University Policies & Resources

COVID-19 Conditions

The COVID-19 pandemic is a complex, challenging, and fluid situation, which continues to evolve rapidly. Therefore, students consistently should review the WSU COVID-19 Response page for information throughout the semester.

Important Academic Dates

See the University Registrar's webpage for the last date to drop a class and received a W (withdrawn) instead of an F, as well as other important deadlines.

Academic Integrity

Students at Wichita State University are expected to uphold high academic standards. WSU will not tolerate a lack of academic integrity. Students are responsible for knowing and following the Student Code of Conduct and the Student Academic Honesty policy. When the faculty member determines sanctions are warranted for violations of academic integrity, regardless of severity, the faculty member must report the infraction to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. If you need more information about the process or wish to appeal a decision, please visit Academic Integrity Processes and Procedures. Be sure to specify the penalties associated with violations of academic integrity. If your department or college has a policy that would be followed in the course, either specify it or insert a link.

Definition of a Credit Hour

Example for 3 credit hour class: Success in this 3 credit hour course is based on the expectation that students will spend, for each unit of credit, a minimum of 45 hours over the length of the course (normally 3 hours per unit per week with 1 of the hours used for lecture) for instruction and preparation/studying or course related activities for a total of 135 hours.

Go to 4.08 / Definition and Assignment of Credit Hours for the policy and examples for different types of courses and credit hour offerings.

Video & Audio Recording

Video and audio recording of lectures and review sessions without the consent of the instructor is prohibited. Unless explicit permission is obtained from the instructor, recordings of lectures may not be modified and must not be transferred or transmitted to any other person, whether or not that individual is enrolled in the course.

Shocker Alert System

Get the emergency information you need instantly and effortlessly! With the Shocker Alert System, we will contact you by email the moment there is an emergency or weather alert that affects the campus. Sign up at the ShockerAlert System page.

Intellectual Property

Wichita State University students are subject to Board of Regents and University policies (see 9.10 / Intellectual Property Policy and Institutional Procedures) regarding intellectual property rights. Any questions regarding these rights and any disputes that arise under these policies will be resolved by the President of the University, or the President’s designee, and such decision will constitute the final decision.

CARE Team

Wichita State University is committed to the safety and success of and cares about all members of the University community. If you or someone you know needs support, is distressed, or exhibits concerning behavior that is interfering with their own or others’ academic or personal success or the safety of members of our community, resources and assistance are available. As your Faculty, I may seek support for you. If you or another member of our campus community is in need of help, please submit a concern at CARE Team or call any CARE team member listed on that webpage. In case of emergency, please call the University Police Department at (316) 978-3450 or 911.

Counseling & Prevention Services

WSU Counseling & Prevention Services (CAPS) provides quality mental health services to enrolled students by licensed providers and presents programs and trainings on topics promoting personal growth and optimal wellbeing. Services are by appointment, low cost and confidential. They are located in the Student Wellness Center of the Steve Clark YMCA. Their phone number is (316) 978-4SWC (4792). CAPS is open during regular business hours. If you have a mental health emergency while Counseling & Prevention Service is not open, please call 911 or COMCARE Crisis Services at (316) 660-7500 for 24 hour assistance.

The Office of the Student Advocate

The Student Advocate is an executive, non-partisan member of the Student Government Association at Wichita State University, who is available to assist you with problems that haven't been resolved by other offices on campus. The Student Advocate can assist all students with many things including but not limited to: academic appeals, traffic appeals, parking appeals, navigating various systems on campus, and connecting students with various resources on campus and in the community. To meet with the Student Advocate please fill out a submission form on the website.

Academic Appeals

The process of Academic Appeals is available for students who believe they have been treated unfairly in grading. Any student may use the appeals procedure. All student Academic Appeals are coordinated by the Provost and Senior Vice President. All efforts should be made to resolve the issue with the instructor. If this issue cannot be resolved with the instructor, the student should contact the chair of the department where the course is listed before submitting an appeal to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. Please review the policy carefully in order to ensure that you have taken all of the necessary steps before submitting the appeal.

The student may print the form, policy, and procedures from the links below or may pick up the paperwork in the office of Academic Affairs (109 Morrison Hall). Click here for further information on academic appeals.

Student Health Services

WSU’s Student Health Services (SHS) provides professional medical care and health education to enrolled students by licensed health care providers. General health care services are available ranging from routine and preventive care to managing acute illnesses and minor injuries. SHS offers convenient onsite laboratory and medication services including vaccinations. Staff are available to provide health education on a variety of topics, both in and out of the classroom setting. SHS is located in the new YMCA/Student Wellness Center. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the phone number is (316) 978-4SWC (4792). See Student Health Services for health information and access to myShockerHealth, the online patient portal where students can schedule appointments, send a secured message to a healthcare provider, check immunizations and more. All services are confidential.

Heskett Center & Campus Recreation

Whether you are wanting to be active on campus, relieve the stress from classes or take care of your body, Wichita State Campus Recreation is the place for you. Campus Recreation, located inside the Heskett Center, contributes to the health, education, and development of Wichita State University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members by offering quality programs and services. With many programs and facilities which are free to all students and members, Campus Recreation offers its members limitless opportunities.

Inclusive Excellence and Respect for Diversity

Wichita State University is committed to being an inclusive campus that reflects the evolving diversity of society. To further that goal, Wichita State University does not discriminate in its employment practices, educational programs or activities on the basis of age (40 years or older), ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. Retaliation against an individual filing or cooperating in a complaint process is also prohibited.

Students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives are welcome in this Course and the diversity that students bring to this course should be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. All materials and activities are presented with the intent to be respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups. In addition, if any of our class meetings conflict with your religious events, please let me know so that we can make arrangements for you.

Complaints or concerns related to alleged discrimination may be directed to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, Wichita State University, telephone 316-978-3187.

First Generation Students

A first-generation (FGEN) college student is a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. WSU strongly supports First Generation students and offers them helpful resources.

Names & Pronouns

Everyone has the right to be addressed as and referred to by the name and pronouns (including non-binary pronouns) that they choose and that correspond to their gender identity. Class rosters have a student’s legal name and do not include pronouns, therefore, all students will be asked in class to indicate the names and pronouns they use for themselves. A student’s chosen name and pronouns are to be respected at all times in the classroom.

Students with Disabilities

A disability is something that affects a major life activity. These life activities include, but are not limited to, learning, walking, breathing, hearing, and seeing, in addition to many other physical, sensory functions, and psychological disabilities.

If you are a student with a disability, or believe, you might have a disability, which requires accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to discuss reasonable and appropriate accommodations and eligibility requirements. It is the University’s goal that learning experiences be as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on a disability ODS will review your concerns and determine, with you, what academic accommodations are necessary and appropriate for you. For example, adaptions of teaching methods, class materials or testing may be made on a case-by-case basis if warranted, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including accommodations for a practicum, clinical, or internship that is WSU sponsored. All information and documentation of your disability is confidential and will not be released by ODS without your written permission.

The Office of Disability Services (DS) is located in Grace Wilkie, room 203, (316) 978-3309 (voice/tty) (316-854-3032 videophone). DS will review your concerns and determine, with you, what academic accommodations are necessary and appropriate for you. All information and documentation of your disability is confidential and will not be released by DS without your written permission.

Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation

Wichita State University is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all of our community members. To that end, we are partnering with Everfi to provide sexual assault prevention trainings that will help us all be informed on topics vital to achieving our goal. These trainings, in addition to being highly interactive and engaging, are based in research around the best practices for healthy communities. All students, staff and faculty are required to complete these trainings annually. Students will need to complete Everfi training in the fall semester before being able to enroll for the spring.

We are committed to the elimination of sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking within the University community. These incidents may interfere with or limit an individual's ability to benefit from or fully participate in the University's educational programs. Students are asked to immediately report incidents to the University Police Department, (316) 978-3450 or students may contact Christine Taylor, Executive Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance, at Christine.Taylor@wichita.edu or 978-3205.

Students may also report incidents to an instructor, faculty or staff member, who are required by law to notify the Title IX Coordinator. If a student wishes to keep the information confidential, the student may speak with staff members of the Counseling and Prevention Services (316) 978-3440 or Student Health Services (316) 978-3620. For more information please refer to policy 3.06 / Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation for Employees, Students and Visitors.

Tobacco Free Campus

Effective July 01, 2017, Wichita State University became a tobacco-free campus to support the health, well-being and safety of university students, employees and visitors. The use of tobacco products, in any form, are prohibited on all Wichita State University properties. These products include, but are not limited to: cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, roll your own tobacco and other spitless products, e-cigarettes, hookah, pipes and smokeless tobacco. Follow this link to view the tobacco free campus policy. For assistance with stopping tobacco use, follow these links to contact WSU Student Health Services or WSU Counseling and Prevention Services for more information about campus tobacco cessation services.

Concealed Carry Policy

The Kansas Legislature has legalized concealed carry on public university campuses. Guns must be out of view, concealed either on the body of the carrier, or backpack, purse or bag that remains under the immediate control of the carrier. Concealed Carry for lab courses or other courses where student belongings are unattended and out of immediate control. Under the Concealed Carry Policy, a backpack or other bag used to carry a handgun must be within the immediate control of the individual. This course requires students to leave belongings such as backpacks or other bags out of reach and unattended for the duration of class time. Students who choose to carry a concealed handgun in a backpack or other bag must plan each day accordingly and are responsible for making alternate arrangements as necessary. Wichita State does not provide publicly available secure storage for concealed handguns.

Gun owners must familiarize themselves with WSU policy 11.19 / Weapons on University Property and the Kansas Board of Regent’s weapons policy. If you believe that there has been a violation of these policies, please contact the University Police Department at (316) 978-3450.