Shocker Family Newsletter

A Message from Alicia Newell, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs

Dear parents and families,

We’ve made it through 2020, and all of the surprises and chaos that this past year entailed! I hope you and your student are enjoying a well-deserved period of peace and respite from the unique challenges that remote learning and social distancing presented this past fall on a college campus that's usually so bustling with energy. I’m so proud of our students, faculty and staff for how well they handled an unprecedented situation, and I’m full of optimism that the spring semester will run just as smoothly, if not more so.

As your student prepares to join us back on campus, encourage them to seek out various resources to support their academic and social goals. Wichita State University is committed to supporting your students in and out of the classroom. We encourage you to share the resources found withing this newsletter with your student, and to talk with them about what they need to successfully complete the spring 2021 semester, as well as opportunities for continued or new involvement as a Shocker.

As always, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact me!

With Shocker Pride,

Alicia A. Martinez Newell
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs

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.

Jan. 4 – 30 – Spring Presession (available online only).

Friday, Jan. 15 – Housing and Meal Payment Plan: First payment due.

Monday, Jan. 18 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day, campus offices closed.

Beginning Jan. 27 – Excess financial aid deposited to students’ bank accounts if you have entered your account information into your Student Account Suite. Click here to learn how to sign up for direct deposit.

Thursday, Jan. 28 – Checks for excess financial aid mailed if you did not submit a Direct Deposit form. If you or your student need to change your mailing address:

Login to myWSU
On the Home tab (found on the gold bar at the top of the page), scroll down to the Student Tools section.
Under myContact Info, click “View Email, Phone, Address and Emergency Contact”. This will open a new tab with your student’s personal details and contact information. Click on the pencil icons for any sections that need to be updated and enter the current information.
1. While you are at it, we encourage you to make sure your student has current and accurate information listed for their emergency contact!

Monday, Feb. 1 – Full-semester classes begin.

Friday, Feb. 5 – Last day to add full-semester classes or change sections of the same course.

Friday, Feb. 5 – Last day for 100% refund for first 8-week course.

Friday, Feb. 5 – Last day for to submit Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals to office of Financial Aid.

Monday, Feb. 12 – Last day for registered students to make payment arrangements.

Click here to learn more about the Office of Financial Aid.

Click here to learn more about Accounts Receivable.

Monday, Feb. 12 – Last day to drop a full-semester course and:

Not have it appear on the student’s record.
Receive a 100% tuition refund.

Click here to see Wichita State’s refund policies.

Click here to learn more about tuition.

Click here for Accounts Receivable important dates.

Monday, Feb. 12 – Last day to change enrollment in a full-semester course from “credit” to “audit.”

Monday, Feb. 15 – Fall diplomas available.

Monday, Feb. 15 – Tuition Payment Plan: First payment due.

Monday, Feb. 15 – Housing and Meal Payment Plan: Second payment due.

Friday, Feb. 26 – Last day for graduate students to file an application for degree for spring 2021 online. Click here for instructions.

Wednesday, March 3 – Summer and fall 2021 schedule of courses online (tentative).

Monday, March 15 – Tuition Payment Plan: Second payment due.

Monday, March 15 – Housing and Meal Payment Plan: Third payment due.

Friday, March 26 – Last day for 100% refund for second 8-week course.

Thursday, April 15 – Last day for students graduated in the fall to order a transcript of their academic record and have the transcript fee waived.

Thursday, April 15 – Tuition Payment Plan: Final payment due.

Thursday, April 15 – Housing and Meal Payment Plan: Final payment due.

Monday, May 3 – $100 late fees assessed to student accounts of $150 or more.

» Click here for the full spring 2021 semester academic calendar.

» Click here for Accounts Receivable’s spring 2021 calendar of important dates.

» Click here for the full university calendar of events.

Student Involvement

Many students attend college, but how many of them gain the full collegiate experience? It is estimated that more than 70 percent of what students learn during college results from out-of-class experiences.

The Office of Student Involvement helps connect students to the co-curricular and extracurricular programs that will help them enhance their experience while at Wichita State. Student Involvement coordinates an art gallery for budding artists, provides opportunities for service in local and global communities; fosters brotherhood and sisterhood through Greek life; offers programs for personal and leadership development; hosts social, cultural and educational programs and is home to a diverse collection of over 200 recognized student organizations. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Student Involvement has continued to offer virtual and remote activities to help students get involved and feel connected to Wichita State and their community.

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.

How Can Families Help?

Encourage your student to get involved, try new things and explore their interests.
Show an interest in your student’s involvement and participate in virtual events and programs that are important to them.
Encourage your student to connect with their peers and involvement opportunities on a personal level.

Conversation Starters

Is there anything you want to do differently this semester?
Do you know who to talk to if you start to struggle or have questions this semester?

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 December:

“Fresh Start” mentality sets in with new quarter
Satisfaction and/or disappointment with fall quarter grades
Eagerness or reluctance to return to campus and classes
Loneliness for friends and roommates before returning to campus

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.

» Click here to learn more about CARE Team.

» Click here to submit a concern to CARE Team.

» Click here to learn about Counseling & Prevention Services.

Health and Safety

Kansas COVID-19 vaccine information

Now that two COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in the United States, you may have questions about how your student can actually go about getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Currently, Kansas is using a phased distribution plan that is managed on the state level. While doses are currently limited, it is expected that production will increase and allow for all Kansans to receive vaccines at convenient locations. Kansans cannot be denied a vaccine if they cannot afford the administration fee or do not have insurance.

Kansas is currently in PHASE 1 of the vaccination plan, which includes:

Healthcare workers
Residents or patients in long-term care (LTC), senior housing or LTC-supported independent living
Workers critical to pandemic response continuity

As the situation evolves, the plan for vaccine distribution may as well. Stay up on the latest Kansas COVID-19 vaccine news by keeping an eye on KansasVaccine.gov.

» Click here to check out the new Kansas Vaccine website.

» Click here to learn about vaccine availability.

» Click here to read the Kansas Department of Health and Environment COVID-19 vaccine FAQ.

» Click here for the Sedgwick County vaccine information page.

» Click here for the Kansas vaccine timeline as of Jan. 8, 2021.

COVID-19 testing is available by appointment for all current WSU students

Any currently enrolled students who does not have symptoms of COVID-19 can choose to participate in COVID-19 Voluntary Surveillance Testing. Students may make an appointment for COVID-19 testing by calling Student Health at 316-978-4792.

For students who are having symptoms that may be related to COVID-19, please call Student Health at 316-978-4792.

Student Health Services is open for the spring 2021 semester

Student Health has reopened after the winter break! Student Health Services’ hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. Students can make an appointment by calling 316-978-4792.

» Click here to learn more about Student Health Services.

Planning for your student's return to campus 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, it is important to plan ahead and avoid bringing COVID-19 back to campus after break.

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 before your student returns to campus.

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 to campus, it will reduce the risk of bringing COVID-19 to campus when your student returns.

COVID-19, health, and safety information

Looking for information on COVID-19 health and safety tips or other health related topics? Check out and subscribe to WSU Student Health Services YouTube Channel to view health education videos on COVID-19, Tuesday Talk sessions, health insurance and more!

Remember safe COVID practices as your student prepares to return to classes! For a refresher, Student Health Services Director Camille Childers explains the basics of fighting the spread of COVID-19.

» Click here to visit the WSU Student Health Services YouTube Channel.

» Click here to watch Camille Explains COVID.

Housing & Residence Life Updates

This information has been repeated from the December issue of the Shocker Family newsletter.

A message from Housing & Residence Life

Here are a few COVID-related updates Housing & Residence Life would like to provide:

Mandatory COVID-19 testing will occur again at the start of Spring semester. Specific information will be emailed in mid-January, so please encourage your student to monitor their WSU email over the break.
Prior to your student’s arrival back to the halls on Jan. 29, please start watching the KDHE website for locations that are required to arrive early and complete a quarantine upon return to Kansas. If you live in one of the listed states, you are responsible for notifying Housing so we can arrange for your quarantine.
Student Health Services will still be open during Intersession. The office will maintain its regular hours, only closing for the University shutdown (closing Dec. 18 at noon and reopening Jan. 4). See the Student Health website for more information regarding their hours.
If you have an exposure or positive test over break, please fill out the COVID-19 form so Student Health can add that information to their records.

Please remember to make safe choices over the break, including wearing a mask and avoiding large gatherings. We look forward to seeing you all back for the Spring semester!

» Click here for the KDHE Travel & Exposure Related Isolation/Quarantine page.

» Click here for Student Health forms.

» Click here for the Housing & Residence Life COVID-19 page.

Housing & Residence Life can be reached at housing.wsu@wichita.edu or 316-978-3693.

Financial Aid News

Spring aid disbursement

Financial aid disbursements and refunds for the Spring 2021 semester will begin the week of Jan. 25 for applicable students. Please encourage students to fill out their 2020-2021 FAFSA and submit any missing requirements or documents to the Office of Financial Aid as soon as possible to avoid further delays in their financial aid.

To review their account balance, students can access the Student Account Suite on their myWSU portal under the myFinances tab. There, they can also sign up for direct deposit under the eRefunds tab.

» Click here to go to FAFSA.gov.

» Click here to go to the myWSU portal.

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.

ScholarshipUniverse

Tired of searching the web for scholarships? Finding and applying for external scholarships is now FASTER, EASIER and MOBILE with ScholarshipUniverse at Wichita State University. Our ScholarshipUniverse platform allows students to be matched with a multitude of scholarship opportunities from outside agencies without having to search multiple sites. Get started today at wichita.edu/ScholarshipUniverse.

» Click here to learn more about ScholarshipUniverse.

Academic college scholarship applications for 2021 – 2022

Be sure to encourage your students to apply for scholarships with their academic colleges. These applications will be used to award students for the 2021-2022 academic year. Each college has their own application process with varying deadline dates, but most have a deadline of Feb. 1. The applications can be found at wichita.edu/CollegeScholarships. Most scholarships can be stacked with existing merit scholarships the students might already be receiving.

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

Outside Sources: Wichita State students received over $2.5 million in scholarships from outside agencies in 2019-2020. Don’t forget to check with local civic groups, religious institutions, high schools, and other organizations to see if they offer assistance with educational expenses.

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.

Student Resources

Encourage your student to speak to their academic advisor

Spring 2021 enrollment is happening now! Encourage your student to contact their academic advisor for assistance if needed, including if they have any questions about how schedule changes may impact their financial aid or graduation plans.

» Click here to learn more about academic advising.

Is your student looking for a job this spring?

Nail the resume, land the interview and prepare for the job with the Shocker Career Accelerator. Build marketable skills and gain professional work experience before and after graduation through on-campus employment, targeted internships, one-on-one counseling, special workshops, career fairs and more. Now is the time to develop the right habits and skills for a lifetime of professional success.

» Click here to learn more about the Shocker Career Accelerator.

» Click here to learn about Handshake and how to use it to find jobs.

Does your student need professional clothing? WSU’s Shocker Career Accelerator and JCPenney are partnering to host the JCPenney Suit-Up event on Sunday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. Shockers can receive up to 60% off select men and women’s career dress apparel and shoes. Learn more at WichitaState.JoinHandshake.com.

» Click here to learn more about JCPenney Suit-Up.

Start the semester off right with Student Success

Academic success is built from the ground up, not in the last few weeks of class. Your student can make their life easier by getting in touch with Student Success at the very beginning of the semester! Check the links below to learn more about the services offered by the Office of Student Success, or reach out at 316-978-3209 or student.success@wichita.edu.

» Click here to learn more about Student Success.

» Click here to learn about Success Coaches.

» Click here to learn about tutoring.

» Click here to learn about Supplemental Instruction.

» Click here for the Shocker Secrets to Success series.

Campus News

Disposable stethoscope emerges from Wichita State's COVID relief efforts

» Click here to learn more about Student Success.

» Click here to learn about Success Coaches.

» Click here to learn about tutoring.

» Click here to learn about Supplemental Instruction.

» Click here for the Shocker Secrets to Success series.

Convergence Sciences researchers target 3D printing waste

The 3D printing revolution is nothing short of remarkable, but it also produces a considerable amount of waste. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 19% of 3D printing is waste.

A team of interdisciplinary researchers at Wichita State University is working to create sustainable 3D printing practices to reduce that waste.

This project is one of four awardees of Wichita State University’s Convergence Sciences Initiative, which is an effort to bring together the intellectual curiosity and strengths of faculty and students from a range of disciplines and give them the support to develop research programs that drive the diversity and growth of the Kansas economy while addressing global challenges. Winners of the Convergence Sciences awards will be given $300,000 over three years.

» Click here to read more about reducing 3D printing waste.

From one student to another: 10 winter self-improvement tips

Friendships and entertainment are important to people’s wellbeing, but they shouldn’t be the only thing you focus on during your winter break. You can probably guess from the title that I think you should focus on self-improvement. Instead of explaining why here, I’ll let you discover the many reasons for yourself.

» Read Matthew Ferguson’s 10 tips for self-improvement this winter.

Wichita State student organization focuses on diversity and inclusion in sports

At the beginning of the fall 2020 semester, two Wichita State students developed a student organization focused on diversity, equity and inclusion within sports.

Sport management majors Hannah Jasinski and Taylin Fox founded the CHAMPS organization after reflecting about how they are underrepresented in the sports industry. Jasinski identifies as Latina Mexican, and Fox identifies as white and Mexican. Both also identify as women in sports.

» Click here to read more about the CHAMPS student organization.

Connect With Us

We have a new Instagram! Follow us there at @oneshockerfamily.

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

Student Affairs Facebook | @wichitastatesa

Student AffairsTwitter | @wichitastatesa

Student Affairs Instagram | @wichitastatesa

Want this newsletter in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.