Greetings Shocker Families,
This year, millions of turkeys will be consumed on November 26, Thanksgiving Day. With mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing and pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving not only provides students with a chance to visit with family and friends and take a well-deserved break from campus life, but it also gives all of us an opportunity to acknowledge and express our gratitude for the many things that make our lives meaningful and fun.
I have had the privilege of working with WSU students over the past sixteen years, and have experienced many, many highs with them, and certainly some lows as well. As every student’s journey is unique, I have enjoyed meeting them “where they’re at,” and helping get them to where they need to be. These are the moments that fill my heart, and that create memories that will last a lifetime.
I wish to you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with many opportunities to express and feel gratitude. May these positive emotions last throughout the semester and into the new year!
If I haven’t told you in person, please know how grateful I am to be at WSU, to have worked with your sons and daughters, and to have gotten to know so many of you — as students and as parents. I feel very blessed!
With Shocker Pride,
Alicia A. Martinez Newell
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs
Email: Alicia.Newell@wichita.edu
Phone: (316) 978-6105
Important Dates
Please be aware that dates are set with the understanding events and deadlines may have to be moved or cancelled in the event it becomes unsafe to proceed as planned.
Monday, Nov. 9 – Tentative date for Spring 2021 early registration to begin.
Friday, Nov. 20 – Last day of in-person instruction.
Sunday, Nov. 22 – Fall Commencement. Click here for the Commencement website.
Sunday, Nov. 22 – The Toast. Click here to learn more and RSVP.
Nov. 23-29 – Thanksgiving Break: No classes, offices closed Nov. 26 – 27.
Monday, Nov. 30 – Classes resume remotely.
Thursday, Dec. 3 – Last day of fall classes.
Friday, Dec. 4 – Study Day.
Dec. 5-10 – Final examinations. Click here for exam schedule.
Monday, Feb. 15 – Fall diplomas available.
» Click here for the full fall 2020 semester academic calendar.
» Click here for the full university event calendar.
Looking Ahead
By now, students have likely established routines and are discovering what is working well and what things they may need to change to ensure their success. This self-reflection will be important for them as they begin to look ahead and plan for next semester. Course registration will open in early November, and students will want to enroll in their courses as soon as possible to stay on track with their degree plan. It can be helpful for families to encourage their students to make an academic advising appointment to help ensure they are on track to graduate. Students can find contact information to get in touch with their academic advisor through wichita.edu/Advising.
Course enrollment may come with concerns about paying for the spring semester. It’s a good idea for students to revisit their spending plan and set realistic goals for their spending for the rest of the year. Resources to assist with this process can be found through the Office of Student Money Management’s site at wichita.edu/OSMM.
How Can Families Help?
- Students have taken many steps toward gaining independence. Remember that this process is critical to their development, and that the important thing is not that they got everything right, but that they are learning from any mistakes they might have made along the way.
- Although students may be functioning more independently now, remember to continue checking in with them to offer support when necessary.
- Check in with your student the first week of November and remind them that course enrollment for the spring semester is approaching. It’s best to set an appointment with their academic advisor early so that they can get enrolled in the classes they need to graduate on time.
- Encourage your student to contact the Office for Student Money Management to review their monthly spending plan. They may be able to identify some areas in which they can reduce their spending if money is starting to run low.
- Sit down with your student over the holiday break and help them re-evaluate their college financial plan for the upcoming semester/year. A helpful tool to evaluate their financial plan can be found at wichita.edu/osmm.
- After Thanksgiving Break, students may struggle with the transition to completing classes and exams at home. While you may be excited to have them home, try to leave room for them to focus on their classwork.
- If your student is leaving possessions in their dorm over winter break, encourage them to think carefully about what they bring home with them; two months can be a long time to go without something if they leave it behind.
How to Support Your Student During Final Exams
As the semester is coming to an end, students may experience increased stress as they prepare for final exams and projects. It is common for students to demonstrate signs of heightened worry, fatigue and anxiety during this time of transition. Here are a few tips for parents and supportive adults to help students in the upcoming weeks:
- Provide support: Letting your student know you are there for them can increase their sense of stability and comfort. Ask them how they would like to be supported or what they need during this time.
- Encourage self-care and stress relief activities: Help your student prioritize time to re-energize and care for their overall well-being as they balance studying and completing final projects.
- Provide study tips: Remind students of study tips such as taking breaks, studying in a conducive environment and utilizing on-campus resources.
- Check in on their mental health: Helping students name their emotions and stressors during this time will help manage mental health. If they feel overwhelmed, providing additional support to help them cope can be valuable.
- Words of encouragement: Calling your student or sending texts and letters with words of encouragement can be a great way to show support and provide additional motivation.
Counseling and Prevention Services is available to provide mental health support for students. Students can schedule appointments by calling 316-978-4792. For more information, visit wichita.edu/CAPS.
Conversation Starters
- What classes have you enjoyed this semester?
- What classes are you looking forward to taking?
- Are there any classes you’re taking next semester that you’re concerned about?
- How are your finances holding up?
- Would you like me to review any scholarship applications you are planning to submit?
Common Trends for Students
While every student is unique, there are certain trends and phases that many students experience in college. Here are a few of the patterns and potential issues that students tend to experience around November:
- Midterm grades have been returned, which may cause stress if students didn’t do as well as they’d hoped
- Excitement and/or anxiety about going home until February
- Anxiety or sadness about losing in-person access to friends and peers once students leave for Thanksgiving break
- First series of campus-wide illness (cold, flu, etc.)
- Time management conflicts between social and school obligations
If your student is struggling, whether academically, socially or emotionally, we encourage you or your student to reach out to CARE Team. CARE Team exists to connect students with the resources they need to be successful and well at Wichita State.
» Click here to learn more about CARE Team.
» Click here to submit a concern to CARE Team.
Your student also has access to affordable, on-campus counseling through Counseling & Prevention Services, or CAPS. If your student is experiencing anxiety, distress, or other mental health struggles, encourage them to reach out and make an appointment.
» Click here to learn about Counseling & Prevention Services.
Preparing for Thanksgiving Break and Intersession
Intersession Housing Available
Wichita State University's first priority is the health, safety and well-being of our entire Shocker community. Housing and Residence adjusted its Academic Year 2020-2021 contract dates to align with the university's plan to discontinue in-person instruction for the fall semester after November 20, 2020.
All residential students will be expected to vacate by 12 p.m. (noon), on Saturday, November 21, 2020, unless a student has submitted a request for Intersession housing. Students planning to return for the in-person spring 2021 session are NOT required to pack up everything and move out. Personal belongings may be left in their residential rooms; however, access will be removed from ID cards so forgotten items cannot be retrieved over the break.
» Click here to learn more and submit intersession requests.
On-Campus Dining
While there will continue to be campus dining options available during the intersession, the availability and hours of certain options may vary from their typical hours of operation. Students remaining on campus during the intersession should check Chartwells’ site for dining hours and plan according to those hours and availability.
» Click here to see campus dining hours.
Remote Learning
From Nov. 30 to Dec. 10, classes and finals will be offered remotely. Students can find information and resources to help make the transition to remote learning a smooth one at wichita.edu/RemoteStudent. It is advised students review the materials there before leaving for Thanksgiving Break in case they will need to make arrangements using on-campus resources.
» Click here for remote learning information and resources.
Healthy and Safety
Flu Vaccines
The flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Getting a flu vaccine during 2020-2021 will be more important than ever.
Flu vaccines will not prevent COVID-19, but they will reduce the burden of flu illnesses. If your student has not already done so, please encourage them to get vaccinated.
Planning for your student’s return home during the COVID-19 pandemic
Winter break is a time when many students look forward to reconnecting with family and friends they may not have seen while away at school. However, communicating with your student and coming up with a plan for how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to your family should start now.
Your plan should have 3 W’s to follow — wearing masks, watching your distance, and washing your hands — and 3 C’s to avoid — crowds, close contact and confined spaces. These guidelines are not just for your student; they are for you and anyone you plan to have together at your home for Thanksgiving or other small get-togethers.
Always wearing a mask when around anyone that is not from your own household is the number one way to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Combine this with avoiding crowds — no parties, going to bars, or group events or activities — to create a solid defense against COVID-19. Then add in watching your distance: avoid close contact by keeping 6 feet of distance from others that do not live in your home, and avoid confined spaces, such as being indoors in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. Finally, wash your hands frequently. The 3 W’s and 3 C’s give you a solid plan for preventing illness in your family. If both you and your student follow this plan for two weeks before your student returns home, the risk of COVID-19 in your home will be reduced.
Ask your student to reduce their social interactions for two weeks prior to coming home. In addition, make sure everyone realizes that socializing will need to look different this year when your student returns home. To prevent spreading COVID-19, in-person social contact should be limited.
Voluntary asymptomatic COVID-19 testing expanded to include more students
Wichita State University is pleased to expand its COVID-19 Voluntary Asymptomatic Surveillance Testing Program to all students. Beginning Monday, Nov. 2, any currently enrolled student who does not have symptoms of COVID-19 can choose to participate. Students may pick up test kits and return samples in the lobby of the WSU Student Wellness Center from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. Testing is free of charge, and students who opt-in to participate will receive a Shocker Hall meal pass while supplies last.
Voluntary surveillance testing is part of the university’s multi-pronged strategy to monitor and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on campus. Because COVID-19 infection is often asymptomatic, early identification of individuals with the virus requires regular surveillance and testing to monitor — and respond to — any potential spread among the on-campus WSU community. This voluntary testing program allows the university to monitor and address real-time trends and burden of the disease to make timely decisions for intervention and response. While this testing is not mandatory, Student Health Services is asking students to consider taking part in this voluntary testing program to help protect our campus community.
Even though Student Health Services is providing testing, and students may test negative, all students should continue to wear a mask, social distance, and practice good hygiene, as the virus will still be circulating and can be transmitted to participants after a negative test.
Please note: Participation in this student voluntary surveillance testing program is limited to those students who do not currently have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, and not currently in quarantine or isolation for COVID-19. As a reminder, students should contact their personal health care provider or Student Health Services if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or think they may have been exposed. Student Health can be reached at 316-978-4792 or by email at student.health@wichita.edu.
» Click here to learn more about COVID-19 voluntary surveillance testing.
Spring Semester Student Guide: What Students Can Expect for the Spring Semester
The spring 2021 semester will begin on February 1, 2021. For students enrolled this fall, the spring semester will look familiar. We will continue working tirelessly to create an environment that will allow students to receive a high-quality education and college experience while keeping their safety at heart as we all co-exist with the COVID-19 virus.
We know there are many questions and concerns that students and their loved ones have. Please know that we are all in this together and we are confident that this will be an amazing year for your student as a Shocker! We will continue to regularly communicate new information as it arises. The best way for your student to see these messages is to consistently check their student email, as this is a fluid situation that continues to change.
» Click here to see the Student Guide for the spring semester.
» Click here for all the latest University information on COVID-19.
Shocker Family Connections
This year’s Family Week may be over, but Shocker Family Connections will continue! Join us for one Thursday evening each month for a live Q&A with campus experts on the following topics:
- Advising and Student Success | Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
- OneStop and Financial Aid | Thursday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.
» Click here to learn more and register for Shocker Family Connections.
» Click here to submit questions to be answered on Shocker Family Connections.
» Click here to watch previous videos.
Financial Aid News
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals – Deadline for Spring 2021
To remain eligible for federal financial aid, students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress. The Office of Financial Aid will review a student’s quantitative (time-based) and qualitative (grade-based) progress at the end of the Fall 2020 semester, as is done with each semester. Students who did not maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress after the Fall 2020 semester have the option to submit an appeal, if they had extenuating circumstances preventing them from meeting the requirements.
All appeals must be received in the Office of Financial Aid before February 5, 2021. Any appeals received after the February 5 deadline date will be held for review for the Summer 2021 semester. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid website at wichita.edu/sapappeal for the appeal application and additional requirements.
Completing any FAFSA requirements for 2021 – 2022
The Office of Financial Aid has started processing incoming FAFSAs for the 2021-22 academic year. Additional documentation may be requested of your student. Make sure all documentation is submitted prior to the December 1 deadline so that your students can maximize their federal aid eligibility.
Where can your student find out if they are missing anything for next school year?
- Log in here using their myWSU ID and password. Select the “myFinances” tab.
- Under the “Financial Aid Requirements” section, select the 2021-2022 award year from the drop-down menu.
- Note any red flags next to unmet requirements.
Academic college scholarship applications for 2021 – 2022
The general scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year have launched.
Please encourage students to complete their college-specific application for opportunities
to assist with their costs.
Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College: A generous gift from Dorothy and Bill Cohen allows the Cohen Honors College to fulfill
its mission of joining knowledge and innovation to grow visionaries. Cohen Enhancement
Scholarships offer up to $4,000 of support to current Honors students participating
in activities such as study abroad, National Student Exchange, unpaid internships,
national conferences, undergraduate research or service learning. Interested students
can apply here.
Deadline: February 1
College of Health Professions: The College of Health Professions awards more than 200 scholarships and fellowships
each year. Students who are admitted and enrolled in a professional CHP program are
eligible to apply based on their respective program here.
Deadline: Students should contact their department for deadline dates
College of Applied Studies: The College of Applied Studies annually awards more than $450,000 in both merit-based
and need-based scholarships. Interested undergraduate students can apply here, and interested graduate students can apply here.
Deadline: February 1
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Each year, students receive more than $700,000 in scholarships and fellowships from
the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Recipients are selected each spring
semester for the following academic year. Interested students can apply here.
Deadline: February 1
College of Engineering: The College of Engineering awards approximately $800,000 each year in both merit-based
and need-based scholarships to Engineering and Computer Science majors. Interested
students can apply here.
Deadline: February 1
W. Frank Barton School of Business: The W. Frank Barton School of Business annually awards over $800,000 each year in
all areas of business. There are scholarships based on academic achievement and ones
for financial need. Interested students can apply here.
Deadline: February 1
College of Fine Arts - Art, Design and Creative Industries: The School of Art, Design and Creative Industries awards more than $120,000 in scholarships
annually. Students are selected based on creative excellence and academic distinction
within the disciplines of Art Education, Art History, Graphic Design and Studio Arts.
Interested students can apply here.
Priority Deadline: February 20
College of Fine Arts - Music: Auditions are required for students planning to major in Music. Auditions are for
program entrance and scholarships. They are open to all instrumental and vocal students
who are high school seniors, transfer students, and graduate students. Interested
students can apply here.
Audition Dates: February 1 and April 11
Questions about Financial Aid?
Have questions? Click here to schedule an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid, or reach out via phone at (316) 978-3430 or via email at finaid@wichita.edu.
» Click here to visit the Office of Financial Aid website.
» Click here to register for Shocker Family Connections | OneStop and Financial Aid.
Campus News
University breaks ground on Wayne and Kaye Woolsey Hall
Alumni, donors and officials from Wichita State University gathered Thursday, Oct. 22 for a groundbreaking ceremony at the future site of Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall, the new home for the W. Frank Barton School of Business.
In a statement, Barton School Dean Larisa Genin told students the facility will be a place “where you will explore your full potential and ambitions.”
The three-level, LEED-certified building is focused on creating an environment for students and faculty that inspires collaboration, innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset. Its location on the Innovation Campus will nurture applied learning experiences with partners and businesses active there.
» Read more about Woolsey Hall.
Men’s Basketball Bracket Adjustment
Wichita State is scheduled to open the 2020-21 men’s basketball season against the Dayton Flyers on Nov. 25 at the Bad Boy Mowers Crossover Classic in Sioux Falls, S.D. On Monday, tournament officials announced South Dakota State has replaced Utah in the eight-team field and will play Creighton in the quarterfinals.
» Click here to see the bracket.
Wichita State’s 125th Anniversary
In September 1895, Fairmount College, the forerunner of Wichita State, held its first classes. On July 1, our 125-year-old institution of higher learning kicked off its quasquicentennial celebration, a year-long Shocker party.
» Click here to learn more about Wichita State’s traditions.
Regents appoint Richard Muma as Wichita State interim president
The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) voted today to appoint Wichita State University (WSU) Provost Richard Muma as interim president of WSU. Dr. Muma has been serving as acting president since September 25 and will begin serving as interim president immediately.
“Dr. Muma possesses a wealth of experience and a deep knowledge of Wichita State,” said KBOR Chair Bill Feuerborn. “His leadership as acting president on two separate occasions has been invaluable to the university. The Regents are grateful he is willing to continue to serve as interim president.”
» Click here to read more about Dr. Muma’s appointment.
Molecular Diagnostics Lab capable of processing up to 32,000 COVID-19 tests per week
A ribbon-cutting marked the opening of Wichita State’s Molecular Diagnostics Lab (MDL), the first and only high-volume COVID-19 test lab in Wichita and the region.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, who spoke at the event, said, “With a coordinated strategy, we can identify hotspots before they spread out of control and make sure that Kansans can take proper safety precautions or avoid locations where the virus is present. We can help provide certainty that our schools and our businesses can stay open safely.”
At full capacity, MDL can test up to 32,000 specimens per week with a 24-hour turnaround on results, allowing for precise quarantining and treatment for those infected.
» Learn more about Wichita State’s MDL.
Campus Resources | Student Success
Finals are just around the corner. Here are a few resources to help students do their best on their exams:
Success Coaches
Find out how a Success Coach can help by connecting here. All Coaches will have remote Student Hours (open drop-in times) scheduled on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until noon when classes are in session. Students can also call or email their coach to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment through myWSU.
» Click here to learn more and get in touch with a Success Coach.
Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction
If your student wants to improve their academic performance in their classes, visit the Shocker Learning Center. If your student’s class offers SI, your student can connect with their SI leader in Blackboard. Students may also request a tutor from myWSU and work independently with their tutor to coordinate sessions.
» Click here to learn more about the Shocker Learning Center.
» Click here to learn more about tutoring.
» Click here to learn more about Supplemental Instruction.
Connect With Us
Stay up to date on campus news by following us on social media, or contact us at 316-978-3149 or at shocker.family@wichita.edu! If you haven’t already, subscribe to receive this newsletter in your inbox at wichita.edu/familynewsletter.
Shocker Family Network Group
Want to connect with other Shocker Families? Head on over to @ShockerFamilyNetwork for a member-led discussion group to get connected and get your questions answered by other Shocker Family members like you!
Find Us On Social
Facebook Page | @parentfamilyshockers
Facebook Group | Shocker Family Network
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