Students walk on campus during the start of the semester.

We’re halfway through the first week of classes, but the rest of it is still jam packed full of events to help you keep going strong. See below the lineup we have for the rest of the week.

Kicking us off today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. is a cookout with Dr. J, your new vice president for Student Affairs, who will be grilling and serving up hot dogs and barbeque chicken, free to all WSU students, on the north patio of the RSC (find directions to the cookout). Remember to bring your Shocker ID!

Tomorrow, the Rhatigan Student Center is hosting its all day, all night, RSC Day Shocker Night series of events. Head over to the RSC any time from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. for a variety of events, including grabbing free stuffed animals, video game free play stations and tournaments, live music with free shirts and snacks, and so much more. View the full RSC Day Shocker Night schedule.

Finally, today’s the last day to sign up for Clash of the Colleges, one of WSU’s largest single-day events and a longtime campus tradition, this Friday, Aug. 21. Sign up now for Clash.

As always, this is only the tip of the iceberg, so check out WSU’s interactive campus map and select which days to view to see what’s coming up, and check out the ShockerSync calendar to see what WSU’s student organizations have scheduled for you.

A student visits a women's soccer table in front of the Rhatigan Student Center with many students in the background visiting other student organization tables

College is the perfect time to create long-lasting memories and friendships. Whether you’re into sports, arts, community service or something super niche, ShockerSync is home to student organizations that cater to all interests.

Or check out the list of organizations and find a few you’d like to learn more about and meet them at the Involvement Fair on Aug. 27.

Students cheer on participants during Clash of the Colleges

Clash of the Colleges, one of WSU’s largest single-day events and a longtime campus tradition, is this Friday, Aug. 21. Freshmen are encouraged to represent their colleges in a day of friendly competition at Crossland Stadium.

Sign up for Clash by Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Even if you aren’t competing, you can still cheer on your peers and college as they fight for bragging rights for the rest of the school year.

But there’s much more happening this week, so check out WSU’s interactive campus map and select which days to view to see what’s coming up, and check out the ShockerSync calendar to see what WSU’s student organizations have scheduled for you.

Shocker ambassadors wave to the camera as they drive a golf cart with a "Wuber" banner on the front.

Keep an eye out today and tomorrow for the “Wuber” golf carts around campus, where WSU ambassadors will give you free rides to classes, dining, dorms and offer directions They will run morning and afternoon Monday, Aug. 17 and Tuesday, Aug. 18, helping you get a lay of the land so you can find your way the rest of the semester.

Additionally, campus departments and student organizations will be set up outside of the Rhatigan Student Center on the north patio Aug. 17 and 18 mornings to greet you, give you the lowdown on WSU and give out free swag to help you connect with Shocker Nation.

You’re reading Shocker Blast, your portal to campus, where you can find the latest news, including important deadlines and closures, stay up to date on the latest events happening around campus and learn about all of your Shocker resources.

Check out below for events to attend as you take a break from your syllabi reviews and class introductions and learn more about important resources to know for your first week. But first, hear from your new vice president for Student Affairs.

Jamarco Clark

As you begin the fall semester, I want to be among the first to welcome you back to Wichita State. My name is Dr. Jamarco Clark (Dr. J or Dr. Clark, for short), and I have the privilege of serving as your new vice president for Student Affairs. I came to Wichita State because I believe deeply in what this university makes possible for students, and in the importance of creating an experience where every Shocker has the opportunity to learn, grow, connect and succeed.

As you start this year, I have one challenge for you: make this year yours. Meet someone new. Join an organization. Attend an event. Ask a question. Try something that stretches you. And when you need help, ask for it. College is about much more than what happens in the classroom, and the Division of Student Affairs is here to support you through all of it. Whether you need a resource, a connection, a place to belong or simply someone to point you in the right direction, we want you to know that you don’t have to navigate Wichita State alone.

Most importantly, I look forward to getting to know you. You’ll see me around campus, at events and spending time in the places where students gather — and when you do, please stop and say hello. I want to hear about your experiences, what you love about Wichita State and where we can make the Shocker experience even better. Whether this is your first semester at Wichita State or your final one, I’m excited about what this year can become.

Welcome back, Shockers. Let’s make it a great one.
Dr. J

Students discuss resources with a staff member

Join Student Outreach & Support and learn more about the free public transit you have available to you as a Shocker. Staff from SOS will guide you through the process of accessing and viewing routes and join you in taking your first ride. Head over to the second floor of the Rhatigan Student Center any time from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.

Stop by the Rhatigan Student Center from 3-5 p.m. today for the Syllabus Party for snacks and school supplies (while they last) and get organized. Be sure to bring your class syllabi and personal planners.

Finally, this Sunday, Aug. 16, WSU’s transition mentors will assist you in finding your classes this semester at the Classroom Crawl. Stop by the second floor of the Shocker Success Center starting at 1 p.m. and take a walk to all of your classes and find convenient parking and study spots.

Students using the indoor swimming pool inside the Heskett Center

Later today, first-year students can grab a free lunch with First-Year Programs in front of the Rhatigan Student Center from noon to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 14. Get acquainted with other first-year students and grab your official T-shirt to commemorate your induction into Shocker Nation. And if you’re looking for something to do tonight, head over to the CAC Theatre to watch “Project Hail Mary” at 8 p.m. with your fellow students.

This weekend, enjoy free lunch and take a dip in the Heskett Center swimming pool during RecFest from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 (find directions to the Heskett Center). And later that night, stop by the RSC parking garage for the NXT LVL Garage Party any time from 9 p.m. to midnight for food, games and prizes while basking in the sounds and sights of local performances.

That’s not everything happening this weekend either; check out WSU’s interactive campus map and select which days you want for even more events, and check out the ShockerSync calendar to see what events student organizations have scheduled for you to join.

Students study together in a Shocker Success Center study room

The number one thing that will help you succeed in college is a network of friends and collaborators, and that’s why WSU started the Learning Communities, to help you connect with likeminded Shockers. Just stop by later today at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 on the second floor of the Rhatigan Student Center, find your Learning Community and make lifelong connections and friendships.

Additionally, the Panhellenic Council is hosting its annual Bid Day to help Shockers find a sorority and second home while at Wichita State. Stop by starting at 1 p.m. this Sunday, Aug. 16 in Charles Koch Arena and join in on the festivities (find directions to Charles Koch Arena).

And take a look at the hundreds of student organizations on campus for you to join, including hobby groups, religious communities, academic support and much more. Visit ShockerSync for all your student organization needs.

We’re just a few days away from the start of the fall semester, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to get involved on campus. Check out the many events happening this weekend below to help you get settled before we kick off the semester.