One Shocker Family Handbook

This online handbook shares ways in which you can assist your student as they prepare for new challenges they may face during their time at Wichita State.  Below you will find helpful information about the college transition process; academic requirements and services; including opportunities and resources for student engagement beyond the classroom.  You will also find information about important student support services.

Academic  Calendar
FALL 2022 SPRING 2023
AUGUST 17 Excess financial aid deposited to students’ bank accounts if you have entered your account information into your Student Account Suite. JANUARY 3 Precession classes begin.
AUGUST 18 Checks for excess financial aid mailed if you did not submit a Direct Deposit form. JANUARY 16 MLK DAY - no classes
AUGUST 22 Weekday and evening full-semester classes begin. JANUARY 17 Weekday and evening full-semester classes begin.
AUGUST 26 Last day to add full-semester classes or change sections of the same course. JANUARY 23 Last day to add full-semester classes or change sections of the same course.
AUGUST 27 - 28 First day of Saturday/Sunday full-semester classes. JANUARY 30 Last day for registered students to make payment arrangements.
SEPTEMBER 2 Last day for registered students to make payment arrangements before late fees
are placed.
JANUARY 31 Late fees placed on delinquent accounts.
SEPTEMBER 5 Labor Day Holiday - offices closed MARCH 1 Tentative date for summer/fall schedule
OCTOBER 5 Tentative date for Spring 2023 Schedule of Courses to be available online. MARCH 8 Mid-semester point
OCTOBER 12 Mid-semester point MARCH 13 - 19 Spring break - offices open
OCTOBER 15 - 18 Fall break - offices open MARCH 31 Last day to drop with a “W” from a full-semester course.
NOVEMBER 1 Last day to officially withdraw from a full-semester course with a “W.” APRIL 3 Tentative date for summer/fall registration.
NOVEMBER 14 Tentative date for Spring early registration to begin. MAY 4 Last day of classes.
NOVEMBER 23 - 27 Thanksgiving Holiday MAY 5 Study Day
DECEMBER 8 Last day of classes. MAY 6 - 11 Final examinations
DECEMBER 9 Study Day MAY 13 Spring Commencement
DECEMBER 10 - 15 Final examinations  
DECEMBER 18 Fall Commencement  

 

A Message From The Assistant Vice President

Dear Parents and Families,

Congratulations and welcome to the Shocker Family! By supporting your student through their college journey, you are just as much a part of the Shocker Family as your student.
We hope you embrace Wichita State University and take advantage of all that we have to offer. Over the next several years, your student will be presented with a multitude of opportunities, and experiences as we prepare to empower them to make a difference as a global citizen.

Through engagement with academics and all aspects of student life, we hope your student is able to achieve their personal and professional goals. Wichita State University provides an
array of resources to help them thrive both inside and outside of the classroom.

Your student’s college experience is an exciting time for the whole family, and your role in your student’s life will be integral in the coming years. Research shows that family involvement is critical to student success. We’re partners now. Working together as partners can only benefit your student’s success here at Wichita State. We will do our best to assist you by providing information about campus resources, support for your transition and a positive connection to the campus community.

This handbook shares ways in which you can assist your student as they prepare for new challenges they may face during their time at Wichita State. Inside you will find helpful information about the college transition process; academic requirements and services; including opportunities and resources for student engagement beyond the classroom. You will also find information about important student support services.

The Student Affairs staff is available to help answer questions, make referrals, and provide timely information to assist you and your students in their transition.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, or stay up to date on all things Wichita State, signup for our monthly newsletter at WICHITA.EDU/FAMILY. We hope you will call on us if a need arises.

Good luck and best wishes as you begin this exciting chapter with
your student!

ALICIA NEWELL
Assistant Vice President
for Student Affairs

Meet The Leadership Team

Dr. Rick Muma

Dr. Rick Muma
President

 

Dr. Lefever
Dr. Shirley Lefever
Executive Vice President & Provost

Dr. Hall
Dr. Teri Hall
Vice President of Student Affairs

Dr. Austin
Dr. Aaron Austin
Associate Vice President & Dean of Students

Kevin Konda
Kevin Konda
Associate Vice President, Auxiliary Services

Scott Jensen

Scott Jensen
Assistant Vice President, Operations

Alicia Newell

Alicia Newell
Assistant Vice President, Assessment & Retention

Dr. Jessica Provines

Dr. Jessica Provines
Assistant Vice President, Wellness & Chief Psychologist

 

WuShock Origin Story

Wichita State University, formerly Fairmount College, received its first mascot name about the time it received its first football coach. Tradition has it that in 1904, football manager and student R.J. Kirk needed a name for the team in order to advertise Fairmount’s upcoming engagement with the Chilocco Indians. He came up with Wheatshockers.

At the time, many Fairmount football players earned tuition and board harvesting, or “shocking,” wheat during the summer harvests, so the name seemed appropriate. Early football games were played on a stubbled wheat field. Pep club members were known as Wheaties.

Although the Wheatshockers name was never officially adopted by the university, it caught on and survived until it was later shortened to Shockers. Until 1948, the university used a nameless shock of wheat as its symbol.

WuShock came to life in 1948, when junior Wilbur Elsea won the Kappa Pi honorary society’s competition to design a mascot typifying the spirit of the school. Elsea, who had been a Marine during World War II, decided that “the school needed a mascot who gave a tough impression, with a serious, no-nonsense scowl.”

Once Elsea’s mascot was adopted by the university, which by that time was known as the Municipal University of Wichita, all that was needed was a name. The Oct. 7, 1948, issue of The Sunflower, the student newspaper, ran an advertisement urging students to submit names for the school’s new mascot. It was freshman Jack Kersting who suggested the winning name, “WuShock.”

WSU Resources
ACADEMIC

Academic Advising
wichit.edu/advising

College of Applied Studies
(316) 978-3300

College of Business
(316) 978-3203

College of Health Professions
(316) 978-3304

College of Engineering
(316) 978-3400

College of Fine Arts
(316) 978-6634

Honors College
(316) 978-3375

Liberal Arts Advising
(316) 978-3700

First-Year Advising
(316) 978-3909

Geeks (Engineering Tutoring)
(316) 978-3400 | A132 Partnership 2
wichita.edu/geeks
Math Lab
(316) 978-3938 | 371 Jabara Hall
wichita.edu/mathlab
Registrar’s Office
(316) 978-3055 | 102 Jardine Hall
wichita.edu/registrar
Shocker Learning Center (Tutoring)
(316) 978-3203 | 107 Lindquist Hall
wichita.edu/slc
Testing Services
(316) 978-8378 | 320 Grace Wilkie Hall
wichita.edu/testing

University Libraries
wichita.edu/library

Ablah Library
(316) 978-3481 | Ablah Library

Chemistry Library
(316) 978-3764 | 127 McKinley Hall

Music Library
(316) 978-3029 | 312/313 Jardine Hall

Writing Center
(316) 978-3171 | 601 Lindquist Hall
wichita.edu/writingcenter
STUDENT SERVICES
CARE Team
(316) 978-3149 | 231 Rhatigan Student Center
wichita.edu/care
Child Development Center
(316) 978-3109 | 3026 E. 21st St. N.
wichita.edu/childdev
Counseling & Prevention Services
(316) 978-4792 | Steve Clark YMCA
wichita.edu/CAPS
Dean of Students
(316) 978-3149 | 231 Rhatigan Student Center
Dining Services
(316) 978-3477 | 235 Rhatigan Student Center
wichita.edu/dining
Disability Services
(316) 978-3309 | 203 Grace Wilkie Hall
wichita.edu/ods
Housing & Residence Life
(316) 978-3693 | Shocker Hall
wichita.edu/housing
Lost and Found - Rhatigan Student Center
(316) 978-4636 | Information Center
wichita.edu/police
Lost and Found - University Wide
(316) 978-5527 | various locations
wichita.edu/police
Military and Veterans Services
(316) 978-3547 | 105 Grace Wilkie Hall
wichita.edu/veterancenter
OneStop
(316) 978-7440 | 112 Jardine Hall
1 (855) 978-1787 (24/7 Help Line)
wichita.edu/onestop
Parking Services
(316) 978-5530
wichita.edu/parking
Rhatigan Student Center
(316) 978-4636 | Information Center
wichita.edu/rsc
Shocker Career Accelerator
(316) 978-3688 | 162 John Bardo Center Suite
wichita.edu/career
Shocker Store
(316) 978-3490 | Rhatigan Student Center
wichita.edu/shockerstore
Student Advocate
(316) 978-3480 | 219 Rhatigan Student Center
wichita.edu/studentadvocate
Student Conduct & Community Standards
(316) 978-6681 | Shocker Hall A1060
wichita.edu/studentconduct
Student Health Services
(316) 978-4792 | Steve Clark YMCA
wichita.edu/shs
Office of Student Success
(316) 978-3209 | 115 Neff Hall
wichita.edu/success
Wichita State Police Department
(316) 978-3450 | East of Grace Wilkie Hall
wichita.edu/police
INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Athletics
(316) 978-5498 | Charles Koch Arena
goshockers.com
Campus Activities & Recreation
(316) 978-3082 | Heskett Center
wichita.edu/car
Office of Diversity & Inclusion
(316) 978-3034 | 208 Rhatigan Student Center
wichita.edu/odi
Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership
(316) 978-3022 | 216 Rhatigan Student Center
wichita.edu/seal
Student Government Association
(316) 978-3480 | 219 Rhatigan Student Center
wichita.edu/sga
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Accounts Receivable
(316) 978-3333 | 201 Jardine Hall
wichita.edu/acctsrec
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship
(316) 978-3430 | 203 Jardine Hall
wichita.edu/financialaid

 

Speaking the Language

If you’re a first-time Wichita State University parent or family member, it may
be hard to figure out many of the terms used here at the university. Use this
glossary to understand your student’s new vocabulary.

ACADEMIC ADVISOR Advising at WSU is an ongoing educational partnership between the student and faculty/professional advisors that promotes student
success with the goal of helping students graduate.

 

FERPA The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
of 1974 is a federal law that sets forth requirements
pertaining to the disclosure of, and access to, education records maintained by Wichita State University.

ACADEMIC PROBATION Students are placed (or continued) on probation at the conclusion of every semester in which their institutional or overall grade point average falls below 2.000, except as noted below. If the college in which students are enrolled has a higher graduation requirement, students may be placed on probation whenever their institutional or overall grade point average falls below the college’s specified level.

FIRST GENERATION A student whose parents/guardians have not completed a four-year college degree.
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL Students will be dismissed
at the end of a semester on probation if they fail to
earn a semester grade point average at or above the minimum required. Students are not academically dismissed at the end of a semester unless they began that semester on academic probation.
FULL-TIME STUDENT A student taking 12 credit hours is considered a full-time student.
ADD / DROP Students register through web
registration in the myWSU portal. Classes can only
be dropped during the add/drop period. After the
100% refund period has ended, all drop and add
transactions must be submitted at the same time in
the registration system to avoid financial penalty.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE The grade point average is computed by dividing the total number of credit points by the total number of credit hours completed for which regular letter grades (A, B, C, D and F) are assigned.
ASYNCHRONOUS Professors generate online content
in advance and students engage with it on their own
schedules. Examples include: recorded lectures,
online discussion boards, and Wikis.
HYBRID Replace a portion of traditional face-to-face instruction with web-based online learning (e.g., video lectures, online discussions, or activities).
BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE A Bachelor of Arts
Degree (B.A.) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an
undergraduate program in humanities, arts, social
sciences, and sciences.
LOWER-DIVISION COURSES Courses numbered 100 to 299 are designed primarily for freshmen and sophomores, but students from other classes may be admitted for lower-division credit.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE A Bachelor of
Science Degree (B.S.) is a bachelor’s degree awarded
for an undergraduate program intended to emphasize
scientific ways of knowing and quantitative approaches to understanding the sciences and social sciences.
MAJOR (UNDERGRADUATE) The direction or focus that students study in their undergraduate program.
Undergraduates typically complete 120 or more credits to earn a degree in their major field of study.

COLLEGE A subdivision of the university offering degree programs within a specific subject area.
Wichita State University has seven colleges (College of Applied Studies, College of Engineering, College of Innovation and Design, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Health Professions,
College of Fine Arts, and the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College).

MINOR A secondary area of specialization beyond a college major. Undergraduates typically complete
16-30 credits to earn a minor. College students do not have to declare a minor to graduate. Undergraduates
may use minors to complement their major or explore a different discipline.

COMMENCEMENT Wichita State’s graduation ceremony held in December for summer/fall graduates and May for spring graduates.

PART-TIME STUDENT A student taking less than 12 credit hours is considered a part-time student

CREDIT HOURS The academic value assigned to a course based on the type and level of subject material, as well as the expected number of hours spent on class preparation. One credit hour is generally given for three hours of work per week, in and out of class.

PREREQUISITES Requirements that must be collected before enrollment in a course. The instructor may waive a prerequisite.

CRN A five digit number used to select a specific course and/or lab (Course Reference Number).

SYLLABUS A syllabus provides you with information specific to a course, and it also provides information about important university policies. This document should be viewed as a course overview; it is not a contract and is subject to change as the semester
evolves. It often includes the schedule of assignments, exams, projects, etc. you are expected to complete over the course of the semester as well as outcomes of the course and the grading scale.

DEGREE WORKS AUDIT Degree Works is a web-based tool used to monitor a student’s academic progress toward degree completion. It combines WSU’s degree requirements with the courses a student is currently taking, has taken in the past, and plans to take. It produces a snapshot called a “degree audit” of the progress a student is making in fulfilling their degree requirements.

SYNCHRONOUS Students and professor are engaged with the content at the same time, whether in-person or online. Examples include: zoom/streamed lecture, live chat features using social media, in-person lecture, and conference calls.

ELECTIVES Courses that are not required as part of a degree program, but are generally chosen and used
by a student to supplement or enrich the required curriculum.

TRANSFER STUDENTA student moving from one institution to another with some level of coursework completed.

FAFSA Federal financial aid is awarded based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may receive assistance through several federal programs: Supplemental Educational
Opportunity Grants, Pell Grants, TEACH Grants, subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans, and Direct PLUS parental loans for dependent undergraduate students.

WITHDRAW When you drop a class it does not appear on your permanent academic record. A “W” grade merely indicates that you were enrolled in the course and officially withdrew.

Student Classification

Freshmen A student with less than 30 credit hours earned toward their undergraduate degree.
Sophomore A student with 30 to 59 credit hours earned towards their undergraduate degree.
Junior A student with 60 to 89 credit hours earned toward their underdraduate degree.
Senior A student with 90 credit hours or more earned toward their undergraduate degree.

Transition

Your student is beginning and/or continuing one of life’s most rewarding journeys. You are also going to experience new feelings and face new challenges as your student establishes their independence at Wichita State University.

WILL OUR RELATIONSHIP BE THE SAME?

It may change; new college ways and old home rules can create tension. Don’t be too shocked or disappointed if your student refers to Wichita State as home. It’s a sure sign of adjustment.

  • Be prepared for new behaviors, such as hair, dress and food preferences.
  • Discuss your expectations for communication.
  • Talk about what’s going on in their personal life, not just academic.

TIPS TO SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT

Icon of Students helping Students Encourage your student to ask for help when needed.
Icon of Heart Be supportive and interested in their college experiences.
Icon of Ear Listen openly, honestly and without judgement.
Icon of Light Blub Empower your student to solve their own problems.
Icon of sad face Be understanding when they feel overwhelmed and homesick.
Icon of Friends Encourage your student to stay on campus or in Wichita over most weekends.  This helps them build new friendships.
Icon of Stressed Student Understand that stress and a certain amount of anxiety are normal for students to experience.

TIPS FOR STAYING CONNECTED WITH YOUR STUDENT

Keep in touch by phone, text, facetime, and email.
Discuss which method is best for you and your student.

Visit your student during university-sponsored events such as family weekend.

Sign up for the Shocker Family Newsletter to stay in touch with everything Wichita State.
Sign up at wichita.edu/shockerfamily.

Send care packages, cards and letters.

Follow Wichita State Parent & Family on Facebook to stay informed about campus news, deadlines and resources.


Tips to Remind Your Student

Encourage your student to always go to class.

Suggest using a day planner or calendar on their phone or computer to track assignments and events.

Recommend attending study groups or seeking tutoring services.

Remind your student that they can visit instructors during office hours or talk to them before or after class.

Discourage your student from cramming for exams or mid-terms.

Recommend your student visit with their success coach to learn about academic support. Wichita.edu/success

Housing & Residence Life Mailing Address Information

Shocker Hall Mailing Address:
2020 N. Perimeter Road, Room #
Wichita, KS 67208
The Flats Mailing Address:
2011 N. Innovation Blvd, Room #
Wichita, KS 67208
The Suites Mailing Address:
2011 N. Innovation Blvd, Room #
Wichita, KS 67208

Academic Requirements

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Students must obtain the following Semester GPA, WSU GPA and Cumulative GPA in order
to be able to continue their studies at Wichita State and graduate:

W. FRANK BARTON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 2.25 GPA
APPLIED STUDIES 2.00 GPA
ATHLETIC TRAINING & TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS 2.50 GPA
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 2.00 GPA
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS 2.00 GPA
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS 2.00 GPA
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES 2.00 GPA

Students are placed on academic probation at the end of any semester in which they have obtained a GPA below what is required by their College. Probation is removed when a student’s GPA reaches the requirement for their College. If your student fails to meet the minimum Semester GPA during the semester they are on probation, they will be academically dismissed from the University.

GRADUATION HONORS are based upon both the WSU cumulative grade point average and the overall cumulative grade point average. Degrees are conferred with distinction upon students who have shown excellence in scholarship.

Summa Cum Laude: 3.900 and above
Magna Cum Laude: 3.550 and above
Cum Laude: 3.25 and above

Advising

Academic advising is important to your student’s college experience and progress toward a degree. Advisors help students develop class plans as well as explore academic options, requirements and opportunities that can enhance and individualize their education. All students have at least one - if not several - academic advisors they can meet with throughout their time at Wichita State.

ADVISORS CAN BE FOUND AT WICHITA.EDU/ADVISING

FIRST-YEAR ADVISING

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY STUDENT MEET WITH THEIR ACADEMIC ADVISOR?
First-year freshmen meet with their advisor every term. After the first year, requirements look different depending on the student’s college or program. However, it’s best that students meet with their advisors often to stay on track with their academic goals, find answers to their questions and learn about resources to help them succeed in their classes.

WHAT IF MY STUDENT WANTS TO CHANGE MAJORS?
To change or declare a major or minor, students must complete a Major/Minor Change Form, available in their myWSU portal. Students considering changing a major can talk to their current advisor or to a counselor in the Shocker Career Accelerator.

IS IT OK THAT MY STUDENT IS UNDECIDED?
Yes. It takes many students a while to find an academic major that fits their strengths, professional aspirations, academic interests and personal values. Students who are given the time and freedom to find the right major are often more successful at landing internships and jobs after graduation or going on to graduate school. Encourage your student to meet with an academic advisor, a counselor in the Shocker Career Accelerator and/or faculty members who teach or conduct research in subjects your student is interested in. They can give your student a better understanding of various majors and careers and help them find the major that fits them best.


Encourage your student to treat college like a full-time job. Recommend becoming active in the campus community and getting to know faculty and staff. Tell your student to be persistent and to reach out and ask for help when needed. The most successful students tend to be those who take full advantage of the tutoring, study rooms, academic coaching and other resources available at Wichita State.

Feel free to suggest resources and services that may be useful to your student. At the same time, encourage your student to seek assistance directly. Your student’s success depends on learning how to advocate for themselves. Remember to offer praise and positive reinforcement regularly.


STUDENT SUCCESS

For More information, Visit Wichita.EDU/SUCCESS

FIRST-YEAR PROGRAMS

A collection of programs and services available for students new to campus.
- Orientation
- Peer Mentoring
- Social Events
- Transition Workshops

SUCCESS COACHES

Individual support for students to assess their skills and needs, and create a personalized plan
for success.
- Time Management
- Success Plans
- Study Skills
- Accountability
- Motivation

ACADEMIC SUCCESS PROGRAMS

Free academic support services
available for undergraduate students.
- Tutoring
- Study Skills Assistance
- Supplemental Instruction

OFFICE OF STUDENT MONEY MANAGEMENT

Peer financial education for college and beyond.
- Building Credit
- College Financial Plans
- Managing Student Loan Debt
- Monthly Spending Plans

Understanding FERPA

COMMON QUESTIONS

WHAT IS FERPA?
The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), along with Kansas state law and administrative rules, gives students certain rights with respect to their educational records.

WHERE WILL MY STUDENT’S GRADES BE MAILED?
Wichita State University does not mail grade reports. Grades are available to students online via myWSU.

CAN I HAVE A COPY OF MY STUDENT’S GRADES OR ACADEMIC RECORDS?
According to both federal and state law, parents may have a copy of their student’s record only with the student’s written consent. Students have access to their grades online via myWSU a few days after the end of the term. While Wichita State staff may not be able to talk specifically about your student, we can share general information about academic policies and processes.


STUDENT RECORD ACCESS

E-BILL AUTHORIZED USER
Your student can register you as an Authorized User on their E-Bill account to give you access to view records and pay bills. To add you as a user, your student should log into their WSU Access Account, click the MyFinances tab, select the eBill Icon, and select Authorized Users.
Please note this is a separate process from the Family Portal financial information request. The Family Portal will allow you to see when a bill is due, but will direct you to the E-Bill to pay.

PROXY
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents do not have access to their student’s collegiate educational record unless the student provides consent. Students wanting to release nondirectory information to parents, employers, or other specified individuals, referred to as proxies, may do so online by logging into the secure myWSU portal.

THE RIGHTS OF THE STUDENT INCLUDE

  1. The right to inspect and review their educational records within 45 days of request.
  2. The right to request the amendment of portions of their educational record that they believe are inaccurate or misleading.
  3. The right to consent to disclosures of the personally identifiable information contained in their educational record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
  4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Wichita State University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

If you call a university office and ask for information about your student, you will receive only information that the university can legally provide. This information is listed at wichita.edu/FERPA

While federal law authorizes release of records to parents of dependent students, it is not required. Kansas state law is more restrictive and allows only directory information to be released to parents.

Financial Information

Your student’s new freedom will also require new responsibilities, including managing their finances. Talk with your student about these responsibilities often. Having a bank account or credit card may be a completely new experience for your student, so it’s important to have a conversation about budgeting, managing expenses, sending habits and paying for their education.

TIPS TO HELP YOUR STUDENT SAVE

icon for budget
Establish a budget and
financial expectations
together.

Icon for Funding

Maximize all available
sources of funding.

icon for piggy bank

Follow all procedures and
timetables set by the Office
of Financial Aid.

Icon of Homework

Resist the temptation to
tie money to grades.

Icon on Credit Cards

Discourage your student
from accepting credit card
offers they may receive.

Icon of ATM

Have your student open and
learn how to manage a bank
account, including responsible
use of ATM debit cards.

Icon of Grad hat

Apply for scholarships.
ScholarshipUniverse
connects Shockers to
millions of dollars in
external scholarships.

 

Icon of Building

Help your student determine
the best housing option for
them based on costs and
necessities.

Health & Wellness

An active mind needs a health body, so encourage your student to find ways of relieving stress, keeping active and staying healthy. Suggest taking a fitness class, getting a massage at the Heskett Center or getting a mental health check up at Counseling and Prevention Services.

Resources

The university’s health fee, which is part of every student’s tuition and fees, provides students with access to Student Health Services and resources.

icon of Stethoscope Unlimited visits with Student Health Services physicians and nurse practitioners. Icon of head Self-care assessment without an appointment through the online self-care guide.
icon of weights Free access to weights and cardio equipment, the pool, and classes such as F45. icon of health hands Optional purchase of health insurance: (316) 978 - 4792

COUNSELING & PREVENTION SERVICES

Counseling and Prevention Services, or CAPS, is committed to supporting our students with inexpensive individual and couples therapy at $10 a session, as well as a variety of free group therapy sessions.

Students will never be turned away for not being able to pay.

DISABILITY SERVICES

Wichita State’s Office of Disability Services provides students with learning, mental or physical disabilities an equal opportunity to attain their academic and personal goals to the fullest of their abilities.

CARE TEAM

Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Team, CARE Team, is committed to helping ensure students’ needs are met in order to promote wellness and academic success. In the event difficulties arise, CARE Team can help connect you with the resources you need to overcome life’s challenges and thrive at Wichita State.
- physical, mental and
emotional health concerns
- relationship and social challenges
- financial stressors
- housing and food insecurity
- transition issues
- and more

If you are worried about your student, we encourage you to submit a concern via WICHITA.EDU/CARE.

CONTACTS

Career Resources

CAREER COUNSELING
Choosing a career path can be difficult. Through professional career exploration and testing, your student can learn about their interests, personality style and strengths and how they can be applied toward a rewarding career.

CAREER CLOSET
The Shocker Career Accelerator’s Career Closet offers free professional clothing for WSU students. Items available may include suits, dress pants, professional shirts or blouses, professional skirts, belts, neckties, shoes, cuff links, tie clips, and more.
The Career Closet is located in Grace Wilkie Hall room 318 and is open while classes
are in session. Appointments are required.

HEAD SHOCKS
Is your student in need of a professional photo? Your student can contact the Shocker Career Accelerator to schedule a professional appointment. The service is free!

HANDSHAKE
Finding employment both while attending school and after graduation is an important concern
for students and their families. Wichita State’s Shocker Career Accelerator has many resources
to help.

We recommend that full-time students (12+ credit hours) work no more than 20 hours per week while taking classes. This is particularly important for new students who are also dealing with the transition to Wichita State.

Students can find an updated list of on-campus opportunities at WICHITA.EDU/HANDSHAKE.

Students can find an updated list of off-campus jobs at WICHITA.EDU/CAREERS. Visit the Shocker Career Accelerator for more info.

CONTACTS

SHOCKER CAREER ACCELERATOR
(316) 978 - 3688 | wichita.edu/career

Student Experience

ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENT TO GET CONNECTED!
Becoming involved in campus activities tends to improve a student’s college experience. Not only do the activities provide opportunities to meet people with similar interests, they also help
students apply what they have learned in the classroom to reallife situations and improve time management. A healthy balance of study and co-curricular activity can add a rewarding dimension to the college experience.


EXPERIENCE SHOCKER LIFE

COMMUNITY SERVICE BOARD
A student organization that works to address issues of public concern through service and
active citizenship in the community.

ESPORTS
WSU Esports currently has five competitive varsity esports teams; League of Legends,
Overwatch, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, and Valorant.

FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE
A community comprised of 26 social, Greekletter organizations that have a variety of backgrounds, values, and missions.

INTRAMURALS
Stay active and meet new friends! Intramural sports are recreational leagues and tournaments
available to Wichita State students.

LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES
A group of students who choose to live together to enjoy a built-in support system of mentoring,
networking, and an overall enhanced sense of community.

NATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE
Students can live in a different area and experience an entirely new campus environment while continuing to pay WSU tuition and working toward a WSU degree.

PASS
Promoting Academic Student Success (PASS) facilitates the retention and academic success
of all underrepresented students at WSU through peer mentoring.

PREVENTION AMBASSADOR
An opportunity for students to promote health, wellness, and mental health in the WSU community.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES COUNCIL
SAC members coordinate over 50 plus social, cultural, and educational events each year that
are open to all Shockers.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
SGA is the governing body of all students at Wichita State. SGA represents and advocates for
student needs and issues on campus with local, state and federal government officials.

AND SO MUCH MORE!


BENEFITS OF GETTING INVOLVED

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Make new friends and create connections.

icon of stress student

Reduce stress.

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Encourage self-discovery.

Icon of flamesDiscover new interests and find a new passion.

 

Skills of SuccessDevelop skills for success.

Your student’s WSU experience may begin in the classroom, but their involvement outside of the
classroom can be just as influential in creating a positive WSU experience.

SHOCKERSYNC.WICHITA.EDU is considered their go-to spot for involvement opportunities on campus. There are nearly 200 student organizations at Wichita State. Whether they want
to serve their community, join a student organization, improve their well being or attend some fun events, they’re in the right place.


CONTACTS

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES & RECREATION
(316) 978-3034 | WICHITA.EDU/CAR

OFFICE OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
(316) 978-3034 | WICHITA.EDU/ODI

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, ADVOCACY & LEADERSHIP
(316) 978-3022 | WICHITA.EDU/SEAL

Safety

Your student’s safety is our priority. We want to partner with students to take responsibility and recognize their own vulnerability to crime, reducing risks through preventative action and cooperation with Wichita State Police and the Department of Public Safety.

In accordance with the National Clery Act, a comprehensive annual campus crime report can be viewed at WICHITA.EDU/POLICE.

THE GUARDIAN APP
As part of Wichita State University’s ongoing commitment to campus safety, the university is proud to launch Rave Guardian, a free mobile app for Android and Apple smartphones that turns any smartphone into a personal safety device. When needed, the user can request one or more of their guardians to virtually walk with them on or off campus.

SIGN UP FOR SHOCKERALERT
ShockerAlert is a system that allows the university to send emergency alerts as text messages and emails.To sign up for text alerts through the emergency notification system, visit WICHITA.EDU/ALERT.


TIPS TO KEEP YOUR STUDENT SAFE

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Keep your car locked and valuable items out of sight.

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Always travel with
a friend at night.

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Use the Rave Guardian
app after dark.

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Never compromise safety for a roommate who wants the door left unlocked

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Register your bike and/or laptop with the Department of Public Safety.

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Report suspicious activities
to the Wichita State Police
Department.

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Review the safety tips
for online networks like
Facebook and Twitter.

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If your student lives off
campus, ensure their belongings are covered with renter’s insurance.

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Share class, social and recreation schedules with your family and close friends.

PARKING SERVICES
All students who plan to commute or live on campus with a vehicle must register their vehicles online through Shocker Parking Management System to avoid receiving a ticket, wheel lock, or tow during their time spent on campus at Wichita State.

ePermits are required from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (with the exception of the RSC parking garage which requires ePermits 24/7). Student-accessible parking lots are marked with a prominent green “S” signage.

For additional information on how to properly register your personal vehicle, visit the Parking Services vehicle registration page found on myWSU to view step-by-step instructions to complete the online registration process.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Every semester, students need to update their emergency contacts in their myWSU portal. Wichita State will access their information in case an emergency. Your student can register you as an emergency contact by logging into their myWSU account and clicking on the Home Tab, Student Tools, myContact Info, Update Personal Info.

CONTACTS

Wichita State Police Department
(316) 978-3450 | Wichita.edu/police
Wichita Police Department
Off Campus: Dail 911 | wichita.edu/police
Parking Services
(316) 978-5530 | wichita.edu/parking
Student Conduct & Community Standards
(316) 978-6681 | wichita.edu/studentconduct