September 2023

Getting Settled



Your student has started settling into their new college routine. They've had time to get a feel for how their instructors teach and have reviewed the syllabus from each of their courses. They've also started to figure out what kind of activities they want to get involved in. Your student might also be feeling a little overwhelmed as their first exams will usually be around the fourth week of the semester. 

Remember this is a time your student needs to work through independently, with a little support from home. Encourage your student to start asking for help when they need it so that they have enough time to benefit from the assistance they will receive. Many times, if a student waits to ask for help, it’s already too late.

How Can Families Help?

• Encourage your student to ask their instructors for assistance if they need it. Tips on talking to instructors can be found here. Students can also visit wichita.edu/tutoring to find academic support resources and sign up for free tutoring.

• Test anxiety is common at this point of the semester. If your student would benefit from tips on exam preparation, have them contact the Office of Student Success at (316) 978-3209 or by emailing student.success@wichita.edu.

• If your student is considering dropping a course, encourage them to speak with an academic advisor. As students start making changes to their schedule, they need to keep in mind course sequencing for their major, refund rates and financial aid implications. An academic advisor can help them make the right choice.

• Communicate with your student about how often you expect them to check in with you, and keep an open mind as to why your student may want to change the frequency of communication.

Conversation Starters



• Have you been able to settle into your college routine? What does that routine look like for you?

• Tell me about your instructors and your classes.

The Fall Semester is underway, and we are so happy to have your students here on campus! Not all students experience homesickness, but many do and that is perfectly normal. College is often the first time students have been away from home and family for an extended time, and that transition can be hard. Here are a few ways you can help encourage your student from afar:

• Encourage students to get to know their Resident Assistant (RA). RAs are here to help, whether it’s getting residents connected to campus resources or just being a listening ear.

• Encourage your student to get involved on campus and in the residence halls. There are so many groups to get involved with and there are always events happening on campus – your student is sure to find something that excites them!

• Encourage your students to get to know their roommates/suitemates. It’s a built-in friendship!

• Send a note, a text, or give your student a call. You can even send a little care package if you want! Just a little something to brighten their day and remind them that someone at home is thinking of them.

We know that students experience more success when they feel connected. Let’s work together to get students engaged on campus during their college career!

Student Health Services

As we start the Fall 2023 semester, please encourage your student to reduce their risk of cold/flu/Covid-19 by:

• Getting vaccinated for Influenza and Covid-19. When new 2023 vaccines become available, information will be communicated to the campus.

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after . If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer.

• Distance themselves from others when in public, especially if you are a senior or have a medical condition that puts you in a high-risk category.

• Wearing a mask in public if you are immunocompromised due to a chronic illness.

• If they think they were exposed to Covid-19, it is recommended to monitor for symptoms and wear a mask for 10 days.



If your student does develop symptoms and would like to be evaluated by a healthcare professional and tested for flu, Covid-19 or other illnesses, they can schedule an appointment with Student Health Services through our myShockerhealth patient portal, www.wichita.edu/shs, or by calling (316) 978-4792.

Wichita State University is coming to a city near you!

Wichita State University is coming to a city near you! Discover Wichita State is an opportunity for juniors, seniors, and transfer students to hear from Admissions, representatives from academic colleges and student life areas, and current Wichita State students in a city near them. Register for Discover Wichita State at: slate.wichita.edu/portal/discover_wichita_state.

High school seniors and transfer students with an admissions application and fee on file before the event they attend will be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship toward the 2024-2025 academic year. Visit wichita.edu/apply to submit your application!

Questions about Discover Wichita State? Contact Nikky Bloomquist, recruitment events specialist, at nikky.bloomquist@wichita.edu. 

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

Fine Arts Career Mixer, September 21



Our upcoming Fine Arts Career Mixer, scheduled for September 21, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the McKnight Lobby, offers a golden opportunity for you to encourage your college student's pursuit of a career in the creative arts.

Is your college student a passionate Fine Arts enthusiast eager to connect with leading employers and establish vital networks within the vibrant and dynamic creative realm? Look no further than the Shocker Career Accelerator's Fine Arts Career Mixer! This event is tailored to empower your college student to engage with representatives from a wide array of creative fields, including art, graphic design, entertainment, gaming, creative writing, theater, music, and more. They can immerse themselves in enriching discussions with industry professionals, gaining insights into their work, understanding their companies, and discovering potential full-time, part-time, or internship positions.

We encourage you to share this opportunity with your college students, support their attendance, and help them take the first steps toward a future enriched by their creative talents. Learn more at wichita.edu/FAMixer.