Dear Shocker community, 

It is hard to believe that almost a year has passed since we first started communicating with you about COVID-19 and its impact on our campus. Wichita State University remains grateful for your continued efforts and cooperation in combating this virus in our community. I know it hasn’t been easy. 

Given the declining number of new cases and hospitalizations, as well as our increased capacity for rapid testing and effective vaccines, it is with cautious optimism that I share with you today that WSU has begun careful preparations for returning our campus to a more normal mode of operations for fall 2021. This includes an increase in in-person classes, as well as on-campus research, events, activities and community engagement.

While the university is still working on finalizing its plans, we recognize that – if 2020 taught us nothing else – it is that even the best-laid plans and intentions cannot guarantee us certainties. So, while we will strive to approach a post-pandemic normal, we will continue to remain flexible and prepared to pivot to alternative arrangements at any time, including remote delivery of classes and other virtual events, and we again ask – with much appreciation – that you do the same.

I know you will have many questions about what to expect this fall. Please know we will share more details as soon as we are able. As always, the health, safety and well-being of our entire campus community remains our top priority, and we will continue to evaluate and plan next steps in accordance with all federal, state and local public health and governmental guidelines.

In the meantime, I ask that you continue to do all you can to protect yourself, your family and your friends: Wear a mask, wash your hands, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel ill.

I also encourage you to check in with your friends and campus colleagues. Call, text, email, Zoom, enjoy the spring weather and gather (safely!) with friends outdoors – connect in some way. Also, please be reminded, Counseling and Prevention Services is available to our students to consult via telephone or Zoom to help you develop a self-care plan for your mental health during this time. WSU employees should seek mental health resources through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which includes counseling services and referrals to community services.

Finally, remember you can always check for the most recent updates for the university community at www.wichita.edu/covid. Thank you for all you do!

With Shocker Pride, 

Shirley Lefever
Interim executive vice president and provost
Wichita State University

» Click here to visit the website for Counseling & Prevention Services.

» Click here to learn more about the University’s response to COVID-19.

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.

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

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

March 15 – 19 – Wellness Week.

March 21 – Self-Care Sunday | Zentangle. Click here to learn more.

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

March 28 – Self-Care Sunday | Intrapersonal Exploration. Click here to learn more.

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

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

April 19 – 23 – Wellness Week.

Friday, May 14 – Commencement. Click here to learn more.

Saturday, May 15 – Commencement. Click here to learn more.

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

» Click here for Accounts Receivable’s spring 2021 calendar of important dates.

» Click here for the full university calendar of events.

Normally this time of year we would be sharing information about Spring Break and encouraging students to make safe, healthy choices. However, this is not a normal year, and the safe, healthy choice was to cancel Spring Break altogether. While the health and safety of our campus community takes priority, that doesn’t mean it’s easy for students to complete their spring semester without their usual opportunity to relax and decompress from their coursework. This is why Wichita State is holding two Wellness Weeks — one in March, and one in April.

Though self-care can sometimes feel frivolous and indulgent, it is important for students to take time for themselves and care for their needs — physical, mental, emotional and social. Encourage your student to seek out opportunities for relaxation and self-care during this semester’s two Wellness Weeks (March 15 – 19 and April 19 – 23). Remind your student that it is normal and okay to need time to rest and decompress.

Student Affairs also offers Shocker Strong, a program intended to promote students’ self-development and grow their resilience. This free program is available to all students who are interested; first-year students can find the program in their Blackboard, and other students can request to join the program on the Shocker Strong website.

» Click here to see the Wellness Week schedule for March.

» Click here to learn more about Shocker Strong.

» Click here for the sign-up page for Shocker Strong.

• Let your student know it’s okay to not be okay. If your student is struggling with something or needs assistance with having their needs met, CARE Team is available to help connect them with resources. In addition, Counseling & Prevention Services offers affordable mental health care.
• Remind your student that basic needs, such as adequate sleep, water intake and nutrition, are not optional, and that trying to “power through” without self-care will just leave them exhausted and less resilient later in the semester.
• If your student is struggling with body image, let them know that bodies are not static; bodies change over time, and that’s normal and okay. If your student has fitness or health concerns, full-time enrolled students have free access to the on-campus YMCA and Campus Recreation programs, while Student Health Services provides a wide range of services, including consultation with a registered dietitian.

» Learn more about CARE Team.

» Learn more about Counseling & Prevention Services.

» Learn more about the YMCA.

» Learn more about Campus Recreation.

» Learn more about Student Health Services.

• What have you been doing to take care of and enjoy yourself?
• How is your mental and emotional health lately?
• Are there any Wellness Week activities you’re looking forward to?

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 March:

• Spring fever, including excitement for changing seasons, warmer weather, and looking forward to warm weather activities
• Concern over winter weight gain
• Anxiety or disappointment regarding midterms
• Feeling overwhelmed or tired, particularly with lack of Spring Break

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 Wichita State.

» Click here to learn more about CARE Team.

» Click here to submit a concern to CARE Team.

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

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.

» Click here to learn about Counseling & Prevention Services.

Wichita State University’s Student Health Services (SHS) has been named by Kansas Department of Health and Environment as an approved COVID-19 vaccination provider.

SHS is still awaiting word on when it will receive vaccines. We will do our best to keep you informed of any changes or new information.

In the meantime, WSU is preparing for distribution so vaccines can be given as soon as possible after arrival. Part of that preparation involves asking your student to complete an anonymous survey, the results of which will help the University know an estimate of the number of people interested in potentially receiving the COVID-19 vaccine on campus. Your student should watch their WSU email for a link to complete the survey.

Vaccine distribution will follow the Sedgwick County vaccine prioritization plan, which identities who is eligible and when they will be able to receive the vaccine. Vaccine eligibility may vary from county to county within Kansas, and access to the vaccine is dependent on the number of available doses distributed to SHS from the Sedgwick County Health Department.

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.

» Click here to learn more and see FAQs about the vaccine (PDF).

» Click here to visit the Shockers United website.

» Click here to check out the Kansas COVID-19 Vaccine website.

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.

Learn how to support your Shocker and your community with the #WSUWeSupportU Preventing Suicide Training from Wichita State University 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:

preventingsuicide

Learn more and sign up at Suspenders4Hope.com.

» Click here to learn more and begin the #WSUWeSupportU Preventing Suicide Training.

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

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.

» Click here to visit CAPS’ Facebook page.

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’ Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

» Click here for CAPS’ Facebook.

» Click here for CAPS’ Twitter.

» Click here for CAPS’ Instagram.

• Students in the first lottery group (paid by Early Bird deadline of Dec. 1) will select rooms beginning the week of March 22.
• Students in the second lottery group (paid by Early Bird deadline of Feb. 1) will select rooms beginning the week of March 29.

• Students accepted to participate in a LLC community and in the first lottery group (paid by Early Bird deadline of December 1st) will select rooms beginning the week of March 22.
• Students accepted to participate in a LLC community and in the second lottery group (paid by Early Bird deadline of March 1) will select rooms beginning the week of March 29.

In each case, the Meal Plan selection page and optional rental request page will open after the room selection has been made.

» Click here for the Housing & Residence Life application timeline for 2021 – 2022.

» Click here for the Housing & Residence Life website.

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

The Office of Financial Aid at Wichita State continues to serve students with a limited on-campus presence. In support of Governor Kelly’s 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 wichita.edu/onestop.

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.

» Click here to visit OneStop’s website.

 » Click here to see Financial Aid’s COVID-19 FAQ.

Tired of searching the web for scholarships? Finding and applying for external scholarships is now faster, easier and mobile with ScholarshipUniverse at Wichita State University. 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.

» Click here to learn more about ScholarshipUniverse.

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’ 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 here. 
Deadline: Students should contact their department for deadline dates

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 here.
Audition Date: April 11

Outside Sources: Wichita State students received over $2.5 million in scholarships from outside agencies in 2019-2020. Don’t forget to check with local civic groups, religious institutions, high schools, and other organizations to see if they offer assistance with educational expenses.

» Click here for more information and applications.

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 finaid@wichita.edu.

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

Student Support Services is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide free academic services to students from first-generation and limited-income backgrounds, as well as students with disabilities.

The free services include: Individualized tutoring, academic advising, textbook loans, assistance completing financial aid application, and scholarships exclusively for student participants.

Currently enrolled students who are interested in the program can visit Student Support Services on the third floor of Grace Wilkie Hall in Suite 309 or call 978-3715.

» Click here to learn more about TRIO.

The safety and wellbeing of our students is important to us. As a result, Wichita State has plenty wellness resources to offer students:

• Campus Recreation | Campus Recreation provides the Wichita State University community with diverse recreational and wellness activities to encourage students to have fun while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Click here to learn more.
• CARE Team | CARE Team is committed to helping ensure students' needs are met in order to promote wellness and academic success. Students can reach out to CARE Team for any concern, great or small, in order to receive help and be connected with resources. Click here to learn more.
• Counseling & Prevention Services | Counseling offers appointments for individual, couples and group therapy to enrolled students in the WSU community. No matter where a student is at in life or what hardships they face, CAPS is here to help. To set an appointment, students can walk into the Student Wellness Center or call at 316-978-4SWC (4792) and ask to meet with a counselor. Click here to learn more.
• Disability Services | The Office of Disability Services provides individuals with learning, mental or physical disabilities an equal opportunity to attain their academic and personal goals to the fullest of their abilities. Click here to learn more.
• Financial Aid | Finances can be a point of stress and anxiety for students. The Office of Financial Aid can answer you or your student’s questions and provide guidance through the process of finding effective solutions to fund your student’s education. Click here to learn more.
• Shocker Support Locker | The Shocker Support Locker aims to alleviate food insecurity on campus and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff, by providing a variety of nutritional and functional resources to Shockers at no cost. Click here to learn more.
• Student Conduct & Community Standards | The Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards supports and enhances the personal, ethical, and intellectual growth of all students to become responsible, aware, and engaged citizens. Click here to learn more.
• Student Health Services | Student Health Services offers a variety of health services to Wichita State students at little to no cost. Health insurance is not required to be seen at Student Health. All staff members are professionally trained to assist your student with their health-related issues. Click here to learn more.
• Student Success | Student Success is home to a variety of services, including Success Coaches, Supplemental Instruction, tutoring and the Office of Student Money Management. Students can cut down on stress by utilizing any (or all!) of the opportunities available through Student Success. Click here to learn more.
• University Police Department | The Wichita State University Police Department (WSUPD) is a commissioned law enforcement agency and the 4th largest in Sedgwick County. Wichita State is constantly focused on maintaining a safe, secure learning environment. In addition to patrols and traffic control, WSUPD’s officers provide additional services such as safety escorts and jump-starts for dead car batteries. Click here to learn more.
• YMCA | All fee-paying WSU students are automatically members of the Steve Clark YMCA and all other eight Wichita-area YMCA locations. The Y offers group exercise classes and personal trainers, in addition to amenities such as cardio equipment, strength equipment, a gymnasium, an indoor track, and on-site locker rooms. The Steve Clark YMCA building is also the Wellness Center, and houses Student Health Services and Counseling & Prevention Services. Click here to learn more.

» Click here to learn about Campus Recreation.

» Click here to learn about CARE Team.

» Click here to learn about Counseling & Prevention Services.

» Click here to learn about Disability Services.

» Click here to learn about Financial Aid.

» Click here to learn about the Shocker Support Locker.

» Click here to learn about Student Conduct & Community Standards.

» Click here to learn about Student Health Services.

» Click here to learn about Student Success.

» Click here to learn about the University Police Department.

» Click here to learn about the Steve Clark YMCA.

Wichita State University’s Student Health Services (SHS) has been named by Kansas Department of Health and Environment as an approved COVID-19 vaccination provider.

SHS is still awaiting word on when it will receive vaccines.

» Click here to read more about Wichita State’s preparations for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

When we last spoke to Wichita State alumna and 2020 graduate Jade Mursch, her internship at Lodgeworks Partners, L.P. Hotel Management Company had been paused due to COVID-19. After being on hold for a month, Mursch’s internship was ultimately cut short, and she became nervous about the job search. 

After months of uncertainty and job searching, Mursch was offered a new full-time role as the social media coordinator at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. 

» Click here to read more about Jade Mursch’s post-graduation job.

Students and faculty at the Wichita State Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic have teamed up with the College of Engineering to help a 9-year-old child communicate effectively.

The child is a client at the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and is considered a complex communicator due to multiple challenges, including physical disabilities, impaired vision, fine motor limitations, seizures and feeding issues. With so many limitations, communication is challenging because many common methods such as speech, writing and signing are not options.

» Click here to read more about the collaborative efforts of the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and the College of Engineering.

When Dr. Larisa Genin arrived as dean of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University in June 2019, she brought with her experience, passion and, most importantly, a commitment to collaboration. She credits the recent accomplishments of the Barton School to this team mentality.

“None of this would be possible without our team,” says Genin. “They’re the key to this success. Their intelligence, passion and dedication are what make the Barton School prosper. It’s important to provide a culture where all can thrive, and that’s what we’re doing.”

» Click here to read more about Dr. Larisa Genin’s first two years on the job.

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’t already, subscribe to receive this newsletter in your inbox at wichita.edu/familynewsletter.

Want to connect with other Shocker Families? Head on over to @ShockerFamilyNetwork 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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