Shocker Blast: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

Student Government Association

Spring 2026 town hall virtual event with photos of President Rick Muma, Provost Monica Lounsbery and the SGA president and vice president

Student virtual town hall with SGA and university leaders set for March 2

Do you want to hear more from your student and university leaders about what has been happening this year? Do you want to share your thoughts or concerns on your education and student experience? Attend the virtual Student Government Association (SGA) town hall featuring university administration starting at 2 p.m. Monday, March 2 virtually via the SGA YouTube.

Here, you will get a chance to not only hear from the Student Government Association and the university administration, but you will also have a chance to ask questions over the course of the town hall.

Students interested in submitting questions for consideration can use this form before the town hall: Student Government Association student town hall question submission

Find the livestream link

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.

Resources

A student in a blue button up shirt and a WSU tie poses in front of the Ulrich Museum of Art

Set yourself up for career success by using these resources

Need help setting up your online professional footprint? The Shocker Career Accelerator has a number of resources that can get you started.

Find more career resources

Students in the School of Performing Arts perform Pippin on campus

Shocker ID perks: Fine arts

A perk of your Shocker ID is access to all College of Fine Arts events on campus at no additional charge, thanks to the Student Government Association. Whether you want to listen to concerts from the School of Music or watch theater or dance performances from the School of Performing Arts, there’s something for everyone.

Coming up is the SPARK Spring Dance Concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26-28 and 2 p.m. March 1 in Wilner Auditorium. Just present your Shocker ID at the Fine Office Box Office in Duerksen Fine Arts Center to grab your ticket.

Find all upcoming fine arts events

Pee4Pizza is back at Student Health Services

Student Health Services and Positive Directions, Inc. hosts monthly free screenings and testing clinics for sexually transmitted illnesses and testing clinics. Schedule your appointment in the myShockerhealth portal to receive your free STI screening and free pizza.

Savvy Scholar Workshop, Tuesdays at 3:30-4:30, March 3, Intro to R Statistical Computing (Online Only)

Attend upcoming intro to R statistical computing online Savvy Scholar workshop online

Improve your research skills and tackle academic challenges by attending this week’s Savvy Scholar workshop from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3 online.

Join Ablah Library’s new data librarian in exploring R, a powerful and flexible open-source (i.e., free) tool for reading data, analyzing results and creating visualizations.

RSVP to the workshop

Apply for the URCA Hub Research Grant

The URCA Hub research grants can be used for travel in direct support of the research project (e.g., books, field sites, museums, historic sites), as well as most materials and equipment. All materials and equipment must stay at WSU once the project is complete. Grants may be used as participant incentives with proof of appropriate IRB approval.

Read more of Apply for the URCA Hub Research Grant

Weather Awareness

Stay informed on WSU’s weather response process

At Wichita State, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority. During periods of inclement weather or extreme cold, we closely monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions about campus operations.

Each weather event is different, and decisions require input from many parts of the university. Facilities staff assess whether sidewalks, parking lots and campus roadways can be cleared and maintained. Dining and housing staff evaluate whether they can continue supporting the students who live on campus and rely on university services. Academic leaders consider the implications for course requirements, while Human Resources evaluates employee obligations and safety.

Since no decision can perfectly fit the circumstances of every member of our community, WSU emphasizes shared and personal responsibility. Each individual must evaluate their own situation, prioritize personal safety, and make responsible choices about whether it is safe to come to campus.

Review WSU’s full weather response process

News

Remember to update your contact information

Students are requested to provide updated information to WSU anytime there is a change to contact information. This includes mailing address, phone number and emergency contact. It is especially important that you provide and update an emergency contact.

The person you list will only be contacted in the event of a health or safety emergency in which you are personally involved. If you live on campus, this will also be the person contacted should you be reported as missing. You may list a parent, family member, spouse or other trusted individual as your emergency contact. You will find the link to your profile page on the myWSU “Home” tab, under Student Tools -> myContact Info. A separate link there also provides an opportunity to update self-reported military affiliation.

Please take a few minutes right now and ensure WSU has your updated information and an emergency contact.

Donate and have your fines forgiven with Food For Fines

From March 2 through March 6, Wichita State is hosting Food for Fines, a program that allows students to have parking or traffic citations forgiven by donating items to support the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker.

If you have a citation, you can participate by donating nonperishable food or hygiene items instead of paying your fine. Citation forgiveness is based on donation level: for citations between $0 and $50, donate 10 to 15 nonperishable food or hygiene items. For $45 tickets, donate two household or hygiene items. For $75 tickets, donate one baby item.

Five undergraduate students to represent WSU at Research Day at the Capitol

The 2026 Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol features up to 40 students from all Kansas Board of Regents institutions, including five from Wichita State.

Nominate an adult learner or an online learner for an award

On April 9, the Office of Online and Adult Learning will be hosting the seventh annual Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY) and the Online Learner of the Year (OLOTY) awards ceremony. OAL is calling on the WSU community to help find an adult learner and an online learner at WSU deserving of the title.

Students nominated for this award should exemplify the criteria outlined:

Grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (extenuating circumstances can be reviewed)
Academic advancement: Noteworthy improvement in academic performance and/or high levels of positive engagement within a classroom setting or substantial contributions to the overall learning process
Personal triumphs: Overcoming personal hurdles and demonstrating resilience
Shocker pride: Active participation in their personal community or within their classes showcasing a commitment to making a positive difference

Nominate a student for the ALOTY or OLOTY Award

Summer 2026 K-INBRE applications are due March 12

Applications are now being accepted for undergraduate research support during the summer semester from the Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) program. Students in this program are supported with an hourly wage and mentors are allocated funds for lab supplies.

To be eligible, students must identify a mentor and a research lab in which to work. For full announcement and eligibility requirements, email Meris Carte, research laboratory manager for biological sciences, at meris.carte@wichita.edu. Applications are due at end of day March 12.

Shocker Athletics

Harding breaks single-season threes school record, women’s basketball defeats UTSA, 62-61

Jaila Harding’s school record-breaking performance led the Shockers to a 62-61 win over UTSA Feb. 21 afternoon during the annual Play4Kay pink game in Charles Koch Arena.

With her third make from deep, Harding broke Wichita State’s 26-year old single-season record for made three-pointers, previously set by Courtney Sims in the 1999-2000 season, and she pushed her season total to 75 by the end of the night. She added a steal and logged nearly 37 minutes on her way to 19 points in the win.

Women’s basketball hosts North Texas for Senior Night and Fan Appreciation Night March 3

Join Shocker women’s basketball as it hosts North Texas at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 3 in Charles Koch Arena for Senior Night and Fan Appreciation Night. Senior Night recognizes the dedication and accomplishments of the team’s seniors, and Fan Appreciation Night is an opportunity to thank supporters’ loyalty all season long with discounted general admission tickets.

End the regular season at home by celebrating the players and fans who make it special.

Events and Recreation

Beige background with text in the color red. Pizzas in photo.

Join the political science department for Pizza and Politics

Join the Department of Political Science for Pizza and Politics at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 in 417 Lindquist Hall. Dr. Carolyn Shaw, professor of political science, will present slides from her recent visits to Cuba. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

For dietary accommodations, email RaeLynn Jordan at raelynn.jordan@wichita.edu.

Register for Clash Build Cash, a WSU Center for Entrepreneurship competition

What if you could put your business instincts to the test, make real business decisions and see the results play out in minutes? The Center for Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with the NextGen Entrepreneurs Student Organization, is hosting a fast-paced game competition that puts your strategy, risk taking and creativity to the test.

Whether you’re just exploring entrepreneurship or gearing up for the Shocker New Venture Competition, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Learn more and register

Image reads "Kansas Gender & Sexuality Conference" surrounded by the shape of the state of Kansas in rainbow colors.

Last chance to pre-register for the 2026 Kansas Gender & Sexuality Conference

The 2026 Kansas Gender & Sexuality Conference will be held March 6 at the Marcus Welcome Center. The conference is free and open to all students, faculty, and staff from Kansas colleges and universities as well as to surrounding communities.

Calling Student Groups and Organizations. Sunday April 19 | 12 - 4 p.m.17th St (from Oliver to Volustia) join us for Open Streets ICT: WSU & Shocker Neighborhood , this Spring. Help make a GREAT Impact! Register to be a volunteer or table today.

Connect and engage at Open Streets ICT: WSU & Shocker Neighborhood

Students, student groups and university organizations are invited to participate and help bring the heat to Open Streets ICT: WSU & Shocker Neighborhood from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19.

Open Streets ICT: WSU & Shocker Neighborhood is a free community-building event along 17th Street (from Oliver to Volutsia), focused on elevating physical well-being and healthy living while fostering lasting connections.

Volunteer and connect with thousands of community members or table and increase engagement through fun activities and games. Registration is free, just select “on route” when completing the form.

For questions, contact Naquela Pack at naquela.pack@wichita.edu or 316-978-5955

Secure your spot

Presentations and Talks

Dr. Varun S. Kamboj from MIT will present a talk Feb. 25

Join the upcoming physics seminar at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 in 127 Jabara Hall. The talk features Dr. Varun S. Kamboj, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who will present on “Shining Light on Quantum Materials at the Nanoscale: Insights from Terahertz Nanoscopy and Spectroscopy.”

A detail of a screenprint of an Indigenous man.

Wichita artist Taiomah Rutledge will give a talk at the Ulrich

Multimedia artist Taiomah Rutledge (Ojibwe, Meskawaki, and Dakota) is a co-founder of the Warclan Collective. His art explores themes of identity, generational memory, and reclamation of cultural space.

Come to the Ulrich Museum of Art for a free artist talk at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 5 about his exhibition, “Taiomah Rutledge: Origins/Evolutions,” on view through July 25. The works in this exhibition, (the first in the “In Place” series, which focuses on Wichita-based artists), exemplify the evolution of Rutledge’s practice and highlight his role as both artist and cultural advocate.