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

Apply for the MEd in Learning and Instructional Design Program

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

Wichita State is proud to recognize the transfer students who make campus thrive. Transfer students can join a celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Shocker Success Center for National Transfer Week and discover all the ways WSU supports transfer students.

Enjoy light appetizers across the first, second and third floors while exploring different campus departments showcasing their resources and services. And as a bonus, pick up a WSU-themed passport book and collect stamps from the various departments. Passports can be redeemed at a later date for some WSU swag.

For inquiries, call 316-978-8315 or email oal@wichita.edu.

Adult Learners studying together at a table. Text includes: Once a Shocker, Always a Shocker. Find your: Strengths, Peers, and Passions.

The Office of Online and Adult Learning (OAL) is excited to introduce the Shocker Comeback Program. It is dedicated to helping students complete the undergraduate degree they started at Wichita State. Aimed at those who have been away from WSU for one to three years, students who become part of the program are equipped with the resources needed to finish their bachelor’s degree successfully.

Resources could include a $1,000 scholarship, a re-orientation to WSU, proactive awarding of the Associate of Arts degree (if eligible), monthly success conversations with the OAL Specialist and individualized support from the Shocker Comeback Team. To learn more about the Shocker Comeback Program visit the Shocker Comeback website, call 316-978-8315 or email pamela.oneal@wichita.edu.

If you have experienced a five-year cumulative gap in your education and are earning your first bachelor’s degree, you’re encouraged to apply for the Osher Reentry Scholarship.

Previously, the scholarship was only open to students who took more than 50% of their classes on campus. However, now it is open to students who take classes online or on campus. Students in an online program are encouraged to apply.

To apply for the scholarship, students need the following:

  • An updated resume
  • The first page of your Student Aid Report from your FAFSA, which includes the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) score
  • Answer to the essay prompt: In a short essay, explain why you are pursuing a degree and the difference you hope to make by obtaining it. This essay should also illustrate your potential for academic success by maintaining at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and discuss your financial need.

To see a full list of the program eligibility requirements and to apply, visit the Osher Scholars webpage.

Email Pamela O’Neal, associate director of student engagement in the Office of Online and Adult Learning, at pamela.oneal@wichita.edu with any questions.

Are you a student that also shares the large responsibility of being a parent? This month, the Office of Online & Adult Learning (OAL) is celebrating Student-Parent Month by hosting a special Tuesday Connections event from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26 in the Grace Wilkie Annex.

The event is an hour-long social where student-parents can come to meet each other and mingle. OAL hosts the social hour in hopes that those who take on such great responsibility while striving for a degree can create a comfortable environment.

The Academic Center for Biomedical and Health Humanities (HealthHum) will meet at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept 22 in 500 Lindquist Hal, with guest speaker Pierre Harterassociate vice president for Industry and Defense Programs and research operations and director of research and development at NIAR.

The meeting will help to plan outreach to Innovation Campus and industry partners. Join the discussion of potential partnerships, applied learning opportunities for students, curriculum development projects and event planning.