October 2026

Dear Shocker Families,


October is here, and it’s hard to believe we are already halfway through the fall semester! The excitement of the first few weeks has settled, and our students are finding their routines, building friendships, and navigating the ups and downs of college life.

As a parent, I know this time of year can be challenging for our students. Midterms, assignments, and competing responsibilities can begin to feel overwhelming. Some students may be feeling homesick, questioning how they're doing academically, or simply needing a little extra encouragement to make it through the next few weeks.

This is the perfect time to remind your student that you're thinking of them! A quick text, an encouraging phone call, or even a surprise care package filled with their favorite snacks and a handwritten note can go a long way. Sometimes, it's those small gestures from home that give our students the extra motivation they need to keep pushing forward.

It's also a great time to check in beyond the usual "How are classes going?" Ask how they're feeling, what they're excited about, and whether there's anything they need. Most importantly, remind them that they don't have to figure everything out on their own.

Here at Wichita State, we are committed to supporting your student every step of the way. Whether they need help managing stress, navigating a personal challenge, or connecting with campus resources, our CARE Team, Counseling and Psychological Services, and other student support resources are here to help.

As we move into the second half of the semester, I encourage you to continue cheering your student on, celebrating their small victories, and reminding them how proud you are of the person they are becoming.

Thank you for trusting us to be part of your student's journey. We are grateful for your partnership and for the love and encouragement you provide from near and far.

With gratitude,

Alicia Martinez Newell

October Family Conversations: Supporting Your Student's Success
October brings excitement and challenges as students settle into the semester and prepare for midterm exams. With exams, projects, and assignments competing for their time, now is a great opportunity to check in with your student about how they are managing their academic responsibilities and stress.


Registration for Spring and Summer 2027 classes begins the week of November 9, depending on student classification. Encourage your student to schedule an appointment with their academic advisor through their myWSU portal. Learn more about academic advising.

Conversation Starters



• Academics: How are you feeling about midterms? If exams don't go as planned, encourage your student to connect with instructors or use campus resources such as the Shocker Learning Center, the Writing Center, or their Success Coach.

• Planning Ahead: Have you scheduled an appointment with your academic advisor to prepare for spring registration?

• Finances: How is your monthly budget holding up? Are your dining dollars lasting as expected?

• Well-Being: How are you balancing classes, activities, and personal time? Are you finding ways to manage stress?

• Thanksgiving Break: Have you made plans for the holiday and any needed travel arrangements?
  

Remember: A simple conversation can make a difference. Stay connected, listen, and encourage your student to seek support when needed while building independence and confidence.

Parents, help your student avoid a registration hold!

Second-Semester Advising Starts Now!
All first-year students are required to meet with their academic advisor before registering for spring classes. This spooky season, remind your student that they shouldn’t ghost their advisor! 👻 Encourage them to schedule their advising appointment early, as appointment times can fill up quickly.


Before their appointment, students should:


• Clear any holds on their account
• Submit any transcripts and test scores
• Complete placement exams, if needed
  

Don’t wait until the last minute! Students who have not completed their second-semester advising requirement will have an advising hold placed on their account, which can prevent them from registering for classes.


A little planning now can help make spring registration a lot less scary!


Spring 2027 registration opens the week of November 9, based on their class level.


All students have received emails with instructions for scheduling their appointments.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities at Wichita State

Did you know that Wichita State University offers undergraduate students opportunities to gain hands-on experience in research and creative activity?


The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA) Hub connects students with faculty mentors and opportunities to participate in meaningful research and creative projects across academic disciplines. Whether students are preparing for graduate school, exploring career interests, or simply looking to deepen their college experience, undergraduate research can help them develop valuable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration.


The UReCA Hub works to expand access to mentored research and creative inquiry while connecting students, faculty, and interdisciplinary research teams across campus.


We encourage students from all majors and at all stages of their undergraduate education to explore the possibilities available through the UReCA Hub. Students are invited to stop by and visit the UReCA Hub in Room 125 of Ablah Library to learn more about how they can get involved.

Financial Aid

Need Money for College?

The 2027–2028 FAFSA is now open! To maximize financial aid opportunities, new/incoming students should complete their FAFSA by Wichita State’s priority date of December 1. For details and access to the application, visit wichita.edu/fafsa.

Current/Continuing Students should complete their FAFSA by April 1, 2027, to unlock opportunities with limited funding.

New/Continuing Student Scholarship Applications open on November 1 with a deadline of March 1, 2027. 

To help students navigate the process, they can schedule an appointment through the Navigate scheduling portal.

Housing and Residence Life

Housing application for the next Academic Year is now available! Be sure to apply early: Apply Now!

Shocker Dining Hall will be open over Fall Break with brunch and dinner hours.

Student Health Services

Is your college student sleeping enough?

Probably not. Most college-aged students need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but many are only getting 6 to 6.9 hours. Nationally, 77% of students report not getting enough sleep. There are many reasons college students don't sleep, which could include studying late, using electronic devices, committed activities, environment problems (too hot, too loud), relationship issues (roommates, break-ups), anxiety, depression, and many more. There are some students who have difficulty sleeping because of chronic illnesses or disabilities, such as ADHD. 

And, some students still believe that they can "catch up with their sleep on the weekends", which is a sleep myth. 

Sleep helps promote retention and recall of new information, focus and creativity, boosts productivity, and reduces anxiety and stress. For some tips to share with your student: 

• Keep the electronics out of your sleep space
• Build decompression time into your schedule. Have downtime before bedtime that involves minimal activity, including studies.
• Stay away from caffeine and other stimulants for at least six hours before bedtime.
• Make your bedroom a safe space for sleeping, not studying, playing video games, or chatting (in any form) on your cell phone.
• Use earplugs and an eye cover to minimize noise and light.
• Avoid napping during the day.
• Skip the booze before bed.
• Try to follow a regular bedtime schedule, and follow it on weekends, too.
• Don’t exercise before bedtime. Exercise a few hours before you’re getting ready for sleep

The Fall Semester is off to an exciting start, and campus is buzzing with activities! Encourage your student to take advantage of the many events and opportunities happening this semester—it’s a great way to get connected, make new friends, and feel at home at WSU.

Family Weekend Recap

This year, over 600 Shocker Family members attended Family Weekend as part of our Shocktoberfest activities. Thank you to everyone who joined us for Family Weekend 2026! We enjoyed seeing all of our Shocker Families back on campus and creating new memories with your student.

Click here to see pictures from Family Weekend. 

In case you missed it, click here for First Day of School photos!

Grad Fair at the Shocker Store

Graduating Shockers, visit the Shocker Store for their Grad Fair! Swing by the RSC store from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 to purchase regalia, order class rings and announcements, enjoy snacks and prize giveaways and more! PLUS, that day only, buy your cap and gown and get your tassle for free! Grad Images will also have a pop-up portrait studio at the Grad Fair if students want to take cap and gown or professional photos. Reserve your photo time slot here.

Forward Together

Update from President Muma.