October 2023

Wichita State and WSU Tech are celebrating our highest historical enrollments, with a combined headcount of 23,203 for fall 2023! Find out why more students are choosing to transform their futures and grow their careers with Wichita State. Click here to learn more! #ShockersUp

Here are some topics to touch base with your student about this month:



October comes with excitement and challenges. The weather begins to cool, and students are hitting their stride for the semester. It’s also time for midterm exams. For many students, this is the first time they may have taken several exams in the same week while having assignments and projects due. Ask your student how they’re managing their time as well as how they’re managing stress.

Registration for Spring and Summer classes for currently enrolled students opens November 13-16, depending on your student’s classification. Now is the time for students to make appointments with their academic advisor to discuss classes. Students can log into myWSU portal to make their advising appointments. Learn more about academic advising here. 

If you haven’t already, talk with your student about their plans for Thanksgiving break (November 22-26). 

Conversation Starters



• Have you made your appointment with your academic advisor to prepare for class registration in November?

• How are you doing with your monthly budget? How are your dining dollars holding out?

• How are you feeling heading into Midterm exams? Follow up afterwards and ask how they did (midterm grades can be viewed in your students blackboard portal). If results were not what they hoped, encourage them to visit with faculty members or take advantage of tutoring and other academic resources, such as Shocker Learning Center, the Writing Center, or their Success Coach.

We want to Hear from you to help us improve services for you and for future Shocker Parents. We appreciate you taking the time to give us feedback, this survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete. The survey will close on 11/3.

Thank You!

• 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

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.

Housing is actively accepting applications for 2024-2025, as well as Spring 2024 applications.

First priority deadline is December 1st. Student who have completed their application for the next academic year by 11:59pm on this date will be sorted into the first week of room selection and will have optimal opportunities for available room types.

On campus housing for returning current students for the next year does fill up quickly, so it is better for students to make a plan sooner rather than later regarding their housing options to ensure that space is available on campus. Room selection for the next academic year will begin in mid-March. Remind students to be watching their email for more information.

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

Virtual AAC Career Fair

Oct. 26, 2023

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (CT)

wichita.edu/AAC

Join the Shocker Career Accelerator for the Virtual AAC Career Fair on Oct. 26, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT)! This is an incredible opportunity for students of all degree levels, class levels, and majors to explore various career options. Whether you're looking for full-time or part-time positions, internships, or co-op opportunities, this event has something for everyone.

The AAC Career Fair will take place virtually through CareerEco, allowing you to attend from anywhere. Mark your calendars, and visit wichita.edu/AAC to join us for this exciting event.

Don't miss out on the chance to connect with employers locally and nationwide and explore a world of possibilities for your future career. See you at the AAC Career Fair!