Author: Caelin Bragg

Are you feeling the pressure from finals? Join Student Activities Council (SAC) and partner organizations across campus for events focused on relaxation and study skills to help you get through your exams. You can hang out with friends, get some free stuff and have a great rest of your fall semester.

Visit wichita.edu/destress for more information and the full event calendar. For questions, contact sac@wichita.edu for more information.

As we say: It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to stay that way. School, and especially finals, can be overwhelming, which is why WSU has resources available to help you feel supported.

Counseling and Psychological Services offers mental health resources to all Shockers through its Counseling Services. Located at the Student Wellness Center in the Steve Clark YMCA on campus.

Some of your most powerful resources on campus are your peers. Make sure to lean on one another, and if you are concerned about one of your classmates, submit a CARE Team report.

Additional support is available to students in the Shocker Success Center, including the Office of International Education on the lower level; and Adult Learning, Military and Veterans Services, and Hispanic-Serving Initiatives on the third floor.

All week, the Student Activities Council has a series of events to help you de-stress from your finals prep. Below are some highlights for you to check out, or view the full list of events at wichita.edu/destress.

• Starting at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, visit the Ablah Library for a cup of hot chocolate while supplies last.
• Shocker Financial Wellness is giving out $5 coupons for coffee as part of its workshop table from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 and Wednesday, Dec. 3 in Woolsey Hall.
• All students can claim a free ticket to the men’s basketball game against Mount Marty at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 by visiting goshockers.com/StudentTickets.
• Stop by the first floor of Ablah Library from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 3 for PAWS & Relax, where you can spend time with therapy dogs from Love on a Leash.
• All week, Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes is hosting special deals for students, including free pool games, $3 off bowling and $2 off combo meals. Just remember to bring your Shocker ID.

Needing a quiet place to study, write your paper or practice a presentation? WSU has numerous spots around campus for you to utilize:

Ablah Library is the perfect spot for preparing for finals. Writing a research paper for a class? Ask one of the librarians for help finding material. Need to practice a presentation? The library has private study rooms you can rent for free.

Woolsey Hall is one of WSU’s newest buildings, and it’s furnished with state-of-the-art study rooms designed for comfort, whether you’re studying alone or with a small group. And you have easy access to the Cargill Café on the first floor.

The Shocker Success Center is your one-stop shop for all things Shocker resources. You have access to the Shocker Learning Center if you’re in need of tutoring, and Ablah Library and the RSC are just a short walk away if you need research help or food.

Sometimes your finals are at different times than your actual class, so make sure to check with your instructor and read your course syllabus in Blackboard to know when and where to be. You can also find the full schedule at wichita.edu/finals.

To avoid the last-minute crunch, now is the time to set a schedule for each of your finals, including when you will study or do work. But don’t overdo it. Schedule time for breaks as well, either to go for a walk, watch TV, play video games or just rest.

With the end of the semester comes finals. Whether you’re working on your final papers, presentations or exams, or it’s your first or final semester at WSU, every student starts to feel the stress of the season. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

This guide is your comprehensive tool for the resources and strategies you need to take on finals while keeping your mental health supported and finish the semester strong.

And be sure that you are prepared and weather aware as you make your way to and around campus for the rest of the semester. While traveling, whether on foot or by car, allow yourself extra time to make it to your destination safely, and make sure to wear warm clothing, such as water-resistant coats and boots and several layers of clothing.

The Office of Academic Affairs will interview three dean candidates for the College of Engineering. The first candidate, Benjamin Klein, department chair and professor of electrical and computer engineering, Kennesaw State University, will be on campus Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend a public forum at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1 in 264 John Bardo Center.

Additional information regarding the candidate can be found on the Academic Affairs website.

Wichita State University’s College of Fine Arts is partnering with Movement Musick to offer programing at the Somewhere Works music facility in downtown Wichita. Wichita State University and Somewhere Works will collaborate to open opportunities for innovation, applied learning, new classes and community engagement.

“This pilot partnership allows for enhanced creative collisions,” said Justin Rorabaugh, director of WSU’s School of Digital Arts, as well as WSU’s Shocker Studios. “This opens the door to the sound design world. The collaboration between music and the digital arts can bring sound design to Wichita in a way that’s never happened before.”

Marie Bukowski, dean, College of Fine Arts, showcased her artwork at Art Basel Miami for Miami Art Week Dec. 3-7.

The invitation placed Bukowski alongside leading contemporary artists in one of the world’s most celebrated art events. ​Bukowski’s selection for Art Basel Miami acknowledges her contribution to contemporary art. Her work, featured in museum collections spanning Europe, Asia and the Americas, is recognized for its technical mastery and emotional depth.

David Miller, senior vice president for Administration, Finance and Operations, was recognized with the 2025 Alumni of the Year award from the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs.