With warmer weather and beautiful blue skies comes summer orientation season. We know the transition to college can be intimidating for new students and families alike, which is why Wichita State works hard every year to offer summer programming to help alleviate newcomers’ concerns.

In Student Affairs, our vision is Connecting Every Student. We know students have lives outside of their classes. Student Affairs exists to ensure students get the most out of their time at Wichita State, whether that means connecting them with resources to help them succeed, or connecting students with their people through programs and involvement opportunities on campus.

» Click here to learn more about Wichita State University.

» Click here to learn more about the Division of Student Affairs.

WSU requires undergraduate Orientation for domestic incoming freshmen, transfer students and returning or transferring adult learners. New Shocker Orientation is the last step of your student’s transition into a full-fledged member of Shocker Nation, and one that's directly connected to student success.

At Orientation, Transition Mentors will connect your student to important people and resources, help answer any questions you may still have about enrollment, introduce your student to campus life, and help prepare them for their first day of classes. It will also be lots of fun!

» Click here to learn more and sign up for Orientation.

Virtual College Connection sessions and in-person New Student Kick-Off Days are designed to welcome and transition students to Wichita State and complement the Online Orientation modules. Students must attend one of these programs to complete their Orientation requirement, although students are welcome to attend both types of programs. These events will provide additional interaction with staff and campus resources through live stream and in-person events. For those who choose the virtual programs, a Zoom link will be emailed to your Shocker student email account prior to the program date.

» Click here to learn more and RSVP for Virtual College Connections or In-Person New Student Kick-Off Days.  

Students are encouraged to join us for Virtual Connections with Student Affairs, a chance to get connected with people and opportunities to get involved at WSU before the semester even starts! This program is a series of live Q&A sessions via Zoom that offers incoming students an opportunity to talk to campus experts from Student Affairs about different parts of campus life.

» Click here to learn more and sign up for Virtual Connections with Student Affairs.

What could be better than getting a head-start on making connections with Wichita State? Only winning free textbooks in the process!

Eligible participants in Virtual Connections will be entered to win a drawing for a book scholarship worth up to $500. There is only one book scholarship, but participants can be entered up to three times; each participant will receive one entry per session attended for a maximum of three entries. That means that the more sessions your student attends, the more chances they have to win (up to three entries)!

» Click here to learn more and sign up for Virtual Connections with Student Affairs.

» Click here to learn more about the Virtual Connections Prize Drawing.

This one is for parents and families of incoming new students! Join us for Shocker Family Table Talks, which are live, virtual Q&A sessions with campus experts that take place on Facebook and YouTube.

» Click here to learn more and sign up for Shocker Family Table Talks.

Your Shocker's First Year

Tuesday, June 1 | 6 p.m.
Attend this session to learn more about FERPA, proxies, enrollment, technology, books, access codes, and more!
» Click here to find this session on YouTube.

» Click here to find this session on Facebook.

Your Shocker's Wellness & Safety

Wednesday, June 16 | 6 p.m.
Attend this session to learn more about Counseling & Prevention Services and the University Police Department at WSU!
» Click here to find this session on YouTube.

Special COVID-19 Edition

Tuesday, June 22 | 6 p.m.
Attend this session to learn more about how Wichita State is keeping the campus community safe from COVID-19.
» Click here to find this session on YouTube.

Your Shocker's Classes

Thursday, June 24 | 6 p.m.
Attend this session to learn more from the First-Year Seminar faculty about the classroom experience at Wichita State!
» Click here to find this session on YouTube.

Your Shocker's Finances

Tuesday, July 13 | 6 p.m.
Attend this session to learn more about Financial Aid and Accounts Receivable!
» Click here to find this session on YouTube.

Your Shocker's Accommodations

Wednesday, July 14 | 6 p.m.
Attend this session to learn more about Disability Services and accommodations for students at Wichita State!
» Click here to find this session on YouTube.

Your Shocker's Basic Needs

Wednesday, July 28 | 6 p.m.
Attend this session to learn more about on-campus housing, dining services, and the Shocker Store!
» Click here to find this session on YouTube.

Sign up and join us live for a chance to win one of the following prizes:

• $50 Shocker Dollars for your student
• $250 book scholarship
• WSU flag
• Shocker Swag Bag
• And more!

» Click here to learn more about the Shocker Family Table Talk Prize Drawing.

» Click here to submit questions ahead of time.

» Click here to learn more and sign up for Shocker Family Table Talks.

» Click here for Shocker Family Table Talk topics.

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.

June 1 – July 23 – 8-week term.

Monday, June 7 – Last day for 100% refund for 8-week course.

Monday, June 7 – Last day for registered students to make payment arrangements or submit TA form before $100 late fees are assessed to accounts with a $150 or more balance.

Tuesday, June 8 – $100 Late fees assessed to student accounts of $150 or more.

Tuesday, June 15 – Tuition Payment Plan: First payment due.

Tuesday, June 15 – Housing and Meal Payment Plan: Final payment due.

Monday, June 28 – 2nd 4-week classes begin.

Wednesday, June 30 – Last day for 100% refund for second 4-week course.

Monday, July 5 – Independence Day holiday; campus offices closed. 

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

Thursday, July 15 – Spring diplomas available.

Wednesday, Sept. 15 – Last day for students who graduated in the spring to order a transcript of their academic record and have the fee waived.

Sept. 17 – Sept. 18 – Family Weekend. Click here to learn more. Please note that registration is not open yet, and will open closer to the date of the event.

» Click here for a PDF of academic calendar dates from fall 2019 through summer 2022.

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

» Click here for the full university calendar of events.

Another year of college — maybe the first — is under your student’s belt. Many students choose to take summer courses to get ahead or to try out new subject areas. You and your student should be mindful of the fact that summer courses can be more demanding than those in the spring or fall; this is because the same amount of material must be covered in a shorter amount of time. Students may want to consider consulting with their academic advisor before enrolling in summer classes.

Summer is a quieter time to take stock of the past year and readjust if needed. Expect students to push for even more independence and be increasingly future-oriented. This will inevitably create changing dynamics in the family. Take time to listen to each other’s perspectives, set boundaries where necessary, and compromise with each other as much as possible. Remember, adjustments take time, and your student has developed some new perspectives from which the whole family can benefit.

• Review the events of the past academic year together. Identify successes and problem areas and ask your student for feedback about how they plan to adjust.
• Review your student’s financial needs for the coming year. Evaluate changes that may be needed for money management.
• Increase expectations for your student’s personal decision making and taking care of academic/career responsibilities.
• Encourage your student to visit the Shocker Career Accelerator for assistance in exploring career and work-based learning opportunities.
• Continue to express confidence in your student’s ability to be a successful Wichita State Shocker!

• What resources did you find helpful on campus this year? Which ones would you like to use in the coming year?
• What can your family do to help you succeed?

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 June:

• Stress over moving
• Transition anxiety or excitement for incoming first-year students
• Excitement for summer plans or internships
• Apprehension about returning home for summer
• Sadness over leaving new friendships and/or love relationships at school
• Realization of how college influences life decisions

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.

Student Health Services is offering COVID-19 vaccinations to all currently enrolled students and employees. Starting May 1, 2021, immediate family members of currently enrolled students and employees may also schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment through Student Health. 

Please review Frequently Asked Questions for additional information. COVID-19 vaccinations in Sedgwick County are open to all individuals. For alternative vaccination locations, dates, and times, go to vaccinefinder.org.

» Click here to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines available through Student Health Services.

» Click here to find vaccines available near you.  

Any currently enrolled students can choose to schedule COVID-19 testing appointments through Student Health Services.

To schedule a COVID-19 test, students can login into the myShockerHealth portal at StudentHealth.wichita.edu using your Shocker ID and select “Appointments” from the menu. Testing is free of charge and results will returned within 24 hours. 

For students who are having symptoms that may be related to COVID-19 and would like to be seen by a provider, please call Student Health at 316-978-4792 or make a provider appointment through the myShockerHealth portal. 

» Click here to visit the myShockerHealth portal.

Did you know that Student Health Services remains open 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday throughout the summer? Student Health offers a wide variety of affordable health care services to WSU students. 

Students who were enrolled during the spring semester will remain eligible for services at Student Health through July, regardless of summer enrollment.

» Click here to learn more about services available through Student Health Services.

Check out and subscribe to WSU Student Health Services YouTube Channel to view health education videos on COVID-19, Tuesday Talk sessions, health insurance and more!

» Click here to visit the Student Health Services YouTube Channel.

» Click here to learn more about Student Health Services.

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.

Move-In will be Aug. 11 – 14, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents will sign up for an arrival date and timeslot in mid-June. An email will go out with the link to sign up.

Students can find the 2021-22 packing list on the Housing & Residence Life website.

» Click here for the 2021 – 2022 Packing List (PDF).

• Students have the options of purchasing linens packages through SWAKU. SWAKU also has care packages that parents can purchase throughout the year.
• Optional rentals are now open for reservation through students’ online housing application. This includes loft kits, fridges and safes.

» Click here to visit SWAKU’s WSU page.

» Click here to visit myWSU for online housing applications.

» Click here for more information about online housing applications.

• Housing & Residence Life has changed its policy, and now allows for soft furniture. There are no size restrictions, though students are encouraged to be mindful of the size of the space and of their roommates and suitemates.
• Shocker Hall now offers free laundry!

» Click here for the 2021 – 2022 Application Timeline.

» Click here for the Housing & Residence Life website.

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

To remain eligible for federal financial aid, students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress. The Office of Financial Aid reviews a students’ quantitative (time-based) and qualitative (grade-based) progress at the end of the each semester. Students who did not maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress after the Spring 2021 semester have the option to submit an appeal if they had extenuating circumstances preventing them from meeting the requirements.

The priority deadline for Fall 2021 SAP Appeals is Friday, June 25, 2021. All appeals must be received in the Office of Financial Aid before Friday, Aug. 27, 2021. Any appeals received after the Aug. 27 deadline date will be held for review for the Spring 2022 semester. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid website at wichita.edu/SAPappeal for the appeal application and additional requirements.

» Click here to learn more about Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals.

Students who wish to use financial aid for Summer 2021 must have a FAFSA on file for the 2020-2021 academic year. Once we have processed the FAFSA and students are enrolled in summer classes, they can complete a 2021 Summer Financial Aid Application in their myWSU student portal.

» Click here to visit myWSU.

The Office of Financial Aid is currently contacting students who attended Wichita State during the 2020 – 2021 academic year and have not yet completed the 2021 – 2022 FAFSA. Students meeting this criteria are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible within the next two weeks.

Please remind students that now is the time to finalize the financial aid process to ensure their financial aid disburses on time in August and avoid delays. Wichita State will also be receiving additional federal relief funding from the American Rescue Plan of 2021 (or ARP 2021) around $13 million, and the Office of Financial Aid wants students with exceptional financial need to have priority consideration. 

Students should complete the 2021 – 2022 FAFSA now. The priority deadline is June 30 to help ensure the Office of Financial Aid can have aid ready by August fee payment dates.

1. Sign into studentaid.gov with their FSA ID and complete a 2021 – 2022 FAFSA. The Office of Financial Aid will receive their application in 3 – 5 business days.
2. After receiving notification that Financial Aid has received their FAFSA, students can review their financial aid status at myWSU.wichita.edu. Select the myFinances tab and then Financial Aid Dashboard to view any missing or incomplete items, which they will see listed as an “Unsatisfied Requirements” on the home tab of their Financial Aid Dashboard.

» Click here to start a FAFSA application.

» Click here to visit myWSU.

Because of missing documentation, the Office of Financial Aid is unable to finalize some students’ financial aid for the 2021 – 2022 academic year. Delays in financial aid availability are likely if documents are not received by July 10. Students are asked to submit required items immediately or set up a payment plan by Aug. 27 to avoid late fees for the fall semester. Next steps:

• Review Financial Aid Requirements on the Financial Aid Dashboard, under the myFinances tab in your student’s myWSU student portal.
• Submit all required documentation to the Office of Financial Aid no later than July 10 for aid availability in August.
• Complete the tuition payment plan online by August 27.

» Click here to visit myWSU.

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

As a reminder, incoming students who received a Freshmen Merit or Transfer Merit Scholarship must be enrolled at Wichita State for Fall 2021 by July 1 to be eligible for their scholarship.

Students need to have their final high school transcript with a graduation date sent directly from their high school to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Once the Office of Undergraduate Admissions has processed their transcript, their financial aid requirement will be updated automatically. The transcript is required before the Office of Financial Aid can disburse any federal financial aid.

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.

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.

As a Wichita State Shocker, your student will be on campus quite a bit this fall — why not earn a paycheck and gain experience too?

This fair will be virtual and is for ALL majors at Wichita State University! Meet and chat with staff from various departments across campus who have student assistant, work-study, and graduate assistant employment positions available for the upcoming academic year.

» Click here to learn more about the On-Campus Job Fair.  

» Click here to learn more about Shocker Career Accelerator.

Promoting Academic Student Success (PASS) is a program that facilitates the retention, academic success, holistic development and timely graduation of all underrepresented students at WSU, through academic support services, educational and cultural programming, interpersonal relationships and mentoring.

» Click here to learn more about PASS.

» Click here to learn more about the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Being involved is the number one way to make connections on campus, and where better to do just that than with the office of Student Involvement? Student Involvement connects students with out of class experiences that provide opportunities to Engage, Explore, Serve, and Lead while at Wichita State University. 

Students who Get Involved gain valuable skills that enhance classroom learning and develop valuable skills in the workplace. If your student needs a place to start, encourage them to meet with a Student Involvement Ambassador to help show you the way!

» Click here to learn more about Student Involvement.

» Click here to connect with an SI Ambassador.

In a true testament to his love for Wichita State University, Rick Muma didn’t hesitate when he was asked to lead the university through a pandemic and an overall trying seven months as interim president. On May 6, the Kansas Board of Regents showed its appreciation and confidence in his leadership, giving Muma its nod of approval and making him the official 15th president of the university.

He served as acting and then interim president since fall of 2020. He handled the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues with grace, patience and calm that gave others confidence in his leadership.

» Click here to read more about the Kansas Board of Regents’ decision to appoint President Muma

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is creating online flexibility for three current majors in its degree program. International business, marketing and accounting majors will now be provided online and taught by the same Barton School professors who teach in-person classes.

“I am very excited we are adding international business, marketing and accounting to the list of fully online majors,” said Brandon McNeal, online academic advisor for the Barton School of Business. “As online business programs grow, it is giving online students more choices to pursue their goals in specific fields of study. These are three great degrees, and I look forward to working with these students.”

» Click here to read more about these new course options.

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!

Facebook Page | @parentfamilyshockers

Facebook Group | Shocker Family Network

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