Author: Kaley Archer

Sophie Martins is one of 137 college students recognized for their nonpartisan democratic engagement work during the 2023 election cycle.

Wichita State University and the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) announced that Sophie Martins has been recognized as part of the 2024 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll. The ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll awards college students doing outstanding work to advance nonpartisan democratic engagement at participating campuses. Sophie joins a group of 137 students recognized for their voter registration, education and turnout efforts during the 2023 elections, which featured critical ballot measures and local and state races.

“Whether it’s a presidential election year or one with critical state and local races on the ballot, students have a powerful role to play in fostering active and engaged campuses and getting their peers to participate in our democracy. Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is honored to celebrate 137 student leaders who model nonpartisan democratic engagement,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, executive director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. “These honorees hosted candidate information sessions, created guides on polling location accessibility, registered their peers to vote and so much more. We know these students will continue to make a difference in our democracy.”

Studies show that voting and democratic participation are habits that are built and strengthened over time. A recent survey from CIRCLE showed that 86% of under-35 youth who voted in 2022 and 72% of those who voted in 2020 consider themselves extremely likely to vote in 2024. Colleges and universities have an important role to play in encouraging their students to become active and engaged citizens at the ballot box and beyond.

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. With the support of the ALL IN staff, campuses that join the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge complete a set of action items to institutionalize nonpartisan civic learning, political engagement and voter participation on their campus. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge engages more than 1,000 institutions enrolling over 10 million students in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Campuses can join ALL IN here.

Do you know of a student who is passionate about Wichita State and eager to spread the word about campus involvement? Student Engagement, Advocacy and Leadership (SEAL) is searching for student engagement ambassadors to showcase the value of getting involved through presentations, one-on-one chats and creative marketing.

Nominate a student today by emailing SEAL at seal@wichita.edu.

Join in on a campus-wide adventure by discovering seals for a chance to win fantastic prizes. Find a seal, snap a pic and tag Student Engagement, Advocacy and Leadership (SEAL) on Instagram (@wsu.seal). After completing all directions on the back, return the seal to 216 Rhatigan Student Center. The search is on, so keep your eyes peeled.

Must be a Wichita State student with Shocker ID to win. SEAL Search is sponsored by SEAL. For more information on events, email SEAL at seal@wichita.edu or visit the webpage (wichita.edu/seal).

Loren Belew, civic engagement coordinator for the Office of Student Engagement, Advocacy and Leadership, secured a seat on the 2024 Students Learn Students Vote (SLSV) Advisory Board.

The SLSV Coalition is a nationwide nonpartisan network committed to boosting student voter turnout and awareness across college campuses. Sixteen leaders from across the United States were selected to lead educational opportunities for students and facilitate access to voter registration. During the 2020 presidential election cycle, the SLSV Coalition played a major role in doubling the national student voter turnout compared to previous election years. The advisory board has great expectations for the 2024 election.

“I look forward to serving on the SLSV board and think it will be a great opportunity to work with other colleges, universities and nonprofits to talk and learn about best practices and ways to engage students in voting and civic engagement,” Belew said.” I hope that I will also be able to share some of these resources with our own campus and that we may be able to incorporate them into our own voter engagement initiatives.”

Belew earned her place in the board based on her dedication to civic engagement and commitment to having Wichita State recognized as a voter-friendly campus. In her role, Belew collaborates closely with the Shockers Vote Coalition and its delegates, ensuring all voices of Wichita State are heard in the upcoming elections. Additionally, she provides guidance to the Community Service Board, further emphasizing her dedication to bringing civic awareness to the campus community.

With a student enrollment exceeding 23,000 at Wichita State, enhancing student voter turnout can greatly impact election results. By fostering a community of civic engagement and awareness on campus, Belew aims to empower students to actively participate in elections.

Spring 2024 Welcomefest takes place Tuesday, Jan. 16 through Saturday, Feb. 3 and features dozens of activities. Popular programs awaiting new and returning Shockers include Winter Wonderland, Fairmount Formal, Involvement Fair and much more.

Hosted by various student groups and campus departments, most events are open at no additional charge and give all students a chance to get acquainted with each other, learn their way around campus and find ways to connect with the community.

Welcomefest is sponsored by Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership (SEAL). For more information on events like this, email SEAL at seal@wichita.edu.

Welcomefest takes place during the beginning of classes each semester and features dozens of activities. This campaign highlights events and services designed to help all new and returning students navigate life at Wichita State.

Submit department or organization events for inclusion in the spring 2024 Welcomefest marketing, which includes an event calendar, web listing and more. The deadline to submit events for inclusion in all Welcomefest marketing is 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18.

Please note, Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership (SEAL) reserves the right to deny or terminate any events that are not planned completely or are deemed inappropriate for Welcomefest and/or the people in attendance.

To register an event, visit the Welcomefest website. For questions, contact SEAL at 316-978-3022 or seal@wichita.edu.

Student Engagement, Advocacy and Leadership (SEAL) invites faculty and staff to join the SEAL and SGA Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 in 216 Rhatigan Student Center, where employees will have the chance to meet with students and staff and learn how to get connected with events, leadership workshops, volunteer activities, fraternity and sorority life, SGA Student Senate, and more.

Are you curious about the exciting involvement opportunities offered by Student Engagement, Advocacy and Leadership (SEAL)? SEAL invites you to join the SEAL and SGA Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 in 216 Rhatigan Student Center, where you’ll have the chance to meet with students and staff and learn how to get connected with events, leadership workshops, volunteer activities, fraternity and sorority life, SGA Student Senate, and more.

Stop by the open house for snacks, activities and a chance to win prizes. Participants must be a WSU student to win a prize.

The Senior Honor is one of the most prestigious honors a Wichita State University student can receive. Each year, only ten students are selected to receive the Senior Honor. This highly competitive honor is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding scholarship, leadership, involvement at WSU and service to WSU and the local community. If you know a student who is eligible for this honor, please encourage them to apply. 

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21.

The Senior Honor is one of the most prestigious honors a Wichita State student can receive. Each year, only ten students are selected to receive the Senior Honor. This highly competitive honor is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding scholarship, leadership, involvement at WSU and service to WSU and the local community.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21.