Shocker Family Newsletter
April 2026
Dear Shocker Families,
As we enter the final stretch of the semester, your student is navigating one of the
most challenging—and most meaningful—times of their academic journey. Final exams,
projects, and big decisions about what comes next can bring both pressure and possibility.
In this season, your presence matters more than you may realize. A simple check-in,
a word of encouragement, or a reminder of how far they’ve come can help your student
stay grounded and confident. You are a steady voice in a time that can feel overwhelming,
and that matters.
Encourage your student to take care of themselves along the way. Rest, balance, and small moments to reset are not distractions, they are part of what allows them to finish strong.
For those preparing to graduate, this is a powerful moment of transition. Whether your student has a clear plan or is still exploring what’s next, trust that they are exactly where they need to be. Your belief in them continues to be one of their greatest sources of strength.
April also marks the start of summer and fall registration. This is an important time to ensure your student is on track, encourage them to connect with their academic advisor and secure their courses.
And as your student is wrapping up the semester, so are you! Take a moment to recognize the role you’ve played in this journey, the encouragement, the sacrifices, the steady support. Without you, this experience would look very different.
Thank you for being such an important part of the Wichita State community. We are grateful for your partnership and for the unwavering support you provide your student every step of the way.
Together for Student Success,
Alicia Martinez Newell
Time of Change
So many things shift during the first year of college. Self-image, relationships and
goals for the future can all change dramatically. At times students can feel disillusioned
when the major they’d initially been excited about isn’t a good fit or the relationships
that seemed so close at the start of the year begin to fade or change.
The adjustments that come with change are inevitably exhausting and stressful at times.
Families can help by allowing this process to unfold and offering support as students
work through it. Reframe change as opportunity!
How Can Families Help?
- Listen and support. Help your student think through decisions, growth comes from figuring it out.
- Encourage exploration. It’s okay to change direction as they discover what fits. Connect them with Career Accelerator to explore other career options.
- Promote self-care. Sleep, nutrition, and balance are essential.
Connect to resources. Encourage your student to reach out to campus supports like advising, the CARE Team, or their success coach when needed.
Learn more about campus and community resources here!
Conversation Starters
- What have you learned about yourself so far this year?
- Are there things you’d like to try that you haven’t had a chance to yet?
- Do you feel like you are on track to be ready for finals?
Common Student Trends Seen in April
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 April:
- Feeling burned out as final exams approach
- Anxiety regarding roommate(s) and/or living situation for next year
- Concern over declaring major, or over having made the right choice if major has already been declared
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.
Housing and Residence Life
- On campus residents must move out by Noon on Friday, May 15.
- Students will receive email instructions on how to check out.
- Students will be able to sign up for a Move Out timeslot through their campus Housing Portal starting April 6th.
- We encourage students to move out within 24 hours of their last final exam.
Student Health Services
Refill your Student Health Medications!
If you get medications from Student Health, plan ahead to get them refilled BEFORE you leave for Summer Break!
Student Health will be open this Summer from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
May graduates can still be seen all summer through the first day of fall classes.
Academic Advising
It’s time for summer and fall registration! Academic advisors are ready to advise students for the summer and fall. Students can meet with them in-person, by phone, or by video. Encourage your student to reach out to their advisor to schedule an appointment by going to www.wichita.edu/advising
Did you know that students who take less than 15 credit hours per semester will take longer to graduate. If your student is expecting to graduate in four years, they will need to take 15 credits per semester or plan to take summer courses to make up the difference.
Shocker Store Grad Fair
Graduating Shockers, visit the Shocker Store in the Rhatigan Student Center for the Grad Fair. Swing by from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to purchase regalia, order class rings and announcements, enjoy snacks and prize giveaways, and more!
Stay Weather Aware!
As Wichita anticipates potential severe storms this week, stay prepared and aware of weather forecasts.
- Sign up to receive ShockerAlerts straight to your phone, which will send you tornado warnings in the area through the National Weather Service, and check the current status of campus at wichita.edu/alert.
- If there are changes to normal campus operations, they will be communicated via WSU email, WSU social media, the Campus Alert Page and ShockerAlerts.
- Review the list of tornado shelters on campus in case of a weather emergency.
- Keep your devices charged and check your email regularly for updates. Consider installing a weather app of your choosing to keep an eye on local forecasts.
In Kansas, thunderstorms are common in the spring and fall months, while at the same time the actual severity of storm events, and their location, are difficult to to predict by even the best meteorologist. Storms can occur within a very short notice and often last for a short duration of time.
During these events, it is important for everyone to stay up to date with weather notifications and evaluate their own situation, prioritize personal safety and make responsible choices about whether it is safe to come to campus.
Commencement
Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony is around the corner!
We are excited to celebrate this milestone with you and your students. Join us on Friday, May 15 at 5 pm., Rhatigan Student Center, East Courtyard for The Toast. This tradition brings our campus community, graduates, and their families together
to celebrate their success. Students must RSVP for the event.
If your student plans to participate in the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16th, they must submit their RSVP by April 14 to be included in the ceremony. The RSVP system will close at 11:59 PM.
Click here for more information on commencement.
Join Us for Shocker Family Table Talks
Is your student new to WSU? Engage with and learn more about various university services and programs via our Parent Family Table Talk series. You will be able to partake in a live, online session, to learn about academics, life on campus, and belonging at WSU.
Campus News
Forward Together - Update from President Muma.
Important Academic Dates
April 6 - Summer and Fall early registration begins
May 7 - Last day of classes
May 8 - Study Day
May 9-14 - Final examinations
May 16 - Spring Commencement
May 22 - Spring grades available through Self Service
July 1- Spring Diplomas available
July 3 - Offices Closed - Independence Day Holiday