Shocker Blast: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Enrollment

Enroll now in your summer and fall classes

Enrollment for the summer and fall semesters is now open. View the course schedule and enroll now by using Banner and logging in with your myWSU information. Have any questions for what classes you should take to meet your program requirements? Schedule a time to meet with an academic advisor: View a list of academic advisors in each college.

In addition to your fall classes, consider enrolling in a summer class. Summer classes are a great option for students because:

They can help you catch up on credits, lighten your fall and spring course loads, or let you graduate sooner.
They are flexible — courses are available in four-, six- or eight-week schedules with online, hybrid and in-person formats.
And they can be supported by financial aid.

Student Government Association

All are welcome to today’s SGA Student Senate meeting

Join the Student Government Association Student Senate for a meeting at 7:30 p.m. today in 233 Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Trail room. Meetings will also be livestreamed on the SGA YouTube.

Where students come first, the Wichita State Student Government Association is the governing entity for the student experience at the university. SGA is charged with promoting and stimulating student participation in the university’s activities and providing an official channel of communication between the students, faculty, staff, administration and elected officials.

To learn more about SGA, visit wichita.edu/sga, email sga@wichita.edu or stop by the offices in 219 Rhatigan Student Center.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Yellow and white background with money and pig icons. Text states: Summer Financial Aid Application Now Open

Summer Financial Aid applications are now open

Summer classes on your mind? Make sure your financial aid is ready to go.

Wichita State’s summer Financial Aid application is officially open, and now’s the perfect time to lock in support for your summer coursework.

How to apply for summer aid:

If you have not already submitted a 2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to Wichita State, be sure to complete and add Wichita State’s school code (001950) to your FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
Enroll for summer courses at Wichita State
Complete the WSU Summer 2026 Financial Aid Application* on your myWSU student portal.
- The application can be found under the myFinances tab, within the Financial Aid Links section. Click on “Summer Aid Application”
- Priority date to submit your application is May 1

For help, make an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships or call 316-978-3430.

Learn more about summer Financial Aid

Programs and Courses

4, 6 or 8 week summer classes enrollment is open. Students mingle at a business conference and the text ECON 202 - Online: Principles of Microeconomics

Summer course spotlight: Get a deeper insight into the economy this summer with Principles of Microeconomics

Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 202), CRN: 30386, offered online, dives into how households and businesses make decisions, how competition shapes prices, and how issues like regulation, globalization and environmental policy affect everyday choices. A smart pick for anyone who wants to understand the forces behind what we buy, sell and value.

View your schedule and add ECON 202

4, 6 or 8 week summer classes enrollment is open. A WSU student coaches kids and hypes them up with the text SMGT 750D - Online. Sociology of Coaching

Summer course spotlight: Learn what goes into coaching, from little league to the pros, in Sociology of Coaching

With the World Cup on the horizon and sports booming at every level, Sociology of Coaching (SMGT 750D), CRN: 31094, offered online this summer, digs into what coaches really do and why it matters. Explore the social forces that shape coaching, from youth leagues to the pros, and examine the impact coaches have both on and off the field.

View your schedule and add SMGT 750D

Interested in Studying Abroad? Come to an Information Session! When: Friday, April 24th at 2 p.m. RSC 266 Pike Room

Learn more about Study Abroad opportunities at information session

Interested in studying abroad? The first step would be to attend one of the upcoming information sessions. The last study abroad information session of the spring semester will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 24 in 266 Rhatigan Student Center, Pike Room.

See the website for the complete list of information sessions or for the video option and to register if you plan to attend.

Education with Purpose, Explore our NEW undergrad classes in public and nonprofit management! wichita.edu/hws

Explore new classes in public and nonprofit management

The Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs is excited to announce the launch of new undergraduate courses in public and nonprofit management for summer/fall 2026. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in the community, these courses are designed to guide you toward a fulfilling career in government, public service or nonprofit work.

Enroll in courses such as “Introduction to Public Administration,” “Public Policy Processes,” “Contemporary Issues in Democratic Governance” and “Managing People in Government and Nonprofit Organizations.” Gain essential skills like analytical problem-solving, effective writing and presentation. By joining these courses offered by the Hugo Wall School, you will also connect with a close-knit network of accomplished faculty and alums, opening doors to valuable internships and job opportunities.

For more information on these new courses, visit the Hugo Wall School’s webpage at wichita.edu/hugowall.

Learn more about the London travel seminar in summer 2027

Interested in visiting London? There will be a London travel seminar available next summer starting May 2027 that is open to all students of any major. The study abroad program will allow students to travel in a group to London with WSU faculty from the English department and connect classroom learning with real world experiences while visiting many different sites in London.

Travel seminar scholarships are also available up to $3,000 each. Learn more about the travel seminar at wichita.edu/LondonSummer.

Campus Safety

WSUPD offers advice for driver, pedestrian safety

The University Police Department encourages all students, faculty, staff and visitors to remain safe while driving and walking across campus.

The University Police Department encourages all students, faculty, staff and visitors to remain safe while driving and walking across campus.

WSUPD offers the following safety tips to both drivers and pedestrians:

For drivers:

Follow all traffic laws, including driving at or under speed limits and coming to a full stop at stop signs.
Stop for all pedestrians and offer proper clearance for them to cross the road.
Be vigilant when approaching intersections. Even if you have a green light, pedestrians may still be crossing.
Be prepared for pedestrians to suddenly cross the road if you see them approaching a crosswalk. They may not give you adequate signals they will cross before doing so.
Make sure to use your blinkers when making turns, and check that you don’t accidentally have your blinker on when you don’t intend to turn.
When making turns, make sure to check for pedestrians in front of you as well as where you are turning into.
If you see a yellow light, slow down and proceed with caution when it is safe to do so. Pedestrians may start crossing as you pass through.
Be extra vigilant when visibility is low, such as at night or in heavy rain, snow or fog.
Consider using the Wichita State Transit buses when traffic is high or visibility is low, or when you have to drive a considerable distance across campus.

For pedestrians:

Follow all traffic laws and traffic signals that tell you when and when not to cross.
Always use marked crosswalks. Many drivers are not expecting pedestrians crossing elsewhere.
Check for cars coming from both directions before you begin to cross the road.
Remain vigilant for cars when crossing the road. Pedestrians have the right of way on roads, but drivers may not see you crossing in time to slow down.
Make sure drivers coming from both directions have clear sight of you before you cross the road.
When using a crosswalk, make it clear that you are about to cross before doing so to give drivers enough time to see you, slow down and let you through.
If a driver has their car blinker on, make sure they are slowing down and completing the turn before crossing the road. They may have a malfunction or left it on by mistake and may not be turning.
Be extra vigilant when visibility is low, such as at night or in heavy rain, snow or fog.
Consider using the Wichita State Transit buses when traffic is high or visibility is low, or when you have to walk a considerable distance across campus.

Events and Recreation

Student Government Association wants to thank students for letting them serve for the 68th session

As the 68th session of the Student Government Association comes to a close, SGA wants to thank the student body for allowing us to serve you this academic school year. Join us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, April 20 at the Rhatigan Student Center’s east courtyard to relax over your lunch break. There will also be Noble House, Flying Stove, Just-a-Sip Co Cha Cha Matcha and more.

Campus community invited to last legislative update session of the semester in Morrison Hall

Join Zach Gearhart, chief of staff and executive director of government relations, for updates on the legislature relevant to Wichita State. The last meeting for the legislative session is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 17 in 101 Morrison Hall. The meeting is open to all faculty, staff and students.

Open Streets ICT returns to WSU, Shocker Neighborhood in April

Open Streets ICT returns to Wichita State University’s campus for a fourth spring featuring community events, resources for families, art and food in Shocker Neighborhood.
“This year highlights PreK–12 engagement, connecting families to summer resources that support learning, growth, and opportunity,” said Naquela Pack, director of K-12 connections and special projects for Wichita State Connect.

Open Streets ICT is a community-building event on a closed street, intended to promote healthy active living and social engagement. From noon to 4 p.m. April 19, Open Streets ICT – WSU & Shocker Neighborhood will take place on 17th Street from Oliver to Volutsia.

The event is free and open to the public. 

Kick off summer at the End of the Year Block Party

Kick off summer the right way at our End of the Year Block Party from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23 at the north patio of the Rhatigan Student Center. Enjoy Just-A-Sip dirty soda and pretzel bites while you hang out with music, games and crafts. Be one of the first 100 students to score a free pair of sunglasses while supplies last.

End of the Year Block Party is hosted by Student Engagement & Belonging. For more information about this event or other SE&B programs, call 316-978-3022 or email SEB@wichita.edu.

Celebrate Christopher Leonard’s release of his new leadership book with CAPS

Counseling and Psychological Services is proud to announce a book release celebration honoring Dr. Christopher Leonard, a valued member of Student Affairs on the publication of his new book, “Leadership is Love: A Practical Guide for a Radical Idea.”

The event will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. April 29 in 301 Rhatigan Student Center, Gridley Room and is open to students, faculty, staff and the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate with CAPS and hear from the author.

“Leadership is Love” delivers an honest, courageous call to lead differently, reflecting Leonard’s expertise and passion for leadership. The work reflects significant inspirations in his life and highlights the power of relationships in the workplace.

Light refreshments and cake will be served. Limited copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

For more information, contact Annette Santiago at annette.santiago@wichita.edu.

Save the date for College of Engineering Open House event

The College of Engineering invites all to save the date for its annual Engineering Open House from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 8 in the John Bardo Center.

Between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., senior engineering and computing students will present prototype solutions throughout the building. From the end of student presentations until 7 p.m., there will be refreshments served, as well as an awards ceremony in the building lobby.

WSU to host American Conference Academic Symposium

Wichita State is proud to host the American Conference Academic Consortium’s 2026 Academic Symposium April 16-18. The consortium funds grants for research in the area of student-athlete well-being and brings together student-athletes, scholars and athletics staff from member institutions to learn about important research implications.

The symposium features interactive research presentations, student-athlete panels and a keynote by coach, educator and community builder Marshall Cho.

Space limitations preclude open attendance by the full campus community, but Friday’s and Saturday’s sessions will be livestreamed YouTube.

News

Students in thermal cloths sit on the ground acting as students with camera and audio equipment record the scene

Shocker Studios aims to connect actors with jobs through its casting office

Shocker Studios Casting wants to grow into Kansas’ source for matching talent with projects of all types.

Producing a movie or short film that needs a certain actor to fill a role? Is your business launching a market campaign or in need of a voice-over? Are you a student in need of a type of actor for a video project?

“A casting office serves as a tool to connect,” said Kayla Shebshayevich, assistant educator for acting for the digital arts at Wichita State University’s School of Digital Arts. “The casting office reaches out to its network of actors, and they’re responsible for finding that best talent for that project to make it a success.”

The 2026-27 WSU catalogs are live

The 2026-27 Wichita State undergraduate and graduate catalogs are now live and online. Links to both catalogs can be found at wichita.edu/catalog.

Get updated information on admission, financial aid, advising, student resources, degree requirements and more.

Use the “Search Courses” feature to find courses offered at WSU by subject, department or course attributes such as general education, badges and honors.

Look on the “Degrees and Academic Majors” page to browse through all of WSU’s undergraduate or graduate degrees, programs and certificates. The search feature allows you to narrow the table down to the programs you are most interested in. Click on the name of the program and go right to the program information.

The catalogs are accessible from your desktop, tablet and smartphone.

Links to download PDFs of the full undergraduate and graduate catalogs are located at the bottom right of every page.

Wichita State awarded 2026-27 Military Friendly School designation

Wichita State has been designated a Military Friendly School in the Tier 2 Research Institution category, earning gold status, and has also been recognized as a Military Spouse Friendly School, ranking in the top ten at number eight. These prestigious distinctions highlight Wichita State’s unwavering dedication to creating a supportive, inclusive and accessible environment for service members, veterans and military-connected learners.

This recognition reflects the university’s ongoing efforts to provide high-quality academic programs, personalized support services and meaningful career pathways that empower military-affiliated students to succeed both in the classroom and beyond. From tailored advising and veteran-focused resources to strong campus and community partnerships, Wichita State continues to prioritize the unique needs of those who have served and their families.

Professional Development

Projecting Your Professional Self With Confidence Percy Turner, WSU Community Engagement Institute April 23, 2026 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Wichita Public Library Rockwell Branch

Join the next session in the Professional Development Series April 23

Join the Professional Development Series from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 23 at the Wichita Public Library, Rockwell Branch, 5939 E. 9th St. N, for “Projecting Your Professional Self With Confidence,” led by Percy Turner of the Community Engagement Institute. Learn practical techniques to strengthen your presence, credibility and influence in any professional setting. Registration is $100 per person.

Beyond the Lab: Research and Reasoning, Wednesdays 3:30-5:30 PM, Ahlberg Hall Room 201, April 15, Publishing and Presenting in the Health Sciences (and Beyond), Full workshop descriptions may be found at libraries.wichita.edu/beyond-the-lab

Attend the next Beyond the Lab workshop on publishing and presenting in the health sciences and beyond

The Beyond the Lab: Research and Reasoning series finishes out the semester with “Publishing and Presenting in the Health Sciences (and Beyond)” at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 in 201 Ahlberg Hall. Presented by University Libraries.

Learn how to take your writing beyond the classroom. This session walks students through what it takes to present at conferences, publish in journals or submit to research competitions. Whether you’re an undergrad getting started or a grad student planning your next step, you’ll leave with a better understanding of the scholarly publishing process.