Author: Kennedy Rogers

Drop in and join Shocker Quest, the interactive live board game where you make the moves, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 in 261 Rhatigan Student Center, Olive Room. Spin the wheel, choose your path and tackle real college decisions — like picking a major, joining a club or landing an internship.

Along the way, you’ll:

• Connect to community
• Explore campus resources
• Fill your bucket with DIY activities
• Set goals for academics, career and wellness

Come and go anytime — every turn gets you closer to graduation and your dream career. Prizes, snacks, fun activities and DIY take-home kits included.

 

Connection is essential for the college experience. ProjectConnect is a campus-wide program that helps connect students as they build their communities on campus. Becoming a campus facilitator and hosting connection groups is a great way to make an impact on student engagement. As plans begin for the spring 2026 groups, additional connection groups and facilitators are needed for the initiative.

ProjectConnect is an evidence-based facilitated program to help build social connection and community on campus. Students get to know a small group of four to six students outside of their social groups over the course of six one-hour sessions to engage in a series of thought-provoking questions and fun activities. These sessions can be offered in-person or virtually.

Trained facilitators lead groups through a step-by-step curriculum that includes question prompts and activities demonstrated to build empathy, connection and friendship. A bit about the program model:

• Each group is four to eight students
• One PCFacilitator (staff or peer)
• Six sessions approximately one hour long. The program suggests the last session could be a service project and/or a social based activity to close it out. These can be weekly or bi-weekly sessions. It’s not recommended going more than two weeks in between.
• Everything is organized and provided, including materials, activities and assessment. You are only facilitating the conversations and building connections with students.

The current population of students, including those incoming, is experiencing loneliness a significantly higher rates than previous. One of the goals is to connect students through building relationships with other students and faculty/staff that care about their wellbeing and success.

If you would like to host a connection group this spring or get involved in the program, you can register for ProjectConnect Facilitator Training coming up from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14.

Join ShockerStrengths from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20th to identify and explore your strengths.

Take the CliftonStrengths assessment (formerly StrengthsFinder 2.0) to reveal your top five strengths unique to you. Once you know which of the 34 themes you lead with, ShockerStrengths will show you how to use your top strengths for your own growth and application. This engaging and interactive training session will help you identify your natural talents; develop them into strengths; and enjoy consistent, near-perfect performance in your personal and career success.

Search for “Discovering Your Strengths” in myTraining through your myWSU and register.

There are a few spots left in some of the connection groups, so consider finishing the semester by building connections and community going into the spring.

Looking to meet new people and make friends? ProjectConnect is a six-week program that connects students with fellow Shockers to build their campus community. Connection is essential to the college experience, and organizations are excited to connect with you. There are a variety of small groups to choose from focused on building friendships and connections to resources, involvement opportunities and with people.

There are still a few spots left in some of the connection groups. Last chance to sign up before they kick off next week. Check out the Connect groups and sign up for one today by visiting the ProjectConnect website.

Looking to meet new people and make friends? ProjectConnect is a six-week program kicking off in September that connects students with fellow Shockers to begin building their campus community. Connection is essential to the college experience. There are a variety of small groups to choose from focused on building friendships and connections to resources, involvement opportunities and to people.

The ShockerStrengths Initiative provides “Discover Your Strengths” workshops and activities that are a great plug in option for your courses this semester. Through First Year Seminars to capstone courses, it can help connect students with their top five CliftonStrengths, connect to your course content and encourage students to leverage their strengths academically, personally and professionally.

All workshops include the inventories and materials.

For more information and to request the inventory or a workshop, visit the ShockerStrengths website.

Looking to meet new people and make friends? ProjectConnect is a six-week program that connects students with fellow Shockers to begin building their campus community. Connection is essential to the college experience. There will be a variety of small groups to choose from focused on building friendships and connections to resources, involvement opportunities and to people.

Check out the Connect groups and sign up for one today by visiting ProjectConnect at wichita.edu/projectconnect.

The Division of Student Affairs proudly announces the recipients of the inaugural Divisional Staff Excellence and Pillar Awards, honoring the exceptional individuals who embody the heart and mission of Student Affairs through their unwavering dedication to student success and community impact.

These awards are more than recognition — they are a celebration of the passion, perseverance and purpose that drive staff to connect every student through the division’s guiding pillars: equip, educate, empower and engage. In launching the Divisional Staff Excellence Awards, Student Affairs is elevating a culture of appreciation and belonging.

This year’s honorees were selected from a highly competitive group of nominees, each representing diverse roles, departments and contributions across campus. These individuals inspire all to lead with integrity, show up with heart and serve with excellence.

Staff Excellence Award recipients

• Rising Star Award: Clarence Albury
• Milestone Award: Tia Hill
• Outstanding Supervisor Award: Samantha Rowan
• Unsung Hero Award: Kimberly Vermillion
• Transformational Leader Award: Dr. Christopher Leonard
• Excellence in Belonging Award: Caitlin Nolen

Pillar Award recipients

• Equip: Emily Zimmerman
• Engage: Vanessa Bell
• Empower: Kennedy Rogers
• Educate: Cora Olson

Honoring a legacy: The Dr. Teri Hall Connecting Every Student Award

In tribute to a legacy that has shaped the very foundation of Student Affairs at Wichita State, the Division of Student Affairs is honored to present the inaugural Dr. Teri Hall Connecting Every Student Award. For years, Dr. Teri Hall has led with fierce compassion, intentional care and a deep-rooted belief in the power of connection. Her commitment to inclusion, balance, student-centeredness and staff well-being has touched every corner of the division.

This award, named in her honor, celebrates a leader whose heart, vision and advocacy have made a lasting impact. Because of Dr. Hall, Shocker Nation is more connected, more courageous and more committed to the mission of serving students with empathy and excellence. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of student affairs professionals for years to come.

The Division of Student Affairs celebrated these outstanding team members during its annual summer retreat on June 18, with a special presentation by Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost, who joined in honoring the award recipients.

Whether you’re looking to make new friends or wanting to strengthen your existing relationships, ProjectConnect is the perfect opportunity to enhance your college experience through connection. RSVP on ShockerSync and come out at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 in 266 Rhatigan Student Center, Pike Room.

Don’t miss out on this chance to connect, learn and grow together.

ShockerStrengths is proud to celebrate its fifth year at Wichita State. Help celebrate by participating in its campus-wide survey to learn when, where, how and why faculty, staff and students are engaging with their natural talents and strengths. As WSU prepares for growth and continue its progress towards a Strengths-Based Institution, your input and stories are impactful.

Also, don’t forget to plug strengths into your courses, groups and teams by requesting one of the workshops. All workshops include the inventories and materials.

For more information and to request the inventory or a workshop, visit the ShockerStrengths webpage.