Category: News

Wichita State offers an incredible opportunity for Kansas residents aged 60 and over to enroll in free classes this fall, both online and in-person, if enrolled by the deadline.

Help share the news with friends, family and the community. Classes cover a variety of engaging topics, and this semester’s classes include From Vinyl to Viral: A Musical Time Capsule, Presidential Campaign Communications and The Geology of National Parks of the World. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 11, so you can encourage your loved ones to sign up today and join the lifelong learning journey.

The School of Performing Arts in the College of Fine Arts invites the Wichita community to its 2024-25 season of productions.

This year’s season is centered around “Building Community.”

Fall 2024:

• Express – Sept. 28 in the Welsbacher Black Box Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex
• Mid-American Dance Theatre presents the Student Choreography Showcase – Oct. 24-26 in Litwin Theatre, Heskett Dance Studios (student-led production)
• Twelfth Night – Nov. 7-10 in the Wilner Auditorium
• Dance at Ulrich – Nov. 15 in the Ulrich Museum of Art
• Senior Capstone Celebration – Nov. 23 in Wilner Auditorium
• Dance Informal Showing – Dec. 5 in Wilner Auditorium

Spring 2025:

• Spring Awakening – Feb. 20-23 in Wilner Auditorium
• The Angel of Death reading by Bela Kiralyfalvi competition winner – March 6-8 in the Welsbacher Black Box Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex
• Wichita State Musical Theatre Company production – April 10-12 in the Welsbacher Black Box Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex (student-led production)
• Film double feature: Mostly Harmless (Mostly) and Dance Film – April 19 in the Welsbacher Black Box Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex
• Spring Dance Concert – April 24-27 in Wilner Auditorium
• Empty Space Theatre production – May 1-3 in the Welsbacher Black Box Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex (student-led production)
• Dance Informal Showing – May 8 in Wilner Auditorium

You can attend on-campus Wichita State Fine Arts events at no additional charge with your Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association. Learn more about this season’s productions on the School of Performing Arts website.

The School of Performing Arts in the College of Fine Arts invites the Wichita community to its 2024-25 season of productions.

This year’s season is centered around “Building Community.”

Fall 2024:

• Express – Sept. 28 in the Welsbacher Black Box Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex
• Mid-American Dance Theatre presents the Student Choreography Showcase – Oct. 24-26 in Litwin Theatre, Heskett Dance Studios (student-led production)
• Twelfth Night – Nov. 7-10 in the Wilner Auditorium
• Dance at Ulrich – Nov. 15 in the Ulrich Museum of Art
• Senior Capstone Celebration – Nov. 23 in Wilner Auditorium
• Dance Informal Showing – Dec. 5 in Wilner Auditorium

Spring 2025:

• Spring Awakening – Feb. 20-23 in Wilner Auditorium
• The Angel of Death reading by Bela Kiralyfalvi competition winner – March 6-8 in the Welsbacher Black Box Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex
• Wichita State Musical Theatre Company production – April 10-12 in the Welsbacher Black Box Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex (student-led production)
• Film double feature: Mostly Harmless (Mostly) and Dance Film – April 19 in the Welsbacher Black Box Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex
• Spring Dance Concert – April 24-27 in Wilner Auditorium
• Empty Space Theatre production – May 1-3 in the Welsbacher Black Box Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex (student-led production)
• Dance Informal Showing – May 8 in Wilner Auditorium

Tickets can be purchased online from the College of Fine Arts Box Office. Wichita State students can attend on-campus Wichita State Fine Arts events at no additional charge with their Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association.

Learn more about this season’s productions on the School of Performing Arts website.

Students have many options for study abroad programs through WSU exchange partner universities and program providers, and Sept. 15 is the deadline for spring 2025 programs.

Students can start the process by attending a study abroad information session or watching the information session video. Study Abroad scholarships are available and that application is also due by Sept. 15.

Learn how to apply for a study abroad program and learn more about scholarship opportunities.

For questions, contact the Study Abroad office at studyabroad@wichita.edu.

The Barton School of Business is pleased to announce that accomplished entrepreneur Chris Wright will serve as its Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the fall 2024 semester. Wright, the founder, chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT), based in Denver, Colorado, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role.

Liberty Energy, founded in 2011, is a leading North American energy services firm renowned for its innovative completion services and technologies for onshore oil and natural gas exploration and production. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Liberty Energy boasts a market capitalization of $3.33 billion and employs 5,500 individuals.

A self-described tech enthusiast turned entrepreneur, Chris Wright is committed to enhancing human lives by expanding access to abundant, affordable, and reliable energy. He holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and has completed graduate work in Electrical Engineering at UC Berkeley and MIT.

The College of Innovation and Design is forming a team for the 2024-25 NASA SUITS Challenge. Students from all backgrounds and majors are welcome, especially those with AR/VR or Unreal Engine skills.

Students who want to learn more can attend a NASA Suits info session from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 in 103/104 Devlin Hall, Open XR Lab.

Students who have questions or can’t make the info session can email Maggie Schoonover at maggie.schoonover@wichita.edu for more information.

The College of Innovation and Design is forming a team for the 2024-25 NASA SUITS Challenge. Students from all backgrounds and majors are welcome, especially those with AR/VR or Unreal Engine skills.

Want to learn more? Attend a NASA Suits info session from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 in 103/104 Devlin Hall, Open XR Lab.

If you have questions or can’t make the info session, email Maggie Schoonover at maggie.schoonover@wichita.edu for more information.

The Office of Academic Affairs has announced new emeriti members. Help congratulate the following emeriti:

Danette M. Baker, posthumous, associate teaching professor emerita, School of Performing Arts
Wilson R. Baldridge, professor emeritus, Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures
Maryon J. Habtemariam, associate teaching professor emerita, School of Nursing
Raymond H. Hull, professor emeritus, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
C. Nicholas Johnson, professor emeritus, School of Performing Arts
Martha J. Smith, professor emerita, School of Criminal Justice
Marcia P. Stevens, regional director emerita, Small Business Development Center, Academic Affairs

Emeritus status is an honorary designation conferred upon retirees in recognition of their contributions and accomplishments over their years of service to the university.

Visit the emeriti faculty page for a complete listing of emeritus and emerita faculty.

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will meet students on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 through Aug. 30 in 203 Jardine Hall.

Please keep in mind that traffic volume does increase wait times during August. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships appreciates your patience. If you have a quick question, skip the line and call 316-978-3430 or go online to OneStop Student Services.

CARE Team case managers worked a total of 30 CARE cases for the month of July. The top three concerns reported in July were students experiencing distress, lack of access to basic needs and family concerns. These top concerns mirrored the top concerns reported in June. CARE Team observed that housing instability and food insecurity during the summer months have been the top barriers to student success and among the top concerns that have been voiced. The CARE Team case managers from the Office of Student Outreach & Support worked to refer students to campus and community resources to help address these barriers. The top community referral was United Way, addressing housing and shelter options available to students, as well as identifying food resources close in proximity to the student that they could utilize. When addressing these concerns, case managers would assess the student holistically, assessing why these were barriers such as lack of financial support, needing employment or other factors outside of their control. Out of the 30 students referred to the CARE Team in July, only six declined in-person meetings and were provided resource information through the phone or email source.

As the fall semester approaches, CARE Team is prepared to continue addressing the ongoing housing and food needs for students and providing coordination of care. Historically, the needs of students in the month of August are centered around belonging, homesickness and adjusting to college life. CARE Team will continue to support students with barriers to success by addressing the concerns and challenges that lay ahead for students. As students arrive for the fall 2024 semester, remember CARE Team is here to support not only students, but also faculty and staff in addressing student concerns. If you have questions regarding resources available on campus or within the community, give the office a call at 316-978-3149 or contact the case management office, Student Outreach & Support, at 316-978-6112.