Category: Events and Recreation

New semester, new stress? Snuggle therapy dogs instead. Student Success and University Libraries invite the campus community to PAWS & Relax from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 28 at Ablah Library. Friendly therapy dogs from Love on a Leash will be on hand to help you unwind and recharge.

Research shows that spending time with animals can help reduce stress and boost mood — making this a paws-itively perfect break between classes or meetings. The drop-in event is open to the campus community.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to join Wichita State Connect for a short service project from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 in Wichita State Connect in celebration of National TRIO and GEAR UP Day with the annual Books & Bears initiative, delivering a book and a bear to neighborhood elementary schools.

Help spread encouragement:

• Write short, uplifting notes for students
• Assemble candy bags to be shared at the Books & Bears event later this week

No experience needed, just bring your heart for service and community. Stop by for all or part of the hour and help show students they are supported, seen and rooted in resilience.

Join the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA) Hub at a research social from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 in the Ablah Library Digital Scholars Commons Area. This social event creates a welcoming and engaging space that builds community among everyone involved or interested in research — faculty, students, staff and community members.

These gatherings also help raise awareness of ongoing research projects. Light snacks and games will be provided.

A blood drive is being hosted on campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 and Wednesday, Jan. 28 in the Heskett Center lobby.

All donors will receive a $20 e-gift card to the merchant of their choice. To schedule your appointment visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 and use sponsor code: WichitaState.

The blood drive is hosted in partnership with the American Red Cross Student Chapter at Wichita State.

Welcomefest takes place during the first four weeks of the spring semester and features dozens of activities designed to help you kick off the new year and get connected on campus. Popular programs for new and returning Shockers include Winter Welcome from 3 to 6 p.m. Jan. 22 in front of Shocker Hall, the Involvement Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 in the Rhatigan Student Center and a variety of social, cultural and involvement-focused events.

Whether you’re looking to meet new people, find your community or jump into campus life, Welcomefest has something for you. To explore all the opportunities that await you, visit wichita.edu/welcomefest.

Welcomefest events are hosted by Wichita State departments and student organizations across campus and coordinated by Student Engagement & Belonging. If you have questions, call 316-978-3022 or email seb@wichita.edu.

While your studies are important, equally important is getting to know your peers and just having fun during your college years. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of events at Wichita State designed just for that.

There are over 200 Registered Student Organizations on campus, all hosting regular events throughout the semester. Check out ShockerSync to learn more about the different organizations on campus and view the calendar of events every day for new activities.

To help get you started, Welcomefest has dozens of events now through Feb. 15 to help students like you engage with your peers, including the 2026 Winter Welcome from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 in front of Shocker Hall with bumper cars, curling, warm drinks, light snacks and community.

Additionally, WSU’s thriving fine arts and athletics scenes give Shockers like you a chance for a deeper connection to the community. With your Shocker ID, you can attend all WSU fine arts and athletics events on campus at no additional charge, thanks to the Student Government Association. You can get started with:

• Women’s basketball versus Memphis at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 in Charles Koch Arena.
• Men’s basketball versus East Carolina at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 in Charles Koch Arena. You can reserve your free ticket now at goshockers.com/StudentTickets.

Join Wichita State for Suspenders4Hope Day, a community-wide effort to promote mental wellness, prevent suicide and remind everyone that support is always available:

• Stop by the welcome tables from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 20-21 in the Rhatigan Student Center to connect with the Student Wellness Center, grab a free T-shirt and write a note of encouragement for a Hope Kit recipient.
• Attend the free Mental Wellness & Preventing Suicide Training from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 in 264 RSC, Spencer Room. Learn practical tools to support yourself and others. Registration is required (faculty and staff can sign up through myTraining on myWSU).
• End the day at the Blackout Mental Health Stigma Basketball Game as Shocker men’s basketball takes on East Carolina at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21 in Charles Koch Arena. Wear black and receive a free Suspenders4Hope bracelet for the first 3,000 attendees.

Start the semester off warm and cozy by enjoying hot cocoa with the colleges. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 and Wednesday, Jan. 21, the academic colleges at WSU will serve Shockers hot cocoa to ring in the new semester.

Each college will serve hot cocoa in their respective buildings:

• College of Applied Studies: Hubbard Hall
• Barton School of Business: Woolsey Hall
• College of Engineering: John Bardo Center
• Fairmount College/Cohen Honors College: Lindquist Hall
• College of Fine Arts: Duerksen Fine Arts Center in the Miller Concert Hall
• College of Health Professions: Ahlberg Hall
• Graduate School: Jardine Hall

For questions, contact the Division of Student Affairs at 316-978-3021.

Meet the Student Government Association and kick off the spring semester with the SGA Welcome Bash from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 at the east atrium of the Rhatigan Student Center. This indoor welcome event features free pizza and sodas, a photo booth and the opportunity to meet SGA executive officers, senators and justices while learning more about SGA initiatives, upcoming events and ways to get involved on campus.

Whether you’re new to Wichita State or looking to learn more about student leadership, this event offers a fun, welcoming and high-visibility way to start the semester and connect with your student representatives.

Join the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing for the ninth annual Strategic Communications marketing and communications seminar for faculty and staff from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 29. And if your team is looking to order promo items for your office, visit the Vendor Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The opening session, breakout sessions and Vendor Fair will all be held on the third floor of the Rhatigan Student Center. Gain additional insights, tools and tips to help you improve your marketing and communication efforts. Attendees may choose to attend two of five sessions.