The Wichita State University Strategic Engagement and Planning (SEP) has officially announced Wichita State Good Neighbor Week Sept. 28-Oct. 4.
During the week, there will be a student-led panel on food insecurity, events including a neighborhood tour through campus Oct. 2 and a panel on service providers in the neighborhood.
Good Neighbor Week speaks to Wichita State’s 2019 Climate Survey indicating opportunities for improvement within the satisfaction of culture and atmosphere on campus and the “Why Good Neighboring Matters” featured in the Chung Report. In the report, of “108 cities surveyed, Wichita ranked the 11th lowest on talking with neighbors frequently, ninth-lowest on doing favors for neighbors frequently and the lowest on seeing and hearing from friends and family frequently.”
Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to an increase in both heart attacks and strokes. Data has shown that loneliness, social isolation, or both were associated with an increased risk. The risk was similar to that of light smoking or obesity, according to the researchers.
SEP hopes that through Good Neighbor Week we increase engagement on and off-campus and create connections to lead to a sense of belonging. Helping people feel connected and part of something bigger than themselves is the goal. Neighboring does take time and effort, but there are both personal and community benefits.
Thank you to the WSU Student Government Association outreach director, the WSU Department of Sports Management, Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes, the United Way of the Plains and the Ulrich Museum and for committing to being a part of the Good Neighboring Week activities.
For more information or to get involved with Good Neighbor week, email Naquela Pack.