Category: University Life

Shocktoberfest is Wichita State’s largest tradition held every year and features events for Shockers both current and former. Relive the best moments of this year’s Shocktoberfest, which culminated in a concert by Lupe Fiasco in Charles Koch Arena, and stay tuned for next year and keep up to date for other events happening year round by checking out the ShockerSync event calendar.

Whether you need to take in some breathtaking views or want a variety of food options to choose from, head on over to Woolsey Hall to find the Food Truck Plaza and Promise Bridge.

Every day, find new food trucks to choose from and find a place anywhere on the Promise Bridge to enjoy a relaxing break from classes and studying.

Annually, WSU remembers the 1970 football team, administrators and supporters who tragically died in the Oct. 2, 1970, plane crash in Colorado. Their names are immortalized at the Memorial ’70 sculpture located on campus at 18th and Hillside.

Additionally, the Survivors Monument was dedicated in 2020 to the eight players who survived the plane crash and the other 35 individuals from the football team that landed safely on separate plane. The Randy Jackson Survivor Tree, planted in 2010 near Memorial ‘70, was donated in Jackson’s memory after he passed away from pancreatic cancer. The survivor tree sapling was derived from the 100-year-old Survivor Tree of the Oklahoma City bombing.

Tucked away between Neff Hall and Wallace Hall, near Ablah Library, is the Hammock Lounge, where you can take a moment to rest and relax. Don’t have your own hammock? Not to worry, as with your Shocker ID, you can rent one for free from Campus Recreation in the Heskett Center!

While you’re there, take a moment to take in the history of Wichita State with the green shamrocks. Born from a prank involving Morrison Hall in the 1960s, the shamrocks now have a permanent home in the heart of the College of Engineering. And while you may only see two shamrocks, students say a third is hidden on campus, and finding all three leads to a life of good luck, but only if you keep the third’s location a secret!

Tucked away in the southeast corner of campus is the NetApp Outdoor Recreation Area. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to study or just want to take in the breathtaking views, the spot is open to all students and visitors.

While you’re there, take the opportunity to use the pickleball and basketball courts, or stop by the NetApp Café in the NetApp building for a variety of different food options.

The Plaza of Heroines, located in front of Ablah Library and next to the Shocker Success Center, was dedicated in 1998 as a permanent record of women recognized as heroines. The grounds are lined with pavers, donated by community members recognizing important heroines in their lives, the community and the world.

The space can serve as a place of reflection and standing in the center of the plaza is Danseuse Espagnole (Spanish Dancer), part of the Ulrich Museum of Art’s Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection.

All students with a Shocker ID get automatic memberships to Campus Recreation. What’s that mean for you? You have access to a wide range of wellness and recreation facilities in the Heskett Center, including five courts for basketball, volleyball or badminton; an indoor swimming pool; racquetball and squash courts; F45; esports computers; and much more.

Did you know you can rent out pickleball equipment for free and play on the new pickleball courts outside of the Heskett Center? Just bring your Shocker ID to the front desk of the Heskett Center and play some games with your peers between your classes.

You can take advantage of many more perks at the Heskett Center, as all WSU students get free membership to Campus Recreation with their Shocker IDs.

Want to see what some of your fellow Shockers are up to? The ShockerSync calendar has even more events for you to check out throughout the semester: wichita.edu/shockersync.

The Involvement Fair is happening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday Sept. 4 outside the Rhatigan Student Center, north and east patio. The Involvement Fair is an opportunity for student organizations and campus departments to educate students on involvement opportunities and resources for students to interact with and get connected to.

Students have the opportunity to win a multitude of prizes that range from a $250 Scholarship to $25 in Shocker dollars.

Involvement Fair is sponsored by Student Engagement & Belonging. For more details about SEB programs and services, visit wichita.edu/seb.