Author: Pamela O'Neal

Balancing classes while raising children takes dedication, resilience and heart. This September, during Student Parent Month, the Office of Online and Adult Learning (OAL) would love to spotlight the experiences of students who are juggling academics and family caregiving responsibilities.

Would you be willing to share your story? OAL would love to learn about your journey, your challenges and successes and the routines or moments that help you stay motivated.

By sharing your experience, you can help create a stronger sense of community for fellow student-parents while inspiring others who are navigating similar paths. Your story matters, and we’d be honored to help tell it.

If you have questions, call 316-978-8325 or email oal@wichita.edu.

Encourage former Shockers who have been away from WSU for a year or more to return and complete their degree. The Shocker Comeback program is designed to support re-enrolling students with resources and guidance to make the transition back to campus as smooth as possible.

The program helps students get back on track and move closer to achieving their educational goals. Eligible students may also receive a $900 scholarship to help ease their return.

If you know a former student that is interested in coming back and finishing what they started. Those interested can sign up to attend the Shocker Comeback open house hosted both in person and online.

For more information about Shocker Comeback, contact Pamela O’Neal at 316-978-8315 or pamela.oneal@wichita.edu.

On April 9, the Office of Online and Adult Learning will be hosting the seventh annual Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY) and the Online Learner of the Year (OLOTY) awards ceremony. OAL is calling on the WSU community to help find an adult learner and an online learner at WSU deserving of the title.

Students nominated for this award should exemplify the criteria outlined:

• Grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (extenuating circumstances can be reviewed)
• Academic advancement: Noteworthy improvement in academic performance and/or high levels of positive engagement within a classroom setting or substantial contributions to the overall learning process
• Personal triumphs: Overcoming personal hurdles and demonstrating resilience
• Shocker pride: Active participation in their personal community or within their classes showcasing a commitment to making a positive difference

If you are an adult learner graduating this December, stop by Adult Learning in 302 Shocker Success Center to pick up your graduation cord.

Pickup details:

• 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3
• 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4-Friday, Dec. 5

Notes:

• Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP) students will receive their cords at the pinning ceremony.
• Online program students can request to have their cords shipped by completing the online request form.

Calling all transfer students. Join from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Shocker Success Center for a special celebration in honor of National Transfer Student Week. Explore the building and connect with various campus offices stationed across the lower level, first, second and third floors. Light snacks will be available on floors one through three to keep you energized as you make your way through.

Pick up a passport and collect signatures from participating offices. Once completed, show your passport to receive some WSU swag — a fun way to celebrate your journey and get to know the resources available to you. For more information or questions email oal@wichita.edu.

The Urban Adult Learner Institute (UALI) is an online professional development program designed to equip faculty, staff and administrators with tools to support adult learners at urban institutions.

Through self-paced modules (one to two hours each), you’ll explore research-backed strategies, earn four digital badges and achieve Adult Learner Advocate certification.

WSU faculty and staff can enroll for free (normally $500) using the code USUMEMBER2025 at uali.thinkific.com. Use your WSU email to verify affiliation.

This is an opportunity to strengthen support for adult learners. Become certified Adult Learner Advocates to ensure that adult learners receive the support they need to thrive.

For questions, contact Jimmy McClellan at jmcclellanjr@aplu.org. You can also email Pam O’Neal, who previously completed all four modules, at pamela.oneal@wichita.edu

Graduating seniors, have you considered advancing your career opportunities with a master’s degree in learning and instructional design? Take the next step in your professional journey with the Master of Education in learning and instructional design (MEd, LID) at WSU.

Regardless of your bachelor’s degree, this flexible, student-centered program allows you to enhance your expertise in your field while gaining in-demand skills in instructional design. Customize your degree by selecting LID graduate-level electives from your current department or other disciplines, shaping this master’s program to align with your goals. Whether you’re a future educator, corporate trainer or learning specialist, the MEd LID prepares you to lead in instructional design, active learning and professional development.

Take advantage of this opportunity and elevate your skills and expand your career potential.

If you have any questions, contact Dr. Mara Alagic, graduate coordinator, at mara.alagic@wichita.edu or Dr. JaeHwan Byun, program chair, at jaehwan.byun@wichita.edu.

The Office of Online and Adult Learning is hosting its sixth annual Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY) awards ceremony from 3 to 5 p.m. April 3 in 305/306 Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom.

Every year, the ALOTY awards recognize an outstanding adult student at Wichita State, a WSU partner and a community partner who support these adult learners on their journey towards a degree. To qualify for the ALOTY award, a student must be 24 years or older, have a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate leadership, Shocker Pride and perseverance towards obtaining a degree.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, March 7. To nominate someone, learn more about the ALOTYs and Online Learner of the Year (OLOTY) award, and see some of the past recipients, visit the ALOTY website. For any questions, call 316-978-8315 or email Pamela O’Neal at pamela.oneal@wichita.edu

The Office of Online and Adult Learning is preparing to host its sixth annual Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY) awards ceremony from 3 to 5 p.m. April 3 in 305/306 Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom.

Every year, the ALOTY awards recognize an outstanding adult student at Wichita State, a WSU partner and a community partner who support these adult learners on their journey towards a degree. To qualify for the ALOTY award, a student must be 24 years or older, have a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate leadership, Shocker Pride and perseverance towards obtaining a degree.

Nominations are now open for the ALOTY awards. To learn more about the ALOTYs and see some of the past recipients, go to wichita.edu/aloty. For any questions, call 316-978-8315 or email Pamela O’Neal at pamela.oneal@wichita.edu

The Office of Online and Adult Learning is preparing to host its sixth annual Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY) awards ceremony from 3 to 5 p.m. April 3 in 305/306 Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom.

Every year, the ALOTY awards recognize an outstanding adult student at Wichita State, a WSU partner and a community partner who support these adult learners on their journey towards a degree. To qualify for the ALOTY award, a student must be 24 years or older, have a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate leadership, Shocker Pride and perseverance towards obtaining a degree.

Nominations are now open for the ALOTY awards. To learn more about the ALOTYs and see some of the past recipients, go to wichita.edu/aloty. For any questions, call 316-978-8315 or email Pamela O’Neal at pamela.oneal@wichita.edu