WuShock studies at the pond between the NetApp building and the Digital Research and Transformation Hub

Ablah Library has nearly endless spots for you to find a quiet place to study, including rooms you can rent out for free and a 24/7 study area.

Woolsey Hall, one of WSU’s newest buildings, is equipped with state-of-the-art study rooms designed for comfort and productivity. And take advantage of the Cargill Café on the first floor.

Shocker Success Center is designed for students first. While studying, you’re never but just a short distance away from resources and the help you need.

Wichita State isn’t just about the buildings. Sometimes just a breath of fresh air is all you need to reenergize yourself. Try out these locations next time you’re looking for a study spot:

  • NetApp has a beautiful outdoor recreation area connected to the Digital Research and Transformation Hub, serving as the perfect backdrop while you’re writing or studying. Ample seating is available, and NetApp has its own café for you to grab a bite while you study.
  • The Promise Bridge right outside of Woolsey Hall has all the scenery you need, with the pond and gorgeous gardens, and you’re right next to the Food Truck Plaza, always home to a number of food trucks you can use to replenish your energy.
  • Braeburn Square is one of the liveliest places on campus, with a number of restaurants to choose from, including subs, Mexican, pizza and more. Seating is readily available, and evenings light up, giving you ample ambiance to your study sessions.
Student gets consultation at Counseling and Psychological Services

School can be overwhelming sometimes, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Make sure you are taking time for yourself in between your studies. If you feel like you need extra assistance, Wichita State has a number of resources available to you:

Head over to the Shocker Learning Center on the second floor of the Shocker Success Center and get help with a number of subjects or use it as a study spot with your peers.

Counseling and Psychological Services offers mental health resources to all Shockers through its Counseling Services.

Some of your most powerful resources on campus are your peers. Make sure to lean on one another, and if you are concerned about one of your classmates, submit a CARE Team report.

Additional support is available to students in the Shocker Success Center, including the Office of International Education on the lower level; and Adult Learning, Military and Veterans Services, and Hispanic-Serving Initiatives on the third floor.

The sun peeks through the roof of the Rhatigan Student Center

As the spring semester comes to a close, many of you are likely feeling the pressure mount as final papers need to be written, final presentations need to be rehearsed and final exams need studied for.

The following is your guide for the resources on campus available to make sure you finish the semester strong while supporting your mental health.

Students study in the Ablah Library

The first step to having a successful conclusion to the semester is a schedule. Make sure you know when your finals assignments and exams are due by checking Blackboard and reading your syllabus and plan accordingly. For a complete finals schedule, visit wichita.edu/finals.

After finding out when your finals are, make a schedule of how you’re going to ace each of your finals. Keep a planner with you and make a plan for how you will fit in study/schoolwork time. This is also where you can intentionally include personal time to balance your mental health.

And make sure you’re realistic in your schedule. Studying for 10 hours a day sounds good on paper but is unrealistic for most people.

Learn more about academic success tips and techniques.

Wichita State has more to offer than just your classes. Find your community of likeminded students.

Student organizations – Enhance your education by developing teamwork and leadership skills by joining one of the over 200 student organizations on campus or start your own.

Greek Life – Immerse yourself with Fraternity and Sorority Life and find lifelong friends while making a difference in your community through philanthropy.

Student Government Association – By joining the Student Government Association, you can be a leader on campus and make the needs of your peers heard and represented. All Student Senate meetings are open to the public and held every Wednesday in 233 RSC.

Make sure you know where to find WSU’s numerous resources available to you to ensure your time spent in academe is fruitful and supported:

  • Shocker Success Center – Visit the Shocker Success Center right next to the RSC to find a hub for most of the resources you’ll need as a Shocker, including the Shocker Learning Center, or as a place to relax and study between classes.
  • Dining – Wichita State has many dining options for you to choose from, including Shocker Dining Hall in Shocker Hall; the RSC food court; and Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes. And over on the Innovation Campus, stop by the NetApp Café or Cargill Café, and plan an outing to Braeburn Square for tacos, subs, Mediterranean and more.
  • Wellness – Student Health Services serves all students and treats your medical needs. Visit studenthealth.wichita.edu to learn more and schedule an appointment. Counseling and Psychological Services offers mental health resources to all Shockers through its Counseling Services and HOPE Services.

Take a break from syllabi reviews and enjoy the many events happening this week to ease you into the spring semester:

  • Welcome tables – Visit the RSC from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 21 and 22 to learn about all the resources available to you and to have your questions answered.
  • Hot Cocoa with the Colleges – Enjoy a warm, cozy beverage from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 21 and 22. View the locations of each college.
  • Student Senate – Want to learn more about the decisions that can affect your academic journey? Attend the first Student Government Association meeting of the semester at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 in 233 RSC, Santa Fe Trail Room.
  • PAWS & Relax – Everyone knows how stressful starting a new semester can be, so help alleviate that stress in the company of therapy dogs from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, Jan. 24 in Ablah Library.
  • Free billiards – Looking for something more recreational? Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes in the basement of the RSC is offering free billiards from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 24. The event is part of the RSC’s weekly Friday Escape activities.
  • Winter Welcome – Have fun with your friends with ice skating and other winter activities from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 24 at the President’s Residence.
  • Women’s basketball – Did you know you get in free to all home athletics games with your Shocker ID? Learn what all the hype with Shocker Athletics is about and support your fellow students at the women’s basketball game against UAB at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 in Charles Koch Arena.

Wanting more? Check out more events happening now through February with the Welcomefest series of events: wichita.edu/welcomefest.

Hello Shockers! I’m Monica Lounsbery, your new provost starting this semester. You may be wondering what a provost does, and to summarize it into one sentence: A provost is here to support your academic careers at the highest level.

I’m still learning the ins and outs of Shocker Nation, so I look forward to you all teaching me what it means to be a Shocker as we get to know each other. The Provost’s Office in 109 Morrison Hall is here to welcome you and help you thrive and succeed!

Go Shockers!
Monica

You’re reading Shocker Blast, Wichita State’s newsletter made just for students. Shocker Blast gives you regular updates about Shocker Nation every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, sent directly to your official student email.

We know no one likes to read emails — but there’s a lot of information in Shocker Blast that’s useful to you as a student, like special deals on campus, maintenance and construction updates, events with your peers, important deadlines and more.

Due to the inclement weather, classes will be held remotely Tuesday, Jan. 21. If you have questions regarding your classes today, please reach out to your instructor.

The rest of this edition is your guide to starting your spring 2025 semester off strong.

Campus map (wichita.edu/map) – The interactive map includes buildings, campus dining, where you can park, selfie spots, campus emergency phones and more. Search for a building and get walking directions from anywhere on campus.

Parking on campus – Wichita State posts signs at every parking lot on campus to help you find where to park: Keep an eye out for the green signs with an “S” on them for where you can park. Shocker Hall residents, look out for parking lots with the orange signs that have an “H” on them. ePermits can be purchased online and are required to park in student parking lots while school is in session. Or find short-term, hourly parking in the parking garage near the Rhatigan Student Center.