Author: Pamela O'Neal

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.

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 Harter—associate 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.

The Office of Online & Adult Learning will award two $750 scholarships to adult learners for the fall 2023 semester. To qualify, students must be:

• Enrolled at Wichita State for fall 2023
• Pursuing their first bachelor’s degree (program can be campus-based or fully-online)
• At least 24 years of age

The deadline to apply is Sept. 1. Questions can be sent to oal@wichita.edu.

If you know of adult learners at Wichita State University taking at least 50% of their classes in-person, please encourage them to apply for the Osher Scholarship.

WSU is the only university in Kansas to offer the Osher Reentry Scholarship Program for adult learners. The Osher Scholarships are designed to help undergraduate students who have experienced a five-year cumulative gap in their education. The application for the fall semester of 2022 will close on June 24.

A list of requirements and the online scholarship application can be found at https://www.wichita.edu/osher. Any questions about the scholarship can be addressed to pamela.oneal@wichita.edu.

The Office of Adult Learning at Wichita State University would like to express its congratulations to the recipients of the Adult Learner of the Year Awards (ALOTY). The third annual ALOTY ceremony was held on March 10 to recognize outstanding adult learners and those who support them.

This year, the ALOTY was Nick Rodriguez, an adult learner who demonstrates academic success, leadership skills, and the pride of Wichita State University.

The Community Partner Award winner was presented to Alpha Sigma Lambda, an organization that strives to support adult learners nationwide and has impacted the success of countless students at WSU.

Kim Sandlin, director of Student Success, was presented with the WSU Partner Award for her constant support and contributions to the success of adult learners at WSU.

Thank you to those who attended the ceremony, and congratulations winners on all your hard work!

If you are an adult learner or know someone who is, the Osher Scholarship application is open until Dec. 1.

You may qualify for the Osher Scholarship if you:

• Are a fully admitted WSU student pursuing your first bachelor’s degree.
• Have experienced a cumulative gap in your education of at least five years.
• Demonstrate a financial need. Applicants must complete and file a FAFSA and submit a copy of the results, called the Student Aid Report (SAR).
• Are not a fully online student. Only 50% of applicant’s classes may be online.
• Maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA in all coursework.
• Show academic promise and commitment to obtaining a degree.

Wichita State’s Office of Adult Learning facilitates the Adult Mentoring Advantage Program (A-MAP). A-MAP pairs adult learners in their first year at Wichita State University with experienced adult learners.

If you are interested in having a mentor, becoming a mentor, or if you would like more information about the program, please visit the A-MAP website below. Individuals who are considering becoming a mentor need to be in at least their third semester with a minimum 2.75 GPA.