Hello,
This time of year, we all do a great deal of forward thinking. In the wake of New Year’s resolutions, our minds are geared to think of the year ahead and all that we want to accomplish. Our students are setting goals, attending career fairs, securing housing for next year, exploring summer internships and study abroad opportunities, and many are looking forward to spring commencement!
Remember that this is a great time to send some love to your student through snail-mail. Care packages, cards, photos of pets, or even a little Valentine’s gift will brighten your student’s semester.
What plans does your student have for spring break? Will they stay in Wichita to work at a job? Will they come home for a visit? Maybe they would enjoy joining Wichita State’s Alternative Break program to spend their break doing community service in an amazing location. Talk to your student so that you can plan your schedule too.
Cheers to a great spring semester! Don’t hesitate to call upon us if there is anything we can do to support you or your student.
Alicia Newell
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
Dates to Remember
Spring Break | Mar. 23 – 29, 2020
No classes.
Last day to withdraw with a “W” from 16-week courses | Apr. 3, 2020
Summer and fall early registration begins | Apr. 6, 2020
Last day of spring classes | May 7, 2020
Study Day | May 8, 2020
Spring final exams | May 9 – 14, 2020
Spring Commencement | May 16, 2020
Spring grades available | May 22, 2020
Spring diplomas available | July 15, 2020
Introducing the Shocker Family Network
Want to connect with other Shocker families? Join the Shocker Family Network on Facebook! This group will enable you to stay informed about campus news and events, deadlines and resources to encourage your student's academic success and well-being, as well as connect with other Shocker families! Click here to check it out.
Welcoming President Jay Golden
We are excited to welcome President Jay Golden to Wichita State! President Golden officially assumed the position on Dec. 17, 2019, and has been actively learning the ins and outs of the University.
Golden previously served as vice chancellor and professor of engineering at East Carolina University (ECU) and as a faculty member and associate vice provost of research and executive director of corporate relations at Duke University.
Golden is focused on Wichita State University becoming a national model for the student experience by offering the highest quality education, supplemented through real-world applied learning experiences on a campus with a culture that embraces diversity, inclusiveness and respect. Click here to learn more about WSU’s new president.
Steve Clark YMCA and Wellness Center opened Jan. 21
The new Steve Clark YMCA and Wellness Center on WSU’s campus had its grand opening on Tuesday, Jan. 21. In addition to the programs and resources available through the Y, this building will house Counseling & Prevention Services and Student Health Services in the new Wichita State Student Wellness Center, as well as the Wesley Healthcare Urgent Care Center. WSU is excited to offer students a single, convenient location for their physical, mental and emotional wellness.
Click here to learn more about the Y. Click here to learn more about the Wellness Center.
Want to become a Parent Ambassador?
If you’re interested in becoming more involved in the WSU community, consider joining us as a Parent Ambassador! This new initiative will have several areas for volunteers to make their marks and help promote Shocker Nation, including helping with admitted student receptions, serving as liaisons between new families and WSU, networking and more!
If you’re interested in participating, please go to wichita.edu/ParentAmbassador and fill out the form to get involved!
If you have ideas for ways parents can contribute to our campus community, please contact us at shocker.family@wichita.edu!
Healthy Behaviors
February typically brings to mind hearts and flowers. This time of year also brings with it cold and flu season. Maintaining healthy behaviors will help your student stay well and prevent them from missing out on classes and activities. For some students, college may be the first time they manage their health care needs on their own. Prepare your student for this new experience by making sure they have knowledge of — or access to — important personal medical information including any allergies, medications they take, immunization records and past medical history such as previous surgeries or serious injuries/illnesses.
How Can Families Help?
- Talk to your student about healthy choices and the impact of health on their lives.
- Learn about the resources and services available to your student on campus. One important resource is Student Health Services, which provides health education and services to all currently enrolled students. Learn more at wichita.edu/shs.
- Communicate with your student to find out how they are adjusting to college. Text and email are a great way to stay in touch, but actual conversations over the phone or skype are important for real communication.
- Let your student talk. Practice listening without giving advice unless requested. Be willing to talk about the tough topics like relationships, drinking and sex.
Why should students get involved?
Research has shown that involvement in college leads to:
- More positivity about the college experience.
- More success at gaining employment after graduation and higher workplace satisfaction.
- Increased peer interaction, which correlates to positive growth in leadership ability, public speaking, and interpersonal, analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
- Integration into the campus community and the creation of a personalized college experience.
Long-Standing Traditions
There are many long-standing traditions at Wichita State. These traditions help foster Shocker pride, connect students and build camaraderie.
Welcomefest – Held the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters, Welcomefest provides
activities to acclimate students to campus and help them meet people. A key aspect
of Welcomefest is the Involvement Fair, where students can connect with various
student organizations.
Family Weekend – Family Weekend is a time for families to visit their student while gaining exposure to the Wichita State community.
Carnivals – Held each October and April, the carnivals invite old and young to enjoy time as a family with games, inflatables, a petting zoo and food.
Hippodrome – Started in 1928, Hippodrome is Wichita State’s longest-running tradition and features skits developed and produced by students.
Midwest Step Show, Shock the Yard – Organizations from across the Midwest compete in this rich performance that melds folk traditions with popular culture and involves synchronized percussive movement, singing, speaking, chanting, clapping and drama.
Shocktoberfest – Held each October, Shocktoberfest celebrates Shocker pride through a variety of events culminating in the ever-popular Songfest, a lip-sync and dance competition.
Wu’s Big Event – Held the first Friday of October and May, students are encouraged to participate in various community service projects throughout the Wichita area.
Academic Resources
In order to maintain academic success throughout the semester, your student will want to be well-prepared for exams, final papers and final projects. If your student needs assistance, a number of academic resources are available:
Shocker Learning Center: A "one-stop shop" for academic support and questions
Office of Student Success: Offers workshops, group review sessions, and free tutoring
The Writing Center: Offers professional writing consultants on any piece of writing (except for exams)
WSU Cares
Please don’t be afraid to reach out to the Care Team by submitting a concern at wichita.edu/care. Care Team exists to connect students with resources to ensure their success at WSU.
You can’t pour out of an empty cup. Please make sure your student is taking care of their needs and giving their body and brain the resources they need to be happy and healthy! If they’re struggling with mental health, encourage them to get in touch with Counseling and Prevention Services at 316-978-4792 (316-978-4SWC).
Student Health News
The WSU Student Health Center is offering affordable FLU SHOTS for all WSU students at various pop up locations — including the Student Health Center — by appointment. Flu season typically peaks in January or February, so it’s not too late to get vaccinated! Learn more at wichita.edu/SHS.
Worried about the Coronavirus? Check Student Health Services' Travel/Health Advisories page for helpful resources and information.
Connect With Us
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Alicia Newell, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs directly.
Email: Alicia.Newell@wichita.edu
Call: (316) 978-3149
Visit: Rhatigan Student Center, 231
Do you want to learn more about what is going on in Student Affairs and around the WSU community? Connect with us!
For office updates, live event recordings and more, follow us on social media:
Facebook Page | @parentfamilyshockers
Facebook Group | Shocker Family Network
Facebook | @wichitastatesa
Twitter | @wichitastatesa
Instagram | @wichitastatesa