The Heskett Center pool will be temporarily closed for approximately four weeks to allow for general maintenance and a comprehensive assessment of potential repair needs.

The Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing is looking for a digital and video producer to join its team.

The position will help bring the university’s stories to life through compelling visual content, producing high-quality video content and other visual designs. The ideal candidate is experienced in video production and editing and has skills in motion graphics, photography and graphic design.

WuShock points to one of two Shocker shuttle buses on campus

Did you know students like you can use the bus routes on campus for free with your Shocker ID? These buses can take you to your classes or to the Innovation Campus during bad weather or during busy times of the semester.

The buses can also take you to our other campuses, including WSU South/Shocker Studios, WSU West, WSU Old Town or WSU Tech, or simply to downtown Wichita if you have another pitstop.

Learn more and find the route maps at wichita.edu/transit.

Student success tips

Now, more than ever, it is important to make connections with your fellow classmates, instructors and helpful WSU staff. Try arriving a little early to class to get to know other students and your instructors.

Wichita State University is committed to preserving and supporting freedom of thought, speech and expression on our campus.

Visit the WSU Freedom of Expression web page for more information.

You can also view the Kansas Board of Regents’ Statement on Free Expression here.

A student visits a women's soccer table in front of the Rhatigan Student Center with many students in the background visiting other student organization tables

College is the perfect time to create long-lasting memories and friendships. Whether you’re into sports, arts, community service or something super niche, ShockerSync is home to student organizations that cater to all interests.

Or check out the list of organizations and find a few you’d like to learn more about and meet them at the Involvement Fair on Aug. 27.

Students cheer on participants during Clash of the Colleges

Clash of the Colleges, one of WSU’s largest single-day events and a longtime campus tradition, is this Friday, Aug. 21. Freshmen are encouraged to represent their colleges in a day of friendly competition at Crossland Stadium.

Sign up for Clash by Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Even if you aren’t competing, you can still cheer on your peers and college as they fight for bragging rights for the rest of the school year.

But there’s much more happening this week, so check out WSU’s interactive campus map and select which days to view to see what’s coming up, and check out the ShockerSync calendar to see what WSU’s student organizations have scheduled for you.

Shocker ambassadors wave to the camera as they drive a golf cart with a "Wuber" banner on the front.

Keep an eye out today and tomorrow for the “Wuber” golf carts around campus, where WSU ambassadors will give you free rides to classes, dining, dorms and offer directions They will run morning and afternoon Monday, Aug. 17 and Tuesday, Aug. 18, helping you get a lay of the land so you can find your way the rest of the semester.

Additionally, campus departments and student organizations will be set up outside of the Rhatigan Student Center on the north patio Aug. 17 and 18 mornings to greet you, give you the lowdown on WSU and give out free swag to help you connect with Shocker Nation.

You’re reading Shocker Blast, your portal to campus, where you can find the latest news, including important deadlines and closures, stay up to date on the latest events happening around campus and learn about all of your Shocker resources.

Check out below for events to attend as you take a break from your syllabi reviews and class introductions and learn more about important resources to know for your first week. But first, hear from your new vice president for Student Affairs.

Jamarco Clark

As you begin the fall semester, I want to be among the first to welcome you back to Wichita State. My name is Dr. Jamarco Clark (Dr. J or Dr. Clark, for short), and I have the privilege of serving as your new vice president for Student Affairs. I came to Wichita State because I believe deeply in what this university makes possible for students, and in the importance of creating an experience where every Shocker has the opportunity to learn, grow, connect and succeed.

As you start this year, I have one challenge for you: make this year yours. Meet someone new. Join an organization. Attend an event. Ask a question. Try something that stretches you. And when you need help, ask for it. College is about much more than what happens in the classroom, and the Division of Student Affairs is here to support you through all of it. Whether you need a resource, a connection, a place to belong or simply someone to point you in the right direction, we want you to know that you don’t have to navigate Wichita State alone.

Most importantly, I look forward to getting to know you. You’ll see me around campus, at events and spending time in the places where students gather — and when you do, please stop and say hello. I want to hear about your experiences, what you love about Wichita State and where we can make the Shocker experience even better. Whether this is your first semester at Wichita State or your final one, I’m excited about what this year can become.

Welcome back, Shockers. Let’s make it a great one.
Dr. J