Author: Kim Sandlin

Each of your classes has a syllabus that serves as the map for the course. In it you will find the learning objectives for the course as well as the schedule of assignments, papers, exams, and other important academic information.

When you have a question about an assignment, revisit the syllabus. Also, understand the grading scale used in each class. Wichita State operates on a plus/minus scale, which is important to know when you are setting goals and study schedules for the semester.

Need help? Attend the Syllabus Party at from 11 a.m.  to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the RSC Harvest Room (142). Can’t make the event and still need help? Connect with a success coach at the link below.

Successful students ask for help from their instructors. Often, students don’t ask because they don’t know how. As faculty and staff, we know that student hours — or office hours — are when instructors set time aside in their office to help students. But to students, many of whom are first-generation, those may be interpreted as hours that instructors are in their offices working and should not be bothered. You can help students feel more confident in asking for help from their instructors by explaining that office hours really mean student hours, which can be found and explained on their class syllabus.

Office hours are student hours. When is the last time you visited one of your faculty members during their office hours? Do you know what that term even means? These are specific times that instructors have set aside to meet with students in their office to answer questions about content from class, visit about research, or chat about career options in their field. Faculty and instructors want to help you succeed, so check out the hours on their syllabus and go visit them! If, for no other reason, to introduce yourself and say “hello!”

If neither of your parents or legal guardians have four-year degrees, you are a first-generation student and are among more than 40% of students at Wichita State.

We are proud of the services and care we offer to our first-generation students and encourage you to check out the numerous services offered in collaboration with the First-Generation Coordinating Council.

Visit our website for events and opportunities, including our college-based TRIO programs and First-Generation Student Celebration Week Nov. 8-12.

Take a quick tour of myWSU by watching a new video developed by Wichita State Online Learning.

This video covers all the resources available to Wichita State students, including how to sign up for a tutor, how to view current bills and how to update emergency contact info. The video also covers how students can get access Office 365 software free of charge.

Have you made strong connections on campus with other students, faculty or staff yet? Wichita State University Student Success team is here to help students. One of the best ways to keep making progress toward your degree is connecting to the people, the resources and the services on campus.

Check out Wichita State’s Student Success website for tips on how to make successful campus connections. Students are also invited to make connections at Welcomefest 2021, which also provides easy access to  campus events  to meet other students and get connected to campus resources.

Join Student Success as they say farewell to Dr. Shareika Fisher 2-3:30 p.m. Friday, June 4 at the RSC, Room 233 (Sante Fe Trail Room).

This is a come-and-go reception, so join for fun, food and fellowship as we wish Dr. Fisher the best in her new role as the executive director of Rise Up for Youth here in Wichita.

The F1RST-Generation Student Celebration Week at Wichita State will take place Nov. 8–12. To commemorate the national First-Generation Student Celebration Day, the annual F1RST-Gen group photo of students, faculty and staff will be Nov. 8.

On Nov. 10, the inaugural members of the Alpha Alpha Alpha Honorary Society for First-Generation College students will be inducted.

For more information on events and services designed to serve our first-generation community members, visit the website.