Category: News

Students have many options for study abroad programs through WSU exchange partner universities and program providers. Study Abroad scholarships are also available. The deadline to submit applications for programs and scholarships is Sept. 15. Learn how to apply for programs and about scholarships on the Study Abroad website.

Contact Study Abroad at studyabroad@wichita.edu.

Do you love Wichita State? Do you love new Shocker gear? Do you enjoy creating engaging Instagram content? If so, apply to become a Shocker Store Brand Ambassador. Selected students will work with the Shocker Store to use Instagram and other avenues to increase student knowledge of Shocker Store products, services and more. As a bonus, you’ll receive free Shocker merchandise. Deadline to apply is Sept. 10.

Staff and faculty who want to learn more about the Navigate platform can explore information, training opportunities, data about usage and other useful information on the Navigate360 website. Find the Navigate Nuggets post at the bottom of the page.

Matilyn “Mati” Newman graduated from Wichita State in May 2025, earning her bachelor’s in integrated marketing communications from the Elliot School of Communication. As a recent graduate, Newman hit the ground running with her role as the digital marketing assistant at the Rotary Club of Wichita. In her role, Newman has witnessed how her classwork intertwines with her professional work.  

“Courses such as Campaigns 626, Ad Copywriting 525 and Communications Strategy 450 have had the most impact on my professional work,” Newman said. “These classes stuck with me, and I find myself referencing to them frequently.” 

Welcomefest is the official welcome campaign for new and returning Shockers and features events, activities and services designed to help everyone have a successful transition to life at Wichita State. 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. View the schedule of events at wichita.edu/welcomefest.

The Wichita Eagle has released its 2025 Best of Wichita nominations, and Wichita State has been nominated in several categories. The community can vote once a day for their choices in each category through the voting period until 5 p.m. Friday Sept. 5.

• Eat & drink – All-Around Restaurant: Freddy’s
• Eat & drink – Bar/Tavern: Social Tap Drinkery
• Eat & drink – Beer Selection: Social Tap Drinkery
• Eat & drink – Lunch Spot: Wichita State Food Truck Plaza
• Eat & drink – Sports Bar: Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes
• Eat & drink – Tacos: Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
• Education – Childcare: WSU Child Development Center
• Education – College/University: Wichita State University
• Health & beauty – Audiologist/Hearing Center: Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
• Health & beauty – Speech Therapy: Wichita State University (Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic)
• Things to do – Art Gallery: WSU Shift Space, Ulrich Museum of Art, Clayton Staples Gallery
• Things to do – Bowling: Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes
• Things to do – Hotel: Hyatt Place at Wichita State University
• Things to do – Live Theatre: Wilner Auditorium
• Things to do – Museum: Ulrich Museum of Art, Lowell Holmes Museum of Anthropology

The Academe newsletter has returned, and faculty and staff can now submit items for consideration for the first edition in September.

Academe will be published four times a year and will highlight faculty and staff accomplishments. When submitting your item, you will select one of five different categories:

• Research and Publications: Highlights faculty and staff who have recently published research or articles to journals or other reputable publications.
• Presentations: Highlights faculty and staff who have given presentations or seminars off campus, such as at other universities or at conferences.
• Special Projects: Highlights faculty and staff who have gone above and beyond on a project for the university or the community.
• Accolades: Highlights faculty and staff who have been recognized or awarded by a reputable organization.
• In the News: Highlights faculty and staff who have provided their expertise to stories in the news, such as newspapers, magazines, web news, TV stations and/or radio stations.

After selecting your category, please fill out the relevant information for your submission. If you are submitting on behalf of someone else, please indicate that in the comments section.

Submissions for the September edition will be accepted through Friday, Sept. 5. Submission deadlines for future editions of Academe will be shared in WSU Today, so be on the lookout.

If you have questions regarding submissions to Academe, reach out to Caelin Bragg, newsletter editor, at caelin.bragg@wichita.edu or 316-978-3013.

Welcomefest is the official welcome campaign for new and returning Shockers and features events, activities and services designed to help everyone have a successful transition to life at Wichita State. 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. View the schedule of events at wichita.edu/welcomefest.

Promoting Academic Student Success (PASS) is starting off another academic year and looking for first year students to join. In short, PASS includes paired mentorship with a returning student, bi-weekly workshops and quality social opportunities. This semester’s schedule will start Aug. 26 and will go through Nov. 11. Most programming will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on select Fridays, so mark your calendars. Mentoring is based on your personal availability if there are concerns with Friday conflicts, so you can still apply.

Fill out the application below to the fullest as this information will be used to pair you with your mentor as well as account for you in the program’s data. Email Mia Jefferson at mia.jefferson@wichita.edu for any questions. Applicants will be responded to after the application window closes Friday, Aug. 22 with further details on our first meetup and what to expect for your first semester.

The College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University will proudly celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, commemorating a century of artistic excellence, cultural leadership and community enrichment through creative expression. Beginning later this year, the college will launch a yearlong celebration honoring its storied past, vibrant present and visionary future in arts education.

Founded on July 1, 1926, the College of Fine Arts has been a cornerstone of Wichita State, cultivating generations of artists, musicians, designers, performers and scholars.

“Reaching this significant milestone is a testament to the dedication and passion of our faculty, students, alumni and supporters,” said Marie Bukowski, dean of the College of Fine Arts. “Our centennial year is not only a time to reflect on our achievements, but also an opportunity to energize our commitment to the arts and their essential role in society.”

Centennial year highlights:

• Special exhibitions and performances to showcase work by alumni, faculty and students in visual arts, music, theatre, dance and design.
• Guest lectures and workshops featuring renowned artists and cultural leaders who will share their insights and inspire future creatives.

The College of Fine Arts invites the Wichita community, alumni, students, faculty and staff to take part in this historic celebration. Events will be held throughout the 2025–26 academic year, with details and updates available on the college’s website and social media channels.

As it looks to the future, the College of Fine Arts remains dedicated to fostering creativity, inclusion and excellence—preparing the next generation of artists to create, collaborate and innovate.