November 2024

Dear Shocker Families,



As we welcome November, I want to express my gratitude for your support of your students as they navigate their college journeys. This time of year brings both excitement and challenges as students prepare for the final stretch of the semester, with projects, exams, and presentations on the horizon. Your encouragement and guidance are crucial to their success and resilience during this busy season.

November also brings opportunities for students to reflect on their progress and set new goals. At Wichita State, we’re here to support them every step of the way. Our resources are designed to address their academic, personal, and social needs. From tutoring and academic advising to mental health services and the Shocker Support Locker, we are committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive.

I encourage you to check in with your students and ask about their goals, well-being, and any support they may need. Sometimes a simple conversation can make a big difference, reminding them they have a success team on standby who care deeply about their success.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope you’ll join us in celebrating the achievements, growth, and perseverance of our students. Thank you for being an essential part of our Shocker family, and for the role you play in your student’s journey.

With warm regards,

Alicia Newell

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. 11 - Spring early registration begins

(tentative)

Nov. 27 - Dec. 1 - NO CLASSES - Thanksgiving Break (Offices closed Nov. 28-29 and re-open Dec. 2)

Dec. 5 - Last Day of Classes

Dec 6 - STUDY DAY

Dec 7-12 - Final Examinations

Dec 15 - Fall Commencement

Jan. 21 - First Day of Spring Classes

As early registration for the Spring 2025 semester begins 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

Registration Reminders From OneStop Student Services

Spring registration for courses has officially begun! Here's a quick overview of the schedule for your freshman students:

• November 11: Registration open for Seniors and Honors students
• November 12: Registration open for Juniors
• November 13: Registration open for Sophomores
• November 14: Registration open for Freshman

Please encourage your student to register early to ensure they get the classes they need. It's also a great time to review academic progress and talk with academic advisors if they have any questions about course selection. 

As always, we're here to support your students' success. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Shocker Success Center, Room 104 

316-978-7440 | onestop@wichita.edu

Housing does not close over Thanksgiving break and students do not have to leave; however, the dining hall is closed starting Wednesday, Nov. 27 after dinner and will reopen on Sunday Dec. 1 for brunch!

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

Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony will be held Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Charles Koch Arena. All Graduate Degrees Check in time for graduates is 12:00 PM Ceremony begins at 1:00 PM

All Undergraduate Degrees Check in time for graduates is 4:00 PM Ceremony begins at 5:00 PM

Student Health Services

Check out the new Wellness-To-Go vending machine in the Heskett Center lobby. Student Health Services has increased access to health and wellness products that include at-home COVID-19 tests, multiple over-the-counter medication options, personal hygiene and other medical supplies at low prices. Free Narcan and Julie, emergency contraception, is also available.

Faculty, staff, students, Innovation Campus partners and the general community can purchase items with credit cards and pay with phone, as well as cash.

Monthly Update from President Muma.

25% Off Shocker Gear During Black Friday Weekend at the Shocker Store

Come shop for Shocker gear on Black Friday weekend! On both Friday and Saturday (Nov. 29 & 30), enjoy 25% off storewide at the Shocker Store’s Braeburn Square location! Sale is not valid with other discounts or promotions and some exclusions apply. Not local to Wichita? Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more info about a Cyber Monday Sale, too! Happy shopping, Shockers!