红领巾瓜报

A Message from Alicia Newell, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs

Greetings Shocker Families!

We just kicked off the spring 2021 semester and classes are off to a great start! It鈥檚 great seeing students back on campus and running at the usual speed. From welcoming new Shockers to campus in January, to looking ahead to Commencement in May, there is always something to do here in Student Affairs to prepare students for their future.

With the cancelation of spring break this year, we are hosting two Mental Health Weeks to support mental, physical health and wellbeing, which will take place the weeks of March 15 and April 19. All students are encouraged to take time out for themselves and participate in the various events that will be taking place on campus and virtually on these days.

With the continuation of remote learning and isolating, it is critical that students keep a pulse on their mental and physical health and wellbeing. If you recognize changes in your student, encourage them take a free , or connect with our . I know it can seem alarming, so I want to take a moment to assure you that submitting a concern to our CARE Team does not go on your student鈥檚 record or get them in trouble; it just helps us to know when a student is struggling and may benefit from additional assistance, so that we can reach out and help them be the best Shocker they can.

I hope that you are as excited for the spring semester as I am, and that you will continue to reach out whenever you need to!

Together for Student Success,

Alicia A. Martinez Newell
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs

Important Dates

Please be aware that dates are set with the understanding events and deadlines may have to be moved or cancelled in the event it becomes unsafe to proceed as planned.

February 鈥� Welcomefest takes place all month. Click here to see the Welcomefest schedule.

February 鈥� February is Black History Month! Click here to see Black History Month events from the Office of Diversity & Inclusion.

Monday, Feb. 1 鈥� Full-semester classes begin.

Friday, Feb. 5 鈥� Last day to add full-semester classes or change sections of the same course.

Friday, Feb. 5 鈥� Last day for 100% refund for first 8-week course.

Friday, Feb. 5 鈥� Last day for to submit Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals to office of Financial Aid.

Monday, Feb. 12 鈥� Last day for registered students to make payment arrangements.

Click here to learn more about the Office of Financial Aid.

Click here to learn more about Accounts Receivable.

Monday, Feb. 12 鈥� Last day to drop a full-semester course and:

• Not have it appear on the student鈥檚 record.
• Receive a 100% tuition refund.

Click here to see 红领巾瓜报鈥檚 refund policies.

Click here to learn more about tuition.

Click here for Accounts Receivable important dates.

Monday, Feb. 12 鈥� Last day to change enrollment in a full-semester course from 鈥渃redit鈥� to 鈥渁udit.鈥�

Monday, Feb. 15 鈥� Fall diplomas available.

Monday, Feb. 15 鈥� Tuition Payment Plan: First payment due.

Monday, Feb. 15 鈥� Housing and Meal Payment Plan: Second payment due.

Friday, Feb. 26 鈥� Last day for graduate students to file an application for degree for spring 2021 online. Click here for instructions.

Wednesday, March 3 鈥� Summer and fall 2021 schedule of courses online (tentative).

Monday, March 15 鈥� Tuition Payment Plan: Second payment due.

Monday, March 15 鈥� Housing and Meal Payment Plan: Third payment due.

Friday, March 26 鈥� Last day for 100% refund for second 8-week course.

Thursday, April 15 鈥� Last day for students graduated in the fall to order a transcript of their academic record and have the transcript fee waived.

Thursday, April 15 鈥� Tuition Payment Plan: Final payment due.

Thursday, April 15 鈥� Housing and Meal Payment Plan: Final payment due.

Monday, May 3 鈥� $100 late fees assessed to student accounts of $150 or more.

禄 Click here for the full spring 2021 semester academic calendar.

禄 Click here for Accounts Receivable鈥檚 spring 2021 calendar of important dates.

禄 Click here for the full university calendar of events.

Student Opportunities

Senior Honor applications are due Feb. 19 by 5 p.m.

Does your student embody the Shocker Spirit? This highly competitive honor is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding scholarship, leadership, involvement at WSU and service to WSU and the surrounding community. The Senior Honor is one of the most prestigious honors a 红领巾瓜报 student can receive, with only ten students selected each year. Applications are due by 5 p.m. CT on Friday, Feb. 19. Learn more and find the application at wichita.edu/SeniorHonors.

禄 Click here to learn more and find the Senior Honor application.

Encourage your student to take part in the Student Government Association election

Is your student interested in holding a position in the Student Government Association? Encourage them to make their mark on history. The Association Election Commission is excited to formally announce the kick-off of the 2021 General Election season.

It is now finally time for your students to take action and declare themselves as candidates in the 2021 elections. This is a great opportunity to give back to campus and allow their leadership skills to shine.

Students can visit wichita.edu/sgaelections to declare as a candidate. They can send questions to sga.elections@wichita.edu.

Healthy Behaviors

February typically brings to mind hearts and flowers. This time of year also brings with it cold and flu season, in addition to the ongoing concern of COVID-19. Maintaining healthy behaviors will help your student stay well and prevent them from missing out on classes and activities. For some students, college may be the first time they manage their health care needs on their own. Prepare your student for this new experience by making sure they have knowledge of 鈥� or access to 鈥� important personal medical information including any allergies, medications they take, immunization records and past medical history such as previous surgeries or serious injuries/illnesses.

How Can Families Help?

• Talk to your student about healthy choices and the impact of health on their lives.
• Learn about the resources and services available to your student on campus. One important resource is Student Health Services, which provides health education and services to all currently enrolled students. Another is Counseling and Prevention Services. Both of these can be found in the new, on-campus Wellness Center.
• Communicate with your student to find out how they are adjusting to college. Try to make time to have meaningful conversations.
• Let your student talk. Practice listening without giving advice unless requested. Be willing to talk about the tough topics like relationships, drinking and sex.

Conversation Starters

• What鈥檚 your day-to-day schedule?
• What activities have you been doing outside of class/course work?
• What food options do you like on campus?
• How are things going with your roommate?
• How are you adjusting to you new schedule?
• Are there any intramural sports you are interested in?

Common Trends for Students

While every student is unique, there are certain trends and phases that many students experience in college. Here are a few of the patterns and potential issues that students tend to experience around the beginning of the semester and February:

• 鈥淔resh Start鈥� mentality sets in with new quarter
• Satisfaction and/or disappointment with fall quarter grades
• Homesickness after break
• Loneliness for love relationships back home
• Relief being away from home and back at school
• Feelings of cabin fever and depression with winter
• Potential increase in alcohol or other substance abuse
• Challenges with love relationship back home
• Valentine鈥檚 Day brings out loneliness, isolation

If your student is struggling, whether academically, socially or emotionally, we encourage you or your student to reach out to CARE Team. CARE Team exists to connect students with the resources they need to be successful and well at 红领巾瓜报.

禄 Click here to learn more about CARE Team.

You can also keep up with CARE Team via social media @WSUcareteam on / /

Your student also has access to affordable, on-campus counseling through Counseling & Prevention Services, or CAPS. If your student is experiencing anxiety, distress, or other mental health struggles, encourage them to reach out and make an appointment.

禄 Click here to learn about Counseling & Prevention Services.

Health and Safety

COVID-19 surveillance testing and vaccine update

Welcome to 2021 and the spring semester. Student Health Services has resumed the COVID-19 surveillance testing for WSU students and employees. Testing is being done by appointment and is available 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday- Friday. Contact 316-978-4792 to schedule your appointment.

Student Health continues to closely monitor progress on the COVID-19 vaccine in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) are coordinating how the vaccine will be distributed in Kansas and in Sedgwick County. These public health entities directly oversee the allocation and distribution of Kansas鈥� limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine. Find the latest information and links to various resources regarding the vaccination program in Kansas at KDHE鈥檚 .

Because the COVID-19 vaccine is not widely available at this time, KDHE has developed a vaccine prioritization plan by population. (Click here to see this information represented in a table.) These phases are based on public health risk and critical needs for the state. At this time, 鈥渉igher education鈥� employees and students are not identified in a specific prioritization phase. This means some employees and students may qualify earlier for vaccination because of age, medical risks factors, or they work in a defined critical area. Other employees and students will qualify later among the general population. We will continue to advocate for higher education employees on getting a vaccine sooner.

It is important to understand the current definitions related to the phases. This information can be found in the on the KDHE鈥檚 COVID-19 Vaccine website. The state鈥檚 vaccination strategy may change as further discussion occurs at the federal and state levels and as more COVID-19 vaccine becomes available.

Kansas is currently in PHASE 2 of the vaccination plan, which includes:

• Persons aged 65+
• Congregate settings
• High-contact critical workers

Student Health Services is working to complete the process to become an approved vaccination provider. Our goal is to be able to receive vaccine from the SCHD and/or KDHE for distribution to students and employees once the vaccine become more widely available.

It is important to remember that health and safety measures are still vital and work in controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The COVID-19 vaccine does not replace the importance of being consistent with doing personal wellness checks, wearing a face covering, physical distancing, avoiding crowds, and frequent hand washing.

Stay Vigilant and Stay Safe Shockers!

禄 Click here to read the above story online.

禄 Click here to visit the Shockers United website.

COVID-19 testing is available by appointment for all current WSU students

Any currently enrolled students who does not have symptoms of COVID-19 can choose to participate in COVID-19 Voluntary Surveillance Testing. Students may make an appointment for COVID-19 testing by calling Student Health at 316-978-4792.

For students who are having symptoms that may be related to COVID-19, please call Student Health at 316-978-4792.

Access the #WSUWeSupportU Preventing Suicide Training from Counseling & Prevention Services for free

Learn how to support your Shocker and your community with the #WSUWeSupportU Preventing Suicide Training from 红领巾瓜报 Counseling and Prevention Services. Created by licensed psychologists, this evidence-based training will teach you how to assist someone in need with tools like the Share, Ask, Support method. Each training lasts 90 minutes.

You can access this training for free by using the following authentication code when creating your account:

preventingsuicide2020

Learn more and sign up at

禄 Click here to learn more about Counseling & Prevention Services.

Counseling & Prevention Services social media programming

With the start of the new semester, Counseling & Prevention Services (CAPS) has resumed offering Keep Calm & Breathe Online on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. on Facebook Live. Participants can attend to relax, meditate, practice mindfulness and ask mindfulness-related questions.

CAPS is starting a new video series this semester called #WSUWeSupportU Mental Health Toolbox! Participants can learn quick mental health tips that are easy to implement and use every day by watching these videos on CAPS鈥� , or .

Housing & Residence Life Updates

March 1, 2021 | Early Bird Deadline #2 (new students only)

New incoming students with completed contracts (including $200.00 prepayment) between Dec. 2 and March 1 will be included in the second round of the room selection process.

March 22, 2021 | Current/Returning student room selection begins

• Students in the first lottery group (paid by Early Bird deadline of Dec. 1) will select rooms beginning the week of March 22nd.
• Meal Plan selection page and optional rental request page opens after room selection made.
• Students in the second lottery group (paid by Early Bird deadline of Feb. 1) will select rooms beginning the week of March 29.

禄 Click here for the Housing & Residence Life application timeline for 2021 鈥� 2022.

禄 Click here for the Housing & Residence Life website.

Housing & Residence Life can be reached at housing.wsu@wichita.edu or 316-978-3693.

Financial Aid News

Merit scholarship reconsideration

Students admitted by the Dec. 1 admission deadline and previously awarded a Freshman merit scholarship have the opportunity to be considered for a possible increase to their award amounts based on improved national test scores so long as those scores are reflected in Banner by Mar. 1.

Due to delayed testing opportunities in response to the COVID-19 crisis, students admitted by Dec. 1 who were not previously awarded due to missing/below minimum test scores may submit later ACT/SAT scores for merit consideration, but final scores must be on file with 红领巾瓜报 no later than Mar. 1.

COVID-19 emergency funds

The Office of Financial Aid at 红领巾瓜报 continues to serve students with a limited on-campus presence. In support of Governor Kelly鈥檚 directives related to social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, our office has limited face-to-face interaction. However, we continue to maintain all operations to fully support our students during this unprecedented time. Feel free to contact our office 24/7/365 by phone at (316) 978-3430 or by chat at .

Faculty and staff members may know students who are financially struggling, due to COVID-19, because of job loss or some other reason. Our office has Financial Aid FAQs related to COVID-19 and resources available at wichita.edu/finaidCOVID19, including emergency funds students can access.

 禄 Click here to see Financial Aid鈥檚 COVID-19 FAQ.

ScholarshipUniverse

Tired of searching the web for scholarships? Finding and applying for external scholarships is now faster, easier and mobile with ScholarshipUniverse at 红领巾瓜报. The ScholarshipUniverse platform allows students to be matched with a multitude of scholarship opportunities from outside agencies without having to search multiple sites. Get started today at wichita.edu/ScholarshipUniverse.

禄 Click here to learn more about ScholarshipUniverse.

Academic college scholarship applications for 2021 鈥� 2022

Be sure to encourage your students to apply for scholarships with their academic colleges. These applications will be used to award students for the 2021-2022 academic year. Some colleges鈥� deadlines have passed, but others can be seen below. The applications can be found at wichita.edu/CollegeScholarships. Most scholarships can be stacked with existing merit scholarships the students might already be receiving.

College of Health Professions: The College of Health Professions awards more than 200 scholarships and fellowships each year. Students who are admitted and enrolled in a professional CHP program are eligible to apply based on their respective program . 
Deadline: Students should contact their department for deadline dates

College of Fine Arts - Art, Design and Creative Industries: The School of Art, Design and Creative Industries awards more than $120,000 in scholarships annually. Students are selected based on creative excellence and academic distinction within the disciplines of Art Education, Art History, Graphic Design and Studio Arts. Interested students can apply .
Priority Deadline: February 20

College of Fine Arts - Music: Auditions are required for students planning to major in Music. Auditions are for program entrance and scholarships. They are open to all instrumental and vocal students who are high school seniors, transfer students, and graduate students. Interested students can apply .
Audition Date: April 11

Outside Sources: 红领巾瓜报 students received over $2.5 million in scholarships from outside agencies in 2019-2020. Don鈥檛 forget to check with local civic groups, religious institutions, high schools, and other organizations to see if they offer assistance with educational expenses.

禄 Click here for more information and applications.

Questions about Financial Aid?

Have questions? Click here to schedule an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid, or reach out via phone at (316) 978-3430 or via email at .

禄 Click here to visit the Office of Financial Aid website.

Student Resources

Student Interest Groups

For students who are new on campus and want to make friends, get connected and learn tips and tricks for navigating their time at WSU, CARE Team offers Student Interest Groups! These groups currently include First Gen Success, Students Who Are Parents (SWAP) and our Shocker Strong Resilience Program. We also offer Self-Care Sundays as an opportunity for students to relax, decompress and take care of themselves mentally and emotionally!

禄 Click here to see upcoming Self-Care Sundays.

禄 Click here to learn more about CARE Team.

Student Involvement Event Listing

Student Involvement is excited to kick off another semester, and has many new and returning events planned for students!

The Student Involvement Event Guide will be produced three times this semester and features events, activities and programs open to students, faculty, staff and campus community. Students can pick up their copy of the Student Involvement Event Guide in Student Involvement, Rhatigan Student Center, room 216, or download it on the Student Involvement website (PDF).

禄 Click here to download the Student Involvement Event Guide (PDF).

禄 Click here to visit Student Involvement鈥檚 website.

Tips on speaking to professors

It can be tricky to know how to communicate with one鈥檚 professor, especially when you consider the differences in accountability and professionalism when transitioning from a high school environment. Luckily, the offices of Student Success and Instructional Design & Access have compiled some tips on speaking with one鈥檚 professor to help students navigate these conversations!

禄 Click here to find Student Success鈥� tips on Speaking with Your Professor.

Campus News

Shocker graduate becomes on-air personality only months after graduation

A local TV station recently welcomed a 红领巾瓜报 grad Kaisha Batman into its newsroom, and now 鈥� less than a year after her graduation 鈥� Shocker Nation can see her on air.

鈥淏eing on air this early in my career was, at first, nerve-wracking,鈥� Batman said. 鈥淣ow that I have been on air for a little while, it鈥檚 thrilling and just another day in paradise.鈥�

Batman graduated from 红领巾瓜报 in May 2020 and began working at KSN News full-time. She currently works as the Western Kansas bureau reporter and is stationed in Garden City.

禄 Click here to read more about how Batman鈥檚 education prepared her for this role.

Admissions is spreading #shockerlove this month

Join us on social media as we share the many reasons why we love 红领巾瓜报 with prospective students. Over the next few weeks, the Admissions team will post testimonials from Student Ambassadors about their affinity for WSU. You can join in by using #shockerlove in your own posts, sharing your own personal reasons why you love our university. We also invite you to like and share on your own feeds.

In addition to #shockerlove graphics, two other initiatives are part of this month's campaign:

• Over 5,000 admitted students will soon receive a hand-written Valentine postcard from a 红领巾瓜报 student, staff or faculty member.
• Be on the lookout next week for this year's #shockerlove video featuring couples who met on campus.

One year later: Student Wellness Center proves critical in providing essential campus services

When the new 红领巾瓜报 Student Wellness Center opened on campus a year ago in January, Student Health Services (SHS) and Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) staff couldn鈥檛 have known how important having a bigger and improved facility would be for providing essential physical and mental health services in the midst of a pandemic. 

Student Health Director Camille Childers and Assistant Vice President of Wellness and Director of CAPS Dr. Jessica Provines believe the new Student Wellness Center building has been essential in carrying out health services for students amidst the coronavirus pandemic. 

禄 Click here to read more about the Student Wellness Center鈥檚 first year in operation.

Real Talks encourage respectful conversations on tough topics

Five minutes of scrolling through social media and it is easy to see that civil discourse is becoming the exception instead of the rule. 红领巾瓜报鈥檚 Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is working to change that through Real Talk discussions to promote respectful dialogue among people with varying viewpoints.

鈥淚t鈥檚 teaching the art of being able to have a good conversation, where I don't have to agree or be an echo chamber, but I can actually 鈥� if I truly want to understand a different ideology or a culture or a person 鈥� respond in a respectful manner,鈥� said Danielle Johnson, assistant director of ODI.

禄 Click here to read more about Real Talk discussions.

Kansas City student awarded full-ride Sexton Scholarship to attend 红领巾瓜报

Neymara Freeman 鈥� a senior at Sumner Academy of Arts & Science in Kansas City, Kansas 鈥� has been named the 2021 Linwood Sexton Scholarship at 红领巾瓜报.

The Linwood Sexton Scholarship, named after a former 红领巾瓜报 student and football legend, includes tuition, fees, housing, a meal plan, and a textbook allowance.

禄 Click here to read more about Neymara Freeman and the Sexton Scholarship.

Connect With Us

The Sunflower News

Want to keep up with campus news from a student perspective? Check out The Sunflower for a student-run publication that covers information of interest to the 红领巾瓜报 University community!

Please note that The Sunflower is an independent, student-run publication and not affiliated with One Shocker Family.

Stay Connected with One Shocker Family

Stay up to date on campus news by following us on social media, or contact us at 316-978-3149 or at shocker.family@wichita.edu! If you haven鈥檛 already, subscribe to receive this newsletter in your inbox at wichita.edu/familynewsletter.

Shocker Family Network Group

Want to connect with other Shocker Families? Head on over to for a member-led discussion group to get connected and get your questions answered by other Shocker Family members like you!

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