Keeping Connected
Shocker Family Programs
Starting a college career can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Wichita
State University offers a number of resources to help students make a successful transition
to life as a Shocker. We are here to help your student transition academically and
socially to campus by connecting them with the people, services, and support they
need to get them to graduation and beyond.
Use this site as a tool to stay informed about campus news and events, deadlines,
and resources to encourage your student's academic success and well-being.
We are here to encourage your student's well-being and academic success while at Wichita
State. If you ever need to reach us, please call 316-978-3149 or email shocker.family@wichita.edu.

Winter Break
As the semester winds down, students are feeling tired and frazzled. In their focus
on rest and relaxation after finals, many students and their families can feel unprepared
for the transition to a month at home without typical schedules or routines. Take
some time to talk with one another about expectations during winter break. Responsibilities
at home, time with family, finances and work are some of the topics to be covered.
Remind family members that the student who started the semester may be very different
from the person spending time with you on break. Enjoy getting to know this new person!
How Can Families Help?
- Offer support during the last few weeks of the semester with pep talks and notes of
encouragement. But, keep demands on your student’s time to a minimum as they cope
with deadlines.
- Make a care package for your student during finals week.
- By this point in the year, students are accustomed to less accountability regarding
their schedules. Let students know your “non-negotiable” expectations for the winter
break.
- During the break, encourage your students to buy next semester’s books at the campus bookstore.
- Remember that even students who were high achievers in high school may find their
academics more challenging than expected. Avoid overreacting to any surprises and
help your student reflect on what they have learned this past semester.