Author: Caelin Bragg

Shockers have a number of convenient dining options right here on campus. There’s too much to list here, so here are a few options to get you started:

• The dining hall in Shocker Hall offers buffet-style food options from a variety of cultures, giving you fresh food every day for your palate.
• The RSC food court features popular chains such as Freddy’s, Chick-fil-a, Panda Express and Starbucks. Additionally, Sushi Do has returned for the fall semester with fresh sushi, or head downstairs to Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes for pizza, burgers, games, bowling and much more.

Additionally, ever heard of Kurzweil 3000? If you haven’t, it’s a tool free to all Shockers that supports you during your educational journey by making reading, studying and completing assignments more accessible and effective. If it feels overwhelming, dedicated staff are ready to help you get started at an open lab from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Aug. 13 and from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, both in 106 Shocker Success Center (find directions to the Shocker Success Center).

Did you know that WSU has its own rowing team? The team hosts regular events for Shockers to learn the ropes (and oars), whether as a fun hobby or competitively, including an upcoming introductory clinic from 6 to 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14 in downtown Wichita, near the Wichita Rowing Association, 551 N. Nims Ave. Learn more and sign up

Later that day, grab free lunch in front of the Rhatigan Student Center from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. Get acquainted with other first-year students and grab your official T-shirt to commemorate your induction into Shocker Nation.

And remember, check out WSU’s interactive campus map for even more events coming up and to find directions.

Start making lifelong friendships with likeminded students by joining a Learning Community, designed to build meaningful connections and friendships that will support you while at WSU and beyond. Find your Learning Community at the kick-off event at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 on the second floor of the Rhatigan Student Center (find directions to the RSC).

Additionally, are you looking for fellow STEM lovers or just want a relaxing evening with your peers? Plant Your Roots in STEM from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12 in the Shocker Hall Courtyard is the perfect stop. Connect with student organizations and enjoy a variety of fun events to get you in gear for the upcoming semester.

Welcome to campus, Shockers! To help you get settled and connected to campus and your fellow students, see below a number of events coming up this week. And be sure to check future Shocker Blasts for even more events throughout the coming weeks as part of Welcomefest and more.

Check out WSU’s interactive campus map to find directions to each event. You can see the events happening each day by selecting the date you want.

Join in celebrating Chris Cavanaugh’s 35 years of service to Wichita State at his retirement celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 in 301 Rhatigan Student Center, Gridley Room. Remarks will be given at 3:30 p.m.

Cavanaugh has served as WSU’s director of Internal Audit Services since 1991, providing support to six university presidents and many more vice presidents, deans, directors, department chairs and more. He was recognized as a Bender of Twigs in 2016.

During his time at WSU, Cavanaugh created the WSU Internal Control All-Star badge, empowering employees at Wichita State to be internal control advocates and establishing a university-wide culture of internal control. Over 350 employees at WSU have earned the badge so far.

As Wichita expects extreme heat this week, make sure you are informed of how to protect yourself and others:

• Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned spaces when possible and wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Most buildings on campus are open during the workday for you to take a break in.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Check the UV index every day. The higher the UV index, the more you should do to protect yourself from the sun. When planning outdoor activities, follow the EPA’s UV index scale for safety recommendations.
• While outside, protect your skin by seeking shade, using a hat and sunglasses when outdoors and wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Stay informed by knowing the signs of heat-related illness and checking on friends, family members, neighbors and pets who may be at higher risk.

Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re spending time outside, take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion during the hottest parts of the day.

Professionals looking to boost their skillsets or retrain for new opportunities can enroll in the many Badge courses offered at Wichita State in the fall 2026 semester. With Badges, professionals can take bite-sized, one credit hour or fewer courses to learn or enhance their skills.

Wichita State has been a national leader in creating a standard for microcredentials, allowing employers to be confident that meaningful learning has occurred when you list the badge on your resume. Badges are developed with input from employers, government licensing agencies, trade associations and faculty.

One such series of Badges is the Human Resource Management series, which can enhance your capabilities of being an effective supervisor. Badges in this series cover designing jobs, recruiting, hiring and managing and mentoring employees.

To learn more about Badges, including how to enroll, visit wichita.edu/badges.

Stop by the Food Truck Plaza on campus to enjoy cuisines from local food truck vendors.

Tuesday:

• Desi Fusion: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Wednesday:

• Desi Fusion: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Thursday:

• Desi Fusion: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Siam Pinto (CANCELED): 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Schedule is subject to change. Visit the Food Truck Plaza website for the most up-to-date information.

The 26-story building formerly known as the Holiday Inn in downtown Wichita intrigued Derek Landwehr during visits to the Wichita RiverFest as a youngster.

His mother provided brief details about what was the tallest building in Kansas until 1987 and is now known as 250 Douglas Place as part of the Garvey Center.

“I pointed to that building, because it’s a striking building,” he said. “’Are there any stories around there? My mom said, ‘There was a shooting there once.’ That was all I could get.’”

Decades later, Landwehr learned much more about that Aug. 11, 1976, sniper attack as he worked as director of photography for the documentary “Long Echo.” The film will debut at 7 p.m. Aug. 11 on KPTS to mark the 50th anniversary.

In case you missed it: five Wichita State University faculty and staff members were featured in a weeklong takeover of NPR’s “The Academic Minute,” a nationally syndicated public radio program that highlights research and scholarship from universities across the country, last week.

• “Nikki Keene Woods, Wichita State University – Why Patient Trust Determines Whether Technology Improves Care During Pregnancy“
• “Heidi VanRavenhorst-Bell, Wichita State University – Measuring Performance of the Mighty Human Tongue“
• “JaeHwan Byun, Wichita State University – Rethinking Learning with AI“
• “Waruna Seneviratne, Wichita State University – Automated Toolless Manufacturing of Composite Structures in Space“
• “Nick Solomey, Wichita State University – Helping NASA Study Energy From The Solar Core“

If you’re currently involved in research or other projects and would like to share the information with the Office of Strategic Communications for consideration to be promoted, please email the office at strategic.comm@wichita.edu.