“You belong.”

This simple, yet profound message read by Dr. Pamela O’Neal on the April 2024 podcast episode of “Shockers Learning Out Loud,” is the perfect sentiment for the adult students at Wichita State University.

“Whether you’re an adult learner, traditional age, first-gen, an online student – if you’re here, you belong,” O’Neal, Associate Director of Student Engagement for the Office of Online and Adult Learning (OAL), said.

The episode hosted by O’Neal and Dr. Amber Anderson, OAL Associate Director of Enrollment & Retention, invited adult students to write about their experiences. It perfectly encapsulates how Wichita State is Shocker Proud of its adult students.

So, you’re ready to start or finish your degree. But where to start? We've got you covered - 

If you have never previously attended classes at Wichita State, the first step is to get admitted. If you have not decided on a major, Wichita State has a large variety of undergraduate degree programs as well as fully online programs.

Here’s how to get admitted –

• Complete and submit the admission application at wichtia.edu/apply
• Pay the $40 application fee
• Submit official transcripts from any previous college(s) and high school(s) you attended. You will need to contact these institutions and have them send your official transcripts to Wichita State. Transcripts will be accepted electronically via a reputable third party such as Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse or through the mail as long as it is in a sealed envelope from the institution.
• Note that application processing takes roughly 7-10 business days. If admitted, you should receive your acceptance letter both in the email you used on the application and a hard copy in the mail.

Once you’ve been admitted, contact your academic advisor within your area of study so they can work with you to get registered for courses. Be sure to review Wichita State’s academic calendar for important dates and deadlines to add/drop courses. Also, if you are applying for Federal Financial Aid, Wichita State’s FAFSA code is 001950.

If you’ve previously been enrolled, but haven’t attended Wichita State within the past two years, you’ll need to reactivate your student account. There’s a step-by-step process depending on what type of student you are.

It's understandable to be overwhelmed. The important thing to remember is Wichita State is full of people dedicated to making sure adult learners find success and reach their goals. For admissions-related topics, Chad Steinkamp is the Director of Transfer & Adult Recruitment and can be reached at chad.steinkamp@wichita.edu or 316-978-5405.

For all things related to student resources and general adult learner questions, the staff at the OAL can be reached at oal@wichita.edu or 316-978-7757. The Adult Learning Office is located in 150 Grace Wilkie Annex and the Online Learning Office is in 152 Media Resource Center.

The OAL also has a helpful list of campus resources for everyone from new Shockers looking for academic help, to parents’ needs.

Along with belonging, another sentiment shared in the podcast episode was, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.” If you’re not sure of what to do or need assistance in any way, reach out to the staff at either the Office of Admissions or Office of Online & Adult Learning!