Author: Tia Hill

The Toast: A Graduation Celebration is open to all fall 2023 Wichita State graduates and their guests. The Toast will take place at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 in 305/306 Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom. Graduates may begin checking in at 4:30 p.m.

This is a chance to celebrate graduates’ years of hard work and dedication to their goal of graduating from WSU. The event includes light refreshments, door prizes and a champagne toast in their honor (graduates even get to keep the special commemorative glass). Graduates in attendance will also receive their official WSU Challenge Coin. The Toast is free to attend and graduates may register online at The Toast website. The Toast is proudly coordinated by staff in the Division of Student Affairs and WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. Email vpstudentaffairs@wichita.edu with any questions.

The Student Activities Council and Indigenous Student Collective are hosting a road trip to the First Americans Museum Saturday, Nov. 11 in Oklahoma City.

In one place, visitors experience the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American nations in Oklahoma today. The First Americans Museum shares the cultural diversity, history and contributions of the First Americans.

This experience includes transportation to and from Oklahoma City, admission to the First Americans Museum and time in Bricktown located in downtown Oklahoma City. The participant registration fee includes museum admission and transportation. All meals and souvenirs are at the expense of the individual.

The registration fee is $20 per student and $30 per faculty or staff. All participants must be ages 18 and older, and no general public may attend. The deadline to register is Sunday, Nov. 5 or when all available spots have been filled. Refund requests will not be accepted after the deadline.

Stop by for a light breakfast and conversation with the dean of your academic college at Dine with the Deans from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center, Harvest Room.

Learn about what new initiatives are occurring, ask questions and share knowledge. Dine with the Deans is a signature experience of Shocktoberfest and is coordinated by the Student Activities Council.

For more information on Dine with the Deans, contact Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership at 316-978-3022.

WuShock has reached another milestone in Shocker history. Celebrate Wu and 75 years of bringing Shockers together at Wu’s Birthday Bash from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2 on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Wu’s Birthday Bash features music, games, snacks, cakes and a chance to congratulate Wu in person. Wu will be present at Wu’s Birthday Bash from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students with Shocker ID can stop by for an official Shocktoberfest T-shirt while supplies last.

Wu’s Birthday Bash is a signature experience of Shocktoberfest and is coordinated by the Student Activities Council. For more information on this event, contact Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership at 316-978-3022.

Shocktoberfest 2023 is fast approaching and registration for the individual events and the Spirit Competition are live. Join the Shocker community in showing your Shocker pride by participating in events like the Banner Competition, Door Decorating, parade and more. Events and activities are available for individuals, departments, and student groups.

Student groups competing in the Spirit Competition have a chance at winning a cash prize of up to $1000. Groups must have at least eight current Wichita State students on their team, participate in the parade and share their love of WSU through participation in a variety of events. The $25 registration fee for the parade will be covered by Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership. Additional participation in competitions and events increases a group’s chances of obtaining points toward the Spirit Competition.

To participate in the Spirit Competition, a group must

• Designate a captain – a student representative communicating on behalf of the group
• Have a team roster of at least eight current Wichita State students
• Complete the registration form
• Determine what events they are participating in using the Shocktoberfest roster template
• Represent themselves in a positive manner
• Have fun

Trophies, awards and monetary prizes are awarded at many of the Shocktoberfest events. All participating groups are eligible for any of the awards that are provided by participating sponsors at individual events.

• Banner Competition winners will receive a $100 prize towards their group
• Individual students living on-campus and faculty/staff can compete in the Door Decorating Competition, winners receives a $50 Shocker Store gift card
• The winning departments of the Door Decorating Competition receives a catering award valued at up to $100
• Winning entries at the parade receive $500
• An attendance competition for student organizations at the Shocker volleyball game against Temple can result in a party at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes valued at $200

Competing in more than one event increases your chances of winning the Spirit Competition. The top three Spirit Competition Teams are awarded

• First place: $1000
• Second place: $500
• Third place: $250

Shockers can share their love of Wichita State with their families by inviting them to attend Family Weekend Sept. 22-23.

A special schedule of events has been created to show families what campus life at WSU is all about. The two-day weekend includes Family Fest, Wu’s Waffle Feed, President’s Garden tour, college specific programs and a night T Chicken ‘n Pickle hosted by WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement.

Registration is required and includes access to signature events, meals and more. Advance registration begins at $30 for the entire family.

Welcomefest is a university-wide campaign that showcases events and experiences that are essential to students who are new to Wichita State. Any department or student organization may submit an event to be included in the campaign.

Events should focus on at least one of the four areas; academic success, connectedness, diversity and inclusion, or wellness. Events are featured on the Welcomefest website and are distributed to students new to WSU.

Fall 2023 Welcomefest takes place Friday, Aug. 18 through Saturday, Sept. 16.

The 29th annual Spring Family Carnival will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22 in the north lawn of the John Bardo Center (JBC).

This family-friendly event is intended for Shockers tall and small. Bring siblings, family and friends for games, activities, snacks and more. Some ticket rates apply, and cash or card is accepted. Parking is available in the lot east of the JBC, lot 35S.

The Spring Family Carnival is sponsored by the Student Activities Council (SAC) with support from various student organizations and departments. For questions, contact SAC at sac@wichita.edu or contact Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership at 316-978-3022.

Los Angeles-based indie pop band SAINT MOTEL will perform in concert at Wichita State at 8 p.m. Friday, April 14 at Charles Koch Arena.

Ticket prices are $10 for WSU students, $25 for WSU faculty/staff and $35 for general public. The concert is for those 18 and older.

Formed while attending film school in Southern California, SAINT MOTEL’s kaleidoscopic sound and inventive live performances have earned the band a loyal fanbase that flock to its headlining shows and standout sets at festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo.

This concert is coordinated by the Student Activities Council with support from Campus Recreation, Office of Student Affairs and Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership.

Aces are high and the prizes are hot at this semester’s Shockers After Dark Casino Night from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 in the Rhatigan Student Center. This event will feature a full lineup of casino games including blackjack, Texas hold’em, poker, roulette, slots and more.

Each player will receive a set of chips for games and cash them in for a chance to win great prizes like a 32 inch TV, Kuerig, cookware and more. It has added some classics like bingo, karaoke, bowling and a photo booth from the Lamphouse Photo Co. When players begin to feel hungry, hit up the french fry bar for something salty and s’more bar for something sweet.

Shockers After Dark is a Student Affairs initiative with the support of many campus departments. For more information on this event, email vpsa@wichita.edu or call 316-978-3021.