Shocker Blast: Friday, Aug. 15, 2025

About Shocker Blast

Students jump in front of the Wichita State sign on 21st and Oliver

Shocker Blast: Your portal to campus

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 all your Shocker resources, special deals on campus, events with your peers, important deadlines and more.

Stay tuned for the Aug. 18 edition for everything you need to know to start your semester off on the right foot. And keep an eye out for all of the Welcomefest events happening this semester.

For more information about Shocker Blast, reach out to Caelin Bragg, newsletter editor in the Office of Strategic Communications, at caelin.bragg@wichita.edu.

Welcomefest

All are welcome to the 2025 Belonging Bash Aug. 15

Kick off the year with Student Engagement & Belonging at the Belonging Bash from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15 on the east lawn of the Rhatigan Student Center. This high-energy event brings together students from all backgrounds to connect, celebrate and explore what it means to belong at Wichita State.

Enjoy food, music, games and get plugged into student organizations and campus resources that center identity, culture and community. All are welcome.

Belonging Bash is hosted by Student Engagement & Belonging. For more information about this event or other Student Engagement & Belonging programs, call 316-978-3022 or email seb@wichita.edu.

Don’t miss the fifth annual NXL LVL Garage Party Aug. 16

The 5th Annual NXT LVL Garage Party is back and bigger than ever. Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with delicious food, exciting games, live music and amazing prizes from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Rhatigan Student Center parking garage. Be sure to grab your exclusive NXT LVL shirt, available for free while supplies last.

This high-energy event is the perfect way to kick off the semester and connect with fellow Shockers. Admission is exclusive to Wichita State students. Note that no bags or outside food will be permitted; clear bags are accepted.

Come watch Pixar’s ‘Ratatouille’ at SAC’s Outdoor Movie Night Aug. 17

Come relax with friends before the start of the semester with Student Activities Council’s (SAC) Outdoor Movie Night, featuring “Ratatouille,” at 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17 at the Duerksen Amphitheatre. You can use the campus map at wichita.edu/map for directions. Be sure to bring a blanket, and SAC has the snacks covered.

WSU Libraries invites you to our Open House. Feelin’ groovy? So are we. No pressure, no lectures—just good vibes.

Join WSU Libraries for open house

New to Wichita State? Attend WSU Libraries at a come-and-go event happening from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17 at Ablah Library. There will be games, tunes, free T-shirts, snacks and drinks while they last. No pressure, no lectures, just good vibes.

Get ready for SAC’s foam drop dance party

Dive into the new semester with bubbles, beats and good vibes at the Student Activities Council’s (SAC) foam party from 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 at the MGC Quad just east of the Rhatigan Student Center. The grand finale event to wrap up RSC Day and Shocker Night will offer a DJ, foam cannons, an indoor photobooth and yard games to welcome students back to campus start the year off with great energy. So wear something you don’t mind getting wet and get ready to party under the stars.

It is recommended that student attendees only bring necessary items as there will not be a place to store personal items during the event. The Student Activities Council, Student Engagement and Belonging and the Rhatigan Student Center are not responsible for any lost items.

Join Shockers Vote for a Lunchbox Dialogue Aug. 26

Lunchbox Dialogue is a relaxed, back-to-school event featuring build-your-own lunch kits and meaningful conversations to build community and connection. Join from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 on the Rhatigan Student Center north patio for a fun and welcoming kickoff to the semester.

Whether you’re reconnecting with or meeting new people, come enjoy good food, great conversations and a chance to unwind with fellow Shockers. Free to attend; just register on Shocker Sync to reserve your spot.