November 2023

Looking Ahead



By now, students have likely established routines and are discovering what is working well and what things they may need to change to ensure their success. This self-reflection will be important for them as they begin to look ahead and plan for next semester. Course registration is open for spring semester. Students will want to enroll in their courses as soon as possible to stay on track with their degree plan. Course enrollment may come with concerns about paying for the spring semester. It’s a good idea for students to revisit their spending plan and set realistic goals for their spending for the rest of the year.

How Can Families Help?



Be a coach rather than a problem-solver. Help your Shocker become a problem-solver by reminding them of campus resources that support every aspect of life at WSU — in and out of the classroom.

Discuss habits and learning rather than grades. At this point in the semester, forming good study habits matters more than a couple of assignments' grades.

Most importantly: Trust your gut. If your student needs extra support, contact the Care Team.

Conversation Starters



•  What classes have you enjoyed this semester? What classes are you looking forward to taking?
•  Are there any classes you’re taking next semester that you’re concerned about?
• How are your finances holding up?
• Would you like me to review any scholarship applications you are planning to submit?

Nov. 13 - Spring early registration begins

(tentative)

Nov. 22-26 - NO CLASSES - Thanksgiving Break (Offices closed Nov. 23-26 and re-open Nov. 27)

Dec. 7 - Last Day of Classes

Dec 8 - STUDY DAY

Dec 9-14 - Final Examinations

Dec 17 - Fall Commencement

Jan. 16 - First Day of Spring Classes

As early registration for the Spring 2024 semester begins on Monday, November 13, it is important to know that your student has many individuals supporting their student academic success.

• Every student at WSU has an academic advisor. Your student’s academic advisor will help them choose their courses each semester, authorize their enrollment, and discuss short- and long-term goals. First-year students are advised through OneStop Student Services. After the first year, students are advised through the academic college of their major. Your student’s academic advisor will help keep them on track to completing their degree and graduating from WSU. A complete listing of academic advisors can be found at https://www.wichita.edu/advising.
• Some students have access to specialized advisors who may offer additional academic and personal guidance. Such advisors may assist adult learners, international students, students involved with TRIO, and more with the academic questions they may encounter, assist students in exploring academic options, and connecting your student with the campus resources for student success.
• Every student at WSU also has a Success Coach available to them as a resource. Success Coaches provide students with support related to time management, procrastination, test preparation, note taking, reading strategies, and accountability. They are able to work individually with your student to develop a personalized plan of action.
• Several student academic success and tutoring resources are available to support students along their educational journey. Students can request a tutor in a variety of subject areas including, but not limited to, accounting, engineering, computing, math, public speaking, logic, physics, writing, and more. Your student can visit https://www.wichita.edu/services/studentsuccess/Students/tutoring.php to find the tutoring resource(s) they may need to be academically successful.

As your student nears the end of successfully completing the fall semester, know that WSU remains committed to their academic journey, and staff are here to provide the assistance needed to help them succeed.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brett L. Bruner

Assistant Vice President for Student Success & Persistence

Wichita State University

See the Dining webpage for specific hours for each dining location.

• Is your student graduating this fall? Regalia can be purchased or in the Rhatigan Student Center, Shocker Store beginning October 1, 2023.

• Join us for The Toast, Friday, December 15, 2023 at 5 p.m. as the university community comes together to celebrate your students hard work and dedication of graduating from WSU. Students can RSVP here.

• Fall 2023 Commencement Ceremony will be held Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at Charles Koch Arena. 

Student Health Services

Student Health would like to remind all students that requesting refills of their prescriptions is super easy in the myShockerhealth portal: www.wichita.edu/shs.

Last day to pick-up Prescription Refill requests.

Thanksgiving Break: Tuesday, November 21^st by 5pm 

Holiday Semester Break: Friday, December 15^th by 5pm

2023-24 seasonal influenza vaccines and updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccines have arrived at Student Health Services. WSU faculty, staff and students — make your appointment now, while supplies last.

Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to receive one dose of updated influenza and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The new COVID-19 vaccine formula targets the variants that are currently circulating in the United States.

Who is eligible for the Flu and COVID-19 vaccines at Student Health Services?

• Ages 18 and over
• Currently enrolled WSU students
• Current WSU employees
• Must be at least 10 days past a positive COVID test or COVID-19/influenza-like symptoms.

How to get your vaccination?

• Appointments are required. Call 316-978-4792 to schedule.
• Bring your current health insurance card to use your possible free immunization benefits. If SHS is considered out of network with your insurance, you may have out-of-pocket costs.
• Allow 15 minutes to sit and wait after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.

How much do the vaccinations cost?

• Flu Vaccines – $25, plus administration fee
• 2023-24 COVID booster vaccine – Pfizer Comirnaty – $125, plus administration fee

Other COVID-19 vaccination locations:  vaccines.gov/search

• For uninsured or underinsured persons, be sure to click the box for “Bridge Access Program Participant” while searching for a vaccine using this site. This program provides no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. There are 19 pharmacies or health departments in the Wichita area that are authorized participants of this program.

We have a lot of events on campus to kick off the Fall Semester! Encourage your student to get involved!

Forward Together

Monthly Update from President Muma.