information contact Sarah Green, instructor and undergraduate coordinator for Criminal Justice at sarah.green@wichita.edu
BMES Career Development Workshop
Join us at 6 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 4, in 264 John Bardo Center to polish up your job-hunting techniques, resume writing, and interview skills with our Career Development Workshop.
Shocker students gain hands-on experience through local internships
Wichita State University students Jessica Sharp, a junior accounting major, and Marissa Sanders, a senior human resources management major, are applying their education to hands-on experience in their internships at Allen, Gibbs & Houlik.
AGH is a Wichita-based business management consultant firm and one of the largest independent certified public accountants and advisory firms in central United States. Landing an internship at the firm is a critical step forward for Jessica and Marissa, who will take this experience with them as they look toward their careers post-graduation.
Access to that experience – the opportunity to connect with local industry and gain real-world experience while still in school – is what makes Wichita State students stand out from the crowd and is directly tied to the university’s goal of fostering applied learning opportunities for all students.
Pictured above: Jessica Sharp, left, and Marissa Sanders
Internship opportunity to promote mental health on campus
Interested in an internship that promotes mental and physical wellness and gives back to your community? Check out the Prevention Service Advisory Board’s Prevention Ambassador Program.
Prevention Ambassadors receive training and mentorship in providing prevention and outreach services to assist the Prevention Services Advisory Board in our #WSUWeSupportU mission of Preventing Suicide, Sexual Violence, and Substance Abuse, in addition to Promoting Wellness in the WSU community.
For more information or to complete an application, go to wichita.edu/PrevAm. Applications are due Friday, Oct. 30.
UMKC School of Law Zoom meeting
We have been invited to UMKC School of Law’s Zoom meeting on Thursday, Oct. 29. The meeting will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
First-Generation Student Organization Hot Cocoa & Bake Sale
The First-Generation Student Organization will have a Hot Cocoa & Bake Sale from 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5.
We will be located on the east side of the RSC on the patio.
Celebrating Careers in Student Affairs Month: From #SAgrad to #SApro
Are you interested in a career in Student Affairs? Join Wichita State University Student Affairs, Wichita State University College of Applied Studies - Higher Education/Student Affairs program, and NASPA GAP as we celebrate Careers in Student Affairs Month!
In this virtual event, you will have the opportunity to learn from a diverse panel of current Student Affairs professionals about their experiences. There will also be a breakout workshop to support graduates in their job search process, as well as a workshop for those interested in pursuing a degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs.
The free event will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.
If you have any questions, contact NASPA GAP member Trang Bui at tnbui1@shockers.wichita.edu.
Don't get spooked by your finances
Join the Office for Student Money Management in Student Success at our "Don't Get Spooked By Your Finances" webinar from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. We will be going over basic financial literacy, tips and tricks, and how to make better money habits. We will also play a round of Kahoot to test your spooky finance knowledge.
The winner will receive an OSMM giveaway, which includes a lunchbag, OSMM shirt, fanny pack, pen / pencil / chapstick, and a drawstring bag! The winner will pick up the prize at our office in 115 Neff Hall between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Free to Register: http://bit.ly/osmmspook
If you have any questions, contact osmm@wichita.edu.
SAC Virtual Murder Mystery
Grab your detective badges as you join SAC and a group of fellow students to solve a high-profile murder investigation at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. Interact through a live chat with fellow players and our live moderator while you pour over the QR clues that are regularly pushed to your mobile device. Just remember, trust no one in this game, and whatever you do, don’t answer the door!
Work to solve the crime, keep your answers to yourself, and there will only be one winner! Register at wichita.edu/sac.
Attention students! How can we better our parking system?
For my Technical Writing class, one of the required projects involves working collaboratively as a group, with the goal of writing a proposal that identifies a problem or opportunity that impacts an organization or community we belong to. The project plan that my group came up with was fixing the ongoing parking situation that occurs at WSU. In order to successfully complete this project, our group needs to gather information that will be used in our proposal.
One of the primary sources we wanted to include in our paper was surveying students at WSU. The survey questions mainly revolve around asking the audience about how they feel about the current student parking system, and if they have any suggestions to try to improve it.
While this proposal is not official and will not be submitted to anyone but our professor, we have to treat it and write it as if it were real. We would greatly appreciate any of the inputs that the audience has to provide.
Veteran and Military Art Expo hosted by Veterans Upward Bound is seeking art entries now to Oct. 30
Veterans Upward Bound, part of TRIO, is seeking art submissions for our first Virtual Art Expo.
We are seeking all types of art from veterans, military (Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard), veteran spouses, military spouses, veteran children, military children and community service providers whose work touches the military and/or veteran community.
With your art, please include a short narrative or recording about what it means to you and how you were inspired to create it.
WSU students and staff who meet the entry criteria are strongly encouraged to submit an entry!
This is a non-competitive show, just an expo for you to display your creative side! The expo will be held on VUB’s YouTube channel from Nov. 2-20.
Veterans Upward Bound is an educational and skills program designed to meet the needs of today's veterans. VUB's goal is to prepare veterans for post-secondary education, regardless of desired institution. All services are free to veterans who meet the eligibility criteria.
By submitting a piece of art, you will help drive awareness of our beneficial service throughout the community.
Please join in! Submit a picture, sound byte or video by email to Veterans.upwardbound@wichita.edu.
We challenge you to complete five hours of community service with Wu's Big Challenge
Join Wu’s Big Challenge 2020-21! Due COVID-19 we had to reschedule our BIG events, but we have a challenge for you. Complete five hours of community service in person, virtually, or both.
To find more information and to register, go to Wichita.edu/BigEvent.
For questions, email csb@wichita.edu.
Take out and delivery fundraiser!
How it works: you can participate in this fundraiser by take out, pick up or delivery.
The Hill Bar and Grill will accept your order in several ways: Phone call, restaurant website and common delivery apps.
Please read the instructions below, so that The Hill Bar and Grill knows you are with the GroupRaise Meal for First-Generation Student Organization, and your group will get 15% of your meal’s price donated back!
Call 316-201-1190 and mention that you are with First-Generation Student Organization before placing your order.
Take out and delivery fundraiser
WSU Ceramic Guild invites you to join us at our annual holiday sale!
Come stop by and check out handmade pottery produced by students and faculty. The Annual Holiday Pottery Sale will be held from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 in 105 Henrion Hall.
If you have any questions regarding the sale, feel free to reach out to us at ceramicsguild.wsu@gmail.com or on instagram @wsuceramicsguild.
Next Pee for Pizza will be Nov. 4
On the first Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Positive Directions, ODI, and SHS will host Pee for Pizza! Reserve your spot now for free STI testing! Call 316-978-4792 to schedule an appointment, no walk-ins will be accepted. Masks will be required at this event.
WSU Retail Crawl
Get your WSU Dining Retail Crawl Card stamped on your next visit to each of our retail dining locations (RSC: Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Panda, Chick-fil-A, Freddy's and Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes; Shocker Hall: Market at Groundhouse).
Turn in your completed card with one stamp per location in the Dining Services Office, 235 RSC, to receive a WSU Dining reusable bag and get entered to win a WSU Swag Basket. Full details and information on bonus entries here. Contest ends Friday, Nov. 6.
Creepy Cosmic Bowling
Visit the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 or Saturday, Oct. 31, for some Creepy Cosmic Bowling! Enjoy $2 bowling games with free rental shoes. Bonus - wear your costume and receive a punch card with six free bowling games to use on a future visit. Offer not valid with other coupons or specials. Call 316-978-3479 for details. Open to the public.
Because change begins with YOUth
Positive change in our community begins by helping our younger generations achieve success in life. All they need is friendship, guidance, and support of someone like YOU! Register for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters (KSBBBS) virtual info session at noon Thursday, Oct. 29, to learn more about KSBBBS.
All webinar attendees will receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last), and one lucky winner will receive a gift card to a local restaurant!
Did you know that more than 100 Wichita State students, faculty, and staff serve local youth through KSBBBS mentoring program?
Community Service Board (CSB) membership meetings
Have you ever thought about volunteering? Join the Community Service Board for our virtual meetings every Thursday from 3:30-5 p.m. During meetings you will have a chance to learn about CSB's service events and about ways you can become involved. All meetings will be held virtually; sign-up at Wichita.edu/CSB.
Still have questions? Email CSB@Wichita.edu.
Support survivors of domestic violence by donating to the Sigma Psi Zeta Donation Drive!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)! Domestic violence is a range of abusive behaviors that are used to gain control and power over another. The purpose of DVAM is to mourn victims, to honor and recognize survivors, and to connect advocates who strive to end domestic violence.
Sigma Psi Zeta’s philanthropy is to combat the violence against women in its varied forms, more generally gender-based violence. We aim to emphasize the importance of knowing what domestic violence is and to engage the community in discussing domestic violence.
This week through Oct. 30, we are hosting a donation drive to the Wichita Family Crisis Center—a nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate domestic violence in our community by supporting survivors through shelter, education, and advocacy. Donation drop-boxes are located in ODI and SGA. You can also make a monetary donation Sigma Psi Zeta Donation Drive.
Volunteer opportunity with Meals on Wheels
Join the Community Service Board delivering meals with Meals on Wheels. For more information, go to Wichita.edu/CSB.
Business students are collecting canned food and personal hygiene products for those in need
Business students in Management 463 are operating a Remote Food and Necessities Drive now through Thanksgiving to aid those affected by Covid-19. Non-perishable canned food, and hygiene items like soap, lotion, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products are in great need.
We can arrange porch pickup of food and supplies via our Facebook Page to encourage social distancing, or we have local drop-off locations at area businesses and the south entrance of the Rhatigan Student Center (by the parking lot). We also accept monetary donations to the Kansas Food Bank via our Facebook Page.
Serve hot meals with the Lord’s Diner
Join the Community Service Board serving hot meals with the Lord’s Diner. For more information, go to Wichita.edu/CSB.