New Shocker Basics

Academic Convocation – A program that serves as the official opening to the academic year, incorporating Shocker pride, celebrating our learning community and engaging in our common read program.

B2SB – Back to School Bash: An evening of games, food, inflatables, prizes and more, welcoming our students back to campus.

FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid: This determines your eligibility for federal student aid. Complete it online at fafsa.gov. Questions? Visit wichita.edu/financialaid.

Groundhouse – Early morning or late at night, the Groundhouse is a place to study, grab a bite and get your caffeine fix. It’s located on the first floor of Shocker Hall next to Shocker Dining Hall.

Heskett Center – Home to Campus Recreation and where Shockers come to PLAY and stay healthy!

Hippo – Officially known as Hippodrome, this is one of WSU’s oldest and most-loved events. It’s a week of fun activities building up to Hippo’s main attraction, the student skit competition.

Innovation University – As an innovation university, WSU is the place where researchers, students and industry come together to share ideas, space, tools and technology—to transform the world.

Koch Arena / Roundhouse – Short for Charles Koch Arena, this 10, 506-seat arena is home to Shocker basketball and volleyball—and one of the loudest, proudest student sections you’ll find anywhere.

Metroplex – Short for the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex located at 29^th and Oliver. There’s also shuttle pick-up service to campus from this location.

Millie – WSU’s very own big, bronze millipede sculpture. You’ll find her between Wilner Auditorium and Henrion Hall.

MRC – The Media Resources Center: The place for audio/video creativity and support. MRC provides an array of media technology services for the university and community.

ODI – Office of Diversity and Inclusion: Your home away from home! The place that sponsors programs and events that promote cultural awareness and an appreciation of diversity.

Omega Court – A sorority-lined street just north of campus.

OneStop – Your go-to resource for fast, accurate answers and student-focused support for virtually all your WSU-related questions. Available 24/7 at wichita.edu/onestop or in person in Jardine Hall, Room 112.

Plaza of Heroines – a circular plaza located on the busy walkway between Ablah Library and the RSC—honoring women who have positively impacted our community and the world.

RSC – Rhatigan Student Center: This is the place to relax, study, play, eat and socialize on campus.

RSO – Registered Student Organizations: There are more than 260 registered student organizations at Wichita State for you to get involved in. Stop by Student Involvement or go to ShockerSync for a complete list.

SAC – Student Activities Council: A student-run organization bringing a ton of great events to campus each semester, including Mud Events, Family Carnival and live entertainment, just to name a few.

SGA – Student Government Association: A group of dedicated students representing your interests on campus.

Shocker Nation – A name representing Wichita State’s legion of students, alumni and fans—and our limitless amount of Shocker pride. Do you tweet? Add #shockernation to your campus-related tweets.

Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes – Located in the lower level of the RSC, Shocker Grill and Lanes has great food and good times—including billiards, bowling and lots of big screen TVs.

Shocktoberfest – WSU’s annual week-long celebration of Shocker pride—including a banner competition, Dine with the Deans, three-on-three basketball and the main event, Songfest, a lip-syncing and dance competition.

SEAL - Student Engagement Advocacy and Leadership: With more than 260 student organizations to choose from—plus, volunteering opportunities, Greek Life and semesters jam-packed with events—SEAL has something for everyone.

SI - Supplemental Instruction: Offers extra help with traditionally difficult classes through weekly study sessions led by experienced SI leaders. Additional free tutoring for any class is offered through Student Success.

Study Day – The Friday before finals week. It’s a day without classes—giving you extra time to study for your finals.

Three women walking – WSU is home to numerous famous sculptures, and this is one of our more well-known pieces. You’ll find these women near the RSC and Grace Memorial Chapel.

TM – Transition Mentors are here to help you navigate your first year at Wichita State.

WSU Common Read – The university’s common read program designed to spark conversation between students across majors and on campus.

WuShock – aka WU: A big, bad, muscle-bound bundle of wheat—WSU’s mascot since 1948, a friend to every Shocker fan and #1 supporter of all things Wichita and Wichita State.