SHOCKFEST Welcome Weekend (Aug. 14-16, 2026).
Welcome Weekend planning is underway. Event dates, times, and locations will be published by August 1, 2026. We encourage students and families to check this page regularly for updates.
Browse 2025 SHOCKFEST Events
Friday Events
| Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00am - 1:00pm |
Transit 101 @ RSC Edmiston Room (#256) |
Shockers can ride public transit for FREE! This event will assist you in downloading the public transit app, teach you how to access and view routes, and will provide the opportunity to ride a route with staff from Student Outreach & Support (SOS). This free event is open to all students.Hosted by Student Outreach & Support (SOS) |
| 12:00pm - 1:30pm |
SHOCKFEST OFFICIAL KICK-OFF: First-Year Lunch @ RSC East Lawn (FREE SHIRT ALERT!) |
Join us for the official kick-off to SHOCKFEST! Come connect with fellow students, enjoy FREE food, and grab your official SHOCKFEST T-shirt! Your first stop for fun, friends, and campus vibes. Hosted by the Office of Student Success: Shocker Learning Center & First-Year Programs |
| 1:30pm start time |
Learning Community Kick-Off @ RSC (TBD) |
Join us for the launch of your Learning Community, where you’ll break out into smaller groups and build meaningful connections with other new students who share your interests. Whether you’re into Arts & Media, Business, Education, STEM, or Public Service, this is your chance to meet your community and start making friendships that will support you all year long. You’ll get the support and resources you need to thrive at WSU, in your coursework, and with your career goals. Hosted by Division of Academic Affairs |
| 3:00pm-5:00pm |
Concurrent Options: PRESSED for Talent @ RSC Harvest Room (#142 ) (FREE SHIRT ALERT!) Syllabus Party @ Outside RSC Harvest Room (#142) |
Join ShockerStrengths for a fun and FREE heat press event where you can choose from one of our exclusive designs to create your own t-shirt. This event is all about connecting with you and we're excited to welcome you to campus in ShockerStrengths style! Hosted by ShockerStrengths.
Start your semester strong with FREE school and planner supplies (while they last!), snacks, music, and good vibes. Bring your syllabi and planner— let's get organized and ready to crush the semester! Hosted by the Office of First-Year Programs. |
| 4:00pm - 6:00pm |
Belonging Bash @ RSC East Lawn |
Belonging Bash is a fun and welcoming event hosted by the Student Engagement & Belonging (SE&B) office to kick off the new school year! This celebration brings together new and returning students to connect, build community, and discover student organizations and campus resources that reflect their unique interests, values, and experiences. Come meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and explore everything SE&B has to offer to help you feel right at home. Hosted by the Office of Student Engagement & Belonging. |
| 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Meet the Greeks @ Shocker Hall Plaza |
Curious about Fraternity and Sorority Life at WSU? Come out and Meet the Greeks your one-stop event to connect with all the fraternities and sororities on campus! Whether you're looking for leadership opportunities, community service, academic support, or just a new group of friends who feel like family, this is your chance to explore what each organization has to offer. 🌀 Mingle with members 🎤 Hear about traditions & values 🎁 Enjoy giveaways, games, and refreshments 💬 Ask questions & find your fit. Meet the Greeks is open to all students: there is no pressure, just possibilities! Hosted by the Office of Student Engagement & Belonging. |
| 8:00pm - 10:00pm |
Shocker Island @ RSC 3rd Floor - Beggs Ballroom |
Welcome to Shocker Island — Enjoy FREE snacks/drinks, watch a live caricature artist bring your personality to life, dive into the dance party, and enjoy music from DJ FYP. Snap photos at the Lamphouse backdrop, explore surprise activities across themed islands, and connect with other Shockers as you go. A laid-back, festival-style welcome designed to help you meet people, have fun, and kick off your semester at Wichita State. Hosted by the Office of First-Year Programs. |
| ALL DAY (8am - 5pm) |
Grab your Shocker ID! |
Didn't grab your Shocker ID at Orientation? Stop by the Shocker ID Center! Hosted by Shocker Card Center. |
Saturday Events
| Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00am - 11:00am | Commuter Coffee and Conversations! @ Shocker Success Center 2nd floor lobby. |
Are you commuting to campus your first year? Stop by the Shocker Learning Center (2nd floor of the Shocker Success Center) to learn about study spaces, parking, and grab some FREE morning coffee, donuts, and SWAG! This event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow commuters and get the inside scoop on making your campus experience smoothe Hosted by the Office of Student Success & Wichita State University Police Department |
| 11:00am - 1:00pm | RecFest @ Heskett Center |
RecFest is back and better than ever! Enjoy a FREE lunch, splash into open swim, and sign up for intramural leagues. Challenge your friends with basketball or volleyball in the gym, and don't miss the pickleball courts outside. Come play, eat, and connect! Hosted by Campus Recreation and Office of First-Year Programs |
| 2:00pm - 4:00pm | WU Paint Party @ TBD |
Join us for a guided painting experience with Paint the Towne where you’ll create your own Shocker-inspired artwork to take home while enjoying a relaxed, creative environment with other Shockers. No experience is needed! Show up, follow along, and leave with a finished piece that reflects your own Shocker Pride. Hosted by the Office of First-Year Programs. |
| 7:00pm - 9:00pm | ALL IN: FREE Bowling, Billiards, and Bullseyes @ Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes (Rhatigan Student Center, lower-level) |
Join us as we kick-off an exciting evening with FREE bowling, billiards, and darts! It’s the perfect chance to hang out, make new friends, and dive into some friendly competition—all right here on campus. Once we’ve warmed up the fun and energy, we’ll walk next door to the 6th Annual NXT LVL Garage Party for an unforgettable night! Hosted by the Office of First-Year Programs. |
| 9:00pm - Midnight |
6th Annual NXT LVL Garage Party @ RSC Parking Garage (FREE T-SHIRT ALERT) |
The 6th Annual NXT LVL Garage Party has all your favorite food, games, and prizes and this year we've added new music and acrobatic aerialists. NXT LVL shirts are available while supplies last. Admission to the NXT LVL Garage Party is exclusive to Wichita State students and no bags or outside food will be permitted. Clear bags are accepted. Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs. |
Sunday Events
| Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00am-10:00am |
RUN THE WHEAT 5K @ TBD (FREE Cooling Towels while supplies last) |
A Run • Walk • Roll 5K experience that invites students and the campus community kick off the academic year with Shocker pride. More details, including route, registration, and event timing, are coming soon. Hosted by Campus Recreation & Office of First-Year Programs. |
| 1:00pm - 2:00pm |
Classroom Crawl @ Shocker Success Center 2nd Floor Lobby |
FIND YOUR CLASSES! We'll have Transition Mentors available to walk your class schedule with you and show you places to study, park and hang out! Hosted by Office of First-Year Programs. |
| 2:00pm - 4:00pm |
University Libraries Open House @ Ablah Library (FREE T-SHIRT ALERT) |
You know who's cool? Your librarian! Stop in and explore how the library can help support your academic performance, learn what technology is available for check-out and get a schedule of their events! Hosted by University Libraries. |
| 9:00pm - 11:00pm | Outdoor Movie Showing (TBD) @ Duerksen Amphitheater |
Relax with friends before the start of the semester with SAC’s Outdoor Movie Night, featuring TBD! There will be fun activities, new people to meet and a great venue at Duerksen Amphitheater for everyone to get the perfect seats. Be sure to bring a blanket, but don’t worry, we’ve got the snacks covered! See you there! Hosted by Student Activities Council. |