Due to construction, the south end of Jardine Hall will be without electricity today, Nov. 24. The Financial Aid and OneStop offices located in Jardine will temporarily close during this time. The Registrar’s Office will be open Nov. 24, but it will be unable to print official transcripts.

Students needing financial aid or OneStop assistance can contact the offices all hours of the day by phone at 316-978-7440 or by chat at the Wichita State OneStop website.

Aunjnae White, a first-generation student, poses with her degree in psychology.

New beginnings are usually an adjustment, and it can be a leap of faith if you are the first to go to college in your family.

A Wichita State researcher has been awarded $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a new type of low-cost and stable photovoltaics.

A headshot of a college graduate in silhouette.

On July 1,  2022, the first day of fiscal year 2023 (FY23), the Wichita State University Foundation will increase endowed scholarship support for WSU students by $373,756 over the current year, thanks to those who give philanthropically to Wichita State and to the Foundation’s strong investment performance.

Additionally, non-scholarship endowed fund payouts raised through private donations will increase by $160,721. These types of funds typically support student and faculty programs and entities such as the Ulrich Museum of Art and WSU Athletics, among other programs and projects.

Overall, the projected payout from endowed funds to the university will be $8.7 million, an increase of 6.2%  compared to FY 22, which ends June 30, 2022. This amount does not include support from current funds, which are philanthropic contributions earmarked for immediate use rather than invested in an endowment that will produce annual awards in perpetuity.

Of the $8.7 million payout, endowed scholarships represent $4.2 million.

“As we celebrate Thanksgiving, this is a fitting time to express gratitude to all who support Wichita State through their philanthropy,” WSU Foundation president Elizabeth King said. “Because of their generosity, our students are receiving more scholarship support and every area of campus will see a funding increase next fiscal year.”

wichita.edu/excellenceawards Nominate a colleague for a $2,500 Excellence Award RESEARCH – CREATIVITY – COMMUNITY RESEARCH Wichita State University

The Office of Research is accepting nominations for Excellence Awards in Research, Creativity Activity and Community Research. Nominations must be received by Friday, Dec. 3.

All full-time faculty, including distinguished professors and endowed chairs, who have served at Wichita State for at least three years are eligible. Faculty who hold an administrative position above that of chair are not eligible.

Previous winners of the award are ineligible to be nominated for a period of five years following the award. For more information or to fill out a nomination form, visit the Office of Research website.

Students presenting research posters in the State Capitol rotunda in Topeka.

Do you know a graduate student working on research that directly impacts the State of Kansas? If so, encourage them to submit their abstract for the 19th annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit  (CGRS) taking place Feb. 16 at the Capitol Building in Topeka.

CGRS provides an opportunity for selected graduate students to represent Wichita State showing their research to state government, education officials, the general public and graduate students from all the Kansas Board of Regents’ research institutions. Submissions will be accepted until Dec. 10.

Shocker Profile Headshots. 2021 Format Continues. Scheduled over two days at the Rhatigan Student Center by appointment only

The Office of Strategic Communications offers headshots for WSU faculty and staff at no charge. Headshot events will be scheduled twice a semester over two days at the Rhatigan Student Center (RSC). Headshots are available by appointment only and are now open for Dec. 13 and 14.

RSC Room 142 (Harvest Room)
2:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec 13
8:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec 14

I am FIRST generation. Wichita State University. “Starting college as a first-generation student was overwhelming. I felt like I wasn’t meant to be in the classroom and that others were more deserving. However, I found many great mentors that helped me navigate feeling like an imposter and to help me see that I belonged. These experiences led me to a career where I can help other students feel empowered to reach for their dreams and complete college. I am now working on my Doctorate in Educational Leadership, and this would have never been possible without support." Jacob Mendez, student engagement coordinator, College of Engineering MS, Student Affairs in Higher Education; BA, History. F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

What is a first-gen student?

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree. A student who is the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

  • Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Jacob Mendez, student engagement coordinator, College of Engineering.
  • Graduation cords: Fall 2021 first-gen graduation cords are in route to the colleges. For more information, contact Lydia Santiago, FGShockers@wichita.edu.
  • Faculty and staff: If you are interested in being featured as a first-generation profile, contact Lydia Santiago at FGShockers@wichita.edu.
  • Thank you Wichita State colleagues and friends for your support during First-Gen Week. Enjoy one last look at the Identity Art Showcase at the Cadman Art Gallery.  The talent of the first-gen artists will remain on exhibit through today, Nov. 19.

The Foundation Accounting Department is providing members with the following Foundation year-end requisition reminders in preparation for the upcoming holiday season.

Foundation Requisition Requests: Please make note of cut-off dates and times during the holiday season.

Cut-off date and time Check issuance date
2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23 Wednesday, Nov. 24
2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21 Thursday, Dec.23
2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.28 Thursday, Dec. 30

Gift Card Policy Reminder: Please refer to Wichita State’s Policies and Procedures before purchasing a gift for employees. Please see Campus Policy 13.21/Gifts to Employees: No cash or cash equivalent (i.e., gift cards, may be given as a gratuity, gift or other favor to a University employee from any fund source.) This includes Foundation funds. Any Foundation Requisition requests to reimburse gift card purchases will be denied.

For more information, please reach out to Kimberly Pham at foundation.ap@wichita.edu.

Foundation year-end gift receipt information for 2021 Tax Credit

Checks without a postmarked envelope will need to be delivered to the Foundation Finance Team Office by 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30 as the office will close at this time. Checks with an envelope postmarked by Dec. 31 need to be at the office no later than 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.

Information for credit or debit cards to be processed in the office will need to be submitted by 4 p.m. Dec. 30.

Online bank drafts and online credit cards will be able to be processed until midnight on Dec. 31.

Work by the Shockers Vote! Coalition helped Wichita State increase its voting rate for students by 19.2% from 2016, according to the 2020 National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement. Wichita State’s 2020 voting rate of 68.1% is above the national 66% rate, according to the data compiled by the Tufts University Institute For Democracy & Higher Education.