September 2024

Dear Shocker Parents and Families,

As cooler temperatures settle in and the leaves begin to change, the Wichita State campus is truly a sight to behold this time of year. We’re embracing the fall season as students dive into their classes, engage in campus activities, while looking forward to Family Weekend!

With midterms on the horizon, students are likely feeling the pressure. They’re now adjusting to the academic expectations of college, and by this point, they should have a clear understanding of where they stand in their courses. Students can calculate their progress using the grading scale provided in their course syllabi. Faculty are also issuing Student Early Alerts  to notify students if issues arise in areas such as attendance, class participation, test performance, or missing assignments. This is an ideal time to check in with your student about their academic progress and encourage them to utilize their faculty’s office hours for additional support if needed.

If your student is feeling overwhelmed, now is the perfect time for them to connect with their Success Team. At Wichita State, every student has a dedicated team of professionals to support them from Orientation through graduation. Whether they need assistance with academics, finances, personal accountability, mental health, or career planning, these teams work in unison to help your student maximize their potential.

In addition to academic challenges, your student may be grappling with feelings of homesickness, stress, or even isolation. Emotional support is equally important at this time of year. Whether it’s a care package from home, an encouraging message, or simply listening to their concerns, your thoughtful gestures can provide comfort and motivation during this busy time.

Lastly, first-year families should have received the Shocker Family Handbook in the mail. We hope you find this helpful as you assist your student navigate their first year. You can also find this and many other resources online at www.wichita.edu/family.

As always, we are here to support both you and your student every step of the way. If there’s anything more we can do to assist, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re in this together!

Wichita State University invites you and your family to attend Family Weekend, the annual tradition celebrated by hundreds of Shocker family members. By mid-September your Shocker will have met many new friends, passed a few quizzes, learned their way around campus, and had many new experiences. Attend Family Weekend 2024 and let your Shocker share their newfound love of Shocker Nation!  

Family Weekend 2024 takes place October 4-6 at Wichita State University and includes events and activities that family and friends can choose to participate in at their own leisure. Everyone participating in Family Weekend events must be registered.

Registration is now open at wichita.edu/familyweekend.

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! Please encourage students to fill out their roommate agreement form!
• 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

Coming Soon! Covid Vaccines and Flu Vaccines at Student Health Services! Be watching social media for announcements of the roll out day and prices for our 2024 Seasonal Flu and Covid-19 Booster Vaccines! https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-t0627-vaccine-recommendations.html 

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.

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

Up to 45% off select career wear, shoes, and accessories, when you use the extra 30% off Suit-up coupon available at the event. WSU ID required. To shop online, text SHOCKS to 67292 to get your 30% off coupon.

Visit the Shocker Store during Family Weekend and save on Shocker gear! On Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5, visit the Braeburn Square Shocker Store location for the Family Weekend Clearance Sale and save 30-70% on select WSU items! Store hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. both days.

• October 1: 
• Students should schedule to meet with their academic advisor for spring registration. 
• If your student will be graduating in May, the will need to complete their Application for Degree in their myWSU portal. 
• October 2: Tentative date for Spring 2025 Schedule of Courses to be available online. 
• October 9: Mid-Term Week 
• October 14-15: FALL BREAK (no classes) 
• October 29: Last Day to officially withdraw from a full-semester course with a “W” 
• November 11: Spring registration begins