Category: Events and Recreation

Today, the Barton School of Business celebrates a century of business education, innovation and community with its Centennial Bash at Woolsey Hall (find directions to Woolsey Hall).

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the Wichita community are invited to join throughout the day for free activities, food, interactive experiences and plenty of opportunities to celebrate 100 remarkable years of the Barton School.

The celebration begins at 8 a.m. with Morning Wellness on the Woolsey Hall lawn and continues throughout the day with activities including the Centennial Museum, food and refreshments, interactive experiences and the Community 5K/Fun Run and Walk.

Stop by for one activity or spend the day celebrating with us. The Centennial Bash is free and open to the public.

The 2026 Spark Membership Drive and Vendor Fair will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at 141 Woolsey Hall, Fidelity Bank Ballroom. Find the Spark membership requirements and find your favorite interest group on the Spark website. All members and potential members are welcome to this free event. For questions, contact spark@wichita.edu.

Would you like to sell your crafts or promote your side business? You can complete the vendor form by Wednesday, Sept. 9, which will help the Spark board make sure everyone has a wonderful experience. Vendors must be Spark members at the time of the event. If you have questions or any suggestions about making this a better experience for you and your customers, contact spark@wichita.edu.

New to Campus? Kick off your college journey at the Involvement Fair, hosted by Student Engagement and Belonging, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 outside of the Rhatigan Student Center.

From academic and cultural to social and service organizations, there’s something for everyone. Explore your Interests, make connections or try something new.

Come meet fellow students and staff, explore involvement opportunities and discover what Student Engagement & Belonging has to offer at an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1 in 208 and 216 Rhatigan Student Center. Whether you’re interested in student organizations, volunteer opportunities, fraternity and sorority life, leadership experiences, or campus traditions, there’s something for everyone.

Stop by to enjoy snacks, participate in fun activities and enter for a chance to win exciting prizes. 

Questions? Call 316-978-3022 or email seb@wichita.edu. For more events like this, visit wichita.edu/seb.

Kick off the semester with the Career Connection Root Beer Kegger from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 on the east lawn of Hubbard Hall (find directions to the event).

Enjoy free root beer and hot dogs while connecting with 40+ employers, exploring career opportunities and getting career tips from the Shocker Career Accelerator.

Casual dress is encouraged. Bring your Shocker ID or student number for check in.

Show your Shocker pride at WSU Night with the Wichita Wind Surge on Thursday, Sept. 10. Join fellow Shockers for a night at the ballpark at Equity Bank Park, 275 S. McLean Blvd. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.

Wichita State students with a valid Shocker ID can claim up to two entry tickets by picking them up at 216 Rhatigan Student Center. Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Entry tickets are sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs. For more information about Student Affairs, visit wichita.edu/sa.

Clash of the Colleges, one of WSU’s largest single-day events and a longtime campus tradition, starts at 7 p.m. tonight Aug. 21. Freshmen are representing their colleges in a day of friendly competition at Crossland Stadium.

Even if you aren’t competing, you can still cheer on your peers and college as they fight for bragging rights for the rest of the school year.

Learn more about the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA) Hub, the Connect Database, upcoming events and more at its online open house from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25 online. RSVP for the open house.

Join Military and Veteran Services at the Captain Riley Leroy Pitts Military and Veteran Student Center as it kick starts a new year at Shocker Nation. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 in 318 Shocker Success Center.

Enter into a raffle for a Shocker gift or participate in a push up competition for a prize. Snacks and beverages available while supplies last. Open for all to enjoy.

Welcomefest takes place the first four weeks of the fall and spring semesters and features dozens of activities. Popular programs awaiting new and returning Shockers include Clash of the Colleges, Involvement Fair and much more.

Hosted by various student groups and campus departments, most events are free 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 coordinated by Student Engagement & Belonging. Questions? Call 316-978-3022 or email seb@wichita.edu. For more Welcomefest events, visit  wichita.edu/welcomefest.