Current First-Year Seminar Courses

 Must be a recipient of the Sedgwick County Promise Scholarship.

The Shocker Promise Academy is a week-long program for new students to help in the transition from high school to college at Wichita State. The program will provide students with an opportunity to connect with peers, learn about the campus and resources, and develop leadership skills. Students will also enroll in a free three credit hour class where they will explore aspects of critical thinking, financial literacy, problem solving, professionalism and leadership through the application of training, engagement, and real-world experiences. Reservations are required by June 1 or will remain open until we reach capacity.

• August 5-9, 2024
• This is a FREE program.
• Students who qualified received an email from Financial Aid (wichita.edu/financialaid)

Shocker Promise Academy  -  hosted by Financial Aid

Passage 2 Success is a week-long retreat for incoming freshmen from diverse backgrounds to help in their transition to Wichita State University! The purpose of this retreat is to connect with other incoming students, meet current student leaders, explore Wichita, and gain the skills and tools to be socially and academically successful. Priority deadline for reservations is June 2, but open until July 21 or until the program reaches capacity.

• August 11-15, 2024
• Program Fee = $75
• More information: wichita.edu/p2s

Passage 2 Success - hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Must be a College of Engineering major.

Spend a week engaged in academic enrichment sessions, hands-on activities, and fun social events. You will have the opportunity interact with peers and engineering faculty and staff before the fall semester starts. SEA students are eligible to earn credit for Engineering+, a graduation requirement. 

Shocker Engineering Academy - hosted by the College of Engineering

 Must be a Pre-Nursing major.

This program aims to help pre-nursing students develop efficient skills and habits necessary for success in prerequisite courses and in the Nursing program. The agenda includes sessions from Nursing faculty, current Nursing students, and Student Success. Reservations are required.

• • August 12-13, 2024
  • For more information or to place a reservation, contact the CHP Success Coach at chelsea.dey@wichita.edu or
    316-978-3239.

 This program is designed for students wanting to develop and strengthen their leadership skills as they prepare to step into the many leadership experiences available to incoming students. Participants will hone their unique leadership style through self-discovery in large and small group sessions and team activities. Every Shocker Starts Somewhere – start your WSU Leadership journey at the Immersive Leadership Institute!

• August 12-15, 2024
• Program Fee = $75 (covers all costs, including enrollment in EDUC 399A: Leadership in Student Groups)
• More information: wichita.edu/ili

Immersive Leadership Institute - hosted by Student Engagement, Advocacy and Leadership

This program helps first-generation students (neither parent has earned a four-year degree) connect and prepare for their first year of college. Program sessions cover getting connected with campus support, how to navigate the University, walking to individual classrooms on attendees’ schedules on a campus tour, creating a sense of belonging and more!

• August 13, 2024
• 8:00am - 12:00pm
• This is a FREE program.
• More information and reservations: wichita.edu/firststeps

First-Steps - hosted by Student Affairs

 “When Everyone Leads…..in sport!” is a one-day program for new students in the department of Sport and Leadership Studies. The daylong program features an innovative partnership with the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) where sport management and/or organizational leadership and learning students learn about KLC’s “When Everyone Leads” curriculum and how to apply these skills to current challenges facing our communities and industries. Students enroll in a three-credit hour, market-based tuition course where they learn about leadership, how to engage and navigate adaptive challenges, and start their college career off on the right foot! Spots are limited and will remain open until we reach capacity. Students receive:

• • August 15, 2024
  • A copy of KLC’s "When Everyone Leads" and class materials in advance.
  • Credit for a 3- credit hour college class for only $75.
  • More information: bobby.berry@wichita.edu and mark.vermillion@wichita.edu 

Interested in trying a new sport in college? Learn to row with Shocker Rowing to get first hand experience of whether or not this sport is for you.  

• August 12-16, 2024
• No experience required.  
• Week-long camp.
• Clinic is free. 
• One day clinic August 10th.  Details to be determined. 
• More information: rachel.tuck@wichita.edu 

https://www.wichita.edu/athletics/rowing/camps.php

 More information on this program is on its way! 

• August 13-15, 2024
• This is a FREE program.

The School of Performing Arts (SPA) Preseason Orientation is for all majors in the school (dance, design & technical theatre, musical theatre, theatre general studies, and theatre performance). The 2-day orientation includes an overview of the academic year, event and project calendars, student travel opportunities, important campus resources, free community meals, and team-building activities.

• August 14-15, 2024
• This orientation is free for all School of Performing Arts majors.
• For more information contact the School of Performing Arts Administrative Specialist stacy.salters@wichita.edu or by phone at 316-978-3360.