Author: Caelin Bragg

Vivian Zavataro, executive and creative director of the Ulrich Museum of Art, was recognized with the Mid-Career Professional Award from the American Alliance of Museums.

Established in 2026, the AAM Mid-Career Professional Award recognizes museum professionals with between 11 and 19 years of experience who are making an impact in their institutions, communities and the museum field. Awards recognize a specific achievement or body of work that has benefited the honoree’s home institution, community or broader museum field.

Dr. Nickolas Solomey, professor of mathematics, statistics and physics, was featured in “‘Like putting a microscope into the core of the sun’: World’s 1st space-based neutrino detector launches to orbit” on Space.com.

More than 2,400 Shockers were eligible for graduation in spring 2026. As they graduate from Wichita State University, they will share the story of Shocker Nation through their work.

Learn more about some of the graduates and their time at Wichita State and what they are looking forward to in their futures.

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is closely monitoring federal aid changes resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by congress last year. There are sweeping changes to Pell Grants and Federal Student Loans. The office asks that campus partners help encourage Shockers to get enrolled and stay enrolled by its priority date of July 1 to prevent delays with their fall financial aid.

With changes to federal regulations on aid offers effective July 1, starting in the 2026-27 school year, students in part-time status (11 to six credit hours in the semester for undergraduates, eight to five for graduate students) will receive a reduced amount of federal loan offers than students in full-time status (12 credit hours and over for undergraduates, nine or more credit hours for graduate students). Students who withdraw from hours during the semester may have their loans adjusted.

By finalizing their schedule by the priority date of July 1, students ensure they receive the correct loan packages, Pell Grants and other financial aid offers. If not, they may miss out on potential aid or face delays in receiving their aid.

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

Wednesday:

• OurFolk Coffee: 7-9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• The Flying Stove: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Desi Fusion: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Thursday:

• Desi Fusion: 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.

Hello Shockers,

On behalf of all of us at Wichita State University, I extend our warmest congratulations for your achievements. Your hard work and dedication have brought you to this moment, and we couldn’t be prouder.

As you take the next step, know that everyone in Shocker Nation is proud of you, and we are rooting for your success every step of the way. And we are, of course, always ready to welcome you back. Whether it’s a visit, another degree or perhaps to cheer on the next generation of Shockers. Congratulations once again and best wishes for your future endeavors.

And join Wichita State for our spring 2026 commencement ceremonies, held on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 in Charles Koch Arena.

Go Shockers!

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:

• OurFolk Coffee: 7-9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• The Flying Stove: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Desi Fusion: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Thursday:

• Desi Fusion: 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.

Returning Shockers, before you start relaxing for summer break, it’s important to stay informed on recent federal regulations regarding aid packages and make sure you are prepped for the fall semester by enrolling now. Please read this important new information:

• With changes to federal regulations on aid awards effective July 1, starting in the 2026-27 school year, students in part-time status (11 credit hours or fewer in the semester) will receive a reduced amount of federal loan offers than students in full-time status (12 credit hours and over).
• Students who drop from full-time to part-time status during the semester will be required to pay back the difference in loan amounts to the federal government.
• By finalizing your schedule by the priority date of July 1, you’ll ensure you receive the correct loan packages, Pell Grants and other financial aid offers. If you haven’t finalized your schedule by then, you may miss out on potential aid or face delays in receiving your aid.
• Unsure about which courses you should take in the fall? Meet with your academic advisor, who can guide you through the process of checking your degree progress and enrolling you in fall courses.
• Already know what classes you want to take? You can enroll in your classes now.

For more information on the latest federal aid changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, visit Financial Aid’s announcements page.

Jonathan Cross and Stephen Cross Jr., investment adviser representatives with Voya Financial, will be available for in-person meetings at Wichita State Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 12. Faculty and staff can get one-on-one advising and review their Voya Financial accounts as part of their KBOR retirement plan, or new employees can receive assistance in enrolling in their KBOR plan.

If you are interested in meeting with Jonathan or Stephen, you can schedule a time to meet and select “Wichita State University / One-On-One Financial Counseling” while selecting your location. Time slots are limited, so reserve a time soon. For questions, you can call 316-788-0788.

The table below is to assist instructors with certain dates regarding CES. These dates are for the summer 2026 semester.

• The first column includes the various start/end (part-of-term) dates for summer semester courses that start in May.
• The second column includes dates meant for instructors. This is the timeframe when instructors will receive emails about the CES process and procedures that they should complete. Instructors will receive additional emails during and after the student CES access dates.
• The last column includes the dates that CES will be available for the students to complete course evaluations.

The full CES administrative schedule is always accessible on the website.

CES summer 2026 – Courses with May start dates: