The Dorothy & Bill Cohen Honors College Weekly Update

Weekly Update Header, February 4


Events & Deadlines


Faculty Invited to Submit Projects for Summer Research Experience by Wednesday

The WSU College of Engineering & the Cohen Honors College are funding up to 18 faculty-mentored undergraduate research experiences in STEM with stipends to students in Summer 2022 and/or Fall 2022 semesters. A portion of the funding is provided by the NSF Kansas Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (KS-LSAMP) program. Interested faculty should submit projects for consideration here (all fields required, one submission for each project) by February 9th.

Student applications will be available in March. The NSF definition of STEM fields includes mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, computer and information sciences, and the social and behavioral sciences – psychology, economics, sociology, and political science.


Applications Open for the Outstanding Cohen Honors Student Award

The award recognizes a high-achieving senior leader who takes on challenges and demonstrates commitment to academic excellence in Honors. You are eligible if you are a graduating senior who has completed at least 90 credit hours by the end of the summer 2021 semester AND maintain active standing in Honors including a minimum 3.25 overall GPA.

Selection will be based on the following:

  • Involvement at WSU and within the Cohen Honors College
  • Leadership
  • Contribution and service to the surrounding community
  • Demonstrated success in Honors courses

Apply here. The application deadline is February 15th at 11:59 p.m.


Compete in Invent for the Planet!

Part of a light blue globe and white text saying "Invent for the Planet - The sun never sets on innovation - Wichita State University - John Bardo Center - Feb 18-20" on a navy background

Invent for the Planet (IFTP) is a competition that will be held from February 18th - 20th in the John Bardo Center on campus. For 48 hours, you will be solving real-world problems! At the same time, students from across the globe will be working on the same issues, which allows you to collaborate and learn from peers all over the world. Mentors will also be available.

You can form a team of 4-6 people OR you can be placed with other individuals to form a team. All teams will present their solutions to judges for a chance to win more than $500 in prizes. Meals and snacks will be provided. There are a limited number of spots, so click here to sign up now!


Honors Student Fee Scholarship

The Honors College Student Council has instituted a scholarship fund to alleviate any financial burden placed on students by the Honors student fee. The application contains a 250 word essay. Applications are evaluated by the Student Council. If selected, this scholarship will cover half of the applicant's $50 Honors student fee for the Spring 2022 semester. Preference will be given to applicants who do not receive the Honors Merit Scholarship. Applicants will need to reapply every semester.

Click here to apply. Applications are due March 1st.


News & Information


New Honors Suggestion Box

The Honors College Student Council wants to hear from you. Click here to share any comments, ideas, or suggestions you have about how to improve the Honors experience. It is anonymous.


Honors Seeking Summer Research Institute (SRI) in First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) Peer Mentors

SRI in FYRE will be hosted on the WSU main campus from June 5th – 9th. SRI Peer Mentors will assist with camp preparation during the months of April and May. They will serve as mentors, lead team building activities, help an incoming fellow Shocker transition into college life, participate in research alongside the campers, and assist the SRI team with other activities the week of the camp.

If you have an interest in research, enjoy helping students explore their interests in research, and are looking for a short-term paid position, please apply here. The deadline to apply is March 2nd.


Student Spotlight


Yellow grid graphic with photo of Grace Peterson in the middle. Text information around reads: "Name: Grace Peterson. Hometown: Overland Park, KS. Major: Mechanical Engineering. Minor: General Business and Manufacturing Engineering. Honors Distinction: Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar Track. Favorite Honors Benefit: Priority Enrollment. Favorite Honors Class: Calculus. Involvement on Campus: Society of Women Engineers, Student Ambassador Society, Navigators. Plans After Graduation: Work in the aviation industry and earn an MBA."


Submit Information for the Student Spotlight

We want to give a shoutout to AMAZING students like you! To be featured in weekly update and on social media, click here to complete the brief form.


General Information about Honors

Email honors@wichita.edu at any time with questions or concerns.

The Honors student lounge, kitchen, and printing areas in Shocker Hall are open 24/7 by keycard access for all Honors students. Speak with the Honors Student Assistant at the desk or email honorsassistant@wichita.edu if you have any trouble.

We want to hear from you! Submit your news to the weekly update.