Author: Tia Hill

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.

Humans vs. Zombies is a game of tag played on campuses and in communities worldwide. Human players must remain vigilant and defend themselves with socks to avoid being tagged by a growing zombie horde.

Participants must register to play. All players must attend a rules and fair play meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 10. At the meeting, players will receive a game card and orange bandanas. These items are essential to gameplay. During the meeting, two or three zombies will be introduced, all other players remain human until they fall prey to the zombies.

Gameplay will take place beginning at 6 a.m. on Tuesday and will conclude with a campus mission at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13. Visit the registration link for full rules and information concerning gameplay. Registration will close at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5.

HVZ is sponsored by the Student Activities Council, to register and learn about other SAC events visit wichita.edu/sacevents .

The next Shockers After Dark will feature a foam dance party 8-10 p.m. tonight, Sept. 9, at the Rhatigan Student Center courtyard. The event will also feature DJ Magnum.

To attend, students must check in with their Shocker Card. No bags or outside beverages will be permitted at the dance party. Students are also invited to head inside the RSC for snacks, karaoke and cosmic bowling.

Free Shockers After Dark shirts will be given to the first 500 students with a Shocker ID.

Shockers After Dark is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs. For more information, please contact 316-978-3082 or car@wichita.edu.

Campus Activities and Recreation is requesting faculty and staff to volunteer at the Back to School Bash (B2SB) 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Rhatigan Student Center courtyard. Volunteers for B2SB need to be available 6-9:30 p.m. Aug. 20.

B2SB is an outdoor event that hosts to more than 2,000 students annually. During the event, volunteers will staff games, activities, provide directions, check in participants and welcome new and returning Shockers back to school. All B2SB volunteers will receive a T-shirt.

For more information, contact tia.hill@wichita.edu.

The Student Activities Council is excited to announce Wale in concert at 8 p.m. Friday, April 15 at the Charles Koch Arena.

Following the release of his seventh studio album, Folarin II Wale has been touring across the country and performing popular tracks like “Lotus Flower Bomb,” “Matrimony,” “LoveHate Thing,” and his latest release, “Poke It Out.” The Grammy-nominated rap artist has accolades beyond his popular tracks and made history as the first rapper to open the State of the Union, gracing the stage with an unforgettable performance before President Obama’s final State of the Union Address. A regular guest of the First Family, he participated in First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Reach Higher” initiative for higher education.

Ticket prices range from $10 to $25 and can be purchased at the Koch Arena Box Office or online at the link below. wichita.edu/concert.

This event is coordinated by the Student Activities Council through the support of the Division of Student Affairs and Alumni Association.