Student Engagement and Belonging
Student Engagement & Belonging at Wichita State brings together key areas that support student connection and involvement, including leadership development, campus traditions, student organizations, and cultural experiences. Through programs, events, and support services, our goal is to help students find their place, build community, and make the most of their Shocker experience, in AND out of the classroom.
As a department, our staff is committed to providing opportunities for students to actively engage in out-of-classroom experiences, heighten their sense of belonging through community, expand their professional network, and develop essential skills that will prepare them for whatever the future may bring.
ShockerSync
This is a great place to start your involvement journey and begin your community building experience. These student led groups span a wide variety of interests and can be categorized by academics, cultural, honor societies, special interests, religion, politics, sport clubs, and more. All our student organizations are hosted on an online portal called ShockerSync. ShockerSync allows you to search for organizations, find events and track your involvement.
There are hundreds of ways to get engaged at Wichita State, and it can be overwhelming. If you can’t find your fit, we can help! Our staff will meet with you one-on-one and provide recommendations based on your interests, schedule and availability. If you don’t see an organization that represents you or your interests – you can always start your own.
Download your event pass
Add your event pass to your wallet
By creating an account in ShockerSync, there is now an option to add your event pass
to your Apple or Google wallet. This allows you to quickly check-in to events happening
on campus.
- NXT LVL Garage Party
- Greek Carnival
- Involvement & Community Fair
- Yard Show
- Big Bingo
- Wu's Big Event
- Shocktoberfest
Traditions and Annual Events
- NXT LVL Garage Party
- Involvement & Community Fair
- Shockers After Dark
- Shocktoberfest & Family Weekend
Student Activities Council (SAC)
Student Activities Council coordinates 30-50 events and activities both on and off campus. Event highlights include BIG BINGO, Glow Dance Party, Shocktoberfest Spirit Competition, and De-Stress Fest. These experiences are coordinated by students like you and members can elect to serve on one of their five planning committees.
Student Belonging Coalition (SBC)
This group focuses on cultural programming and our heritage month celebrations—so things like Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, APIDA events, and more. It’s all about helping students see themselves represented and celebrated, and creating a space where everyone can find community.
Leadership Programs
There are many leadership programs available to help you develop your skills. Through series programs, conferences, events and learning tools, students can choose how they would like to learn about leadership.
Immersive Leadership Institute
A four-day experience for new Shockers looking to get a head start on their campus engagement experiences. Participants earn college credit for attending. $75 fee covers entire cost of course enrollment. Apply today at wichita.edu/ILI. Applications due August 1.
Shocker Strengths
This program empowers students by connecting them with their unique CliftonStrengths! It aims to foster a deeper understanding of their innate talents and guides them toward academic, personal, and professional success.
Fraternity & Sorority Life
Fraternity and Sorority life at Wichita State University is full of tradition, brotherhood/sisterhood, and pride. This community gives you the opportunity to develop leadership skills, give back through philanthropy and meet new friends who share similar interests and values. We currently have 26 fraternities and sororities that have a variety of backgrounds, values, and missions. We recommend doing your research and getting to know the chapters to know what the best fit is for you.
7 IFC fraternities • 6 CGC fraternities & sororities • 8 NPHC fraternities & sororities • 5 PC sororities
- Interfraternity Council: Recruit year-round
- Cultural Greek Council: Recruit as needed
- National Pan-Hellenic Council: Recruit as needed
- Panhellenic Council: Formal recruitment process. The deadline is August 20
Community Service Board
Community Service Board is a student organization that works to address issues of public concern through service in the community. CSB brings students together to develop service events that will create a positive impact in our community. This is a great way to give back to the community with your friends. Many of you will likely need to complete community service hours at some point during your college career; whether it’s for a class, scholarship or organization. Community Service Board is a great way to complete those hours.
Areas of focus
- Food & Hunger
- Health
- Poverty & Homelessness
- Sustainability
- Youth & Education
VolunteerICT
There are many opportunities for service within the Wichita community. We host all those opportunities on VolunteerICT. VolunteerICT provides you with service opportunities based on your interests, specific agencies and location.
Student Government Association
Wichita State Student Government Association is governed by students and committed to student issues and concerns. Student Government Association empowers students to voice their opinions through campus committees and bi-weekly public senate meetings. SGA allocates over $10 million of annual student fees. SGA officers and agency members regularly meet with President Muma, Vice President & Provost Lounsbery, and other administrators including Vice Presidents and Deans.
Shocker Support Locker
Shocker Support Locker provides food, clothing, toiletries and baby/family products to students, faculty and staff at Wichita State. Students can take up to 10 items per week.
Food for Fines is an initiative to support the Shocker Support Locker, while providing a cheaper opportunity to pay parking citations. Any person with a current WSU ID can donate a 7-14 food or hygiene items depending on the price of the citation. Food for Fines donation periods occur at various times throughout the academic year.
Agencies
Additionally – our department also supports eight student-led agencies that serve specific student populations and interest areas. These agencies plan events, provide support, and build community for students from a variety of backgrounds and identities. They also help amplify student voices and make sure our campus is welcoming for everyone.
The agencies include:
- Asian Student Conference
- Black Student Union
- First Generation Student Organization
- Graduate Student Council
- Hispanic American Leadership Organization
- International Student Union
- Shockers Vote Coalition
- Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies
Passage 2 Success
Week-long retreat for incoming freshmen from diverse backgrounds to help in their transition to Wichita State University! The purpose of this retreat is to connect with other incoming students, meet current student leaders, explore Wichita and gain the skills and tools to be socially and academically successful.
PASS
This program is designed to help students not just stay in school, but truly thrive. It focuses on academic success, personal development, and on-time graduation by providing a range of support services.
Through PASS, students have access to academic resources, cultural and educational events, and most importantly — mentorship and relationship-building with staff and peers who are invested in their success.
It’s a great way to make a big campus feel smaller and ensure students feel seen, supported, and connected throughout their college journey.
- Bi-weekly workshops
- Time management
- Study skills
- Financial readiness
- Mental health
Alternate Breaks
Alternative Breaks is a week-long service-learning trip dedicated to immersing students in work on a social justice issue such as poverty, hunger and homelessness, access to education, shelter, environmental stewardship and more. Students learn the facts associated with these issues, what they can do to help, and how to become better leaders in their communities. Some locations in the past include Washington, D.C., Catalina Island, New York City and New Orleans.
National Student Exchange
If you’re looking to leave Kansas, the National Student Exchange is the perfect opportunity for you. National Student Exchange allows you to study at a domestic university for up to a full academic year while paying Wichita State tuition. There are nearly 200 universities within this program and includes the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands and Canada.
Past participants have attended:
- University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
- University of the Virgin Islands St. Croix
- Montclair State University
- Northern Arizona University
Student Engagement & Belonging
Statistics show that students that are engaged on campus are more likely to stay at Wichita State and graduate. These opportunities help you to build a network of friends and professionals for your future career goals. Involvement allows you the opportunity to attend conferences and workshops that will help you gain new skills. And of course, it’s important to have fun and make memories.
Follow us on social media (@WichitaStateSEB) or stop by our office located on the second floor of the Rhatigan Student Center.