Shocker Blast: Wednesday, March 11, 2026

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.

Promotional graphic for a Presidential and Vice Presidential Debate with a campus aerial background. Large text reads Presidential & Vice Presidential Debate. Moderated by The Sunflower March 26th and April 2nd @ 6:00 PM in RSC 233, with a note that it will also be livestreamed on SGA’s YouTube. A podium graphic labeled “General Election” appears on the left side.

Student Government Association president and vice-presidential debates will take place March 26 and April 2

Get prepared to cast your ballots for the 2026 Student Government Association general elections. As with all elections, staying informed matters, so join the presidential and vice presidential debates, moderated by the Sunflower, at 6 p.m. March 26 and April 2 in 223 Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Trail Room and livestreamed on SGA’s YouTube channel.

This is your chance to get to know the presidential ticket candidates and what they stand for as potential representatives of Wichita State’s student body. Here are the details:

For questions regarding the debates or the Student Government Association general election, email sga.elections@wichita.edu.

Operations

Jardine Hall services shifting to remote and temporary locations during spring break for electrical switchgear upgrades

Because Jardine Hall will be closed for electrical switchgear upgrades during spring break, student‑serving offices will offer services remotely or from temporary locations March 16-20.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

A yellow spring‑themed flyer with colorful flowers lining the bottom edge reads “Spring Into Scholarship Success”, a Shocker Financial Wellness workshop, Wednesday, March 11, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in room RSC 262.

Attend the spring into scholarship success workshop by Shocker Financial Wellness

Join Shocker Financial Wellness from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 in 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room to spring into scholarship success. This workshop aims to help students with ScholarshipUniverse applications.

HALA Scholarship for Community Service now open to applications

The HALA Scholarship for Community Service assists students in completing their program of study at WSU. The scholarship was established in 1991 and provides scholarships to outstanding Wichita State students.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students while promoting the value of community service to foster a sense of civic duty and commitment to the university and greater Wichita area. The key objectives of the scholarship are to aid in the retention and graduation of WSU students.

To achieve these objectives, the scholarship includes awards based on financial need, academic achievement and service activities. Awarded students must agree to engage in community services activities for WSU and/or community-based organizations. The deadline to apply is March 20.

Apply for the scholarship

Resources

A student works on a project on one of GoCreate's 3D printers

Shocker ID perks: GoCreate membership

GoCreate is a workspace on campus for individuals to develop and create their own ideas and projects, and students with a Shocker ID get an automatic membership. From 3D printing and electronics to metal and woodworking, there’s something for everyone to flex their creative and maker muscles. Learn more at gocreate.com.

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

Mid-semester SEAS check

As we cross the midpoint of the 16-week semester, instructors are reviewing student progress using the Student Early Alert System (SEAS). This system helps identify students who may benefit from additional support.

If you receive a SEAS alert email, it’s an opportunity to reflect, connect with resources and take steps toward improvement.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructor, academic advisor or a Success Coach if you have questions or need assistance. They’re here to support your success.

Savvy Scholar Workshop, Tuesdays at 3:30-4:30, March 24, Getting Started with ArcGIS Online (Online Only)

Attend Savvy Scholar workshop and get started with ArcGIS 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 24 online. Start learning geographic information systems (GIS) with ArcGIS Online. Participants will learn about finding data and making attractive and informative maps with an easy-to-use interface.

RSVP to the workshop

Study Abroad Information Session When: Friday, April 3rd at 2pm; Where: RSC 264 Spencer Room

Learn more about Study Abroad opportunities information session

Interested in studying abroad? The first step would be to attend one of the upcoming information sessions. The next study abroad information session of the spring semester will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 3 in 264 Rhatigan Student Center, Spencer Room.

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

Craig W. Barton Speaker Series

25th U.S. national security advisor will headline 2026 Craig W. Barton Speaker Series

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) H.R. McMaster, 25th U.S. national security advisor, will speak at the 2026 Craig W. Barton Speaker Series at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at Miller Concert Hall in Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Free general admission tickets are available now.

Reserve your tickets for the main event

Events and Recreation

A student visits a table with information on Wichita State during the first day of school

Don’t miss out on your college life

College life can be overwhelming between family, friends, classes and studying that you may feel you’re missing out. That’s why ShockerSync is your convenient hub for student organizations, sports clubs and events for a variety of majors, hobbies and interests.

Beat the FOMO and check out all the events coming up on campus and find your community at wichita.edu/shockersync.

Join SAC and the Ulrich Museum of Art for Makers and Masterpieces March 11

Join the Student Activities Council (SAC) and the Ulrich Museum of Art for a community art-making celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 at the Ulrich in conjunction with the weaving artist Kinta McGhee, a collage artist who believes more things deserve a second chance. Admission is free.

Enjoy the art galleries, free food and expirence a silent headphone disco inside the gallery. Create mini collage magnets from everyday scraps, make one, keep one, swap one.

Students who attend will be enterd into a raffle to win art supplies and Ulrich merch.

Dance the night away at Neon Night Out March 25

Join the Student Activities Council for a glow dance party from 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 in 305/306 Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom. With a live DJ, refreshments, glow face paint and glowing games, this event will provide high energy beats and fun. This event has a clear bag policy and will have a coat check area provided. Student attendees are encouraged to wear white or neon colors.

Rho Beta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. will host third annual Paddles for Purpose

Registration for Paddles for Purpose 2026 by the Rho Beta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. on April 25 at Chicken N Pickle, 1240 N. Greenwich Rd., is now officially open. Registration is $50 per team.

Teams will compete for a number of prizes:

First place: $200 and a set of custom paddles provided by the Rho Beta Chapter
Second place: $100
Third place: $50

And new this year is a traveling trophy to the winning team provided by the Rho Beta Chapter. The last day to register is March 20.

All proceeds from this pickleball tournament will go towards funding Dreamers Scholarship, which is a scholarship the Rho Beta Chapter of SLB hosts, aimed at providing financial assistance to WSU students who do not qualify for federal student aid.

For questions, visit @wichitastatebetas on Instagram or email Marcus Richards, chapter vice president, at mlrichards1@shockers.wichita.edu.

UReCA hosting lunch and learn on disenfranchised community research

Bring your lunch while hearing how research engages and supports disenfranchised communities and how to get involved with the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Hub (UReCA) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12 in Ablah Library in the Collaboration Hub.

RSVP to the lunch and learn

Campus Safety

WSU Fire Safety will conduct required annual fire sprinkler inspection and testing starting March 16

WSU Fire Safety and Myers Automatic Fire Protection LLC will conduct the required annual fire sprinkler inspection and testing throughout campus starting Monday, March 16.

Housing will not be included in these tests. Testing will last approximately two weeks, but could be longer. Every attempt will be made to keep testing as quiet as possible; however, sounding the fire alarm system will be required in some buildings. The alarm will only sound momentarily, but it may sound more than once. No evacuation is necessary during this testing.

There is no set day or time for when a particular building will be tested, and due to the number of buildings and unforeseen complications, a testing schedule is impossible. If you have any special concerns or requests about these tests, email Scott Murray at scott.murray@wichita.edu. Remember, these are required tests that must be conducted.

Stay vigilant of scam callers: Learn the common signs of fraudulent behavior

The Wichita State University Police Department wants to remind Shockers to stay vigilant of scammers. Make sure you’re informed of the telltale signs of scammers.

News

Two high school students at past IGED event

College of Engineering to host about 200 high school students for national engineering day event

On Thursday, March 12, the College of Engineering will host about 200 high school students for the Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (IGED) event, commonly known as Girl Day. The event will be from about 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the majority of the event will be in 305/306 Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom. The second floor of the RSC will also be utilized from about 11 a.m. to noon. Although a private event, WSU students, staff and faculty are encouraged to have positive interactions with high school students, educators and event volunteers when in common areas.

IGED is a national event that takes place during or near National Engineers Week. IGED events inspire and encourage young students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields through mentorship with professional and collegiate role models.

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

Commencement / Degree Information

Deadline to order nursing and dental pins approaching

Graduating nursing and dental hygiene students, don’t forget to order your pins for commencement from the Shocker Store. The deadline to place an order is April 3 to guarantee arrival in time for commencement. Find more information and order online. If you have questions, email shockerstore@wichita.edu or call 316-978-7021 any time between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Shocker Store. International Stoles. Represent your home country during commencement! We can order stoles representing more than 100 countries! Place order by contacting shockerstore@wichita.edu or 316-978-3490.

International Stoles Available to Order from the Shocker Store

Students, would you like to represent your home country during commencement? The RSC Shocker Store now carries various stoles in store from different countries and can order stoles from over 100 more countries/territories. To see the selection of countries the Shocker Store can order stoles for, visit the online Shocker Store.

Specialty ordered stoles arrive to the store in approximately three weeks. For more information or to order a stole, email shockerstore@wichita.edu.

Professional Development

Entrepreneurship Research - Lunch and Learn, Market Research for New Ventures, Thursday, March 12th, 12:00-1:00PM, Ablah Library, In-person and Online.

Begin your entrepreneurial journey over lunch with ‘Market Research for New Ventures’

Master market research by finding key data, identifying competitors and targeting the right audience for your product or service, at the Entrepreneurship Research Lunch and Learn, from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 12 at Ablah Library (in-person and online).

Feel free to bring your own lunch and make it a productive break. This session is free and open to all.

Learn more and register

Attend next Beyond the Lab workshop series today

The Beyond the Lab: Research and Reasoning Workshop Series features WSU’s health sciences librarian, Aaron Bowen, offering workshops that draw from his wealth of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate CHP students (as well as students in other fields who’s learning touches upon the health sciences) about the research process, effective searching to find useful sources, and then understanding and interpreting those sources once they are found.

The next session (rescheduled from March 4), from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 in 201 Ahlberg Hall will help students understand the difference between traditional research and evidence-based practice. Students will explore tools designed to support evidence-informed decisions in healthcare, including the library’s newly updated Evidence-Based Practice Portal, the UpToDate database and the Cochrane Library database.

Special Offers and Promotions

Wu's Wednesday Deal! Women's Adjustable Hat 50% Off. Today only at shockerstore.com

Take advantage of Wu’s Wednesday Deal at the Shocker Store

Save with Wu’s Wednesday Deal from the Shocker Store. Today only, take 50% off a women’s adjustable hat online. Don’t forget, the Shocker Store offers free in-store pickup on online orders.

Find Wu's Wednesday Deal

Spring Break Pizza & Pins Package, March 16-20. 90 minutes of bowling (shoes included), 2 medium cheese or pepperoni pizzas, fountain beverages, valid for groups up to 6 people. $50. Reservations are suggested but walk-ins accepted. Hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 316-978-3479 to reserve. Open to the public!

Spring Break Pizza and Pins Package available at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes

Visit the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes from March 16-20 for the Spring Break Pizza and Pins Package. For just $50, the package includes 90 minutes of bowling (shoes included), two medium cheese or pepperoni pizzas and beverages for groups up to six people.

Reservations are suggested but walk-ins accepted. Hours for the week are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 316-978-3479 to reserve.

Shocker Store, Shocker Softball STEAL! $15 select crew, $20 select hoodie. Softball pop-up shops, RSC store and shockerstore.com while supplies last.

Shocker softball crew and hoodie on sale

Grab a Shocker softball steal from the Shocker Store. While supplies last, grab a select softball crew for $15 and a select softball hoodie for $20. Sale is valid at softball pop-up shops, in the Rhatigan Student Center store and at shockerstore.com. Offer not valid with other discounts or promotions and all sales are final.