Shocker Blast: Monday, March 3, 2025

Enrollment

Learn more about summer and fall classes

Summer and fall class schedules are now available — Plan ahead and enroll early

Summer and fall course schedules are now available online. WSU encourages you to meet with your advisor and decide the classes you plan to take now so you’re ready when registration begins April 7; the sooner you enroll, the more likely you are to get the classes you want.

Never thought about taking a summer class before? Summer classes are a great way to either catch up on credits, lighten your fall and spring course loads, or graduate sooner. They are flexible — courses are available in two-, four- or eight-week schedules with online, hybrid and in-person formats — and can be supported by financial aid.

Find the schedule of classes

Weather Awareness

Kansas participating in Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 3-7

In conjunction with the National Weather Service, the State of Kansas will participate in the Severe Weather Preparedness Week from March 3 to 7. At 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, Sedgwick County Emergency Management Services will sound the severe weather sirens throughout the county.

All personnel — faculty, staff, students and guests — are expected to go to a designated shelter until the all clear is given. This drill will be educational for all involved and provide those overseeing campus safety a way of evaluating the effectiveness of WSU’s emergency preparedness during a tornado. Go to the Wichita State tornado shelters webpage to learn more about what to do during a tornado warning and to locate your designated shelter.

For more information, contact Andrew Clem — Environmental, Health and Safety Department director — at 316-978-7904 or andrew.clem@wichita.edu.

Morrison Hall on campus covered in snow.

Inclement weather expected March 5

With expected snow accumulation in Wichita Wednesday, March 5, be sure that you are prepared to stay safe as you make your way to and around campus.

While traveling, whether on foot or by car, allow yourself extra time to make it to your destination safely.
Wear warm clothing, such as water-resistant coats and boots and several layers of clothing, and cover the most-affected body parts such as nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin and fingers with hats, scarves and gloves.
If you are concerned about coming to campus because of the weather, contact your instructors about classes.

While on campus, buildings are open during the school day, so if you feel like you are experiencing any adverse effects from the weather, take a moment to warm up in a building before continuing.

If you experience any health issues from the weather, you can contact Student Health Services (SHS) at student.health@wichita.edu or call 316-978-4792. SHS is located in the Steve Clark YMCA on campus.

Resources

Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society is seeking student leaders

Are you a first-generation student looking to make a difference? Tri Alpha Honor Society is seeking student leaders to help grow its student organization. It will host tables from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 and 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 6 at the Student Success Center. Stop by to find out more.

Benefits of joining Tri Alpha:

Leadership opportunities: Develop and showcase your leadership skills.
Networking: Connect with fellow first-generation students and professionals.
Academic recognition: Be recognized for your academic excellence.

Come out to the table to learn more about leadership opportunities within Tri Alpha. Don’t miss your chance to be part of an organization that values academic excellence and community service.

Pee for Pizza Wednesday, March 5th from 12 - 4pm. Free Pizza, Prevent the spread of STIs, go to the myShockerhealth portal to schedule an appointment. Decorative pizza slice images and sponsor logs of Student Health, Positive Directions, and Shocker Sport Grill and Lanes

The next Pee for Pizza being hosted March 5

Student Health Services (SHS) is hosting its next Pee for Pizza event. It will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 at the Student Wellness Center in the Steve Clark YMCA. Pee for Pizza promotes sexual health awareness, supports students’ health and prevents the spread of STIs. Get free pizza when you get free testing for HIV, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia by giving a urine sample. Pizza is provided to all participants.

Co-sponsored by Positive Direction and Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes, Pee for Pizza is by reservation only. Appointments can be made through the myShockerhealth portal or call 316-978-4792 (4SWC). Participants must not use the restroom at least one hour before testing. For more information contact SHS at 316-978-4792. Other testing is available upon request.

Your path to success starts with TRIO SSS. Are you eligible? First-gen, pell-eligible, have a documented disability. The benefits of TRIO Student Support Services: academic advising and mentorship, free tutoring, computer lab and free printing, scholarships, academic and life skill success workshops, textbook and technology checkout. Apply now at wichita.edu/sss.

Join TRIO Student Support Services for free resources to support your education

Are you an undergraduate looking for extra support on campus? You can find it with TRIO Student Support Services (SSS).

SSS provides completely free resources and assistance to help you navigate the path to success in college. The 100% federally funded program fosters a sense of community and encourages growth from orientation to graduation.

So, what all do you get when join SSS? Students get free tutoring, peer mentoring, textbook loans, exclusive access to the SSS technology lab (with free printing available), interactive workshops to boost academic and life skills, academic advising, exclusive scholarships just for participants and more.

Interested in applying? Visit the SSS website, find the SSS office in 307 Shocker Success Center or call 316-978-3715 for more info.

Events and Recreation

Poster for the Shocker New Venture Competition featuring bold graphics and text highlighting a competition involving innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit.

Shocker New Venture Competitions applications are now open

The Shocker New Venture Competition (SNVC) is now accepting applications. The SNVC is a chance to pitch your business idea, compete for funding and gain valuable mentorship.

Win big: Compete for the $25,000 grand prize and secure funding to bring your idea to life.
Mentorship and networking: Connect with experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders and investors who can help guide your journey.
Boost your startup: Get expert feedback and refine your business model.

Don’t miss the opportunity to launch your venture. Applications are open now – apply now.

For more details, visit the Shocker New Venture Competition website.

The event is hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship in the Barton School of Business.

Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Hub, Open House, March 4, 2-3:30PM, A Unit of the Cohen Honors College, Ablah Library - 125A

Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Hub hosting open house March 4

Join the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Hub (UReCA) open house from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 in 125A Ablah Library. Learn more about its services, ongoing projects and goals to increase undergraduate research in Shocker Nation. Meet the director, Dr. Michael Birzer, and the academic program specialist, Estella Armenta. Refreshments will be provided.

Shocker Athletics

Shocker Store. Men's Basketball Sidewalk Sale. 30% off select Shocker basketball merchandise. Sunday, March 9. Koch Arena Store

Shocker Store hosting sidewalk sale for March 9 men’s basketball game

If you’re attending the Shocker men’s basketball game at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 9, swing by the Shocker Store’s sidewalk sale at the Charles Koch Arena store to enjoy 30% off select Shocker basketball merchandise.

Store opens one hour prior to game time.

Shocker Store. Women's Basketball Sidewalk Sale. 30% off select Shocker basketball merchandise. Tuesday, March 4. Koch Arena Store

Shocker Store hosts Women’s Basketball Sidewalk Sale

If you’re attending the Shocker women’s basketball game against Tulsa Tuesday, March 4, swing by the Shocker Store’s Women’s Basketball Sidewalk Sale at the Charles Koch Arena store and enjoy 30% off select Shocker basketball merchandise. Store opens at 5 p.m., one hour prior to game time.

Volunteer Opportunities

How does university social media shape your college experience?

Ever wondered how university social media impacts students’ sense of belonging? A graduate student in the Elliott School of Communication is looking for focus group participants who identify as Black, Hispanic or LGBTQ+ to share their experiences and thoughts about university social media content.

The purpose of this research is to explore how social media can reduce feelings of uncertainty and foster a sense of connection during the first-year of college.

Focus groups will last approximately one hour and will be held:

2-3 p.m. March 10
3:30-4:30 p.m. March 11
3-4 p.m. March 11

Participants must be 18 years or older and a current first-year undergraduate student. For more information and to RSVP, email Kaelyn Hannah at kaelyn.hannah@wichita.edu.

News

Student Health Services launches newsletter covering different health topics every month

Student Health Services is excited to announce its new myShockerhealth Newsletter. The monthly newsletter will highlight a variety of topics in health education and promotion of wellness.

Articles such as the difference between stomach flu and influenza and seasonal affective disorder are examples of what to expect. Opportunities to learn more about healthy services and events on-campus and in the community will provide something for everyone.

Read this month's newsletter

Deadline to nominate someone for ALOTY or OLOTY is March 7

The Office of Online and Adult Learning is hosting its sixth annual Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY) awards ceremony from 3 to 5 p.m. April 3 in 305/306 Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom.

Every year, the ALOTY awards recognize an outstanding adult student at Wichita State, a WSU partner and a community partner who support these adult learners on their journey towards a degree. To qualify for the ALOTY award, a student must be 24 years or older, have a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate leadership, Shocker Pride and perseverance towards obtaining a degree.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, March 7. To nominate someone, learn more about the ALOTYs and Online Learner of the Year (OLOTY) award, and see some of the past recipients, visit the ALOTY website. For any questions, call 316-978-8315 or email Pamela O’Neal at pamela.oneal@wichita.edu

Apply now for 2025-26 Student Activities Council executive board

Are you interested in planning events and building community on campus? If so, the Student Activities Council executive board can be a good opportunity for you. Being a part of the board is an opportunity to grow as a leader, network with industry professionals, build community among your peers and help plan events for students and faculty.

Apply now on ShockerSync. Applications are due by April 7. To learn more, go to wichita.edu/sac.

Participate in USD 259 and WSU Españolandia competition for middle and high school students

Organizers need participants to join Españolandia by providing a Spanish speaking experience to the Spanish Competition school students. From 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 4, Wichita State and Wichita Public Schools will hold the competition for middle and high school students on campus.

Españolandia is a simulated travel experience to a Spanish speaking country that allows students to improve their language skills and learn about other cultures.

You can support the competition by participating with your organization in Españolandia. If you are interested, contact Rocío Del Águila, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, at rocio.delaguila@wichita.edu or Andrea Brant at abrant@usd259.net for questions.

Students in the middle of filming in front of the Wichita State mural in the RSC.

See the lives of your fellow Shockers in ‘The College Tour’

See what your fellow Shockers are up to in Wichita State’s episode of “The College Tour,” an Amazon Prime original series. Visit wichita.edu/thecollegetour to watch the full hour-long episode or explore the 20 individual segments.

Share it with your friends and family to give them a glimpse of what life at WSU is all about. And while you’re watching, keep an eye out — you might spot some familiar faces.

The episode will premiere on Amazon Prime starting May 27.

Shocker Leadership Awards 2025 in large text. Application deadline Friday, March 7. Event date Wednesday, May 7. Flyer is bordered with a trophy icon on the right and left.

13th annual Shocker Leadership Awards application is now open

Student Engagement & Belonging is happy to announce its 13th annual Shocker Leadership Awards committee is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 academic year. The award recognizes student organizations and student leaders, faculty and staff for their contributions to student engagement and belonging on campus.

All registered student organizations and university affiliated groups are eligible to apply.

The award categories are as follows:

Individual awards

RSO President of the Year
Advisor of the Year

Organization awards

Commitment to Belonging
Commitment to Civic Mindedness
Co-Sponsored Program of the Year
Educational Program of the Year
Large Student Organization of the Year
New Program of the Year
New Student Organization of the Year
Outstanding Program of the Year
Small Student Organization of the Year

For more information on the specific requirements for each award and to apply, visit Student Engagement & Belonging’s website. The deadline for applications is by 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 7.

Presentations and Talks

Paul Silvia to give presentation on his book, ‘How To Write A Lot’

Join the Graduate School in hosting best-selling author Dr. Paul Silvia from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 via Zoom. Silvia will go over tips and tricks from his book “How To Write A Lot” and how to become a more fluent writer.

For more information and the Zoom link, visit wichita.edu/pds under “March events.”

Photograph of a black bear in a tree, looking at the camera.

Biological sciences seminar continues with Dr. Sue Fairbanks March 3

The Department of Biological Sciences’ spring 2025 seminar series continues with Dr. Sue Fairbanks, Oklahoma State University, from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, March 3 in 218 Hubbard Hall. She will give a public lecture titled, “Population biology of a declining pronghorn population and an increasing black bear population.”

Seminars are open to the public and undergraduates are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit wichita.edu/biology.

College of Fine Arts Connoisseur Series presents artist talk with Jane Gabbert

As part of the College of Fine Arts Connoisseur Series, the WSU School of Performing Arts is pleased to host an artist talk with acclaimed actress Jane Gabbert from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 7 in 266 Rhatigan Student Center, Pike Room. The event is free and open to the public. Guests should RSVP prior to the event.

Jane will be returning to WSU to direct the 2024 Bela Kiralyfalvi Playwriting Competition Award Winning play, “The Angel of Death,” written by current student Amanda Schmalzried, premiering March 6-8 at the Welsbacher Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex.

Training Opportunities and Workshops

Entrepreneurship Research Lunch & Learn Market Research for Startups March 7 · 12:00 - 1:00 PM · Ablah Library In-Person & Online

Join the Entrepreneurship Workshop on market research for startups

Join University Libraries from noon to 1 p.m. March 7 at Ablah Library’s Digital Learning Commons (in-person and online) for a workshop on market research for startups.

Whether you’re in business, arts or any innovative field, you’ll gain valuable skills to analyze trends and competition, boosting your academic projects.

Open to all students — bring your lunch, take a break and learn how to apply market research to your work. Open to all, with no cost to attend.

Learn more and register ahead of time

Savvy Scholar Workshop 3 - 4 PM Library In-Person & Online Mar 4 AI and Library Research: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Savvy Scholar Workshop – AI and library research: the good, the bad and the ugly

Join University Libraries from 3 to 4 p.m. March 4 at Ablah Library (in-person and online) for a workshop that’s all about making your life easier. There is no cost to attend.

You’ll learn how to use AI to speed up research while spotting its limitations, so you know when to trust it — and when to dig deeper.

Learn more and register