Author: Caelin Bragg

Wichita State University is home to nearly 5,000 first-generation students, individuals whose caregivers weren’t able to complete a college degree and who lack the firsthand experience to tackle college life. To help with their transition, Wichita State offers a number of resources to first-gen students to support them during their time in college, including F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

Hear from Raul Leyva-Montes, a current first-gen student at Wichita State, about their first-gen experience.

Wichita State University is home to nearly 5,000 first-generation students, individuals whose caregivers weren’t able to complete a college degree and who lack the firsthand experience to tackle college life. To help with their transition, Wichita State offers a number of resources to first-gen students to support them during their time in college, including F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

Hear from Sheney Redmond, a current first-gen student at Wichita State, about their first-gen experience.

In recognition of her accomplishments and commitment to raising continuing generations of teachers, Provost Shirley Lefever, executive vice president, has been selected as the 2024 Hans C. Olsen Award for the Distinguished Teacher Educator from the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE).

The award was established by ATE to select and honor individuals whose contributions to the preparation of teachers are worthy of special recognition, and it will be presented in-person at the ATE 2024 annual meeting in March during the awards gala.

Fall 2023 graduates may find information regarding their diplomas on the Registrar website (wichita.edu/diplomas). Graduates should keep in mind the following information:

• The deadline to submit a name change on the diploma is the last day of classes, Dec. 7.
• The diploma distribution date for the fall 2023 semester is Feb. 8, 2024. Diplomas can be picked up at the transcript window on the first floor of Jardine Hall, and graduates must show identification.
• Graduates can also request to have the diploma mailed to them for a fee through myWSU under the myClasses tab, “Graduation Links” and “Request for Diploma Mailing.”

Undergraduate students who wish to take courses after graduation need to reactive their record after receiving their diploma.

Wichita State University is home to nearly 5,000 first-generation students, individuals whose caregivers weren’t able to complete a college degree and who lack the firsthand experience to tackle college life. To help with their transition, Wichita State offers a number of resources to first-gen students to support them during their time in college, including F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

Hear from Anna Heacock, a current first-gen student at Wichita State, about her first-gen experience.

Make sure to catch the latest episode of the “Forward Together” podcast. President Rick Muma talks with the Honorable Stephanie Dawkins Davis about her career and her experience as a Shocker. Judge Dawkins Davis serves on the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals and has appellate jurisdiction over the federal district courts in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.

Watch the episode online or listen on Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts or Apple Podcasts (iTunes).

The next episode will feature Elizabeth King, president and CEO of WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. Subscribe to be notified when new episodes are available.

Wichita State University is home to over 8,000 first-generation students, individuals whose caregivers never completed a college degree and who don’t have the firsthand experience to tackle college life. To help with their transition, Wichita State offers a number of resources to first-gen students to support them during their time in college, including F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

Hear from Keydy Sebastian-Perez, a current first-gen student at Wichita State, about her first-gen experience.

Registration for spring 2024 classes is now open. Go to the myClasses tab in your myWSU portal and find “Student Registration (Banner 9)” to begin registration.

If you have any holds that prevent your registration, you may not be able to register until those holds are lifted. Find out if you have holds on your account by checking the Student Holds channel in the myClasses tab in myWSU.

If you would like additional help or have questions regarding spring registration, please make an appointment with your advisor.

Wichita State Foundation and Alumni Engagement staff were recognized as the next recipient of Rick Rewards on Nov. 8. The staff were honored for their dedication to serving Wichita State and all of Shocker Nation, and for the recent success of its inaugural Heritage Gala, honoring alumni, donors, faculty and staff of WSU.

Rick Rewards is awarded each month by President Rick Muma to show his appreciation for the efforts of the campus community.

Wichita State University is home to nearly 5,000 first-generation students, individuals whose caregivers weren’t able to complete a college degree and who lack the firsthand experience to tackle college life. To help with their transition, Wichita State offers a number of resources to first-gen students to support them during their time in college, including F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

Hear from Jacey Arnett, a current first-gen student at Wichita State, about her first-gen experience.