One Shocker Family Handbook

FALL 2025	SPRING 2026
AUGUST 4- 15 Fall Pre-session	JANUARY 5 Pre-session classes begin
AUGUST 13 Excess financial aid deposited to students’ bank accounts if you have entered your account information into your Student Account Suite	JANUARY 14 Excess financial aid deposited to students’ bank accounts if you have entered your account information into your Student Account Suite
AUGUST 14 Checks for excess financial aid mailed if you did not submit a Direct Deposit form	JANUARY 15 Checks for excess financial aid mailed if you did not submit a Direct Deposit form
AUGUST 18 Weekday and evening full-semester classes begin	JANUARY 19 MLK DAY - no classes
AUGUST 22 Last day to add full-semester classes or change sections of the same course	JANUARY 20 Weekday and evening full-semester classes begin
AUGUST 29 Last day to drop 16 week classes with 100% refund	JANUARY 26 Last day to add full-semester classes or change sections
SEPTEMBER 1 Labor Day Holiday - offices closed	February 2 Last day to drop 16 week classes with 100% refund
OCTOBER 1 Tentative date for Spring 2026 Schedule of Courses to be available online	MARCH 2 Tentative date for summer/fall schedule
OCTOBER 8 Mid-semester point	MARCH 11 Mid-semester point
OCTOBER 11 at 2pm - 14 Fall break - NO CLASSES offices open Oct. 13-14	MARCH 16 - 22 Spring break - offices open
OCTOBER 28 Last day to officially withdraw from a full-semester course with a “W”	April 3 Last day to drop with a “W” from a full-semester course
NOVEMBER 10 Tentative date for Spring early registration to begin	APRIL 6 Tentative date for summer/fall registration
NOVEMBER 26 - 30 Thanksgiving Holiday - offices closed Nov. 27-28	MAY 7 Last day of classes
DECEMBER 4 Last day of classes.	MAY 8 Study Day
DECEMBER 5 Study Day	MAY 9 - 14 Final examinations
DECEMBER 6 - 11 Final examinations	MAY 15-16 Spring Commencement
DECEMBER 14 Fall Commencement

 

Dear Parents and Families,

As we embark on this new academic year, it is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to you and your student, as part of the Shocker family. As the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at Wichita State University, I am delighted to have the opportunity to share in this exciting time of transition and new beginnings.

Starting college is a significant milestone, not just for your student but for you as well. It represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and we understand that this moment brings with it a mix of emotions – pride, excitement, and perhaps a bit of nervousness. Rest assured, your student is entering an environment that is supportive, engaging, and designed to help them thrive both academically and personally.

At Wichita State University, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and welcoming community where students are encouraged to explore their passions, challenge themselves, and grow. Our staff is dedicated to providing a range of services and resources that support student development and well-being. From academic advising and tutoring to counseling and extracurricular activities, we are here to ensure that your student has every opportunity to succeed.

Inside this handbook, you will find helpful information about the college transition process; academic requirements and support services; including opportunities and resources for student engagement beyond the classroom.

We believe that strong partnerships between students, families, and the university are essential to the college experience. As such, we encourage you to stay engaged and informed by joining our Shocker Family Newsletter online at WICHITA.EDU/FAMILY.

Your support and involvement play a crucial role in your student's journey, and we are here to work alongside you in supporting their growth and success. Should you have any questions or need assistance at any point, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our office is always available to help you navigate this new chapter.

Once again, welcome to the Shocker family. We are excited to have your student with us and look forward to seeing them flourish throughout their time at Wichita State University.

ALICIA NEWELL
Assistant Vice President
for Student Affairs

Dr. Rick Muma President		Dr. Monica Lounsbery Executive Vice President & Provost
Dr. Teri Hall Vice President of Student Affairs	Dr. Gabriel Fonseca Executive Director, Student Engagement & Belonging	Kevin Konda Associate Vice President, Auxiliary Services
Scott Jensen Assistant Vice President, Student Life	Alicia Newell Assistant Vice President, Student Services	Dr. Jessica Provines Assistant Vice President, Wellness & Chief Psychologist

 

Wichita State University, formerly Fairmount College, received its first mascot name about the time it received its first football coach. Tradition has it that in 1904, football manager and student R.J. Kirk needed a name for the team in order to advertise Fairmount’s upcoming engagement with the Chilocco Indians. He came up with Wheatshockers.

At the time, many Fairmount football players earned tuition and board harvesting, or “shocking,” wheat during the summer harvests, so the name seemed appropriate. Early football games were played on a stubbled wheat field. Pep club members were known as Wheaties.

Although the Wheatshockers name was never officially adopted by the university, it caught on and survived until it was later shortened to Shockers. Until 1948, the university used a nameless shock of wheat as its symbol.

WuShock came to life in 1948, when junior Wilbur Elsea won the Kappa Pi honorary society’s competition to design a mascot typifying the spirit of the school. Elsea, who had been a Marine during World War II, decided that “the school needed a mascot who gave a tough impression, with a serious, no-nonsense scowl.”

Once Elsea’s mascot was adopted by the university, which by that time was known as the Municipal University of Wichita, all that was needed was a name. The Oct. 7, 1948, issue of The Sunflower, the student newspaper, ran an advertisement urging students to submit names for the school’s new mascot. It was freshman Jack Kersting who suggested the winning name, “WuShock.”

 

If you’re a first-time Wichita State University parent or family member, it may
be hard to figure out many of the terms used here at the university. Use this
glossary to understand your student’s new vocabulary.

ACADEMIC ADVISOR Advising at WSU is an ongoing educational partnership between the student and faculty/professional advisors that promotes student success with the goal of helping students graduate.
ACADEMIC PROBATION Students are placed (or continued) on probation at the conclusion of every semester in which their institutional or overall grade point average falls below 2.000, except as noted below. If the college in which students are enrolled has a higher graduation requirement, students may be placed on probation whenever their institutional or overall grade point average falls below the college’s specified level.	GRADE POINT AVERAGE The grade point average is computed by dividing the total number of credit points by the total number of credit hours completed for which regular letter grades (A, B, C, D and F) are assigned.
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL Students will be dismissed at the end of a semester on probation if they fail to earn a semester grade point average at or above the minimum required. Students are not academically dismissed at the end of a semester unless they began that semester on academic probation.	HYBRID Replace a portion of traditional face-to-face instruction with web-based online learning (e.g., video lectures, online discussions, or activities).
ADD / DROP Students register through web registration in the myWSU portal. Classes can only be dropped during the add/drop period. After the 100% refund period has ended, all drop and add transactions must be submitted at the same time in the registration system to avoid financial penalty.	MAJOR (UNDERGRADUATE) The direction or focus that students study in their undergraduate program. Undergraduates typically complete 120 or more credits to earn a degree in their major field of study.
ASYNCHRONOUS Professors generate online content in advance and students engage with it on their own schedules. Examples include: recorded lectures, online discussion boards, and Wikis.	MINOR A secondary area of specialization beyond a college major. Undergraduates typically complete 16-30 credits to earn a minor. College students do not have to declare a minor to graduate. Undergraduates may use minors to complement their major or explore a different discipline.
COLLEGE A subdivision of the university offering degree programs within a specific subject area. Wichita State University has seven colleges (College of Applied Studies, College of Engineering, College of Innovation and Design, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Health Professions, College of Fine Arts, and the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College).	PART-TIME STUDENT A student taking less than 12 credit hours is considered a part-time student
COMMENCEMENT Wichita State’s graduation ceremony held in December for summer/fall graduates and May for spring graduates.	PARENTAL NOTIFICATION  allow a college or university to notify parents if their student has experienced a medical emergency, or are a threat to self or others.
CREDIT HOURS The academic value assigned to a course based on the type and level of subject material, as well as the expected number of hours spent on class preparation. One credit hour is generally given for three hours of work per week, in and out of class.	PREREQUISITES Requirements that must be collected before enrollment in a course. The instructor may waive a prerequisite.
DEGREE WORKS AUDIT Degree Works is a web-based tool used to monitor a student’s academic progress toward degree completion. It combines WSU’s degree requirements with the courses a student is currently taking, has taken in the past, and plans to take. It produces a snapshot called a “degree audit” of the progress a student is making in fulfilling their degree requirements.	RESIDENT ASSISTANT (RA)  The resident assistant role is one of a community facilitator and role model, providing leadership and assisting residents in developing a positive community environment through the building of strong and intentional relationships with residents.
ELECTIVES Courses that are not required as part of a degree program, but are generally chosen and used by a student to supplement or enrich the required curriculum.	SYLLABUS A syllabus provides you with information specific to a course, and it also provides information about important university policies. This document should be viewed as a course overview; it is not a contract and is subject to change as the semester evolves. It often includes the schedule of assignments, exams, projects, etc. you are expected to complete over the course of the semester as well as outcomes of the course and the grading scale.
FAFSA Federal financial aid is awarded based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may receive assistance through several federal programs: Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Pell Grants, TEACH Grants, subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans, and Direct PLUS parental loans for dependent undergraduate students.	SYNCHRONOUS Students and professor are engaged with the content at the same time, whether in-person or online. Examples include: zoom/streamed lecture, live chat features using social media, in-person lecture, and conference calls.
FERPA The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law that sets forth requirements pertaining to the disclosure of, and access to, education records maintained by Wichita State University.	TRANSFER STUDENT student moving from one institution to another with some level of coursework completed.
FIRST GENERATION A student whose parents/guardians have not completed a four-year college degree.	WITHDRAW When you drop a class it does not appear on your permanent academic record. A “W” grade merely indicates that you were enrolled in the course and officially withdrew.
FULL-TIME STUDENT A student taking 12 credit hours is considered a full-time student.	Work Study Federal Work Study is additional money a student can earn through a part-time job on campus. Work Study jobs are based on financial need and are a part of the student’s financial aid package.

Student Classification

Freshmen A student with less than 30 credit hours earned toward their undergraduate degree.
Sophomore A student with 30 to 59 credit hours earned towards their undergraduate degree.
Junior A student with 60 to 89 credit hours earned toward their underdraduate degree.
Senior A student with 90 credit hours or more earned toward their undergraduate degree.

Your student is beginning and/or continuing one of life’s most rewarding journeys. You are also going to experience new feelings and face new challenges as your student establishes their independence at Wichita State University.

WILL OUR RELATIONSHIP BE THE SAME?

It may change; new college ways and old home rules can create tension. Don’t be too shocked or disappointed if your student refers to Wichita State as home. It’s a sure sign of adjustment.

• Be prepared for new behaviors, such as hair, dress and food preferences.
• Discuss your expectations for communication.
• Talk about what’s going on in their personal life, not just academic.

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TIPS TO SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT

	Encourage your student to ask for help when needed.
	Be supportive and interested in their college experiences.
	Listen openly, honestly and without judgement.
	Empower your student to solve their own problems.
	Be understanding when they feel overwhelmed and homesick.
	Encourage your student to stay on campus or in Wichita over most weekends.  This helps them build new friendships.
	Understand that stress and a certain amount of anxiety are normal for students to experience.

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TIPS FOR STAYING CONNECTED WITH YOUR STUDENT

Keep in touch by phone, text, facetime, and email.
Discuss which method is best for you and your student.

Visit your student during university-sponsored events such as family weekend.

Sign up for the Shocker Family Newsletter to stay in touch with everything Wichita State.
Sign up at wichita.edu/shockerfamily.

Send care packages, cards and letters.

Follow Wichita State Parent & Family on Facebook to stay informed about campus news, deadlines and resources.

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Tips to Remind Your Student

Encourage your student to always go to class.

Suggest using a day planner or calendar on their phone or computer to track assignments and events.

Recommend attending study groups or seeking tutoring services.

Remind your student that they can visit instructors during office hours or talk to them before or after class.

Discourage your student from cramming for exams or mid-terms.

Recommend your student visit with their success coach to learn about academic support. Wichita.edu/success

Blackboard-blackboard.wichita.edu
myWSU- mywsu.wichita.edu
ShockerSync-shockersync.wichita.edu
Shocker Alert-wichita.edu/shockeralert
Shocker Central-wichita.edu/shockercentral
myStop-wichita.edu/shuttle
Help Desk-wichita.edu/helpdesk
Report It-wichita.edu/reportit

Dine on Campus
Go Shockers
Navigate Student
Ride Wichita
Rave Guardian
Starship-Food Delivery
WSU Campus Recreation

Shutdown & Break Information
Residence halls remain open during the breaks, and residents are not required to move their belongings out. For winter break, students need to let Housing know they will be staying.

The dining hall will be closed when classes are not in session, and other dining facilities on campus will have limited hours. Meal bundles are available for purchase during winter break and spring break. Students will receive an email to their MyWSU email address and will need to respond to opt-in to purchasing a meal bundle.

Roommate Conflict
At the beginning of the semester, all residents are required to complete a roommate agreement, where they discuss their personal preferences and expectations of one another for the year. Students are expected to talk about topics like cleaning schedules, guest expectations, whether they are willing to share belongings, etc. At any point in the semester, the roommate agreement can be revisited, and changes can be requested by each roommate.

If students are having roommate conflict, they need to reach out to their Resident Assistant (RA) to set up a roommate mediation.

If the conflict persists, the residents will then meet with the building coordinator, and they will attempt to further resolve the conflict. If necessary, the building coordinator can opt to facilitate a room change at their discretion.

Families are asked to encourage their student to speak to their RA if there is any conflict in their suite.

Important Dates

October 1
Application for the following academic year opens.

December 1
Deadline to be included in the first week of room selection.

Notify Housing if your student is staying over winter break.

February 1
Second deadline to be included in the second week of room selection.

Mid-March to Mid-April
Room Selection

 

Shocker Hall Mailing Address:
2020 N. Perimeter Road, Room #
Wichita, KS 67208

The Flats Mailing Address:
2011 N. Innovation Blvd, Room #
Wichita, KS 67208

The Suites Mailing Address:
2011 N. Innovation Blvd, Room #
Wichita, KS 67208

Office Contact Information:
316-978-3693 | housing@wichita.edu

All students who live on campus must purchase a meal plan.

Students living at Shocker Hall or The Suites pick from an unlimited meal plan with varying amounts of dining dollars – the unlimited swipes refers to entry into the Dining Hall.

Students living at the Flats can choose an unlimited meal plan or they can choose from a Dining Dollar only meal plan.

Dining Dollars are the pre-loaded monies included in meal plans for the contract period. They roll over between the Fall and Spring Semester, but they expire at the end of the contract period. Summer Dining dollars are only good for the summer months and expire at the end of the summer session.

Shocker Dollars are purchased directly through Dining Services and only expire when a student graduates or is no longer a WSU student.

Questions? visit dineoncampus.com/wsudining

Dine On Campus App
Dine On Campus™ provides helpful, dining-related information for your school. After selecting your school, you can find places to eat, whether or not they're open, and how close they are to you. Once you select a location, you can get directions using Maps and browse menu items. Tapping on a menu item displays the nutritional information and other important details. You can even add menu items to HealthKit if you're interested in tracking the nutritional value of what you eat.

In addition to menus, you can purchase meal plans, build a custom plan, or add declining balance to your student card, depending on which options are available on your campus.

If you have questions or comments regarding dining service on your campus, you can contact our dining staff directly through the app by tapping on the email or phone icon associated with each staff profile.

Please keep in mind the features and options of Dine On Campus™ may vary from school to school.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Students must obtain the following Semester GPA, WSU GPA and Cumulative GPA in order
to be able to continue their studies at Wichita State and graduate:

W. FRANK BARTON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS	2.00 GPA
APPLIED STUDIES	2.00 GPA
TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS	2.50 GPA
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING	2.00 GPA
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS	2.00 GPA
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS	2.00 GPA
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES	2.00 GPA

Students are placed on academic probation at the end of any semester in which they have obtained a GPA below what is required by their College. Probation is removed when a student’s GPA reaches the requirement for their College. If your student fails to meet the minimum Semester GPA during the semester they are on probation, they will be academically dismissed from the University.

GRADUATION HONORS are based upon both the WSU cumulative grade point average and the overall cumulative grade point average. Degrees are conferred with distinction upon students who have shown excellence in scholarship.

Summa Cum Laude: 3.900 and above
Magna Cum Laude: 3.550 and above
Cum Laude: 3.25 and above

Wichita State University has a plus/minus (+/-) grading system. Grades for courses are reported by the symbols indicated in the following grading table:

Letter Grade      Grade Points
A                          4.00
A-                         3.70
B+                         3.30
B                           3.00
B-                          2.70
C+                         2.30
C                           2.00
C-                         1.70
D                           1.00
D-                         0.70
F                           0.00

The A range denotes excellent performance.
The B range denotes good performance.
The C range denotes satisfactory performance.
The D range denotes unsatisfactory performance.
An F denotes failing performance.

As students transition to the university setting, they often experience a culture shift as the educational environment at Wichita State University may be different from their prior experiences. There are many things that students can do to navigate this transition and actions you can take to support your student.

Student Success Center

what can students do?
Be proactive about a time management and organizational strategy.
Visit faculty members at least once per month during office hours.
observe when certain topics feel more engaging - talk to faculty, advisors and the Career Development Center about these topics
Set aside 20 minutes each week to plan for the week ahead
Reflect on how the classes are going, which study strategies are or are not working, what the priorities for the week are and what activities sound interesting.

what can parents and families do?
Ask open-ended questions that prompt reflection about study skills, time management, mentorship, successes and failures.
Ask about what is happening on campus this week and how your student plans to engage - encourage your student to build connections to campus and create a support network
acknowledge the transition to college can be challenging and amazing at the same time.
Recognize “imposter syndrome” as a natural part of the transition process for students.

what does Wichita State University do?
Faculty are constantly looking for ways to increase interaction with students (e.g. course redesign and undergraduate research).
Academic advisors hold meetings with students each semester
WSU offers multiple ways for students to receive peer education support - the Student Success Center (coaching, SI), through tutoring and wellness support, ect.
Students can access in-person or virtual personalized assistance from the Student Success Center
For information, visit our website at wichita.edu/success
WSU offers a comprehensive list of student resources at wichita.edu/resources

At Wichita State University, we believe that your academic journey should align with your natural talents and strengths. That’s why we connect your Gallup Strengths to Learning Communities—broad areas of study that help you explore majors.

What Are Learning Communities?

Groups of related academic programs that share common career pathways and foundational skills. Think of them as academic “neighborhoods” where students can explore their interests before committing to a specific major. At WSU, our Learning Communities include:

• Business, Entrepreneurship & Leadership
• Health & Wellness
• Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
• Arts, Humanities & Media
• Education, Training & Development
• Advocacy, Human Behavior & Public Service

What is ShockerStrengths?

ShockerStrengths is Wichita State University’s strengths-based development initiative grounded in the CliftonStrengths® assessment. Every student is invited to discover their Top 5 Talent Themes—natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving and learn how to apply them for success in college and beyond.

Why it matters: Research shows that students who know and use their strengths are more confident, more engaged, and more likely to persist to graduation.

How Students Engage with ShockerStrengths

From their first year through graduation, students are guided to Name, Claim, and Aim their strengths:

• Name: Take the CliftonStrengths assessment and receive their Top 5 talent themes.

• Claim: Reflect on how their strengths show up in academics, relationships, and leadership.

• Aim: Apply their strengths intentionally to goals, challenges, and opportunities.

Touchpoints include:

Orientation and First-Year Seminars

Learning Communities

Leaderership Programs And Student Organizations

Career Readiness Workshops

Strengths- Based Advising and Coaching

How Families Can Support Strengths-Based Growth

Strengths-Based Parenting: Your Role Matters

Parents and families play a powerful role in helping students thrive. By understanding and affirming your student’s strengths, you can:

• Encourage them to use their strengths in everyday decisions.

• Celebrate their unique talents and how they contribute to their success.

• Help them reframe challenges through a strengths lens.

• Consider unlocking your Top 5 Strengths to identify how your strengths interact with your student’s strengths.

Tip: Ask your student, ‘How did you use one of your strengths today?’

Take Action Today!

Your involvement makes a difference! Here’s how you can support your student’s strengths journey:

• Visit wichita.edu/ShockerStrengths to explore resources and upcoming events.

• Sign up for Momentum Mail to send personalized encouragement during key academic moments.

• Start a conversation with your student about their Top 5 strengths and how they’re using them.

Together, we can empower every Shocker to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Want to Learn More?

Visit wichita.edu/ShockerStrengths to explore resources, events, and ways to stay connected.

Your Shocker's Success Team

At Wichita State University, we are deeply committed to the success and well-being of your student. We understand that the college experience is a significant step in their lives filled with opportunities and challenges. To ensure they thrive academically, personally, and professionally, we have customized a personal Success Team to support your student throughout their collegiate journey.

We encourage you to remind them to take full advantage of these resources. By utilizing these resources, your student will be better equipped to navigate the challenges of college life and emerge as a well-rounded, successful Shocker.

Does your student need to meet with a member of their Success Team? Encourage them to download the Navigate app from their app store (search "Navigate Student") to schedule from the palm of their hand.

To learn more about your students Success Team, visit www.wichita.edu/successteam

Your Student's Success Team consists of:
Success Coach
Academic Advising
Financial Aid
Care Team
Shocker Career Accelerator
Ablah Library

Academic advising is important to your student’s college experience and progress toward a degree. Advisors help students develop class plans as well as explore academic options, requirements and opportunities that can enhance and individualize their education. All students have at least one - if not several - academic advisors they can meet with throughout their time at Wichita State.

ADVISORS CAN BE FOUND AT WICHITA.EDU/ADVISING

FIRST-YEAR ADVISING

• Primary contact for first-year
(attending WSU straight from high school) students
• Assist students in their first and second semesters for academic advising and enrollment
• Discuss degree options and create Student Education Plan (SEP) for students to begin their path to graduation
• Explain and walk through requirements for financial aid
• Help students understand their bill and payment options
• Provide information to students regarding campus involvement opportunities

College Advisor

• Available to meet with students from the time they're thinking about college through graduation
• Primary contact for entering transfer and returning adult students
• Ensures students stay on track to graduate as well as meet and set goals
• Career and graduate school exploration
• Undecided and exploratory advising
• Pre-professional advising
• Help students to make meaning of their college education

Major/Faculty Advisor

• Available to meet with students from the time they're thinking about college through graduation
• Specific to student's major concentration
• Along with advising undergraduate students, most do research and teach
• Experts in the field of study and major course curriculum
• Connection to research, specializations in the major, field work, practicum, applied learning and much more

 

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At Wichita State, we know that every student’s journey to graduation involves making choices—tons of them. That’s why we’re committed to providing your student with knowledgeable, friendly advisors who can help them figure out where they are—and where they need to go—to help keep your student on track toward completing your degree.

 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY STUDENT MEET WITH THEIR ACADEMIC ADVISOR?

First-Year students will be required to meet with their advisor prior to enrollment in their second semester at WSU. After the first year, requirements look different depend­ing on the student’s college or program. However, it’s best that students meet with their advisors often to stay on track with their academic goals, find answers to their questions and learn about resources to help them succeed in their classes.

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Academic Advisors

Every student at WSU has an academic advisor. New freshmen are advised by a First-Year Advisor. Second year students and above are advised through their major’s college. Academic advisors will:

• Help choose courses each semester
• Authorize enrollment
• Discuss short- and long-term goals
• Complete a Student Education Plan (SEP)

Parent Checklist

Understand FERPA?
The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), along with Kansas state law and administrative rules, gives students certain rights with respect to their educational records. When a student reaches 18 years of age or attends an institution of postsecondary education at any age, they become an "eligible student," and all rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to student. FERPA protects "education records," and requires the student to give consent to share information related to their educational record.

WILL MY STUDENT’S GRADES BE MAILED?
Wichita State University does not mail grade reports. Grades are available to students online via myWSU.

CAN I HAVE A COPY OF MY STUDENT’S GRADES OR ACADEMIC RECORDS?
According to both federal and state law, parents may have a copy of their student’s record only with the student’s written consent. Students have access to their grades online via myWSU a few days after the end of the term. While Wichita State staff may not be able to talk specifically about your student, we can share general information about academic policies and processes.

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STUDENT RECORD ACCESS

E-BILL AUTHORIZED USER
Your student can register you as an Authorized User on their E-Bill account to give you access to view records and pay bills. To add you as a user, your student should log into their WSU Access Account, click the MyFinances tab, select the eBill Icon, and select Authorized Users.
Please note this is a separate process from the Family Portal financial information request. The Family Portal will allow you to see when a bill is due, but will direct you to the E-Bill to pay.

PROXY
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents do not have access to their student’s collegiate educational record unless the student provides consent. Students wanting to release nondirectory information to parents, employers, or other specified individuals, referred to as proxies, may do so online by logging into the secure myWSU portal.

THE RIGHTS OF THE STUDENT INCLUDE

1. The right to inspect and review their educational records within 45 days of request.
2. The right to request the amendment of portions of their educational record that they believe are inaccurate or misleading.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of the personally identifiable information contained in their educational record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Wichita State University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

If you call a university office and ask for information about your student, you will receive only information that the university can legally provide. This information is listed at wichita.edu/FERPA

 

Your student’s new freedom will also require new responsibilities, including managing their finances. Talk with your student about these responsibilities often. Having a bank account or credit card may be a completely new experience for your student, so it’s important to have a conversation about budgeting, managing expenses, spending habits and paying for their education.

Students can meet with peer financial coaches for budgeting help, along with attending Shocker Financial Wellness workshops throughout the year.

For more information visit: wichita.edu/shockerfinancialwellness

ENCOURAGE your student TO apply for scholarships!
ScholarshipUniverse connects Shockers to millions of dollars in external scholarships. Visit wichita.edu/scholarshipuniverse for more information.

TIPS TO HELP YOUR STUDENT SAVE

To avoid scams, be wary of any offer that seems too good to be true and never give out your personal information unless you are sure of the company's legitimacy.	Scholarship and FAFSA Applications for 26-27 opens Oct. 1	Follow all policies and deadlines set by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. More info at wichita.edu/finaidpolicy
Students receiving federal financial aid may also have academic requirements. More info at wichita.edu/sappolicy.	Help your student determine the best housing option for them based on costs and necessities.	Discourage your student from accepting credit card offers they may receive.

For more information visit: wichita.edu/financialaid

Where should students start?

• Students can view their bill by logging in to their myWSU account and click on the myFinances tab | View/Pay my bill (student account suite)
• Sign up direct deposit for secure refund payments via myWSU | myFinances | View/Pay my bill | Deposits

What are our payment options?

• eCheck – myWSU |myFinances| View/Pay my bill| Make a Payment
  + Free
• Credit Card - myWSU |myFinances| View/Pay my bill| Make a Payment
  + Visa, Mastercard, etc.
  + Processing fee may apply
• Check - Multiple ways to pay
  + By mail
  + In person at the Cashier’s Office, Jardine Hall 201.
• Cash - In person at the Cashier’s Office

Can someone else pay a Wichita State student’s bill?

Students may add an authorized user by logging into their myWSU account |myfinances | Authorize Users

• After the student adds the authorized user, an email will be sent prompting the new authorized user to create a login.
• As an authorized user, each time an eBill is processed for your student you will receive email notification that it is ready to view.
• Authorized users are able to log in and view, print or make payments.

Additional Questions?
Contact Accounts Receivable
For assistance, call (316) 978-3333 or email 
wsuaccountsreceivable@wichita.edu
Wichita.edu/ar

 

An active mind needs a health body, so encourage your student to find ways of relieving stress, keeping active and staying healthy. Suggest taking a fitness class, getting a massage at the Heskett Center or getting a mental health check up at Counseling and Prevention Services.

COUNSELING & PREVENTION SERVICES

Counseling and Prevention Services, or CAPS, is committed to supporting our students with inexpensive individual and couples therapy at $10 a session, as well as a variety of free group therapy sessions. Students will never be turned away for not being able to pay.

Student Accommodations & Testing

Wichita State’s Office of Student Accommodations & Testing provides students with learning, mental or physical disabilities an accommodations to attain their academic and personal goals to the fullest of their abilities.

CARE TEAM

Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Team, CARE Team, is committed to helping ensure students’ needs are met in order to promote wellness and academic success. In the event difficulties arise, CARE Team can help connect you with the resources you need to overcome life’s challenges and thrive at Wichita State.
- physical, mental and
emotional health concerns
- relationship and social challenges
- financial stressors
- housing and food insecurity (basic needs)
- transition issues
- and more

If you are worried about your student, we encourage you to submit a concern via WICHITA.EDU/CARE.

Shocker Career Accelerator

Get your student career ready

We are excited to help your student on their career-ready journey! Now is the time for them to start building skills for lifelong career success. Through our services, students can understand their career interests and strengths, explore potential majors and careers, connect with employers, build confidence in communicating their value, and create a job-search strategy that fits their goals. Be sure to encourage your student to schedule a career-ready appointment or attend career events and workshops at wichita.edu/career.

Career Closet & Professional Photos

Career Closet
The Shocker Career Accelerator’s Career Closet offers free professional clothing for WSU students. Items may include suits, dress pants, shirts, blouses, skirts, ties, belts, and more.
The Career Closet is located in the basement of the Shocker Success Center, alongside the Shocker Support Locker. No appointment is needed—students can stop by during posted hours at wichita.edu/CareerCloset.

Professional Photo Booth
Students can also access free professional headshots through our self-service photo booth.
Located outside the Shocker Career Accelerator office in the Marcus Welcome Center, the booth is available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. when the university is open.
It’s quick, private, and perfect for LinkedIn or Shocker Central. Three images are emailed directly to the student, and retakes are welcome. Learn more at wichita.edu/PhotoBooth.

PathwayU: Career Exploration Made Easy

PathwayU is a guided career assessment that helps students explore majors and careers that align with their interests, personality, values, and workplace preferences. It also connects students to WSU academic programs, career matches, and job and internship listings.
Encourage your student to get started at wichita.edu/PathwayU.

On-campus jobs and internships

Wichita State’s Shocker Career Accelerator provides many resources to help students find on-campus jobs, applied learning experiences, internships, and full-time employment.
We recommend full-time students work 10-15 hours per week, especially when adjusting to Wichita State. Students can explore openings and applied learning opportunities at wichita.12twenty.com.

 

CONTACTS

SHOCKER CAREER ACCELERATOR
(316) 978 - 3688 | wichita.edu/career

ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENT TO GET CONNECTED!
Becoming involved in campus activities tends to improve a student’s college experience. Not only do the activities provide opportunities to meet people with similar interests, they also help
students apply what they have learned in the classroom to reallife situations and improve time management. A healthy balance of study and co-curricular activity can add a rewarding dimension to the college experience.

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EXPERIENCE SHOCKER LIFE

COMMUNITY SERVICE BOARD
A student organization that works to address issues of public concern through service and
active citizenship in the community.

ESPORTS
WSU Esports currently has five competitive varsity esports teams; League of Legends,
Overwatch, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, and Valorant.

FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE
A community comprised of 26 social, Greekletter organizations that have a variety of backgrounds, values, and missions.

INTRAMURALS
Stay active and meet new friends! Intramural sports are recreational leagues and tournaments
available to Wichita State students.

LEADERSHIP

Student Engagement & Belonging offers a wide variety of experiences for you to enhance your leadership skills and prepare you for whatever your future may bring. Apply your newfound knowledge to a student leader position, internship, or score that first post graduation job.

NATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE
Students can live in a different area and experience an entirely new campus environment while continuing to pay WSU tuition and working toward a WSU degree.

PREVENTION AMBASSADOR
An opportunity for students to promote health, wellness, and mental health in the WSU community.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES COUNCIL
SAC members coordinate over 50 plus social, cultural, and educational events each year that
are open to all Shockers.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
SGA is the governing body of all students at Wichita State. SGA represents and advocates for
student needs and issues on campus with local, state and federal government officials.

AND SO MUCH MORE!

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BENEFITS OF GETTING INVOLVED

Make new friends	Reduce stress.	Encourage self-discovery.
Discover new interests and find a new passion.		Develop skills for success.

Your student’s WSU experience may begin in the classroom, but their involvement outside of the
classroom can be just as influential in creating a positive WSU experience.

SHOCKERSYNC.WICHITA.EDU is considered their go-to spot for involvement opportunities on campus. There are nearly 300 student organizations at Wichita State. Whether they want
to serve their community, join a student organization, improve their well being or attend some fun events, they’re in the right place.

CAMPUS RECREATION offers many ways for you to get connected through intramural programs, club sports, and Shocker Rowing. Stay fit at one of our many facilities including the Heskett Center, Boats & Bikes or our outdoor playing fields.

To learn more visit wichita.edu/campusrec

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CONTACTS

CAMPUS RECREATION
(316) 978-3034 | WICHITA.EDU/campusrec

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & BELONGING
(316) 978-3022 | WICHITA.EDU/SEB

Student Engagement & Belonging aims to cultivate and sustain a welcomeing campus. We strive for academic excellence by creating an environment that educates, empowers and mobilizes our students, campus and community.

The office provides dynamic programs, which range from speakers and film showings to award ceremonies, cultural and LGBTQ+ programming — each representing a small piece of the diversity displayed at Wichita State University.

Promoting Academic Student Success

Promoting Academic Student Success (PASS) is a program that facilitates the retention, academic success, holistic development and timely graduation of all underrepresented students at WSU, through academic support services, educational and cultural programming, interpersonal relationships and mentoring.

• Free one-on-one tutoring and group study sessions
• Peer mentor
• Access to academic support and resources
• Study skills and personal development workshops
• And much more!

LGBTQ+ @ Wichita State University

WSU prides itself in being an affirming place for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) community and its allies. Throughout your time here at WSU, students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs geared towards the LGBTQ+ community and those interested in LGBTQ+ topics.

What is the Shocker Strenghts Initiative?

The ShockerStrengths Initiative at Wichita State University strives to empower students in higher education by connecting them with their unique CliftonStrengths®, fostering a deeper understanding of their innate talents, and guiding them towards academic, personal, and professional success. Through personalized support and resources, we aim to cultivate a thriving community where every student can leverage their strengths to achieve their fullest potential.

CliftonStrengths?

CliftonStrengths® is an inventory used globally that helps identify unique strengths and talents. Understanding these strengths can guide your student in making informed personal, academic, and career choices to excel in their Shocker experience.

Goals

Value-Driven Goals

Student Success

Enhance Self-Discovery & Awareness
Support & Improve Academic Performance
Cultivate Self-Esteem, Confidence, & Wellbeing
Develop Caree Readiness

Strengths-Based Culture

Build Positive Relationships & Connections
Cultivate Engaging & Supportived Learning Environments
Increase Engagement

World Ready Excellence

Develop & Strengthen Sense of Belonging in Communities
Promote Cultural Awareness & Appreciation
Identify Unique Contributions

Tips to Support / Strengthen Your Student

• Remind them to complete their FREE CliftonStrengths® inventory.
• Encourage your student to reflect on what makes exceptional and consider how they can leverage their talents towards success.
• Engage in conversations that highlight their strengths and how they can apply them academically, in their careers, and in their own personal development.
• Suggest they schedule an appointment with a Strengths Coach to learn more about their unique talents and how to leverage them.
• Embrace and Celebrate how awesome and uniquely gifted they are! Fill their bucket by filling out the below link to send your Shocker a Strength’s Shout Out! We’ll deliver it for you, or you can use one of our templates to create and send your own!

Unlimited visits at discounted costs for students with professional staff including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses! We do not turn away students who have an inability to pay. We file health insurance and will accept credit cards, health savings account cards, and debit cards with patient names on them. Charges can also be put on student accounts.

Acute Illness and Injury Care

Physical Exams

Laboratory services – in-house diagnostic testing, blood tests, COVID testing, sexually transmitted illnesses, etc.

Radiology services – x-ray and ultrasound

Medication services – both prescription and over-the-counter. Includes mental health and ADHD medications.

Athletic trainers

Chiropractor

Immunizations and Tuberculosis Testing

Nutrition Consultations with registered dietitian

Durable medical equipment and supplies – crutches, braces, personal hygiene supplies

Health promotion and education

Gynecology services – including all contraception, pap smears, colposcopies, etc.

Orthopedic Evaluations by physical therapists

My ShockerHealth

This secure patient portal provides convenience to students. Log on our website at wichita.edu/shs using student's myWSU ID and password. The portal allows online scheduling for appointments and text message reminders, secure messaging with health professionals, requesting prescription refills, uploading health documents and copies of insurance cards, plus viewing account balances and paying electronically.

Your student’s safety is our priority. We want to partner with students to take responsibility and recognize their own vulnerability to crime, reducing risks through preventative action and cooperation with Wichita State Police and the Department of Public Safety.

In accordance with the National Clery Act, a comprehensive annual campus crime report can be viewed at WICHITA.EDU/POLICE.

THE GUARDIAN APP
As part of Wichita State University’s ongoing commitment to campus safety, the university is proud to launch Rave Guardian, a free mobile app for Android and Apple smartphones that turns any smartphone into a personal safety device. When needed, the user can request one or more of their guardians to virtually walk with them on or off campus.

SIGN UP FOR SHOCKERALERT
ShockerAlert is a system that allows the university to send emergency alerts as text messages and emails.To sign up for text alerts through the emergency notification system, visit WICHITA.EDU/ALERT.

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PARKING SERVICES

All students who plan to commute or live on campus with a vehicle must register their vehicles online through Shocker Parking Management System in myWSU and purchase an ePermit (online or in person at Parking Services) to avoid receiving a citation during their time spent on campus at Wichita State.

ePermits are required from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (with the exception of the RSC parking garage which requires ePermits or paid hourly parking 24/7). Student-accessible parking lots are marked with a prominent green “S” signage.

For additional information on how to properly register your personal vehicle, visit wichita.edu/Parking to view step-by-step instructions to complete the online registration process.

Free Transportation

Through an expanded partnership with Wichita Transit, WSU students, faculty and staff will be able to move easily around the Wichita community and get regular service to WSU's campus, WSU South, WSU Tech campuses, WSU Old Town and downtown Wichita.

Have your student download the Wichita Transit MyStop app on their smart phone or computer to track buses so they'll always know when the next bus will arrive.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Every semester, students need to update

their emergency contacts in their myWSU

portal. Wichita State will access their information in case an emergency. Your student can register you as an emergency contact by logging into their myWSU account and clicking on the Home Tab, Student Tools, myContact Info, Update Personal Info.

Wichita State Police Department

(316) 978-3450 | wichita.edu/police

Parking Services

(316) 978-5526 | wichita.edu/parking